bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the bacterial nasopharyngeal microbiota on the severity of genus enterovirus lower respiratory tract infection in children: A case–control study
Authors: Penela‐Sánchez Daniel , Rocafort Muntsa , Henares Desiree , Jordan Iolanda , Brotons Pedro , Cabrerizo María , Launes Cristian , Muñoz‐Almagro Carmen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionRhinoviruses (RV) and enteroviruses (EV) are among the main causative etiologies of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in children. The clinical spectrum of RV/EV infection is wide, which could be explained by diverse environmental, pathogen‐, and host‐related factors. Little is known about the nasopharyngeal microbiota as a risk factor or disease modifier for RV/EV infection in pediatric patients. This study describes distinct nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles according to RV/EV LRTI status in children.MethodsCross‐sectional case–control study, conducted at Hospital Sant de Déu (Barcelona, Spain) from 2017 to 2020. Three groups of children <5 years were included: healthy controls without viral detection (Group A), mild or asymptomatic controls with RV/EV infection (Group B), and cases with severe RV/EV infection admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) (Group C). Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from participants for viral DNA/RNA detection by multiplex‐polymerase chain reaction and bacterial microbiota characterization by 16S rRNA gene sequencing.ResultsA total of 104 subjects were recruited (A = 17, B = 34, C = 53). Children's nasopharyngeal microbiota composition varied according to their RV/EV infection status. Richness and diversity were decreased among children with severe infection. Nasopharyngeal microbiota profiles enriched in genus Dolosigranulum were related to respiratory health, while genus Haemophilus was specifically predominant in children with severe RV/EV LRTI. Children with mild or asymptomatic RV/EV infection showed an intermediate profile.ConclusionsThese results suggest a close relationship between the nasopharyngeal microbiota and different clinical presentations of RV/EV infection.
ComparePD: Improving protein–DNA complex model comparison with hydrogen bond energy‐based metrics
Authors: Malik Fareeha Kanwal , Guo Jun‐tao 
Published: March 2023

AbstractComputational modeling of protein–DNA complex structures has important implications in biomedical applications such as structure‐based, computer aided drug design. A key step in developing methods for accurate modeling of protein–DNA complexes is similarity assessment between models and their reference complex structures. Existing methods primarily rely on distance‐based metrics and generally do not consider important functional features of the complexes, such as interface hydrogen bonds that are critical to specific protein–DNA interactions. Here, we present a new scoring function, ComparePD, which takes interface hydrogen bond energy and strength into account besides the distance‐based metrics for accurate similarity measure of protein–DNA complexes. ComparePD was tested on two datasets of computational models of protein–DNA complexes generated using docking (classified as easy, intermediate, and difficult cases) and homology modeling methods. The results were compared with PDDockQ, a modified version of DockQ tailored for protein–DNA complexes, as well as the metrics employed by the community‐wide experiment CAPRI (Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions). We demonstrated that ComparePD provides an improved similarity measure over PDDockQ and the CAPRI classification method by considering both conformational similarity and functional importance of the complex interface. ComparePD identified more meaningful models as compared to PDDockQ for all the cases having different top models between ComparePD and PDDockQ except for one intermediate docking case.
A Toll‐like receptor‐4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway promotes inflammation in skeletal muscle of chronic kidney disease patients
Authors: Verzola Daniela , Esposito Pasquale , Milanesi Samantha , Saio Michela , Picciotto Daniela , Frascio Marco , Laudon Alessandro , Garibotto Giacomo , Brunori Giuliano , Viazzi Francesca 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundAn emerging hypothesis is that the activation of innate immunity in the muscle of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is implicated in the development and progression of wasting and cachexia. We previously observed that Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR4) and its downward NF‐κB‐dependent pro‐inflammatory pathways are activated in CKD muscle. It is however unknown if TLR4 can activate the TLR4/NOD, LRR, and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway, which is implicated in cardiovascular disease and frailty, clinical settings that are commonly observed in CKD patients.MethodsIn a case–control cohort study, we hypothesized that a TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is activated in skeletal muscle in uraemia. First, we studied the regulation TLR4/NLRP3/caspase‐1 in skeletal muscle biopsies (20M/11F) obtained from 31 non‐diabetic CKD5 patients (eGFR 8 ± 1 mL/min 1.73 m2) scheduled for peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion and 15 controls (10M/5F, eGFR 99 ± 6 mL/min 1.73 m2). Second, the effects of uraemic serum on the TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway were studied in C2C12 cells.ResultsIn the muscle of CKD subjects, NLRP3 mRNA as well as its protein were overexpressed (by ~16‐fold, respectively, P < 0.05 both vs. controls). Both IL‐1β and IL‐18 mRNA expressions were also up‐regulated (~11.8–3.2‐fold, respectively, P < 0.05). Also, cleaved caspase‐1 was overexpressed in CKD muscle samples (P < 0.001 vs. controls). Both muscle NLRP3 mRNA (n = 22, r = −0.606, P < 0.01) and logIL‐1 β protein (n = 26, r = −0.460, P < 0.02) were inversely associated with residual renal function, which suggests that the inflammasome is progressively activated in skeletal muscle of CKD patients as the residual renal function deteriorates. In addition, we observed that in C2C12 myotubes, uraemic serum up‐regulates NLRP3 mRNA (~11‐fold increase, P < 0.05), cleaved caspase‐1 (by ~5‐fold, P < 0.05), Il‐1β mRNA (~3‐fold increase, P < 0.05) and oxidative stress markers respect to normal serum. These effects were prevented by TAK‐242, a selective TLR4 inhibitor.ConclusionsOverall, our data demonstrate the activation of TLR4/NLRP3/caspase‐1 inflammasome and its downward inflammatory cascade in the muscle of subjects with advanced‐stage CKD and suggest targeting TLR4/NLRP3 inflammasome as a new therapeutic strategy to blunt muscle inflammation in CKD.
Carbon Dots and Tumor Antigen Conjugates as Nanovaccines for Elevated Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Liu Hongxin , Xie Zhigang , Zheng Min 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCancer immunotherapy has become one of the current research hotspots. However, the deficiencies including restricted immunogenicity, insufficient antigen presentation, and low responsive rate limited their therapeutic applications. Own to the small size and excellent biocompatibility, carbon dots (CDs) can serve as nanovectors to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Herein, a tumor antigen‐based nanovaccines (GMal+B16F10‐Ag and GMal+CT26‐Ag) by the conjugation of CDs with the tumor cell‐derived antigens (B16F10‐Ag and CT26‐Ag) is constructed. These nanovaccines can be effectively taken up by dendritic cells (DC2.4), promote DC cell maturation, cross‐present the antigen to T cells, specifically target B16F10 melanoma or CT26 colon cancers, and inhibit tumor growth distinctly. This work illustrates the promise of CDs acting as versatile carriers for antigen delivery to achieve the optimal immunotherapeutic outcomes.
Large‐Scale, Uniform‐Patterned CsCu2I3 Films for Flexible Solar‐Blind Photodetectors Array with Ultraweak Light Sensing
Authors: Lu Qiuchun , Zhang Yufei , Yang Guanlin , Xiong Meiling , Wu Wenqiang , Xu Zhangsheng , Lu Hui , Liang Yegang , He Zeping , Yu Yang , Mo Xiaoming , Han Xun , Pan Caofeng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractCesium copper halide perovskite is one of the promising materials for solar‐blind light detection. However, most of the cesium copper halide perovskite‐based photodetectors (PDs) are focused on ultraviolet A detection and realized on the rigid substrate in the single device configuration. Here, a flexible solar‐blind PDs array (10 × 10 pixels) based on the CsCu2I3 film patterns for ultraweak light sensing and light distribution imaging is reported. Large‐scale CsCu2I3 film arrays are synthesized with various shapes and uniform dimensions through a simple vacuum‐heating‐assisted solution method. Benefiting from excellent air stability and superior resistance to the photodegrading of the CsCu2I3 film, the array device exhibits long‐term stable photoswitching behavior for 8 h and ultralow light detection capability to resolve the light intensity of 6.1 nW cm−2 with a high responsivity of 62 A W−1, and the array device can acquire clear images of “G”, “X”, and “U” showing the input light distribution. Moreover, the flame detection and warning system based on a curved solar‐blind PDs array is demonstrated, which can be used for multi‐flame monitoring and locating. These results can encourage potential applications of the CsCu2I3 film‐based PDs array in the field of optical communication and environment monitoring.
Shaping Sulfur Precursors to Low Dimensional (0D, 1D and 2D) Sulfur Nanomaterials: Synthesis, Characterization, Mechanism, Functionalization, and Applications
Authors: Lu Wenyi , Wei Zitong , Guo Wenxuan , Yan Chengcheng , Ding Zhaolong , Wang Chunxia , Huang Guoyong , Rotello Vincent M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractLow‐dimensional sulfur nanomaterials featuring with 0D sulfur nanoparticles (SNPs), sulfur nanodots (SNDs) and sulfur quantum dots (SQDs), 1D sulfur nanorods (SNRs), and 2D sulfur nanosheets (SNSs) have emerged as an environmentally friendly, biocompatible class of metal‐free nanomaterials, sparking extensive interest in a wide range application. In this review, various synthetic methods, precise characterization, creative formation mechanism, delicate functionalization, and versatile applications of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials over the last decades are systematically summarized. Initially, it is striven to summarize the progress of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials from versatile precursors by using different synthetic approaches and various characterization. Then, a multi‐faceted proposed formation mechanism with emphasis on how these different precursors produce corresponding SNPs, SNDs, SQDs, SNRs, and SNSs is highlighted. Besides, it is essential to fine‐tune the surface functional groups of low dimensional sulfur nanomaterials to form new complex nanomaterials. Finally, these sulfur nanomaterials are being investigated in bio‐sensing, bio‐imaging, lithium–sulfur batteries, antibacterial activities, plant growth along with future perspective and challenges in emerging fields. The purpose of this review is to tailor low dimensional nanomaterials through accurately selecting precursors or synthetic approach and provide a foundation for the formation of versatile sulfur nanostructure.
A peirosaurid mandible from the Albian–Cenomanian (Lower Cretaceous) of Algeria and the taxonomic content of Hamadasuchus (Crocodylomorpha, Peirosauridae)
Authors: Pochat‐Cottilloux Yohan , Perrier Vincent , Amiot Romain , Martin Jeremy E. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPeirosaurids form an extinct clade of terrestrial crocodylomorphs from the Cretaceous of Africa and South America. Here, we describe a new mandibular ramus attributable to Hamadasuchus cf. rebouli from the Albian–Cenomanian of La Gara Samani (Algeria). We propose an emended diagnosis for this taxon, originally described from a left dentary fragment from the Kem Kem Group of Morocco and discuss the assignment of the specimens currently referred to it. Using ontogenetic series of extant crocodylians, we show that several mandibular characters commonly used to differentiate between close taxa instead record intraspecific or ontogenetic variability. In contrast, reliable mandibular characters enable us to propose that the current taxonomic content of Hamadasuchus rebouli should be reduced to three specimens, pending future description of relatable cranial remains. Finally, we demonstrate the importance of mandibular characters in phylogenies, by recovering the new specimen from La Gara Samani as closely related to North African peirosaurids on the basis of a data matrix designed solely on mandibular characters.
The Status of Representative Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Du Chenyu , Zhao Zengying , Liu Hao , Song Fangyu , Chen Leilei , Cheng Yan , Guo Zhanhu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSince the invention of lithium‐ion batteries as a rechargeable energy storage system, it has uncommonly promoted the development of society. It has a wide variety of applications in electronic equipment, electric automobiles, hybrid vehicles, and aerospace. As an indispensable component of lithium‐ion batteries, anode materials play an essential role in the electrochemical characteristics of lithium‐ion batteries. In this review, we described the development from lithium‐metal batteries to lithium‐ion batteries in detail on the time axis as the first step; This was followed by an introduction to several commonly used anode materials, including graphite, silicon, and transition metal oxide with discussions the charge‐discharge mechanism, challenges and corresponding strategies, and a collation of recent interesting work; Finally, three anode materials are summarized and prospected. Hopefully, this review can serve both the newcomers and the predecessors in the field.
Naringenin facilitates M2 macrophage polarization after myocardial ischemia–reperfusion by promoting nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB and inhibiting the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Ma Kuiying , Liu Wenqing , Liu Qi , Hu Pengfei , Bai Lingyu , Yu Miao , Yang Yan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMyocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MIRI) remains an unsolved puzzle in medical circles. Naringenin (NAR) is a flavonoid with cardioprotective potential. The purpose of this article was to discuss the protective mechanism of NAR in MIRI by regulating macrophage polarization. The MIRI mouse model was established and perfused with NAR before surgery. In the in vitro experiment, macrophages RAW264.7 were treated with lipopolysaccharide to induce M1 polarization after pretreatment with NAR. Rescue experiments were carried out to validate the functions of transcription factor EB (TFEB), the NLR pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and autophagy in macrophage polarization. NAR reduced histopathological injury and infarction of myocardial tissues in MIRI mice, inhibited M1 polarization and promoted M2 polarization of macrophages, diminished levels of pro‐inflammatory factors, and augmented levels of anti‐inflammatory factors. NAR facilitated TFEB nuclear translocation and inhibited the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Silencing TFEB or Nigericin partly nullified the effect of NAR on macrophage polarization. NAR increased autophagosome formation, autophagy flux, and autophagy level. Autophagy inhibitor 3‐methyladenine partly invalidated the inhibition of NAR on the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In animal experiments, NAR protected MIRI mice through the TFEB‐autophagy‐NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Collectively, NAR inhibited NLRP3 inflammasome activation and facilitated M2 macrophage polarization by stimulating TFEB nuclear translocation, thus protecting against MIRI.
Photocatalytic activity of biosynthesized silver nanoparticle fosters oxidative stress at nanoparticle interface resulting in antimicrobial and cytotoxic activities
Authors: Sahoo Banishree , Rath Sandip Kumar , Champati Bibhuti Bhusan , Panigrahi Lipsa Leena , Pradhan Arun Kumar , Nayak Sanghamitra , Kar Bikash Ranjan , Jha Suman , Arakha Manoranjan 
Published: March 2023

AbstractInside the biological milieu, nanoparticles with photocatalytic activity have potential to trigger cell death non‐specifically due to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon reacting with biological entities. Silver nanoparticle (AgNP) possessing narrow band gap energy can exhibit high light absorption property and significant photocatalytic activity. This study intends to explore the effects of ROS generated due to photocatalytic activity of AgNP on antimicrobial and cytotoxic propensities. To this end, AgNP was synthesized using the principle of green chemistry from the peel extract of Punica granatum L., and was characterized using UV–Vis spectroscope, transmission electron microscope and x‐ray diffraction, and so forth. The antimicrobial activity of AgNP against studied bacteria indicated that, ROS generated at AgNP interface develop stress on bacterial membrane leading to bacterial cell death, whereas Alamar Blue dye reduction assay indicated that increased cytotoxic activity with increasing concentrations of AgNP. The γH2AX activity assay revealed that increasing the concentrations of AgNP increased DNA damaging activity. The results altogether demonstrated that both antimicrobial and cytotoxic propensities are triggered primarily due interfacial ROS generation by photocatalytic AgNP, which caused membrane deformation in bacteria and DNA damage in HT1080 cells resulting in cell death.
Baicalein suppresses HER2‐mediated malignant transformation of HER2‐overexpressing ovarian cancer cells by downregulating HER2 gene expression
Authors: Chuang Tzu‐Chao , Fang Guan‐Shiun , Hsu Shih‐Chung , Lee Yi‐Jen , Shao Wei‐Syun , Wang Vinchi , Lee Shou‐Lun , Kao Ming‐Ching , Ou Chien‐Chih 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe upregulation of the HER2 oncogene is associated with a variety of human cancers and is associated with poor prognosis. Baicalein is reported to have anti‐tumor activity, but the molecular mechanism of this effect in HER2‐positive cancer cells has not been studied. In this study, our data showed that baicalein can inhibit the proliferation and transformation potential of ovarian cancer cells overexpressing HER2. Baicalein treatment caused a dose‐dependent inhibition of HER2 gene expression at the transcriptional level. Baicalein acted on ovarian cancer cells overexpressing HER2 to downregulate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway downstream of HER2 and inhibit the expression or activity of downstream targets, such as VEGF and cyclin D1 and MMP2. Oral administration of baicalein supplemented with a pharmaceutical excipient significantly inhibited the growth of HER2‐overexpressing ovarian SKOV‐3 cancer xenografts in mice. These results suggest that downregulation of HER2 gene expression by baicalein at the transcriptional level contributes to inhibit the in vitro and in vivo proliferation and HER2‐mediated malignant transformation of HER2‐overexpressing ovarian cancer cells.
Di‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) promoted hepatic lipid accumulation by activating Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Zhang Yuezhu , Qian Honghao , Wang Jia , Zhu Ying , Miao Xiaohan , Li Xu , Yin Jianli , Zhang Ruxuan , Ye Jiaming , Huo Chuanyi , Zhao Weisen , Ye Lin 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDi‐(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and mono‐2‐ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) can induce hepatic lipid metabolism disorders, while the molecular mechanism still remain unknown. We aim to explore the underlying mechanism of Notch signaling pathway on hepatic lipid accumulation induced by DEHP/MEHP. A total of 40 male wistar rats were exposed to DEHP (0, 5, 50, and 500 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks, BRL‐3A hepatocytes were exposed to MEHP (0, 10, 50, 100, and 200 μM) for 24 h. About 50 μM DAPT and 100 μg/mL Aspirin were used to inhibit Notch pathway and prevent inflammation, respectively. Real‐Time PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression, western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expression. Lipids and inflammatory factors levels were determined by commercial kits. The results showed that DEHP/MEHP promoted the expression of Notch pathway molecules and lipids accumulation in rat livers/BRL‐3A cells. The up‐regulated Notch receptors were correlated with the TG levels in the rat liver. MEHP increased the levels of IL‐8 and IL‐1β. The lipids levels were reduced after anti‐inflammation. The inhibition of Notch pathway reversed the elevation of inflammation and lipid accumulation caused by MEHP. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that DEHP/MEHP led to lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by up‐regulating Notch pathway and the inflammation might play a key role in the process.
Borax regulates iron chaperone‐ and autophagy‐mediated ferroptosis pathway in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Hacioglu Ceyhan , Kar Fatih , Davran Fatih , Tuncer Cengiz 
Published: March 2023

AbstractGlioblastoma (GBM) is classified as a stage‐IV glioma. Unfortunately, there are currently no curative treatments for GBM. Poly(rC)‐binding protein 1 (PCBP1) is a cytosolic iron chaperone with diverse functions. PCBP1 is also known to regulate autophagy, but the role of PCBP1 in ferroptosis, iron‐dependent cell death pathway, remains unrevealed in GBM cells. Here, we investigated the effects of borax, a boron compound, on the ferroptosis signaling pathway mediated by PCBP1 and autophagy. The study analyzed cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle on U87‐MG and HMC3 cells to investigate the effects of borax. After determining the cytotoxic concentrations of borax, morphological analyzes and measurement of PCBP1, Beclin1, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and acyl‐CoA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4) levels were performed. Finally, expression levels of PCBP1, Beclin1, GPx4 and ACSL4, and caspase‐3/7 activity were determined. We found that borax reduced U87‐MG cell viability in a concentration‐ and time‐dependent manner. Additionally, borax altered cell proliferation and remarkably reduced S phase in the U87‐MG cells and exhibited selectivity by having an opposite effect on normal cells (HMC3). According to DAPI staining, borax caused nuclear deficits in U87‐MG cells. The result showed that borax in U87‐MG cells induced reduction of the PCBP1, GSH, and GPx4 and enhancement of Beclin1, MDA, and ACSL4. Furthermore, borax triggered apoptosis by activating caspase 3/7 in U87‐MG cells. Our study indicated that the borax has potential as an anticancer treatment for GBM via regulating PCBP1/Beclin1/GPx4/ACSL4 signaling pathways.
A retrospective review of small intestinal intussusception in 126 cattle in Switzerland
Authors: Braun Ueli , Gerspach Christian , Volz Claudia , Boesiger Muriel , Hilbe Monika , Nuss Karl 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntussusception is a form of ileus of the intestines in which an oral intestinal segment slides into the adjacent aboral intestinal segment, causing obstruction of the bowel.MethodsWe analysed the medical records of 126 cattle with intussusception of the small intestine.ResultsDemeanour and appetite were abnormal in 123 cattle. Non‐specific signs of pain occurred in 26.2%, signs of visceral pain in 46.8% and signs of parietal pain in 56.4%. Intestinal motility was decreased or absent in 93.7% of the cattle. The most common findings of transrectal palpation were rumen dilation (37.3%) and dilated small intestines (24.6%). In 96% of the cattle, the rectum was empty or contained little faeces. The principal laboratory findings were hypokalaemia (89.6%), hypocalcaemia (76.5%), base excess (72.9%), hypochloraemia (71.8%), azotaemia (62.1%) and haemoconcentration (61.1%). The main ultrasonographic findings were reduced or absent intestinal motility (98.2%) and dilated small intestines (96.0%). A diagnosis of ileus was made in 87.8% and a diagnosis of ileus attributable to intussusception was made in another 9.8%. Right‐flank laparotomy was carried out in 114 cattle. Fifty‐six (44.4%) cows were discharged.ConclusionsClinical findings of intussusception in cattle are often non‐specific. Ultrasonography may be required to diagnose ileus.