bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Antisickling Activity and Antibacterial Potential of Methanolic Root Extract of Ximenia americana Linn. (Olacacaea)
Authors: Bagu David Great , Otokpa Ede Samuel , Amagon Kennedy Iliya 
Published: November 2023

Aims: This research work was done in order to evaluate invitro antisickling activity, and antibacterial potentials of the methanolic root extract of Ximenia americana, Linn. Olacaceae.
Study Design: It is an experimental research work.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology and Biotechnology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), Idu, Abuja, Nigeria. The study was carried out between December, 2019 to June, 2020.
Methodology: Evaluation of the antisickling activity of the methanolic root extract of Ximenia americana was carried out in two-fold; viz. the ability of the plant extract to inhibit or prevent sickling (antisickling effect) of erythrocytes from blood samples obtained from sickle cell disease (SCD) volunteers on one hand, and the ability of the extract to reversed pre-sickled erythrocytes using standard protocols. The antibacterial assay was done using microtiter broth dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on some selected encapsulated bacterial (E. coli, Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis, and Klebsiella pneumonia) that have been reported to caused complications in SCD.
Results: The methanolic root extract of Ximenia americana showed a concentration dependent antisickling activity across concentration gradient. The percent sickling inhibition was dose-dependent (0.05 mg = 60 %, 0.5 mg = 62 %, 1 mg = 88 %, 2 mg = 87 %, and 4 mg = 90 %), this result was statistically significant (p < 0.05 vs control) when compared to the untreated group (25 %). Similarly, the result of the sickle red cell reversal by the test extract demonstrated a percent dose-dependent reversibility (0.05 mg = 36 %, 0.5 mg = 40 %, 1 mg = 48 %, 2 mg = 58 %, and 4 mg = 63 %), a result that was significantly (p < 0.5 vs control) compared to the control (19 %). The antimicrobial assay result showed that, the sensitivity of the selected microorganisms to the plant extract was concentration dependent. Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis showed better sensitivity to the extract with higher zones of inhibition (8 mm and 7 mm) at 80 mg/mL concentration.
Conclusion: Methanolic root extract of Ximenia americana L demonstrated a significant dose-dependence antisickling and sickle cell reversal activities, with p < 0.05 vs control. Also, the extract showed sensitivity against some selected bacteria isolates as a result possess antibacterial activity against susceptible microorganism.
Racial and Ethnic Disparity in Preoperative Chemosensitivity and Survival in Patients With Early-Stage Breast Cancer
Authors: Roy Arya Mariam , Patel Archit , Catalfamo Kayla , Attwood Kristopher , Khoury Thaer , Yao Song , Gandhi Shipra 
Published: November 2023

ImportanceIt remains unclear what survival benefit is associated with preoperative chemosensitivity after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) among patients with resectable breast cancer from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds.ObjectiveTo investigate racial and ethnic disparities in chemosensitivity and association with survival in patients with early-stage breast cancer.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis retrospective cohort study queried data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) between calendar years 2010 and 2018. Participants included patients with breast cancer with clinical stage I to III disease treated with NACT. Preoperative chemosensitivity was defined as very sensitive (ypT0N0), sensitive (pathologic TNM stage less than clinical stage, excluding ypT0N0), and refractory (pathologic stage greater than or equal to clinical stage). Data were analyzed in November 2022.ExposureReceipt of NACT and clinicopathologic and treatment factors contributing to racial and ethnic disparities in survival.Main Outcomes and MeasuresOverall survival of patients from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds who received NACT.ResultsThis study included 103 605 patients (median age, 53 [IQR, 44-62] years, 99.5% [n = 103 060] women, and 68.7% [n = 71 203] White race). Among them, breast cancer was refractory in 43.2% (n = 44 796), sensitive in 34.4% (n = 35 638), and very sensitive in 22.4% (n = 23 171) of patients. In the hormone receptor–positive ERBB2 negative (formerly HER2 negative) group, patients had more refractory disease regardless of race or ethnicity (all races and ethnicities refractory: 54%-59%; P &amp;lt; .001). Among ERBB2 positive disease, Black patients had a lower percentage of very sensitive disease (32% vs 37%-40%; P &amp;lt; .001) and among triple-negative breast cancer, more refractory disease was seen among Black patients compared with other races and ethnicities (38% vs 30%-35%; P &amp;lt; .001). In refractory (hazard ratio [HR], 1.53; 95% CI, 1.47-1.60; P &amp;lt; .001) and sensitive (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 1.17-1.33; P &amp;lt; .001) disease, Black patients had a higher mortality risk compared with White patients in the overall cohort. Asian patients had a lower mortality risk compared with White patients in refractory (HR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.63-0.80; P &amp;lt; .001), sensitive (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.49-0.69; P &amp;lt; .001), and very sensitive (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.43-0.82; P &amp;lt; .001) disease groups in the overall cohort.Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, Black patients had a higher mortality risk compared with White patients among those with residual disease after NACT. This highlights the need for personalized treatment strategies for Black patients to help them attain pathologic complete response.
Teratoma pathology and genomics in anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis
Authors: Jang Yoonhyuk , Lee Kwanghoon , Lee Cheol , Chu Kon , Lee Sang Kun , Won Jae‐Kyung , Lee Soon‐Tae 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIntroductionOvarian teratoma is a common occurrence in patients with anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis (NMDARe), and its removal is crucial for a favorable prognosis. However, the initial pathogenesis of autoimmunity in the encephalitic teratoma remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate the genomic landscape and microscopic findings by comparing NMDARe‐associated teratomas and non‐encephalitic control teratomas.Materials and MethodsA prospective consecutive cohort of 84 patients with NMDARe was recruited from January 2014 to April 2020, and among them, patients who received teratoma removal surgery at Seoul National University Hospital were enrolled. We conducted a comparison of whole‐exome sequencing data and pathologic findings between NMDARe‐associated teratomas and control teratomas.ResultsWe found 18 NMDARe‐associated teratomas from 15 patients and compared them with 17 non‐encephalitic control teratomas. Interestingly, the genomic analysis revealed no significant differences in mutations between encephalitic and non‐encephalitic teratomas. Pathologic analysis showed no discrepancies in terms of the presence of neuronal tissue and lymphocytic infiltration between the encephalitic teratomas (n = 14) and non‐encephalitic teratomas (n = 18). However, rituximab‐naïve encephalitic teratomas exhibited a higher frequency of germinal center formation compared to non‐encephalitic teratomas (80% vs. 16.7%, P = 0.017). Additionally, rituximab‐treated encephalitic teratomas demonstrated a reduced number of CD20+ cells and germinal centers in comparison to rituximab‐naïve encephalitic teratomas (P = 0.048 and 0.023, respectively).DiscussionThese results suggest that the initiation of immunopathogenesis in NMDARe‐associated teratoma is not primarily attributed to intrinsic tumor mutations, but rather to immune factors present in the encephalitic patient group, ultimately leading to germinal center formation within the teratoma.
Scarab Beetle‐Inspired Embodied‐Energy Membranous‐Wing Robot with Flapping‐Collision Piezo‐Mechanoreception and Mobile Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Hou Kaiyu , Tan Ting , Wang Zhemin , Wang Benlong , Yan Zhimiao 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe mechanoreception system in bionic micro air vehicles, akin to insect sensory neurons, handles internal and external stimulus information. However, current onboard mechanoreception methods add weight and necessitate additional power. Employing the embodied energy design paradigm, a lightweight intelligent membranous wing is proposed, mimicking the scarab beetle's hindwing morphology and kinematics. This wing serves multiple functions, including aerodynamic load‐bearing, flight piezo‐mechanoreception, and power supply. The beetle's semi‐tubular costa structure is replicated, featuring a compliant leading edge for upstroke aerodynamic load resistance. Inspired by beetle hindwing veins and membranes, the bionic wing with three membranous fields: anal, medial, and apical, using heat lamination of multilayer materials is fabricated. The bionic wing's aerodynamic performance closely mirrors that of a real beetle hindwing, enabling various flight maneuvers and validating its real‐flight potential. As a piezo‐mechanoreception receptor for micro air vehicles, the bionic intelligent wing senses flapping frequency, wing deformations, and collisions through voltage signals from piezoelectric materials in the three membranous fields. Energy harvested from flapping‐wing motion powers onboard light intensity and ultraviolet sensors for mobile 3D environmental monitoring. This integration of aerodynamics, mechanoreception, and power supply via embodied flapping energy offers a novel approach for designing future intelligent flapping‐wing micro air vehicles.
Structural Lithium Incorporated with the Crystalline Poly(Triazine Imide) Frameworks for Selective Catalytic Oxidative Desulfurization
Authors: Lyu Shihuan , Wang Jiali , Zhou Yuqiao , Wei Changgeng , Liang Xiaocong , Yu Zhiyang , Lin Wei , Hou Yidong , Yang Can 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCarbon nitride (CN) materials have been employed as catalysts in many scientific fields. Moreover, highly crystalline CN as an ideal model material for key problems in catalytic reaction research has received a lot of attention. Herein, the Li+ incorporated highly crystalline poly(triazine imide) (PTI–Li+) with a well‐defined structure is successfully fabricated through the ionothermal method. The atomically dispersed Li in the PTI–Li+ serve as the active sites in the selective catalytic oxidation of H2S, and the interaction between Li ions and PTI–Li+ framework extends electron delocalization and modulate electronic band structure resulting in improved O2 and H2S adsorption and activation ability. Consequently, PTI–Li+ shows excellent selective catalytic desulfurization activity and durability. This work not only designs an efficient desulfurization catalyst but also demonstrates the role of these atomically dispersed Li ions in PTI–Li+ during the catalytic reaction, enlightening the deeper understanding and wider application of carbon nitride materials.
Structural Color‐Based Smart Liquid Windows Address the Tradeoff Between High Optical Transparency and Brilliant Color
Authors: Hu Yang , Yang Dongpeng , Ma Dekun , Qi Chenze , Huang Shaoming 
Published: November 2023

AbstractIt is challenging for traditional smart windows to possess both high optical transparency (90%, 380–780 nm) and brilliant colors since they are usually contradictory to each other. Here, novel liquid thermal‐responsive smart windows (TSWs) exhibiting high optical transparency (94%), bright iridescent forward scattering structural color, and extremely weak reflective structural colors are fabricated by constructing a refractive index (RI)‐matched non‐close‐packing ordered structure with large lattice distances and thus unique light diffraction mechanisms. The transmittance (24‐94%) and dual‐mode structural color saturation (1–55 times) can be dynamically regulated by simply altering temperatures (20–100 °C), which can be attributed to the temperature‐dependent light diffraction and scattering efficiency. A new information encryption‐decryption technique is developed by combining TSWs with outstanding shapeability, recyclability, and flowability. The information is hidden under normal conditions, while 76 different pieces of information can be decrypted in programmable ways under different stimuli, showing their potential in anti‐counterfeiting and information encryption.
Boosting Low Temperature Performance of Lithium Ion Batteries at −40°С Using a Binary Surface Coated Li3V2(PO4)3 Cathode Material
Authors: Tong Jinshu , Su Anyu , Ma Teng , Ba Junjie , Wang Luyao , Zhang Zeyu , Qiu Jingyi , Chen Xibang , Wang Yizhan , Wei Yingjin 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSevere capacity degradation at low temperatures (<−20°С) hampers wide applications of lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) in consumer electronics and electric vehicles. Existing works are dedicated to electrolyte modification because that electrolyte controls both Li+ transportation and interfacial reaction. However, the efforts on electrolytes are always hard to balance rate performance and low‐temperature capacity due to their high viscosity. Herein, a binary coating layer for Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode material without changing electrolyte formulation is proposed, which significantly improves the high‐rate capability and low‐temperature performance of batteries. YPO4 nanoparticles are in situ formed in the amorphous surface carbon layer under the reaction between Li3V2(PO4)3 and Y(NO3)3 during post‐thermal treatment. The C+YPO4 binary coating reduces the side reactions of Li3V2(PO4)3 at high voltage. In addition, the binary surface coating also improves the interfacial kinetics of the electrode at low temperatures. Benefiting from these advantages, the Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode material can cycle stably at ultra‐high rates up to 50 C. In addition, the capacity retention at −20 and −40 °С are improved to 89.1% and 75.7%, respectively. This binary surface‐coated Li3V2(PO4)3 cathode material shows promising application potential in low‐temperature LIBs.
Polar Organic Molecules Inserted in Vanadium Oxide with Enhanced Reaction Kinetics for Promoting Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Storage
Authors: Cheng Xiaojun , Xiang Zhengpeng , Yang Chen , Li Youyi , Wang Lei , Zhang Qi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe Zn2+ sluggish kinetics resulting from high desolvation barriers of Zn(H2O)62+ in the electrode/electrolyte interface restricts the practical application of Zn‐ion batteries (ZIBs). Herein, ethylene glycol (EG) molecules are inserted into V2O5·3H2O to form V‐EG nanoarray structures to improve the Zn2+ diffusion rate. Unlike most efforts focused on improving interlayer spacing and structural stability, the influence of EG on the Zn2+ desolvation and Zn2+ storage process are the main goals. Based on experimental and theoretical analysis, EG molecules are confirmed to participate in the reshaping of V2O5·3H2O morphology and Zn2+ solvation structure, which is beneficial to enhance the reaction kinetics and specific capacity. The polar group of the EG molecule leads it anchored in the VO skeleton and decreases the desolvation energy, while the steric hindrance of the low polarity group liberalizes Zn2+ transfer reversibly in the VO skeleton. Therefore, V‐EG delivers a higher ion diffusion coefficient and lower kinetic barrier. As expected, V‐EG exhibits a high specific capacity of 553 mA h g−1 at 0.3 A g−1 and a long cycle life of 10 000 cycles at 20 A g−1. This work provides a strategy to decrease the desolvation energy of Zn2+ in the interface of cathode materials toward advanced ZIBs.
Patterned Coating of Ionic Diode Arrays Toward Flexible Moist‐Electric Generators to Power Wireless Sensor Nodes
Authors: Yao Yuming , Lu Xulei , Fu Chunqiao , Zhang Yong , Fang Jiahao , Qin Jieyang , He Qi‐Chang , Yang Tingting 
Published: November 2023

AbstractUbiquitous moisture is attractive for developing sustainable mobile power sources. However, how to endow moisture‐electric generators (MEGs) with fine design, mass customization, high power output, and foldability is still a largely unsolved problem. In this work, based on the Patterned Coating method, use is made of modulated carbon nanotube, nano‐Al2O3, and liquid metal inks to design and fabricate MEGs with properties required for their applications. A single MEG of the ionic diode type thus fabricated can generate an open‐circuit voltage (VOC) of 1.03 V and a short‐circuit current density (JSC) of 47.77 µA cm−2. Through large‐area integrated fabrication, an array containing 160 MEGs can generate a VOC of 154.1 V, and an array containing 100 MEGs can produce a short‐circuit current of 1.95 mA. In addition, the excellent wearability of MEG is verified by analyzing its electrical output performance after subjecting it to 800 cycles of bending deformations. The simple and cost‐saving fabrication technology issued from the work opens new perspectives for MEG applications and paves a path to their industrialization. For example, the customizable ionic diode arrays can meet the on‐demand power supply requirements of wireless sensor network nodes in the Internet of Things.
Laser‐Induced Positional and Chemical Lattice Reordering Generating Ferromagnetism
Authors: Pflug Theo , Pablo‐Navarro Javier , Anwar Md. Shabad , Olbrich Markus , Magén César , Ibarra Manuel Ricardo , Potzger Kay , Faßbender Jürgen , Lindner Jürgen , Horn Alexander , Bali Rantej 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAtomic scale reordering of lattices can induce local modulations of functional material properties, such as reflectance and ferromagnetism. Pulsed femtosecond laser irradiation enables lattice reordering in the picosecond range. However, the dependence of the phase transitions on the initial lattice order as well as the temporal dynamics of these transitions remain to be understood. This study investigates the laser‐induced atomic reordering and the concomitant onset of ferromagnetism in thin Fe‐based alloy films with vastly differing initial atomic orders. The optical response to single femtosecond laser pulses on selected prototype systems, one that initially possesses positional disorder, Fe60V40, and a second system initially in a chemically ordered state, Fe60Al40, has been tracked with time. Despite the vastly different initial atomic orders the structure in both systems converges to a positionally ordered but chemically disordered state, accompanied by the onset of ferromagnetism. Time‐resolved measurements of the transient reflectance combined with simulations of the electron and phonon temperatures reveal that the reordering processes occur via the formation of a transient molten state with an approximate lifetime of 200 ps. These findings provide insights into the fundamental processes involved in laser‐induced atomic reordering, paving the way for controlling material properties in the picosecond range.
Dual‐Functional Injectable Hydrogel for Osteoarthritis Treatments
Authors: Lei Lei , Cong Rui , Ni Yifei , Cui Xin , Wang Xulei , Ren Hongmei , Wang Zun , Liu Mengyuan , Tu Jiasheng , Jiang Lei 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent, chronic degenerative disease that affects people worldwide. It is characterized by the destruction of cartilage and inflammatory reactions. High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) cause oxidative stress, which damages lipids, proteins, and DNA, leading to cell damage and death. Furthermore, ROS also induces the production of inflammatory cytokines and cell chemotaxis, further worsening the inflammatory response and damaging cartilage resulted in limited movement. Herein, this work reports a dual‐functional injectable hydrogel, which can help inhibit inflammation by scavenging ROS and provide lubrication to reduce wear and tear on the joints. To create the hydrogel, 3‐aminophenylboronic acid modified hyaluronic acid is synthesized, then which is crosslinked with hydroxyl‐containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to construct a dual dynamic covalent crosslinked hydrogel oHA‐PBA‐PVA gel, Gel (HPP). The hydrogel mentioned here possesses a unique bond structure that allows it to be injected, self‐heal, and provide lubrication. This innovative approach offers a new possibility for treating osteoarthritis by combining anti‐inflammatory and lubrication effects.
Self‐Assembled Acid‐Responsive Nanosystem for Synergistic Anti‐Angiogenic/Photothermal/Ferroptosis Therapy against Esophageal Cancer
Authors: Li Xiaokun , Li Jiamei , He Siqin , Luan Siyuan , Zhang Haowen , Yang Yushang , Chen Xiaoting , Chen Yilong , Zhou Jianfeng , Fang Pinhao , Xiao Xin , Liang Zhiwen , Zeng Xiaoxi , Gao Huile , Yuan Yong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEsophageal cancer (EC) treatment via anti‐angiogenic therapy faces challenges due to non‐cytotoxicity and non‐specific biodistribution of the anti‐angiogenic agents. Hence, the quest for a synergistic treatment modality and a targeted delivery approach to effectively address EC has become imperative. In this study, an acid‐responsive release nanosystem (Bev‐IR820@FeIIITA) that involves the conjugation of bevacizumab, an anti‐angiogenic monoclonal antibody, with TA and Fe3+ to form a metal‐phenolic network, followed by loading with the near‐infrared photothermal agent (IR820) to achieve combinational therapy, is designed. The construction of Bev‐IR820@FeIIITA can be realized through a facile self‐assembly process. The Bev‐IR820@FeIIITA exhibits tumor‐targeting capabilities and synergistic therapeutic effects, encompassing anti‐angiogenic therapy, photothermal therapy (PTT), and ferroptosis therapy (FT). Bev‐IR820@FeIIITA exhibits remarkable proficiency in delivering drugs to EC tissue through its pH‐responsive release properties. Consequently, bevacizumab exerts its therapeutic effects by obstructing tumor angiogenesis, thereby impeding tumor growth. Meanwhile, PTT facilitates localized thermal ablation at the tumor site, directly eradicating EC cells. FT synergistically collaborates with PTT, giving rise to the formation of a reactive oxygen species (ROS) storm, subsequently culminating in the demise of EC cells. In summary, this amalgamated treatment modality carries substantial promise for synergistically impeding EC progression and showcases auspicious prospects for future EC treatment.
Biomimetic Corneal Stroma for Scarless Corneal Wound Healing via Structural Restoration and Microenvironment Modulation
Authors: Huang Jianan , Jiang Tuoying , Li Jinying , Qie Jiqiao , Cheng Xiaoyu , Wang Yiyao , Zhou Tinglian , Liu Jia , Han Haijie , Yao Ke , Yu Luyang 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCorneal injury‐induced stromal scarring causes the most common subtype of corneal blindness, and there is an unmet need to promote scarless corneal wound healing. Herein, a biomimetic corneal stroma with immunomodulatory properties is bioengineered for scarless corneal defect repair. First, a fully defined serum‐free system is established to derive stromal keratocytes (hAESC‐SKs) from a current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP)‐grade human amniotic epithelial stem cells (hAESCs), and RNA‐seq is used to validate the phenotypic transition. Moreover, hAESC‐SKs are shown to possess robust immunomodulatory properties in addition to the keratocyte phenotype. Inspired by the corneal stromal extracellular matrix (ECM), a photocurable gelatin‐based hydrogel is fabricated to serve as a scaffold for hAESC‐SKs for bioengineering of a biomimetic corneal stroma. The rabbit corneal defect model is used to confirm that this biomimetic corneal stroma rapidly restores the corneal structure, and effectively reshapes the tissue microenvironment via proteoglycan secretion to promote transparency and inhibition of the inflammatory cascade to alleviate fibrosis, which synergistically reduces scar formation by ≈75% in addition to promoting wound healing. Overall, the strategy proposed here provides a promising solution for scarless corneal defect repair.