bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification and characterization of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitory peptides from eel (Anguilla rostrata) scraps enzymatic hydrolysate for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Cao Hongzhen , Di Nana , Jiang Bo , Chen Jingjing , Zhang Tao 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a serious threat to human health. Owing to the action of dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV (DPP‐IV), the half‐life of entero‐insulin hormone after secretion is extremely short, causing insufficient insulin secretion in diabetic patients. Dipeptidyl peptidase‐IV inhibitors can be used as a new treatment for T2DM. In this study, the proteins of eel (Anguilla rostrata) scraps hydrolyzed using Protamex protease (EPHs) were found to have strong DPP‐IV inhibitory activity. The study also provided research ideas for the development and utilization of A. rostrata scraps.RESULTSThe median inhibition concentration (IC50) value of EPHs was 5.455 ± 0.24 mg mL−1. The peptide fractions with the highest DPP‐IV inhibitory activity were sequentially separated by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography (GFC), and reversed‐phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) in a continuous hierarchical manner and analyzed using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight/ time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS/MS). Three peptides that revealed significant inhibitory activity were screened among the identified sequences, with sequences of Phe‐Pro‐Arg (IC50 = 62.14 ± 1.47 μM), Tyr‐Pro‐Pro‐Ser‐Phe‐Ser (IC50 = 102.65 ± 4.57 μM), and Tyr‐Pro‐Tyr‐Pro‐Ala‐Ser (IC50 = 68.30 ± 3.85 μM). Molecular docking simulations revealed that their inhibitory effect was mainly due to the formation of hydrogen bonds with amino acid residues in the active sites of DPP‐IV. Analysis of the inhibition patterns of the synthetic peptides displayed that Phe‐Pro‐Arg and Tyr‐Pro‐Pro‐Ser‐Phe‐Ser displayed competitive inhibition, whereas Tyr‐Pro‐Tyr‐Pro‐Ala‐Ser showed mixed competitive/non‐competitive inhibition.CONCLUSIONSThe protein hydrolysates isolated from eel scraps are potential functional food ingredients for the treatment of T2DM. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
A review of cognitive and behavioral outcomes of Brivaracetam
Authors: Li Kuan‐Ying , Hsu Chung‐Yao , Yang Yuan‐Han 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAnti‐seizure medications (ASMs) can cause cognitive or behavioral adverse drug reactions, which is an important consideration when selecting an appropriate ASM. Brivaracetam (BRV) is a newer synaptic vesicle protein 2A ligand, which is expected to result in fewer neuropsychiatric adverse effects due to its mechanism of action. To understand the impact of BRV on cognition and behavior compared with other ASMs, we conducted a review of the literature using the Cochrane Library, PubMed/MEDLINE, and Embase. After the screening process, a total of two animal studies, one randomized controlled trial, one pooled analysis of clinical trials, one controlled study, and nine observational studies were included. The animal studies showed that BRV did not worsen cognitive or behavioral performance in rodents. The human studies showed that BRV was associated with fewer cognitive adverse events compared with other second‐ or third‐generation ASMs. In addition, BRV was less associated with behavioral disturbance than levetiracetam. In summary, this review revealed that BRV has a limited impact on cognition and behavior. For patients who are intolerant to levetiracetam and have levetiracetam‐related behavioral side effects, switching to BRV could be beneficial. However, heterogeneity between studies resulted in low‐quality of evidence, and further trials are needed to confirm the findings.
The effects of comorbidities on the change of taste and smell in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Chen Jingguo , Mi Baibing , Yan Miaojia , Wang Yutong , Zhu Kang , Yu Chao , Zhang Yanni , Koyama Sachiko , Ren Xiaoyong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundSudden chemosensory changes were considered an early predictor of COVID‐19. Here, the effects of comorbidities on changes in taste and smell in COVID‐19 patients were investigated based on a worldwide study.MethodsData analyzed here were collected from the Global Consortium for Chemosensory Research (GCCR) core questionnaire, including questions regarding preexisting disease conditions. Overall, the final sample of 12,438 participants who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 included patients with preexisting conditions. Mixed linear regression models were used to test our hypothesis, and the p‐value of interaction was examined.ResultsA total of 61,067 participants completed the GCCR questionnaire, including 16,016 participants had preexisting diseases. The multivariate regression analysis showed that individuals with high blood pressure, lung disease, or sinus problems, or neurological diseases exhibited worse self‐reported smell loss (p < .05), but no apparent significant differences in the smell or taste recovery. COVID‐19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever lost their olfactory ability more than patients who did not have it (with 11.90 [9.67, 14.13] vs. without 6.97 [6.04, 7.91], p < .0001). The taste ability, smell loss and taste loss after COVID‐19 recovery also decreased in the COVID‐19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever (p < .001). Preexisting condition of diabetes did not worsen to chemosensory disorder but also had no obvious impact on the chemosensory recovery after acute infection. Preexisting diseases also affected the type of smell change in the COVID‐19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever or sinus problems (p < .05).ConclusionsCOVID‐19 patients with high blood pressure, lung disease, or sinus problems, or neurological diseases exhibited worse self‐reported smell loss, but no differences in the smell or taste recovery. COVID‐19 patients with seasonal allergy/hay fever had greater loss of smell and taste, poorer smell and taste recovery.Level of Evidence4
Scalable Production of Monodisperse Bioactive Spider Silk Nanowires
Authors: Gustafsson Linnea , Kvick Mathias , Åstrand Carolina , Ponsteen Nienke , Dorka Nicolai , Hegrová Veronika , Svanberg Sara , Horák Josef , Jansson Ronnie , Hedhammar My , van der Wijngaart Wouter 
Published: January 2023

AbstractElongated protein‐based micro‐ and nanostructures are of great interest for a wide range of biomedical applications, where they can serve as a backbone for surface functionalization and as vehicles for drug delivery. Current production methods for protein constructs lack precise control of either shape and dimensions or render structures fixed to substrates. This work demonstrates production of recombinant spider silk nanowires suspended in solution, starting with liquid bridge induced assembly (LBIA) on a substrate, followed by release using ultrasonication, and concentration by centrifugation. The significance of this method lies in that it provides i) reproducability (standard deviation of length <13% and of diameter <38%), ii) scalability of fabrication, iii) compatibility with autoclavation with retained shape and function, iv) retention of bioactivity, and v) easy functionalization both pre‐ and post‐formation. This work demonstrates how altering the function and nanotopography of a surface by nanowire coating supports the attachment and growth of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Cell compatibility is further studied through integration of nanowires during aggregate formation of hMSCs and the breast cancer cell line MCF7. The herein‐presented industrial‐compatible process enables silk nanowires for use as functionalizing agents in a variety of cell culture applications and medical research.
Effects of Water/Alcohol Soluble Cationic Polythiophenes as Cathode Interlayers for Eco‐Friendly Solar Cells
Authors: Quadretti Debora , Marinelli Martina , Salatelli Elisabetta , Pierini Filippo , Zanelli Alberto , Lanzi Massimiliano 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThree new ionic polythiophene derivatives, soluble in polar solvents, are synthesized with good yields using simple, low‐cost, and straightforward procedures. They are investigated as interfacial cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) layers for halogen‐free bulk heterojunction polymeric solar cells, based on a water‐soluble electron‐donor polymer (poly[3‐(6‐diethanolaminohexyl)thiophene]) and a water‐soluble electron‐acceptor fullerene derivative (malonodiserinolamide fullerene). The simple insertion of the CPE interlayer between the active layer and the aluminum cathode dramatically increases the power conversion efficiency of the final device up to nearly 5%, resulting from a decrease of the electrode work function, improved electron extraction, and optimization of the morphology of the layers. The obtained results demonstrate that the incorporation of CPE layer is a powerful and convenient methodology for the development of highly efficient and eco‐friendly processable polymeric solar cells.
A Quantitative Study on Branching Density Dependent Behavior of Polylactide Melt Strength
Authors: Fang Fengna , Niu Deyu , Xu Pengwu , Liu Tianxi , Yang Weijun , Wang Zhenyu , Li Xiaona , Ma Piming 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPolymer melt strength (MS) is strongly correlated with its molecular structure, while their relationship is not very clear yet. In this work, designable long‐chain branched polylactide (LCB‐PLA) is prepared in situ by using a tailor‐made (methyl methacrylate)‐co‐(glycidyl methacrylate) copolymer (MG) with accurate number of reactive sites. A new concept of branching density (φ) in the LCB‐PLA system is defined to quantitively study their relationship. Importantly, a critical point of φc = 5.5 mol/104 mol C is revealed for the first time, below which the zero‐shear viscosity (η0) corresponding to MS increases slowly with a slope of Δη0/Δφ = 1400, while it increases sharply above this critical point due to entanglement of neighboring LCB‐PLA chains. Consequently, the MS of PLA increased by >100 times by optimizing the LCB structures while maintaining processibility. Therefore, this work provides a deeper understanding and feasible route in quantitative design of polymers with high(er) melt strength for some specialty applications.
Biobased Transesterification Vitrimers
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Connal Luke A. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe rapid increase in the use of plastics and the related sustainability issues, including the depletion of global petroleum reserves, have rightly sparked interest in the use of biobased polymer feedstocks. Thermosets cannot be remolded, processed, or recycled, and hence cannot be reused because of their permanent molecular architecture. Vitrimers have emerged as a novel polymer family capable of bridging the difference between thermoplastic and thermosets. Vitrimers enable unique recycling strategies, however, it is still important to understand where the raw material feedstocks originate from. Transesterification vitrimers derived from renewable resources are a massive opportunity, however, limited research has been conducted in this specific family of vitrimers. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of transesterification vitrimers produced from biobased monomers. The focus is on the biomass structural suitability with dynamic covalent chemistry, as well as the viability of the synthetic methods.
A dose calculation algorithm for radiosurgery treatment room shielding optimization
Authors: Nygren Nelly , Nordström Håkan , da Silva Joakim 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundMethods described in the literature for designing shielding for treatment rooms for radiotherapy systems often involve assumptions that lead to overestimations of the wall thicknesses required to meet dose rate constraints outside the room. The Leksell Gamma Knife (LGK) has built‐in shielding that results in primarily scattered photons leaking into the room. The field of leakage radiation, therefore, has a wide spectrum of energies, up to the primary energies of cobalt‐60, and is highly anisotropic, making standard site planning methods difficult to adapt to the LGK. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations are an alternative for dose calculations but are computationally expensive.PurposeThe aim was to develop a dose calculation algorithm for fast estimations of dose rates outside the barriers of a treatment room. The algorithm could then be employed in iterative methods to optimize treatment room parameters such as wall thicknesses and position of the LKG unit.MethodsThe algorithm uses pre‐calculated MC simulation data in two steps. First, it uses phase spaces that describe single photons in the radiation field around the LGK. Using each photon's position and direction, they are raytraced to the outside of the room. Based on their energy, angle of incidence to the barrier, and the barrier's thickness, a depth‐dose profile is sampled from a pre‐calculated library of profiles. The contribution from each photon is added to the space outside the barriers, giving the total dose distribution. The barrier thicknesses are optimized by iteratively running the algorithm and finding the minimum thickness required to keep the resulting maximum dose rate outside below a given upper limit.ResultsComparisons between dose distributions from the dose algorithm and full MC simulations of two typical rooms show good agreement, with the maximum dose rate outside each barrier being estimated within what represents a 2 cm error in concrete barrier thickness. The algorithm is successfully used in optimizing the barrier thicknesses and the results show potential decreases in most barriers' thickness, compared to a conventional method.ConclusionsThe algorithm is a promising alternative to conventional barrier design methods, eliminating several shortcomings of the latter whilst being significantly faster than a full MC simulation. The flexibility of the algorithm would further enable solving more complex cases, such as optimizing the LGK position or barrier material to further reduce material use and cost.
Influence of Benzoyl Peroxide and Divinylbenzene Concentrations on the Properties of Poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐divinylbenzene) Magnetic Microspheres
Authors: Formiga Washington José Fernandes , Silva Manoel Ribeiro da , Cunha Henrique Almeida , Castanharo Jacira Aparecida , de Ferreira Ivana Lourenço de Mello , Costa Marcos Antonio da Silva 
Published: January 2023

AbstractIn this work, the synthesis of magnetic microspheres of poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐divinylbenzene) via suspension polymerization is reported. The concentrations of divinylbenzeneand benzoyl peroxide in the microspheres synthesis are studied. The microspheres, characterized by thermal analysis , scanning electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry , and light scattering detection , show good morphological control and thermal stability. This material presents a narrow size range and an appreciable fraction of superparamagnetic particles. The increase in divinylbenzene concentration can cause a decrease in the mean diameter of the microspheres. On the other hand, the increase in benzoyl peroxide concentration causes an increase in the mean diameter of the microspheres.
Optimal network‐aware virtual data center embedding
Authors: Hbaieb Ameni , Khemakhem Mahdi 
Published: January 2023

SummaryRecently, the virtual data center embedding (VDCE) problem has drawn significant attention because of a growing need for efficient means of data center resource allocation. By ensuring a set of virtual data center (VDC) integration requests coming from his customers, among the main concern of an infrastructure provider is the maximization of the utilization rate of data center resources and benefits. However, existing VDCE solutions mostly focus on consolidating virtual machines in a single physical data center. Therefore, in this work, we improve the consolidated targets techniques, that consider only the virtual machines integration, by the consideration of network devices and fabrics (e.g., switches and paths/links). We consider new unreleased constraints such as multiple virtual nodes of the same request co‐location, and intermediate node requirements when a virtual link is mapped. To address the above problem, in this paper, we propose a binary linear programming‐based model, called BLP‐VDCE, to solve the VDCE problem with network‐aware consideration. This model ensures a simultaneous consolidated embedding of virtual nodes and virtual links. Extensive simulations show that solving the proposed BLP‐VDCE model can efficiently embed VDC requests with a high physical resource utilization rate.
Nursing during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A reflective thematic analysis of how the hamster wheel shifted personal and professional control
Authors: Nelson Heather , Hubbard Murdoch Natasha , Ziefflie Beverlee , Norman Kasandra , Black Milly H. C. , Rudolph Sherri 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAimThe aim of this national study was to examine the experience of nurses 9–12 months after the onset of the pandemic.DesignThis article reports the reflective thematic analysis of the qualitative portion of a mixed methods study of the experiences of 1319 Canadian nurses between February to May 2021.MethodsData gathering occurred through open‐text box questions in an online survey.ResultsThree overarching themes were found: (1) the hamster wheel, (2) the shifting sense of control, and (3) the inability to leave the pandemic at work.ConclusionThis research presents a national perspective of nurses which contributes to the wider global narrative. The experience of redeployment, nurses as decision‐makers, communication and leadership challenges were all factors impacting mental health and intraprofessional collaboration.Implications for the ProfessionThe findings revealed the immense pressure, mental health concerns, and professional implications for nurses in all domains.Public or Patient ContributionsNo public or patient contributions.
Pediatric autoimmune myelofibrosis: Experience from a large pediatric tertiary care center
Authors: Kim Taylor Olmsted , Curry Choladda V. , Wiszniewska Joanna , Elghetany M. Tarek , Satter Lisa R. Forbes , Grimes Amanda B. , Despotovic Jenny M. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAutoimmune myelofibrosis (AIMF) is a rare disorder characterized by cytopenias and autoimmunity, with characteristic bone marrow findings that include lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis. AIMF is described predominantly in adult populations who have systemic lupus erythematosis (SLE), with scant pediatric cases described mainly in older adolescents with SLE. Here, we described the largest single‐center pediatric experience of pediatric autoimmune myelofibrosis (PAIMF) series, demonstrating both similarities and distinctions from the adult experience. Patients overall respond well to steroid therapy, but these patients were significantly younger, infrequently carried a diagnosis of SLE, and causative genetic lesions were identified in many cases.
Perceptual similarity of psychopathy and marital quality in Chinese married couples: The mediating role of couple communication
Authors: He Qiong , Tao Wenli , Wang Yu , Yu Yue , Zhang Jianxin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that psychopathy, one of the Dark Triad personality traits, is associated with relationship dissatisfaction. However, the similarity of psychopathy among romantic couples remains uncertain with regard to relationship outcomes. This study examined the effect of the perceptual similarity of psychopathy on marital quality in a sample of 245 heterosexual married couples, using intraclass correlation coefficients as the method for assessing couples' similarity. This study also explored the possible mediating role of couple communication based on the Actor–Partner Interdependence model. The results reveal that husbands' self‐rating and wives' partner‐rating of psychopathy showed negative effects on marital quality, whereas wives' perceptual similarity of psychopathy exerted both actor and partner effects on marital quality via couple communication. The current study enriches the theoretical framework of personality and relationship outcomes and emphasizes the importance of communication in a close relationship.
Tunable photoionization chemical monitoring (TPI‐CM)—A means to probe molecular ion structures and monitor unimolecular processes through bimolecular ion–molecule reactions: Past, present, and future
Authors: Rossi Corentin , Alcaraz Christian , Thissen Roland , Jacovella Ugo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe way in which molecules can arrange themselves is at the root of organic chemistry and elucidating the structures present in isomeric mixtures remains a major challenge nowadays. A tantalizing question for chemists is how molecules transform from one structural configuration to another one. This review introduces in details a technique—tunable photoionization chemical monitoring—that couples tandem mass spectrometry and photoionization enabling to answer the two aforementioned questions for molecular ions. It is based on tracking reactivity changes in bimolecular ion–molecule reactions as a function of the internal energy of the ions. This is illustrated with (i) the structural elucidation of ortho‐benzyne distonic cation within a C
population and (ii) the tracking of the isomerization from azulene radical cation as it gets gradually energized to naphthalene cation. In both cases, charge transfer reactions have been primarily used because of their universality. Finally, a state‐of‐the‐art of the TPI‐CM technique using the CERISES mass spectrometer is given, indicating current limitations as well as prospects of improvement.
Covalent nanoarchitectonics: Polymer synthesis with designer structures and sequences
Authors: Matsumoto Michio , Sutrisno Linawati , Ariga Katsuhiko 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAs a post nanotechnology concept, nanoarchitectonics integrates nanotechnology with the other research fields to create new functional materials from nanounits, where polymer chemistry plays indispensable roles. In this perspective article, we showcase and discuss about recent and past hot examples on polymer synthesis with sequence and/or structure regulations, including one dimensional sequential polymer of man‐made structures and bio‐related structures, multidimensional polymers through supramolecular templating polymerization and polymerization based on crystals and liquid crystals, and covalent organic framework.