bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of in vitro effects of ifosfamide drug on mitochondrial functions using isolated mitochondria obtained from vital organs
Authors: Salimi Ahmad , Khezri Saleh , Azizian Sepideh , Kamrani Vida , Amir Jahadi Nima , Shahedi Mehdi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractMitochondrial toxicity has been shown to contribute to a variety of organ toxicities such as, brain, heart, kidney, and liver. Ifosfamide (IFO) as an anticancer drug, is associated with increased risk of neurotoxicity, cardiotoxicity nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and hemorrhagic cystitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the direct effect of IFO on isolated mitochondria obtained from the rat brain, heart, kidney, and liver. Mitochondria were isolated with mechanical lysis and differential centrifugation from different organs and treated with various concentrations of IFO. Using biochemical and flowcytometry assays, we evaluated mitochondrial succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) activity, mitochondrial swelling, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Our data showed that IFO did not cause deleterious alterations in mitochondrial functions, mitochondrial swelling, lipid peroxidation ROS formation, and MMP collapse in mitochondria isolated from brain, heart, kidney, and liver. Altogether, the data showed that IFO is not directly toxic in mitochondria isolated from brain, heart, kidney, and liver. This study proved that mitochondria alone does not play the main role in the toxicity of IFO, and suggests to reduce the toxicity of this drug, other pathways resulting in the production of toxic metabolites should be considered.
When cash costs you: The pain of holding coins over banknotes
Authors: Zenkić Jay , Mead Nicole L. , Millet Kobe 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe hypothesize that the physical characteristics of cash lead to differences in “pain of holding” which influences spending. In one field study (rural India) and two controlled experiments (N = 1710), we tested that hypothesis by endowing people with coins or equivalently valued banknotes and measuring their pain of holding and spending. Holding denomination constant (e.g., $1 coins vs. $1 banknotes), participants reported a greater pain of holding for coins (vs banknotes) which in turn increased spending. These findings were consistent across three incentive‐compatible experiments using a range of contexts (spending/donation), populations (Americans/Indians), and currencies (USD/INR). There was no evidence that coins were spent more than banknotes because of lower perceived purchasing power. Our findings suggest that the pain of holding contributes to under‐saving, which may be especially problematic among vulnerable populations who rely on cash. Conceptually, we shed new insight on the denomination effect (greater spending of smaller than larger denominations) and the pain of paying (the aversive experience of spending money). Practically, we provide recommendations for practitioners who wish to encourage donations, spending, or saving.
Enhanced electrocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride‐supported Ni/NiO microflower structures for urea electro‐oxidation
Authors: Taha Mohamed , Attia Yasser A. , Medany Shymaa S. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDIn this study, a 3D heterostructure of Ni/NiO microflower‐decorated graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) with different ratios was synthesized using the hydrothermal method. The aim was to investigate the electrocatalytic activity of these materials toward urea electrochemical oxidation (UEO) and compare them with various Ni‐based catalysts in NaOH solution.RESULTSThe crystal structure and morphology of the synthesized electrocatalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Among the different ratios studied, the Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 nanocomposites exhibited the highest electrocatalytic activity and stability. The anodic current density of Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 was approximately 1.5 times higher than that of NiO microflowers, indicating its superior capability for facilitating the electro‐oxidation of urea at its surface. Furthermore, the Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 composition showed a lower Tafel slope, low charge transfer resistance, and higher current density, making it a promising material for urea fuel cells.CONCLUSIONThe results of this study highlight the significance of the Ni/NiO 30%/g‐C3N4 composition in achieving efficient electrocatalytic activity for UEO. The 3D heterostructure design, combining the synergistic effects of Ni/NiO and g‐C3N4, offers enhanced performance and stability. These findings contribute to the development of advanced electrocatalysts for urea fuel cells, with potential applications in energy conversion systems. Further research should focus on optimizing the composition and exploring the underlying mechanisms to improve the performance of these electrocatalysts for practical applications. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Ultrastructural characterization of maturing iPSC‐derived nephron structures upon transplantation
Authors: Wiersma L. E. , Avramut M. C. , Koster A. J. , van den Berg C. W. , Rabelink T. J. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractPluripotent stem cell‐derived kidney organoids hold great promise as a potential auxiliary transplant tissue for individuals with end‐stage renal disease and as a platform for studying kidney diseases and drug discovery. To establish accurate models, it is crucial to thoroughly characterize the morphological features and maturation stages of the cellular components within these organoids. Nephrons, the functional units of the kidney, possess distinct morphological structures that directly correlate with their specific functions. High spatial resolution imaging emerges as a powerful technique for capturing ultrastructural details that may go unnoticed with other methods such as immunofluorescent imaging and scRNA sequencing. In our study, we have applied software capable of seamlessly stitching virtual slides generated from electron microscopy, resulting in high‐definition overviews of tissue slides. With this technology, we can comprehensively characterize the development and maturation of kidney organoids when transplanted under the renal capsule of mice. These organoids exhibit advanced ultrastructural developments upon transplantation, including the formation of the filtration barrier in the renal corpuscle, the presence of microvilli in the proximal tubule, and various types of cell sub‐segmentation in the connecting tubule similarly to those seen in the adult kidney. Such ultrastructural characterization provides invaluable insights into the structural development and functional morphology of nephron segments within kidney organoids and how to advance them by interventions such as a transplantation.Research Highlights
High‐resolution imaging is crucial to determine morphological maturation of hiPSC‐derived kidney organoids. Upon transplantation, refined ultrastructural development of nephron segments was observed, such as the development of the glomerular filtration barrier.
The disequilibrium of hope: A grounded theory analysis of parents' experiences of receiving a “no primary finding” result from genome sequencing
Authors: Gurasashvili Jana , Silverio Sergio A. , Hill Melissa , Peter Michelle , Stafford‐Smith Bethany , Lewis Celine 
Published: November 2023

AbstractGenome sequencing (GS) has the potential to reduce the “diagnostic odyssey” that many parents of children with rare undiagnosed conditions experience. While much research has considered the impact of receiving a diagnostic result, research has rarely focused solely on the impact of receiving a “no primary finding” (NPF) result. This study aimed to investigate the experience of parents of children with rare and undiagnosed conditions following an NPF result from GS. Nine parents whose child had an NPF result from GS were recruited through the social media platform of the charity SWAN (Syndromes Without A Name) UK. Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using grounded theory. Analysis led to the emergence of two main themes. The first theme “Striving to Solve the Unsolved Puzzle” concerned the experience of striving to end the “diagnostic odyssey.” The second theme “Navigating Hope, Lost then Found” plots the trajectory of hope raised by the promise of a new technology, dashed by the NPF, and the eventual return of small and distant hope for the future. Taken together, these themes allowed for a proposed theory: “The Disequilibrium of Hope,” which highlights the dynamic and modifiable experience of hope participants experience in their GS journey. These results suggest GS can be an emotional rollercoaster for parents. While hope plays an important role in coping with the day‐to‐day life of living with a rare disease, careful management of expectations from GS is important during pre‐test counseling, and continued follow‐up and support are needed beyond result disclosure. An understanding of the disappointment and distress caused by an NPF result is valuable for healthcare professionals in this field to ensure counseling can be tailored. Further research should consider how to support parents after an NPF result.
A new synthesis of 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐fluoroadenosine, a key intermediate of cyclic dinucleotide
Authors: Qiu Yayun , Li Zixing , Ning Fangmin , Tang Dandan , Chen Huansheng 
Published: November 2023

AbstractA new synthesis of 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐fluoroadenosine for use as an important intermediate of antitumor‐active cyclic dinucleotide is disclosed. The synthesis started with the known 5‐O‐TBDPS‐D‐lyxofuranose 1,2‐acetonides, which was first transformed into a fluorinated compound after the DAST reaction. Desilylation and acidic methanolysis were then finished in one pot. After a sequence of triflation, displacement by OBz as well as benzoylation, perbenzoylated 3‐deoxy‐3‐fluoro‐D‐ribofuranoside was obtained, which would be transformed to 3′‐deoxy‐3′‐fluoroadenosine as the key intermediate of cyclic dinucleotide after ammonolysis.
Value of Non‐Contrast‐Enhanced Vessel Wall MR Imaging in Assessing Vascular Invasion of Retroperitoneal Tumors
Authors: Cui Ying , Zhao Yufei , Chen Xiaohui , Jiang Yang , Mao Hui , Ju Shenghong , Peng Xin‐Gui 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundDue to their location and growth patterns, retroperitoneal tumors often involve the surrounding blood vessels. Clinical decisions on a proper treatment depend on the information on this condition. Evaluation of blood vessels using non‐contrast‐enhanced vessel wall MRI may provide noninvasive assessment of the extent of tumor invasion to assist clinical decision‐making.PurposeTo investigate the performance and potential of non‐contrast‐enhanced vessel wall MRI in evaluating the degree of vessel wall invasion of retroperitoneal tumors.Study TypeProspective.PopulationThirty‐seven participants (mean age: 60.59 ± 11.77 years, 59% male) with retroperitoneal tumors close to vessels based on their diagnostic computer tomography.Field Strength/Sequences3 T; vessel wall MRI sequences: two‐dimensional T2‐weighted MultiVane XD turbo spin‐echo (2D‐T2‐MVXD‐TSE) and three‐dimensional T1‐weighted motion sensitized driven equilibrium fat suppression turbo spin‐echo (3D‐T1‐MSDE‐TSE) sequences; conventional MRI sequences: T2‐weighted fat suppression turbo spin‐echo (T2‐FS‐TSE), T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo (T2‐TSE), modified Dixon T1‐weighted fast field echo (T1‐mDixon‐FFE), and diffusion‐weighted echo planar imaging (DWI‐EPI) sequences.AssessmentAll patients underwent preoperative imaging using both non‐contrast conventional and vessel wall MRI sequences. Images obtained from conventional and vessel wall MRI sequences were evaluated independently by three junior radiologists (3 and 2 years of experience in reading MRI) and reviewed by one senior radiologist (25 years of experience in reading MRI) to assess the degree of vessel wall invasion. MRI were validated results from the clinical standard diagnosis based on surgical confirmation or histopathological reports. Interobserver agreement was determined based on the reports from three readers with similar years of experiences. Intraobserver variability was assessed based on categorizing and recategorizing the vessels of 37 patients 1 month apart.Statistical TestsIntra‐class correlation efficient (ICC), Chi‐square test, McNemar test, area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC), Delong test, P < 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe accuracy of vessel wall MRI (91.96%, 95% CI: 85.43–95.71; 103 of 112) in detecting the degree of vessel wall invasion was significantly higher than that of conventional MRI (75%, 95% CI: 66.24–82.10; 84 of 112). The interobserver variability or reproducibility in categorization of the degree of vascular wall invasion was good in evaluating images from conventional and vessel wall MRI sequences (ICC = 0.821, 95% CI: 0.765–0.867 and ICC = 0.881, 95% CI: 0.842–0.913, respectively).Data ConclusionDiagnosis of vessel wall invasion of retroperitoneal tumors and assessment of its severity can be improved by using non‐contrast‐enhanced vessel wall MRI.Evidence Level1Technical EfficacyStage 3
Palmitoleic acid‐rich oleaginous yeast Scheffersomyces segobiensis DSM 27193 exerts anti‐obesity effects by ameliorating hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue hypertrophy
Authors: Peng Yujia , Zhang Lili , Bao Xinhui , Qian Xiujuan , Dong Weiliang , Jiang Min 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDYeast biomass, encompassing fatty acids, terpenoids, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and other bioactive compounds have been extensively utilized in food‐related fields. The safety and potential bioactivities of Scheffersomyces segobiensis DSM 27193, an oleaginous yeast strain, are unclear.RESULTSScheffersomyces segobiensis DSM 27193 accumulated large palmitoleic acid (POA) levels (43.4 g kg−1 biomass) according to the results of whole‐cell components. We annotated the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis, and predicted the categories and host of the pathogen–host interactions (PHI) genes in S. segobiensis DSM 27193. However, S. segobiensis DSM 27193 did not exert toxic effects in mice. Administration of S. segobiensis DSM 27193 led to substantial weight reduction by diminishing food intake in an obesity mouse model. Additionally, it reversed hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue hypertrophy, and improved abnormalities in serum biochemical profiles such as triglyceride, total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, lipopolysaccharide, tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐1β, and interleukin‐6.CONCLUSIONThis study is the first to illustrate the safety and effects of S. segobiensis DSM 27193 against obesity and offers a scientific rationale for its application in functional food supplements. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of rock outcrops on runoff and erosion from karst slopes under simulated rainfall
Authors: Zhang Siqi , Ma Qianhong , Qihua Ke , Zhang Keli , Zhu Tong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractRock outcrops play a crucial role in affecting hydrological and erosion processes on karst hillslopes. However, due to various difficulties in constructing runoff plots on field rocky slopes, previous studies used small metal flumes to simulate outcropped slopes, which greatly differed from the natural rock outcropped slopes. In this study, the effects of rock outcrops on runoff and erosion were studied on karst slopes with natural soil–rock conditions at a larger plot scale (10 m in length × 2.2 m in width, 25° in gradient). Simulated rainfall experiments were conducted on the four runoff plots with different rock outcrop coverages (0%, 5%, 13%, and 42%) under five rainfall intensities (30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 mm·h−1). The study indicated that the rock outcrops complexed the water erosion processes by playing multiple and opposite roles simultaneously. It positively influences water erosion by serving as impermeable surfaces, providing preferential flow paths, and offering flow barriers to hillslopes. Conversely, it can exacerbate erosion by causing increased runoff, concentrating flow paths, and thus intensifying erosion in specific areas. Besides, the effects of these roles varied with the coverage of rock outcrops and rainfall intensity. The main results showed that (i) limited rock outcrop coverage (5% and 13%) increased runoff and erosion, but the opposite was observed on the severe rocky slope (42%). Both “infiltration‐excess” and “saturation‐excess” mechanisms coexisted by turns on karst slopes during rainfall; the break of “saturation balance” tended to occur on the severe rock outcrop slope with abundant soil–rock interface and underground fissures. (ii) Rock outcrops greatly increased the spatial variability and uncertainty of hydrological and erosion processes on karst slopes. The rock outcrops resulted in a larger range of variation in flow velocity and a greater difference among the three slope positions; it also brought more spatial heterogeneity in the development of rill erosion. (iii) Rock outcrops tended to increase flow velocity, and intensify flow turbulence, stream power, and flow energy. The severe rock outcrops significantly reduced the soil erosion induced by the limited soil detachment. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind how rock outcrops influence runoff and erosion and provides insights for improving soil erosion prediction in karst regions.
Lithology‐mediated soil erodibility characteristics after vegetation restoration in the karst region of Southwest China
Authors: Liang Peining , Wang Xing , Xu Qinxue , Zhang Jun , Fang Rongjie , Fu Zhiyong , Chen Hongsong 
Published: November 2023

AbstractEcological restoration projects have significantly increased global vegetation cover and reduced soil erosion. However, it is very challenging to clarify the complex soil erosion mechanisms of limestone and dolomite in the southwest karst region and to identify the key factors affecting erosion. The study site has a subtropical monsoon climate with precipitation concentrated during the rainy season from May to September. In this study, four plantation restoration measures with a recovery time of approximately 16 years were selected, which included arbor forest, orchard, grassland, and cropland (control). Soil physical–chemical properties and soil erodibility K values were used to evaluate the soil erosion characteristics. The results showed that both limestone and dolomite exhibited lower soil bulk density as well as higher capillary porosity, and soil water‐stable aggregates after revegetation. The limestone and dolomite K values were reduced by 12%–15% and 15%–17%, respectively. However, the K value of limestone was 17.9% higher than that of dolomite, indicating that dolomite exhibited a higher stability. Through redundancy analysis and structural equation modeling, revegetation was found to reduce soil erosion by influencing the soil particle composition. The silt was the key factor influencing soil erosion, accounting for 84.4% and 78.2% of the variation in the limestone and dolomite K values, respectively. These findings suggest that vegetation restoration enhances soil erosion resistance; however, the effectiveness of restoration is controlled by the lithology in the southwest karst region. These findings provide a reference for soil and water management and vegetation restoration.
Core@Double–Shell Engineering of Zn Particles toward Elevated Dielectric Properties: Multiple Polarization Mechanisms in Zn@Znch@PS/PVDF Composites
Authors: Zhang Yanqing , Zhou Wenying , Peng Weiwei , Yao Tian , Zhang Yang , Wang Bo , Cai Huiwu , Li Bo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractFlexible dielectrics with large dielectric constant (ε′) coupled with low loss are highly pursued in many applications. To bolster the ε′ of raw Zn (zinc)/poly(vinylidene fluoride, PVDF) while maintaining pimping dielectric loss, in this study, the core@double–shell structured Zn@zinc carbonate (ZnCH)@polystyrene (PS) particles are first synthesized through a suspension polymerization of styrene, and then composited with PVDF to elevate the ε′ and keep low loss of the composites. By optimizing the PS shells’ thickness and tailoring the electrical resistivity of Zn@ZnCH@PS particles, both the slow inter‐particle polarization and fast intra‐particle polarization in the composites can be decoupled and synergistically tuned, thus, the Zn@ZnCH@PS/PVDF achieves a much higher ε′ and lower dielectric loss, simultaneously, which far exceed the unmodified Zn/PVDF. Both experiment and theoretic calculation reveal that the double‐shell ZnCH@PS not only induces and promotes multiple polarizations enhancing the composites’ ε′, especially at the optimized PS's thickness, but also maintains suppressed loss and conductivity thanks to their obvious barrier effect on long‐range charge migration. The core@double–shell filler design strategy facilitates the development of polymer composites with desirable dielectric properties for applications in electronic and electrical power systems.
High‐resolution three‐dimensional dosimetry in clinically relevant volumes utilizing optically stimulated luminescence
Authors: Jensen Mads L. , Julsgaard Brian , Turtos Rosana M. , Skyt Peter S. , Jensen Morten B. , Muren Ludvig P. , Balling Peter 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe continued development of new radiotherapy techniques requires dosimetry systems that satisfy increasingly rigorous requirements, such as high sensitivity, wide dose range, and high spatial resolution. An emerging requirement is the ability to read out doses in three dimensions (3D) with high precision and spatial resolution. A few dosimetry systems with 3D capabilities are available, but their application in a clinical workflow is limited for various reasons, primarily originating from their chemical nature. The search for a 3D dosimetry system with potential for clinical implementation is thus ongoing.PurposeTo demonstrate the capabilities of a novel optically‐stimulated‐luminescence (OSL)‐based 3D dosimetry system capable of measuring radiation doses in clinically relevant volumes.MethodsA laser‐based readout system was used to measure dose distributions delivered by both photons and protons, utilizing the OSL from a mm YSO:Ce crystal. A homogeneous treatment plan consisting of two opposing photon fields was used to establish an inhomogeneity correction map of the crystal response and demonstrated the accuracy and precision of the system. The crystal was additionally irradiated with a photon treatment plan consisting of three overlapping mm fields delivered from different angles, and a proton treatment plan consisting of four pencil beams with energies 90 MeV (), 115 MeV, and 140 MeV. The system abilities were quantified by comparing the 3D‐resolved measurements to Monte Carlo simulations.ResultsThe dose map reproducibility of the system was found to be within 2% including both statistical and systematic errors. The measurements yielded integrated doses from a volume of mm with voxel volumes of just mm . An excellent agreement between the 3D‐resolved measurements and the simulations was found for both photon‐ and proton‐irradiation.ConclusionsThe capabilities of the devised system for measuring clinically relevant fields of photons and proton pencil beams within a clinically relevant volume were demonstrated. The system poses as a promising candidate for clinical applications, and enables future research in the field of OSL‐based tissue‐equivalent 3D dosimetry.