bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro analysis of genome‐engineered muscle‐derived stem cells for autoregulated anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic activity
Authors: Pferdehirt Lara , Guo Ping , Lu Aiping , Huard Mathew , Guilak Farshid , Huard Johnny 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTraumatic muscle injury leads to chronic and pathologic fibrosis in skeletal muscles, primarily driven through upregulation of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1). Cell‐based therapies, such as injection of muscle‐derived stem cells (MDSCs), have shown promise in muscle repair. However, injected MDSCs in injured skeletal muscle can differentiate into myofibroblasts under the influence of TGF‐β1, and contribute to the development of fibrosis, limiting their regenerative potential. In this study, we created a “smart” cell‐based drug delivery system using CRISPR‐Cas9 to genetically engineer MDSCs capable of sensing TGF‐β1 and producing an antifibrotic biologic, decorin. These gene‐edited smart cells, capable of inhibiting fibrosis in a dose‐dependent and autoregulating manner, show anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic properties in vitro, without changing the expression of myogenic and stem cell markers as well as their cell proliferation and myogenic differentiation. Additionally, differentiation down a fibrotic lineage is reduced or eliminated in response to TGF‐β1. Our results show that gene editing can be used to successfully create smart stem cells capable of producing biologic drugs with antifibrotic capabilities in a controlled and localized manner. This system provides a tool for cell‐based drug delivery as the basis for a novel therapeutic approach for a variety of diseases.
Seasonal variations in contents of amino acids and organic acids in active mycorrhizal zone of Tricholoma matsutake#
Authors: Kim Hui‐won , Pak Song‐il , Kim Mun‐chol , Cha Jun‐myong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWe monitored seasonal variations of amino acids and organic acids in the mycorrhizosphere of Tricholoma matsutake in the Yangdok region by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The contents of amino acids and organic acids identified in extracts of pine root and mycorrhizal soil displayed seasonal variations. Isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, and malonic acid were predominant at fall coinciding with the establishing of the fruit bodies. This information might help in a successful cultivation of matsutake in the future.
Does the perception of sustainability matter for environmentally responsible behavior? Empirical evidence from national park residents
Authors: Lin Yi Hsien , Lee Tsung Hung 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the differences in a theoretical model using residents' sustainability perceptions, place attachment (PA), and environmentally responsible behavior in areas with unequal tourism revenue within a national park in Taiwan. The analytical findings suggested that PA affected environmentally responsible behavior at both study sites. However, socio‐culture perceptions, environmental perceptions, and life satisfaction perceptions were precedents to PA in areas with high tourism revenue, but economic perceptions and environmental perceptions influenced PA in areas with low tourism revenue. Finally, we provide managerial implications that can help national park managers achieve sustainable management goals.
Study on restoring abandoned mine lands to economically usable state using the post‐occupancy evaluation method
Authors: Chećko Agnieszka , Jelonek Iwona , Jelonek Zbigniew 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAbandoned mine lands are a common element of the contemporary landscape. In administrative practice, they are rated low, yet they are of interest to informal users and scientific and cultural communities. The aim of our research was to identify the possibilities of using qualitative research methods, applied in architecture, to create friendly, urban spaces with a universal character in the areas of abandoned quarries. The study was conducted in the Sadowa Góra quarry area in southern Poland, using the post occupancy evaluation (POE) method. The results of the conducted analysis confirm the effectiveness of the POE method in restoring abandoned mine lands to an economically usable state by surveying users' opinions on accessibility, functionality, and visual quality. The applied methodology was used as effective support for the transformation process of post‐mining areas and as a tool to optimize the costs of their reclamation and maintenance.
Tinnitus in immigrants attending Swedish language education classes
Authors: Pauli Nina , Dahlin Redfors Ylva , Stubbe Jennie , Jönsson Radoslava 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of tinnitus in immigrants attending Swedish language education classes in comparison with data from the general population and tinnitus's relation to hearing in this specific population.MethodsThe study was based on prospectively collected data regarding hearing and health status in newcomers attending language classes. The examination consisted of pure tone audiometry, an otoscopic examination, and a study‐specific questionnaire including questions from the Swedish National Health Survey. Data from the Swedish general population were retrieved from the National Health Survey. Grading of hearing according to the World Health Organization was applied.ResultsA total of 188 study participants were included in the study. Tinnitus was reported by 38% of the immigrants, and severe tinnitus was reported by 8%. Corresponding percentages from the general population were 17% and 3%. High‐frequency hearing loss (PTAh3 > 25 worse ear) was found to be a significant predictor for tinnitus (p = 0.032, odds ratio (OR): 2.74 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.40–5.35]). Additionally, self‐reported general health significantly predicted tinnitus, with an increased risk of tinnitus relating to worse general health (p < .001, OR: 2.43 [95% CI: 1.66–3.57]).ConclusionSevere tinnitus was more than three times as common in the immigrant participants compared to the Swedish population. High‐frequency hearing loss and self‐reported worse general health were predictors for tinnitus.Level of Evidence1b
Regulating Surface Topography of Liquid‐Crystalline Polymers by External Stimuli
Authors: Ji Yufan , Yang Bowen , Cai Feng , Yu Haifeng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMany polymer materials can respond to external stimuli, so their surface topographies can be regulated in order to achieve specific functions, such as fabrication of lens arrays, control of cell adhesion, and manipulation of object movement. Among them, liquid‐crystalline polymers are the most promising because their unique properties of self‐organization, molecular ordering, and physical anisotropy enable themselves to generate complicated deformation when external stimuli are applied. Here, this work focuses on the principle of topographical deformation of liquid‐crystalline polymers induced by various external stimuli, giving some examples about how to modulate these surface patterns. Accordingly, potential applications of switchable surface topography are presented in the field of photonics, biology, and mechanics. Finally, the existing problems are proposed and future directions in this topic are given an outlook. This review is anticipated to offer new insights and guidelines for developing stimuli‐responsive polymer materials with broader applications.
Preparation and Characterization of Intrinsically Compatibilized Thermoplastic Polyurethane and Silicone Rubber
Authors: Cui Yongyin , Yan Tongtong , Pan Hongwei , Sun Hao , Bai Xiaojun , Cao Lan , Zong Chengzhong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTo combine the excellent properties of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) with methyl vinyl silicone rubber (VMQ), thermoplastic dynamic vulcanizates (TPVs) are synthesized. An essentially compatibilized method is used to resolve the thermodynamic incompatibility between TPU and VMQ. The principle is that the hydroxybutane‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) block on the TPU will increase the microphase separation of the matrix, but it will also increase the phase compatibility through similar compatibility with VMQ. Moreover, a series of effects of PDMS on the microstructure and macroscopic properties of TPV have been explored to find the influence law of PDMS, which will guide the application of TPV in various environments.
Phase Diagram of Tapered Copolymers Based on Isoprene and Styrene
Authors: Galanos Eftyxis , Wahlen Christian , Butt Hans‐Juergen , Frey Holger , Floudas George 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAlthough several phase diagrams of block copolymers prepared by sequential monomer addition are known today, the phase diagrams of the corresponding tapered copolymers have not been reported in detail and this despite the industrial importance of the latter. A phase diagram based on a series of tapered diblock copolymers is reported, generated by thesec‐butyllithium initiated statistical anionic copolymerization of styrene and isoprene in cyclohexane. This affords copolymers with polyisoprene volume fractions,f, in the range of 0.43 < f < 0.82 and total molar mass in the range of 46–160 kg mol–1. The phase diagram consists of lamellae, hexagonally packed cylinders, weakly ordered hexagonally packed cylinders (CYL), and perforated (PL) as well as irregular bicontinuous morphologies. The phase state in the tapered copolymers bears some similarities and several distinct differences in comparison to the respective copolymers prepared by conventional sequential monomer addition. It is shown that the weakly ordered CYL/PL morphologies comprise a large part of the phase diagram that is significantly extended in comparison to diblock copolymers prepared sequentially. On the other hand, the composition range for the bicontinuous morphologies is similar in the two systems (0.64 < fPI < 0.68).
SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant: Immune escape and vaccine development
Authors: Ao Danyi , Lan Tianxia , He Xuemei , Liu Jian , Chen Li , Baptista‐Hon Daniel T. , Zhang Kang , Wei Xiawei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNew genetic variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) constantly emerge through unmitigated spread of the virus in the ongoing Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Omicron (B.1.1.529), the latest variant of concern (VOC), has so far shown exceptional spread and infectivity and has established itself as the dominant variant in recent months. The SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein is a key component for the recognition and binding to host cell angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 receptors. The Omicron variant harbors a cluster of substitutions/deletions/insertions, and more than 30 mutations are located in spike. Some noticeable mutations, including K417N, T478K, N501Y, and P681H, are shared with the previous VOCs Alpha, Beta, Gamma, or Delta variants and have been proven to be associated with higher transmissibility, viral infectivity, and immune evasion potential. Studies have revealed that the Omicron variant is partially resistant to the neutralizing activity of therapeutic antibodies and convalescent sera, which poses significant challenges for the clinical effectiveness of the current vaccines and therapeutic antibodies. We provide a comprehensive analysis and summary of the epidemiology and immune escape mechanisms of the Omicron variant. We also suggest some therapeutic strategies against the Omicron variant. This review, therefore, aims to provide information for further research efforts to prevent and contain the impact of new VOCs during the ongoing pandemic.
A novel synonymous KMT2B variant in a patient with dystonia causes aberrant splicing
Authors: Grosz Bianca R. , Tisch Stephen , Tchan Michel C. , Fung Victor S. C. , Darveniza Paul , Fellner Avi , Kurian Manju A. , McLean Alison , Tomlinson Susan E. , Smyth Renee , Devery Sophie , Wu Kathy H. C. , Kennerson Marina L. , Kumar Kishore R. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundHeterozygous KMT2B variants are a common cause of dystonia. A novel synonymous KMT2B variant, c.5073C>T (p.Gly1691=) was identified in an individual with childhood‐onset progressive dystonia.MethodsThe splicing impact of c.5073C>T was assessed using an in vitro exon‐trapping assay. The genomic region of KMT2B exons 23–26 was cloned into the pSpliceExpress plasmid between exon 2 and 3 of the rat Ins2 gene. The c.5073C>T variant was then introduced through site‐directed mutagenesis. The KMT2B wild‐type and c.5073C>T plasmids were transfected separately into HeLa cells and RNA was extracted 48 hours after transfection. The RNA was reverse transcribed to produce cDNA, which was PCR amplified using primers annealing to the flanking rat Ins2 sequences.ResultsSanger sequencing of the PCR products revealed that c.5073C>T caused a novel splice donor site and therefore a 5‐bp deletion of KMT2B exon 23 in mature mRNA, leading to a coding frameshift and premature stop codon (p.Lys1692AsnfsTer7).ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of a KMT2B synonymous variant associated with dystonia. Reassessment of synonymous variants may increase diagnostic yield for inherited disorders including monogenic dystonia. This is of clinical importance, given the generally favourable response to deep brain stimulation for KMT2B‐related dystonia.
Soil science education: A multinational look at current perspectives
Authors: Brevik Eric C. , Krzic Maja , Muggler Cristine , Field Damien , Hannam Jacqueline , Uchida Yoshi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSoil knowledge is essential to address modern global challenges. Soil science education began with soil survey and agricultural activities, with a focus on the traditional subdisciplines of soil chemistry, soil physics, pedology, soil mineralogy, and soil biology. Soil education has evolved to address the needs of an increasing variety of fields and increasingly complex issues, as seen through the move to teach soil content in programs such as biological and ecological sciences, environmental science, and geosciences. A wide range of approaches have been used to teach soil topics in the modern classroom, including not only traditional lecture and laboratory techniques but also soil judging, online tools, computer graphics, animations, and game‐based learning, mobile apps, industry partners, open‐access materials, and flipped classrooms. The modern soil curriculum needs to acknowledge the multifunctionality of soils and provide a suite of conduits that connect its traditional subdisciplines with other cognate areas. One way to accomplish this may be to shift from the traditional subdiscipline‐based approach to soil science education to a soil functions approach. Strategies to engage the public include incorporating soil topics into primary and secondary school curricula, engaging the public through museums and citizen science projects, and explaining the significance of soil to humanity. Soil education has many challenges and opportunities in the years ahead.
Reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization for fabrication of polymer cations‐adjustable porous materials with excellent antibacterial activity
Authors: Guo Wenling , Cao Peng , Dai Fengli , Li Yonggang , Wang Rongmin , Song Pengfei , He Yufeng 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (RAFT) is an effective method to control chain growth and regulate active centers in functional materials. Herein, a novel antibacterial material, polymer cations‐adjustable porous materials (PCaPM), was successfully synthesized by RAFT and quaternization. First, using 2‐(dodecylsulfanylthiocarbonylsulfanyl)‐2‐methylpropionic acid as the chain transfer agent of RAFT, methyl methacrylate and 2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate as comonomers, and ethylene dimethacrylate as crosslinking agent, the light‐yellow crosslinked block copolymer (PM‐PDE), was synthesized by RAFT polymerization. Second, a series of porous materials (PCaPM) were obtained by quaternization of PM‐PDE with alternative alkyl halide and swelling effects in water. The composition and structure of PM‐PDE and PCaPM were characterized by scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, Fourier transform infrared spectra, 1H‐NMR, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Their antibacterial properties were also evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Valsa mali. Remarkably, PCaPM, containing tertiary amine and possessing high porosity and large specific surface area, presented excellent antibacterial activity. Hence, the resultant PCaPM exhibited excellent antibacterial activity due to the quaternary ammonium salts groups, which has great prospects in application in medical treatment, agricultural antibiotic, emulator, and sewage treatment.
Enhanced mechanical properties of poly(L‐lactide) braided stent with six‐arm poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) coating cross‐linked by hexamethylene diisocyanate
Authors: Deng Dongwen , Tian Yuan , Liu Muqing , Cheng Jie , Wu Gensheng , Zhang Yi , Zhao Gutian , Ni Zhonghua 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCompared with traditional metal stents, biodegradable polymer stents have better biocompatibility but poorer mechanical properties in the treatment of vascular stenosis. It is necessary to improve the mechanical properties of biodegradable polymer stents for further application. For this purpose, we prepared a poly(L‐lactide) braided stent covered with six‐arm poly(L‐lactide‐co‐ε‐caprolactone) (6S‐PLCL) coating cross‐linked by hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) in different proportions. The coating causes an effective constraint on the movement of the monofilaments in the axial direction at the intersection. Due to this constraint, the coating enhanced mechanical properties of the stent and effectively reduced the axial elongation after crimping. Furthermore, the coated stent with the mass ratio of 5:1 (6S‐PLCL:HDI) showed the highest chronic outward force and the lowest axial elongation compared to the other mass ratios. The results can provide suggestions for improving the mechanical properties of polymer‐braided stents as compared to traditional metal stents.
Demand‐only patient‐controlled analgesia for treatment of acute vaso‐occlusive pain in sickle cell disease
Authors: Carullo Veronica , Morrone Kerry , Weiss Meagan , Choi Jaeun , Gao Qi , Pisharoty Shantanu , Moody Karen , Manwani Deepa 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundSickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic illness that is associated with frequent admissions for vaso‐occlusive episodes (VOE). Opioids are frequently utilized in pain management, but dosing is often provider dependent. Opioids cause both short‐term and long‐term side effects, so the minimal effective dose is desired. This study examined demand‐only patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) in pediatric patients.MethodsA new clinical practice guideline (CPG) for a single institution was implemented, which eliminated basal infusion dosing for PCAs on hospital admission. The primary aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate length of stay (LOS) before and after implementation of a CPG of demand‐only PCA and, in a selected subpopulation, addition of short‐term methadone. Secondary aims included opioid utilization, acute chest syndrome (ACS), and hypoxia. Inclusion criteria included SCD, ≤21 years of age, uncomplicated VOE admission, and ≥ 3 and ≤ 8 hospital admissions for SCD pain control within one calendar year.ResultsLOS decreased postintervention (7.2 ± 5.1 vs 4.5 ± 3.8 days, P < 0.001). Mean total opioid utilization in morphine equivalents mg/kg markedly decreased between the cohorts (13.3 ± 33.8 vs 3.6 ± 3.0, P < 0.001). ACS (21.9% vs 2.8%, P = 0.004) and hypoxia (28% vs 6.9%, P< 0.001) decreased significantly as well.ConclusionBolus PCA dosing of opioids resulted in decreased LOS and reductions in opioid utilization, hypoxia, and ACS.
Effect of polar groups of polystyrenes on the self‐assembly of breath figure arrays
Authors: Zhou Di , Wu Bai‐Heng , Yang Wen‐Wu , Li Xiao , Zhu Liang‐Wei , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Wan Ling‐Shu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe breath figure (BF) process has been widely used to prepare patterned porous films. The mechanism remains to be further elucidated, especially how polymer architectures affect the stability of water droplets and the pore structure. Polystyrenes (PS) was functionalized with a series of polar groups both in chain middle and chain end, which was synthesized by using difunctional atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiators with the combination of nucleophilic substitution of the end bromine. It is found that PS with polar groups, which help to reduce interfacial tension, tends to form regular patterns at low concentration and to generate multilayered pores. The coalescence resistance measurement was performed to characterize the stabilization of water droplets from polymers by precipitation. The results show opposite trend with the results of the BF process, indicating a minor role played by polymer precipitation on microdroplets stabilization. We reveal that addition of only an oxyethyl group in the chain middle of PS contributes to the formation of ordered patterns. This study helps to shed light on the impact of polymer architectures on the self‐assembly behavior in the BF process.
Stereoselective Synthesis of Biheterocycles Containing Indole and 5,6‐Dihydropyridin‐2(1H)‐one or α‐Methylene‐β‐butyrolactam Scaffolds
Authors: Salah Kennouche , Blanco‐López Ester , Sirvent Ana , Behloul Cherif , Nájera Carmen , De Gracia Retamosa M. , Sansano José M. , Yus Miguel , Foubelo Francisco 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIndium‐mediated allylation of N‐tert‐butanesulfinyl imines derived from indole‐2 and 3‐carbaldehydes 3 and 5 with allylic bromides 6, proceed with high diastereoselectivity. Homoallylic amide derivatives 13 and 14 are transformed into dihydropyridinones 15 and 16, upon successive desulfinylation, N‐acylation with acryloyl chloride and ring‐closing‐metathesis. Desulfinylation of amine ester derivatives 17 and 18, obtained when ethyl 2‐(bromomethyl)acrylate (6 b) is used as the allylating reagent, lead to the corresponding α‐methylene‐γ‐butyrolactams 19 and 20, in modest yields.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Novel Thiazole Analogs with Both Anti‐Proliferative and Mechanistic Analyses and Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Bimoussa Abdoullah , Oubella Ali , El Mansouri Az‐eddine , Fawzi Mourad , Laamari Yassine , Auhmani Abdelouahed , Itto My Youssef Ait , Morjani Hamid , Auhmani Aziz 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHerein, we report the synthesis of a novel series of β‐himachalene derivatives, including semicarbazones, thiosemicarbazones, and thiazoles. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by NMR, IR, and HRMS analysis methods. The in vitro antitumor activity of these compounds was evaluated by the MTT assay against four human cancer cell lines, such as fibrosarcoma (HT‐1080), breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231), and lung carcinoma (A‐549), and the results indicated that all compounds showed moderate to significant cytotoxic activities against all cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 7.19±0.30 to 50 μM. The mechanism of action of the most cytotoxic compounds 2 b and 7 b suggested that they induced apoptosis through caspase‐3/7 activation, and elicited G2/M‐phase arrest with the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in HT‐1080 cells. The molecular docking showed that compounds 2 b and 7 b activated the caspase‐3 by forming a stable protein‐ligand complex.