bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The link of FOXO1 and FOXO4 transcription factors to development of the lens
Authors: Gheyas Rifah N. , Williams Ruby C. , Ryan Kelly A. , Menko A. Sue 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThe FOXOs regulate the transcription of many genes, including ones directly linked to pathways required for lens development. However, this transcription factor family has rarely been studied in the context of development, including the development of the lens. FOXO expression, regulation, and function during lens development remained unexplored.ResultsIn studies of the embryonic lens, we showed that both FOXO1 and FOXO4, which share many downstream targets, are expressed in a differentiation‐state‐specific manner, most highly in lens epithelial and differentiating cortical fiber cells. Their expression patterns and subcellular distributions suggest both shared and distinct functions. Stabilization of FOXO cytoplasmic pools involved their binding to the chaperone protein 14‐3‐3. FOXO association with β‐catenin linked this transcription complex to fiber cell‐specific gene activation. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt signaling promoted FOXO1/FOXO4 nuclear localization in lens epithelial and fiber cells and expression of the CDKi p27 in the lens epithelium where it has been linked to lens cell withdrawal from the cell cycle and initiation of the lens differentiation program. We showed that FOXO1 transcriptional activation is required for the induction of p27 when Akt signaling is blocked, demonstrating the linearity of the PI3K/Akt/FOXO1/p27 pathway.ConclusionsPI3K/Akt signaling regulates FOXO‐dependent lens cell differentiation.
Scalable method for exploring phylogenetic placement uncertainty with custom visualizations using treeio and ggtree
Authors: Chen Meijun , Luo Xiao , Xu Shuangbin , Li Lin , Li Junrui , Xie Zijing , Wang Qianwen , Liao Yufan , Liu Bingdong , Liang Wenquan , Mo Ke , Song Qiong , Chen Xia , Lam Tommy Tsan‐Yuk , Yu Guangchuang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn metabarcoding research, such as taxon identification, phylogenetic placement plays a critical role. However, many existing phylogenetic placement methods lack comprehensive features for downstream analysis and visualization. Visualization tools often ignore placement uncertainty, making it difficult to explore and interpret placement data effectively. To overcome these limitations, we introduce a scalable approach using treeio and ggtree for parsing and visualizing phylogenetic placement data. The treeio‐ggtree method supports placement filtration, uncertainty exploration, and customized visualization. It enhances scalability for large analyses by enabling users to extract subtrees from the full reference tree, focusing on specific samples within a clade. Additionally, this approach provides a clearer representation of phylogenetic placement uncertainty by visualizing associated placement information on the final placement tree.
Physiologically based Pharmacokinetic/Pharmacodynamic Modeling (PBPK/PD) of Famotidine in Pregnancy
Authors: Liu Xiaomei I. , Green Dionna J. , van den Anker John , Ahmadzia Homa K. , Calderon Joaquin , Burckart Gilbert J. , Dallmann André 
Published: January 2025

AbstractFamotidine, a H2‐receptor antagonist, is commonly used to treat heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease during pregnancy. However, information on the pharmacokinetics (PK) of famotidine in pregnant patients is limited since pregnant patients are usually excluded from clinical trials. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for famotidine in non‐pregnant and pregnant populations, and to combine it with a pharmacodynamic (PD) model to predict the effect of famotidine on intragastric pH. Clinical data for model evaluation were taken from the literature. The PBPK model successfully predicted famotidine PK in non‐pregnant and pregnant populations. The ratio of predicted versus observed PK parameters in non‐pregnant populations ranged from 0.66 to 1.33 for the area under the concentration–time curve and from 0.50 to 1.27 for peak concentration (Cmax). In the pregnant populations, these ratios were 0.94 and 1.17 for early pregnancy, 0.82 and 1.29 for mid‐pregnancy, and 0.72 and 1.06 for late pregnancy, respectively. Compared to the non‐pregnant population, famotidine exposure was predicted to be decreased by, on average, 24% in mid‐pregnancy and 20% in late pregnancy. The PBPK/PD model adequately captured the increase in intragastric pH observed in non‐pregnant adults after famotidine intake and suggested a similar effect in mid‐ and late pregnancy. High inter‐individual variability and minor discrepancies between model predictions and clinical observations indicate a need for further clinical data to reliably inform dosing strategies and therapeutic outcomes for famotidine in pregnant populations.
Ergogenic Benefits of β‐Hydroxy‐β‐Methyl Butyrate (HMB) Supplementation on Body Composition and Muscle Strength: An Umbrella Review of Meta‐Analyses
Authors: Bideshki Mohammad Vesal , Behzadi Mehrdad , Jamali Mehrdad , Jamilian Parsa , Zarezadeh Meysam , Gargari Bahram Pourghassem 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundβ‐Hydroxy‐β‐methyl butyrate (HMB) is a metabolite of the amino acid leucine, known for its ergogenic effects on body composition and strength. Despite these benefits, the magnitude of these effects remains unclear due to variability among studies. This umbrella review aims to synthesize meta‐analyses investigating the effects of HMB on body composition and muscle strength in adults.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in Scopus, PubMed and Web of Science without date or language restrictions until August 2024. The study protocol was registered at Prospero (No. CRD42023402740). Included studies evaluated the effects of HMB supplementation on body mass, fat mass (FM), fat‐free mass (FFM), muscle mass and performance outcomes. Effect sizes (ESs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated, and a random‐effects model was used for meta‐analysis. Standard methods assessed heterogeneity, sensitivity and publication bias. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the AMSTAR2 tool.ResultsEleven studies comprising 41 data sets were included, with participants aged 23–79 years. HMB supplementation significantly increased muscle mass (ES: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.06–0.35; p = 0.004), muscle strength index (ES: 0.27; 95% CI: 0.19–0.35; p < 0.001) and FFM (ES: 0.22; 95% CI: 0.11–0.34; p < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in FM (ES: 0.03; 95% CI: −0.04 to 0.35; p = 0.09) or body mass (ES: 0.09; 95% CI: −0.06 to 0.24; p = 0.22). The quality assessment revealed that five studies were of high quality, three were of low quality and three were of critically low quality.ConclusionsHMB supplementation may benefit individuals experiencing muscular atrophy due to physiological conditions, particularly enhancing muscle mass and strength without significant changes in fat mass or body weight.
The Prognostic Value of Sarcopenia in Clinical Outcomes in Cervical Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Wang Fang , Zhen Hongnan , Yu Kang , Liu Pengju 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTBackgroundSarcopenia is a condition characterized by inadequate muscle and function decline and is often associated with ageing and cancer. It is established that sarcopenia and muscle loss occurred during treatment are associated with the clinical outcomes of patients with cancer. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the association between sarcopenia at pretreatment and during treatment and overall survival or disease progression in patients with cervical cancer.MethodsThe Web of Science, Embase, Medline and Cochrane Library databases were searched until 4 July 2024. Studies evaluating the prognostic effect of muscle mass at pretreatment or muscle change during treatment on survival or disease progression for patients with cervical cancer were included. Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale (NOS). Forest plots and summary effect models were used to show the effect size of sarcopenia on clinical outcomes.ResultsThe search strategy yielded 1721 studies in four databases. Eleven and seven studies were included in the quantitative analysis of pretreatment sarcopenia and muscle change on clinical outcomes, respectively. A total of 1907 patients underwent pretreatment muscle assessment, but 1016 were monitored for muscle changes; however, none of the studies involved measures of muscle strength or function. Meta‐analysis showed a significant association between pretreatment sarcopenia and OS [hazard ratio (HR) 1.58, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.16–2.14, p = 0.003] and PFS (HR 1.63, 95%CI 1.16–2.29, p = 0.005) according to data of univariate analysis. In the meta‐analysis of the multivariate data, pretreatment sarcopenia remained associated with poor OS (HR 3.09, 95% CI: 2.07–4.61, p < 0.00001) and PFS (HR: 1.55, 95%CI 1.06–2.28, p = 0.03). Additionally, muscle loss was significantly associated with OS (HR 5.18, 95%CI 3.54–7.56, p < 0.00001) and PFS (HR 2.62, 95%CI 1.63–4.22, p < 0.00001). Subgroup analysis showed that the association between pretreatment sarcopenia and OS, as well as PFS, was influenced by muscle mass measurements and cut‐off values, whereas muscle loss consistently predicted worse OS and PFS when stratified by varying degrees of reduction. The NOS scores of all included studies were ≥ 6.ConclusionsPretreatment sarcopenia and muscle change during treatment are significantly associated with both overall survival and disease progression. Therefore, muscle assessment and monitoring should be conducted for appropriate diagnosis and intervention to improve clinical outcomes in patients with cervical cancer.
Measurement of plantar pressure differences in the contralateral limb when using offloading modalities for diabetic foot ulcerations
Authors: Ngui Ian Rong Yi , Bowden Jane , Jones Sara L , Daebeler Rebecca , Causby Ryan S 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundThis study investigated the effect of various offloading devices commonly used for the management of diabetic foot ulcerations on peak plantar pressure and pressure–time integral of the contralateral limb.MethodsA quantitative, randomised and within‐subject repeated measures study was conducted in an outpatient gait laboratory. Outpatients with unilateral diabetic foot ulcers and adequate perfusion to the lower limb without an intrinsic limb‐length discrepancy who were able to walk were recruited for the study. They were also required to understand English. An in‐shoe pressure sensor was placed in the participants’ everyday shoes between their feet and insoles. Participants were asked to walk at their own speed and cadences with three stances recorded. Their peak and mean plantar pressures were recorded. This was repeated with four different offloading conditions: Darco APB™ All Purpose Boot, Darco APB™ All Purpose Boot with wool felt adhered to the bottom of the foot, DH Offloading Walker® and DH Offloading Walker® with Even‐Up™ on the contralateral foot.ResultsThe total sample comprised 22 adults (3 females and 19 males) aged between 34 and 78 years old (mean age, 57.6 ± 9.9 years). The results indicated that none of the regions of the foot showed a statistically significant difference in peak plantar pressure and pressure–time integral between the control condition and other offloading modalities, or between modalities.ConclusionThe use of offloading modalities for diabetic foot ulcers does not significantly affect peak plantar pressure or pressure–time integral measures on the contralateral limb. However, this should be considered with caution, as this population will possess the same risk factors in both the affected and the contralateral foot.
Moderating Role of Strategic Ownership on Board Composition and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) Performance in Global Airlines: Insights From Full‐Service and Low‐Cost Carriers
Authors: Abdi Yaghoub , Mohammadi Mohammadreza 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis paper studies the effect of board composition in airline firms on their commitment to the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approach. Accordingly, the moderating influence of strategic ownership of 34 international airlines is studied. The results of this research highlight several correlations between different influential factors. First, it is shown that including female directors can encourage ESG performance. Second, it is found that the environmental performance of the airlines can be improved with the presence of a dedicated corporate social responsibility (CRS) committee. Furthermore, board independence is identified as a positive driver of governance initiatives. Additionally, this study demonstrates that strategic investors can encourage the positive influence of female directors on ESG activities. Finally, the study sheds light on the difference between full‐service and low‐cost airlines, elucidating the impact of how strategic ownership on the correlation between board diligence and management activities. These findings provide crucial insights for the decision‐makers in the airline industry and contribute to environmental sustainability endeavors within the industry.
Polarization‐Independent Dispersive Complex‐Amplitude Modulation via Anisotropic Metasurfaces
Authors: Yang Hui , Peng Meiyu , He Hairong , Yu Dian , Ou Kai , Wang Quan , Luo Xuhao , Hu Yueqiang , Jing Hui , Duan Huigao 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPolarization‐independent characteristic is highly desirable for practical applications, and for metasurfaces, it is typically achieved through isotropic structures. This inevitably leads to a lost degree of freedom (DoF) within the parameter space, thereby restricting the realization of advanced functionalities in a polarization‐independent regime. Here, counterintuitively, polarization‐independent dispersive complex‐amplitude modulation is achieved via a single‐layered anisotropic metasurface. By fully exploiting the in‐plane DoFs in the parameter space, the previously unattainable polarization‐independent functionalities can be achieved without adding additional challenges to metasurface manufacturing. The underlying mechanism relies on the optimization of the superimposed dispersive Jones matrix of the meta‐molecule, which demonstrates identical behavior under a pair of orthogonal polarization bases. As a proof of concept, polarization‐independent color printing is numerically and experimentally demonstrated, which is completely different from the resonant structural color that depends on the optimization of spectral characteristic. Moreover, the integration of near‐field color printing, far‐field color holography, and an achromatic multi‐port beam splitter with arbitrary power ratio are demonstrated as well. The proposed metasurface platform opens up new doors for designing polarization‐independent compact meta‐devices, holding various applications in augmented‐reality displaying, information communication, and optical security.
Protection of Enzymes Against Heat Inactivation by Enzyme–Polymer Conjugates
Authors: Jiang Zhongguo , Ma Lirong , Lv Yanfeng , Zhao Hui 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAlong with the quick advancements in enzyme technology, inactivation has emerged as the key barrier for enzymes to be fully utilized as biocatalysts. Here, a novel strategy is presented for the preservation of the enzymatic activity even after heat treatment by grafting enzymes onto the thermal responsive block copolymer via an activated ester‐amine reaction. A new water‐soluble activated ester monomer, acrylic polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized 3‐fluoro‐4‐hydroxybenzoate is synthesized. This activated ester monomer and 2‐methoxyethoxyethyl methacrylate (MEEMA) as copolymer monomers are first used to synthesize water‐soluble polymers bearing activated ester for post‐polymerization modification with amines. Two model enzymes containing amine residues, urease, and papain, are grafted onto the resulting thermal responsive polymers to obtain PMEEMA‐co‐Enzyme, respectively. The obtained particles of polymer‐enzyme conjugates flocculate above the low critical solution temperature (LCST) and redissolve when cooled below that temperature. The activity of the conjugated enzymes has been studied after high temperatures treatment and compared to that of free enzymes. The enzymatic activity assays show that the thermosensitive polymer can act as a stabilizer under high‐temperature conditions after multipoint grafting with the enzyme, thus protecting the enzyme from thermal inactivation.
Adhesive and Conductive Hydrogels for the Treatment of Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Zhao Jialiang , Chen Ying , Qin Yuanyuan , Li Yongqi , Lu Xiong , Xie Chaoming 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMyocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of mortality among cardiovascular diseases. Following MI, the damaged myocardium is progressively being replaced by fibrous scar tissue, which exhibits poor electrical conductivity, ultimately resulting in arrhythmias and adverse cardiac remodeling. Due to their extracellular matrix‐like structure and excellent biocompatibility, hydrogels are emerging as a focal point in cardiac tissue engineering. However, traditional hydrogels lack the necessary conductivity to restore electrical signal transmission in the infarcted regions. Imparting conductivity to hydrogels while also enhancing their adhesive properties enables them to adhere closely to myocardial tissue, establish stable electrical connections, and facilitate synchronized contraction and myocardial tissue repair within the infarcted area. This paper reviews the strategies for constructing conductive and adhesive hydrogels, focusing on their application in MI repair. Furthermore, the challenges and future directions in developing adhesive and conductive hydrogels for MI repair are discussed.
Synthesis and Optoelectronic Characterizations of Conjugated Polymers Based on Diketopyrrolopyrrole and 2,2′‐(thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐2,5‐diyl)diacetonitrile Via Knoevenagel Condensation
Authors: Wu Kunlan , Chen Pinyu , Cui Tianqiang , Zhang Baoxin , Sun Chun‐Lin , Wang Jianguo , Shao Xiangfeng , Chen Liangliang , Chen Yu , Liu Zitong 
Published: January 2025

AbstractConjugated polymers have attracted extensive attention as semiconducting materials in wearable and flexible electronics. In this study, we utilize atom‐economical Knoevenagel reaction to construct two conjugated polymers, PTDPP‐CNTT and PFDPP‐CNTT, based on dialdehyde‐thiophene/furan‐flanked diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and 2,2′‐(thieno[3,2‐b]thiophene‐2,5‐diyl)diacetonitrile (CNTT). The resulting polymers exhibited suitable highest occupied molecular orbital/lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO/LUMO) energy levels, small bandgaps, and broad UV–vis–NIR absorptions (≈400–1000 nm), endowing them with photothermal and balanced ambipolar semiconducting properties with hole and electron mobilities over 10−3 cm2V−1s−1. Additionally, PTDPP‐CNTT‐based organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) devices show photo‐responsive characteristics at 808 and 980 nm in the hole transport channel with the photo‐responsivenesses of 9.0 × 10−3 A/W and 0.4 A/W, respectively, suggesting potential application in organic NIR‐phototransistors.
Naphthalene Diimide and Pyromellitic Diimide Networks as Cathode Materials in Lithium‐ion Batteries: on the Instability of Pyromellitic Diimide
Authors: Matsidik Rukiya , Fazzi Daniele , Seifert Andreas , Sommer Michael 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAromatic diimides such as naphthalene diimide (NDI) and pyromellitic diimide (MDI) are important building blocks for organic electrode materials. They feature a two‐electron redox mechanism that allows for energy storage. Due to the smaller size of MDI compared to NDI its theoretical capacity is higher. Studies on MDI‐based small molecule and linear polymer electrodes indicate that MDI is unstable, yet the origin of instability remains unclear. Herein, two cross‐linked networks of NDI and MDI are designed. The polymers, termed PNDI‐EG and PMDI‐EG, are synthesized via cationic polymerization of vinyl ethylene glycol‐functionalized NDI and MDI monomers. The cross‐linked structures preclude extrinsic degradation pathways (e.g., dissolution in the electrolyte), and thereby facilitate the investigation of intrinsic degradation mechanisms. PMDI‐EG‐based cathodes are less stable, and the performance of PMDI‐EG/Li half cells is markedly inferior compared to PNDI‐EG/Li cells. Our comprehensive experimental and quantum‐chemical investigation reveals that PMDI‐EG undergoes irreversible diimide ring opening upon prolonged charge–discharge cycles, while PNDI‐EG remains intact. It is hypothesized that the smaller ring size of the five‐membered imide renders MDI more susceptible to side reactions with nucleophiles in the electrolyte, causing rapid loss of capacity during the first cycles.
Progress in Tandem Mass Spectrometry Data Analysis for Nucleic Acids
Authors: Lanzillotti Michael B. , Brodbelt Jennifer S. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTMass spectrometry (MS) has become a critical tool in the characterization of covalently modified nucleic acids. Well‐developed bottom‐up approaches, where nucleic acids are digested with an endonuclease and the resulting oligonucleotides are separated before MS and MS/MS analysis, provide substantial insight into modified nucleotides in biological and synthetic nucleic. Top‐down MS presents an alternative approach where the entire nucleic acid molecule is introduced to the mass spectrometer intact and then fragmented by MS/MS. Current top‐down MS workflows have incorporated automated, on‐line HPLC workflows to enable rapid desalting of nucleic acid samples for facile mass analysis without complication from adduction. Furthermore, optimization of MS/MS parameters utilizing collision, electron, or photon‐based activation methods have enabled effective bond cleavage throughout the phosphodiester backbone while limiting secondary fragmentation, allowing characterization of progressively larger (~100 nt) nucleic acids and localization of covalent modifications. Development of software applications to perform automated identification of fragment ions has accelerated the broader adoption of mass spectrometry for analysis of nucleic acids. This review focuses on progress in tandem mass spectrometry for characterization of nucleic acids with particular emphasis on the software tools that have proven critical for advancing the field.
Exclusivity Under Different Vertical Structures in Online Platforms With Network Effects
Authors: Chen Haijun , Xu Qi 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTSecuring exclusive premium content can enhance a platform's competitive edge, becoming a key factor in the success of online platform competition. This study examines exclusivity strategies under vertical separation and vertical integration, assessing their impacts on the endogenous quality and pricing decisions of competing platforms, as well as on consumer and overall welfare. Our findings reveal that the platform with exclusive premium content generally increase their quality and pricing, whereas the competitor tends to lower theirs. However, network effects moderate these price increases in vertical integration. Network effects play a crucial role, making premium content provider weighs the benefits of exclusivity against the potential for broader consumer engagement through nonexclusivity. Although exclusivity always reduces consumer surplus under vertical separation, it potentially aligns with consumer surplus in vertical integration. Additionally, our analysis of asymmetric market conditions reveals that premium content provider often forms exclusive agreement with the dominant platform, exacerbating quality and price disparities. Given these dynamics, we suggest that policymakers should rigorously evaluate the impacts of exclusivity on consumer surplus, offering crucial insights for antitrust authorities on the regulatory challenges in online platform markets.