bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Electrical Stimulation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Conductive Substrates Promotes Neural Priming
Authors: Eftekhari Behnaz Sadat , Song Dawei , Janmey Paul A. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractElectrical stimulation (ES) within a conductive scaffold is potentially beneficial in encouraging the differentiation of stem cells toward a neuronal phenotype. To improve stem cell‐based regenerative therapies, it is essential to use electroconductive scaffolds with appropriate stiffnesses to regulate the amount and location of ES delivery. Herein, biodegradable electroconductive substrates with different stiffnesses are fabricated from chitosan‐grafted‐polyaniline (CS‐g‐PANI) copolymers. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) cultured on soft conductive scaffolds show a morphological change with significant filopodial elongation after electrically stimulated culture along with upregulation of neuronal markers and downregulation of glial markers. Compared to stiff conductive scaffolds and non‐conductive CS scaffolds, soft conductive CS‐g‐PANI scaffolds promote increased expression of microtubule‐associated protein 2 (MAP2) and neurofilament heavy chain (NF‐H) after application of ES. At the same time, there is a decrease in the expression of the glial markers glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin after ES. Furthermore, the elevation of intracellular calcium [Ca2+] during spontaneous, cell‐generated Ca2+ transients further suggests that electric field stimulation of hMSCs cultured on conductive substrates can promote a neural‐like phenotype. The findings suggest that the combination of the soft conductive CS‐g‐PANI substrate and ES is a promising new tool for enhancing neuronal tissue engineering outcomes.
Asymmetric Block Extension of Star‐Shaped [PEG‐SH]4 – toward Poly(dehydroalanine)‐Functionalized PEG Hydrogels for Catch and Release of Charged Guest Molecules
Authors: Kowalczuk Kathrin , Mons Peter J. , Ulrich Hans F. , Wegner Valentin D. , Brendel Johannes C. , Mosig Alexander S. , Schacher Felix H. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWith the incorporation of polyampholytic segments into soft matter, hydrogels can serve as a reservoir for a variety of charged molecules which can be caught and released upon changes in pH value. Asymmetric block extension of one arm for star‐shaped poly(ethylene glycol) [PEG26‐SH]4 using short segments of polyampholytic poly(dehydroalanine) (PDha) is herein demonstrated while maintaining the functional thiol end groups for network formation. For subsequent hydrogel synthesis with up to 10 wt.% PDha a straightforward and biocompatible photoinitiated thiol‐ene click reaction is exploited. The investigation of the swelling properties of the hydrogel revealed responsive behavior toward ionic strength and variations in pH value. Moreover, the reversible adsorption of the model dyes methylene blue (MB) and acid orange 7 (AO7) is investigated by UV–vis measurements and the procedure can be successfully transferred to the adsorption of the adhesion peptide RGDS resulting in an uptake of 1.5 wt% RGDS with regard to the dry weight of the hydrogel.
Nanoclay‐Modified Hyaluronic Acid Microspheres for Bone Induction by Sustained rhBMP‐2 Delivery
Authors: Zhang Yi‐ding , Ma Ao‐bo , Sun Lu , Chen Jun‐duo , Hong Guang , Wu Hong‐kun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractMicrospheres (MSs) are ideal candidates as biological scaffolds loading with growth factors or cells for bone tissue engineering to repair irregular alveolar bone defects by minimally invasive injection. However, the high initial burst release of growth factor and low cell attachment limit the application of microspheres. The modification of microspheres often needs expensive experiments facility or complex chemical reactions, which is difficult to achieve and may bring other problems. In this study, a sol‐grade nanoclay, laponite XLS is used to modify the surface of MSs to enhance its affinity to either positively or negatively charged proteins and cells without changing the interior structure of the MSs. Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (rhBMP‐2) is used as a representation of growth factor to check the osteoinduction ability of laponite XLS‐modified MSs. By modification, the protein sustained release, cell loading, and osteoinduction ability of MSs are improved. Modified by 1% laponite XLS, the MSs can not only promote osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3‐E1 cells by themselves, but also enhance the effect of the rhBMP‐2 below the effective dose. Collectively, the study provides an easy and viable method to modify the biological behavior of microspheres for bone tissue regeneration.
Design and Applications of Dynamic Hydrogels Based on Reversible C═N Bonds
Authors: Yang Hui , Fustin Charles‐André 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDynamic hydrogels offer the opportunity to meet the expectations of smart materials with adaptable properties such as stimuli responsiveness, self‐healing, shear thinning, stress relaxation, dynamic viscoelasticity, energy dissipation mechanisms, time‐dependent adaptation, etc. In the past decades, reversible C═N bonds including imine, hydrazone, and oxime have received great research interest in the design of dynamic polymer networks (DPNs). Moreover, reversible C═N bonds can be well‐integrated into DPNs in combination with permanent covalent crosslinks and/or other dynamic bonds (supramolecular interactions and dynamic covalent bonds), thus outfitting the hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties, multiresponsiveness, printability, adhesion, and various other functions. This literature review first describes how reversible C═N bonds can be introduced into hydrogels from the perspective of dynamic bonds and network topologies. The design strategies (building blocks, crosslink type combinations, network topologies) reported in the literature are then discussed, as well as the effects of dynamic crosslinking on the hydrogel properties and the potential applications.
The role of emotions in augmented reality
Authors: Soon Pei‐Shan , Lim Weng Marc , Gaur Sanjaya Singh 
Published: August 2023

AbstractAugmented reality (AR) can induce emotions among its users. However, emotional valence is often studied with a singular focus (e.g., enjoyment), which disregards and overlooks the multifaceted nature of emotional valence. Taking a multifaceted perspective of emotional valence, this study aims to broaden understanding of how induced emotions can drive consumers’ inclination to use AR. A multifaceted emotion measurement scale was modified and utilized (nStudy1: 224), followed by two experimental studies (nStudy2: 214;nStudy3: 200). These experiments entailed a design wherein the experimental group explored products using an AR app while the control group navigated the mobile website of the same company devoid of any AR features. Our findings indicate that the use of AR instigates expressive emotions, further eliciting emotion components spanning both affective and physiological dimensions. In instances of positive emotions, at least two out of the three elicited emotion components consistently led to a heightened desire to engage with AR. Negative emotions produce no significant effects. Taken collectively, the principal theoretical contribution of this study lies in its elucidation of the components and elicitation patterns of emotions tied to AR, whereas the practical standpoint of these findings underscores the necessity for both developers and marketers to comprehend the pivotal role that the induction of positive expressive emotions plays in designing effective AR apps. These insights should therefore pave the way for more intuitively engaging and emotionally satisfying AR experiences for consumers.
Eco‐Friendly One‐Pot Supramolecular‐Assembly of P‐N Flame Retardant for Fire‐Safe Epoxy Resin
Authors: Xiang Simeng , Tang Bin , Feng Jiao , Lin Xiang , Liu Feng , Yang Hongyu , Feng Xiaming , Wan Chaojun 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFlame retardant treatment of epoxy resins (EP) to reduce their flammability for extending their range of applications attracts considerable attention. However, the synthesis process of conventional flame retardants is complicated and involves organic hazardous solvents. Meanwhile, how to ensure both the flame‐retardant and mechanical properties is a long‐standing and actual difficult problem. In this work, a supramolecular flame retardant (named ATPFR) is facilely created by one‐pot reaction, using cheap and accessible raw materials in an ecologically benign aqueous solvent. ATPFR is applied to improve the fire safety of EP. With only 5 wt% ATPFR addition, EP can reach the limiting oxygen index of 28.5% and the UL‐94 V‐0 rating with a significant “blow‐out effect.” The cone calorimetry test reveals that the EP thermoset with 5 wt% ATPFR has a 75.8% reduction in the peak heat release rate (p‐HRR) and a 67.3% reduction in the peak smoke production rate (p‐SPR), respectively, compared with the pure EP. Additionally, EP composites with the small amount of ATPFR exhibit a slight decrease and maintain good mechanical properties. Therefore, the facile synthesis and application of this supramolecular flame retardant provide a reliable way for the construction of polymer materials with environment‐friendly and effective flame‐retardant system.
Recent progress in thermosensitive hydrogels and their applications in drug delivery area
Authors: Khan Bangul , Arbab Areesha , Khan Samiullah , Fatima Hajira , Bibi Isha , Chowdhry Narinder P. , Ansari Abdul Q. , Ursani Ahsan A. , Kumar Sanjay , Hussain Jawad , Abdullah Saad 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe scientific community has widely recognized thermosensitive hydrogels as highly biocompatible material with immense potential in drug delivery systems. When the temperature of these hydrogels approaches that of human body, a phase change occurs, enhancing their usefulness in a range of medical scenarios. This review article highlighted the background of thermosensitive hydrogels, their properties, and their applications in transdermal, oral, ophthalmic, intravaginal, nasal, rectal, cancer therapy, and cell‐loaded drug delivery systems. The literature suggests numerous advantages of these hydrogels over conventional drug delivery systems and find applications in various fields, such as therapeutic systems, filling processes, and sustained drug delivery systems. One of their key benefits is the ability to eliminate invasive procedures like surgery, providing a noninvasive alternative for drug administration. Moreover, they streamline the formulation process for both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drug delivery systems, simplifying the development of effective treatments. The thermosensitive hydrogels have been found to be green materials with negligible side effects and desirable drug delivery properties. The thermosensitive hydrogel's sustained‐release characteristics, immunogenicity, and biodegradability have also gained increased interest. Some of the disadvantages of thermosensitive hydrogels include delayed temperature response, weak mechanical characteristics, and poor biocompatibility, which limits their potential use in drug delivery applications.
Multisite and multitimepoint proteomics reveal that patent foramen ovale closure improves migraine and epilepsy by reducing right‐to‐left shunt‐induced hypoxia
Authors: Dong Bosi , Lu Ying , He Siyu , Li Baichuan , Li Yajiao , Lai Qi , Li Wanling , Ji Shuming , Chen Yucheng , Dai Lunzhi , Chen Lei 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPatent foramen ovale (PFO) is a congenital defect in the partition between two atria, which may cause right‐to‐left shunt (RLS), leading to neurological chronic diseases with episodic manifestations (NCDEMs), such as migraine and epilepsy. However, whether PFO closure was effective in improving NCDEMs and the mechanism were unclear. Twenty‐eight patients with migraine or epilepsy who underwent PFO closure were recruited. Notably, approximately half of patients received 50% or more reduction in seizure or headache attacks. Meanwhile, the postoperative blood oxygen partial pressure and oxygen saturation were elevated after PFO closure. Multisite (peripheral, right, and left atrial) and multitimepoint (before and after surgery) plasma proteomics from patients showed that the levels of free hemoglobin and cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) were significantly increased after PFO closure, which may be related to the relief of the hypoxic state. Furtherly, the omics data from multiple brain regions of mice revealed that a large number of proteins were differentially expressed in the occipital region in response to PFO, including redox molecules and CAMs, suggesting PFO‐caused hypoxia may have great impacts on occipital region. Collectively, PFO may cause NCDEMs due to RLS‐induced hypoxia, and PFO closure could prevent RLS to improve migraine and epilepsy.
Clinical evaluation of a multitarget fecal immunochemical test‐sDNA test for colorectal cancer screening in a high‐risk population: a prospective, multicenter clinical study
Authors: Hu Ye‐Ting , Chen Xiao‐Feng , Zhai Chun‐Bao , Yu Xiao‐Tian , Liu Gang , Xiong Zhi‐Guo , Wang Zi‐Qiang , Cai San‐Jun , Li Wen‐Cai , Kong Xiang‐Xing , Xiao Qian , Wang Cai‐Hua , Tao Zhi‐Hua , Niu Li‐Yun , Men Jian‐Long , Wang Qing , Wei Shao‐Zhong , Hu Jun‐Jie , Yang Ting‐Han , Peng Jun‐Jie , Jiang Guo‐Zhong , Lv Ning , Chen Yi‐You , Zheng Shu , Gu Yan‐Hong , Ding Ke‐Feng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is a major malignancy threatening the health of people in China and screening could be effective for preventing the occurrence and reducing the mortality of CRC. We conducted a multicenter, prospective clinical study which recruited 4,245 high‐risk CRC individuals defined as having positive risk‐adapted scores or fecal immunochemical test (FIT) results, to evaluate the clinical performance of the multitarget fecal immunochemical and stool DNA (FIT‐sDNA) test for CRC screening. Each participant was asked to provide a stool sample prior to bowel preparation, and FIT‐sDNA test and FIT were performed independently of colonoscopy. We found that 186 (4.4%) were confirmed to have CRC, and 375 (8.8%) had advanced precancerous neoplasia among the high CRC risk individuals. The sensitivity of detecting CRC for FIT‐sDNA test was 91.9% (95% CI, 86.8–95.3), compared with 62.4% (95% CI, 54.9–69.3) for FIT (P < 0.001). The sensitivity for detecting advanced precancerous neoplasia was 63.5% (95% CI, 58.3–68.3) for FIT‐sDNA test, compared with 30.9% (95% CI, 26.3–35.6) for FIT (P < 0.001). Multitarget FIT‐sDNA test detected more colorectal advanced neoplasia than FIT. Overall, these findings indicated that in areas with limited colonoscopy resources, FIT‐sDNA test could be a promising further risk triaging modality to select patients for colonoscopy in CRC screening.
Unpacking ‘public silence’: Civil society activism under authoritarian rule in Ethiopia
Authors: Pellerin Camille Louise 
Published: August 2023

AbstractHow do civil society organisations (CSOs) and the state interact in non‐democratic settings? Non‐democratic regimes often meet civil society activism with repression, however, on an every‐day basis contestation and control take more diverse forms. To capture how CSOs bargain with and contest state power, as well as how states police CSOs, this article draws on the case of Ethiopia (1991–2018). It analyses different types of interactions between service providing CSOs and state actors and studies when and how CSOs have been able to place their demands on state actors and when and to what extend their demands have been adhered to. Looking beyond the absence of public protests against the ruling government by CSOs, the article argues that CSOs, including those formally aligned to or co‐opted by the regime, have been resourceful in devising strategies that promote the interests of their members and beneficiaries. Defying co‐optation, they have constantly negotiated space through a combination of cooperation, coexistence and contestation.
Potential hemostatic compounds targeting urokinase plasminogen activator explored from three Euphorbiaceae species: Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia humifusa, and Acalypha australis, with bio‐affinity ultrafiltration UPLC‐MS
Authors: Rakotondrabe Tojofaniry Fabien , Fan Minxia , Hu Guangwan , Guo Mingquan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionNumerous species of the Euphorbiaceae family, including Euphorbia maculata, Euphorbia humifusa, and Acalypha australis, have been used to manage bleeding disorders. However, few investigations have demonstrated their hemostatic potential, and their procoagulant compounds remain elusive.ObjectiveThis study aimed to determine the most active procoagulant extracts from the three species' crude extract (CE) and fractions in order to screen out the active compounds and to analyze their possible mechanisms of action.MethodsAn integrative approach, comprising prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time evaluations and urokinase‐type plasminogen activator (uPA) inhibitory assessment, followed by bio‐affinity ultrafiltration paired with UPLC/QTOF‐MS targeting uPA and docking simulations, was used.ResultsThe extracts with highest procoagulant activity were the CE for both E. maculata (EMCE) and E. humifusa (EHCE) and the n‐butanol fraction (NB) for A. australis (AANB). The most promising ligands, namely, isoquercetin, orientin, rutin, and brevifolin carboxylic acid, were selected from these lead extracts. All of these compounds exhibited pronounced specific binding values to the uPA target and showed tight intercalation with the crucial side chains forming the uPA active pocket, which may explain their mode of action. The activity validation substantiated their hemostatic effectivity in inhibiting uPA as they had better inhibition constant (Ki) values than the reference drug tranexamic acid.ConclusionCollectively, the integrative strategy applied to these three species allowed the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying their therapeutic effects on bleeding disorders, resulting in the fast detection of four potential hemostatic compounds and their mode of action.
A review of Madagascar's derived grasslands: Low palatability following anthropogenic fires may threaten food security
Authors: Joseph Grant S. , Rakotoarivelo Andrinajoro R. , Seymour Colleen L. 
Published: August 2023

Societal Impact StatementThe 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference emphasised the need to modify practices that negatively impact biodiversity and food security in the context of global change. Following Madagascar's drought‐induced famine, our systematic review supports the theory that grasslands of the Malagasy Central Highland that are subjected to human‐lit fires are anthropogenically derived. Furthermore, these overly frequent fires that characterise much of the Malagasy Central Highland grasslands select poorly palatable grasses. Given the reliance on pastoralism as insurance against crop failure in Madagascar, fire‐dependent practices that degrade rangeland emerge as a threat to food security and biodiversity. Education can mitigate against future humanitarian crises.SummaryFood insecurity is greatest in countries where impacts of global change are predicted to be severe. Many, like Madagascar, rely on livestock‐based pastoralism (and consequently palatable rangelands) for insurance against natural disasters and crop failure. It is recognised that derived grasslands can impact climate and biodiversity. Furthermore, the well‐established palatability‐flammability trade‐off predicts that overly‐frequent fires select increasingly unpalatable, fire‐adapted grassland. The drought‐induced Malagasy famine of 2021 highlights the need to identify factors that threaten food security. Given the ubiquitous practice of rangeland preparation through annual, landscape‐scale human‐lit fires, we evaluate whether Malagasy grasslands are derived and then test for fire‐driven selection of increasingly degraded and unpalatable rangelands across Madagascar's largest grassland system, the Malagasy Central Highland (MCH). We conducted a systematic literature review, evaluating for a palatability‐flammability trade‐off, by determining dominant Malagasy grass species, and then applying functional traits, and palatability ratings to these species. Data were extracted using a suite of relevant search terms, and of 1977 studies identified, 145 were directly relevant to the questions posed. Evidence from the review is compelling for much of the Malagasy highland grassland being derived. Furthermore, Malagasy dominant grass species are fire‐adapted with poor forage‐value, suggesting current burning practices negatively impact both biodiversity and pastoralism. Decreasing rangeland palatability caused by human‐lit fires in a society suffering food insecurity emphasises the need to re‐evaluate pastoralist burning practices. Identifying optimal fire frequencies can avert breaching fire‐induced tipping points to rangeland palatability and the humanitarian crises that may follow.
The structural principles underlying molybdenum insertase complex assembly
Authors: Hassan Ahmed H. , Ihling Christian , Iacobucci Claudio , Kastritis Panagiotis L. , Sinz Andrea , Kruse Tobias 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWithin the cell, the trace element molybdenum (Mo) is only biologically active when complexed either within the nitrogenase‐specific FeMo cofactor or within the molybdenum cofactor (Moco). Moco consists of an organic part, called molybdopterin (MPT) and an inorganic part, that is, the Mo‐center. The enzyme which catalyzes the Mo‐center formation is the molybdenum insertase (Mo‐insertase). Mo‐insertases consist of two functional domains called G‐ and E‐domain. The G‐domain catalyzes the formation of adenylated MPT (MPT‐AMP), which is the substrate for the E‐domain, that catalyzes the actual molybdate insertion reaction. Though the functions of E‐ and G‐domain have been elucidated to great structural and mechanistic detail, their combined function is poorly characterized. In this work, we describe a structural model of the eukaryotic Mo‐insertase Cnx1 complex that was generated based on cross‐linking mass spectrometry combined with computational modeling. We revealed Cnx1 to form an asymmetric hexameric complex which allows the E‐ and G‐domain active sites to align in a catalytic productive orientation toward each other.
The nuclear receptor LRH‐1 discriminates between ligands using distinct allosteric signaling circuits
Authors: Mays Suzanne G. , Hercules David , Ortlund Eric A. , Okafor C. Denise 
Published: August 2023

AbstractNuclear receptors (NRs) are transcription factors that regulate essential biological processes in response to cognate ligands. An important part of NR function involves ligand‐induced conformational changes that recruit coregulator proteins to the activation function surface (AFS), ~15 Å away from the ligand‐binding pocket. Ligands must communicate with the AFS to recruit appropriate coregulators and elicit different transcriptional outcomes, but this communication is poorly understood. These studies illuminate allosteric communication networks underlying activation of liver receptor homolog‐1 (LRH‐1), a NR that regulates development, metabolism, cancer progression, and intestinal inflammation. Using >100 μs of all‐atom molecular dynamics simulations involving 74 LRH‐1 complexes, we identify distinct signaling circuits used by active and inactive ligands for AFS communication. Inactive ligands communicate via strong, coordinated motions along paths through the receptor to the AFS. Activating ligands disrupt the “inactive” circuit and induce connectivity with a second allosteric site. Ligand‐contacting residues in helix 7 help mediate the switch between circuits, suggesting new avenues for developing LRH‐1‐targeted therapeutics. We also elucidate aspects of coregulator signaling, showing that localized, destabilizing fluctuations are induced by inappropriate ligand‐coregulator pairings. These studies have uncovered novel features of LRH‐1 allostery, and the quantitative approach used to analyze many simulations provides a framework to study allosteric signaling in other receptors.