bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Frequency and Early Predictors of Cognitive Deterioration in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Longitudinal Population‐Based Study
Authors: Iazzolino Barbara , Palumbo Francesca , Moglia Cristina , Manera Umberto , Grassano Maurizio , Matteoni Enrico , Cabras Sara , Brunetti Maura , Vasta Rosario , Pagani Marco , Mora Gabriele , Canosa Antonio , Calvo Andrea , Chiò Adriano 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThe objective is to evaluate cognitive and behavioral progression and identify early predictors of these changes in a cohort of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients.MethodsA total of 161 ALS patients were tested at diagnosis (T0), and 107 were re‐tested after 1 year (T1) using cognitive/behavioral tests. All patients underwent whole‐genome sequencing, and 46 patients (ALS‐normal cognition [CN]) underwent [18F]Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography.ResultsOf the 161 patients, 107 were re‐rested at T1; non‐retested patients included 10 with frontotemporal dementia and 44 who were either non‐testable or deceased. At T0, 67 patients (62.6%) were classified as ALS‐CN, whereas 40 (38.4%) showed some degree of cognitive/behavioral impairment. Eighteen ALS‐CN patients (26.9%) experienced cognitive decline at T1. Phenoconverters had lower baseline scores in letter fluency (Letter Fluency Test [FAS]) (p < 0.001), Edinburgh Cognitive and Behavioral ALS Screen (ECAS) verbal fluency score (p = 0.017). Both tests were independently predictive of phenoconversion in binary logistic regression models, with optimal cut‐off scores of 28.75 and 14.2, with good sensitivity and specificity. Other predictors included older age, lower education, and ALS‐related genetic variants. Phenoconverters were hypometabolic in the left temporal lobe. Thirteen (32.5%) of the 40 patients with cognitive impairment at T0 worsened by T1, with FAS (p = 0.02) and the ECAS verbal fluency score (p = 0.023) predicting further decline.InterpretationApproximately 30% of ALS patients experienced cognitive/behavioral decline within the first year after diagnosis. FAS and ECAS verbal fluency were predictive of cognitive phenoconversion. Our findings highlight the importance of early detection of at‐risk individuals and the need for longitudinal cognitive assessments to monitor disease progression. ANN NEUROL 2025
Accelerated Cellular Senescence in Progressive Multiple Sclerosis: A Histopathological Study
Authors: Papadopoulos Dimitrios , Magliozzi Roberta , Bandiera Sara , Cimignolo Ilaria , Barusolo Elena , Probert Lesley , Gorgoulis Vassilis , Reynolds Richard , Nicholas Richard 
Published: February 2025

ObjectiveThe neurodegenerative processes driving the build‐up of disability in progressive multiple sclerosis (P‐MS) have not been fully elucidated. Recent data link cellular senescence (CS) to neurodegeneration. We investigated for evidence of CS in P‐MS and sought to determine its pattern.MethodsWe used 53BP1, p16, and lipofuscin as markers of CS in white matter lesions (WMLs), normal appearing white matter (NAWM), normal appearing cortical gray matter (NAGM), control white matter (CWM), and control gray matter (CGM) on autopsy material from patient with P‐MS and healthy controls. Senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) factors were quantified in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).ResultsP16+ cell counts were significantly increased in WMLs and GMLs, compared with NAWM, CWM, NAGM, and CGM and lipofuscin+ cells were significantly increased in WMLs, compared with NAWM and CWM, indicating more abundant CS in demyelinated lesions. The 53BP1+ cells in WMLs were significantly increased compared with NAWM and CWM. The 53BP1+ and p16+ cells were found significantly more abundant in acute active WMLs and GMLs, compared with chronic inactive lesions. Co‐localization studies showed evidence of CS in neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and macrophages. Among the quantified CSF SASP factors, IL‐6, MIF, and MIP1a levels correlated with 53BP1+ cell counts in NAGM, whereas IL‐10 levels correlated with p16+ cell counts in NAWM. P16+ cell counts in WMLs exhibited an inverse correlation with time to requiring a wheelchair and with age at death.InterpretationOur data indicates that CS primarily affects actively demyelinating gray and WMLs. A higher senescent cell load in P‐MS is associated with faster disability progression and death. ANN NEUROL 2025
High‐Performance Bio‐Benzoxazine Resins Derived From Natural Renewable Vanillin: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties of Their Thermosets
Authors: Yuan Ruiyu , Yang Yi , Yao Zhenhao , Zhang Kan 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTIn this study, we used vanillin and furfurylamine from renewable resources as starting materials and successfully synthesized an innovative derivative of bisbenzoxazine (MH‐fa) using the Mannich reaction. We characterized the chemical structure of the newly synthesized bisbenzoxazine compound using high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HR‐MS) technology. The results of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis (FT‐IR) confirmed the successful synthesis of the target compound. The synthesis of the benzoxazine copolymer (MH‐fa‐co‐DDM‐BMI) was achieved by leveraging the reversibility of the Diels–Alder reaction between the MH‐fa monomer and 4,4′‐bismaleimide diphenylmethane (DDM‐BMI). In addition, the investigation into the polymerization behavior of benzoxazine monomer and its corresponding main‐chain copolymer was conducted employing differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) along with in situ FT‐IR. We studied the thermal stability and combustion performance of two samples using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and microscale combustion calorimetry (MCC). The results revealed that the bio‐based bisbenzoxazine exhibited excellent heat resistance and flame retardancy. Specifically, poly(MH‐fa) exhibits a Td10 value of 350°C and a Yc value of 62.3% at 800°C. Furthermore, the material exhibits an extremely low heat release rate (20.4 J g−1 K−1), highlighting its potential applications in the field of high‐efficiency flame retardant materials.
Improving i‐P3HB Processing Window: Solution‐Casting Blends With a‐P3HB and P34HB
Authors: Almustafa Wael , Grishchuk Sergiy , Sebastian Jörg , Schubert Dirk W. , Grun Gregor 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTPoly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (P3HB) is a biobased and biodegradable polymer that is primarily produced through biotechnological fermentation processes. Its high crystallinity of around 70% and low thermal stability hinder its processing and application in different sectors. In this work, blends of isotactic poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (i‐P3HB) with the chemically synthesized atactic poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (a‐P3HB) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐4‐hydroxybutyrate) (P34HB) were prepared via solution casting. The thermal, mechanical, and morphological properties of the blends were analyzed to evaluate the influence of a‐P3HB and P34HB on the processing window of i‐P3HB. The obtained blends exhibited reduced glass transition temperatures, from 5.5°C for neat i‐P3HB to around −53°C with 50 wt.% of a‐P3HB, as well as reduced melting temperatures, reaching 155°C with 50 wt.% of a‐P3HB. Furthermore, blends containing all three polymers exhibited also a significant decrease in the degree of crystallinity reaching 19% and an improved elongation at break of up to 70%. The reduced melting temperature facilitates processing at temperatures below the melting temperature of neat i‐P3HB (175.5°C), avoiding its thermal degradation. Consequently, these blends broaden the processing window and enhanced the flexibility of i‐P3HB, facilitating its application across various sectors, including packaging and textiles.
PVA/CMC‐Ag Polymer Blend Nanocomposites Prepared by Doping Bio‐Derived Ag Nanoparticles and Their Structural, Thermal, Optical, Antimicrobial, and Electrical Characterization
Authors: Manne Gopala Krishna , Srinivasan Kameswaran , Obularajugari Gopal Neeruganti , Kumar Ranjit , Pathi Prathap , Hanumanthappa Nagabhushana , Pitchika Gopi Krishna , Battana Swapna , Mandala Ramakrishna 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThis work reports the influence of bio‐derived silver (Ag) nanoparticles insertion on the properties of polyvinyl alcohol/carboxymethyl cellulose (PVA/CMC) polymer blend prepared by solution casting method. X‐ray diffraction studies reveal the dispersion of silver nanoparticles into polymer blend matrices. Thermal studies by DSC and TGA indicate the increased thermal stability of the polymer blend due to the addition of bio‐derived silver nanoparticles. Three different steps of weight loss shown by dTGA curves indicate the loss of water adsorbed, elimination of side chains, and the decomposition of the main chain. The maximum degradation of the pure sample occurred at a peak temperature of around 252°C with 65% of degradation, whereas the maximum degradation of the doped samples occurred at a peak temperature of around 322°C with 26% of degradation, which evidences the increased thermal stability of the doped sample. UV–visible spectral analysis shows a decrease in both direct and indirect band gap values with increasing dopant concentration in the polymer blend host, which is an indication of the formation of complexes between the polymer blend and the filler. The antifungal properties of PVA/CMC/Ag blend films are evaluated against four distinct fungus strains. The findings indicate that the activity index increased with the amount of Ag nanoparticles filled in. According to the study, doping PVA/CMC with Ag nanoparticles increases its antimicrobial efficacy. Since these nanocomposites have both electrical conductivity and antimicrobial properties, they may be suggested for future investigation in biomedical applications, including wound dressing and infection prevention.
Effects of critical thinking instruction on Chinese college students with varying baseline critical thinking abilities: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Song Qiongjiang , Liu Yuhan , Zhang Qinggen 
Published: February 2025

AbstractThis study aimed to contribute to the substantial body of research on critical thinking (CT) interventions by determining whether the effectiveness of two CT interventions (generic and infusion) varied according to students' baseline CT levels. Using a quasi‐experimental design, we collected data from two universities, with 167 participants from University A and 76 from University B. Students' CT skills were measured before and after the interventions using the National Assessment of Collegiate Capacity (NACC) CT assessment. The analysis employed paired t‐tests to evaluate within‐group changes and independent t‐tests with moderation analysis to compare CT gains between experimental and control groups across different baseline CT performance levels. Results showed that infusion CT interventions, rather than generic CT interventions, had a beneficial effect on these students' CT. Notably, the effectiveness of these interventions depended on students' baseline level of CT skills, suggesting that, while CT interventions may not result in substantial improvements for students with high and low baseline levels of CT skills, those with moderate levels can benefit significantly from these interventions. This study contributes to research on the effectiveness of embedding CT within course contents and differentiation based on baseline skills in maximising the impact of CT interventions within an educational context.
Synthesis and Characterization of K2Ba3(P2O7)2:VO2+ Nanopowder: Reddish‐Orange Emission for LED Applications
Authors: Libnah K. Josephus Alex , Suresh Y. V. K. , Anjaneyulu N. Ch. , Ravikumar R. V. S. S. N. 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSolid‐state reaction method is employed to prepare K2Ba3(P2O7)2:VO2+ nanopowder and studied by using powder x‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, optical absorption spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. XRD studies revealed VO2+ ion doped K2Ba3(P2O7)2 nanopowder have 21 nm crystallite size, orthorhombic phase, and Pmn21 space group. From Williamson–Hall analysis, crystallite size is found as 24 nm. SEM morphology recorded the presence of irregular‐sized and round‐shaped agglomerates. FT‐IR and Raman spectra reveal characteristic bands of phosphate groups. Three characteristic peaks are observed at 848, 695, and 452 nm in optical absorption spectrum. Also, crystal and tetragonal field parameters are calculated as Dq = 1439, Ds = −2789, and Dt = 3422 cm−1. In addition, bandgap energy is found as 3.97 eV. Optical and EPR analyses led to understand the incorporation of vanadyl ions into host lattice. Spin Hamiltonian parameters are evaluated. Basing PL spectrum, Commission Internationale de l'Éclairage's (CIE) chromaticity coordinates are calculated, which are present in reddish‐orange region with good color correlated temperature (CCT) and color rendering index (CRI) values facilitating the use in lighting applications and LEDs.
Course‐based undergraduate research experience impacts on student outcomes at minority‐serving community colleges
Authors: Zhang Jing , DeChenne‐Peters Sue Ellen , Hecht David , Wolyniak Michael J. , Kuhn Misty L. , Koletar Courtney M. , Galport Nicole , Eddy Rebecca M. , Provost Joseph , Bell Jessica K. , Bell Ellis 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCourse‐based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CUREs) have beneficial impacts on students and the capacity to provide authentic research experiences that are accessible and beneficial to all students, especially those from Minoritized Groups. CUREs can be presented in a full semester format (cCURE) and shorter modules incorporated into laboratory courses (mCURE). In this study, protein‐centric CUREs were implemented at two minority‐serving Community Colleges (CCs) in introductory biology and chemistry courses. Using validated assessment tools, student self‐reported gains, and institutional data, we examined student outcomes in three conditions: control, mCURE, and cCURE courses. We also examined whether there was a differential impact on student outcomes by Minoritized Group status. Our findings show that students from Minoritized Groups have improved scientific literacy compared to their White/Asian peers in the cCUREs, whereas students from Minoritized Groups in the control course had lower relative scientific literacy. There was no significant difference in STEM Career Interest between the three conditions. Most significantly, the one‐year retention rate of students from the mCURE condition was 24% higher than that seen among control students. Furthermore, retention of students from Minoritized Groups in mCUREs was significantly higher than in control courses, whereas no significant difference was observed in White/Asian students. Taken together, these data suggest that CUREs can be an impactful practice in introductory courses at CCs, especially for students from Minoritized Groups.
Anti‐Inflammatory Effects of Astragaloside IV–Chitosan Nanoparticles and Associated Anti‐Inflammatory Mechanisms Based on Liquid Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry Metabolomic Analysis of RAW264.7 Cells
Authors: Qu Tingli , Suo Shasha , Yan Liqiu , Wang Liwei , Liang Taigang 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTAstragaloside IV (ATS) is an active component of Astragalus membranaceus, which has immune regulation and anti‐inflammatory effects. However, owing to its large molecular weight and poor solubility in water, the therapeutic effects of ATS are limited. We aimed to prepare ATS‐chitosan (ATS‐CS) nanoparticles and determine their anti‐inflammatory effect and mechanism of action on RAW264.7 cells using metabolomics. The size of the ATS‐CS nanoparticles was 200.3 nm with a zeta potential of 30.5 mV, and the encapsulation rate and drug loading were 69% and 13%, respectively. ATS‐CS nanoparticles not only significantly decreased the increase of nitric oxide, interleukin‐6, and tumor necrosis factor‐α levels induced by lipopolysaccharide, but also exerted an anti‐inflammatory effect by acting on arginine and proline, glutathione, sphingolipid, glycerophospholipid, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Our findings confirmed that ATS‐CS nanoparticles had good anti‐inflammatory activity and showed that the activity of high molecular weight could be increased by producing nanoparticles. Our study paves the way for exploring the mechanism of nanoparticles through metabolomics.
Structural Characteristics of Ziziphus jujuba dates Polysaccharide and Its Protective Effect Against Colitis
Authors: Song Qiaoying , You Xinyong , Liu Xuexia 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to comprehensively analyze the structural characteristics of Ziziphus jujuba dates polysaccharide (ZJP‐I) and its potential activity against colitis in vivo. A series of advanced analytical techniques, including ion exchange chromatography, gel column chromatography, infrared (IR) spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were used to characterize the structure of ZJP‐I. The results showed that the molecular weight of ZJP‐I was 2.01 × 104 Da, and it was mainly composed of sugar residues T‐d‐Galp(1→, →4)‐d‐Glcp(1→, →3,6)‐d‐Glcp(1→ and →6)‐d‐Galp(1→ and →6)‐d‐Manp(1→. To appraise the potential efficacy of ZJP‐I on colitis, in vivo experiments were executed by employing a murine colitis model elicited by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The experimental results showed that ZJP‐I could significantly improve the clinical symptoms of colitis mice, including weight loss and colon shortening. Further analysis showed that ZJP‐I effectively inhibited intestinal inflammation and protected intestinal barrier function by regulating inflammatory cytokine homeostasis, alleviating oxidative stress, and restoring secretion of short‐chain fatty acids. In summary, this study not only deeply analyzed the structural characteristics of ZJP but also revealed its significant effect on colitis in vivo for the first time. These findings provided an important theoretical basis and experimental support for the potential application of ZJPs in functional food and medicine.
Role of Microbiota‐Derived Metabolites in Prostate Cancer Inflammation and Progression
Authors: Kumar Pradeep , Kumar Anil , Kumar Virendra 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTProstate cancer (PCa) is the most commonly detected malignancy in men worldwide. PCa is a slow‐growing cancer with the absence of symptoms at early stages. The pathogenesis has not been entirely understood including the key risk factors related to PCa development like diet and microbiota derived metabolites. Microbiota may influence the host's immunological responses, inflammatory responses, and metabolic pathways, which may be crucial for the development and metastasis. Similarly, short‐chain fatty acids, methylamines, hippurate, bile acids, and other metabolites generated by microbiota may have potential roles in cancer inflammation and progression of cancer. Most studies have focused on the role of metabolites and their pathways involved in chronic inflammation, tumor initiation, proliferation, and progression. In summary, the review discusses the role of microbiota and microbial‐derived metabolite‐built strategies in inflammation and progression of the PCa.
Intussusception and Internal Hernia After Roux‐en‐Y Gastric Bypass Surgery in a Woman With Twin Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Sanei Taheri Morteza , Pirsalehi Ali , Refaei Meisam , Jafari Ashtiani Azadeh , Ebrahimi Omid , Mohammadian Maede , Davar Ahmadali , Sadati Elahe 
Published: February 2025

ABSTRACTSevere obesity is a global concern now, and bariatric surgery has been proven to be the best solution. Most candidates are women of reproductive age; therefore, an increasing number of pregnant women with the history of gastric bypass is noticed. A 33‐year‐old woman at 23 weeks' gestation with a twin pregnancy, with a history of bariatric surgery 2 years prior her pregnancy, presented to our hospital with small bowel necrosis due to internal hernia and intussusception, we proceeded to laparotomy and resection of the necrotic segment of the bowel. The patient underwent cesarean section on the 35 weeks of her pregnancy due to preterm labor and intra uterine growth retardation of the fetuses. Since the gravid uterus increases the intraabdominal pressure, the complications of bariatric surgery such as intussusception or internal hernia may occur even more frequently during pregnancy. Although computed tomography scan or ultrasound could assist clinicians for early diagnosis of complications, negative findings could not rule out small bowel obstruction; therefore, in a pregnant woman with persisting abdominal pain, obstipation, and vomiting, exploratory laparotomy or laparoscopy is mandatory. Pregnant women with a history of Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) should be considered high‐risk obstetric, and symptoms like ongoing abdominal pain, and vomiting should be taken as alarm sign for small bowel obstruction. Computed tomography (CT) scan is the modality of choice for detecting the small bowel obstruction, and is mandatory, taking into consideration the considerable harms to the fetus.
Renal cell carcinoma presents as portal vein thrombosis, a very rare combination
Authors: Alhaj Tahtouh Raad , Sawan Raidah , Alwassiti Wisam , Ali Ahmad , Alkhodari Khaled , Azhar Khalid 
Published: February 2025

Key Clinical MessagePortal vein thrombosis (PVT) can indicate underlying conditions, such as malignancy. A case of PVT was later diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma (RCC), highlighting the need to consider cancer in PVT cases and ensure a comprehensive evaluation.AbstractPortal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a rare complication that can arise from various underlying conditions. We present a case report of a patient initially presenting with PVT, which was later diagnosed as renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This case highlights the importance of considering malignancy as a potential cause of PVT and the need for a comprehensive evaluation.
CCN2 functions as a modulator of cell cycle regulation in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Quan Taihao , Shao Yuan , Purohit Trupta , Jiang Yiou , Qin Zhaoping , Fisher Gary J. , Lents Nathan H. , Baldassare Joseph J. 
Published: February 2025

AbstractCCN2 is widely regarded as a profibrotic factor involved in fibrotic disorders by regulating extracellular matrix (ECM). We report here that CCN2 functions as a critical cell cycle regulator in primary human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). siRNA‐mediated knockdown of CCN2 halted proliferation of primary HDFs, which was rescued by a siRNA‐resistant CCN2 expression vector. Furthermore, CCN2 knockdown caused a significant accumulation of cells in G1/G0 phase and blocked entry into S‐phase. Mechanistically, CCN2 knockdown blocked cyclin E and CDK4/cyclin D nuclear translocation, and abrogated CDK2 activity. Markedly, CCN2 translocated to the nucleus and co‐localized with cyclin D1 upon cell cycle stimulation. Finally, we show that CCN2, a bona fide YAP/TAZ target gene, partially mediates YAP/TAZ‐dependent proliferation of primary HDFs. These data provide evidence of a novel CCN2 function as a cell cycle regulator in primary HDFs proliferation, in addition to its known role in ECM regulation.