bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile Synthesis of Water-Soluble Rhodamine-Based Polymeric Chemosensors via Schiff Base Reaction for Fe3+ Detection and Living Cell Imaging
Authors: Qiu Xiaoyong , Huang Jun , Wang Ning , Zhao Kaijie , Cui Jiwei , Hao Jingcheng 
Published: February 2022

Quantitative and accurate determination of iron ions play a vital role in maintaining environment and human health, but very few polymeric chemosensors were available for the detection of Fe3+ in aqueous solutions. Herein, a water-soluble rhodamine-poly (ethylene glycol) conjugate (DRF-PEG), as a dual responsive colorimetric and fluorescent polymeric sensor for Fe3+ detection with high biocompatibility, was first synthesized through Schiff base reaction between rhodamine 6G hydrazide and benzaldehyde-functionalized polyethylene glycol. As expected, the introduction of PEG segment in DRF-PEG significantly improved the water solubility of rhodamine derivatives and resulted in a good biosensing performance. The detection limit of DRF-PEG for Fe3+ in pure water is 1.00 μM as a fluorescent sensor and 3.16 μM as a colorimetric sensor at pH 6.5. The specific sensing mechanism of DRF-PEG toward Fe3+ is proposed based on the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism, in which the O and N atoms in rhodamine moiety, together with the benzene groups from benzaldehyde-modified PEG segment, participate in coordination with Fe3+. Furthermore, DRF-PEG was applied for the ratiometric imaging of Fe3+ in HeLa cells and showed the potential for quantitative determination of Fe3+ in fetal bovine serum samples. This work provides insights for the design of water-soluble chemosensors, which can be implemented in iron-related biological sensing and clinical diagnosis.
Cationic Metal–Organic Framework-Based Mixed-Matrix Membranes for Fast Sensing and Removal of Cr2O72− Within Water
Authors: Zhang Shuyun , Zheng Heqi , Yang Yu , Qian Guodong , Cui Yuanjing 
Published: February 2022

Considering that metal–organic framework (MOF)-polymer mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) can overcome the drawbacks of intrinsic fragility and poor processability of pure-MOF membranes, we designed MOF-based MMMs for efficient removal and fast fluorescence sensing of heavily toxic ions within water systems simultaneously. In this work, a series of MOF-based MMMs are prepared by mixing a hydrolytically stable cationic [Eu7 (mtb)5(H2O)16]·NO3 8DMA·18H2O (denoted as Eu-mtb) MOF material into poly (vinylidene fluoride) with high loadings up to 70%. The free volume at the interface between the polymer and Eu-mtb particles, combined with the permanent porosity and uniform distribution of Eu-mtb particles, enables these MMMs to show fast enrichment of Cr2O72- from solutions and consequently have a full contact between the analyte and MOFs. The developed Eu-mtb MMM (70wt% loading) thus shows both efficient removal and exceptional fluorescence sensing of Cr2O72- in aqueous media. The overall adsorption capacity of the Eu-mtb MMM (70 wt% loading) for Cr2O72- reaches up to 33.34 mg/g, which is 3.4 times that of powder-form Eu-mtb. The detection limit of the Eu-mtb MMM (70 wt% loading) for Cr2O72- is around 5.73 nM, which is lower than that of the reported powder-form Eu-mtb. This work demonstrates that it is feasible to develop flexible luminescent MOF-based MMMs as a significant platform for efficient removal and sensitive sensing of pollutants from water systems simultaneously.
Efficacy of Fecal Microbiota Transplantation in Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Wu Jie , Lv Liang , Wang Chunlian 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundRandomized controlled trials (RCTs) have examined the efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis to assess both the short- and long-term efficacy of FMT in IBS.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register were searched through September 2021. RCTs recruiting adult patients with IBS that compared FMT with placebo with dichotomous data of response to therapy were eligible. Dichotomous data were pooled to obtain a relative risk (RR) of symptom not improving after therapy. RR was also pooled for adverse events (AEs). Continuous data were calculated using a mean difference for IBS-Quality of Life (IBS-QoL). GRADE methodology was used to assess quality of evidence.ResultsThe search strategy generated 658 citations. Seven RCTs comprising 472 patients with IBS were included. FMT was not associated with a significant improvement in global symptom in IBS at 12 weeks in comparison with placebo (RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.43–1.31) with high heterogeneity between studies (I2 87%). Subgroup analyses showed that FMT was superior to placebo when administered via colonoscopy or gastroscope (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.51–0.96; RR 0.37, 95% CI 0.14–0.99, respectively, while FMT was inferior to placebo when administered via oral capsules (RR 1.88, 95% CI 1.06–3.35). FMT induced a significant improvement in IBS-QoL compared to placebo (mean difference 9.39, 95% CI 3.86–14.91) at 12 weeks. No significant difference in the total number of AEs was observed between FMT and placebo (RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.59–2.47). FMT did not significantly improve global symptom in IBS at 1-year follow-up compared with placebo (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.72–1.12). The GRADE quality evidence to support recommending FMT in IBS was very low.ConclusionIBS patients may benefit from FMT when administered via colonoscopy or gastroscope. FMT may improve the quality of life of IBS. The long-term use of FMT in IBS warrants further investigation. There is very-low-quality evidence to support recommending FMT in IBS.
Bioinformatics and Machine Learning Methods to Identify FN1 as a Novel Biomarker of Aortic Valve Calcification
Authors: Xiong Tao , Han Shen , Pu Lei , Zhang Tian-Chen , Zhan Xu , Fu Tao , Dai Ying-Hai , Li Ya-Xiong 
Published: February 2022

AimThe purpose of this study was to identify potential diagnostic markers for aortic valve calcification (AVC) and to investigate the function of immune cell infiltration in this disease.MethodsThe AVC data sets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The identification of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the performance of functional correlation analysis were carried out using the R software. To explore hub genes related to AVC, a protein–protein interaction network was created. Diagnostic markers for AVC were then screened and verified using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, logistic regression, support vector machine-recursive feature elimination algorithms, and hub genes. The infiltration of immune cells into AVC tissues was evaluated using CIBERSORT, and the correlation between diagnostic markers and infiltrating immune cells was analyzed. Finally, the Connectivity Map database was used to forecast the candidate small molecule drugs that might be used as prospective medications to treat AVC.ResultsA total of 337 DEGs were screened. The DEGs that were discovered were mostly related with atherosclerosis and arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to the analyses. Gene sets involved in the chemokine signaling pathway and cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction were differently active in AVC compared with control. As the diagnostic marker for AVC, fibronectin 1 (FN1) (area the curve = 0.958) was discovered. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed that the AVC process may be mediated by naïve B cells, memory B cells, plasma cells, activated natural killer cells, monocytes, and macrophages M0. Additionally, FN1 expression was associated with memory B cells, M0 macrophages, activated mast cells, resting mast cells, monocytes, and activated natural killer cells. AVC may be reversed with the use of yohimbic acid, the most promising small molecule discovered so far.ConclusionFN1 can be used as a diagnostic marker for AVC. It has been shown that immune cell infiltration is important in the onset and progression of AVC, which may benefit in the improvement of AVC diagnosis and treatment.
Differential Biological Effects of Dietary Lipids and Irradiation on the Aorta, Aortic Valve, and the Mitral Valve
Authors: Donis Nathalie , Jiang Zheshen , D'Emal Céline , Hulin Alexia , Debuisson Margaux , Dulgheru Raluca , Nguyen Mai-Linh , Postolache Adriana , Lallemand François , Coucke Philippe , Martinive Philippe , Herzog Marielle , Pamart Dorian , Terrell Jason , Pincemail Joel , Drion Pierre , Delvenne Philippe , Nchimi Alain , Lancellotti Patrizio , Oury Cécile 
Published: February 2022

AimsDietary cholesterol and palmitic acid are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affecting the arteries and the heart valves. The ionizing radiation that is frequently used as an anticancer treatment promotes CVD. The specific pathophysiology of these distinct disease manifestations is poorly understood. We, therefore, studied the biological effects of these dietary lipids and their cardiac irradiation on the arteries and the heart valves in the rabbit models of CVD.Methods and ResultsCholesterol-enriched diet led to the thickening of the aortic wall and the aortic valve leaflets, immune cell infiltration in the aorta, mitral and aortic valves, as well as aortic valve calcification. Numerous cells expressing α-smooth muscle actin were detected in both the mitral and aortic valves. Lard-enriched diet induced massive aorta and aortic valve calcification, with no detectable immune cell infiltration. The addition of cardiac irradiation to the cholesterol diet yielded more calcification and more immune cell infiltrates in the atheroma and the aortic valve than cholesterol alone. RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analyses of aorta and heart valves revealed that a cholesterol-enriched diet mainly triggered inflammation-related biological processes in the aorta, aortic and mitral valves, which was further enhanced by cardiac irradiation. Lard-enriched diet rather affected calcification- and muscle-related processes in the aorta and aortic valve, respectively. Neutrophil count and systemic levels of platelet factor 4 and ent-8-iso-15(S)-PGF2α were identified as early biomarkers of cholesterol-induced tissue alterations, while cardiac irradiation resulted in elevated levels of circulating nucleosomes.ConclusionDietary cholesterol, palmitic acid, and cardiac irradiation combined with a cholesterol-rich diet led to the development of distinct vascular and valvular lesions and changes in the circulating biomarkers. Hence, our study highlights unprecedented specificities related to common risk factors that underlie CVD.
Nanopore Structure and Mechanical Properties in Brittle Tectonically Deformed Coals Explored by Atomic Force Microscopy
Authors: Zhang Ningyuan , Yao Suping , Wang Yuhui 
Published: February 2022

Tectonically deformed coals (TDCs) are of great importance to coalbed methane exploitation and coal mining safety. Compared to primary coals, reservoir properties of TDCs have been transformed greatly by tectonic stress. Here, the pore structure and mechanical properties of primary coal and brittle TDCs were obtained with atomic force microscopy and software. The results showed that tectonic stress generally promotes pore development and Young’s modulus of brittle TDCs. According to the variation in pore structure and Young’s modulus, two stages were identified: weak brittle deformation stage (primary coal–cataclastic coal–schistose coal–mortar coal) and strong brittle deformation stage (mortar coal–granulitic coal–flaky coal). The extent of tectonic impact varies greatly between these two stages. In weak brittle deformation stage, tectonic stress has little impact on coal pore structure. The mean pore number increases slowly, and the mean pore size decreases slowly. In this stage, half of the pore number increment is provided by macropores of 100–200 nm diameter. In strong brittle deformation stage, tectonic stress has a major impact on coal pore structure. The mean pore number increases quickly, and the mean pore size decreases quickly. Most of the pore number increment comes from mesopores of 10–50 nm diameter and macropores of 50–100 nm diameter. In addition, the Young’s modulus of primary coal and different brittle TDCs varies from 1.5 to 2.0 GPa. In weak brittle deformation stage, the Young’s modulus of different samples levels off. While in strong brittle deformation stage, the Young’s modulus increases gradually. Combined with former studies, it is inferred that tectonic stress can influence coal’s Young’s modulus by transforming its chemical structure.
A Gray Wolf Optimization-Based Improved Probabilistic Neural Network Algorithm for Surrounding Rock Squeezing Classification in Tunnel Engineering
Authors: Huang Xing , Yin Xin , Liu Bin , Ding Ziwei , Zhang Chaofan , Jing Boyu , Guo Xiaosheng 
Published: February 2022

Surrounding rock squeezing deformation is a common and prominent hazard in tunnel engineering projects, which often induces the shield jamming disaster during the TBM tunneling process. Based on the 139 groups of historical squeezing deformation cases, this study developed a hybrid PCA-IWGO-PNN model for squeezing classification. According to the influencing factors and characteristics of squeezing deformation, the strength-stress ratio, tunnel burial depth, tunnel equivalent diameter, rock mass quality index, and support stiffness were selected to establish the prediction index system of squeezing level. Because the probabilistic neural network (PNN) requires that the input variables are independent, principal component analysis (PCA) was used to preprocess the original data to eliminate the correlation between prediction indexes and achieve dimensionality reduction. The spread coefficient was the critical hyper-parameter in the PNN, and the improved gray wolf optimization (IGWO) algorithm was used to realize its efficient automatic optimization. Then, the PNN model was applied to engineering practice. Only 1 of 20 test samples was misjudged, achieving the 95% prediction accuracy. Finally, the comparison analysis with the artificial neural network (ANN) model, support vector machine (SVM) model, and random forest (RF) model was conducted. Among them, the PNN model achieved the highest prediction accuracy, followed by the artificial neural network (85%), RF (85%), and SVM (80%). In addition, the PNN model had the fastest running speed, which only consumed 5.6350 s, while the running time of ANN, SVM, and RF was 8.8340, 6.2290, and 6.9260 s, respectively. The hybrid PCA-IWGO-PNN model developed in this research provides an effective method for surrounding rock squeezing classification, and it has superiorities in both prediction accuracy and running speed.
MgO-Coated Layered Cathode Oxide With Enhanced Stability for Sodium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Xue Ling , Bao Shuo , Yan Ling , Zhang Yi , Lu Jinlin , Yin Yansheng 
Published: February 2022

Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 is a prospective layered cathode material for sodium-ion batteries owing to its low cost, ease of synthesis, and high specific capacity. However, due to direct contact with electrolytes during the cycling process, the cyclic stability is not satisfied. To address this issue, magnesium oxide (MgO) surface modification was performed in this study to improve the material’s cycling properties. MgO layers of various thicknesses were successfully coated onto the cathode, and their electrochemical performances were thoroughly investigated. Among the as-prepared samples, the 2 wt% MgO-coated sample demonstrated the best rate capability and cycling stability. It had an initial reversible discharge capacity of 105 mAh g−1 in the voltage range from 2.0 to 4.5 V at 0.2 C with a high cycle retention of 81.5%. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results showed that the 2 wt% MgO-coated electrode had the highest conductivity due to the smaller charge transfer resistance (Rct) value. All the test results show that the MgO modification improves the electrochemical properties of Na0.67Ni0.33Mn0.67O2 cathode material. This research could lead to the development of a promising strategy for improving the electrochemical performance of next-generation sodium-ion batteries.
Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Elucidate the Pharmacological Mechanism of the OSTEOWONDER Capsule for Treating Osteoporosis
Authors: Fan Jiashuang , Zhou Jianli , Qu Zhuan , Peng Hangya , Meng Shuhui , Peng Yaping , Liu Tengyan , Luo Qiu , Dai Lifen 
Published: February 2022

Background: Osteoporosis (OP) is a serious and common bone metabolic disease with bone mass loss and bone microarchitectural deterioration. The OSTEOWONDER capsule is clinically used to treat OP. However, the potential regulatory mechanism of the OSTEOWONDER capsule in treatment of OP remains largely unknown.Methods: The bioactive compounds of herbs and their targets were identified using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database. The speculative targets of OP were screened out based on GeneCards, DisGeNET, and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) databases. The gene modules and hub genes of OP were identified using a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Then, an herb-compound-target network was constructed based on the above analyses. The biological function of targets was subsequently investigated, and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub targets of OP. Finally, molecular docking was performed to explore the interaction between compounds and targets.Results: A total of 148 compounds of eight herbs and the corresponding 273 targets were identified based on the TCMSP database. A total of 4,929 targets of OP were obtained based on GeneCards, DisGeNET, and OMIM databases. In addition, six gene modules and 4,235 hub genes of OP were screened out based on WGCNA. Generally, an herb-compound-target network, including eight herbs, 84 compounds, and 58 targets, was constructed to investigate the therapeutic mechanism of the OSTEOWONDER capsule for OP. The biofunction analysis indicated 58 targets mainly associated with the bone metabolism, stimulation response, and immune response. EGFR, HIF1A, MAPK8, IL6, and PPARG were identified as the hub therapeutic targets in OP. Moreover, the interaction between EGFR, HIF1A, MAPK8, IL6, PPARG, and the corresponding compounds (quercetin and nobiletin) was analyzed using molecular docking.Conclusion: Our finding discovered the possible therapeutic mechanisms of the OSTEOWONDER capsule and supplied the potential therapeutic targets for OP.
Long-Term Effects of Alemtuzumab on CD4+ Lymphocytes in Multiple Sclerosis Patients: A 72-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Rolla Simona , De Mercanti Stefania Federica , Bardina Valentina , Maglione Alessandro , Taverna Daniela , Novelli Francesco , Cocco Eleonora , Vladic Anton , Habek Mario , Adamec Ivan , Annovazzi Pietro Osvaldo Luigi , Horakova Dana , Clerico Marinella 
Published: February 2022

IntroductionAlemtuzumab is highly effective in the treatment of patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (PwRMS) and selectively targets the CD52 antigen, with a consequent profound lymphopenia, particularly of CD4+ T lymphocytes. However, the immunological basis of its long-term efficacy has not been clearly elucidated.MethodsWe followed up 29 alemtuzumab-treated RMS patients over a period of 72 months and studied the immunological reconstitution of their CD4+ T cell subsets by means of phenotypic and functional analysis and through mRNA-related molecule expression, comparing them to healthy subject (HS) values (rate 2:1).ResultsIn patients receiving only two-course alemtuzumab, the percentage of CD4+ lymphocytes decreased and returned to basal levels only at month 48. Immune reconstitution of the CD4+ subsets was characterized by a significant increase (p &lt; 0.001) in Treg cell percentage at month 24, when compared to baseline, and was accompanied by restoration of the Treg suppressor function that increased within a range from 2- to 6.5-fold compared to baseline and that persisted through to the end of the follow-up. Furthermore, a significant decrease in self-reactive myelin basic protein-specific Th17 (p &lt; 0.0001) and Th1 (p &lt; 0.05) cells reaching HS values was observed starting from month 12. There was a change in mRNA of cytokines, chemokines, and transcriptional factors related to Th17, Th1, and Treg cell subset changes, consequently suggesting a shift toward immunoregulation and a reduction of T cell recruitment to the central nervous system.ConclusionsThese data provide further insight into the mechanism that could contribute to the long-term 6-year persistence of the clinical effect of alemtuzumab on RMS disease activity.
Efficacy of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Patients With EGFR Mutated NSCLC and Potential Risk Factors Associated With Prognosis: A Single Institution Experience
Authors: Bai Menglin , Wang Weiqing , Gao Xuetian , Wu Leilei , Jin Peng , Wu Hui , Yu Jinming , Meng Xue 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe role of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in NSCLC patients with EGFR mutations are controversial. In this study, we aim to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of ICIs alone or in combination in patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC in late-line settings, and explore the factors that may predict the efficacy of ICIs.Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively collected the clinical and pathological information of 75 patients with confirmed EGFR mutations. All patients have developed acquired resistance to EGFR-TKIs, and were treated with ICIs in late line settings from January 2019 to January 2021, at Shandong Caner Hospital and Institute. Therapeutic efficacy was evaluated by tumor response and survival.ResultsThe median follow-up period was 7.3months (range 1.8-31.8 months). The overall response rate (ORR) was 8.0%, and the disease control rate (DCR) was 78.7%. The median PFS for all patients was 3.9 months (95% CI, 2.7-5.0), while the median OS was 9.9 months (95% CI, 5.3-14.6). We found that patients with longer response duration to EGFR-TKIs (≥10 months) showed a longer PFS when treated with immunotherapy compared with patients with shorter PFS-TKI (&lt;10 months), the median PFS in two groups were 5.2 months [95%CI 4.2-6.2] and 2.8 months [2.0-3.6]) respectively (HR, 0.53, 95%CI, 0.31-0.91, P=0.005). In exploratory analysis, we found that concurrent extracranial radiotherapy and higher body mass index (BMI) are associated with longer PFS (P values are 0.006 and 0.021 respectively).ConclusionsWe found that combination regimen of immunotherapy plus chemotherapy plus antiangiogenetic agents may yield longer survival in patients with EGFR mutated NSCLC. We also found that patients with longer PFS-TKI, concurrent extracranial radiotherapy and higher BMI may benefit more from immunotherapy.