bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioproduction and Application of Orange and Yellow Pigments Obtained from Chryseomicrobium palamuruense and Micrococcus luteus
Authors: Daramola Ifeoluwa V. , Awojobi Kehinde O. 
Published: July 2023

Colour is a fundamental and most likely one of the primary attributes to be observed by the human senses, making it an essential part of human life and culture. This study investigates the bioproduction and potential application of bacterial pigments obtained from abattoir wastewater. Bacteria isolates recovered from abattoir wastewater were screened for pigment production and identified using the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Optimal physicochemical conditions of parameters were investigated and harnessed for bulk pigment production. Pigments produced were characterised using UV-Visible Spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) Analysis. The antibacterial and dyeing ability of the extracted pigments were evaluated. Two bacteria namely, Chryseomicrobium palamuruense strain PUI and Micrococcus luteus strain 1k produced orange and yellow pigments respectively. The UV-visible spectrum of the orange pigment produced by Chryseomicrobium palamuruense showed surface plasmon resonance peaks at 262, 426, and 453 nm while that of the yellow pigment produced by Micrococcus luteus showed a single peak at 260 nm. The FTIR analysis of the extracted pigments indicated the presence of some functional groups namely hydroxyl (OH), C-H, primary and secondary C-O, and skeletal C-C vibrations. Chryseomicrobium palamuruense and Micrococcus luteus showed no antibacterial activity against the selected typed bacterial isolates assessed in this study. The orange pigment extracted from Chryseomicrobium palamuruense was retained on cotton and polyester producing different shades of colour on the two fabrics when used as a dyeing agent. The pigment-producing potentials of these organisms suggest their relevance as promising dyes in textile industry.
Integration of COVID 19 Vaccination into Routine Immunization Services in Belize
Authors: Oladeji Olusola , Beer Natalia Largaespada , Baitwabusa Angella , Middleton Lilia , Parker Alison , Diaz-Musa Melissa 
Published: July 2023

The study described the process and outcome of integration of COVID 19 vaccination into routine immunization services in Belize which was initiated in April 2022. The process was guided using the five components of the immunization system; program management and coordination; service delivery, vaccine supply and cold chain logistic, Surveillance and monitoring; and advocacy and social mobilization and communication as the implementation framework. Collaboration between COVID-19 vaccination and other existing immunization delivery platforms targeting different age groups was the service delivery approach adopted for the integration. Fixed health facilities, mobile clinics and home visits were used as the delivery strategies for integration. The fixed health facilities offered both routine and COVID19 vaccination daily and the same time while the mobile teams were deployed based on schedule to villages that are far to reach from the fixed health facilities and communities with lowest vaccination coverages were prioritized for both routine and COVID19 vaccination. The mobile and home visit teams also tracked and provided mop up vaccination for missed children to reduce the zero-dose children. The results showed that the integration of COVID 19 vaccination has no negative effect on the coverage of routine vaccination, with increase in the coverage of both routine immunization and COVID 19 vaccination following integration. The coverage of 1st dose and 3rd dose of Pentavalent vaccine increased by 7 percent and 10 percent respectively between April 2021- March 2022 (pre-integration) and April 2022- March 2023(post integration) though not statistically significant (p>0.5). The coverage of population who received at least one dose of COVID 19 vaccine and those fully vaccinated increased from 54.3 percent and 51 percent to 65 percent and 55.7percent respectively between 31st March 2022 and 31st March 2023.
The study contributes to the existing literature on integration of COVID 19 vaccination into routine immunization services which is essential to ensure sustained and equitable access to COVID-19 vaccine and improve uptake of other routine vaccines to address the continued backslide in routine vaccination due to the COVID 19 pandemic.
Ultrastrong Ionotronic Films Showing Electrochemical Osmotic Actuation
Authors: Li Lengwan , Tian Weiqian , VahidMohammadi Armin , Rostami Jowan , Chen Bin , Matthews Kyle , Ram Farsa , Pettersson Torbjörn , Wågberg Lars , Benselfelt Tobias , Gogotsi Yury , Berglund Lars A. , Hamedi Mahiar Max 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA multifunctional soft material with high ionic and electrical conductivity, combined with high mechanical properties and the ability to change shape can enable bioinspired responsive devices and systems. The incorporation of all these characteristics in a single material is very challenging, as the improvement of one property tends to reduce other properties. Here, a nanocomposite film based on charged, high‐aspect‐ratio 1D flexible nanocellulose fibrils, and 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene is presented. The self‐assembly process results in a stratified structure with the nanoparticles aligned in‐plane, providing high ionotronic conductivity and mechanical strength, as well as large water uptake. In hydrogel form with 20 wt% liquid, the electrical conductivity is over 200 S cm−1 and the in‐plane tensile strength is close to 100 MPa. This multifunctional performance results from the uniquely layered composite structure at nano‐ and mesoscales. A new type of electrical soft actuator is assembled where voltage as low as ±1 V resulted in osmotic effects and giant reversible out‐of‐plane swelling, reaching 85% strain.
Modulating the Active Hydrogen Adsorption on Fe─N Interface for Boosted Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction with Ultra‐Long Stability
Authors: Luo Hongxia , Li Shuangjun , Wu Ziyang , Liu Yanbiao , Luo Wei , Li Wei , Zhang Dieqing , Chen Jun , Yang Jianping 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate (NO3−) to nitrogen (N2) is an environmentally friendly approach for efficient N‐cycle management (toward a nitrogen‐neutral cycle). However, poor catalyst durability and the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction significantly impede its practical application. Interface‐chemistry engineering, utilizing the close relationship between the catalyst surface/interface microenvironment and electron/proton transfer process, has facilitated the development of catalysts with high intrinsic activity and physicochemical durability. This study reports the synthesis of a nitrogen‐doped carbon‐coated rice‐like iron nitride (RL‐Fe2N@NC) electrocatalyst with excellent electrocatalytic nitrate‐reduction reaction activity (high N2 selectivity (≈96%) and NO3− conversion (≈86%)). According to detailed mechanistic investigations by in situ tests and theoretical calculations, the strong hydrogenation ability of iron nitride and enhanced nitrate enrichment of the system synergistically contribute to the rapid hydrogenation of nitrogen‐containing species, increasing the intrinsic activity of the catalyst and reducing the occurrence of the competing hydrogen‐evolution side reaction. Moreover, RL‐Fe2N@NC shows excellent stability, retaining good NO3−‐to‐N2 electrocatalysis activity for more than 40 cycles (one cycle per day). This paper could guide the interfacial design of Fe‐based composite nanostructures for electrocatalytic nitrate reduction, facilitating a shift toward nitrogen neutrality.
The Role of Optical Phonon Confinement in the Infrared Dielectric Response of III–V Superlattices
Authors: Matson Joseph R. , Alam Md Nazmul , Varnavides Georgios , Sohr Patrick , Knight Sean , Darakchieva Vanya , Stokey Megan , Schubert Mathias , Said Ayman , Beechem Thomas , Narang Prineha , Law Stephanie , Caldwell Joshua D. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractPolar dielectrics are key materials of interest for infrared (IR) nanophotonic applications due to their ability to host phonon‐polaritons that allow for low‐loss, subdiffractional control of light. The properties of phonon‐polaritons are limited by the characteristics of optical phonons, which are nominally fixed for most “bulk” materials. Superlattices composed of alternating atomically thin materials offer control over crystal anisotropy through changes in composition, optical phonon confinement, and the emergence of new modes. In particular, the modified optical phonons in superlattices offer the potential for so‐called crystalline hybrids whose IR properties cannot be described as a simple mixture of the bulk constituents. To date, however, studies have primarily focused on identifying the presence of new or modified optical phonon modes rather than assessing their impact on the IR response. This study focuses on assessing the impact of confined optical phonon modes on the hybrid IR dielectric function in superlattices of GaSb and AlSb. Using a combination of first principles theory, Raman, FTIR, and spectroscopic ellipsometry, the hybrid dielectric function is found to track the confinement of optical phonons, leading to optical phonon spectral shifts of up to 20 cm−1. These results provide an alternative pathway toward designer IR optical materials.
Co‐Delivery of Metabolic Modulators Leads to Simultaneous Lactate Metabolism Inhibition and Intracellular Acidification for Synergistic Cancer Therapy
Authors: Lee Bowon , Park Ok Kyu , Pan Limin , Kim Kang , Kang Taegyu , Kim Hyunjoong , Lee Nohyun , Choi Seung Hong , Hyeon Taeghwan 
Published: July 2023

AbstractSimultaneous lactate metabolism inhibition and intracellular acidification (LIIA) is a promising approach for inducing tumor regression by depleting ATP. However, given the limited efficacy of individual metabolic modulators, a combination of various modulators is required for highly efficient LIIA. Herein, a co‐delivery system that combines lactate transporter inhibitor, glucose oxidase, and O2‐evolving nanoparticles is proposed. As a vehicle, a facile room‐temperature synthetic method for large‐pore mesoporous silica nanoparticles (L‐MSNs) is developed. O2‐evolving nanoparticles are then conjugated onto L‐MSNs, followed by immobilizing the lactate transporter inhibitor and glucose oxidase inside the pores of L‐MSNs. To load the lactate transporter inhibitor, which is too small to be directly loaded into the large pores, it is encapsulated in albumin by controlling the albumin conformation before being loaded into L‐MSNs. Notably, inhibiting lactate efflux shifts the glucose consumption mechanism from lactate metabolism to glucose oxidase reaction, which eliminates glucose and produces acid. This leads to synergistic LIIA and subsequent ATP depletion in cancer cells. Consequently, L‐MSN‐based co‐delivery of modulators for LIIA shows high anticancer efficacy in several mouse tumor models without toxicity in normal tissues. This study provides new insights into co‐delivery of small‐molecule drugs, proteins, and nanoparticles for synergistic metabolic modulation in tumors.
Engineering nano‐clustered multivalent agonists to cross‐link TNF receptors for cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhao Gui , Chen Yi‐Fang , Zhou Shi‐Kun , Wang Yue , Sun Yi‐Qun , Shen Song , Xu Cong‐Fei , Wang Jun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractTumor necrosis factor receptors (TNFRs) are promising targets for cancer therapy. However, activating their downstream signaling requires cross‐linking of TNFRs. Herein, to devise strong agonists of TNFRs, ligands targeting TNFRs, such as OX40L and tumor necrosis factor‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL), were fused with a multivalent protein scaffold (MV) to prepare multivalent agonists for cross‐linking TNFRs. The nano‐clustered multivalent‐OX40L (MV‐OX40L) and MV‐TRAIL could promote T cell activation and directly induce tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, to develop a universal nano‐adaptor for the rapid preparation of multivalent agonists of different TNFRs, the Fc receptor that could immobilize antibodies was fused with MV to prepare MV‐FcR, which could multimerize commercial agonist antibodies targeting TNFRs, such as anti‐OX40 antibody (αOX40). Simply incubating αOX40 with MV‐FcR could prepare MV‐αOX40 to enhance its antitumor efficacy. In addition, MV‐FcR could multimerize with other therapeutic antibodies, such as anti‐PD‐L1 antibody, to enhance their valency. This study provides a promising strategy for engineering multivalent antitumor protein drugs.
CCR5 deficiency: Decreased neuronal resilience to oxidative stress and increased risk of vascular dementia
Authors: Tournier Benjamin B. , Sorce Silvia , Marteyn Antoine , Ghidoni Roberta , Benussi Luisa , Binetti Giuliano , Herrmann François R , Krause Karl‐Heinz , Zekry Dina 
Published: July 2023

AbstractINTRODUCTIONAs the chemokine receptor5 (CCR5) may play a role in ischemia, we studied the links between CCR5 deficiency, the sensitivity of neurons to oxidative stress, and the development of dementia.METHODSLogistic regression models with CCR5/apolipoprotein E (ApoE) polymorphisms were applied on a sample of 205 cognitively normal individuals and 189 dementia patients from Geneva. The impact of oxidative stress on Ccr5 expression and cell death was assessed in mice neurons.RESULTSCCR5‐Δ32 allele synergized with ApoEε4 as risk factor for dementia and specifically for dementia with a vascular component. We confirmed these results in an independent cohort from Italy (157 cognitively normal and 620 dementia). Carriers of the ApoEε4/CCR5‐Δ32 genotype aged ≥80 years have an 11‐fold greater risk of vascular‐and‐mixed dementia. Oxidative stress‐induced cell death in Ccr5−/− mice neurons.DISCUSSIONWe propose the vulnerability of CCR5‐deficient neurons in response to oxidative stress as possible mechanisms contributing to dementia.
Enhanced electrocatalytic CO2 reduction performance of Co‐porphyrin derivatives supported on CNTs with methylation of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups
Authors: Hao Yongchao , Li Hongfang , Tian Ming , Zhao Jun , Xing Cuijuan 
Published: July 2023

Metal‐porphyrin complexes with a well‐defined M‐N4 structure are a class of electrocatalyst materials that can be reasonably designed to exhibit high electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction (CO2RR) performance. The substituent effect of metal‐porphyrin complexes plays an important role in CO2RR. Herein, Co‐porphyrins with different substituents of ‐COOCH3, ‐OCH3, ‐COOH, and ‐OH (denoted as CoTCMePP, CoTOMePP, CoTCPP, and CoTOPP) were prepared and uniformly anchored on carbon nanotubes. CoTCMePP/CNTs exhibited a higher FE (CO) of 94.5% with a current density of 12.9 mA cm−2 and a TOF of 705 h−1 at −0.77 V versus RHE in 0.5 M KHCO3 than that of CoTCPP/CNTs. Meanwhile, the performance of CoTOMePP/CNTs was superior to CoTOPP/CNTs in FE (CO) and stability. The methylated derivatives exhibited enhanced electrocatalytic CO2 reduction performance, for the methylation of the hydroxyl and carboxyl might increase the solubility and suppress the aggregation of metal‐porphyrin, helping Co‐porphyrins disperse on the carbon nanotubes better.
Dynamics of drop formation and characterization of additive manufactured CS/AgNP/PVA composite membranes
Authors: Ogazi Anthony C. , Osifo Peter O. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis study investigated the dynamics of drop formation and the printability of chitosan/silver nanoparticles composite fluid (CS/AgNP) modified with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using an inkjet 3D printer. It specifically investigated the relationship between rheological properties and fluid mechanical properties in determining the minimum drop velocity for 3D printing of modified CS ink. Proper matching of modified CS fluid rheological properties to the established physical parameters generated adequate droplets on glass substrates and formed membrane composites. The dynamic viscosity of the CS ink decreased with an increase in the concentration of PVA, which resulted in the disruption of existing molecular forces within the CS/AgNP polymer chains, suggesting that the solvent (PVA) was responsible for reducing the shear stress, surface tension, and viscosity of the composite membranes and subsequently improving the flow rates of the CS matrix at the nozzle orifice. Optimized drop velocity of 1.77 m/s yielded adequate formation of the CS/AgNP/PVA membrane composite with enhanced surface morphology, while an increase in drop velocity to 2.5 m/s brought about the formation of satellite droplets with irregular surface structures in printed CS composites. Therefore, adherence to minimum fluid drop velocity is fundamental to effective inkjet printing of composite membranes.
Investigation into ameliorative dielectric properties of silicon/poly(vinylidene fluoride) composites by engineering insulating aluminum oxide shell as an interlayer
Authors: Lin Na , Yin Ronghua , Zhou Wenying , Zhang Mengyuan , Kong Fanrong , Gong Ming , Lei Xiaoyan , Cao Zichen , Di‐wu Jingyu , Li Weiwei , Zhao Yingying 
Published: July 2023

AbstractFlexible electronic materials with high‐dielectric constant (ɛ) and breakdown strength (Eb) but low loss is pursued. Encapsulation of conductive fillers with various insulating shells represents a promising strategy to inhibit dielectric loss or leakage current. In this work, aluminum oxide (Al2O3) encapsulated silicon (Si) core‐shell structured particles were prepared through a sol–gel approach, and then were incorporated with poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). The dielectric properties of PVDF composites with various fillers are investigated under varying frequencies. The findings demonstrate that a Al2O3 shell was formed outside the original Si, and that the Si@Al2O3/PVDF exhibit a high ɛ and elevated Eb but signally suppressive loss and restrained conductivity when compared with raw Si. The Al2O3 interlayer not only enhances the interface compatibility between the filler and the matrix and promotes interface polarizations, but also suppresses the loss and leakage current through preventing adjacent Si from directly contacting. The optimized dielectric performances can be achieved via tailoring the Al2O3 shell thickness. Furthermore, the theoretic fitting of experimental results by the Havriliak‐Negami equation deciphers the Al2O3 interlayer’ impact on the polarization mechanism. The resulting Si@Al2O3/PVDF composites with high ε but low loss, as well as boosted Eb, reveal potential applications in electrical systems.
Investigation of the spectral characteristics of Sm3+ ions in lead borosilicate glass for photonic applications
Authors: Nallamala Kiran , Shaik Nayab Rasool , Baddela Munisudhakar , Shaik Shabeena , Midde Reddi Babu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDifferent concentrations of Sm2O3‐doped lead borosilicate glass were synthesized using a melt–quenching method and their characteristics were analyzed using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy absorption, emission, and decay curves. From the XRD patterns, the noncrystalline nature of titled glass was confirmed. The structural groups that existed in the host glass were observed from FTIR spectra. The Judd–Ofelt (JO) intensity parameters and oscillator strengths were derived from the absorption spectra and compared with various reported systems. The excitation luminescence levels of the Sm3+ ion radiative properties were further computed using the JO intensity parameters. Effective bandwidth, emission cross‐sections (σe), and several lasing properties were assessed from emission spectra and compared with other reported glass systems. The decay curves of the 4G5/2 level of Sm3+ ion were also been measured and examined. Additionally, the colour coordinates of the Commission International de I'Éclairage chromaticity were assessed. The titled glass were suitable for visible reddish orange luminescence devices based on all obtained parameters.
The physical and psychological aspects of quality of life mediates the effect of radiation‐induced urgency syndrome on disability pension in gynecological cancer survivors
Authors: Noor Baloch Adnan , Hagberg Mats , Thomée Sara , Steineck Gunnar , Sandén Helena 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundRadiation‐induced fecal urgency syndrome is highly prevalent in gynecological cancer survivors. It is associated with decreased quality of life (QoL) and with disability pension. The literature remains unclear about the mediating role of physical and psychological aspects of QoL in the association between urgency syndrome and disability pension. Identifying the pathways between urgency syndrome and disability pension may help to create effective and timely interventions for increasing QoL and reducing disability pension among gynecological cancer survivors.MethodsWe used patient‐reported outcome measures from working‐age gynecological cancer survivors (n = 247) and data on their disability pension from the official register. The mediating role of physical and psychological aspects of QoL was studied by utilizing mediation analysis based on the counterfactual framework, appropriate for binary outcome, binary mediator with an exposure–mediator interaction. The total effect (TE) was divided into direct and indirect effects using single mediation analysis. Adjusted relative risks and percentage mediated (95% confidence intervals) were calculated. All statistical tests were two‐sided.ResultsUrgency syndrome increased the risk of disability pension both directly and indirectly (via QoL). Satisfaction with sleep mediated half of the TE (RR = 2.2 (1.1–4.1)) of urgency syndrome on disability pension. Physical health also mediated a similar proportion of the TE (RR = 2.1 (1.2–3.9)). The proportions mediated were higher for physical aspects of QoL (35%–71%) than for psychological aspects (2%–47%).ConclusionsThe investigated aspects of the self‐assessed QoL of gynecological cancer survivors may play a role in these women's continuing work‐life. It appears that physical health, satisfaction with sleep, psychological well‐being, and other investigated aspects of QoL mediate the urgency syndrome–disability pension association.
[4.3.1]Bicyclic FKBP Ligands Inhibit Legionella Pneumophila Infection by LpMip‐Dependent and LpMip‐Independent Mechanisms**
Authors: Deutscher Robin C. E. , Safa Karagöz M. , Purder Patrick L. , Kolos Jürgen M. , Meyners Christian , Oki Sugiarto Wisely , Krajczy Patryk , Tebbe Frederike , Geiger Thomas M. , Ünal Can , Hellmich Ute A. , Steinert Michael , Hausch Felix 
Published: July 2023

AbstractLegionella pneumophila is the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia. Its macrophage infectivity potentiator (Mip), a member of a highly conserved family of FK506‐binding proteins (FKBPs), plays a major role in the proliferation of the gram‐negative bacterium in host organisms. In this work, we test our library of >1000 FKBP‐focused ligands for inhibition of LpMip. The [4.3.1]‐bicyclic sulfonamide turned out as a highly preferred scaffold and provided the most potent LpMip inhibitors known so far. Selected compounds were non‐toxic to human cells, displayed antibacterial activity and block bacterial proliferation in cellular infection‐assays as well as infectivity in human lung tissue explants. The results confirm [4.3.1]‐bicyclic sulfonamides as anti‐legionellal agents, although their anti‐infective properties cannot be explained by inhibition of LpMip alone.