bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Icariin alleviates high‐fat diet‐induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via up‐regulating miR‐206 to mediate NF‐κB and MAPK pathways
Authors: Zhao Hang , Tian Hongyang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is an abnormal lipid accumulation disease in hepatocytes. The existing drugs for NAFLD have some side effects, so new therapeutic agents are required to be explored. In this study, the effect and mechanism of icariin (ICA) on high‐fat diet‐induced NAFLD were investigated. Firstly, a high‐fat diet was used to construct a NAFLD rat model and HepG2 cells were treated with 1 mM free fatty acid (FFA). After ICA treatment, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) were measured; liver injury and lipid deposition were observed by H&E and Oil Red O staining; interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐12, and IL‐6 were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Additionally, qRT‐PCR and western blot were performed to detect miR‐206 expression and NF‐κB/MAPK pathway‐related protein expression in liver tissues and cells. After a variety of trials, we discovered that compared with the NAFLD group, ICA significantly reduced ALT, AST, TBil, TG, TC, and LDL‐C levels and increased HDL‐C levels, and improved liver tissue injury and lipid deposition. Moreover, ICA reduced IL‐1β, IL‐12, and IL‐6 levels in liver tissues and cells as well as inhibited MAPK and NF‐κB‐related protein expression in the liver tissues. Notably, ICA could significantly increase miR‐206 expression in liver tissues and cells. Further experiments confirmed that inhibition of miR‐206 was able to reverse the effect of ICA on NAFLD. In conclusion, ICA can alleviate NAFLD by upregulating miR‐206 to mediate NF‐κB and MAPK pathways.
Chatbots and mental health: Insights into the safety of generativeAI
Authors: De Freitas Julian , Uğuralp Ahmet Kaan , Oğuz‐Uğuralp Zeliha , Puntoni Stefano 
Published: October 2023

AbstractChatbots are now able to engage in sophisticated conversations with consumers. Due to the “black box” nature of the algorithms, it is impossible to predict in advance how these conversations will unfold. Behavioral research provides little insight into potential safety issues emerging from the current rapid deployment of this technology at scale. We begin to address this urgent question by focusing on the context of mental health and “companion AI”: Applications designed to provide consumers with synthetic interaction partners. Studies 1a and 1b present field evidence: Actual consumer interactions with two different companion AIs. Study 2 reports an extensive performance test of several commercially available companion AIs. Study 3 is an experiment testing consumer reaction to risky and unhelpful chatbot responses. The findings show that (1) mental health crises are apparent in a nonnegligible minority of conversations with users; (2) companion AIs are often unable to recognize, and respond appropriately to, signs of distress; and (3) consumers display negative reactions to unhelpful and risky chatbot responses, highlighting emerging reputational risks for generative AI companies.
Is it raining PFAS in France? An analysis of 52 PFAS at nanogram per liter levels in French rainwaters during autumn season
Authors: Berthou Margaux , Gérard Violaine , Pélingre Matthieu , Bagard Alexandra , Batteux Thibault Le , Losfeld Guillaume 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPer‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are of increasing concern due to their pervasive nature, high persistence, and their impacts on human health and the environment. Many studies have attempted to assess the presence of PFAS along the water cycle, but few have analyzed rainwater PFAS content and its contribution to water contamination. The present study aims to improve knowledge by providing the first analysis of PFAS rainwater samples from France. A total of 52 PFAS were analyzed at nanogram per liter levels in rainwater samples collected in 14 locations in France using a cutting‐edge liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for multiresidue determination. Depending on the quantity of rainwater collected, the PFAS concentrations were analyzed either by direct injection or after solid‐phase extraction (SPE), allowing to quantify 20 PFAS with a limit of quantification (LOQ) ≤ 100 ng/L and 52 PFAS with a LOQ ≤ 1 ng/L, respectively. For the five locations for which the collected samples were analyzed by direct injection, no PFAS could be detected (i.e., their concentrations in the samples were below the LOQs of the method). The samples from four locations out of the nine analyzed by SPE‐LC/MS/MS show results above the method's LOQs for up to 10 PFAS. Among the quantified PFAS, three compounds (perfluorononanoic acid, perfluoroundecanoic acid, and perfluorohexanoic acid) have been found to be of most significance. These results bring out the presence of PFAS in rainwater samples in France, highlighting the need for PFAS environmental surveillance and risk assessment and the necessity of continuous improvement of existing analysis methods.
Culture conditions greatly impact the levels of vesicular and extravesicular Ago2 and RNA in extracellular vesicle preparations
Authors: Jimenez Lizandra , Barman Bahnisikha , Jung Youn Jae , Cocozza Lauren , Krystofiak Evan , Saffold Cherie , Vickers Kasey C. , Wilson John T. , Dawson T. Renee , Weaver Alissa M. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractExtracellular vesicle (EV)‐carried miRNAs can influence gene expression and functional phenotypes in recipient cells. Argonaute 2 (Ago2) is a key miRNA‐binding protein that has been identified in EVs and could influence RNA silencing. However, Ago2 is in a non‐vesicular form in serum and can be an EV contaminant. In addition, RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs), including Ago2, and RNAs are often minor EV components whose sorting into EVs may be regulated by cell signaling state. To determine the conditions that influence detection of RBPs and RNAs in EVs, we evaluated the effect of growth factors, oncogene signaling, serum, and cell density on the vesicular and nonvesicular content of Ago2, other RBPs, and RNA in small EV (SEV) preparations. Media components affected both the intravesicular and extravesicular levels of RBPs and miRNAs in EVs, with serum contributing strongly to extravesicular miRNA contamination. Furthermore, isolation of EVs from hollow fiber bioreactors revealed complex preparations, with multiple EV‐containing peaks and a large amount of extravesicular Ago2/RBPs. Finally, KRAS mutation impacts the detection of intra‐ and extra‐vesicular Ago2. These data indicate that multiple cell culture conditions and cell states impact the presence of RBPs in EV preparations, some of which can be attributed to serum contamination.
Effects of Breathing Patterns on Amide Proton Transfer MRI in the Kidney: A Preliminary Comparative Study in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Tumors
Authors: Wang X. , Cao Y. Y. , Jiang Y. , Jia M. , Tian G. , Bu C. Q. , Zhao N. , Yue X. Z. , Shen Z. W. , Ji Y. , Han Y. D. 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundThe amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) imaging for kidney diseases is important. However, the breathing patterns on APTw imaging remains unexplored.PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the effects of intermittent breath‐hold (IBH) and free breathing (FB) on renal 3D‐APTw imaging.Study TypeHealthy volunteers were enrolled prospectively, and renal clear cell carcinoma (RCCC) patients were included retrospectively.Population58 healthy volunteers and 10 RCCC patients.Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, turbo spin echo, and fast field echo.Assessment3D‐APTw imaging was scanned using the IBH and FB methods in volunteers and using the IBH method in RCCC patients. The image quality was evaluated by three observers according to the 5‐point Likert scale. Optimal images rated at three points or higher were used to measure the APT values.Statistical AnalysisThe measurement repeatability was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and the Bland–Altman plot. The APT values were analyzed using McNemar's test, one‐way analysis of variance, and t test.Results50 healthy volunteers and 8 RCCC patients were enrolled. Renal 3D‐APTw imaging using the IBH method revealed a higher success rate (88% vs 78%). The ICCs were excellent in the IBH group (ICCs > 0.74) and were good in the FB group (ICCs < 0.74). No significant differences in the APT values among various zones using the IBH (P = 0.263) or FB method (P = 0.506). The mean APT value using the IBH method (2.091% ± 0.388%) was slightly lower than the FB method (2.176% ± 0.292%), but no significant difference (P = 0.233). The APT value of RCCC (4.832% ± 1.361%) was considerably higher than normal renal using the IBH method.ConclusionsThe study demonstrated that the IBH method substantially increased the image quality of renal 3D‐APTw imaging. Furthermore, APT values may vary between normal and tumor tissues.Level of Evidence2Technical EfficacyStage 2
Oscillating Gradient Diffusion‐Weighted MRI for Risk Stratification of Uterine Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Ejima Fumitaka , Fukukura Yoshihiko , Kamimura Kiyohisa , Nakajo Masatoyo , Ayukawa Takuro , Kanzaki Fumiko , Yanazume Shintaro , Kobayashi Hiroaki , Kitazono Ikumi , Imai Hiroshi , Feiweier Thorsten , Yoshiura Takashi 
Published: October 2023

BackgroundOscillating gradient diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) enables elucidation of microstructural characteristics in cancers; however, there are limited data to evaluate its utility in patients with endometrial cancer.PurposeTo investigate the utility of oscillating gradient DWI for risk stratification in patients with uterine endometrial cancer compared with conventional pulsed gradient DWI.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsSixty‐three women (mean age: 58 [range: 32–85] years) with endometrial cancer.Field Strength/Sequence3 T MRI including DWI using oscillating gradient spin‐echo (OGSE) and pulsed gradient spin‐echo (PGSE) research sequences.AssessmentMean value of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values for OGSE (ADCOGSE) and PGSE (ADCPGSE) as well as the ADC ratio (ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE) within endometrial cancer were measured using regions of interest. Prognostic factors (histological grade, deep myometrial invasion, lymphovascular invasion, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics [FIGO] stage, and prognostic risk classification) were tabulated.Statistical TestsInterobserver agreement was analyzed by calculating the intraclass correlation coefficient. The associations of ADCOGSE, ADCPGSE, and ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE with prognostic factors were examined using the Kendall rank correlation coefficient, Mann–Whitney U test, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. A P value of <0.05 was statistically significant.ResultsCompared with ADCOGSE and ADCPGSE, ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE was significantly and strongly correlated with histological grade (observer 1, τ = 0.563; observer 2, τ = 0.456), FIGO stage (observer 1, τ = 0.354; observer 2, τ = 0.324), and prognostic risk classification (observer 1, τ = 0.456; observer 2, τ = 0.385). The area under the ROC curves of ADCOGSE/ADCPGSE for histological grade (observer 1, 0.92, 95% confidence intervals [CIs]: 0.83–0.98; observer 2, 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73–0.92) and prognostic risk (observer 1, 0.80, 95% CI: 0.68–0.89; observer 2, 0.76, 95% CI: 0.63–0.86) were significantly higher than that of ADCOGSE and ADCPGSE.Data ConclusionThe ADC ratio obtained via oscillating gradient and pulsed gradient DWIs might be useful imaging biomarkers for risk stratification in patients with endometrial cancer.Level of Evidence3Technical EfficacyStage 2
Effects of a stabilized stannous fluoride dentifrice on clinical, immunomodulatory, and microbial outcomes in a human experimental gingivitis model
Authors: Fine Noah , Barbour Abdelahhad , Kaura Kamini , Kerns Kristopher A. , Chen Dandan , Trivedi Harsh M. , Gomez Juliana , Sabharwal Amarpreet , McLean Jeffrey S. , Darveau Richard P. , Glogauer Michael 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBackgroundStannous fluoride dentifrice is well established for its beneficial clinical effects. In this study, we evaluated the effects of stannous fluoride on inflammation and oral microbiome.MethodsIn this randomized, parallel‐arm, double‐blind, controlled clinical trial, we compared clinical resolution of experimental gingivitis by evaluating bleeding on probing, gingival index, and plaque index between stannous fluoride stabilized with zinc phosphate (test) and sodium fluoride (control) dentifrices. Further, these groups were compared for oral neutrophil counts, systemic priming of neutrophils, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) expression of inflammatory markers, and the oral microbiome.ResultsWe found significant reduction in bleeding on probing in the test group compared to the control group in experimental gingivitis when participants used the test dentifrice prior to induction of experimental gingivitis. The test group also showed significant reductions in GCF levels of inflammatory markers (matrix metalloproteinase 8 [MMP8], receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐Β ligand [RANKL]), oral polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) counts, and systemic neutrophil priming (CD11b expression) during experimental gingivitis. Further, significant reductions in the gram‐negative generaPorphyromonas, Tannerella, andTreponemawere noted in the test group.ConclusionThe stannous fluoride stabilized with zinc phosphate dentifrice formulation demonstrated clinical reduction in gingival inflammation and a beneficial effect on microbiome and immune markers. This intervention should be explored as a preventive aid in the progression of plaque‐induced gingivitis to periodontitis.
Effect of synergism of sucrose ester and xanthan gum on the stability of walnut milk
Authors: Liu Yuqing , Wu Qingzhi , Zhang Jian , Mao Xiaoying 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDSingle emulsifiers have an effect on the stability of plant protein drinks, giving some improvement. Emulsifiers are more effective in maintaining emulsion stability when combined with polysaccharides such as xanthan gum. In this paper, we studied the food‐grade emulsifier sucrose ester and measured the average particle size, polydispersity value, zeta potential, microrheological properties, microstructure and creaming index related to walnut protein emulsion by constructing a walnut protein emulsion simulation system. SDS‐PAGE and low‐field NMR were used to analyze the relative molecular masses of emulsions and the water distribution of emulsions, respectively, to further investigate the synergistic effects of sucrose esters and xanthan gum on the ease of emulsification and intrinsic mechanisms of different molecular weight proteins of walnut protein emulsions.RESULTSThe results indicate that the synergistic effect of sucrose esters and xanthan gum was to stabilize emulsions better than single emulsifiers. Xanthan gum and protein may form protein–polysaccharide complexes, as well as the hydrophobic interaction between sucrose ester and xanthan gum. The properties of xanthan gum can improve the stability of the emulsion by affecting the mechanical properties of walnut protein emulsion, and the combination of sucrose ester and xanthan gum can better stabilize large protein molecules.CONCLUSIONThe results not only provide a theoretical basis for the stability of plant protein emulsion systems, but also provide technical support for the production and processing of large‐molecule plant proteins into emulsions in this field for improving their stability, and also provide more possibilities for other types of emulsions. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Immobilization of invertase on porous membranes made from modified polysulfone
Authors: Artelt Ulrike , Staude Eberhard 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe activity of invertase that was immobilized within asymmetric ultrafiltration membranes was determined as a function of the immobilization mode such as adsorption, ionic interaction and covalent bonding. For these different bonding possibilities adequate membranes were prepared from chemically modified polysulfone fitted out with the corresponding substituents. The amount of enzyme was lowest for adsorption and highest for chemical fixation. In the latter case spacers were useful because substituents adjacent to the polymer backbone caused a relatively large loss of activity which can stem either from chemical reaction or from the hampered development of the appropriate conformational structure. Compared to the activity of the native invertase the fixation yielded a remarkable reduction of activity which was compensated for by the very extended stability of the bonded enzyme.
Wideband signal combining circuit based on multichannel different‐/same‐frequency power combiner
Authors: Song Kaijun , Li Qian , Zhu Lijuan , Yan Yuchen , Fan Yong 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA wideband signal combining circuit with continuous bandwidth based on multichannel different‐/same‐frequency power combiner is presented. Two‐way signals with the same frequency can be combined to a higher power signal. Two‐way signals with different frequencies can be combined into a broadband signal. A stepped impedance resonator (SIR) is used as a multimode resonator. The wider bandwidth is got by SIR. And the selectivity of the two filtering channels is improved by the introduction of SIR stubs, which generate four transmission zeros on both sides of the passbands. The high 3‐dB point of the low‐frequency channel overlaps with the low 3‐dB point of the high‐frequency channel. Therefore, the output passband is continuous. The measured frequency ranges of two channels are 1.34–2.21 GHz/2.21‐2.87 GHz, respectively, and from 1.46 to 2.74 GHz, the input reflection coefficient is such that the return loss is higher than 15.5 dB. The insertion loss of the two channels is 0.71/1.18 dB, and the measured isolation is higher than 15.4 dB. The measured bandwidth of the combining signal is 1.5 GHz (1.34–2.84 GHz).
Automated benchmarking of combined protein structure and ligand conformation prediction
Authors: Leemann Michèle , Sagasta Ander , Eberhardt Jerome , Schwede Torsten , Robin Xavier , Durairaj Janani 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe prediction of protein‐ligand complexes (PLC), using both experimental and predicted structures, is an active and important area of research, underscored by the inclusion of the Protein‐Ligand Interaction category in the latest round of the Critical Assessment of Protein Structure Prediction experiment CASP15. The prediction task in CASP15 consisted of predicting both the three‐dimensional structure of the receptor protein as well as the position and conformation of the ligand. This paper addresses the challenges and proposed solutions for devising automated benchmarking techniques for PLC prediction. The reliability of experimentally solved PLC as ground truth reference structures is assessed using various validation criteria. Similarity of PLC to previously released complexes are employed to judge PLC diversity and the difficulty of a PLC as a prediction target. We show that the commonly used PDBBind time‐split test‐set is inappropriate for comprehensive PLC evaluation, with state‐of‐the‐art tools showing conflicting results on a more representative and high quality dataset constructed for benchmarking purposes. We also show that redocking on crystal structures is a much simpler task than docking into predicted protein models, demonstrated by the two PLC‐prediction‐specific scoring metrics created. Finally, we introduce a fully automated pipeline that predicts PLC and evaluates the accuracy of the protein structure, ligand pose, and protein–ligand interactions.
Multi‐Party Quantum Key Distribution Using Variational Quantum Eigensolvers
Authors: Sihare Shyam R. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe research paper introduces a novel approach to multi‐party quantum key distribution using variational quantum eigensolvers (VQEs). The protocol aims to establish secure communication among multiple parties in a quantum network. The paper outlines a comprehensive framework incorporating quantum state preparation, VQE‐based key generation, error correction, and privacy amplification circuits. Mathematical formulations guide the design of quantum gates, variational parameters, and error correction codes. The protocol utilizes quantum entanglement, VQE optimization, and classical operations for error correction and secure key extraction. The paper's experimental focus involves implementing the proposed protocol on a quantum computer, analyzing security metrics such as mutual information and min‐entropy, and simulating circuit outcomes.
Novel NASICON‐Type Na‐V‐Mn‐Ni‐Containing Cathodes for High‐Rate and Long‐Life SIBs
Authors: Chen Ruoyu , Zhang Xinyu , Li Dongdong , Li Yilin , Li Shilin , Butenko Denys S. , Gural'skiy Il'ya A. , Li Guangshe , Zatovsky Igor V. , Han Wei 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPartial substitution of V by other transition metals in Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) can improve the electrochemical performance of NVP as a cathode for sodium–ion batteries (SIBs). Herein, phosphate Na–V–Mn–Ni–containing composites based on NASICON (Natrium Super Ionic Conductor)–type structure have been fabricated by sol–gel method. The synchrotron–based X–ray study, X–ray diffraction (XRD), and X–ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies show that manganese/nickel combinations successfully substitute the vanadium in its site within certain limits. Among the received samples, composite based on Na3.83V1.17Mn0.58Ni0.25(PO4)3 (VMN–0.5, 108.1 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C) shows the highest electrochemical ability. The cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic intermittent titration technique, in situ XRD, ex situ XPS, and bond valence site energy calculations exhibit the kinetic properties and the sodium storage mechanism of VMN–0.5. Moreover, VMN–0.5 electrode also exhibits excellent electrochemical performance in quasi–solid–state sodium metal batteries with PVDF–HFP quasi‐solid electrolyte membranes. The presented work analyzes the advantages of VMN–0.5 and the nature of the substituted metal in relation to the electrochemical properties of the NASICON–type structure, which will facilitate further commercialization of SIBs.
Chirality Supramolecular Systems: Helical Assemblies, Structure Designs, and Functions
Authors: Jia Shengzhe , Tao Tiantian , Xie Yujiang , Yu Liuyang , Kang Xiang , Zhang Yuan , Tang Weiwei , Gong Junbo 
Published: October 2023

AbstractChirality, as one of the most striking characteristics, exists at various scales in nature. Originating from the interactions of host and guest molecules, supramolecular chirality possesses huge potential in the design of functional materials. Here, an overview of the recent progress in structure designs and functions of chiral supramolecular materials is present. First, three design routes of the chiral supramolecular structure are summarized. Compared with the template‐induced and chemical synthesis strategies that depend on accurate molecular identification, the twisted‐assembly technique creates chiral materials through the ordered stacking of the nanowire or films. Next, chirality inversion and amplification are reviewed to explain the chirality transfer from the molecular level to the macroscopic scale, where the available external stimuli on the chirality inversion are also given. Lastly, owing to the optical activity and the characteristics of the layer‐by‐layer stacking structure, the supramolecular chirality materials display various excellent performances, including smart response, shape‐memorization, superior mechanical performance, and applications in biomedical fields. To sum up, this work provides a systematic review of the helical assemblies, structure design, and applications of supramolecular chirality systems.