bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compatibilization of poly(methyl methacrylate) and cellulose nanocrystals through co‐continuous phase to enhance the thermomechanical properties
Authors: Zergane Hichem , Abdi Saïd , Wang Qingbo , Wang Luyao , Uppstu Peter , Sundberg Anna , Xu Chunlin , Wang Xiaoju 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe present study focuses on enhancing the thermomechanical properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), a transparent and biocompatible polymer known for its high strength but limited toughness. The approach involves the development of PMMA/cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) composites. To improve the interfacial compatibility between PMMA and CNCs, a two‐step process is employed. Initially, the CNCs undergo oxidation using sodium periodate, followed by the introduction of amino groups through reductive amination. The aminated CNCs are then covalently bonded to PMMA via an amidation reaction using the “grafting onto” approach. Subsequently, the grafted CNCs are incorporated into the PMMA matrix using the solvent casting method. The resulting composites are extruded into filaments. Elemental composition analysis confirms CNC modification, revealing the presence of 1.6% nitrogen. The modified CNCs exhibit a higher degradation temperature than unmodified CNCs, showing a 50°C increase. The composites' dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) reveals a 20% improvement in storage modulus (E′) upon incorporating 1.5% of the grafted CNCs into the PMMA matrix. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of co‐continuous phases in the composite structure.
Nanoliposome‐loaded phenolics from Salvia leriifolia Benth and its anticancer effects against induced colorectal cancer in mice
Authors: Nasrabadi Niusha Shojaee , Vedad Arezoo , Asadi Kimia , Poorbagher Mahsa Rastegar Moghaddam , Tabrizi Nadia Abdollahian , Dorooki Kiyana , Sabouni Roghayeh Sabouhi , moghadam Mahla barati , Shafaei Negin , Karimi Ehsan , Oskoueian Ehsan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractColon cancer is one of the leading causes of death among various types of cancer. Despite the significant progress made in cancer treatment, chemotherapy resistance and various side effects are still prevalent. The objective of this study is to assess the therapeutic potential of phenolic‐rich fraction encapsulated nanoliposome (PRF‐NLs) of Salvia leriifolia Benth in the treatment of colon cancer in mice. Initially, the phenolic‐rich fraction (PRF) was extracted and then encapsulated into nanoliposomes. The physicochemical properties of the nanoliposomes were evaluated using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. Subsequently, 24 mice with HT‐29 colon cancer cells were divided into three groups, and the anticancer effects of PRF‐NLs were measured. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction of S. leriifolia was the highest PRF containing 14.27 ± 2.39 mg (gallic acid) GA/g DW (dry weight), and the PRF successfully loaded into the nanoliposome structure resulted in the synthesis of nanoliposomes with a nanometer size and spherical shape and homogenous dispersion. Some of the abundant bioactive phenolic compounds in the nanoliposome‐loaded PRF are salicylic acid and naringin. The average daily weight gain and food intake, and changes in the expression of caspase 3, Bax (Bcl‐2 associated X‐protein), and Bcl2 (B‐cell lymphoma 2), inducible nitric oxide synthase genes, were observed in the mice group induced colorectal cancer cells. At a dose of 100 mg TPC (total phenolic content)/kg BW/day, the nonencapsulated PRF dietary addition improved these parameters; however, the potential shown by nanoliposome‐encapsulated PRF than the nonencapsulated PRF in enhancing health parameters in mice was higher. The developed intestinal absorption and bioavailability of nanoliposome‐encapsulated PRF contribute to its increased health‐promoting activity. Thereby, the synthesized nanoliposome may be a potential natural anticancer drug to prevent colorectal cancer.
Carbon neutrality in the Finnish energy sector: prospects for a fossil‐fuel phase out
Authors: Proskurina Svetlana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe Finnish government has set a target of reaching carbon neutrality by 2035 and renewable energy is playing an increasingly important role in the Finnish energy sector. Bioenergy from forest biomass is currently the most utilized renewable energy resource. European Union regulations are imposing limitations on the use of forest biomass for environmental reasons, however, and the energy sector is having to look for alternative renewable energy options to reach carbon neutrality. This paper reviews the latest changes in the energy industry in Finland and evaluates prospective renewable energy development and fossil fuel replacement in the future Finnish energy system. The study shows that only a combination of all available renewable energy forms can enable the carbon neutrality target to be achieved by 2035. There is a good possibility that Finland can replace fossil fuels fully in the energy sector; wind energy will increase its share of electricity production, and biomass will continue to play a crucial role in the heating sector. Industry and the transport sector, however, face greater challenges and should be studied in more detail.
Engineering a “muco‐trapping” ACE2‐immunoglobulin hybrid with picomolar affinity as an inhaled, pan‐variant immunotherapy for COVID‐19
Authors: Tiruthani Karthik , Cruz‐Teran Carlos , Chan Jasper F. W. , Ma Alice , McSweeney Morgan , Wolf Whitney , Yuan Shoufeng , Poon Vincent K. M. , Chan Chris C. S. , Botta Lakshmi , Farrer Brian , Stewart Ian , Schaefer Alison , Edelstein Jasmine , Kumar Priya , Arora Harendra , Hutchins Jeff T. , Hickey Anthony J. , Yuen Kwok‐Yung , Lai Samuel K. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSoluble angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) can act as a decoy molecule that neutralizes severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) by blocking spike (S) proteins on virions from binding ACE2 on host cells. Based on structural insights of ACE2 and S proteins, we designed a “muco‐trapping” ACE2‐Fc conjugate, termed ACE2‐(G4S)6‐Fc, comprised of the extracellular segment of ACE2 (lacking the C‐terminal collectrin domain) that is linked to mucin‐binding IgG1‐Fc via an extended glycine‐serine flexible linker. ACE2‐(G4S)6‐Fc exhibits substantially greater binding affinity and neutralization potency than conventional full length ACE2‐Fc decoys or similar truncated ACE2‐Fc decoys without flexible linkers, possessing picomolar binding affinity and strong neutralization potency against pseudovirus and live virus. ACE2‐(G4S)6‐Fc effectively trapped fluorescent SARS‐CoV‐2 virus like particles in fresh human airway mucus and was stably nebulized using a commercial vibrating mesh nebulizer. Intranasal dosing of ACE2‐(G4S)6‐Fc in hamsters as late as 2 days postinfection provided a 10‐fold reduction in viral load in the nasal turbinate tissues by Day 4. These results strongly support further development of ACE2‐(G4S)6‐Fc as an inhaled immunotherapy for COVID‐19, as well as other emerging viruses that bind ACE2 for cellular entry.
Exploring the Chemical Constituents and Nutritive Potential of Bee Drone (Apilarnil): Emphasis on Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Abd El‐Wahed Aida A. , Khalifa Shaden A. M. , Aldahmash Badr , Zhang Hongcheng , Du Ming , Zhao Chao , Tahir Haroon Elrasheid , Saeed Aamer , Hussain Hidayat , Guo Zhiming , El‐Seedi Hesham R. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA lesser‐known bee product called drone brood homogenate (DBH, apilarnil) has recently attracted scientific interest for its chemical and biological properties. It contains pharmacologically active compounds that may have neuroprotective, antioxidant, fertility‐enhancing, and antiviral effects. Unlike other bee products, the chemical composition of bee drone larva is poorly studied. This study analyzed the chemical compostion of apilarnil using several methods. These included liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) and a combination of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with solid phase micro‐extraction (SPME/GC‐MS). Additionally, antioxidant activity of the apilarnil was assessed using 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay. A chemical assessment of apilarnil showed that it has 6.3±0.00, 74.67±0.10 %, 3.65±0.32 %, 8.80±1.01 %, 13.16±0.94 %, and 8.79±0.49 % of pH, moisture, total lipids, proteins, flavonoids, and carbohydrates, respectively. LC‐MS/MS analysis and molecular networking (GNPS) of apilarnil exhibited 44 compounds, including fatty acids, flavonoids, glycerophospholipids, alcohols, sugars, amino acids, and steroids. GC‐MS detected 30 volatile compounds in apilarnil, mainly esters (24 %), ketones (23.84 %), ethers (15.05 %), alcohols (11.41 %), fatty acids (10.06), aldehydes (6.73 %), amines (5.46), and alkene (5.53 %). The antioxidant activity of apilarnil was measured using DPPH with an IC50 of 179.93±2.46 μg/ml.
PTPN2 inhibits the proliferation of psoriatic keratinocytes by dephosphorylation of STAT3
Authors: Liu Shougang , Liu Fanghua , Zhang Zeqiao , Zhuang Zhe , Chen Yongfeng 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPsoriasis is a recurrent and protracted disease that severely impacts the patient's physical and mental health. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore its pathogenesis to identify therapeutic targets. The expression level of protein tyrosine phosphatase nonreceptor type 2 (PTPN2) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry techniques in psoriatic tissues and imiquimod‐induced psoriatic mouse models. PTPN2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) were overexpressed or silenced in human keratinocytes or an interleukin (IL)‐6‐induced psoriasis HaCaT cell model using overexpression plasmid transfection or small interfering RNA technology in vitro, and the effects of PTPN2 on STAT3, HaCaT cell function, and autophagy levels were investigated using reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, Cell Counting Kit 8, 5‐ethynyl‐20‐deoxyuridine, flow cytometry, and transmission electron microscopy. PTPN2 expression was found to be significantly downregulated in psoriatic tissues. Then, the in vitro antipsoriatic properties of PTPN2 were investigated in an IL‐6‐induced psoriasis‐like cell model, and the results demonstrated that inhibition of keratinocyte proliferation by PTPN2 may be associated with elevated STAT3 dephosphorylation and autophagy levels. These findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms of autophagy in psoriatic keratinocytes and may be essential for developing new therapeutic strategies to improve inflammatory homeostasis in psoriatic patients.
The role of long noncoding RNA DGCR5 in cancers: Focus on molecular targets
Authors: Al‐Hawary Sulieman I. S. , Rodrigues Paul , Bangali Harun , Hassan Zahraa F. , Elawady Ahmed 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLong noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are major components of cellular transcripts that are emerging as important players in various biological pathways. Due to their specific expression and functional diversity in a variety of cancers, lncRNAs have promising applications in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. Studies have shown that lncRNA DiGeorge syndrome critical region gene 5 (DGCR5) with high specificity and accuracy has the potential to become biomarkers in cancers. LncRNA DGCR5 can be noninvasively extracted from body fluids, tissues, and cells, and can be used as independent or auxiliary biomarkers to improve the accuracy of diagnosis or prognosis. Now, the underlying mechanisms of lncRNAs such as DGCR5 were explored as therapeutic targets, which have been investigated in clinical trials of several cancers. The DGCR5 lacks an appropriate animal model, which is necessary to gain greater knowledge of their functions. While some studies on the uses of DGCR5 have been carried out, the small sample size makes them unreliable. In this review, we presented a compilation of recent publications addressing the potential of lncRNA DGCR5 that could be considered as biomarkers or therapeutic targets, with the hopes of providing promised implications for future cancer therapy.
The noncanonical nucleotide binding site 1 of the bile salt export pump is optimized for proper function of the transporter
Authors: Sohail Imran , Hassan Mahmood Ul , Schmid Diethart , Chiba Peter 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe bile salt export pump (ABCB11/BSEP) is a hepatocyte plasma membrane‐resident protein translocating bile salts into bile canaliculi. The sequence alignment of the four full‐length transporters of the ABCB subfamily (ABCB1, ABCB4, ABCB5 and ABCB11) indicates that the NBD‐NBD contact interface of ABCB11 differs from that of other members in only four residues. Notably, these are all located in the noncanonical nucleotide binding site 1 (NBS1). Substitution of all four deviant residues with canonical ones (quadruple mutant) significantly decreased the transport activity of the protein. In this study, we mutated two deviant residues in the signature sequence to generate a double mutant (R1221G/E1223Q). Furthermore, a triple mutant (E502S/R1221G/E1223Q) was generated, in which the deviant residues of the signature sequence and Q‐loop were mutated concurrently to canonical residues. The double and triple mutants showed 80% and 60%, respectively, of the activity of wild‐type BSEP. As expected, an increasing number of mutations gradually impair transport as an intricate network of interactions within the ABC proteins ensures proper functioning.
Geographic variation in aortic stenosis treatment and outcomes among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States
Authors: van Bakel Pieter A. J. , Ahmed Yunus , Hou Hechuan , Sukul Devraj , Likosky Donald S. , van Herwaarden Joost A. , Patel Himanshu J. , Thompson Michael P. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundTranscatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has changed the landscape of aortic stenosis (AS) management.AimTo describe and evaluate geographic variation in AS treatment and outcomes among a sample of Medicare beneficiaries.MethodsA retrospective analysis of administrative claims data was conducted on a 20% sample of Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries aged 65 and older with a diagnosis of AS (2015−2018). Estimates of demographic, comorbidity, and healthcare resources were obtained from Medicare claims and the Dartmouth Atlas of Health Care at the hospital referral region (HRR), which represents regional tertiary medical care markets. Linear regression was used to explain HRR‐level variation in rates of surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) and TAVR, and 1‐year mortality and readmission rates.ResultsA total of 740,899 beneficiaries with AS were identified with a median prevalence of AS of 39.9 per 1000 Medicare beneficiary years. The average HRR‐level rate of SAVR was 26.3 procedures per 1000 beneficiary years and the rate of TAVR was 20.3 procedures per 1000 beneficiary years. HRR‐level comorbidities and number of TAVR centers were associated with a lower SAVR rate. Demographics and comorbidities explained most of the variation in HRR‐level 1‐year mortality (15.2% and 18.8%) and hospitalization rates (20.5% and 16.9%), but over half of the variation remained unexplained.ConclusionWide regional variation in the treatment and outcomes of AS was observed but were largely unexplained by patient factors and healthcare utilization. Understanding the determinants of AS treatment and outcomes can inform population health efforts for these patients.
Performance of the minimalistic hybrid approach algorithm versus other conventional algorithms in the percutaneous treatment of chronic total occlusions
Authors: Poletti Enrico , Zivelonghi Carlo , Dens Joseph , Bennett Johan , Ungureanu Claudiu , Coussement Patrick , Cottens Daan , Lesizza Pierluigi , Jossart Adrien , De Cock Emmanuel , Scott Benjamin , Agostoni Pierfrancesco 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundThe “Minimalistic Hybrid Approach” (MHA) has been proposed to reduce the invasiveness of chronic total occlusion (CTO) percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).AimsThis study aims to assess whether MHA may also reduce the utilization of PCI resources (devices, radiations, and contrast) by comparing it with other conventional algorithms.MethodsWe aimed to assess the impact of MHA on device, radiation, and contrast usage during CTO‐PCI analyzing data from the Belgian Working Group on CTO (BWG‐CTO) registry. Patients were divided, depending on the algorithm used, into two groups: Conventional versus Minimalistic. Primary objectives were procedure performance measures such as device usage (microcatheters and guidewires), radiological parameters, and contrast use. At 1‐year follow‐up, patients were evaluated for target vessel failure (TVF), defined as a composite of cardiac death, new myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization.ResultsOverall, we analyzed 821 CTO‐PCIs (Conventional n = 650, Minimalistic n = 171). The Minimalistic group demonstrated higher complexity of CTO lesions. After adjusting for propensity score, the Minimalistic group had a significantly lower number of microcatheters used (1.49 ± 0.85 vs. 1.24 ± 0.64, p = 0.026), while the number of guidewires was comparable (4.80 ± 3.29 vs. 4.35 ± 2.94, p = 0.30). Both groups had similar rates of success and procedural complications, as well as comparable procedural and fluoroscopic times and contrast volume used. At the 1‐year follow‐up, both groups showed comparable rates of TVF (hazard ratio: 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.24–1.34, p = 0.195).ConclusionThe MHA may slightly reduce the number of dedicated devices used during CTO‐PCI, without adversely affecting the procedural success or long‐term outcome.
Diagnostic challenge in a 2‐year‐old boy poisoned with carbon monoxide: A case report
Authors: Alizadeh Anahita , Pourbadakhshan Nafiseh , Moazzen Nasrin 
Published: February 2024

Key Clinical MessageCarbon monoxide poisoning diagnosis is sometimes very difficult and should be considered in the differential diagnosis list of children's consciousness disorders even in summer.AbstractCarbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous, and sometimes, it is difficult to diagnose. Especially, this poisoning may have non‐specific manifestations in children and can be confused with other diseases. Here we present a 2‐year‐old child who suffered a disturbance of consciousness during the summer season. He and his family were travelers who had come to Mashhad from Kerman and were staying in a hotel room, after various investigations. It has been found that he was poisoned with carbon monoxide gas due to the leakage of carbon monoxide gas from the chimney pipe of the engine room related to the hotel's water heating into the room. After receiving oxygen and supportive treatments, he recovered and was discharged with good health. Poisoning with carbon monoxide gas is very dangerous, and the awareness of health and medical personnel in this field is essential.
Nickel and Iron‐Doped Biocarbon Catalysts for Reverse Water‐Gas Shift Reaction
Authors: Graul Théodore , González Martínez María , Nzihou Ange 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiocarbon catalysts for reverse water‐gas shift reaction (RWGS) were produced from pyrolyzed fern and willow impregnated with iron and nickel nitrates. This reaction can partake during Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis (FTS) by consuming CO2 and lowering both the H2/CO ratio and the efficiency in the production of fuels. RWGS has attracted much attention to widespread utilization of CO2 through the production of syngas. The catalysts were therefore tested in a fixed‐bed reactor at 400 °C as it is the maximal temperature for FTS and high RWGS. They showed high selectivity towards CO (>84 %) and fair conversion (<17 %) compared to rust (81 %, 30 %, respectively) and Fe‐impregnated alumina (100 %, 8 %). No loss in selectivity and conversion was observed for a longer residence time (288 h). Biomass inherent metals could provide reactive gas adsorption sites that improve conversion by dispersing electrons which reduces adsorption and dissociation energy barriers. K, Mg and Ca in fern biocarbon catalysts may be related to the higher CO2 uptake compared to willow catalysts. Electron deficient sites produced by reduction of biocarbon oxygen functional groups may facilitate CO2 uptake and activation. Ni‐impregnated fern‐based biocarbon showed the highest activity, due to the synergetic effect of the inherent metals, O vacancies and strong metal‐carbon interactions.
A Perspective on the Requirements of Ni‐rich Cathode Surface Modifications for Application in Lithium‐ion Batteries and All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐ion Batteries
Authors: Choi Jae Hong , Embleton Tom James , Ko Kyungmok , Jang Haeseong , Son Yoonkook , Park Joohyuk , Lee Songyi , Oh Pilgun 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe increasing adoption of Ni‐rich cathode active materials in commercial liquid electrolyte Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) is testament to the improvements in the cathode stability through various surface modification strategies. The development of a deeper understanding of the cathode/electrolyte interface in LIBs has resulted in coatings capable of mitigating both surface and bulk cathode degradation mechanisms. However, due to increasing demands for safe and high energy density cells, a large portion of the research has now shifted towards applying Ni‐rich cathode active materials in inherently safer all‐solid‐state Lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLBs), with the resulting cathode surface modification strategies evolving differently. In this regard, a review outlining the surface modification strategies of Ni‐rich cathode materials applied in both LIB and ASSLB systems is provided. Within, a review of the traditional, advanced and specialized surface modification strategies of each system is discussed, along with a final perspective on the likely future direction of research regarding the design of system‐specific Ni‐rich cathode‐based surface modification strategies.
Highly efficient vanadium redox flow batteries enabled by a trilayer polybenzimidazole membrane assembly
Authors: Bui Trung Tuyen , Shin Mingyu , Rahimi Mohammad , Bentien Anders , Kwon Yongchai , Henkensmeier Dirk 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA novel polybenzimidazole (PBI)‐based trilayer membrane assembly is developed for application in vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB). The membrane comprises a 1 µm thin cross‐linked poly[2,2′‐(p‐oxydiphenylene)−5,5′‐bibenzimidazole] (OPBI) sandwiched between two 20 µm thick porous OPBI membranes (p‐OPBI) without further lamination steps. The trilayer membrane demonstrates exceptional properties, such as high conductivity and low area‐specific resistance (ASR) of 51 mS cm−1 and 81 mΩ cm2, respectively. Contact with vanadium electrolyte increases the ASR of trilayer membrane only to 158 mΩ cm2, while that of Nafion is 193 mΩ cm2. VO2+ permeability is 2.73 × 10−9 cm2 min−1, about 150 times lower than that of Nafion NR212. In addition, the membrane has high mechanical strength and high chemical stability against VO2+. In VRFB, the combination of low resistance and low vanadium permeability results in excellent performance, revealing high Coulombic efficiency (>99%), high energy efficiency (EE; 90.8% at current density of 80 mA cm−2), and long‐term durability. The EE is one of the best reported to date.