bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling
Authors: Xiang Shuangli , Wang Miaojuan , Chen Xiuping 
Published: April 2023

Article
23-Hydroxybetulinic Acid, A Natural Compound, Alleviates DSS-induced Colitis by Regulating NF-κB Signaling

Shuangli Xiang 1, # , Miaojuan Wang 2, # , and Xiuping Chen 2, *

1 Key Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education and Joint International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China.
2 State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao, China.
* Correspondence: xpchen@um.edu.mo, Tel.: +853-88224679, Fax: +853-28841358
# Co-First author.

Received: 8 November 2022
Accepted: 2 December 2022
Published: 11 January 2023

Abstract: Ulcerative colitis (UC), an inflammatory intestinal disease, is a growing epidemic affecting people worldwide and requires the development of effective therapeutic drugs. In this study, the effect of 23-hydroxybetulinic acid (23-HBA), a compound isolated from the traditional herb Pulsatilla chinensis (Bunge) Regel, on experimental UC was studied. C57BL/6J male mice were administrated with 3% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water to establish the UC model. 23-HBA was orally administrated at either 3.75, 7.5, or 15 mg/kg for 6 days. Mesalazine was used as a positive control. Examination of the body weight, colon length, disease activity index (DAI), histopathology examination, inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and protein expression was performed. The pathological changes were examined with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Aixian blue-glycogen (AB-PAS) staining. In cultured RAW 264.7 cells, the effects of 23-HBA on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and oxidative stress were analyzed. Compared with the colitis model, 23-HBA treatment significantly increased the body weight and colon length and decreased the DAI score. Pathological staining showed that 23-HBA mitigated the damage in intestinal structures, the increase in inflammatory cell infiltration, the increase in submucosa edema, and the decrease in goblet cell number. Furthermore, 23-HBA decreased IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA levels in the colon tissues. In addition, 23-HBA inhibited the protein expressions of COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB p65 both in the colon tissues and in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. In conclusion, these results showed that 23-HBA alleviated DSS-induced acute UC in mice and inhibited LPS-stimulated inflammation in RAW 264.7 cells possibly mediated by regulating the NF-κB pathway.
Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery Using Smart Nanovectors
Authors: Salama Abou Bakr , Salem Yasmin , Mohamed Tamer 
Published: April 2023

Review
Controlled and Targeted Drug Delivery Using Smart Nanovectors

Abou Bakr M. Salama 1,2, Yasmin Y. Salem 1,2, and Tamer M. A. Mohamed 1,3,4,5,6, *

1 Institute of Molecular Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
2 Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
3 Envirome Institute, Centre for Cardiometabolic Sciences, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
4 Department of Bioengineering, Speed School of Engineering, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
5 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, KY 40208, U.S.A.
6 Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester M13 9PL, U.K.
* Correspondence: tamer.mohamed@louisville.edu

Received: 28 January 2023
Accepted: 23 February 2023
Published: 20 March 2023

Abstract: The conventional drug delivery systems have several limitations, such as the high frequency of administration, several off-target effects, and the need for tissue specificity. Recently, smart drug shuttles have emerged, and the nano applications provided a new opportunity for advancing the drug delivery system to become tissue targeted and decrease the frequency of administration. The recent development of nanovectors as drug carriers has gone through several steps of evolution that ended with the development of logic-embedded nanovectors. Here, we summarize the different types of nanovectors and their applications in various clinical situations, and finally, we spot the light on the future of this area of research.
Investigating the effect of consuming soft drinks on the liver and kidney functions of a sample from the Iraqi community
Authors: Aldaraji Mustafa , Al-Azzawi Tahreer , RASHEED MOHAMMED , Sarhan Mohammed , Jaber Ahmed , Saidani Tarek , Rashid Taha 
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted on a group of people who drink soft drinks a lot (Cola, Pepsi) and coffee. It included 90 people, 30 people for each type of drink consumed, distributed equally, males and females, and a control group of 30 people who do not drink these drinks and they are also distributed males and females.
Blood samples were collected from people and laboratory analyzes were conducted to determine the effect of these drinks on liver function (Aspartate aminotransferase AST, Alanine amino transferase ALT, Alanine amino transferase ALP) and kidneys (Serum Creatinine, Serum Urea). The results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the liver enzymes of the subjects who consumed cola and Pepsi. It was AST (130.6 ± 0.413 U/I, 156.63 ± 0.63), ALT (U/I 85.3 ± 0.62, 83.52 ± 0.5), and ALP (U/I). I/I 239.3 ± 1.22, 231.05 ± 0.29), respectively, compared with the control group (U/I 119.82 ± 1.06, 53.7 ± 0.425, 146.93 ± 1.66) respectively, and no significant differences (P<0.05) were shown in the value of the CuI intake for the three enzymes. under study compared with the control group. As for the value of urea and creatinine analyzes, it showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the urea value for a sample of cola and Pepsi drinkers, it was (43.22 ± 0.46 mg/dl, 43.51 ±0.41) compared with the control group (29 mg/dl). ± 0.19), and the results showed a significant increase (P<0.05) in the glucose analysis value for people who consumed cola and Pepsi, as it was (195.8 ± 1.22 mg/dl, 245.78 ± 0.78), respectively, compared with the control group, which was (101.1 ± 0.78 mg/dl). . We conclude that consuming soft drinks in excess affects high blood sugar, liver and kidney functions, and this negatively affects other vital activities in the body.
Het non-concurrentiebeding in de franchiseovereenkomst anno 2023
Authors: Kolenbrander J.H. 
Published: April 2023

Het non-concurrentiebeding in de franchiseovereenkomst anno 2023
In deze bijdrage wordt thematisch jurisprudentie uit het jaar 2022 besproken omtrent het postcontractuele non-concurrentiebeding in de franchiseovereenkomst. Daarbij wordt ook aandacht besteed aan de invloed van de Wet franchise nu deze wet voorschriften stelt aan postcontractuele non-concurrentiebedingen in franchiseovereenkomsten.
Polar Layered Bismuth‐Rich Oxyhalide Piezoelectrics Bi4O5X2 (XBr, I): Efficient Piezocatalytic Pure Water Splitting and Interlayer Anion‐Dependent Activity
Authors: Wang Chunyang , Hu Cheng , Chen Fang , Li Haitao , Zhang Yihe , Ma Tianyi , Huang Hongwei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPiezocatalytic pure water splitting for H2 evolution carries the virtues of efficacious utilization of mechanical energy, easy operation, and high value‐added products, while lacking desirable piezoelectrics for high chemical energy production. Here, two polar layered bismuth‐rich oxyhalides Bi4O5X2 (XBr, I) thin nanosheets (≈4 nm) are first exploited as efficient piezocatalysts to be capable of dissociating pure water. The unique asymmetrical layered structures of Bi4O5X2 (XBr, I) composed of the interleaved [Bi4O5]2+ layer and double X− ions slabs along the [1 0 1_] orientation cause large intrinsic dipole moment, excellent piezoelectricity and easy deformation. Without any cocatalyst and sacrificial agent, Bi4O5Br2 and Bi4O5I2 thin nanosheets display remarkable piezocatalytic H2 production rate of 1149.0 and 764.5 µmol g−1 h−1, respectively, standing among the best piezocatalysts, accompanied by H2O2 and hydroxyl radicals (·OH) as oxidative products. The smaller radius and higher electronegativity of interleaved Br than I cause a more strongly polar crystal structure in Bi4O5Br2, contributing to the higher piezocatalytic activity compared to Bi4O5I2. This study broadens the scope of piezoelectric materials applied to sustainable energy catalysis by efficiently converting mechanical energy and illustrates the importance of crystal configuration and composition in fabricating efficient piezocatalytic systems.
5.7% Efficiency Si Photoanodes for Solar Water Splitting Catalyzed by Vertically Grown and Oxygen‐Vacancy‐Rich NiFe Hydroxides
Authors: Zhu Peng , Chen Cong , Shen Junxia , Wei Zhihe , Wang Yongjie , Zhang Yazhou , Dong Wen , Peng Yang , Fan Ronglei , Shen Mingrong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe sluggish oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics and adverse charge transfer and stability at the multi‐interfaces from Si to electrolyte severely impede the application of Si photoanodes. Herein, oxygen vacancy (OV)‐rich NiFe‐layered hydroxides (NiFe‐OH) nanosheet arrays are vertically orientated on Ni‐protected Si photoanodes by a facile solvothermal method followed by a hot Fe ion‐exchange treatment. By virtue of the formation of OVs on NiFe‐OH nanosheets and the vertical contact between the NiFe‐OH and Si substrate, the as‐prepared Si photoanode not only enables abundant active sites for OER but also boosts charge and mass transfer when compared to traditional electro‐deposit samples. Moreover, the vertical contact of NiFe‐OH on Ni/Si benefits to release the interfacial stress and thereby promotes the electrode stability. Consequently, the optimal Si photoanode shows an ultrahigh applied bias photon‐to‐current efficiency of 5.7% and a good stability of over 200 h, outdoing almost all of the recently reported Si photoanodes.
On the evolution of competitiveness in Central and Eastern Europe: Is it broken?
Authors: Coleman Simeon , Cuestas Juan Carlos 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this article, we analyse the evolution of the real effective exchange rate (REER) as a measure of competitiveness for a group of Central and Eastern European countries. To do this, we employ unit‐root tests with breaks and estimate the equations with structural breaks. Our results show that even though the REERs have become flatter, which means less competitiveness is lost against main trading partners, they have also become less mean‐reverting, suggesting that shocks now tend to have longer effects.
Simple high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet method for simultaneous separation and detection of 14 bisphenol pollutants in building materials
Authors: Han Xiaoxuan , Zhao Ruijie , Tian Yong , Li Yutong , Chen Xu‐Wei , Ma Jiping , Wang Weiliang , Zhang Yanfeng , Geng Song , Liu Menglin 
Published: April 2023

A high‐performance liquid chromatography‐ultraviolet method was developed for rapidly and simultaneously analyzing novel and typical bisphenols in building materials, including bisphenol S, diphenolic acid, bisphenol F, bisphenol E, bisphenol A, bisphenol B, bisphenol AF, bisphenol AP, bisphenol C, bisphenol FL, bisphenol Z, bisphenol BP, bisphenol M, and bisphenol P. By using a Kromasil 100–5 C18 column, these bisphenols were completely separated in 40 min via gradually increasing the concentration of methanol in the mobile phase from 45 to 80% during the elution process. In particular, this method achieved the synchronous analysis of bisphenol S, diphenolic acid, bisphenol FL, bisphenol BP, and bisphenol M through HPLC, which were difficult to separate and had to be identified and detected through mass spectrometry. The limits of detection of the method ranged from 0.002 to 0.040 mg/L for these 14 bisphenols, with a precision of less than 4.9% (n = 7, c = 0.05 mg/L). The analytical results for five types of building materials (phenolic, epoxy, polycarbonate, polyester, and polysulfone resins) indicated that the proposed method is appropriated for the rapid measurement of bisphenols in real samples.
Temporal colonization of the gut microbiome in neonatalBos taurusat single nucleotide resolution
Authors: Dong Quanbin , Hua Dongxu , Wang Xiuchao , Jiao Yuwen , Liu Lu , Deng Qiufeng , Wu Tingting , Zou Huayiyang , Ding Luoyang , Hu Shixian , Shi Jing , Wang Yifeng , Zhang Haifeng , Sheng Yanhui , Sun Wei , Shen Yizhao , Tang Liming , Kong Xiangqing , Chen Lianmin 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTBackground:The rumen of neonatal calves is underdeveloped and exhibits limited functionality during early life. Thus, the acquisition and colonization of microbes in the gut are key to establishing a healthy host-microbiome symbiosis for neonatal calves. Microbiome-linked health outcomes appear to be the consequences of individual strains of specific microbes. However, the temporal colonization of pioneering microbial strains and their linkages to the health and growth of neonatal calves are poorly understood.Results:To address this, we longitudinally profiled the gut microbiome of 36 neonatal calves from birth up to 2 months postpartum and carried out microbial transplantation (MT) to reshape their gut microbiome. Genomic reconstruction of deeply sequenced fecal samples resulted in a total of 3,931 metagenomic assembled genomes (MAGs), of which 397 were identified as new species when compared with existing databases ofBos taurus. Single nucleotide level metagenomic profiling shows a rapid influx of microbes after birth, followed by strong selection during the first few weeks of life. MT was found to reshape the genetic makeup of 33 MAGs (FDR<0.05), mainly fromPrevotellaandBacteroidesspecies. We further linked over 20 million microbial single nucleotide variations (SNVs) to 736 plasma metabolites, which enabled us to characterize 24 study-wide significant associations (P < 4.4×10−9) that identify the potential microbial genetic regulation of host immune and neuro-related metabolites, including glutathione and L-dopa. Our integration analyses further revealed that microbial genetic variations may influence the health status and growth performance of neonatal calves by modulating metabolites via structural regulation of their encoded proteins. For instance, we found that the albumin levels and total antioxidant capacity in neonatal calves were correlated with L-dopa, which was determined by SNVs via structural regulations of metabolic enzymes.Conclusions:The current results indicate that the temporal colonization of microbial strains and MT-induced strain replacement are integral in the development of the gut microbiome of neonatal calves and may help to develop strategies that can improve the health status and growth performance of neonatal calves.
An Image-Guided Microfluidic System for Single-Cell Lineage Tracking
Authors: Mahmut Aslan Kamil , Camille Fourneaux , Alperen Yilmaz , Stavrakis Stavros , Romuald Parmentier , Andras Paldi , Sandrine Gonin-Giraud , deMello J Andrew , Olivier Gandrillon 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCell lineage tracking is a long-standing and unresolved problem in biology. Microfluidic technologies have the potential to address this problem, by virtue of their ability to manipulate and process single-cells in a rapid, controllable and efficient manner. Indeed, when coupled with traditional imaging approaches, microfluidic systems allow the experimentalist to follow single-cell divisions over time. Herein, we present a valve-based microfluidic system able to probe the decision-making processes of single-cells, by tracking their lineage over multiple generations. The system operates by trapping single-cells within growth chambers, allowing the trapped cells to grow and divide, isolating sister cells after a user-defined number of divisions and finally extracting them for downstream transcriptome analysis. The platform incorporates multiple cell manipulation operations, image processing-based automation for cell loading and growth monitoring, reagent addition and device washing. To demonstrate the efficacy of the microfluidic workflow, 6C2 (chicken erythroleukemia) and T2EC (primary chicken erythrocytic progenitors) cells are tracked inside the microfluidic device over two generations, with a cell viability rate in excess of 90%. Sister cells are successfully isolated after division and extracted within a 500 nL volume, which is compatible with downstream single-cell RNA sequencing analysis.
PAK1-dependant mechanotransduction enables myofibroblast nuclear adaptation and chromatin organisation during fibrosis
Authors: Jokl Elliot , Mullan Aoibheann F , Simpson Kara , Birchall Lindsay , Pearmain Laurence , Martin Katherine , Pritchett James , Shah Rajesh , Hodson Nigel W , Williams Craig J , Camacho Elizabeth , Zeef Leo , Donaldson Ian , Athwal Varinder S , Hanley Neil A , Hanley Karen Piper 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMyofibroblasts are responsible for scarring and organ stiffness during fibrosis. The scar propagates mechanical signals inducing a radical transformation in myofibroblast cell state linked to an increasingly pro-fibrotic phenotype. Here, we have discovered mechanical stress from progressive scarring induces nuclear softening and de-repression of heterochromatin. The parallel loss of H3K9Me3 enables a permissive state for distinct chromatin accessibility and profibrotic gene regulation. By integrating chromatin accessibility profiles (ATAC sequencing) we provide insight into the transcription network and open chromatin landscape underlying the switch in profibrotic myofibroblast states, emphasizing mechanoadaptive pathways linked to PAK1 as key drivers. Through genetic manipulation in liver and lung fibrosis, uncoupling PAK1-dependant signaling impaired the mechanoadaptive response in vitro and dramatically improved fibrosis in vivo. Moreover, we provide human validation for mechanisms underpinning PAK1 mediated mechanotransduction in liver and lung fibrosis. Collectively, these observations provide new insight into the nuclear mechanics driving the profibrotic chromatin landscape in fibrosis, highlighting actomyosin-dependent mechanisms linked to chromatin organisation as urgently needed therapeutic targets in fibrosis.
Sustainable talent pipelines and person-organisation fit: strategic insights from UK graduates
Authors: Donald William E. 
Published: April 2023

PurposeDrawing on a framework of person-organisation fit (POF) theory, this paper aims to understand how organisations can establish and maintain sustainable early-career talent pipelines. Research question one asks, “How do graduates feel that organisations can attract early-career talent?” Research question two asks, ‘What can employers learn from graduate perspectives about the retention of early-career talent?Design/methodology/approachTwenty-eight graduates from UK universities participated in semi-structured interviews in early 2022. Cohort one was composed of 15 individuals who graduated in 2008. Cohort two was composed of 13 individuals who graduated in 2020.FindingsThe findings identified two themes associated with attracting early-career talent: “Company Culture” and “Supply and Demand”. However, 2020 graduates prioritised the job role and job security, whereas 2008 graduates prioritised job location and commute duration. Three additional themes were related to the retention of early-career talent: “Career Progression”, “Health and Well-being” and “Remuneration”. Findings also highlighted how POF could evolve over time, whereby retention can be beneficial or detrimental to either party.Practical implicationsThe study identifies pragmatic approaches to attracting and retaining early-career talent and understanding how graduates' views on POF evolve over time.Originality/valueThe study extends POF research and bridges the shared sustainability themes of “person”, “context” and “time” from vocational behaviour and HRM literature streams.
The trouble with normalisation: Transformations to hepatitis C health care and stigma in an era of viral elimination
Authors: Kagan Dion , Seear Kate , Lenton Emily , Farrugia Adrian , valentine kylie , Mulcahy Sean , Fraser Suzanne 
Published: April 2023

AbstractModern health‐care systems have customarily approached hepatitis C in ways that resemble the public health approach to HIV/AIDS known as ‘HIV exceptionalism’. HIV exceptionalism describes the unusual emphasis on privacy, confidentiality and consent in approaches to HIV and was partly developed to address HIV/AIDS‐related stigma. In the case of hepatitis C, exceptionalist approaches have included diagnosis and treatment by specialist physicians and other ‘boutique’ public health strategies. The recent availability of highly effective, direct‐acting antivirals alongside goals to eliminate hepatitis C have heralded dramatic changes to hepatitis C health care, including calls for its ‘normalisation’. The corollary to exceptionalism, normalisation aims to bring hepatitis C into routine, mainstream health care. This article draws on interviews with stakeholders (n = 30) who work with hepatitis C‐affected communities in policy, community, legal and advocacy settings in Australia, alongside Fraser et al.’s (2017, International Journal of Drug Policy, 44, 192–201) theorisation of stigma, and Rosenbrock et al.’s (1999, The AIDS policy cycle in Western Europe: from exceptionalism to normalisation. WZB Discussion Paper, No. P 99‐202) critique of normalisation to consider the perceived effects of hepatitis C normalisation. Stakeholders described normalisation as a stigma‐reducing process. However, they also expressed concerns about the ongoing stigma and discrimination that is not ameliorated by normalisation. We suggest that in centring normalisation, changes in health care may exaggerate the power of technological solutions to transform the meanings of hepatitis C.
Organ‐specific allergen challenges in airway allergy: Current utilities and future directions
Authors: Fauquert J. L. , Alba‐Linero C. , Gherasim A. , Testera‐Montes A. , Bentabol‐Ramos G. , Saenz de Santa Maria‐Garcia R. , Torres M. J. , Eguiluz‐Gracia I. , Rondon C. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAtopy has been long used as the screening method for airway allergy. Nevertheless, aeroallergens can trigger respiratory symptoms not only in atopic patients (atopic respiratory allergy, ARA), but also in non‐atopic subjects (local respiratory allergy, LRA). Moreover, ARA and LRA can coexist in the same patient, and this clinical scenario has been called dual respiratory allergy (DRA). When the clinical history cannot determine the relevance of sensitizations in ARA patients, nasal, conjunctival or bronchial allergen challenges (NAC, CAC, and BAC, respectively) should be conducted. Moreover, these tests are required to identify patients with LRA and DRA. The clarification of the allergic triggers of airway diseases has a profound impact on the management strategies the patients can be offered. Importantly, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) remains as the only disease‐modifying intervention for ARA. Recent data indicate that AIT might have a similar effect on LRA patients. Nevertheless, AIT success relies largely on the correct phenotyping of allergic individuals, and NAC, CAC, and BAC are very helpful tools in this regard. In this review, we will summarize the main indications and methodology of CAC, NAC, and BAC. Importantly, the clinical implementation of these tests might translate into precision medicine approaches and better health outcomes for patients with airway allergy.