bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A novel super-resolution microscopy platform for cutaneous alpha-synuclein detection in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Sade Ofir , Fischel Daphna , Barak-Broner Noa , Halevi Shir , Gottfried Irit , Bar-On Dana , Sachs Stefan , Mirelman Anat , Thaler Avner , Gour Aviv , Kestenbaum Meir , Gana Weisz Mali , Anis Saar , Soto Claudio , Roitman Melanie Shanie , Shahar Shimon , Doppler Kathrin , Sauer Markus , Giladi Nir , Lev Nirit , Alcalay Roy N. , Hassin-Baer Sharon , Ashery Uri
Published: September 2024

Alpha-synuclein (aSyn) aggregates in the central nervous system are the main pathological hallmark of Parkinson’s disease (PD). ASyn aggregates have also been detected in many peripheral tissues, including the skin, thus providing a novel and accessible target tissue for the detection of PD pathology. Still, a well-established validated quantitative biomarker for early diagnosis of PD that also allows for tracking of disease progression remains lacking. The main goal of this research was to characterize aSyn aggregates in skin biopsies as a comparative and quantitative measure for PD pathology. Using direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM) and computational tools, we imaged total and phosphorylated-aSyn at the single molecule level in sweat glands and nerve bundles of skin biopsies from healthy controls (HCs) and PD patients. We developed a user-friendly analysis platform that offers a comprehensive toolkit for researchers that combines analysis algorithms and applies a series of cluster analysis algorithms (i.e., DBSCAN and FOCAL) onto dSTORM images. Using this platform, we found a significant decrease in the ratio of the numbers of neuronal marker molecules to phosphorylated-aSyn molecules, suggesting the existence of damaged nerve cells in fibers highly enriched with phosphorylated-aSyn molecules. Furthermore, our analysis found a higher number of aSyn aggregates in PD subjects than in HC subjects, with differences in aggregate size, density, and number of molecules per aggregate. On average, aSyn aggregate radii ranged between 40 and 200 nm and presented an average density of 0.001–0.1 molecules/nm2. Our dSTORM analysis thus highlights the potential of our platform for identifying quantitative characteristics of aSyn distribution in skin biopsies not previously described for PD patients while offering valuable insight into PD pathology by elucidating patient aSyn aggregation status.
From personality types to social labels: the impact of using MBTI on social anxiety among Chinese youth
Authors: Wu Wenjing , Hao Wenzhu , Zeng Gao , Du Weiyi
Published: September 2024

Introduction

As the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) gains popularity among Chinese young people, it has undergone a gradual transition from being perceived as a personality assessment tool to being regarded as a social label. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether the use of the MBTI as a social label has an impact on social anxiety among Chinese youth groups.

Methods

A questionnaire survey was conducted on social media platforms to recruit Chinese youth aged 18 to 35. A total of 247 males and 222 females participated in the study, and the data was analyzed quantitatively using SPSS software and the Process macro plugin.

Results

The study found no strong correlation between MBTI as a social label and social anxiety. Moreover, this study introduced ego identity, belonging, and impression management as mediating variables and found that, under the influence of ego identity and impression management, the use of MBTI has a significant impact on social anxiety.

Discussion

The research reveals the complex role of MBTI among Chinese youth and provides a new perspective for understanding the impact of online social labels on the mental health of youth groups. Of course, this study also has limitations in terms of sample size and variable control. Future research should expand the sample size, introduce more potential influencing factors, and further validate and expand the existing conclusions.
A survey of nutritional education within the Holiday Activities and Food programme across England
Authors: Round Emily K. , Stretesky Paul B. , Defeyter Margaret Anne
Published: September 2024

Background

Nutritional education is a mandatory component of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in England, yet there is a paucity of literature exploring how this component is delivered. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the delivery, content, dose and perceived impacts of nutritional education, at the HAF club level, across England.

Methods

A self-completion, cross-sectional online survey design was adopted. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to collect data from HAF club leads (n = 147) from across England. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and frequencies.

Findings

Face-to-face nutritional education was the most common mode of delivery, with sessions mostly comprising of discussing food and nutrition. However, whilst the majority of clubs delivered the required number of nutritional education sessions per week, according to the Department for Education’s guidelines, the time spent delivering individual nutritional education activities may not be sufficient to drive change in related skills and behaviours. Moreover, many clubs did not adopt a whole-family approach, and some did not deliver any nutritional education activities at all, which club leads attributed to a lack of material resources and ambiguity in the national HAF guidance.

Conclusion

Nutritional education is delivered in a variety of ways across HAF clubs, based upon available local assets, resources and venues. Policy and practice recommendations include increased HAF funding to support clubs that lack material resources, national training in nutritional education, and evidence-informed guidance and practice.
Mental health awareness, stigma, and help-seeking attitudes among Albanian university students in the Western Balkans: a qualitative study
Authors: Hyseni Duraku Zamira , Davis Holly , Blakaj Artë , Ahmedi Seferi Arjeta , Mullaj Klea , Greiçevci Viola
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The significance of mental health and its impact on overall well-being is increasingly acknowledged across various sectors, including higher education. However, despite this growing recognition, the stigma associated with mental health issues and related help-seeking, particularly within certain cultural groups and socio-economic contexts, continues to pose a formidable barrier to effective care, especially among university students. Addressing these challenges, this study explores the intricate interplay of factors affecting mental health awareness and stigma, including help-seeking behaviors among Albanian university students in three Western Balkan countries: Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania. By dissecting these multi-layered influences, this study aims to develop targeted interventions to enhance mental well-being and dismantle barriers to care in these regions.

Methods

This qualitative study involved 60 Albanian university students from Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Albania, using focus groups to gather data. The discussions were structured around the socio-ecological model, facilitating a comprehensive exploration of the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal factors influencing mental health awareness, stigma, and help-seeking behaviors.

Results

Findings from the study indicate a moderate awareness of mental health issues among students. Familial and cultural stigma among Albanians in the Balkans hinder open discussions and access to professional help. There is a notable lack of support from higher education institutions, with only 20% of students reporting that their mental health needs are met. These needs include affordable and confidential counseling, empathetic faculty interactions, and a supportive campus environment. Additionally, there is a lack of continuous and professional help within the community. Societal attitudes deeply rooted in Albanian cultural norms and traditional beliefs perpetuate stigma, limiting effective health care and help-seeking behavior.

Discussion

The results emphasize the need for a culturally sensitive and holistic approach to mental health interventions that integrates strategies across multiple levels of the socio-ecological model. Enhancing mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and advocating for supportive legislation and policies in the Western Balkan region are critical. Moreover, the study highlights the urgent necessity for universities in particular to improve their mental health services, which will significantly enhance both the academic success and personal development of students.
Ecological compensation of agricultural heritage conservation: case of the mountainous Juglans hopeiensis planting system in Beijing
Authors: Du Haixia , Xu Guangcai , Lin Yusen
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Agricultural heritage, consisting of farmers’ livelihood activities, experiential knowledge systems, and rural landscapes, is an integrated regional system with significant historical, cultural, and biodiversity value based on the natural environment and land use. Agricultural heritage is rich in traditional wisdom on the use of natural resources and is of great value in achieving the goals of sustainable agriculture and food security. The protection of agricultural heritage provides a favorable environment for farmers to engage in agricultural production, and provides a wide variety of potential agricultural production processes, thus adopting possibilities for the transformation of sustainable food systems. Ecological compensation can be an effective method for narrowing the development gap caused by heritage conservation. It can improve farmers’ livelihoods in heritage sites and stimulate the enthusiasm of farmers to protect the agricultural heritage.

Methods

Taking the mountainous Juglans hopeiensis planting system in Beijing as a case study, we evaluate the amount of ecological compensation using the contingent valuation method based on statistical data and interviews with farmers by combining with their willingness to accept compensation and income gap with other farmers. In addition, we analyze the factors affecting farmers’ willingness to accept compensation.

Results

The results show that ecological compensation at a standard of RMB 9823.13 yuan/(hm2·a) can meet the livelihood needs of farmers in heritage sites, thus bridging the income gap between farmers in and around the heritage sites. Whether farmers accept compensation is mainly influenced by five variables: gender, education level, per capita income, household members, and the proportion of therapy walnut income in household income.

Discussion

We suggest that a concrete ecological compensation mechanism should be further constructed to ensure the effective implementation of ecological compensation and the longtime existence and development of agricultural heritage. This study can not only provide a reference for calculation of the ecological compensation amount and the establishment of ecological compensation mechanism for agricultural heritage in Beijing, but it is also crucial for the development of policies to ensure long-lasting conservation of agricultural heritage and continuous enhancement of farmers’ livelihoods, and to improve the adaptation of global agricultural systems.
Sustainable market? The impact of downstream market concentration on high-quality agricultural development: evidence from China’s dairy industry
Authors: Yu Zetian , Feng Guang , Liu Hao , Peng Hua , Dong Xiaoxia
Published: September 2024

The downstream concentration of agricultural products markets under the asymmetric competition pattern of the supply chain has a profound impact on upstream agricultural production. Is this centralized market structure sustainable and efficient? The study examines the effects and mechanisms of agricultural product downstream concentration on the high-quality development of agriculture using the dairy industry as an example. Panel data from 10 provinces in China from 2004 to 2021 were selected for analysis. Using Malmquist index, fixed effects model and other methods, the research results prove that: (1) Downstream dairy market concentration is unfavorable to upstream raw milk total factor productivity growth. However, there is scale heterogeneity in this negative effect, with a positive impact for small-scale farming and a negative impact on medium-scale and large-scale farming. (2) Downstream market concentration drives upstream raw milk total factor productivity growth through technical efficiency improvements and market demand expansion, but it also inhibits raw milk total factor productivity growth through mechanisms that squeeze production margins and impede technological progress. Negative mechanisms are the main effect. (3) Higher wages, higher raw milk prices and an improved ratio of concentrate to crude are all helping to mitigate the negative effects of downstream concentration to some extent, but net profit retention and a high proportion of fixed assets will further exacerbate the negative effects. To better address the challenges brought by the trend of downstream market concentration and promote high-quality agricultural development, this paper proposes three suggestions: enhancing the market position of dairy farmers, regulating monopolistic behavior of oligopolies, and building a mechanism for linking interests.
Application of Fluorescence Spectroscopy for Early Detection of Fungal Infection of Winter Wheat Grains
Authors: Matveeva Tatiana A. , Sarimov Ruslan M. , Persidskaya Olga K. , Andreevskaya Veronika M. , Semenova Natalia A. , Gudkov Sergey V.
Published: September 2024

Plant pathogens are an important agricultural problem, and early and rapid pathogen identification is critical for crop preservation. This work focuses on using fluorescence spectroscopy to characterize and compare healthy and fungal pathogen-infected wheat grains. The excitation–emission matrices of whole wheat grains were measured using a fluorescence spectrometer. The samples included healthy control samples and grains manually infected with Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata fungi. The five distinct zones were identified by analyzing the location of the fluorescence peaks at each measurement. The zone centered at λem = 328/λex= 278 nm showed an increase in intensity for grains infected with both pathogens during all periods of the experiment. Another zone with the center λem = 480/λex = 400 nm is most interesting from the point of view of early diagnosis of pathogen development. A statistically significant increase of fluorescence for samples with F. graminearum is observed on day 1 after infection; for A. alternata, on day 2, and the fluorescence of both decreases to the control level on day 7. Moreover, shifts in the emission peaks from 444 nm to 452 nm were recorded as early as 2–3 h after infection. These results highlight fluorescence spectroscopy as a promising technique for the early diagnosis of fungal diseases in cereal crops.
Evaluation of Etest and MICRONAUT-AM Assay for Antifungal Susceptibility Testing of Candida auris: Underestimation of Fluconazole Resistance by MICRONAUT-AM and Overestimation of Amphotericin B Resistance by Etest
Authors: Asadzadeh Mohammad , Ahmad Suhail , Alfouzan Wadha , Al-Obaid Inaam , Spruijtenburg Bram , Meijer Eelco F. J. , Meis Jacques F. , Mokaddas Eiman
Published: September 2024

Multidrug-resistant Candida auris has recently caused major outbreaks in healthcare facilities. Rapid and accurate antifungal susceptibility testing (AST) of C. auris is crucial for proper management of invasive infections. The Commercial Sensititre Yeast One and Vitek 2 methods underestimate or overestimate the resistance of C. auris to fluconazole and amphotericin B (AMB). This study evaluated the AST results of C. auris against fluconazole and AMB by gradient-MIC-strip (Etest) and broth microdilution-based MICRONAUT-AM-EUCAST (MCN-AM) assays. Clinical C. auris isolates (n = 121) identified by phenotypic and molecular methods were tested. Essential agreement (EA, ±1 two-fold dilution) between the two methods and categorical agreement (CA) based on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) tentative resistance breakpoints were determined. Fluconazole resistance-associated mutations were detected by PCR-sequencing of ERG11. All isolates identified as C. auris belonged to South Asian clade I and contained the ERG11 Y132F or K143R mutation. The Etest–MCN-AM EA was poor (33%) for fluconazole and moderate (76%) for AMB. The CA for fluconazole was higher (94.2%, 7 discrepancies) than for AMB (91.7%, 10 discrepancies). Discrepancies were reduced when an MCN-AM upper-limit value of 4 µg/mL for fluconazole-susceptible C. auris and an Etest upper-limit value of 8 µg/mL for the wild type for AMB were used. Our data show that resistance to fluconazole was underestimated by MCN-AM, while resistance to AMB was overestimated by Etest when using the CDC’s tentative resistance breakpoints of ≥32 µg/mL for fluconazole and ≥2 µg/mL for AMB. Method-specific resistance breakpoints should be devised for accurate AST of clinical C. auris isolates for proper patient management.
Genomic Profiling of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Clinical Salmonella Isolates from Cattle in the Texas Panhandle, USA
Authors: Chung Max , Dudley Ethan , Kittana Hatem , Thompson Alexis C. , Scott Matthew , Norman Keri , Valeris-Chacin Robert
Published: September 2024

Rising antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Salmonella serotypes host-adapted to cattle is of increasing concern to the beef and dairy industry. The bulk of the existing literature focuses on AMR post-slaughter. In comparison, the understanding of AMR in Salmonella among pre-harvest cattle is still limited, particularly in Texas, which ranks top five in beef and dairy exports in the United States; inherently, the health of Texas cattle has nationwide implications for the health of the United States beef and dairy industry. In this study, long-read whole genome sequencing and bioinformatic methods were utilized to analyze antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in 98 isolates from beef and dairy cattle in the Texas Panhandle. Fisher exact tests and elastic net models accounting for population structure were used to infer associations between genomic ARG profiles and antimicrobial phenotypic profiles and metadata. Gene mapping was also performed to assess the role of mobile genetic elements in harboring ARGs. Antimicrobial resistance genes were found to be statistically different between the type of cattle operation and Salmonella serotypes. Beef operations were statistically significantly associated with more ARGs compared to dairy operations. Salmonella Heidelberg, followed by Salmonella Dublin isolates, were associated with the most ARGs. Additionally, specific classes of ARGs were only present within mobile genetic elements.
A Review of Optimization-Based Deep Learning Models for MRI Reconstruction
Authors: Bian Wanyu , Tamilselvam Yokhesh Krishnasamy
Published: September 2024

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is crucial for its superior soft tissue contrast and high spatial resolution. Integrating deep learning algorithms into MRI reconstruction has significantly enhanced image quality and efficiency. This paper provides a comprehensive review of optimization-based deep learning models for MRI reconstruction, focusing on recent advancements in gradient descent algorithms, proximal gradient descent algorithms, ADMM, PDHG, and diffusion models combined with gradient descent. We highlight the development and effectiveness of learnable optimization algorithms (LOAs) in improving model interpretability and performance. Our findings demonstrate substantial improvements in MRI reconstruction in handling undersampled data, which directly contribute to reducing scan times and enhancing diagnostic accuracy. The review offers valuable insights and resources for researchers and practitioners aiming to advance medical imaging using state-of-the-art deep learning techniques.
State of Health Estimation of Li-Ion Battery via Incremental Capacity Analysis and Internal Resistance Identification Based on Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks
Authors: Peng Jun , Zhao Xuan , Ma Jian , Meng Dean , Jia Shuhai , Zhang Kai , Gu Chenyan , Ding Wenhao
Published: September 2024

An accurate estimation of the state of health (SOH) of Li-ion batteries is critical for the efficient and safe operation of battery-powered systems. Traditional methods for SOH estimation, such as Coulomb counting, often struggle with sensitivity to measurement noise and time-consuming tests. This study addresses this issue by combining incremental capacity (IC) analysis and a novel neural network, Kolmogorov–Arnold Networks (KANs). Fifteen features were extracted from IC curves and a 2RC equivalent circuit model was used to identify the internal resistance of batteries. Recursive least squares were used to identify the parameters of the equivalent circuit model. IC features and internal resistance were considered as input variables to establish the SOH estimation model. Three commonly used machine learning methods (BP, LSTM, TCN) and two hybrid algorithms (LSTM-KAN and TCN-KAN) were used to establish the SOH estimation model. The performance of the five models was compared and analyzed. The results demonstrated that the hybrid models integrated with the KAN performed better than the conventional models, and the LSTM-KAN model had higher estimation accuracy than that of the other models. The model achieved a mean absolute error of less than 0.412% in SOH prediction in the test and validation dataset. The proposed model does not require complete charge and discharge data, which provides a promising tool for the accurate monitoring and fast detection of battery SOH.
Performance and Board Diversity: A Practical AI Perspective
Authors: Yang Lee-Wen , Nguyen Thi Thanh Binh , Young Wei-Ju
Published: September 2024

The face of corporate governance is changing as new technologies in the scope of artificial intelligence and data analytics are used to make better future-oriented decisions on performance management. This study attempts to provide empirical results to analyze when the impact of diversity on the board of directors is most evident through the multi-breaks model and artificial neural networks. The input data for the simulation includes 853 electronic companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange from 2000 to 2021. The empirical results show that the higher the percentage of female board members, the more influential the company’s performance is, which is only evident when the company is in good business condition. By integrating ANNs with multi-breakpoint regression, this study introduces a novel approach to management research, providing a detailed perspective on how board diversity impacts firm performance across different conditions. The ANN results show that using the number of business board members for predicting Return on Assets yields the highest accuracy, with female board members following closely in predictive effectiveness. The presence of women on the board contributes positively to ROA, particularly when the company is experiencing favorable business conditions and high profitability. Our analysis also reveals that a higher percentage of male board members improves company performance, but this benefit is observed only in highly favorable and unfavorable business conditions. Conversely, a higher percentage of business members tends to affect performance during periods of high profitability negatively. The power of the board of directors and significant shareholders is positively correlated with performance, whereas CEO power positively impacts performance only when it is not extremely low. Independent board members generally do not have a significant effect on profits. Additionally, the company’s asset value positively influences performance primarily when the return on assets is high, and increased financial leverage is associated with reduced profitability.
Appendicitis Diagnosis: Ensemble Machine Learning and Explainable Artificial Intelligence-Based Comprehensive Approach
Authors: Gollapalli Mohammed , Rahman Atta , Kudos Sheriff A. , Foula Mohammed S. , Alkhalifa Abdullah Mahmoud , Albisher Hassan Mohammed , Al-Hariri Mohammed Taha , Mohammad Nazeeruddin
Published: September 2024

Appendicitis is a condition wherein the appendix becomes inflamed, and it can be difficult to diagnose accurately. The type of appendicitis can also be hard to determine, leading to misdiagnosis and difficulty in managing the condition. To avoid complications and reduce mortality, early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. While Alvarado’s clinical scoring system is not sufficient, ultrasound and computed tomography (CT) imaging are effective but have downsides such as operator-dependency and radiation exposure. This study proposes the use of machine learning methods and a locally collected reliable dataset to enhance the identification of acute appendicitis while detecting the differences between complicated and non-complicated appendicitis. Machine learning can help reduce diagnostic errors and improve treatment decisions. This study conducted four different experiments using various ML algorithms, including K-nearest neighbors (KNN), DT, bagging, and stacking. The experimental results showed that the stacking model had the highest training accuracy, test set accuracy, precision, and F1 score, which were 97.51%, 92.63%, 95.29%, and 92.04%, respectively. Feature importance and explainable AI (XAI) identified neutrophils, WBC_Count, Total_LOS, P_O_LOS, and Symptoms_Days as the principal features that significantly affected the performance of the model. Based on the outcomes and feedback from medical health professionals, the scheme is promising in terms of its effectiveness in diagnosing of acute appendicitis.
Enhancement of Polypropylene Adhesion through Acetylated Kraft Lignin Incorporation
Authors: Bisneto Manuel Patricio da Silva , de Sousa Junior Rogerio Ramos , Garcia Guilherme Elias Saltarelli , dos Santos Demetrio Jackson
Published: September 2024

Lignin, one of Earth’s most abundant biopolymers, is rich in phenolic and aliphatic functional groups, offering significant potential for chemical modification. Technical lignin, a byproduct of the kraft process, is produced in large quantities annually and can be used to enhance the properties of polymer matrices such as polypropylene (PP). PP, a widely used nonpolar polymer, suffers from low surface free energy, leading to poor adhesion properties. Combining PP with polar, renewable-source polymers like lignin can improve these properties. This study investigates the direct acetylation of kraft lignin (KL) to improve its dispersion in the PP matrix and enhance wettability and adhesion. The acetylation of KL was confirmed through FTIR and DSC analyses. PP and acetylated KL (AKL) were combined and processed via continuous extrusion. The blends’ thermal and mechanical properties, lignin dispersion, and wettability were evaluated. Additionally, PP and PP–lignin films were bonded to aluminized biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) for peel tests. Results showed increased surface free energy and improved adhesion, particularly in samples with AKL due to better dispersion. This direct acetylation route significantly enhances PP’s surface free energy and adhesion, presenting a sustainable alternative to fossil-based materials and promoting the use of lignin, a renewable and low-cost polymer.
Characterization of Spent Mushroom Compost and Evaluation of Its Potential for Thermochemical Valorization through Ash Reduction Treatments
Authors: Restrepo Londoño Carolina , Alvarado Torres Pedro , Moreno Andrés , Giraldo Gil Alexander
Published: September 2024

This study focuses on applying ash reduction treatments in order to explore the potential for industrial-scale thermochemical utilization of Spent Mushroom Compost (SMC). SMC is a waste byproduct generated by the mushroom industry. Typically, for every kilogram of produced mushrooms, five kilograms of SMC are discarded, with current disposal methods involving landfills or incineration, causing environmental problems. Utilizing SMC effectively presents challenges due to the inherent properties of this biomass type, characterized by high moisture and ash content, low fixed carbon content, and material heterogeneity. These attributes create difficulties when employing a thermochemical valorization route due to the low carbon content and mineral treatments involved. The results have unveiled the heterogeneous nature of the material and its individual components when physically separated. Among the three identified fractions (agglomerated, woody, and fines), the woody fraction showed the highest potential for thermochemical utilization. Notably, when subjected to washing with distilled water and citric acid treatments, it resulted in up to 66% ash reduction, a significant outcome. Other fractions of the material may find potential applications in agriculture. The effective utilization of such high-volume waste biomasses demands diverse and innovative approaches, underlining the urgency and complexity of the problem and the need to employ the principles of a circular economy.
Valorisation of Tomato Waste as a Source of Cutin for Hydrophobic Surface Coatings to Protect Starch- and Gelatine-Blend Bioplastics
Authors: Mroczkowska Marta , Culliton David , Germaine Kieran J. , Hegde Manasa , Tobin Edmond F. , Neves Adriana Cunha
Published: September 2024

The valorisation of food by-products is an important step towards sustainability in food production. Tomatoes constitute one of the most processed crops in the world (160 million tonnes of tomatoes are processed every year), of which 4% is waste. This translates to 6.4 million tonnes of tomato skins and seeds. Currently, this waste is composted or is used in the production of low-value animal feed; higher value can be achieved if this waste stream is re-appropriated for more advanced purposes. Plant cuticle is a membrane structure found on leaves and fruit, including tomatoes, and is mainly composed of cutin. The main function of plant cuticle is to limit water loss from the internal tissue of the plant. Cutin, which can be recovered from the tomato skins by pH shift extraction, has hydrophobic (water repellent) properties and is therefore an ideal raw material for the development of a novel water-resistant coating. In this study, biomass-based bioplastics were developed. Unfortunately, although these bioplastics have good mechanical properties, their hydrophilic nature results in poor water barrier properties. To mitigate this, a very effective water-resistant coating was formulated using the cutin extracted from tomato peels. The water vapour permeability rates of the bioplastics improved by 74% and the percentage swelling of the bioplastic improved by 84% when treated with the cutin coating. With physicochemical properties that can compete with petroleum-based plastics, these bioplastics have the potential to address the growing market demand for sustainable alternatives for food packaging. Using ingredients generated from by-products of the food processing industries (circular economy), the development of these bioplastics also addresses the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP).
Enhancing the Release of Ellagic Acid from Mexican Rambutan Peel Using Solid-State Fermentation
Authors: Cerda-Cejudo Nadia D. , Buenrostro-Figueroa José J. , Sepúlveda Leonardo , Estrada-Gil L. E. , Torres-León Cristian , Chávez-González Mónica L. , Aguilar Cristóbal N. , Ascacio-Valdés J. A.
Published: September 2024

This work describes research focused on the recovery of ellagic acid (EA) using solid-state fermentation-assisted extraction (SSF) with Aspergillus niger GH1 and Mexican rambutan peel as support. Several culture conditions (temperature, initial moisture, levels of inoculum, and concentration of salts) were evaluated using a Placket–Burman design (PBD) for screening culture factors followed by a central composite design (CCD) for enhancing the EA. Antioxidant activity and polyphenol content were evaluated in SSF. Temperature (28.2 °C), inoculum (2 × 107 spores/g), and NaNO3 (3.83 g/L) concentration were identified as a significant parameter for EA in SSF. This enhancing procedure resulted in an increase in EA recovery [201.53 ± 0.58–392.23 ± 17.53 mg/g] and, with two steps of purification, [396.9 ± 65.2 mg/g] of EA compound was recovered per gram of recovered powder. Fermentation extracts reflect inhibition of radicals and the presence of polyphenol content. This work proposes to identify the ideal conditions of fermentation in order to obtain a higher yield high-quality compound from agro-industrial wastes through SSF.
Exploring the Role of the TAS2R16 Protein and Its Single Nucleotide Variants in Pituitary Adenoma Development
Authors: Pileckaite Enrika , Vilkeviciute Alvita , Gedvilaite-Vaicechauskiene Greta , Kriauciuniene Loresa , Liutkeviciene Rasa
Published: September 2024

Background: Pituitary adenoma (PA) is a common benign tumor that develops in the pituitary gland, causing hormonal imbalances and potential health issues. The TAS2R16 gene codes for a taste receptor and is involved in bitter taste perception, but there is currently no known direct link between this gene and pituitary adenoma. Methods: This study included 221 healthy controls and 131 patients with pituitary adenoma (PA) from the Lithuanian population. DNA was isolated from peripheral venous blood using the salt precipitation method. Genotyping was performed via RT-PCR. Statistical analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS Statistics 29.0 software, incorporating the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons. Results: This study found that the TAS2R16 rs978739 C allele is less common in the non-invasive PA group compared to the control group (p = 0.045). The TAS2R16 rs860170 CT genotype reduces the likelihood of developing non-invasive PA by 1.9-fold under the codominant (p = 0.024) and overdominant (p = 0.030) models. The odds of developing non-invasive PA are reduced by 2-fold under the dominant (p = 0.021) model for TAS2R16 rs860170 CT + CC genotypes and by 2-fold under the additive (p = 0.018) model for each TAS2R16 rs860170 C allele. The PA group had higher serum levels of TAS2R16 than the control group (p < 0.001). The present study found that patients with the TAS2R16 rs978739 TT or CT genotype had higher serum TAS2R16 levels and protein concentrations than healthy individuals (p = 0.025 and p = 0.019, respectively), and those with the AA or AG genotype of TAS2R16 rs1357949 had higher protein concentrations (p = 0.005 and p = 0.007, respectively). Conclusions: The TAS2R16 rs978739 C allele was less common in the non-invasive PA group compared to the control group, while the TAS2R16 rs860170 CT genotype was linked to a reduced likelihood of developing non-invasive PA. Additionally, the PA group showed higher serum levels of TAS2R16, and increased serum protein concentrations were observed in PA patients with specific TAS2R16 variants.
Oral Cavity Cancer Secondary to Dental Trauma: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chiesa-Estomba Carlos M. , Mayo-Yanez Miguel , Vaira Luigi A. , Maniaci Antonino , Feng Allen L. , Landa-Garmendia Maria , Cardin-Pereda Adrian , Lechien Jerome R.
Published: September 2024

(1) Background: Oral cavity cancer represents the most common site of origin of head and neck mucosal malignancies. A few limited studies have suggested that chronic irritation, particularly in non-healing ulcers, and fibrotic tissue from poor dentition or ill-fitting dentures had a role in developing mouth cancer. This scoping review aims to evaluate the existing evidence concerning Oral Cavicty Cancer (OCC) in non-smokers/non-drinkers and the relationship with dental trauma. (2) Methods: A scoping review of the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases was completed in adherence with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. (3) Results: Of the 33 articles that met inclusion, in 6 of them authors discussed the role of topography in dental trauma, in 11 articles authors discussed the carcinogenesis mechanism involved in chronic mucosal trauma, in 17 articles data on ill-fitting dentures was included, 4 studies dealt with the effect of broken/sharp teeth on mucosal damage, and in 7 studies the role of oral hygiene was covered. Less frequently discussed topics included gender, risk of neck nodes, and the role of potentially malignant oral disorders. (4) Conclusions: The available literature suggests a potential connection between chronic dental trauma and the development of OCC. Studies have highlighted factors such as denture use and ill-fitting dental appliances as contributors to an increased risk of oral cancer. Interestingly, we still miss data to support the hypothesis that women, particularly those without toxic habits like smoking or alcohol consumption, appear to be disproportionately affected by oral cancer related to chronic dental trauma.
Enhancing the Antibody Production Efficiency of Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells through Improvement of Disulfide Bond Folding Ability and Apoptosis Resistance
Authors: Zhang Chen , Fu Yunhui , Zheng Wenyun , Chang Feng , Shen Yue , Niu Jinping , Wang Yangmin , Ma Xingyuan
Published: September 2024

The complex structure of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells may result in the accumulation of unfolded proteins, triggering endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and an unfolded protein response (UPR). If the protein folding ability cannot maintain ER homeostasis, the cell will shut down protein translation and ultimately induce apoptosis. We co-overexpressed HsQSOX1b and survivin proteins in the antibody-producing cell line CHO-PAb to obtain a new cell line, CHO-PAb-QS. Compared with CHO-PAb cells, the survival time of CHO-PAb-QS cells in batch culture was extended by 2 days, and the antibody accumulation and productivity were increased by 52% and 45%, respectively. The proportion of (HC-LC)2 was approximately doubled in the CHO-PAb-QS cells, which adapted to the accelerated disulfide bond folding capacity by upregulating the UPR’s strength and increasing the ER content. The results of the apoptosis assays indicated that the CHO-PAb-QS cell line exhibited more excellent resistance to apoptosis induced by ER stress. Finally, CHO-PAb-QS cells exhibited mild oxidative stress but did not significantly alter the redox status. This study demonstrated that strategies based on HsQSOX1b and survivin co-overexpression could facilitate protein disulfide bond folding and anti-apoptosis ability, enhancing antibody production efficiency in CHO cell lines.
A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Crystalline and Liquid MgO
Authors: Arkhipin Anatoly S. , Pisch Alexander , Uspenskaya Irina A. , Jakse Noël
Published: September 2024

Classical (MD) and ab initio (AIMD) molecular dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the fundamental properties of solid and liquid MgO. AIMD was performed by DFT using the Strongly Conditioned and Appropriately Normed (SCAN) exchange correlation functional. The obtained pair-correlation functions of liquid MgO were used as reference data for the optimization of parameters of classical MD. For the latter, a Born–Mayer–Huggins (BMH) potential was applied, and parameters were adjusted until a best fit of both structural properties was obtained by AIMD and physical properties by experimental data. Different structural, dynamic and thermodynamic properties of solid and liquid MgO were then calculated by classical MD and compared with the literature data. Good agreement was found for the Mg-O bond length, self-diffusion coefficients, density of liquid MgO and for heat content and density of crystalline MgO. Using a void-melting approach, the melting temperature of MgO was found as 3295 ± 30 K, which is in good agreement with the recent experimental work by Ronchi et al. (3250 ± 20 K). The optimized parameters of BMH potential describe well the structural, dynamic and thermodynamic properties of solid and liquid MgO and may be combined with our previous results of a CaO-Al2O3-TiO2 system to calculate the properties of a quaternary CaO-MgO-Al2O3-TiO2 system.
Diazenium Betaines Derived from the Stable Free Radical DPPH with Diradicaloid Behavior
Authors: Dobre Adela F. , Mădălan Augustin M. , Hanganu Anamaria , Ionita Petre
Published: September 2024

Starting from the well known stable free radical DPPH (or its reduced counterpart, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazine) and several amino derivatives, novel zwitterionic compounds (diazenium betaines) were obtained and characterized by different means, like NMR, IR, MS, and UV–Vis. These betaines are highly intense blue-colored compounds that can be easily reduced by ascorbic acid (vitamin C) or sodium ascorbate to their corresponding para-phenyl substituted derivatives of DPPH, which have a yellow color. Most of such redox processes were found to be reversible. However, the oxidation of 2-p-aminophenyl-2-phenyl-1-picryl-hydrazine led to an azo-derivative of DPPH diradical, and its structure was unveiled by X-ray monocrystal diffraction. Possible diradicaloid behavior is also discussed.
Expression of Tenascin-C Is Upregulated in the Early Stages of Radiation Pneumonitis/Fibrosis in a Novel Mouse Model
Authors: Omori Kazuki , Takada Akinori , Toyomasu Yutaka , Tawara Isao , Shintoku Chihiro , Imanaka-Yoshida Kyoko , Sakuma Hajime , Nomoto Yoshihito
Published: September 2024

The lung is a major dose-limiting organ for radiation therapy (RT) for cancer in the thoracic region, and the clarification of radiation-induced lung damage (RILD) is important. However, there have been few reports containing a detailed comparison of radiographic images with the pathological findings of radiation pneumonitis (RP)/radiation fibrosis (RF). We recently reported the upregulated expression of tenascin-C (TNC), an inflammation-associated extracellular matrix molecule, in surgically resected lung tissue, and elevated serum levels were elevated in a RILD patient. Therefore, we have developed a novel mouse model of partial lung irradiation and studied it with special attention paid to the computed tomography (CT) images and immunohistological findings. The right lungs of mice (BALB/c) were irradiated locally at 30 Gy/1fr, and the following two groups were created. In Group 1, sequential CT was performed to confirm the time-dependent changes in RILD. In Group 2, the CT images and histopathological findings of the lung were compared. RP findings were detected histologically at 16 weeks after irradiation; they were also observed on the CT images from 20 weeks. The immunostaining of TNC was observed before the appearance of RP on the CT images. The findings suggest that TNC could be an inflammatory marker preceding lung fibrosis.
The Impact of DAZZEON αSleep® Far-Infrared Blanket on Sleep, Blood Pressure, Vascular Health, Muscle Function, Inflammation, and Fatigue
Authors: Lee Mon-Chien , Ho Chin-Shan , Hsu Yi-Ju , Kan Nai-Wen , Fei Chen-Yin , Yang Hung-Jen , Huang Chi-Chang
Published: September 2024

The application of far-infrared blankets has shown certain benefits in health promotion and therapy, such as improving blood circulation and alleviating muscle pain. However, the effects of such blankets on increasing deep sleep, reducing blood pressure, enhancing memory, dilating microvessels for blood flow, reducing chronic inflammation, and decreasing fatigue remain to be studied. We aim to investigate the effects of the DAZZEON αSleep® far-infrared blanket on these indicators. This study adopted a double-blind design, recruiting 24 male participants aged over 45 years, divided into two groups of 12 each: (A) a placebo group and (B) a DAZZEON αSleep® group. The participants used the blanket every night for two weeks, with sleep records taken using a wearable device and blood pressure, blood oxygen levels, arterial stiffness, and surface temperature measured before and after the intervention. Blood samples were collected for an analysis of inflammation and sleep-related blood indicators (serotonin and melatonin), and exercise tests were conducted to assess fatigue improvement. Compared with before the intervention, the blanket significantly increased changes in grip strength and reaction time. Additionally, it significantly increased blood serotonin, melatonin, and nitric oxide concentrations (p < 0.05), thus significantly increasing deep sleep and REM sleep durations (p < 0.05) and improving subjective sleep quality (p < 0.05). This study confirmed that using the DAZZEON αSleep® far-infrared blanket for 14 consecutive days helps to improve blood circulation, reduce vascular age and arterial stiffness, increase serotonin and melatonin levels, and improve sleep quality, as well as enhances muscle strength and reaction time.
Use of mHealth Technologies to Increase Sleep Quality among Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Grotto Giulia , Martinello Michela , Buja Alessandra
Published: September 2024

Sleep disorders increase with age and are known risk factors for several mental and physical diseases. They also significantly contribute to a lower quality of life. Nonpharmaceutical approaches, such as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, sleep hygiene advice, relaxation exercises, and physical activity programs, can be delivered directly to patients via mHealth technologies, thereby increasing the accessibility of such interventions and reducing health care-related costs. This scoping review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of mHealth interventions for improving sleep quality among older adults. Published studies in the last 10 years (2013–2023) were identified by searching electronic medical databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) in July 2023 and were independently reviewed by two different authors. The analysis of the data was performed in 2023. The research retrieved 693 records; after duplicates were removed, 524 articles were screened based on their title and abstract, and 28 of them were assessed in full text. A total of 23 studies were excluded because they did not meet the inclusion criteria in terms of population age (60 years or over) or type of intervention (mHealth-based) or because they addressed secondary insomnia. A total of five studies were included in this review, and all of them reported improvements in subjective sleep quality after the application of the mHealth interventions. Two studies also conducted objective assessments of sleep outcomes using actigraphy, reporting improvements only in some of the variables considered. Despite the limited number of available studies, these results are promising and encourage further research.