bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Structural, Electronic, and Hydrogen Storage Properties of Hexagonal Boron Nitride and Carbon Nanotubes: Insights from Single-Walled to Doped Double-Walled Configurations
Authors: Sakr Mahmoud A. S. , Abdelsalam Hazem , Teleb Nahed H. , Abd-Elkader Omar H. , Zhang Qinfang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the structural intricacies and properties of single-walled nanotubes (SWNT) and double-walled nanotubes (DWNT) composed of hexagonal boron nitride (BN) and carbon (C). Doping with various atoms including light elements (B, N, O) and heavy metals (Fe, Co, Cu) is taken into account. The optimized configurations of SWNT and DWNT, along with dopant positions, are explored, with a focus on DWNT-BN-C. The stability analysis, employing binding energies, affirms the favorable formation of nanotube structures, with DWNT-C emerging as the most stable compound. Quantum stability assessments reveal significant intramolecular charge transfer in specific configurations. Electronic properties, including charge distribution, electronegativity, and electrical conductivity, are examined, showcasing the impact of doping. Energy gap values highlight the diverse electronic characteristics of the nanotubes. PDOS analysis provides insights into the contribution of atoms to molecular orbitals. UV-Vis absorption spectra unravel the optical transitions, showcasing the influence of nanotube size, dopant type, and location. Hydrogen storage capabilities are explored, with suitable adsorption energies indicating favorable hydrogen adsorption. The desorption temperatures for hydrogen release vary across configurations, with notable enhancements in specific doped DWNT-C variants, suggesting potential applications in high-temperature hydrogen release. Overall, this comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the structural, electronic, optical, and hydrogen storage properties of BN and C nanotubes, laying the foundation for tailored applications in electronics and energy storage.
Comparative analysis of Sarcopenia in hospitalized elderly: exploring the impact of liver cirrhosis
Authors: Romano Antonino Davide , Cornacchia Maria Giulia , Sangineto Moris , Gioia Giuseppe Di , Villani Rosanna , Serviddio Gaetano 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The progressive aging of the population has led to a rise in geriatric pathologies, with sarcopenia, characterized by muscle mass and function loss, becoming a crucial prognostic indicator. This study investigates sarcopenia in elderly hospitalized patients with advanced chronic liver disease (cirrhotic) and non-liver disease patients, comparing their prevalence and exploring correlations with anthropometric and biochemical factors. The cohort of 115 patients, including 50 cirrhotic and 65 non-cirrhotic individuals, exhibited significant comorbidities and a mean age of 78.4 years. Cirrhotic patients presented distinct laboratory parameters indicating liver damage. Applying European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People criteria, probable sarcopenia prevalence was similar in cirrhotic (62%) and non-cirrhotic (63%) patients. Stratifying probable sarcopenia into confirmed sarcopenia and dynapenia revealed no significant differences between populations. Correlation analyses demonstrated positive associations between appendicular muscle mass and anthropometric parameters, malnutrition risk, and grip strength. In cirrhotic patients, muscle mass inversely correlated with liver damage. Odds ratio analysis highlighted MNA's significant predictive capability for sarcopenia. ROC curve analysis affirmed MNA and biochemical markers' combined use, such as transferrin, albumin, total cholesterol, lymphocyte count and C-reactive protein as a strong predictor. Despite limitations, such as a small subpopulation, this study emphasizes the importance of comprehensive sarcopenia screening in elderly hospitalized patients, with MNA and biochemical markers offering a reliable approach. Further research is needed to validate these findings and guide clinical interventions.
Cellulose dissolved in ionic liquids as in situ generated filler in epoxy biocomposites with simultaneous curing initiated by ionic liquids
Authors: Zielinski Dawid , Szpecht Andrea , Maciejewski Hieronim , Smiglak Marcin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Cellulose, a ubiquitous natural biopolymer, has found diverse applications in industries such as paper manufacturing, textiles, and food. The pivotal breakthrough emerged with the discovery that ionic liquids (ILs) can dissolve cellulose, initiating comprehensive studies over the past two decades. This study explores the effectiveness of a selected system comprising of [EMIM][OAc], [EMIM][DCA], and DMSO in cellulose dissolution, validated through a 5% cellulose solution and use of such systems as initiators of epoxy resin curing. In epoxy resin systems, the cellulose fibers formed in situ affect the mechanical properties of the final materials, which in the work presented here were flax fiber-reinforced epoxy composites. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) showed that cellulose inclusion minimally affected curing temperatures but reduced enthalpy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) demonstrated in situ cellulose fiber generation during mixing, ensuring high compatibility with the resin matrix. Mechanical testing revealed promising outcomes, including increased Glass Transition Temperature (Tg) and enhanced Heat Deflection Temperature (HDT). However, a 50% reduction in impact strength indicated increased brittleness.
Dual-specificity phosphatase 26 inhibits proliferation, migration, and invasion of prostate cancer via the TAK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Ruo-Hui , Zeng Qing-Ming , Jiang Bo , Xu Gang , Xiao Guan-Cheng , Xia Wei , Liao Yun-Feng , Wu Yu-Ting , Zou Jun-Rong , Qian Biao , Xiao Ri-Hai , Yuan Yuan-Hu , Zhang Guo-Xi , Zou Xiao-Feng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

As the most frequently identified malignant tumor of the male genitourinary system, prostate cancer (PCa) is threatening the health of millions of people worldwide because of its malignant, easy-to-transfer, and complicated complications. Moreover, the complex pathological mechanism of prostate cancer has not been fully elaborated and needs to be further explored. Here, we found that the expression of DUSP26, a deubiquitylation enzyme, is dramatically suppressed, and a positive connection of its expression with PCa prognosis was also observed. In vitro, overexpression of DUSP26 significantly inhibited the proliferative, migrative, and invasive capacities of PC3 cell, DUSP26 silencing presented opposite results. Further tumor formation experiments in subcutaneous nude mice demonstrated that DUSP26 overexpression could significantly suppress PC3 growth in vivo. Moreover, it also suggested that the DUSP26 overexpression negatively connected to key tumorigenesis signaling pathways through analysis of RNA-Seq. Mechanically, DUSP26 significantly inhibited MAPK signaling pathway activation, and further experiments displayed that DUSP26 could impair TAK1, p38, and JNK phosphorylation. Interestingly, treatment with the TAK1 inhibitor attenuated the effect of DUSP26 on PC3 cells. Together, these results suggested that DUSP26 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for PC3 cell type PCa by inhibiting the TAK1-JNK/p38 signaling.
RETRACTED: Structural Assessment and Design Comparison of a Six-Lane Post-Tensioned Spine and Wing Type Segmental Bridge with I-Girder Bridge
Authors: Jain Nilesh , Mishra Sushree Sangita , Charhate Shrikant , maralapalle Vedprakash 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
SUB-Immunogold-SEM reveals nanoscale distribution of submembranous epitopes
Authors: Miller Katharine K. , Wang Pei , Grillet Nicolas 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Electron microscopy paired with immunogold labeling is the most precise tool for protein localization. However, these methods are either cumbersome, resulting in small sample numbers and restricted quantification, or limited to identifying protein epitopes external to the membrane. Here, we introduce SUB-immunogold-SEM, a scanning electron microscopy technique that detects intracellular protein epitopes proximal to the membrane. We identified four critical sample preparation factors that contribute to the method’s sensitivity and validate its efficacy through precise localization and high-powered quantification of cytoskeletal and transmembrane proteins. We evaluated the capabilities of SUB-immunogold-SEM on cells with highly differentiated apical surfaces: (i) auditory hair cells, revealing the presence of nanoscale Myosin rings at the tip of stereocilia; and (ii) respiratory multiciliate cells, mapping the distribution of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor ACE2 along the motile cilia. SUB-immunogold-SEM provides a novel solution for nanoscale protein localization at the exposed surface of any cell.
A Case Study of the Development of a Valid and Pragmatic Implementation Science Measure: The Barriers and Facilitators in Implementation of Task-Sharing Mental Health Interventions (BeFITS-MH) Measure
Authors: Yang Lawrence H. , Bass Judy K. , Le PhuongThao Dinh , Singh Ritika , Gurung Dristy , Velasco Paola R. , Grivel Margaux M. , Susser Ezra , Cleland Charles M. , Muñoz Rubén Alvarado , Kohrt Brandon A. , Bhana Arvin 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Few implementation science (IS) measures have been evaluated for validity, reliability and utility – the latter referring to whether a measure captures meaningful aspects of implementation contexts. In this case study, we describe the process of developing an IS measure that aims to assess Barriers and Facilitators in Implementation of Task-Sharing in Mental Health services (BeFITS-MH), and the procedures we implemented to enhance its utility.
Methods: We summarize conceptual and empirical work that informed the development of the BeFITS-MH measure, including a description of the Delphi process, detailed translation and local adaptation procedures, and concurrent pilot testing. As validity and reliability are key aspects of measure development, we also report on our process of assessing the measure’s construct validity and utility for the implementation outcomes of acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility.
Results: Continuous stakeholder involvement and concurrent pilot testing resulted in several adaptations of the BeFITS-MH measure’s structure, scaling, and format to enhance contextual relevance and utility. Adaptations of broad terms such as “program,” “provider type,” and “type of service” were necessary due to the heterogeneous nature of interventions, type of task-sharing providers employed, and clients served across the three global sites. Item selection benefited from the iterative process, enabling identification of relevance of key aspects of identified barriers and facilitators, and what aspects were common across sites. Program implementers’ conceptions of utility regarding the measure’s acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility were seen to cluster across several common categories.
Conclusions: This case study provides a rigorous, multi-step process for developing a pragmatic IS measure. The process and lessons learned will aid in the teaching, practice and research of IS measurement development. The importance of including experiences and knowledge from different types of stakeholders in different global settings was reinforced and resulted in a more globally useful measure while allowing for locally-relevant adaptation. To increase the relevance of the measure it is important to target actionable domains that predict markers of utility (e.g., successful uptake) per program implementers’ preferences. With this case study, we provide a detailed roadmap for others seeking to develop and validate IS measures that maximize local utility and impact.
Oncological and functional outcomes of pathological fractures of lower extremities in patients with malignant bone tumors
Authors: Hashimoto Kazuhiko , Nishimura Shunji , Ito Tomohiko , Kakinoki Ryosuke , Goto Koji 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Managing pathological fractures of the extremities can be difficult. We aimed to suggest our treatment algorithm for lower bone malignancies.Methods:Thirty-eight patients with impending and pathological fractures treated at our department were included. Age, sex, fracture site, type of primary malignancy, number of metastases, pre-fracture Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) score, adjuvant therapy, treatment modality, operative time, blood loss, postoperative complications, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score, outcomes, and follow-up period were retrospectively surveyed. Post-treatment MSTS scores in cases of impending and pathological fractures were compared. The MSTS scores were compared between intramedullary nail fixation and surgical procedures other than intramedullary nail fixation. The postoperative 1-year survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.Results:The median age of the sample was 68 years. The disease sites were the subtrochanteric femur in 10 patients, the trochanteric femur in eight, the femoral diaphysis in seven, the femoral neck in five, the bilateral trochanteric femur in three, the proximal tibia in three, and the distal femur in two. Ten patients had metastases in ≤3 and 20 sites. The median pre-fracture ECOG-PS score was 1. As adjuvant chemotherapy, radiotherapy was administered to five, chemotherapy to eight, and radiotherapy and chemotherapy to 10 patients. Surgical procedures included intramedullary nails in 18 patients; tumor arthroplasty in four; plate fixation in three; artificial head replacement in three; compression hip screw (CHS) in three; conservative treatment in two; bilateral intramedullary nail fixation in two; and artificial bone stem with combined intramedullary nail and plate fixation, right-sided artificial head replacement, and left-sided CHS in one each. The operating time was 100±45.8 minutes, and blood loss was 63±153.4 mL. The MSTS score was 19.9±8.95 for intramedullary nail fixation and 24.3±7.45 for other procedures, with a negative correlation between the MSTS score and pre-fracture ECOG-PS. The median follow-up period was 8 months. The outcomes were as follows: alive with disease, 23 patients; continued disease-free, 1 patient; and dead due to disease, 14 patients. The 1-year postoperative overall survival rate was 60.5%.Conclusions:Our treatment algorithm for malignant bone tumors of the lower extremity was useful.
Prospects for the application of kuril tea shoots in rehabilitating patients with frequently and long-term respiratory virus diseases
Authors: Trebukhov A. V. , Goryacheva M. V. 
Published: January 2024

Introduction. Frequently and long-term ill children are an urgent problem in pediatrics. It is of interest to take into account the possibility of rehabilitation of frequently and long-term ill children using the natural resources of the region.Objective. To study the clinical and immunological parameters of children -residents of the Altai Territory, who are often prone to acute respiratory diseases, and the effect on these indicators of herbal tea from the shoots of Pentaphylloides fruticosa, used in complex therapy and rehabilitation of frequently and long-term ill children.Materials and methods. The study involved 49 children aged 3.5 to 7 years of both sexes, who are in the dispensary group of frequently and long-term ill children. During the study, a retrospective analysis of primary medical documentation was carried out, as well as a comprehensive clinical and laboratory, microbiological and parasitological examination, and determination of the immune status. In a prospective cohort study, the effect of the use of herbal tea from the shoots of Pentaphylloides fruticosa on the clinical and immunological parameters of frequently and long-term ill children was evaluated as part of complex therapy with bacterial lysates and endogenous interferon inducers.Results. The age-sex structure of frequently and long-term ill children is dominated by children of preschool age (up to 70%), mostly males (53%), who have a burdened anamnesis (31%). Frequent episodes of respiratory diseases are not a consequence of immune deficiency and develop against the background of an associated, persistent viral and bacterial infection that occurs against the background of transient functional instability of the immune system. The quantitative analysis of immunograms showed a significant immunocorrective role of Pentaphylloides fruticosa extraction preparations in comparison with baseline values.Conclusions. The conducted clinical and immunological study did not reveal any significant clinically significant disorders of the immune system in frequently and long-term ill children -residents of the Altai Territory. At the same time, the use of extractive preparations of Pentaphylloides fruticosa has a significant immunocorrective effect on the parameters of the immune system and can be considered as an important component in the complex rehabilitation of frequently and long-term ill children from the age of 3.5 years.
Boosting hydropower generation of mixed reservoirs for reducing carbon emissions by using a simulation–optimization framework
Authors: He Yanfeng , Guo Shenglian , Zhou Yanlai , Zhu Di , Chen Hua , Xiong Lihua , Liu Jie , Xu Chong-Yu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The optimization operation of reservoir seasonal Flood-Limited Water Levels (FLWLs) can counterbalance the hydropower generation and flood prevention in the flood season. This study proposes a multi-objective optimization operation model to optimize the reservoir seasonal FLWLs for enhancing synergies of hydropower generation and flood prevention. The integration of the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II and a simulation-optimization framework is applied for optimizing the joint operation of reservoirs meanwhile achieving the Pareto solutions to reduce computation complexity and time. And then, the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution is utilized to identify the best seasonal FLWL scheme grounded on multi-criteria decision-making analysis. The mixed reservoirs located in the upstream Yangtze River of China constitute the case study. The results showed that: compared with the annual FLWL scheme, the proposed seasonal FLWL schemes without increasing flood prevention risk could facilitate the joint operation of the mixed reservoirs to achieve 868 million kW·h (5.1% improvement) in average hydroelectricity production during the flood season, meanwhile reducing 681 million kg in carbon emissions accordingly. The results support that the proposed methods can boost hydropower production to benefit China's national tactics in accomplishing peak carbon dioxide emissions before 2030.
Plasma Virome of HIV-infected Subjects on Suppressive Antiretroviral
Therapy Reveals Association of Differentially Abundant Viruses with
Distinct T-cell Phenotypes and Inflammation
Authors: Bhagchandani Tannu , Ul Haque Mohammad M. , Sharma Shilpa , Malik Md Zubbair , Ray Ashwini K. , Kaur Urvinder S. , Rai Ankita , Verma Anjali , Sawlani Kamal K. , Chaturvedi Rupesh , Dandu Himanshu , Kumar Abhishek , Tandon Ravi 
Published: January 2024

Background::
The plasma virome represents the overall composition of viral sequences
present in it. Alteration in plasma virome has been reported in treatment naïve and immunocompromised (CD4 count < 200) people with HIV (PWH). However, the effect of ART on virome
composition in PWH on ART with preserved CD4 counts is poorly understood.

Objective::
We aimed to assess the alterations in plasma virome in PWH on ART in comparison
to HIV-negative uninfected controls and to further investigate possible associations of plasma
viruses with inflammation and immune dysfunction, namely, immunosenescence and immune exhaustion.

Methods::
Plasma viral DNA from PWH on ART and controls was used for sequencing on the Illumina Nextseq500 platform, followed by the identification of viral sequences using an automated
pipeline, VIROMATCH. Multiplex cytokine assay was performed to measure the concentrations
of various cytokines in plasma. Immunophenotyping was performed on PBMCs to identify T cell
markers of immunosenescence and immune exhaustion.

Results::
In our observational, cross-sectional pilot study, chronically infected PWH on ART had
significantly different viral species compositions compared to controls. The plasma virome of
PWH showed a significantly high relative abundance of species Human gammaherpesvirus 4, also
known as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Moreover, EBV emerged as a significant viral taxon differentially enriched in PWH on ART, which further correlated positively with the exhaustion phenotype of T cells and significantly increased TNF-α in PWH on ART. Additionally, a significantly
increased proportion of senescent T cells and IL-8 cytokine was detected in PWH on ART.

Conclusion::
Altered plasma virome influenced the inflammatory response and T-cell phenotype
in PWH on ART.
Delivery Systems for Plasma-reactive Species and their Applications in the Field of Biomedicine
Authors: Biazar Esmaeil , Aavani Farzaneh , Zeinali Reza , Kheilnezhad Bahareh , Taheri Kiana , Yahyaei Zahra 
Published: January 2024

:
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is an ionized matter with potential applications in various
medical fields, ranging from wound healing and disinfection to cancer treatment. CAP's clinical usefulness
stems from its ability to act as an adjustable source of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
(RONS), which are known to function as pleiotropic signaling agents within cells. Plasma-activated
species, such as RONS, have the potential to be consistently and precisely released by carriers, enabling
their utilization in a wide array of biomedical applications. Furthermore, understanding the
behavior of CAP in different environments, including water, salt solutions, culture medium, hydrogels,
and nanoparticles, may lead to new opportunities for maximizing its therapeutic potential. This
review article sought to provide a comprehensive and critical analysis of current biomaterial approaches
for the targeted delivery of plasma-activated species in the hope to boost therapeutic response
and clinical applicability.
DFT Study of Nanotubes as the Drug Delivery Vehicles for an Anticancer
Drug
Authors: Masnabadi Nasrin , Masoudi Shiva , Hosseinzadeh Maryamossadat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract:
Chemicals and poisons in the body interfere with the cell cycle and inhibit the growth of
cancer cells. In this way, the function of chemicals in the body is controlled by taking anti-cancer
drugs. Due to the degradability and compatibility of carbon nanotubes and boron nitride with the
environment, they can act as suitable drug carriers for the transfer of anticancer drugs and deliver the
drugs to the target cells. In the current work, the encapsulation of Formestane (FMS) anticancer
drug into the carbon (CNT) and boron nitride (BNNT) (8,8) nanotubes was investigated for the first
time using the density functional theory: B3LYP/3-21G* and the natural bond orbital analysis in the
gas phase. Using natural bond orbital analysis, the charge transfer between FMS drug and CNT and
BNNT nanotubes (8,8)/ FMS (BNNT/FMS) complexes were explored. Based on the results obtained
from the calculation of encapsulation energy, it was found that the adsorption process was
favorable. The interaction effects of FMS drug and CNT and BNNT (8,8) nanotubes on the natural
bond orbital charge, the chemical shift parameters, and electronic properties were also evaluated.
This study revealed that CNT and BNNT (8,8) nanotubes can be a suitable carrier for FMS drug
delivery. The ultraviolet-visible spectra of the FMS drug, the CNT and BNNT (8,8), and the
BNNT/FMS complexes were computed using time-dependent density functional theory (DFT:
B3LYP) calculations.