bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential Dual‐Release Bilayer Microneedles Loaded with Aluminum Adjuvants as a Safe and Effective Vaccine Platform
Authors: Bian Qiong , Xu Yi‐Hua , Ma Xiao‐Lu , Hu Jing‐Yi , Gu Yue‐Ting , Wang Ru‐Xuan , Yuan An‐Ran , Hu Wei‐Tong , Huang Ling‐Ling , Li Ni , Gao Jian‐Qing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAluminum adjuvants are currently the most widely used adjuvants for human vaccines. However, concerns about their safety, such as local irritation at the vaccination site and potential neurotoxicity, have been raised over recent years. Herein, the bilayer microneedles are fabricated using commercially available materials and a simple micromolding preparation method in a differential dual‐release manner for sustained antigen release in the outer layer, and fast release of aluminum in the inner layer. The outer layer here replaces aluminum adjuvants to form an antigen depot, and the rapidly released adjuvants of the inner layer can activate dendritic cells, which effectively reduces the amount of aluminum while retaining their effect. The use of ovalbumin in vivo as the model antigen demonstrates that compared with subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, the bilayer microneedles achieve effective humoral immunity and relatively balanced immune response with less aluminum (1/25 of the dose), which may be related to the mechanical adjuvant effect of the microneedles. Mice treated with the bilayer microneedles show little to no aluminum accumulation in different organs, and no local irritation such as granuloma is observed. The superior vaccination safety and strong immunity using bilayer microneedles make it a promising vaccine platform.
Industrial By‐Products As a Novel Circular Source of Biocompatible Extracellular Vesicles
Authors: Lorca Cristina , Laparra Moisés , Céspedes María Virtudes , Casaní Laura , Florit Sergi , Jové Mariona , Mota‐Martorell Natàlia , Vilella Elisabet , Gallart‐Palau Xavier , Serra Aida 
Published: April 2022

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs) constitute an intricate system of molecular exchange that has recently gained tremendous interest. However, sustainable sources of safe biological EVs remain scarce and elusive. This study explores and defines the use of food industry by‐products (BP) as a circular source of safe biocompatible EVs. Averaged diameter and molecular compositions indicate a large yield of exosomes and high abundancy of membrane lipids with signaling capacity in these vesicles. Complex proteomes mimicking those circulating in human blood plasma are also identified. Furthermore, BP‐EVs do not show relevant cytotoxicity and display excellent oral and intravenous bioavailability together with specific organ targeting capacity. Collectively, it is believed that the novel findings reported here will open substantial venues for the use of BP as an optimal source of biocompatible nanovesicles in manifold applications of the biotechnological and biomedical fields.
Lithium Trithiocarbonate as a Dual‐Function Electrode Material for High‐Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Sul Hyunki , Bhargav Amruth , Manthiram Arumugam 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe development of practical lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries with prolonged cycle life and high Coulombic efficiency is limited by both parasitic reactions from dissolved polysulfides and mossy lithium deposition. To address these challenges, here lithium trithiocarbonate (Li2CS3)‐coated lithium sulfide (Li2S) is employed as a dual‐function cathode material to improve the cycling performance of Li–S batteries. Interestingly, at the cathode, Li2CS3 forms an oligomer‐structured layer on the surface to suppress polysulfide shuttle. The presence of Li2CS3 alters the conventional sulfur reaction pathway, which is supported by material characterization and density functional theory calculation. At the anode, a stable in situ solid electrolyte interphase layer with a lower Li‐ion diffusion barrier is formed on the Li‐metal surface to engender enhanced lithium plating/stripping performance upon cycling. Consequently, the obtained anode‐free full cells with Li2CS3 exhibit a superior capacity retention of 51% over 125 cycles, whereas conventional Li2S cells retain only 26%. This study demonstrates that Li2CS3 inclusion is an efficient strategy for designing high‐energy‐density Li–S batteries with extended cycle life.
Runoff, erosion, and nutrient transport arising from furrow irrigation in a corn conservation production system
Authors: Spencer G. Dave , Krutz L. Jason , Locke Martin A. , Gholson Drew M. , Bryant Corey J. , Henry W. Brien , Golden Bobby R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractContemporary row‐crop practices in the mid‐southern United States contribute to declining water tables and impairment of downstream waters, threatening the sustainability of irrigated agriculture and vital ecosystem services. This research was conducted to determine whether agro‐hydrology can be altered by cover crop or traffic pattern. The effects of cover crop {Austrian winter pea [Pisum sativum var. arvense (L.) Poiret], crimson clover [Trifolium incarnatum L.], cereal rye [Secale cereal L.], and tillage radish [Raphanus sativus L.]} and traffic pattern (traffic, nontraffic) on runoff, erosion, and nutrient transport from a furrow irrigation event were investigated at Stoneville, MS on a Commerce very fine sandy loam (a fine‐silty, mixed, superactive, nonacid, thermic Fluvaquentic Endoaquept). Relative to winter fallow, the inclusion of a cover crop reduced erosion by at least 16% but had no effect on runoff or the transport of total P, total Kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN), soluble reactive phosphate (SRP), NH4–N, or NO3–N. Eliminating traffic in furrows reduced runoff, erosion, and SRP transport up to 13%. Traffic pattern had no effect on the transport of total P, TKN, NH4–N, or NO3–N. Regardless of treatment, total N loss never exceeded 0.2% of N applied as inorganic fertilizer. This research demonstrates that cover crop and equipment traffic pattern can be manipulated in reduced tillage systems to improve the sustainability of irrigated agriculture and ecosystem services in the mid‐southern United States.
A continuum model for the segregation of bidisperse particles in a blade mixer
Authors: Yang Liuyimei , Zheng Qijun , Yu Aibing 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe process of blending powders using stirring blades involves complicated granular flows, particle‐scale mechanisms, and blade–particle interactions, which is challenging to predict and control. This article proposes a continuum‐based model for such a process by incorporating the flow rheology, isotropic particle diffusion and the percolation of granular materials. A method combining finite element method (FEM), finite difference method (FDM), and immersed boundary method (IBM) is developed to numerically implement the continuum model and applied to a cylindrical blade mixer. The model well describes the tempo‐spatial distribution of small/large particles in the stirring process, such as the accumulation of small particles in the vicinity of blades. Remarkably, this model can capture the various intricate effects of blade parameters, including the blade rake angle, rotating speeds, filling level, and the friction coefficient of the mixer wall. It is therefore promising for optimizing the blade mixers in industries.
Network pharmacological prediction and molecular docking analysis of the combination of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. in the treatment of functional constipation and its verification
Authors: Meng Yuxiao , Li Xiaojun , Wang Xiaoting , Zhang Lu , Guan Jiaqi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to reveal the mechanism of functional constipation in the treatment of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (AMK) and Paeonia lactiflora Pall. (PLP).MethodsThe main active ingredients of AMK and PLP were screened by the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology (TCMSP) platform. A database of functional constipation targets was established by GeneCard and OMIM. An “ingredient‐target” network map was constructed with Cytoscape software (version 3.7.1), and molecular docking analysis was performed on the components and genes with the highest scores. The rats in the normal group were given saline, and those in the other groups were given 10 mg/kg diphenoxylate once a day for 14 days. The serum and intestinal tissue levels of adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), and adenylyl cyclase (AC) of the rats and aquaporin (AQP)1, AQP3, and AQP8 were measured.ResultsAMK and PLP had a significant role in the regulation of targets in the treatment of functional constipation. After treatment with AMK, PLP, or mosapride, the serum and intestinal tissue levels of AC, cAMP, and PKA were significantly downregulated. Groups receiving AMK and PLP or mosapride exhibited a reduction in the level of AQP1, AQP3, and AQP8 to varying degrees.ConclusionMolecular docking analysis revealed that AMK and PLP had a significant role in the regulation of targets in the treatment of functional constipation. Studies have confirmed that AMK and PLP can also affect AC, cAMP, and PKA. AC, cAMP, and PKA in model rats were significantly downregulated. AQP expression is closely related to AC, cAMP, and PKA. AMK and PLP can reduce the expression of AQP1, AQP3, and AQP9 in the colon of constipated rats.
Picolinamides and Iodoalkynes Enable Palladium‐Catalyzed syn‐Aminoalkynylation of Di‐ and Trisubstituted Alkenes to Give Pyrrolidines
Authors: Müller Nicolas , Schreib Benedikt S. , Leutenegger Sebastian U. , Carreira Erick M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPalladium‐catalyzed aminoalkynylation of electronically unbiased olefins with iodoalkynes is reported. The picolinamide auxiliary enables for the first time the syn‐selective aminoalkynylation of mono‐, di‐ and trisubstituted alkenes to afford the corresponding pyrrolidines in up to 97 % yield and as single diastereomers. Furthermore, through a C−H activation approach, the picolinamide allows the rapid synthesis of functionalized olefins, which are suitable cyclization precursors. Facile and orthogonal deprotection of the amides and SiiPr3‐acetylenes in the products, and a subsequent Pictet–Spengler reaction is demonstrated.
Recent Advances in Pretargeted Imaging of Tumors in Vivo
Authors: Huang Zheng , Hu Yuxuan , Yang Yanling , Huang Weijing , Wang Yuqi , Ye Deju 
Published: April 2022

AbstractOver the past decades, the pretargeted strategy has emerged as a promising approach to improve delivery of nucleotides into tumor tissues for nuclear imaging and/or therapy. Unlike conventional nuclear imaging and therapy, in which a radiolabeled tumor targeting vector (e. g., antibody) is directly administered and allowed to circulate and accumulate in the tumor tissues, the pretargeted strategy decouples the radiolabeled reporters with the targeting vectors; these two components could specifically couple through either covalent or noncovalent interactions in vivo. Such a two‐step pretargeted approach holds a flexibility to optimize the pharmacokinetics of targeting vectors and radioactive reporters independently, facilitating to improved imaging contrast. Moreover, the short‐lived radioisotopes (e. g., 18F, 68Ga) can be used with an antibody of a nanoparticle that generally holds a long blood circulation time, which could be helpful to reduce the radiation burden for patients. In this Review, we summarize the recent advances in pretargeted strategies for tumor imaging, with a focus on the discussion of engineering different targeting vectors for tumor pretargeting. Different in vivo coupling approaches for pretargeted imaging of tumors are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the outlook for the potential clinical translation and the current challenges in the pretargeted imaging approach.
Aminobenzimidazole‐based (η6‐p‐cymene)ruthenium (II) complexes as nascent anticancer chemotherapeutics: Synthesis, crystal structure, DFT studies, HSA interactions, molecular docking, and cytotoxicity
Authors: Khan Rais Ahmad , AlFawaz Amal , Farshori Nida N. , Paul Anup , Jaafar Mohammed H. , Alsalme Ali 
Published: April 2022

Two half‐sandwich organometallic ruthenium (II) complexes containing analogs of aminobenzimidazole of molecular formula [η6‐p‐cymene)Ru (LH)Cl2]1and [η6‐p‐cymene)Ru (LMe)Cl2]2, whereLHandLMerepresent 2‐aminobenzimidazole and 2‐amino‐1‐methylbenzimidazole, respectively, have been synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR, NMR (1H,13C), ESI‐MS, elemental analysis, and single X‐ray crystallography (for1). Both complexes1and2were studied for human serum albumin (HSA) binding affinity using intrinsic, synchronous, three‐dimensional (3D) fluorescence, thermodynamics parameter, and Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis. The Stern–Volmer constant (KSV) values are of the order of ×105 M−1and increases inKSVwith temperature ascertained the static quenching. The molecular docking of both the complexes with HSA was carried out to ascertain the binding sites/pockets. Furthermore, compounds were evaluated for their cytotoxic potential against three human cancer cell lines, namely, HeLa, HepG2, MCF‐7, and non‐tumorigenic HEK293 cells. The IC50value of2was found to <10 μM against Hela and HepG2 cancer cells and has better cytotoxic properties than cisplatin (a standard drug), yet showed minimal toxicity against HEK293 cells. These results suggest further investigation for the development of ruthenium complex2as potential anticancer therapeutics.
Functionalization of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) with itaconic anhydride through graft copolymerization
Authors: Verbeek Casparus Johannes Reinhard , Smith Matthew James 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPoly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) was functionalised with itaconic anhydride (IA) via melt grafting in a batch mixer, initiated by dicumyl peroxide (DCP). It was found that the ratio of IA to DCP is critical to avoid undesired side reactions, such as crosslinking and chain scission. PBAT and other polyesters with low aliphatic hydrocarbon content are relatively unreactive toward radical graft modification, providing relatively low degree of grafting. Using 2 wt% IA and 1.2 wt% DCP gave the highest degree of grafting (1%), with little indication of crosslinking or chain scission. The complex reaction mechanism of grafting presents a clear competition between grafting, homopolymerization, crosslinking, and chain scission. Using non‐isothermal kinetic modeling, it was shown that the reaction is not first order, and that models making this assumption leads to incorrect results. Using the Vyazovkin model‐free method, the effective rate constant was predicted over a typical melt processing temperature range. Low reagent concentration resulted in the lowest effective rate constant, and it was shown that the activation energy changes with conversion and is also affected by reagent concentration.
Comparative anatomy, pre‐ and postnatal changes during the development and maturation of the small intestine: Life‐stage influences on exposure
Authors: DeSesso John M. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe gastrointestinal (GI) system absorbs nutrients and xenobiotics, excretes waste, and performs immunologic and endocrine functions. The subdivisions of the mature gut and the complexity of their corrugated, absorptive luminal surfaces differ greatly among mammals. Regardless, the embryonic gut tube in all mammalian species arises when cephalocaudal folding incorporates the roof of the yolk sac into the embryo. The gut tube quickly lengthens and bulges into the umbilical cord. Upon reentry into the abdominal cavity, the gut tube begins to differentiate—a process that continues until well into the lactation period. Differentiation of the small intestine involves (1) increasing the absorptive surface area of the lumen; (2) establishing mechanisms to control the pH of luminal contents; (3) forming a hierarchical vascular system for distribution of absorbed nutrients; (4) developing a complex enteric nervous system to control motility; (5) providing a system for replenishment of cells; and (6) contributing to the immunity of the organism. Because the length of gestation varies among species typically used in safety tests and is much shorter than human gestation, the state of GI maturation at the time of parturition differs significantly. Differences in GI maturation can contribute to species differences in the rate and extent of absorption; these differences must be considered when designing and interpreting pharmacological/toxicological studies and extrapolating safety test results to humans.
Queer feminist interruptions to internationalising UK higher education
Authors: Hagen Jamie J. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper considers queer feminist interruptions as a way to halt, reverse and rethink internationalisation in UK higher education (HE). These points of intervention are situated within the queer development studies literature, which provides a framework for understanding internationalisation practices alongside other strategies of Western extraction, critical of claims that internationalisation is important for enhancing diversity. Throughout, the paper confronts the problematic, colonial narratives of global LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer) human rights progress as framed by the global north, and how UK internationalisation strategy often reproduces or doubles‐down on these narratives. The central questions addressed are: (1) how does queer liberation help academics think differently about promoting, participating in and developing UK HE internationally? (2) What can academics learn from those working to centre queer feminist practices in their transnational research and teaching? In conversation with critical internationalisation studies scholarship, this paper contributes to ongoing research about internalisation with a queer sensitivity. As such, the paper highlights the limiting binary logics and heteronormativity in internationalisation, as well as new directions for collaboration across communities working for radical liberation on campus beyond agendas of inclusion.
Flipping and other astonishing transporter dance moves in fungal drug resistance
Authors: Raschka Stefanie L. , Harris Andrzej , Luisi Ben F. , Schmitt Lutz 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn all domains of life, transmembrane proteins from the ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter family drive the translocation of diverse substances across lipid bilayers. In pathogenic fungi, the ABC transporters of the pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) subfamily confer antibiotic resistance and so are of interest as therapeutic targets. They also drive the quest for understanding how ABC transporters can generally accommodate such a wide range of substrates. The Pdr5 transporter from baker's yeast is representative of the PDR group and, ever since its discovery more than 30 years ago, has been the subject of extensive functional analyses. A new perspective of these studies has been recently provided in the framework of the first electron cryo‐microscopy structures of Pdr5, as well as emergent applications of machine learning in the field. Taken together, the old and the new developments have been used to propose a mechanism for the transport process in PDR proteins. This mechanism involves a “flippase” step that moves the substrates from one leaflet of the bilayer to the other, as a central element of cellular efflux.
Correlation of serum vascular endothelial growth factor and cardiovascular risk factors on collateral formation in patients with acute coronary artery syndrome
Authors: Balakrishnan Sheeja , B Senthil Kumar 
Published: April 2022

AbstractCoronary collaterals serve as an alternative source of blood flow in obstructive coronary heart disease. Coronary collateral development is induced by various angiogenic growth factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGF‐A). Cardiovascular risk factors strongly associated with coronary artery disease include age, sex, elevated serum cholesterol, disturbed carbohydrate metabolism, and elevated blood pressure. A better understanding of the effects of these cardiovascular risk factors and serum VEGF‐A level on collateral recruitment is necessary for a better prognosis in coronary artery diseases and new insight for further therapeutic promotion of coronary collaterals.220 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography with a mean age of 61 ± 9.83 were selected for the analysis. Two milliliters of blood were taken from the patients for analysis. The blood serum VEGF concentration was quantified via the ELISA method. Angiograms and other clinical reports were collected. Significant coronary artery disease was diagnosed in those with ≥ 70% of stenosis in at least one of the coronary arteries. The angiographic and clinical data were documented. The collateral grading was done according to the Rentrop Scoring system. The serum vascular endothelial growth factor level was correlated with the collateral score and cardiovascular risk factors like age, sex, type II diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol level. An increase in the level of the collateral score was noted with an increase in the level of VEGF in blood serum. A significant association was founded between serum VEGF level and cardiovascular risk factors on collateral formation in patients with diabetes and hypertension.
Insight into the Contribution of Cerium Oxide to MnOx/CeO2 in Methanol Oxidation Reaction: Perspective From the Crystal Facet of CeO2
Authors: Wu Chaohui , Fan Zhaoyang , Lu Dong , Wu Xu , Du Yali , Guo Xingmei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIn this study, cerium oxide with different exposed crystal facets was prepared and function as the support for MnOx/CeO2 catalysts, whose catalytic performance were evaluated in the methanol oxidation reaction. The results showed that the difference in crystal facet exposure could remarkably affect the methanol oxidation performance of the MnOx/CeO2 catalysts, where the (110) facet exposure is more beneficial to the catalytic performance. A series of characterizations revealed that the best performance of the MnOx/CeO2‐NS catalyst can be attributed to the increase of oxygen vacancies and a more suitable valence state distribution, which is intrinsically correlated with the exposed (110) facet, resulting in excellent methanol oxidation performance with T50=156 °C, T90=171 °C, better stability and preferable H2O/CO2 resistance. This work might provide a fundamental understanding for the rational design and optimization of manganese‐cerium oxide catalysts for the methanol oxidation reaction.
Tailoring interfacial microenvironment of palladium‐zeolite catalysts for the efficient low‐temperature hydrodeoxygenation of vanillin in water
Authors: Ran Jiansu , Alfilfil Lujain , Li Jingwei , Yangcheng Ruixue , Liu Zhaohui , Wang Qin , Cui Yuntong , Cao Tong , Qiao Min , Yao Kexin , Zhang Daliang , Wang Jianjian 
Published: April 2022

AbstractEfficient low‐temperature hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) of lignin derivatives to produce biofuels and high value‐added chemicals is still of challenge. Here, we have constructed a high active and stable 0.2 wt.% Pd/MS‐HZSM‐5(30) catalyst, and 94.7 % yield of 2‐methoxy‐4‐methylphenol (MMP) can be achieved in HDO of vanillin (VAN, a typical platform molecule of lignin derivatives) under milder reaction conditions (60 °C, 5 h, molar ratio of VAN/Pd=1200, water phase), outperforming the most works reported recently. Detailed experimental and mechanistic studies demonstrated that the superior catalytic performance was due to the rapid hydrogenolysis of generated intermediate (vanillyl alcohol, VAL) to MMP proceeded in an interfacial microenvironmental created by Pd NPs and acidic sites in Pd/MS‐HZSM‐5(30). These new insights will provide potential guidance for the efficient low‐temperature production of biofuels and valuable chemicals from lignin derivatives or raw lignin.