bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sulfated Glycosaminoglycans as Inhibitors for Chlamydia Infections: Molecular Weight and Sulfation Dependence
Authors: Wintgens Sebastian , Müller Janita , Drees Felicitas , Spona Dominik , Bonda Lorand , Hartmann Laura , Hegemann Johannes H. , Schmidt Stephan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractGlycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play a pivotal role in pathogen attachment and entry into host cells, where the interaction with GAGs is critical for a diverse range of bacteria and viruses. This study focuses on elucidating the specific interactions between sulfated GAGs and the adhesin OmcB (Outer membrane complex protein B) of Chlamydia species, examining how structural characteristics of GAGs, such as sulfation degree and molecular weight, influence their binding affinity and thereby affect bacterial infectivity. A surface‐based binding assay is established to determine the binding constants of OmcB with various GAGs. It is shown that increased sulfation and higher molecular weight enhance GAG binding to OmcB. These findings are further validated using cell assays, which shows that the addition of sulfated GAGs reduces OmcB‐cell binding and inhibits the attachment of C. pneumoniae elementary bodies (EBs), underscoring the pivotal role of specific GAGs in chlamydial infections. Notably, heparin exhibites a stronger inhibitory effect on OmcB compare to GAGs with similar sulfation degrees and molecular weights, suggesting that particular molecular architectures may optimize binding interactions.
Polymeric Nanoarchitectures: Advanced Cargo Systems for Biological Applications
Authors: Luo Yingtong , Li Yudong , Abdelmohsen Loai K. E. A. , Shao Jingxin , van Hest Jan C. M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPolymeric nanoarchitectures are crafted from amphiphilic block copolymers through a meticulous self‐assembly process. The composition of these block copolymers is finely adjustable, bestowing precise control over the characteristics and properties of the resultant polymeric assemblies. These nanoparticles have garnered significant attention, particularly in the realm of biological sciences, owing to their biocompatibility, favorable pharmacokinetics, and facile chemically modifiable nature. Among the myriad of polymeric nanoarchitectures, micelles and polymersomes stand out as frontrunners, exhibiting much potential as cargo carrier systems for diverse bio‐applications. This review elucidates the design strategies employed for amphiphilic block copolymers and their resultant assemblies, specifically focusing on micelles and polymersomes. Subsequently, it discusses their wide‐ranging bio‐applications, spanning from drug delivery and diagnostics to bioimaging and artificial cell applications. Finally, a reflective analysis will be provided, highlighting the current landscape of polymeric cargo carriers, and discussing the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. With this review, it is aimed to summarize the recent advances in polymeric assemblies and their applications in the biomedical field.
Designing Short Cardin‐Motif Peptide and Biopolymer‐Based Multicomponent Hydrogels for Developing Advanced Composite Scaffolds for Improving Cellular Behavior
Authors: Sen Sourav , Kumar Rakesh , Tomar Rahul Singh , Roy Sangita 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMulticomponent self‐assembly represents a cutting‐edge strategy in peptide nanotechnology, enabling the creation of nanomaterials with enhanced physical and biological characteristics. This approach draws inspiration from the highly complex nature of the native extracellular matrix (ECM) constituting multicomponent biomolecular entities. In recent years, the combination of bioactive peptide with polymer has gained significant attention for the fabrication of novel biomaterials due to their inherent specificity, tunable physiochemical properties, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. This advanced strategy can address the limitation of the lower mechanical strength of the individual peptide hydrogel by incorporating the biopolymer, resulting in the formation of a composite scaffold. In this direction, this advanced strategy is explored using noncovalent interactions between cellulose nano‐fiber (CNF) and cationic Cardin‐motif peptide to develop advanced composite scaffolds. The bioactive cationic peptide otherwise failed to form hydrogel at physiological conditions. Interestingly, the differential mixing ratio of CNF and peptide modulated the surface charge, functionality, and mechanical properties of the composite scaffolds, resulting in diverse cellular responses. 10:1 (w/w) ratio of CNF and peptide‐based composite scaffold demonstrates improved cellular survival and proliferation in 2D culture conditions. Notably, in 3D cultures, cell proliferation on the 10:1 matrix is comparable to Matrigel, highlighting its potential for advanced tissue engineering applications.
Synthesis and Properties of Biodegradable Copolyester with Phenyl Side Groups
Authors: Ge Tiejun , Zhao Dalong , Liu Xiaofeng , Yu Yang , He Xiaofeng , Yue Qi , Liu Wanrong , Sun Qunhe 
Published: January 2025

AbstractPoly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT) is a biodegradable copolyester that has garnered significant attention in recent years. However, its application is limited by low tensile strength and elastic modulus. Current research focuses on copolymerization modifications aimed at enhancing PBAT's performance. In this study, a novel copolyester with phenyl side groups, poly(butylene‐co‐3‐phenoxy‐1,2‐propylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBPAT), is synthesized via melt polycondensation. The impact of varying amounts of the fourth monomer, 3‐phenoxy‐1,2‐propylene glycol (PPDO), on the copolyester's properties is investigated. FTIR and NMR spectroscopy confirm the structure and composition of PBPAT. The molecular weight, thermal properties, mechanical properties, processing characteristics, and hydrophilicity of the copolymers are comprehensively evaluated. The results indicate that PPDO does not affect the crystal structure of PBAT. However, the performance of PBPAT is significantly influenced by the PPDO content, which the optimal mechanical properties are achieved with 12.5% PPDO, demonstrating a tensile strength of 26.1 MPa and an elastic modulus of 220.6 MPa. Furthermore, PBPAT copolyesters exhibit high crystallinity, heat resistance, good hydrophilicity, and superior processability. The novel PBPAT copolyester offers enhanced performance characteristics and holds potential for replace commercial PBAT, thereby expanding the application scope of biodegradable materials.
In Situ Gels for Nasal Delivery: Formulation, Characterization and Applications
Authors: Qian Li , Cook Michael T. , Dreiss Cécile A. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe nasal route offers many advantages for drug delivery: quick onset of action, better patient compliance, avoidance of first‐pass metabolism and bypassing the blood‐brain barrier. Despite the potential of this route, several challenges exist, such as the short drug retention time caused by mucociliary clearance (MCC). In situ forming gels, which undergo a sol‐to‐gel transition with specific triggers at the site of action, present real opportunities in this field. They combine the intrinsic characteristics of hydrogels (elasticity and water‐holding capacity) with responsiveness, allowing easy application of drugs (spraying or extruding through a nozzle), as well as prolonged retention in the nasal cavity. The incorporation of mucoadhesive polymers, additives and nanocarriers can further tune the properties of in situ gels as nasal delivery platforms. This review summarizes advances in in situ gels for nasal drug delivery. We first describe challenges of the nasal route, target properties of in situ nasal gels, and then present both “classic” gelling polymers (poloxamers and polysaccharides) – which form the bulk of reported studies on nasal gels – as well as novel bespoke materials; we review characterization methods, highlighting the lack of standardization and accepted target values, then discuss applications by spraying, and conclude with future prospects.
Lignin Molar Mass Estimation by Dispersion Analysis
Authors: Simonsen Tor I. , Djajadi Demi T. , Ponzecchi Andrea , Crestini Claudia , Gigli Matteo , Sgarzi Massimo , Thomsen Sune T. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLignin's complex and heterogeneous molecular structure poses significant challenges for accurate molar mass determination, which is important for its utilization in industrial applications, such as biochemicals, nanoparticles, biobased binders, and biofuels. This study evaluates the potential of Taylor Dispersion Analysis (TDA) for measuring lignin size and compares it with size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC) and diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) NMR. Using dual Gaussian fitting, flow‐induced dispersion analysis (FIDA), a TDA‐based method, successfully determined the average hydrodynamic radii of multiple species in solvent‐fractionated soda grass lignin samples, producing results consistent with DOSY. Molar mass calibration enabled comparisons between FIDA and SEC, revealing similar relative differences across lignin fractions. FIDA offers advantages such as rapid analysis and absence of stationary phase interactions, however its accuracy is limited by the variability of lignin fluorescence. Addressing these limitations will be critical for advancing FIDA as a method for lignin size estimation.
Recyclable Nano Zero‐Valent Iron (nZVI)‐Catalyst‐Mediated Sustainable Photopolymerization of Glycidyl Methacrylate in Ionic Liquid and Functional Copolymers Thereof
Authors: Jain Amul , Sahu Bhanendra , Singh Nishikanta , Banerjee Sanjib 
Published: January 2025

AbstractUtilization of reusable catalysts and reaction media has recently been an area of interest to devise a sustainable approach. Interestingly, photoinduced reversible deactivation radical polymerization (photoRDRP) of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) is achieved with reusable and magnetically separable nano zero‐valent Iron (nZVI). This resulted in well‐defined poly(glycidyl methacrylate) (PGMA) (upto 22700 g mol−1) with a low dispersity (Đ ≤ 1.20). Using an ionic liquid and a straightforward low‐cost technique, three different copolymers: poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐random‐dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate) poly(GMA‐r‐DMAEMA), poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐random‐methyl methacrylate) poly(GMA‐r‐MMA) and poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐random‐styrene) poly(GMA‐r‐St) are produced, all without the need for traditional photoinitiators. The response of the poly(GMA‐r‐DMAEMA) to pH variations is evaluated.
Halogen‐Bearing Peptide Liquid Crystals to Elicit Molecular Alignments for Residual Dipolar Coupling Measurement
Authors: Chen Yu , He Jin‐Hao , Luo Tian‐Zi , Qin Si‐Yong , Lei Xinxiang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractResidual dipolar coupling (RDC) not only contributes to the dynamic analysis of proteins but also provides a robust route for the structure determination of small organic compounds. An essential prerequisite for this methodology is the availability of alignment media. Herein, a series of novel peptide‐based alignment media are generated by introducing D‐type or halogen‐bearing amino acids for RDC measurements. Compared with a self‐assembled peptide liquid crystal (LC) medium containing D‐amino acid, the incorporation of halogen elements improved the electronegativity of peptide LCs, resulting in enhanced alignment strength toward analytes. Meanwhile, halogen‐bearing peptide LCs can provide different orientations relative to non‐halogenated peptide media, allowing the acquirement of independent sets of RDCs. The presented peptide LCs not only enrich the existing alignment media but also ignite a way of creating multiple alignment media for independent, non‐linearly related sets of RDC measurement.
Rational Design of Quinoidal Conjugated Polymers for Photothermal Antibacterial Therapy
Authors: Hao Zhide , Zhou Hailin , Gao Dong , Qiu Liang , Xing Chengfen 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance, driven by the overuse and misuse of conventional antibiotics, has become a critical public health concern. Photothermal antibacterial therapy (PTAT) utilizes heat generated by photothermal agents under light exposure to inhibit bacterial growth without inducing resistance, attracting more and more attention. Quinoid conjugated polymers, especially para‐azaquinodimethane (AQM) polymer, are a class of organic semiconductors known for efficient π‐electron delocalization, near‐infrared absorption, and narrow bandgap, showing great potential in the application of photothermal reagents. However, current AQM polymers face challenges related to their solubility, photostability, and biocompability. In this study, tetraglycol is introduced onto the AQM core for improving the drawbacks of the resulting polymers. Two AQM polymers with different electron donor (thiophene and 2,2'‐bithiophene) are synthesized and evaluated for their various properties. PAQMT exhibited superior performance, including higher extinction coefficients, improved light absorption, and greater stability under repeated NIR irradiation. PAQMT is further developed into nanoparticles via encapsulation, resulting in excellent colloidal stability, effective bacterial inhibition under 808 nm NIR light. This work provides new strategy in improving the solubility, photostability, and photothermal properties of AQM polymers, offers opportunities for promoting the application of quinoidal conjugated polymers in PTAT.
Novel AIE‐Active Polyarylethersulfone Polymers Incorporating Tetraphenylethene for Enhanced Fluorescence
Authors: Luo Yuchao , Li Xiang , Zhang Xinze , Ren Haoxuan , Shi Haotian , Yang Yanchao , Liu Chunbao , Xu Bin , Tian Wenjing , Wang Guibin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAggregation‐induced emission (AIE) materials have gained significant attention for their unique fluorescence enhancement in the aggregated state. However, combining rigid polymers with AIE molecules to enhance luminescent properties remains to be investigated. In this work, two novel AIE‐active polyarylethersulfone (PAES) derivatives are synthesized by incorporating tetraphenylethene (TPE) into either the side chain or main chain of PAES, resulting in side‐chain polyarylethersulfone‐tetraphenylethene (PAES‐TPE) and main‐chain polyarylethersulfone‐tetraphenylethene (m‐PAES‐TPE), respectively. These derivatives are designed to investigate the influence of the rigid polymer backbone on the AIE properties of TPE. The incorporation of TPE into PAES resulted in a notable redshift in fluorescence emission compared to pure TPE. Notably, m‐PAES‐TPE50%, a polymer with 50% molar content of TPE, exhibited a fluorescence quantum yield to 57.43%, more than twice that of TPE powder. Thermal analysis showed that both PAES‐TPE and m‐PAES‐TPE have excellent thermal stability and temperature‐dependent fluorescence. Additionally, these materials are processed into hydrophobic nanoparticles, and in vitro experiments demonstrated good fluorescence properties and biocompatibility for cancer cell bioimaging. This work highlights the potential of rigid AIE‐active PAES derivatives for advanced bioimaging applications.
Photoswitchable Branched Polyurethanes Based on Hexaarylbiimidazole for Photolithography
Authors: Ren Ying‐Yi , Luo Peng‐Fei , Huang Jun‐Dan , Li Hong‐Qiang , Wu Mei , Li Chong , Xiang Shi‐Li , Zhu Ming‐Qiang 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) molecules have awakened a broad interest in photo‐processing, super‐resolution imaging, photoinduced self‐healing materials, and photomechanical hydrogels due to their excellent photosensitivity and photo‐induced cleavage properties. In this work, a novel photoswitchable branched polyurethanes (BPU), which are synthesized by copolymerizing HABI with glycerol, isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI), and polyethylene glycol (PEG400), is designed. 7‐Diethylamino‐4‐methylcoumarin (DMCO) is introduced as a radical quencher, which can not only avoid the hydroxyl interfering from conventional radical scavengers during the polymerization process but also promote efficient quenching of TPIR radicals. By optimizing the DMCO concentration, and HABI content, high‐quality lithographic patterns are achieved with high film retention at low exposure doses. The branched structure exhibits superior photosensitivity and solubility after exposure compared to previous crosslinked systems. This work provides HABI‐based branched polyurethane, which acts as one of the potential candidates for UV‐positive photoresists.
Comparative image quality and dosimetric performance of two generations of dedicated breast CT systems
Authors: Pautasso Juan J. , Van Speybroeck Camille D. E. , Michielsen Koen , Sechopoulos Ioannis 
Published: January 2025

AbstractBackgroundDedicated breast computed tomography (bCT) systems offer detailed imaging for breast cancer diagnosis and treatment. As new bCT generations are developed, it is important to evaluate their imaging performance and dose efficiency to understand differences over previous models.PurposeTo characterize the imaging performance and dose efficiency of a second‐generation (GEN2) bCT system and compare them to those of a first‐generation (GEN1) system.MethodsThe imaging performance was evaluated through key metrics: modulation transfer function (MTF), noise power spectrum (NPS), and detective quantum efficiency (DQE) in the projection domain. In the image domain, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and the visibility of calcifications were analyzed using a quality control (QC) phantom with masses and calcification clusters. Air kerma and tube output were measured and mean glandular dose (MGD) estimated for different phantom sizes for dosimetric characterization of the acquisition protocols set by the automatic exposure control (AEC).ResultsGEN2 outperformed GEN1 at higher spatial frequencies, with 57% of the MTF observed at 1 cycles/mm compared to 43% for GEN1. For a 2 mm diameter mass, GEN2 showed 60% higher CNR and 63% higher SNR. However, for larger masses, GEN1 outperformed GEN2, with CNR and SNR values higher by 12% to 44% and 14% to 43%, respectively. GEN2 also achieves higher DQE across the frequency spectrum, with 45% at 1 cycle/mm, compared to GEN1's 20%. Regarding calcifications in the QC phantom, the 320 µm calcifications resulted in distinct full‐width‐at‐half‐maxima (FWHM ± SD), with 897 ± 58 µm for GEN1 and 811 ± 127 µm for GEN2, with a p‐value of 0.19. For 290 µm calcifications, GEN1's FWHM was 866 ± 129 µm, while GEN2's was narrower at 665 ± 57 µm, with a p‐value of 0.01. The tube output was higher for GEN1 (45.2 mGy/mAs) compared to GEN2 (31.5 mGy/mAs). Additionally, GEN2 resulted in 8% lower MGD values compared to GEN1.ConclusionWhile GEN1 offers better CNR and SNR for larger masses, GEN2 provides superior resolution for calcifications, better MTF, improved DQE, and lower MGD at AEC‐determined settings.
Eye Tracking to Determine Noticeability of Pediatric Facial Scar Characteristics to Adult Observers
Authors: Weykamp Lydia , Lunos Scott , Ebert Bridget , Roby Brianne Barnett , Chinnadurai Sivakumar 
Published: January 2025

AbstractObjectiveDetermine objectively noticeable features of pediatric facial scars using eye‐tracking software and explore how skin tone impacts scar perception.Study DesignCross‐sectional analysis.SettingTertiary care pediatric hospital.MethodsNinety‐seven naïve adult participants viewed 12 randomized photos using an eye‐tracking device. Photos of 4 children with different Fitzpatrick (FP) tones were used to digitally create 3 images each: a scarless control, a hypertrophic scar, and a dyspigmented scar. Scar size and location were consistent. Gaze metrics were compared between skin tones and scar types.ResultsHypertrophic and dyspigmented scars had greater total fixation duration and fixation count than controls across all skin tones (P < .01). The dyspigmented scar of the FP2 child had greater total fixation duration (P = .01) and fixation count (P = .04) than the hypertrophic scar. The dyspigmented scar of the FP2 child had greater total fixation duration and fixation count than the dyspigmented scars of the FP6 and FP4 children (P < .01). The hypertrophic scar of the FP1 child had a longer total fixation duration than the hypertrophic scar of the FP6 child (P = .04). There were lower times to first fixation for both hypertrophic and dyspigmented scars in the FP1, FP4, and FP6 children (P < .04), and the dyspigmented scar in the FP2 child (P = .049).ConclusionDyspigmented and hyperpigmented scars were viewed differently on children's faces with various skin tones. This highlights the importance of evaluating and accounting for both scar type and skin tone when counseling patients and families who experience facial scarring.
Hybrid structure design of expanded steel mesh to enhance the tensile performance of fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Sadoun A. M. , Ghandourah Emad , Abdelfattah Waleed Mohammed , Megahed M. , Seif Amr 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMetal hybrid structures with fiber‐reinforced composites optimize strength, weight, toughness, and durability while minimizing cracks and retaining structural integrity. The present investigation evaluates the tensile performance of hybrid composites manufactured from expanded steel wire meshes and fiber‐reinforced epoxy versus pure glass fiber (GE). Hybrid specimens were fabricated with steel mesh of varying pattern sizes inserted at two different positions within the composites and exposed to two loading layouts. The results indicated that replacing GE layers with steel mesh decreased specimen density by 6.25% while increasing ductility and energy absorption. Medium‐size mesh provided the most effective performance, enhancing tensile strength, peak load, energy absorption, and stiffness by an average of 18.9% over other sizes. The outer layer configuration was superior to the inner layer, improving peak strength, failure strain, stiffness, and absorbed energy by up to 25.6%. Moreover, vertical loading boosted overall performance by an average of 28.5% compared with horizontal loading. The SO2 configuration was selected via Grey Relational Analysis to be the most effective arrangement.Highlights
Insight into the impact of using expanded steel mesh in GE composites.
Analyzing the effect of mesh size and laminating order on tensile performance.
Effect of loading layouts on the overall performance of the hybrid composites.
Examining damage morphologies to assess the interlayers interaction.
Superior results in terms of peak load, failure strain, and toughness.