bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The use of avocado seed self‐assembly monolayer films for the catalysis of methanol electrooxidation reaction
Authors: Altunbaş Şahin Ece 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCatalysts are important equipment that limits the performance of direct methanol fuel cells (DMFC). With the use of appropriate electrocatalysts, the efficiency of DMFC can be increased. Although the platinum‐based catalysts have high efficiency for this process high cost and its limited sources on the earth are the main drawbacks. On the other hand, platinum affectivity may be alternative material due to its high resistance against CO‐poisoning on the electrode/solution interface. They have also a low cost. In this study, the extracts of avocado seed (AS) are prepared in ethanol solvent and their self‐assembly monolayer (SAM) films were prepared on the copper specimens (Cu/AS‐SAM). The AS‐SAM film modified catalyst was used as anode material for electrooxidation of methanol in an alkaline solution. To increase catalytic efficiency, the surface of Cu/AS‐SAM was modified by electrodeposition of Ni. The surfaces of the bare copper, the AS‐SAM film, and the Ni‐modified were described by SEM, AFM, and EDX‐mapping measurements. Their electrocatalytic activity and stability were evaluated with 1.0 M methanol containing alkaline solution by cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel curves and chronoamperometry (CA) tests. The results showed that a durable and homogeneous AS‐SAM film forms on the copper surface from the extracts of AS in ethanol solvent. The AS‐SAM film is electroactive for the methanol electrooxidation reaction. Moreover, modification of the film by depositing with Ni enhances its activity. The AS, agriculture waste can be utilized for fabricating anode materials for methanol electrooxidation reactions.
Dioscin ameliorates inflammatory bowel disease by up‐regulating miR‐125a‐5p to regulate macrophage polarization
Authors: Shi Lingyan , Zhang Peichen , Jin Ruifang , Chen Xiaowei , Dong Lemei , Chen Weichang 
Published: May 2022

AbstractPurposeDioscin has been proven to have anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐infection roles. However, the role of Dioscin in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its related mechanisms is unclear and needs further study.MethodsThe colitis model in mice was established. After Dioscin (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) treatment, the colon length was measured by a ruler. Histopathology, inflammatory cytokines, gut permeability, tight junction proteins, macrophage infiltration, macrophage polarization, and miR‐125a‐5p level were detected by hematoxylin–eosin staining, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR), FITC‐dextran, Western blot, and flow cytometry. In vitro experiments, after RAW264.7 cells induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/interleukin‐4 (IL‐4), were treated with Dioscin and miR‐125a‐5p inhibitor, miR‐125a‐5p level, cell vitality, inflammatory cytokines, and M1/M2 marker genes were measured by qRT‐PCR and MTT assay.ResultsDioscin (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg) relieved DSS‐triggered colitis and restrained the serum and colon of pro‐inflammatory cytokines expression. Meanwhile, different concentrations' Dioscin weakened M1 macrophage polarization but facilitated tight junction protein expressions, M2 macrophage polarization, and miR‐125a‐5p level in colitic mice. Moreover, miR‐125a‐5p inhibitor reversed the modulation of Dioscin on miR‐125a‐5p expression, cell vitality, and inflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced RAW264.7 cells. We further discovered that Dioscin restrained M1 marker gene (CD16) expression while intensifying M2 marker genes (CD206 and Arginase‐1) expressions in vitro, which was reversed by miR‐125a‐5p inhibitor.ConclusionDioscin modulated macrophage polarization by increasing miR‐125a‐5p, thereby improving the intestinal epithelial barrier function and reducing IBD.
MicroRNA‐203a‐3p may prevent the development of thyroid papillary carcinoma via repressing MAP3K1 and activating autophagy
Authors: Dai Lei , Zhang Weidong , Wu Xianjiang , Zhou Shuihong 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundPapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) grows slowly but has a great risk of metastasis. MicroRNAs are well known as vital tumor‐related gene regulators. In PTC, the role of miR‐203a‐3p and the underlying mechanisms remain not completely understood.MethodsWe conducted CCK8 assay, wound healing assay, transwell experiment and flow cytometry analyses to investigate the function of miRNA‐203a‐3p. The interaction of miRNA‐203a‐3p with its gene MAP3K1 was characterized by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and luciferase assay.ResultsWe found that the levels of miRNA‐203a‐3p were statistically decreased in PTC tissues. When mimics were delivered to TPC‐1 and KTC‐1 cells to upregulate miR‐203a‐3p, it was observed that cell proliferation, metastatic abilities and cell cycle process were prevented but cell apoptosis was enhanced. Furthermore, we proved the interaction between MAP3K1 and miR‐203a‐3p. Intriguingly, similar to miR‐203a‐3p mimics, siMAP3K1 showed a tumor‐suppressive effect, and this effect could be reversed when miR‐203a‐3p was simultaneously inhibited. Finally, selected autophagy‐linked proteins such as LC3 Beclin‐1 were detected and found to be increased when miR‐203a‐3p was upregulated or MAP3K1 was inhibited.ConclusionOverall, miR‐203a‐3p inhibits the oncogenic characteristics of TPC‐1 and KTC‐1 cells via suppressing MAP3K1 and activating autophagy. Our findings might enrich the understanding and the therapeutic strategies of PTC.
A U‐shaped association between serum albumin with total triiodothyronine in adults
Authors: Zhang Ya , Xie Ruijie , Ou Jun 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThyroid dysfunction is a common thyroid disorder in our life and its symptoms are non‐specific, therefore the diagnosis of thyroid dysfunction is important for patients. Albumin (ALB) can carry thyroid hormones to their sites of action as a way to achieve rapid delivery of thyroid hormones to the tissues. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between serum ALB levels and total triiodothyronine (TT3) in adults.MethodsData from the 2007–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used to examine the association between ALB and TT3 using multivariate logistic regression models. Fitting smoothed curves and generalized weighted models were also used.ResultsThe analysis included a total of 7933 participants that we found an independent positive relationship between ALB and TT3 among participants [0.006 (0.003, 0.009)]. In men, there was a significant positive correlation between ALB and TT3, whereas in women ALB and TT3 suggested a significant negative correlation. Moreover, our study revealed that the independent association between the levels of ALB and TT3 was significant in Non‐Hispanic White, but not in Non‐Hispanic Black. Notably, we found a U‐shaped association between ALB and serum TT3 in total participants (inflection point for ALB: 41 g/L) and females after adjusted covariates (inflection point for ALB: 46 g/L).ConclusionsWe found a U‐shaped relationship between serum ALB and TT3 with infection point at 41 g/L for ALB, which may provide a reference for future screening in adults with thyroid dysfunction.
A comparison of telehealth versus in‐person group therapy: Results from a DBT‐based dual diagnosis IOP
Authors: Bean Christian A. L. , Aurora Pallavi , Maddox Corey J. , Mekota Ryan , Updegraff Alanna 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe effectiveness of remotely delivered group interventions and treatments for individuals with more complex psychiatric presentations is understudied. Nevertheless, the emergence of the COVID‐19 pandemic shifted such treatments from in‐person to remote service delivery without the establishment of comparable effectiveness between in‐person and remote delivery. The current study presents the results of a private practice's transition from in‐person treatment delivery to a videoconference‐delivered Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)‐based intensive outpatient program (IOP) for individuals with comorbid mental health and substance use disorder diagnoses in response to the pandemic.MethodsChange in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress following completion of the IOP was compared between the in‐person and videoconference groups.ResultsLarge reductions in symptoms were found following completion of the IOP for both the in‐person and videoconference groups. Furthermore, no significant differences in symptom reduction were found between the groups.ConclusionAlthough large‐scale replication is needed, these results suggest that IOPs and other intensive group therapies delivered via videoconference may be as effective as in‐person therapies, even among individuals with more complex psychiatric presentations. Providers who have transitioned group therapies to videoconference formats or are considering creating remote groups can be more confident that they are not sacrificing treatment efficacy.
Bi2O4 decorated with SnO2 nanoparticles as direct Z‐scheme heterojunction for enhanced degradation of tetracycline under visible light irradiation
Authors: Zhao Sheng‐geng , Chen Fang‐yan , Hao Chen‐chen , Tang Yu‐bin , Shi Wei‐long 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDBismuth tetraoxide (Bi2O4) has attracted increasing interest as a novel visible‐light‐driven photocatalyst. It suffers from some drawbacks, such as quick recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes, small specific surface area and few active sites due to submicron rod structure.RESULTSA novel and efficient binary heterojunction photocatalyst, in which zero‐dimensional (0D) SnO2 nanoparticles was anchored on the surface of one‐dimensional (1D) Bi2O4 micrometer rods, was successfully synthesized. The as‐prepared samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized photocatalysts was evaluated by photodegradation of tetracycline (TC) under visible‐light irradiation. The prepared 30‐SB composite (30 wt% SnO2/Bi2O4) exhibits the highest photocatalytic activity toward TC degradation. The removal efficiency of TC was up to 84.3% within 120 min. The rate constant k for the reaction of 30‐SB composite is 0.029017 min−1, which is 13.4 and 1.8 times as high as that of SnO2 and Bi2O4, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe significantly boosted photocatalytic activity is attributed to the formation of Z‐scheme heterojunctions between SnO2 and Bi2O4. Z‐scheme charge transfer promoted the effective separation of photogenerated carriers and ensured that the holes with higher oxidative activity and electrons with stronger reducibility participate in the production of •OH and •O2− as well as direct degradation of TC. This work will provide a new modification strategy for the potentially excellent photocatalyst Bi2O4. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
2,4,6‐Trichlorophenol degradation mechanism and microbial community analysis in an intimately coupled visible‐light photocatalysis and biodegradation system
Authors: Liang Yinna , Zhao Tianyu , Xiao Bing , Xiong Jianhua , Wang Shuangfei , Zhu Hongxiang , Chen Guoning , Song Hainong , Huang Shaobin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDIntimately coupled photocatalysis and biodegradation (ICPB) is a novel wastewater treatment technology with potential applications in the degradation of bio‐recalcitrant compounds. Although visible light has some advantages over UV light in the ICPB technology, it has never been used to treat 2,4,6‐trichlorophenol (2,4,6‐TCP)‐contaminated wastewater with this approach.RESULTSTiO2/sponge composites with good photocatalytic activity under visible light were prepared and used as biofilm supports to develop a novel ICPB system. The latter showed highly efficient degradation properties and could mineralize 2,4,6‐TCP, with performances superior to those of the individual biological and photocatalytic systems. The removal of 2,4,6‐TCP using the ICPB system reached almost 100% after 4 h, whereas the mineralization rate approached 83% after 12 h. The key feature of the presented ICPB method is that photocatalytic reactions can occur after detachment of biofilms from the outer surface of the composite, and the resulting photocatalytic products are biodegraded by the protected biofilms inside the composites. The interior of the composites exhibited a marked enrichment in Acinetobacter, Methylophilus, Pseudomonas, Acidovorax and Flavobacterium species, which played an important role in the ICPB system.CONCLUSIONSThis study introduces a new bio‐photocatalytic degradation system and provides insight into the mechanism of chlorophenol‐contaminated wastewater treatment using ICPB. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Light and scanning electron microscopic characterization of aflatoxins producing Aspergillus flavus in the maize crop
Authors: Seerat Wajiha , Akram Abida , Qureshi Rahmatullah , Yaseen Ghulam , Mukhtar Tariq , Hanif Nafeesa Qudsia 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMaize (Zea mays L.) is considered as one of the main cereals, used as a source of food, forage, and processed products. The loss of maize productivity is reported due to effect on roots, stalks, ears, and kernels mainly caused by many fungi. Among these fungal pathogens of maize, Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) are the most prevalent that produces highly toxigenic aflatoxins that are highly carcinogenic to the consumers. The present study is confined to isolate and characterize the A. flavus from maize seeds for accurate identification that can be helpful for determination and management of aflatoxins in maize crop. Eighty stored seed samples of maize were collected from warehouses where seeds are stored for food and feeding purposes. For the isolation of A. flavus, Potato Dextrose Agar was used. Isolated fungi were identified macro and microscopically using light microscope and scanning electron microscope. A total of 212 Aspergillus isolates were identified based on macro‐morphological and micro‐morphological characteristics. The results showed that A. flavus colonies were granular, flat with yellow‐green to deep yellow‐green colony color having a white border and compact, spherical spore heads. Rapid rate of growth was observed maturing in about 3–5 days. In microscopic features, A. flavus have apically swollen conidiophores with various conidia bearing cells in long and dry chains. Spherical conidial heads were split into several columns ranging 300–400 μm in diameter. This will be helpful for farmers, researchers and traders in future for correct identification of sources of aflatoxins.Research Highlights
Maize seed samples were collected from Pothohar region of Pakistan.
The fungi were isolated on PDA.
Aspergillus flavus was identified macro‐morphologically by observing growth rate, colony color and texture.
Furthermore, these fungi were identified micro‐morphologically by using light and scanning electron microscope.
The 212 Aspergillus flavus strains were isolated and identified.
Tetraspanins distinguish separate extracellular vesicle subpopulations in human serum and plasma – Contributions of platelet extracellular vesicles in plasma samples
Authors: Karimi Nasibeh , Dalirfardouei Razieh , Dias Tomás , Lötvall Jan , Lässer Cecilia 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground: The ability to isolate extracellular vesicles (EVs) from blood is vital in the development of EVs as disease biomarkers. Both serum and plasma can be used, but few studies have compared these sources in terms of the type of EVs that are obtained. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of different subpopulations of EVs in plasma and serum.Method: Blood was collected from healthy subjects, and plasma and serum were isolated in parallel. ACD or EDTA tubes were used for the collection of plasma, while serum was obtained in clot activator tubes. EVs were isolated utilising a combination of density cushion and SEC, a combination of density cushion and gradient or by a bead antibody capturing system (anti‐CD63, anti‐CD9 and anti‐CD81 beads). The subpopulations of EVs were analysed by NTA, Western blot, SP‐IRIS, conventional and nano flow cytometry, magnetic bead ELISA and mass spectrometry. Additionally, different isolation protocols for plasma were compared to determine the contribution of residual platelets in the analysis.Results: This study shows that a higher number of CD9+ EVs were present in EDTA‐plasma compared to ACD‐plasma and to serum, and the presence of CD41a on these EVs suggests that they were released from platelets. Furthermore, only a very small number of EVs in blood were double‐positive for CD63 and CD81. The CD63+ EVs were enriched in serum, while CD81+ vesicles were the rarest subpopulation in both plasma and serum. Additionally, EDTA‐plasma contained more residual platelets than ACD‐plasma and serum, and two centrifugation steps were crucial to reduce the number of platelets in plasma prior to EV isolation.Conclusion: These results show that human blood contains multiple subpopulations of EVs that carry different tetraspanins. Blood sampling methods, including the use of anti‐coagulants and choice of centrifugation protocols, can affect EV analyses and should always be reported in detail.
The development of extracellular vesicle markers for the fungal phytopathogen Colletotrichum higginsianum
Authors: Rutter Brian D. , Chu Thi‐Thu‐Huyen , Dallery Jean‐Félix , Zajt Kamil K. , O'Connell Richard J. , Innes Roger W. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractFungal phytopathogens secrete extracellular vesicles (EVs) associated with enzymes and phytotoxic metabolites. While these vesicles are thought to promote infection, defining the true contents and functions of fungal EVs, as well as suitable protein markers, is an ongoing process. To expand our understanding of fungal EVs and their possible roles during infection, we purified EVs from the hemibiotrophic phytopathogen Colletotrichum higginsianum, the causative agent of anthracnose disease in multiple plant species, including Arabidopsis thaliana. EVs were purified in large numbers from the supernatant of protoplasts but not the supernatant of intact mycelial cultures. We purified two separate populations of EVs, each associated with over 700 detected proteins, including proteins involved in vesicle transport, cell wall biogenesis and the synthesis of secondary metabolites. We selected two SNARE proteins (Snc1 and Sso2) and one 14‐3‐3 protein (Bmh1) as potential EV markers and generated transgenic strains expressing fluorescent fusions. Each marker was confirmed to be protected inside EVs. Fluorescence microscopy was used to examine the localization of each marker during infection on Arabidopsis leaves. These findings further our understanding of EVs in fungal phytopathogens and will help build an experimental system to study EV interkingdom communication between plants and fungi.
CD73 in small extracellular vesicles derived from HNSCC defines tumour‐associated immunosuppression mediated by macrophages in the microenvironment
Authors: Lu Tingwei , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Jianjun , Pan Xinhua , Zhu Xueqin , Wang Xu , Li Zhihui , Ruan Min , Li Huasheng , Chen Wantao , Yan Ming 
Published: May 2022

AbstractResearch on tumour cell‐derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) that regulate tumour microenvironment (TME) has provided strategies for targeted therapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Herein, we demonstrated that sEVs derived from HNSCC cancer cells carried CD73 (sEVsCD73), which promoted malignant progression and mediated immune evasion. The sEVsCD73 phagocytosed by tumour‐associated macrophages (TAMs) in the TME induced immunosuppression. Higher CD73high TAMs infiltration levels in the HNSCC microenvironment were correlated with poorer prognosis, while sEVsCD73 activated the NF‐κB pathway in TAMs, thereby inhibiting immune function by increasing cytokines secretion such as IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and TGF‐β1. The absence of sEVsCD73 enhanced the sensitivity of anti‐PD‐1 therapy through reversed immunosuppression. Moreover, circulating sEVsCD73 increased the risk of lymph node metastasis and worse prognosis. Taken together, our study suggests that sEVsCD73 derived from tumour cells contributes to immunosuppression and is a potential predictor of anti‐PD‐1 responses for immune checkpoint therapy in HNSCC.
Extracellular vesicles rich in HAX1 promote angiogenesis by modulating ITGB6 translation
Authors: You Bo , Pan Si , Gu Miao , Zhang Kaiwen , Xia Tian , Zhang Siyu , Chen Wenhui , Xie Haijing , Fan Yue , Yao Hui , Cheng Tianyi , Zhang Panpan , Liu Dong , You Yiwen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTumour‐associated angiogenesis plays a critical role in metastasis, the main cause of malignancy‐related death. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can regulate angiogenesis to participate in tumour metastasis. Our previous study showed that EVs rich in HAX1 are associated with in metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). However, the mechanism by which HAX1 of EVs promotes metastasis and angiogenesis is unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that EVs rich in HAX1 promote angiogenesis phenotype by activating the FAK pathway in endothelial cells (ECs) by increasing expression level of ITGB6. The expression level of HAX1 is markedly correlated with microvessel density (MVDs) in NPC and head and neck cancers based on an analysis of IHC. In addition to a series of in vitro cellular analyses, in vivo models revealed that HAX1 was correlated with migration and blood vessel formation of ECs, and metastasis of NPC. Using ribosome profiling, we found that HAX1 regulates the FAK pathway to influence microvessel formation and promote NPC metastasis by enhancing the translation efficiency of ITGB6. Our findings demonstrate that HAX1 can be used as an important biomarker for NPC metastasis, providing a novel basis for antiangiogenesis therapy in clinical settings.
Performance evaluation of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II and Elecsys AFP assays for hepatocellular carcinoma diagnosis
Authors: Chan Henry L Y , Vogel Arndt , Berg Thomas , De Toni Enrico N , Kudo Masatoshi , Trojan Jörg , Eiblmaier Anja , Klein Hanns‐Georg , Hegel Johannes Kolja , Sharma Ashish , Madin Kairat , Rolny Vinzent , Lisy Marcus‐Rene , Piratvisuth Teerha 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and AimsProthrombin induced by vitamin K absence‐II (PIVKA‐II) is a serum biomarker linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), showing superiority to alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) for early disease detection. We aimed to assess the clinical and analytical performance of the Elecsys® PIVKA‐II immunoassay in diagnosing HCC and evaluate PIVKA‐II's technical performance.MethodsSerum samples from adult cases (i.e. patients with a first‐time HCC diagnosis; n = 168) and disease controls (i.e. patients without HCC with an at‐risk condition; n = 208) were assessed. An AFP cut‐off of 20 ng/mL was used to differentiate between HCC cases and disease controls. Clinical performance of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay was compared with that of comparator assays (Lumipulse G PIVKA‐II, μTASWako DCP, ARCHITECT PIVKA‐II) using receiver operating characteristic curve analysis to determine the area under the curve (AUC) values.ResultsThe Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay compared favorably with comparator assays. Using a 28.4 ng/mL cut‐off, the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay detected HCC with 86.9% sensitivity and 83.7% specificity. Clinical performance of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay (AUC: 90.8%) was equivalent to that of comparator assays (AUC: 88.3–89.6%). Relatively high PIVKA‐II concentrations were observed for cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic cancer with the Elecsys assay in specificity panel analyses, indicating that high PIVKA‐II concentrations should not be used alone in the absence of other clinical data.ConclusionsThe Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay showed good analytical performance under routine laboratory conditions, comparing favorably with comparator assays. These findings support the suitability of the Elecsys PIVKA‐II assay as an aid in HCC diagnosis.