bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ETS2 repressor factor (ERF) is involved in T lymphocyte maturation acting as regulator of thymocyte lineage commitment
Authors: Tsiomita Spyridoula , Liveri Effrosyni Maria , Vardaka Panagiota , Vogiatzi Angeliki , Skiadaresis Argyris , Saridis George , Tsigkas Ioannis , Michaelidis Theologos M , Mavrothalassitis George , Thyphronitis George 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThymocyte differentiation and lineage commitment is regulated by an extensive network of transcription factors and signaling molecules among which Erk plays a central role. However, Erk effectors as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying this network are not well understood. Erf is a ubiquitously expressed transcriptional repressor regulated by Erk-dependent phosphorylation. Here, we investigated the role of Erf in T cell maturation and lineage commitment, using a double-fluorescent Erf-floxed mouse to produce thymus-specific Erf knockouts. We observed significant accumulation of thymocytes in the CD4/CD8 DP stage, followed by a significant reduction in CD4SP cells, a trend for lower CD8SP cell frequency, and an elevated percentage of γδ expressing thymocytes in Erf-deficient mice. Also, an elevated number of CD69+TCRβ+ cells indicates that thymocytes undergoing positive selection accumulate at this stage. The expression of transcription factors Gata3, ThPOK, and Socs1 that promote CD4+ cell commitment was significantly decreased in Erf-deficient mice. These findings suggest that Erf is involved in T cell maturation, acting as a positive regulator during CD4 and eventually CD8 lineage commitment, while negatively regulates the production of γδ T cells. In addition, Erf-deficient mice displayed decreased percentages of CD4+ and CD8+ splenocytes and elevated levels of IL-4 indicating that Erf may have an additional role in the homeostasis, differentiation, and immunologic response of helper and cytotoxic T cells in the periphery. Overall, our results show, for the first time, Erf's involvement in T cell biology suggesting that Erf acts as a potential regulator during thymocyte maturation and thymocyte lineage commitment, in γδ T cell generation, as well as in Th cell differentiation.
Landscape of T Cells in NK-AML(M4/M5) Revealed by Single-Cell Sequencing
Authors: Wu Wenqi , Liang Xiaolin , Li Huiqun , Huang Xiaoke , Wan Chengyao , Xie Qiongni , Liu Zhenfang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNormal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (NK-AML) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that resides within a complex immune microenvironment, complicating efforts to reveal the interaction between leukemia cells and immune cells. Understanding tumor-infiltrating T cells is crucial to the advancement of immune therapies and the improvement of the prognosis for NK-AML patients. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on bone marrow cells from 5 NK-AML (M4/M5) patients and 1 normal donor and paired single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on single T cells. As a result, we identified 8 T cell clusters based on the gene expression characteristics of each subset in NK-AML and described their developmental trajectories. In NK-AML patients, specific clusters, such as mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), were preferentially enriched and potentially clonally expanded. These transcriptome and TCR data analyses provide valuable insights and rich resources for understanding the immune environment of NK-AML.
SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA Vaccination Causes Prolonged Increased Cortical Thickening and Vascularity in Ipsilateral Axillary Lymph Nodes
Authors: Teefey Sharlene A. , Middleton William D. , Turner Jackson S. , Ellebedy Ali H. , Suessen Teresa , Wallendorf Michael , O'Halloran Jane A. , Presti Rachel 
Published: March 2022

ObjectivesTo describe the serial grey‐scale and color Doppler appearance of ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy in response to the Pfizer‐BioNTech Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccine over 24 to 28 weeks.MethodsThe data for this study were collected during an observational study to determine whether mRNA vaccination induced a germinal center B cell reaction in blood and draining axillary lymph nodes. The current study evaluated the serial color Doppler and grey‐scale sonographic appearance of these lymph nodes. Ten participants who each underwent 6 sonograms and FNAs over 24 to 28 weeks were included in the study. A total of 11 lateral lymph nodes were identified. Cortical thickness was measured and absence or presence of color Doppler flow in the hilum and lymph node cortex was graded (scale: 0–2).ResultsEleven lateral axillary lymph nodes were biopsied over 24 to 28 weeks. Mean thickness varied through time (P < .001) and was greater weeks 2 to 7 compared to weeks 24 to 28 (mean differences of 2.6 to 1.3; P < .006), but weeks 14 to 17 mean thickness was not different from weeks 24 to 28 (0.57; P = .15). Cortical vascularity was increased in all 11 lymph nodes by week 5. Mean vascularity varied through time (P < .001) and was greater weeks 2 to 14 compared to weeks 24 to 28; mean differences ranged from 1.7 to 0.83 (P < .001).ConclusionsSerial grey‐scale and color Doppler appearance of ipsilateral axillary lymph nodes after mRNA vaccination manifest as increased and prolonged cortical thickening and vascularity that diminishes and approaches normal by 24 to 28 weeks.
Long noncoding RNA ZFPM2‐AS1 regulates renal cell carcinoma progression via miR‐130a‐3p/ESCO2
Authors: Zhang Gang , Liu Song‐Lin , Yi Wen‐Ting , Dong Yu‐Ping , Wan Yin‐Xu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPrevious studies reported that long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) ZFPM2‐AS1 is upregulated in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). However, the biological role of lncRNA ZFPM2‐AS1 in RCC has not been explored. In this study, we investigated the role of lncRNA ZFPM2‐AS1 in the progression of RCC. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used for gene expression analysis, and functional assays including Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, flow cytometry‐based apoptosis assay and transwell migration assays were performed to examine the malignant phenotypes. The functional interaction between ZFPM2‐AS1 or miR‐130A‐3P and their targets was detected by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. We found that the expressions of ZFPM2‐AS1 and ESCO2 were upregulated in RCC tissues and cells, whereas miR‐130a‐3p was downregulated. The expression level of ZFPM2‐AS1 is significantly associated with advanced TNM, distant metastasis, lymphatic metastasis, and a poor overall survival in RCC patients. Silencing ZFPM2‐AS1 in RCC cells suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, and migration, and induced cell apoptosis. ZFPM2‐AS1 interacted with miR‐130A‐3P and negatively regulated its expression in RCC cells. We further showed that ESCO2 was a downstream target of miR‐130a‐3p. Both miR‐130a‐3p inhibitor and ESCO2 overexpression could rescue the inhibitory effects of ZFPM2‐AS1 knockdown in RCC cells. Together, our study demonstrates that ZFPM2‐AS1 plays an oncogenic role in RCC progression via the miR‐130a‐3p/ESCO2 axis.
Laryngeal and Esophageal Mucosal Protection Using the Angico Gum Biopolymer in a Mouse Model of Reflux
Authors: Sales Thiago Meneses Araújo Leite , do Nascimento Renata Rocha , do Carmo Neto João Pedro , da Costa Filho Humberto Barbosa , Paula Suliana Mesquita , Sousa Maria Klayre Araújo de , de Melo Nogueira Kerolayne , Junior Genílson José Dias , da Silva Durcilene Alves , Soares Pedro Marcos Gomes , Medeiros Jand Venes Rolim , Nicolau Lucas Antonio Duarte , Sifrim Daniel , de Souza Marcellus Henrique Loiola Ponte 
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the in vivo protective effect of the angico gum biopolymer in reducing the inflammatory response and preserving the integrity of the laryngeal and esophageal mucosa.Study DesignAnimal study.MethodsA murine surgical model of gastroesophageal reflux disease was accomplished and subsequently treated with angico gum or omeprazole. On days 3 and 7 post surgery, samples of the larynx and esophagus, respectively, were collected to measure the level of inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and mucosal integrity (transepithelial electrical resistance and mucosal permeability to fluorescein).ResultsAngico gum and omeprazole decreased laryngeal inflammation (wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) and dramatically improved the integrity of the laryngeal mucosa. It also reduced inflammation (decreased wet weight and myeloperoxidase activity) of the esophagus and preserved the barrier function (inferred by assessing the integrity of the mucosa).ConclusionThis study demonstrates the protective effect of angico gum in an experimental gastroesophageal reflux disease model. Angico gum attenuates inflammation and impairment of the mucosal barrier function not only in the larynx but also in the esophagus.Level of EvidenceNA Laryngoscope, 133:162–168, 2023
Cooperative Metal Ion Coordination to the Short Self‐Assembling Peptide Promotes Hydrogelation and Cellular Proliferation
Authors: Pal Vijay Kumar , Roy Sangita 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNoncovalent interactions among short peptides and proteins lead to their molecular self‐assembly into supramolecular packaging, which provides the fundamental basis of life. These biomolecular assemblies are highly susceptible to the environmental conditions, including temperature, light, pH, and ionic concentration, and thus inspiring the fabrication of a new class of stimuli‐responsive biomaterials. Here, for the first time the cooperative effect of the divalent metal ions to promote hydrogelation in the short collagen inspired self‐assembling peptide for developing advanced biomaterials is reported. Introduction of the biologically relevant metal ions (Ca2+/Mg2+) to the peptide surpasses its limitation to self‐assemble into a multiscale structure at physiological pH. In particular, in presence of metal ions, the negatively charged peptide shows a distinct shift in its equilibrium point of gelation and demonstrates conversion from sol to gel and thus enabling the scope of fabricating an advanced biomaterial for controlling cellular behavior. Interestingly, tunable mechanical strength and improved cellular response are observed within ion‐coordinated peptide hydrogels compared to the peptide gelator. Microscopic analyses, rheological assessment, and biological studies establish the importance of utilizing a novel strategy by simply using metal ions to modulate the physical and biological attributes of collagen inspired peptide (CIPs) to construct next‐generation biomaterials.
Microfluidic Synthesis of Block Copolymer Micelles: Application as Drug Nanocarriers and as Photothermal Transductors When Loading Pd Nanosheets
Authors: Abad Miriam , Mendoza Gracia , Usón Laura , Arruebo Manuel , Piñol Milagros , Sebastián Víctor , Oriol Luis 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe synthesis of polymeric nanoparticles from a block copolymer based on poly(ethylene glycol) and a polymethacrylate containing the nucleobase analog 2,6‐diacylaminopyridine is optimized by microfluidics to obtain homogeneous spherical micelles. Loading and delivery properties are studied using naproxen as a model. The incorporation of a Pd precursor in the polymer organic solution fed into the micromixer allows the preparation of Pd(II) precursor‐polymer hybrid systems and the subsequent reduction with CO leads to the in situ synthesis of Pd nanosheets inside of the hydrophobic core of the polymeric micelles. This methodology is highly efficient to yield all polymeric nanoparticles loaded with Pd nanosheets as detected by electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The cell viability of these Pd nanosheets‐containing polymeric nanoparticles is evaluated using five cell lines, showing a high cytocompatibility at the tested concentrations without detrimental effects in cell membrane and nuclei. Furthermore, the use of these hybrid polymeric nanoparticles as photothermal transductors is evaluated using near infrared as irradiation source as well as its application in photothermal therapy using different cell lines demonstrating a high efficiency in all cell cultures.
Multiregulation of Aggregation‐Induced Emission (AIE) via a Competitive Host–Guest Recognition and α‐Amylase Hydrolyzing
Authors: Cai Lili , Lin Jiawei , Qiao Mingyu , Guo Jianwei , Zhang Huatang , Liu Sa , Jia Yong‐Guang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe multiregulation of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) that responds to external stimuli to finish multifunctions has become a focus of interest in biodiagnosis. Host–guest‐ recognition is an efficient strategy to introduce switchable, reversible, and other functional properties into AIE molecules. Herein, an amphiphilic tetraphenylethylene (TPE) derivative TPE‐PEG is prepared via the simple amidation reaction and chosen as an AIE‐based guest polymer. The aggregated state of TPE‐PEG is altered and the fluorescence of TPE‐PEG can be turned off in the presence of γ‐cyclodextrins (γ‐CDs) due to the formation of host–guest complex between TPE units and γ‐CDs. TPE units in the cavities of γ‐CDs are released free and an aggregated state of TPE‐PEG is restored via the guest competition epistasis of bile acid. Meanwhile, α‐amylase can hydrolyze the host molecules of γ‐CDs, resulting in an aggregated state of TPE‐PEG again and turning the fluorescence on subtly. This reversible multiregulation of fluorescence may meet the multirequirements for the diagnosis in vivo due to the biological nature of α‐amylase and bile acid.
Learning‐based motion artifact removal networks for quantitative R2∗ mapping
Authors: Xu Xiaojian , Kothapalli Satya V. V. N. , Liu Jiaming , Kahali Sayan , Gan Weijie , Yablonskiy Dmitriy A. , Kamilov Ulugbek S. 
Published: March 2022

PurposeTo introduce two novel learning‐based motion artifact removal networks (LEARN) for the estimation of quantitative motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected maps from motion‐corrupted multi‐Gradient‐Recalled Echo (mGRE) MRI data.MethodsWe train two convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to correct motion artifacts for high‐quality estimation of quantitative ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected maps from mGRE sequences. The first CNN, LEARN‐IMG, performs motion correction on complex mGRE images, to enable the subsequent computation of high‐quality motion‐free quantitative (and any other mGRE‐enabled) maps using the standard voxel‐wise analysis or machine learning‐based analysis. The second CNN, LEARN‐BIO, is trained to directly generate motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected quantitative maps from motion‐corrupted magnitude‐only mGRE images by taking advantage of the biophysical model describing the mGRE signal decay.ResultsWe show that both CNNs trained on synthetic MR images are capable of suppressing motion artifacts while preserving details in the predicted quantitative maps. Significant reduction of motion artifacts on experimental in vivo motion‐corrupted data has also been achieved by using our trained models.ConclusionBoth LEARN‐IMG and LEARN‐BIO can enable the computation of high‐quality motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected maps. LEARN‐IMG performs motion correction on mGRE images and relies on the subsequent analysis for the estimation of maps, while LEARN‐BIO directly performs motion‐ and ‐inhomogeneity‐corrected estimation. Both LEARN‐IMG and LEARN‐BIO jointly process all the available gradient echoes, which enables them to exploit spatial patterns available in the data. The high computational speed of LEARN‐BIO is an advantage that can lead to a broader clinical application.
On necessary optimality conditions and exact penalization for a constrained fractional optimal control problem
Authors: Wang Song , Li Wen , Liu Chongyang 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe purpose of this article is twofold. We first develop the first‐order necessary optimality conditions for a general constrained fractional optimal control problem using calculus of variation. These conditions are of the form of fractional ordinary differential equations which reduce to the conventional Euler–Lagrange equations when the dynamical system becomes a first‐order one. Then, we prove, via the optimality conditions established, that a popular penalty method used for conventional constrained optimal control and optimization is an “exact” penalty method for the fractional control problem by showing that an optimal solution to the penalized problem satisfies the optimality conditions of the original one when the penalty parameter is sufficiently large. An example is also provided to verify the necessary optimality conditions.
An Answer to the Question about the Energetic Performance of TKX‐50
Authors: Klapötke Thomas M. , Cudziło Stanisław , Trzciński Waldemar A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSome of the relevant detonation performance parameters of TKX‐50 were re‐determined. The enthalpy of formation was obtained from the measured heat of combustion to be ΔH°f (TKX‐50(s))=+213.4±1.2 kJ mol−1. The heat of detonation was measured to be 4650±50 kJ kg−1. The detonation velocity of a TKX‐50/wax mixture (97 : 3) at a density of 1.74 g cm−3 was found experimentally to be 9190 m s−1. Using the experimentally obtained enthalpy of formation for TKX‐50 of +213.4 kJ mol−1 and the experimentally determined solid‐state density at room temperature of 1.887 g cm−3 (TMD), the computed performance parameters for TKX‐50 at its theoretical maximum density at room temperature was calculated to be as follows: VoD=9642 m s−1, pC‐J=37.0 GPa and Qdet=4770 kJ kg−1.
From propolis to nanopropolis: An exemplary journey and a paradigm shift of a resinous substance produced by bees
Authors: Javed Shamama , Mangla Bharti , Ahsan Waquar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPropolis, a natural resinous mixture produced by honey bees is poised with diverse biological activities. Owing to the presence of flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenes, and sesquiterpenes, propolis has garnered versatile applications in pharmaceutical industry. The biopharmaceutical issues associated with propolis often beset its use as being too hydrophobic in nature; it is not absorbed in the body well. To combat the problem, various nanotechnological approaches for the development of novel drug delivery systems are generally applied to improve its bioavailability. This paradigm shift and transition of conventional propolis to nanopropolis are evident from the literature wherein a multitude of studies are available on nanopropolis with improved bioavailability profile. These approaches include preparation of gold nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles, magnetic nanoparticles, liposomes, liquid crystalline formulations, solid lipid nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, etc. Nanopropolis has further been explored to assess the potential benefits of propolis for the development of futuristic useful products such as sunscreens, creams, mouthwashes, toothpastes, and nutritional supplements with improved solubility, bioavailability, and penetration profiles. However, more high‐quality clinical studies assessing the effects of propolis either alone or in combination with synthetic drugs as well as natural products are warranted and its safety needs to be firmly established.
CuO‐doped TiO2 Supported on Graphitic Carbon Nitride for the Photodegradation of Ketoprofen in Drinking and Groundwater: Process Optimization and Energy Consumption evaluation
Authors: Mofokeng Lethula E. , Hlekelele Lerato , Tetana Zikhona N. , Moma John , Chauke Vongani P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this study, graphitic carbon nitride was used as a support for CuO/TiO2 nanocomposite and was used for the photodegradation of ketoprofen (KP) in various water qualities. The formation of the CuO/TiO2@GCN nanocomposites was proven using different characterization methods. PXRD and Raman analyses of TiO2 and CuO/TiO2 showed that the composite peaks shifted relative to those of TiO2, showing interactions between the two materials. The morphology of CuO/TiO2@GCN consisted of CuO/TiO2 nanoparticles on the surface of the mat‐like GCN. CuO/TiO2@GCN had a narrower band gap and its photoluminescence emission peak was lower than of TiO2. CuO/TiO2@GCN was found to be the best performing photocatalyst that could be used over 3 cycles without major loss in activity. Also, the material was shown to be able to photocatalyze KP in groundwater. The by‐products of the photodegradation were identified by LC–MS. The electrical energy consumed for this process was 2.66E5 kWh/m3. The superior photocatalytic efficiency of CuO/TiO2@GCN relative to TiO2 was attributed to the increased charged separation and that light of higher wavelength was harvested.
Study on the One‐Step Synthesis of Oxides by Cationic Membrane Electrolysis of Ni and Co Chloride
Authors: Lin Shengnan , Zhang Tingan , Zhang Junjie , Han Xiuxiu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis contribution investigates whether cobalt(II) and nickel(II) chlorides can, in one step, be converted to their corresponding oxides in aqueous solutions by electrodeposition. We use the chemical precipitation method as a blank experiment, and the electrodeposition is carried out directly in a self‐made electrolytic cell with CoCl2 ⋅ 6H2O or NiCl2 ⋅ 6H2O as raw material. The crystal structure, morphology, and specific surface area of the product are characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) measurements. The results show that the existence of an electric field has an obvious influence on the performance of the product. CoCl2 can realize the one‐step preparation of Co3O4 in an aqueous solution, but the product prepared with NiCl2 as the raw material is Ni(OH)2, which needs to be further calcined to obtain NiO. Therefore, it is necessary to further study the prerequisites for the one‐step preparation of oxides from metal chloride in an aqueous solution.
NiS Nanospheres Anchored onto a Graphene Oxide Substrate (NiS@GO) for Efficient Electrochemical Sensing of Trace Amounts of Silver Ions
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyu , Gongsun Kangwei , Liu Zhen , Zhang Xueting , Feng Jing , Chen Xiao , Hu Lei , Yao Wenli , Yan Zhengquan 
Published: March 2022

AbstractElectrochemical analysis is a promising method among all the common analytical technologies reported, due to its considerable sensitivity, inherent portability and low‐cost requirements. To accurately monitor the contamination of heavy metal Ag+, NiS nanospheres anchored onto graphene oxide substrate (NiS@GO) were successfully constructed as a electrochemical sensor, by one‐pot precipitation‐co‐self‐assembly method. Under the optimized conditions, the obtained NiS@GO exhibited a synergistic electrochemical performance for exclusive cyclic‐voltammetry sensing of ultra‐trace Ag+ with a nice linear range of 6.67–160×10−9 mol/L and a low detection limit of 1.76×10−10 mol/L. When applied for electrochemical detection of Ag+ in real environmental water and fruit juice samples, the recoveries were between 95.8 and 102.4 % with relative standard deviations less than 3.4 %. The recognition mechanism for NiS@GO to Ag+ was illustrated in detail.