bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improving the flame retardancy of epoxy resin with ZIF‐67@GO‐PA nanohybrid as filler
Authors: Wang Hongni , He Zhongjie , Li Xiaoqian , Wang Yudeng , Yao Dongdong , Zheng Yaping 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDespite many important industrial applications, epoxy resin (EP) suffers from high flammability. To solve the problem, functionalized graphene oxide with Co‐MOF and phytic acid (ZIF‐67@GO‐PA) was successfully prepared. Subsequently, 2 wt% of ZIF‐67@GO‐PA nano‐hybrids were added into EP. Base on the fire test results, the limiting oxygen index value of EP/ZIF‐67@GO‐PA enhances to 29.4% and its UL‐94 achieves V‐0 rating. Moreover, compared with pure EP, the peak heat release rate and total release rate are dramatically decreased by 57.4% and 25.7%, respectively. In addition, the fire growth index was reduced by 64.0%. These superior fire safety properties are due to the catalytic effect of metal oxide and phosphorous compounds produced during the combustion of ZIF‐67@GO‐PA, and the barrier effect of the graphene oxide. Because the denser char blocks the diffusion of heat during combustion, the fire hazard of EP composites is reduced.
Sinestre, deviance, or biology? An investigation of hand dominance in relation to tendon absence
Authors: Zeyl Victoria G. , McHayle Allison , Crozier Joseph W. , Kalliainen Loree K. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe present study aimed to examine the relationship between hand dominance and the presence or absence of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) in the fifth digit to add to the current body of knowledge. We hypothesized that the absence of the FDS in the right small finger is more prevalent in left‐handed individuals. This was a prospective study conducted from January 2020 to April 2021 and performed at the plastic surgery department of a university hospital. The sample consisted of volunteers with no history of upper limb trauma, surgery, or any other condition. The study included male and female individuals over 18 years old at a local Rhode Island university campus. The FDS tendons of the bilateral fifth fingers were evaluated through clinical testing by an independent examiner. A total of 236 hands from 118 volunteers were analyzed. Left‐hand dominant participants composed of 5% of the population. For these participants, the prevalence of absence of the fifth finger FDS tendon in the right hand was significantly higher than that of right‐hand dominant participants (71.4% vs. 28.8%). No significant difference between sex assigned at birth (male vs. female) was noted and the absence of the FDS in either hand, regardless of hand dominance. The results from the current study demonstrate that anatomy may contribute to one’s preference for left‐handedness. For children who have difficulty using their right hand, perhaps, an assessment of their FDS status may result in earlier acceptance of using their left hand.
Delivery of superoxide dismutase by TAT and abalone peptides for the protection of skin cells against oxidative stress
Authors: Reigado Gustavo Roncoli , Adriani Patricia Pereira , dos Santos Jeniffer Farias , Freitas Bruna Letícia , Fernandes Myrian Thiago Pruschinski , Chambergo Alcalde Felipe Santiago , Leo Patricia , Nunes Viviane Abreu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTrichoderma reesei superoxide dismutase (TrSOD) is a well‐characterized enzyme being stable between 30 and 90°C for 1 h with activity at pH between 2.6 and 9.0. This work aimed to clone, express, purify, and evaluate the protective effect antioxidant of this enzyme on skin cells when fused to transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein transduction domain of HIV‐1 and abalone (Ab) peptides to allow cell penetration. TrSOD, TAT‐TrSOD‐Yfp (fused to yellow fluorescent protein), and Ab‐TrSOD were expressed in E. coli and purified as soluble proteins. The cytotoxicity of the enzymes, at the concentrations of 1, 3, and 6 μmol/L, was evaluated for a period of 24 and 48 h of incubation, with no cytotoxic effect on 3T3 fibroblasts. The 3T3 cells were exposed to the oxidant agent tert‐butyl hydroperoxide and evaluated for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, in the presence or not of the recombinant enzymes. TAT‐TrSOD‐Yfp was able to decrease the generation of ROS by 15% when used in the concentrations of 3 and 6 μmol/L in comparison to the control, but there was no difference in relation to the effect of TrSOD. Ab‐TrSOD, when compared to TrSOD, promoted a decrease in the formation of ROS of 19% and 14% at the concentrations of 1 and 6 μmol/L, respectively, indicating that this recombinant form was more effective in reducing oxidative stress compared to SOD without the cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP). Together, these results indicate that the fusion of SOD with these CPP increased the antioxidant capacity of fibroblasts, identified by the reduction in the generation of ROS. In addition, such molecules, in the concentrations initially used, were not toxic to the cells, opening perspectives for the development of products for antioxidant protection of the skin that may have therapeutic and cosmetic application.
Immobilization of lanthanide doped aluminate phosphor onto recycled polyester toward the development of long‐persistent photoluminescence smart window
Authors: El‐Newehy Mohamed , El‐Hamshary Hany , Abdulhameed Meera Moydeen , Tawfeek Ahmed M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSmart window can be defined as switchable material whose light transmission is altered upon exposure to light, voltage, or heat. However, smart windows are usually produced from expensive and breakable glass materials. Herein, transparent smart window with long‐persistent phosphorescence, high optical transmittance, ultraviolet (UV) protection, rigid, high photostability and durability, an d superhydrophobicity was developed from recycled polyester (PET). Recycled polyester waste (RBW) was simply immobilized with different ratios of lanthanide‐doped aluminate nanoparticles (LdAN) to provide a long‐persistent phosphorescent polyester smart window (LdAN@PET) with an abili ty to persist emitting light for extended time periods. The solid‐state high temperature technique was used to prepare lanthanide‐doped aluminate (LdA) micro‐scale powder. Then, the top‐down technique was applied to afford the corresponding LdAN. Recycled shredded recycled polyester bottles were charged into a hot bath to provide a clear plastic shred bulk, which was then well‐mixed with LdAN and drop‐casted to provide long‐persistent luminescent smart window. In order to improve the phosphor dispersion in the PET bulk, LdAN was synthesized in the nanoparticle form which was characterized utilizing transmission electron microscopy (TEM). For better preparation of translucent smart window of long‐persistent phosphorescent polyester, LdAN must be homogeneously dispersed in the PET matrix without agglomeration. The morphology and chemical composition were studied by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR) spectra), X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy‐dispersion X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). In addition, spectral profiles of excitation and emission, and decay and lifetime were used to better understand the photoluminescence properties. The hardness properties were also investigated. The developed phosphorescent transparent polyester smart window demonstrated a color switch to intense green underneath UV irradiation and greenish‐yellow under darkness as verified by CIELab color parameters. The afterglow polyester smart window showed an absorption wavelength at 365 nm and two phosphorescence intensities at 442 and 512 nm. An enhanced UV protection, photostability and hydrophobic activity were detected. The luminescent polyester substrates with lower LdAN ratios demonstrated rapid and reversible fluorescent photochromic activity beneath the UV light. The luminescent polyester substrates with higher LdAN contents displayed long‐persistent phosphorescence afterglow. The current strategy can be simply applied for the production of smart windows, low thickness anti‐counterfeiting films and warning signs.
Biochemistry shapes growth kinetics of nitrifiers and defines their activity under specific environmental conditions
Authors: Martinez‐Rabert Eloi , Smith Cindy J. , Sloan William T. , González‐Cabaleiro Rebeca 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIs it possible to find trends between the parameters that define microbial growth to help us explain the vast microbial diversity? Through an extensive database of kinetic parameters of nitrifiers, we analyzed if the dominance of specific populations of nitrifiers could be predicted and explained. We concluded that, in general, higher growth yield (YXS) and ammonia affinity (a0NH3) and lower growth rate (µmax) are observed for ammonia‐oxidizing archaea (AOA) than bacteria (AOB), which would explain their considered dominance in oligotrophic environments. However, comammox (CMX), with the maximum energy harvest per mole of ammonia, and some AOB, have higher a0NH3 and lower µmax than some AOA. Although we were able to correlate the presence of specific terminal oxidases with observed oxygen affinities (a0O2) for nitrite‐oxidizing bacteria (NOB), that correlation was not observed for AOB. Moreover, the presumed dominance of AOB over NOB in O2‐limiting environments is discussed. Additionally, lower statistical variance of a0O2 values than for ammonia and nitrite affinities was observed, suggesting nitrogen limitation as a stronger selective pressure. Overall, specific growth strategies within nitrifying groups were not identified through the reported kinetic parameters, which might suggest that mostly, fundamental differences in biochemistry are responsible for underlying kinetic parameters.
Development and validation of an immune‐related prognosis signature associated with hypoxia and ferroptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chun‐Bo , Feng Han‐Xin , Dai Chao‐Liu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundHypoxia and ferroptosis are crucial in the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and they both affect the immune status of the tumor microenvironment. Previous studies have also shown a link between hypoxia and ferroptosis.Patients and methodsIn all, 814 HCC cases from The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus databases were used as the discovery cohort, and 230 HCC cases from the International Cancer Genome Consortium database were used as the validation cohort. Hypoxia subtypes and ferroptosis subtypes were identified by consensus cluster analysis according to 174 hypoxia‐related genes and 193 ferroptosis‐related genes. The prognostic signature was constructed using the Cox and LASSO regression analyses, and two risk groups were identified. A comprehensive analysis of the clinical and immune characteristics between the two risk groups was further performed.ResultsTwo hypoxia subtypes and two ferroptosis subtypes were distinguished and verified; subsequently, a five‐gene prognostic signature was constructed and the risk score could be acquired by the following formula: risk score = 0.0604*Expression (CA9)−0.0714*Expression (ANXA10) + 0.1501*Expression (CDC20)−0.0853*Expression (CYP7A1) + 0.0530*Expression (SPP1). Compared with the low‐risk group, the high‐risk group had a worse prognosis. The high‐risk group also showed a higher level of immune infiltration than the low‐risk group, and immune checkpoints were generally upregulated in the high‐risk group. The antigen presentation ability of the low‐risk group was poor, which may be related to the immune escape mechanism. Drug sensitivity analysis indicated that the high‐ and low‐risk groups were sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors and chemotherapeutic drugs, respectively.ConclusionThe hypoxia‐, ferroptosis‐, and immune‐associated prognostic signature we constructed could stratify patients with HCC and guide precise treatment.
Production of More Potent Anti‐Candida Labdane Diterpenes by Biotransformation Using Cunninghamella elegans
Authors: Sousa Ingrid P. , De Sousa Teixeira Maria V. , Freitas Jolindo A. , Ferreira Antônio G. , Pires Loren M. , Santos Raquel A. , Heleno Vladimir Constantino Gomes , Furtado Niege A. Jacometti Cardoso 
Published: January 2022

AbstractCandida species are responsible for causing invasive candidiasis with high mortality rate and their resistance to available antifungal drugs is a major clinical challenge. Biotransformation process of the labdane diterpene ent‐labd‐8(17)‐en‐15,18‐dioic acid (1) carried out with Cunninghamella elegans afforded five new derivatives (compounds 2–6). Unusual regioselective hydroxylation of the methyl group at the C‐20 position of labdane‐type diterpene was achieved and all compounds were subjected to cytotoxicity and antifungal evaluations. Compound 1 and its derivatives were not cytotoxic to normal (MCF‐10A) and tumor (MCF‐7) cell lines. Compounds 2 and 3 exhibited fungistatic activity against all tested Candida strains at lower concentrations than fluconazole. Both compounds also showed the strongest fungicidal activity against C. albicans, which is the most prevalent fungal agent involved in candidemia.
A Bimetallic Nanozyme with Cascade Effect for Synergistic Therapy of Cancer
Authors: Li Xiaoqing , Cao Yue , Xu Bo , Zhao Ying , Zhang Tianqi , Wang Yinghui , Wang Daguang , Liu Jianhua , Song Shuyan , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: January 2022

AbstractNovel nanocomposites were constructed through encapsulation of Au nanoparticles and Ru nanoparticles into dendritic mesoporous silica (DMSN‐Au‐Ru NPs). These exhibit improved effects due to a cascade catalytic ability for the synergistic therapy of cancer. Au nanoparticles with glucose oxidase‐like properties were found to catalyze the oxidation of glucose to produce H2O2, while Ru nanoparticles could decompose H2O2 and produce toxic 1O2 for improved photodynamic therapy (PDT). In addition, the nanocomposites were found to have good photothermal performance under irradiation by near‐infrared (NIR) light. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments show that the nanocomposites have good therapeutic effects due to the cascade catalytic effect and synergistic effect. These findings provide an effective way to design a new generation of nanodrugs for highly efficient cancer treatment.
Anode Materials for Rechargeable Aqueous Al‐Ion Batteries: Progress and Prospects
Authors: Cai Yi , Chua Rodney , Srinivasan Madhavi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractRechargeable aqueous Al‐ion batteries (AIBs) have attracted more attention as potential energy storage systems due to their low cost, high safety, and environmental friendliness. As a crucial role in AIBs, efforts have been devoted to exploring suitable anode material over the past decade. Herein, the latest advances in using Al3+ intercalation and Al deposition anode materials are critically discussed, including current challenges, reaction mechanisms, and achievable electrochemical properties. This review aims to provide a summary of the strategies proposed to date to overcome the anode issues restricting the present rechargeable aqueous AIBs. Emphasis is placed on alleviating the passivation and corrosion problems of metallic Al anode for realizing rechargeable aqueous AIBs with high energy density. Finally, some suggestions are put forward for the guidance of future research directions on the optimization of anode materials in the expectation of promoting further development of rechargeable aqueous AIBs.
Suicidal behaviour in first‐episode psychosis: The relevance of age, perceived stress and depressive symptoms
Authors: Vila‐Badia Regina , Kaplan Marcela , Butjosa Anna , Del Cacho Núria , Serra‐Arumí Clara , Colomer‐Salvans Alicia , Esteban‐Sanjusto Marina , Iglesias‐González Maria , Cuñat Oriol , Del Hoyo‐Buxo Blanca , Profep Group , Usall Judith 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe onset of first episode psychosis (FEP) is a period of increased risk of suicide, which is 60% higher than in other stages of the disease. This work explored suicidal behaviour and its most relevant factors in a population with FEP and a healthy control (HC) sample. We used the Suicide Risk Scale of Plutchik (SRSP) to assess suicide behaviour, and Calgary Depression Scale for Schizophrenia (CDSS), Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Personal and Social Performance Scale (PSP), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were administered to assess the severity of depression, mania, psychosocial functioning, perceived stress and psychopathology, respectively. Patients with FEP showed a higher prevalence in all measures of suicide behaviour than HC. Younger age and depressive symptoms were the most important predictors of suicide ideation and suicide attempt. More perceived stress and higher hopelessness were the most relevant predictors of suicide risk. Symptoms did not appear to be important factors in suicide behaviour. Younger age, perceived stress and depressive symptoms seem to be the most important factors in suicide behaviours in FEP.
OX40L Inhibition Suppresses KLH‐driven Immune Responses in Healthy Volunteers: A Randomized Controlled Trial Demonstrating Proof‐of‐Pharmacology for KY1005
Authors: Saghari Mahdi , Gal Pim , Gilbert Sally , Yateman Martin , Porter‐Brown Ben , Brennan Nuala , Quaratino Sonia , Wilson Rosamund , Grievink Hendrika W. , Klaassen Erica S. , Bergmann Kirsten R. , Burggraaf Jacobus , van Doorn Martijn B. A. , Powell John , Moerland Matthijs , Rissmann Robert 
Published: January 2022

The safety, tolerability, immunogenicity, and pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of an anti‐OX40L monoclonal antibody (KY1005, currently amlitelimab) were evaluated. Pharmacodynamic (PD) effects were explored using keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and tetanus toxoid (TT) immunizations. Sixty‐four healthy male subjects (26.5 ± 6.0 years) were randomized to single doses of 0.006, 0.018, or 0.05 mg/kg, or multiple doses of 0.15, 0.45, 1.35, 4, or 12 mg/kg KY1005, or placebo (6:2). Serum KY1005 concentrations were measured. Antibody responses upon KLH and TT immunizations and skin response upon intradermal KLH administration were performed. PD data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of covariances (ANCOVAs) and post hoc exposure‐response modeling. No serious adverse events occurred and all adverse events were temporary and of mild or moderate severity. A nonlinear increase in mean serum KY1005 concentrations was observed (median time to maximum concentration (Tmax) ~ 4 hours, geometric mean terminal half‐life (t½) ~ 24 days). Cutaneous blood perfusion (estimated difference (ED) −13.4 arbitrary unit (AU), 95% confidence interval (CI) −23.0 AU to −3.8 AU) and erythema quantified as average redness (ED −0.23 AU, 95% CI −0.35 AU to −0.11 AU) decreased after KY1005 treatment at doses of 0.45 mg/kg and above. Exposure‐response analysis displayed a statistically significant treatment effect on anti‐KLH antibody titers (IgG maximum effect (Emax) −0.58 AU, 95% CI −1.10 AU to −0.06 AU) and skin response (erythema Emax −0.20 AU, 95% CI −0.29 AU to −0.11 AU). Administration of KY1005 demonstrated an acceptable safety and tolerability profile and PK analyses displayed a nonlinear profile of KY1005. Despite the observed variability, skin challenge response after KY1005 treatment indicated pharmacological activity of KY1005. Therefore, KY1005 shows potential as a novel pharmacological treatment in immune‐mediated disorders.
Triggers for and barriers to the adoption of environmental management practices by small and medium‐sized enterprises: A critical review
Authors: Dasanayaka Chamila H. , Gunarathne Nuwan , Murphy David F. , Nagirikandalage Padmi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe current literature lacks an integrated and holistic understanding of what drives and inhibits the environmental management practices (EMPs) of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs), despite the large number of studies carried out in the area. In order to offer a nuanced understanding of the existing inventory of reported works on SMEs, this study provides a systematic literature review. Based on three theories (i.e., institutional isomorphism, the resource‐based view and contingency), the study uses descriptive and thematic content analytical tools to find triggers for (i.e., external and internal) and barriers to the adoption of EMPs by SMEs. The analysis shows that both coercive pressures (especially legislation and customers' demands) and internal resource capabilities serve as significant triggers for the adoption of EMPs by SMEs. This study also finds internal organisational barriers, including lack of resources, acting as the main barriers. Both descriptive and thematic content analysis suggests several avenues for future research in this area.
Effects of toluidine blue O and methylene blue on growth and viability of pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: Biberoglu Kevser , Yuksel Melike , Onder Seda , Tacal Ozden 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAmyloid precursor‐like protein‐2 (APLP2) and its C‐terminal fragments (CTFs) are expressed at high levels in pancreatic cancer cells and knockdown of APLP2 expression inhibits tumor growth. CTFs are released from APLP2 by beta‐secretase (BACE). In this study, our goal was to determine whether methylene blue (MethB) and toluidine blue O (TBO) could be used to slow down the growth and viability of pancreatic cancer cells (Hs 766T). We found that TBO and MethB decreased the growth and viability of Hs 766T cells in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner compared to vehicle‐treated control, as demonstrated by MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. Although TBO led to decreased expression of APLP2, MethB did not show any significant effect on APLP2. However, both MethB and TBO reduced BACE activity and the levels of APLP2 CTFs in Hs 766T cells. In conclusion, MethB and TBO may be valuable candidates for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by targeting APLP2 processing.