bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed Yield Improvement in Vigna unguiculata (L.) (Fabaceae): Efficiency of Pollinators and Impact of Aqueous Leaf Extract of Three Plant Species in North Cameroon
Authors: Mohammadou M. , Adamou M. , Taïmanga  , Kosini D. , Kenne M. 
Published: April 2023

Aims: Because of the problems in agroecosystems following the anarchic use of synthetic insecticides, studies propose an alternative, the use of botanical biopesticides against pests.
Study Design: The present study was conducted to evaluate (1) the potential of leaf extract of Calotropis procera (Gentianales: Apocynaceae), Eucalyptus camaldulensis (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) and Tithonia diversifolia (Asterales: Asteraceae) against insects and (2) impact of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera: Apidae) on Vigna unguiculata (Fabales: Fabaceae) seed yield in North Cameroon.
Place and Duration of Study: A field study was set up in 2021 in North Cameroon, during the rainy season. Fourthy four plots of 4x3.5 m each were distributed according to a randomized complete block design model comprising four untreated, four treated using parastar (40EC 535/10/IN, 20 g/l imidaclopride and 20 g/l lamda-cyhalothrine), and 36 plots treated using 10%, 20% and 30% aqueous leaf extracts separately sprayed against Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae).
Methodology: Four groups of flowers were randomly selected: (1) free, (2) protected from insects, (3) free exclusively to Ap. mellifera and (4) protected against insects.
Results: A total of 10,984 captured flower insects belonged to three orders (Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Lepidoptera), three families (Aphididae, Apidae and Nymphalidae) and seven species [one (14.3%) sap-sucking Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae), four (57.1%) pollinators Hymenoptera Apidae [Amegilla calens, Amegilla sp., Apis mellifera and Xylocopa olivacea] and two (28.6%) Lepidoptera Nymphalidae [Danaus plexippus and Hypolimnas misippus]. A total of 7,425 insects associated with V. unguiculara corresponded to four orders [Hemiptera (56.7%), Coleoptera (41.5%), Heteroptera and Orthoptera with 0.9% respectively], nine families [Aphididae (45.3%), Chrysomelidae (38.7%), Pyrrhocoridae (4.8%), Coreidae (3.8%), Cicadellidae (2.8%), Coccinellidae (1.9%), Alydidae, Tenebrionidae and Tettigoniidae with 0.9% respectively], 11 genera and 11 species.
Conclusion: Apis mellifera was the major pollinator and Aphis crassivora the major pest. The seed yield was improved by 30% extract of plants without impact on pollinators.
Lactic Acid Inhibits the Cytotoxicity of NK-92 Cells via Activating the Lactate Receptor GPR81
Authors: Huang Yaobiao , Nie Wenjie , Ye Sudan , Chen Chun 
Published: April 2023

Aims: Lactate acid functions as not only an energy source but a signaling molecule through the lactate receptor GPR81 under physiological conditions. However, the pathological role of lactic acid in the tumor microenvironment remains unclear, particularly for immune cells.
Methodology: NK-92 cells were treated with L-lactic acid solutions at final concentrations of 10, 20, 30, and 40 mM, and its cell viability and cytotoxicity on A549 cells and A375 cells were evaluated by CCK8 assay and crystal violet assay, respectively. Furthermore, qPCR was used to assess the expression of GPR81 and cytotoxicity-related genes in NK-92 cells treated with antagonist and agonist. And their relationship between lactate/GPR81 pathway and cytotoxicity-related genes were analyzed by Pearson’s correlation.
Results: The viability of NK-92 cells was inhibited by L-lactic acid with increasing concentration. Additionally, the cytotoxic activity against tumor cells of NK-92 cells treated with L-lactic acid decreased with increasing concentration. Moreover, qPCR results demonstrated that GPR81 can be activated by lactic acid or agonist (3,5-DHBA) and downregulate the expression cytotoxicity-related genes which included FASLG gene(Fas Ligand),TNF-α gene(Tumor necrosis factor-α), INFG gene (Interferon-γ), RPF1 gene (Perforin 1), GZMA gene (Granzyme A), GZMB gene (Granzyme B), GZMH gene (Granzyme H), GAMK gene (Granzyme K) and GZMM gene (Granzyme M). And the expression of GPR81 returned to near-control level when treated with L-lactic acid in the presence of antagonist (3-OBA), the expression of cytotoxicity-related genes did as well. Pearson’s correlation analysis of cytotoxicity-related genes with GPR81 revealed that their correlation coefficient seems negative.
Conclusion: Lactic acid can activate the GPR81 to downregulate the expression of cytotoxicity-related genes, subsequently lower the cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells.
Evaluation of Quality Characteristics and Storage Stability of Peanut Beverage Added Ginger, Moringa Leaf Powder and Lime
Authors: Ugbede Ohuoba Elizabeth , Basirat Kelani , Makinde Ayodamola Folake , Nwakaego Eugene Felicia , Ayobami Abolarin Jesuara , Chukwuebuka Igweagu Christian 
Published: April 2023

Peanut seeds were roasted at 800C for 20 min milled and blended with ginger (GI),with moringa leaf powder (MP), with lime (LI) with moringa leaf powder and ginger (MG) with lime and moringa leaf powder (LM) with lime and ginger (LM) into paste. Heated water (at 800C) was added to the paste while stirring for 30 min. The mixture was further heated in a boiling bath and filtered with muslin cloth cooled to obtain a drink which was flavored with pineapple, banana and milk flavor and sucrose was also added.
The results showed moisture content of GI ranged from 79.87 – 83.95 %, with sample LI having the highest value was not significantly different () from MO, MG, LM and LG but sample GI having the lowest value, which was significantly () difference form LI, MG and LG. The ash content ranged from 1.92 – 2.41 %, with sample GI having the highest value which was significantly () different from LI and MG but not significantly () different from other samples. The crude fat content ranged from 2.92 -3.07 %, of which sample GI having the highest value and sample LI having the lowest value which are not significantly () different from one another. The crude protein ranged from 4.01 – 4.74 % of which sample GI having the highest value and sample LG having the least value which are not significantly () different from one another. The carbohydrate contents ranged from 3.49 – 6.49 % with sample LI had the highest value which was not significantly () different from sample GI and MO and sample MG having the lowest value which was significantly () difference from other sample except LG. pH of beverages decreased from 7.90 MG week 1 to 3.21 in LM in week 3.Total titretable acidity present in the beverages were GI in week 1; (0.13), MO(0.17), LI(0.18), MG(0.12), LM(0.19) and LG(0.16).At week 3, GI(0.18), MO(0.23), LI(O.24), MG(0.82), LM(0.24) and LG(0.24). The beverages contained low number of total plate counts (1.9 x 102 - 2.8 x 104) and fungi/yeasts counts (1.2 x 104- 4.2 X 106). Overall acceptability was high for all samples.
Study of Productivity and Economics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) var. KBSH – 1 as Influenced by Nitrogen and Spacing
Authors: Sandhya Eslavath , Singh Rajesh 
Published: April 2023

A field experiment was conducted to determine the influence of Nitrogen and Spacing levels on Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) var. during kharif season of 2022, with 10 treatments (1-9) with different treatment combination of nitrogen and spacing and T10 is control. (viz. Nitrogen at 50, 60, and 70 kg/ha with 45 X 20 cm , 55 X 20 cm , 65 X 20 cm respectively). The soil experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (Ph 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.28%), available N (225kg/ha), available P (19.50kg/ha) and K (92kg/ha) at crop research farm of Department of Agronomy at Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj to study the effect of nitrogen and spacing on growth, yield and economics of Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) Var. KBSH - 1, The result revealed that application of 70 kg N/ha + 45 X 20 cm recorded maximum Capitulum diameter (15.13 cm), seed yield (2102 kg/ha). Stover yield (4287.92 kg/ha), oil content (42.27%) gross return (126.120 X 103INR/ha) highest net return (88.737x 103 INR/ha) and benefit: cost ratio (2.37%).
Evaluation of Detrusor Contractility Parameters Help to Analyze Consequences of Steady Abdominal Pressure Changes during Voiding in Women
Authors: Valentini Françoise A. , Marti Brigitte G. , Robain Gilberte 
Published: April 2023

Introduction: Urodynamic study interpretation leading to urodynamic diagnosis is mainly based on pressure recordings and the value of detrusor pressure at maximum flow (pdet.Qmax). Detrusor pressure is calculated by subtracting the abdominal pressure (pabd) from the vesical pressure (pves). Hence, there is a critical role for pabd in this process. The goal of our study was evaluate the contribution of detrusor contractility parameters (DCP) to confirm and to correct urodynamic misdiagnosis (UmD) due to steady abdominal pressure changes during voiding in women.
Materials and Methods: Urodynamic tracings of 271 non-neurologic women referred for investigation of various LUTS were retrospectively analyzed. UmD could be bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) and normal (N) for decreased pabd, normal (N) and detrusor underactivty (DU) for increased pabd. Detrusor contractility parameters were VBN parameter k and PIP1.
Results: Among the whole population 125 women had a significant change (≥5 cmH2O) of pabd during voiding (73 decrease, 52 increase).
In the “decrease” sub-group, only 3 N became DU with decreased DCP values; in the “increase” sub-group 1 N and 1 DU patients gained BOO diagnosis with increased DCP values.
In total, analysis of changes in abdominal pressure leads to 5/271 (1.8%) changes in urodynamic diagnosis; no correlation between previous surgery of incontinence or main complaint.
Conclusion: A high percentage of the non-neurologic female population has steady changes of abdominal pressure during voiding, that condition leads to few changes in urodynamic diagnosis; evaluation of detrusor contractility parameters values help to verify the new conclusions.
Hematological and Hypoglycemic Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Annona muricata Ripe Fruits Pulp on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetes in Rats: In vivo and In silico Studies
Authors: Akinlolu O. S. , Fatoki T. H. , Momodu D. U. 
Published: April 2023

Diabetes mellitus has been a metabolic disorder characterized by interferences in the breakdown of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein as a result of insulin deficiency. Great efforts are ongoing in understanding and management of diabetes, and disease related complication. In this work, an attempt was made to study the hematological and hypoglycemic effects of Annona muricata ripe fruits pulp in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats and validates its traditional claim. The forty-eight (48) Albino rat were divided into six groups which include normal, tests and controls. The diabetes–induced rats were fed orally with A. muricata ripe fruits pulp extract in concentrations of 750 mg, 1000 mg, and 2000 mg respectively. The results showed that the extract caused fasting blood sugar glucose levels to remarkably reduced to near normal. Hematological studies revealed that there were improvements in the hematological indices tested groups when compare with diabetes normal group. The molecular docking results indicate that the phytochemicals in A. muricata ripe fruit pulp have more affinity for aldose reductase followed by alpha-amylase and then alpha-glucosidase, and that montecristin, epoxymurin-A, dicaffeoylquinic acid, and kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside show higher affinity to the three targets than acarbose. These results indicate that ripe fruits pulp of A. muricata possesses a strong hypoglycemic effect in STZ–induced diabetic rats, thus supporting its traditional use in the management of diabetes mellitus.
Multifaceted Roles of Copper Ions in Anticancer Nanomedicine
Authors: Yang Siyuan , Song Yingnan , Hu Yanling , Chen HongJin , Yang Dongliang , Song Xuejiao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe significantly increased copper level in tumor tissues and serum indicates the close association of copper ions with tumor development, making copper ions attractive targets in the development of novel tumor treatment methods. The advanced nanotechnology developed in the past decades provides great potential for tumor therapy, among which Cu‐based nanotherapeutic systems have received greater attention. Herein, the multifaceted roles of copper ions in cancer progression are summarized and the recent advances in the copper‐based nanostructures or nanomedicines for different kinds of tumor therapies including copper depletion therapy, copper‐based cytotoxins, copper‐ion‐based chemodynamic therapy and its combination with other treatments, and copper‐ion‐induced ferroptosis and cuproptosis activation are discussed. Furthermore, the perspectives for the further development of copper‐ion‐based nanomedicines for tumor therapy and clinic translation are presented by the authors.
Rapid and Scalable Transfer of Large‐Area Graphene Wafers
Authors: Hu Zhaoning , Li Fangfang , Wu Haotian , Liao Junhao , Wang Quan , Chen Ge , Shi Zhuofeng , Zhu Yaqi , Bu Saiyu , Zhao Yixuan , Shang Mingpeng , Lu Qi , Jia Kaicheng , Xie Qin , Wang Guorui , Zhang Xiaodong , Zhu Yinbo , Wu Hengan , Peng Hailin , Lin Li , Liu Zhongfan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractRecently, scalable production of large‐area graphene films on metal foils with promising qualities is successfully achieved by eliminating grain boundaries, wrinkles, and adlayers. The transfer of graphene from growth metal substrates onto functional substrates remains one inescapable obstacle on the road to the real commercial applications of chemical vaport deposition (CVD) graphene films. Current transfer methods still require time‐consuming chemical reactions, which hinders its mass production, and produces cracks and contamination that strongly impede performance reproducibility. Therefore, graphene transfer techniques with fine intactness and cleanness of transferred graphene, and improved production efficiency would be ideal for the mass production of graphene films on destination substrates. Herein, through the engineering of interfacial forces enabled by sophisticated design of transfer medium, the crack‐free and clean transfer of 4‐inch‐sized graphene wafers onto silicon wafers within only 15 min is realized. The reported transfer method is an important leap over the long‐lasting obstacle of the batch‐scale graphene transfer without degrading the quality of graphene, bringing the graphene products close to the real applications.
A Highly Robust Amphibious Soft Robot with Imperceptibility Based on a Water‐Stable and Self‐Healing Ionic Conductor
Authors: Cheng Zhe , Feng Wenwen , Zhang Yucheng , Sun Lin , Liu Yuncong , Chen Lili , Wang Chao 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) are widely exploited for actuating soft machines and granting soft robots with capability to operate in both underwater and on‐land environments is important to make them adapt to more complex situations. Here, a DEA‐driven, highly robust, amphibious imperceptible soft robot (AISR) based on an all‐environment stable ionic conductive material is presented. A soft, self‐healable, all‐environment stable ionic conductor is developed by introducing cooperative ion–dipole interactions to provide underwater stability as well as efficient suppression of ion penetration. By tuning molecular structures of the material, a 50‐time device lifetime increase compared with unmodified [EMI][TFSI]‐based devices and excellent underwater actuating performance is achieved. With the synthesized ionic electrode, the DEA‐driven soft robot exhibits amphibious functionality to traverse hydro‐terrestrial regions. When encountering damage, the robot shows good resilience and can self‐heal underwater and it also exhibits imperceptibility to light, sound, and heat.
Achieving Practical High‐Energy‐Density Lithium‐Metal Batteries by a Dual‐Anion Regulated Electrolyte
Authors: Su Hai , Chen Zifeng , Li Mengjie , Bai Panxing , Li Yong , Ji Xiao , Liu Ziqiang , Sun Jie , Ding Jia , Yang Ming , Yao Xiayin , Mao Chong , Xu Yunhua 
Published: April 2023

AbstractLithium‐metal batteries (LMBs) using lithium‐metal anodes and high‐voltage cathodes have been deemed as one of the most promising high‐energy‐density battery technology. However, its practical application is largely hindered by the notorious dendrite growth of lithium‐metal anodes, the fast structure degradation of the cathode, and insufficient electrode–electrolyte interphase kinetics. Here, a dual‐anion regulated electrolyte is developed for LMBs using lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) and lithium difluoro(bisoxalato)phosphate (LiDFBOP) as anion regulators. The incorporation of TFSI− in the solvation sheath reduces the desolvation energy of Li+, and DFBOP− promotes the formation of highly ion‐conductive and sustainable inorganic‐rich interphases on the electrodes. Significantly enhanced performance is demonstrated on Li||LiNi0.83Co0.11Mn0.06O2 pouch cells, with 84.6% capacity retention after 150 cycles in 6.0 Ah pouch cells and an ultrahigh rate capability up to 5 C in 2.0 Ah pouch cells. Furthermore, a pouch cell with an ultralarge capacity of 39.0 Ah is fabricated and achieves an ultrahigh energy density of 521.3 Wh kg−1. The findings provide a facile electrolyte design strategy for promoting the practical utilization of high‐energy‐density LMBs.
Review on Electrospun Conductive Polymer Composites Strain Sensors
Authors: Wang Xin , Gao Qingsen , Schubert Dirk W. , Liu Xianhu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe rapid development of wearable smart devices with the ability to detect physiological activity has contributed to a huge demand for smart strain sensors. However, conventional strain sensors have significant limitations about stretchability. Electrospun strain sensors show great potential for application in the field of wearable strain sensors due to their light weight, good elasticity, stretchability, and ease of processing. In this review, the effects of materials, processing methods, and microstructures of electrospun strain sensors from conductive polymer composites on wearable strain sensors are summarized and discussed. The purpose of this review is to critically review the progress of electrospinning process‐based strain sensors and to predict promising future directions.
Ferroptosis Signature Shapes the Immune Profiles to Enhance the Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Chung Chih‐Hung , Lin Chun‐Yu , Chen Chih‐Yu , Hsueh Chun‐Wei , Chang Yao‐Wen , Wang Chen‐Chi , Chu Pen‐Yuan , Tai Shyh‐Kuan , Yang Muh‐Hwa 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAs a type of immunogenic cell death, ferroptosis participates in the creation of immunoactive tumor microenvironments. However, knowledge of spatial location of tumor cells with ferroptosis signature in tumor environments and the role of ferroptotic stress in inducing the expression of immune‐related molecules in cancer cells is limited. Here the spatial association of the transcriptomic signatures is demonstrated for ferroptosis and inflammation/immune activation located in the invasive front of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The association between ferroptosis signature and inflammation/immune activation is more prominent in HPV‐negative HNSCC compared to HPV‐positive ones. Ferroptotic stress induces PD‐L1 expression through reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐elicited NF‐κB signaling pathway and calcium influx. Priming murine HNSCC with the ferroptosis inducer sensitizes tumors to anti‐PD‐L1 antibody treatment. A positive correlation between the ferroptosis signature and the active immune cell profile is shown in the HNSCC samples. This study reveals a subgroup of ferroptotic HNSCC with immune‐active signatures and indicates the potential of priming HNSCC with ferroptosis inducers to increase the antitumor efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Silencing of NOTCH3 Signaling in Meniscus Smooth Muscle Cells Inhibits Fibrosis and Exacerbates Degeneration in a HEYL‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Sun Hao , Liu Fangzhou , Lin Zhencan , Jiang Zongrui , Wen Xingzhao , Xu Jie , Zhang Zhiqi , Ma Ruofan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe mechanisms of meniscus fibrosis and novel ways to enhance fibrosis is unclear. This work reveals human meniscus fibrosis initiated at E24 weeks. Smooth muscle cell cluster is identified in embryonic meniscus, and the combined analysis with previous data suggests smooth muscle cell in embryonic meniscus as precursors of progenitor cells in the mature meniscus. NOTCH3 is constantly expressed in smooth muscle cells throughout embryogenesis to adulthood. Inhibition of NOTCH3 signaling in vivo inhibits meniscus fibrosis and exacerbates degeneration. Continuous histological sections show that HEYL, NOTCH3 downstream target gene, is expressed consistently with NOTCH3. HEYL knockdown in meniscus cells attenuated the COL1A1 upregulation by CTGF and TGF‐β stimulation. Thus, this study discovers the existence of smooth muscle cells and fibers in the meniscus. Inhibition of NOTCH3 signaling in meniscus smooth muscle cells in a HEYL‐dependent manner prevented meniscus fibrosis and exacerbated degeneration. Therefore, NOTCH3/HEYL signaling might be a potential therapeutic target for meniscus fibrosis.
Interface Engineering by Hydrophilic and Zincophilic Aluminum Hydroxide Fluoride for Anode‐Free Zinc Metal Batteries at Low Temperature
Authors: Wang Cheng , Wang Dongdong , Lv Dan , Peng Huili , Song Xinxin , Yang Jian , Qian Yitai 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAnode‐free batteriesgreatly promote overall energy density, but they require an extremely high Coulombic efficiency (CE, >99.7%) to function normally. It becomes very challenging in aqueous batteries, because of water‐related parasitic reactions and dendrite growth on Zn anodes. Herein, aluminum hydroxide fluoride coated on Cu foils (Cu@AOF) is used to realize the anode‐free aqueous batteries. AOF exhibits a high adsorption affinity to H2O and a low diffusion energy barrier for Zn adatoms, promoting the desolvation process and surface migration. Meanwhile, the strong interaction between AOF and Zn2+ enables it to regulate the Zn2+ flux and benefit lateral growth. Then, the anode‐free full cells of Cu@AOF||Zn0.5VO2 exhibit a record‐high cycle life of 2000 cycles at 1 A g−1 with an ultra‐high average CE of 99.95%. More impressively, the full cell shows a long cycle life of 400 cycles with a high CE of 99.94% at −20 °C. This work provides sheds light on the rational engineering of the electrode interfaces to obtain excellent performance at low temperatures.
Ultrafine Fe2C Iron Carbide Nanoclusters Trapped in Topological Carbon Defects for Efficient Electroreduction of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Su Jianwei , Pan Dianhui , Dong Yan , Zhang Yangyuan , Tang Yulong , Sun Jian , Zhang Linjuan , Tian Ziqi , Chen Liang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNormally, the CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) on Fe‐based materials is unfavorable due to the poisoning of reaction sites by CO products. By modulating the electronic structures of Fe sites via carbonization, the CO binding strength can be optimized to facilitate the CO2RR. In the present study, a dual N‐elimination strategy is adopted to synthesize and stabilize a rarely reported iron carbide phase Fe2C nanoclusters with a mean diameter of 1.07 nm trapped in topological carbon defects. Notably, the ultrafine Fe2C clusters present an excellent performance on electrocatalytic CO2RR, which can drive a current density of 8.53 mA cm−2 with Faradaic efficiency of 97.1% for CO production at −0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the nanometric Fe2C cluster possesses much weaker binding with CO than the Fe crystalline surfaces and other iron carbides, thus promoting the CO desorption and overall CO2RR process.