bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomics and metabolomics analyses of Streptococcus agalactiae isolates from human and animal sources
Authors: Enany Shymaa , Tartor Yasmine H. , Kishk Rania M. , Gadallah Ahmed M. , Ahmed Eman , Magdeldin Sameh
Published: November 2023

Streptococcus agalactiae (S. agalactiae), group B Streptococcus (GBS), a major cause of infection in a wide variety of diseases, have been compared in different human and animal sources. We aimed to compare the bacterial proteome and metabolome profiles of human and animal S. agalactiae strains to delineate biological interactions relevant to infection. With the innovative advancement in mass spectrometry, a comparative result between both strains provided a solid impression of different responses to the host. For instance, stress-related proteins (Asp23/Gls24 family envelope stress response protein and heat shock protein 70), which play a role in the survival of GBS under extreme environmental conditions or during treatment, are highly expressed in human and animal strains. One human strain contains ꞵ-lactamase (serine hydrolase) and biofilm regulatory protein (lytR), which are important virulence regulators and potential targets for the design of novel antimicrobials. Another human strain contains the aminoglycosides-resistance bifunctional AAC/APH (A0A0U2QMQ5) protein, which confers resistance to almost all clinically used aminoglycosides. Fifteen different metabolites were annotated between the two groups. L-aspartic acid, ureidopropionic acid, adenosine monophosphate, L-tryptophan, and guanosine monophosphate were annotated at higher levels in human strains. Butyric acid, fumaric acid, isoleucine, leucine, and hippuric acid have been found in both human and animal strains. Certain metabolites were uniquely expressed in animal strains, with fold changes greater than 2. For example, putrescine modulates biofilm formation. Overall, this study provides biological insights into the substantial possible bacterial response reflected in its macromolecular production, either at the proteomic or metabolomic level.
Ovarian recurrence risk assessment using machine learning, clinical information, and serum protein levels to predict survival in high grade ovarian cancer
Authors: Mysona David P. , Purohit Sharad , Richardson Katherine P. , Suhner Jessa , Brzezinska Bogna , Rungruang Bunja , Hopkins Diane , Bearden Gregory , Higgins Robert , Johnson Marian , Bin Satter Khaled , McIndoe Richard , Ghamande Sharad
Published: November 2023

In ovarian cancer, there is no current method to accurately predict recurrence after a complete response to chemotherapy. Here, we develop a machine learning risk score using serum proteomics for the prediction of early recurrence of ovarian cancer after initial treatment. The developed risk score was validated in an independent cohort with serum collected prospectively during the remission period. In the discovery cohort, patients scored as low-risk had a median time to recurrence (TTR) that was not reached at 10 years compared to 10.5 months (HR 4.66, p < 0.001) in high-risk patients. In the validation cohort, low-risk patients had a median TTR which was not reached compared to 4.7 months in high-risk patients (HR 4.67, p = 0.009). In advanced-stage patients with a CA125 < 10, low-risk patients had a median TTR of 68 months compared to 6 months in high-risk patients (HR 2.91, p = 0.02). The developed risk score was capable of distinguishing the duration of remission in ovarian cancer patients. This score may help guide maintenance therapy and develop innovative treatments in patients at risk at high-risk of recurrence.
Synecology of Lagoecia cuminoides L. in Italy and evaluation of functional compounds presence in its water or hydroalcoholic extracts
Authors: Perrino Enrico V. , Mahmoud Zuhair N. A. , Valerio Francesca , Tomaselli Valeria , Wagensommer Robert P. , Trani Antonio
Published: November 2023

Lagoecia cuminoides L. is a very rare and threatened taxon in Italy, never studied before for its ecology and potential use for human consumption. Furthermore, few data are available on the biological activities of its metabolites. A phytosociological study was carried out in the only two Italian sites, and its state of conservation was also evaluated according to the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) protocol. The collected plant material was used to make two types of extracts: hot water infusion to evaluate the use of this plant as tea and hydroalcoholic extraction to evaluate the use of it in herbal liqueur preparation. The presence of functional compounds in the extracts were investigated by gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry techniques. Ten non volatiles compounds were identified in the extracts, most of which derivatives of quercetin. Thirty-five volatiles compounds were also identified in the plant aerial part and extracts belonging to the chemical class of terpenoids, and among them β-farnesene, thymol, γ-terpinene and p-cymene were the most abundant. The species is characterized by compounds known for their health effects and for its potential applications for human consumption, being this species already used as decoction in some countries of Middle East. Thanks to its characteristic behaviour to grow in limiting pedoclimatic conditions this species can be potentially used in organic farms situated in rural marginal areas.
Fabrication and biological properties of artificial tendon composite from medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate
Authors: Tawonsawatruk Tulyapruek , Panaksri Anuchan , Hemstapat Ruedee , Praenet Passavee , Rattanapinyopituk Kasem , Boonyagul Sani , Tanadchangsaeng Nuttapol
Published: November 2023

Medium chain length polyhydroxyalkanoate (MCL-PHA), a biodegradable and biocompatible material, has a mechanical characteristic of hyper-elasticity, comparable to elastomeric material with similar properties to human tendon flexibility. These MCL-PHA properties gave rise to applying this material as an artificial tendon or ligament implant. In this study, the material was solution-casted in cylinder and rectangular shapes in the molds with the designated small holes. A portion of the torn human tendon was threaded into the holes as a suture to generate a composite tendon graft. The tensile testing of the three types of MCL-PHA/tendon composite shows that the cylinder material shape with the zigzag threaded three holes has the highest value of maximum tensile strength at 56 MPa, closing to the ultimate tendon tensile stress (50–100 MPa). Fibroblast cells collected from patients were employed as primary tendon cells for growing to attach to the surface of the MCL-PHA material to prove the concept of the composite tendon graft. The cells could attach and proliferate with substantial viability and generate collagen, leading to chondrogenic induction of tendon cells. An in vivo biocompatibility was also conducted in a rat subcutaneous model in comparison with medical-grade silicone. The MCL-PHA material was found to be biocompatible with the surrounding tissues. For surgical application, after the MCL-PHA material is decomposed, tendon cells should develop into an attached tendon and co-generated as a tendon graft.
Rhythmic profile of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence
Authors: Brito-de-Sousa Joaquim Pedro , Lima-Silva Maria Luiza , Costa-Rocha Ismael Artur da , Júnior Luiz Roberto Alves de Oliveira , Campi-Azevedo Ana Carolina , Peruhype-Magalhães Vanessa , Quetz Josiane da Silva , Coelho-dos-Reis Jordana Grazziela Alves , Costa-Pereira Christiane , Garcia Cristiana Couto , Antonelli Lis Ribeiro do Vale , Fonseca Cristina Toscano , Lemos Jandira Aparecida Campos , Mambrini Juliana Vaz de Melo , Souza-Fagundes Elaine Maria , Teixeira-Carvalho Andréa , Faria Ana Maria de Caetano , Gomes Angelica Oliveira , Torres Karen Cecília de Lima , Martins-Filho Olindo Assis
Published: November 2023

Immunobiography describes the life-long effects of exogenous or endogenous stimuli on remodeling of immune cell biology, including the development of memory T and B-cells. The present study aimed at investigating the rhythms of changes in phenotypic features of memory T and B-cells along childhood and adolescence. A descriptive-observational investigation was conducted including 812 healthy volunteers, clustered into six consecutive age groups (9Mths–1Yr; 2Yrs; 3–4Yrs; 5–7Yrs; 8–10Yrs; 11–18Yrs). Immunophenotypic analysis of memory T-cell (CD4+ and CD8+) and B-cell subsets were performed by flow cytometry. The results pointed out that memory-related biomarkers of T and B-cells displayed a bimodal profile along healthy childhood and adolescence, regardless of sex. The first stage of changes occurs around 2Yrs, with predominance of naive cells, while the second and more prominent wave occurs around the age 8–10Yrs, with the prevalence of memory phenotypes. The neighborhood connectivity profile analysis demonstrated that the number of correlations reaches a peak at 11–18Yrs and lower values along the childhood. Males presented higher and conserved number of correlations when compared to females. Altogether, our results provide new insights into immunobiography and a better understanding of interactions among the cellular subsets studied here during childhood and adolescence.
Enhanced production of a recombinant xylanase (XT6): optimization of production and purification, and scaled-up batch fermentation in a stirred tank bioreactor
Authors: Dhaver Priyashini , Sithole Tariro , Pletschke Brett , Sithole Bruce , Govinden Roshini
Published: November 2023

The endoxylanase XT6 produced by Geobacillus stearothermophilus is a desirable candidate for industrial applications. In this study, the gene encoding XT6 was cloned using the pET-28a expression vector and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) cells. Recombinant XT6 production was improved by optimizing cell lysis (sonication, chemical, and enzymatic lysis) and expression conditions. Sonication in a 0.05 M sodium phosphate (pH 6.0) buffer resulted in the highest xylanase activity (16.48 U/ml). Screening and optimization of induction conditions using the Plackett–Burman Design and Box-Behnken Design (BBD) approaches revealed that cell density pre-induction (OD600 nm), post-induction incubation time, and IPTG concentration significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the expression levels of XT6 (16.48 U/ml to 40.06 U/ml) representing a 3.60-fold increase. BBD resulted in a further 8.74-fold increase in activity to 144.02 U/ml. Batch fermentation in a 5-l stirred tank bioreactor at 1 vvm aeration boosted recombinant xylanase production levels to 165 U/ml suggesting that heterologous expression of the XT6 enzyme is suitable for scaled-up production. The pure enzyme with a molecular weight of 43 kDa and a 15.69-fold increase in purity was obtained using affinity chromatography and a cobalt column. Future studies will include application of the purified recombinant xylanase to animal feed.
Comparative analyses of the faecal resistome against β-lactam and quinolone antibiotics in humans and livestock using metagenomic sequencing
Authors: Kim Jieun , Cho Youna , Lim Suk-Kyung , Seo Mi-Ran , Sohn Jang Won , Kim Bongyoung , Rho Mina , Pai Hyunjoo
Published: November 2023

To assess the prevalence and abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in human and livestock gut microbiomes, 87 humans (healthy individuals and patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI)) and 108 livestock (swine, cattle, and chickens) were enrolled. Gut microbiomes and fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli isolates were sequenced, and mobile genetic elements adjacent to the β-lactamase (bla) and transferable quinolone resistance (qnr) genes were compared using metagenomic contigs. Each group of humans and livestock exhibited distinctive microbiota and resistome compositions in the gut. Concerning the resistome of bla and qnr, the prevalence rates between chickens and patients with CDI were the most similar (R2 = 0.46); blaTEM, blaOXA, blaCTX-M, and qnrS were highly prevalent in both groups. According to genomic and phylogenetic analyses, blaCTX-M and blaOXA expressed lineage specificity to either humans or livestock, while qnrS and blaTEM displayed a shared lineage between humans and livestock. A qnrS1 mobilome comprising five genes, including two recombinases, a transposase, and a plasmid gene, is commonly found in human and chicken gut microbiomes. Humans and chickens showed the most similar gut resistomes to β-lactams and quinolones. QnrS and blaTEM displayed especially strong co-occurrence between the guts of humans and livestock.
Covid-19 vaccination among migrants in Rome, Italy
Authors: Cacciani Laura , Cesaroni Giulia , Calandrini Enrico , Davoli Marina , Agabiti Nera
Published: November 2023

Migrants may be susceptible to vaccine barriers and hesitancy. We evaluated the association between migrant status, as measured by the citizenship from a High Migratory Pressure Country (HMPC), and COVID-19 vaccination uptake in the resident population in Rome, Italy. We also investigated sex differences. We followed participants for vaccination against COVID-19 in 2021. We calculated crude- and adjusted-vaccination rates and Cox hazard ratios of vaccination for migrants compared to Italians. Among migrants from HMPCs, we estimated HRs for females compared to males, stratifying by geographical area of origin. Models were adjusted for age and deprivation index and stratified by infection history. In 2021, among 1,731,832 18–64-year-olds, migrants were 55% less likely to uptake at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose than their Italian counterpart. Past SARS-CoV-2 infection reduced the difference between migrants and Italians to 27%. Among migrants from HMPCs, we observed a slight excess of vaccination uptake among females compared to males. Focusing on geographical areas, we observed that only females from central-western Asia were 9% less likely to uptake vaccination than males. Health communication strategies oriented to migrants and considering their different languages, cultures, and health literacy should be adopted for prevention before emergencies.
Effective gestational weight gain advice to optimize infant birth weight in Japan based on quantile regression analysis
Authors: Sato Noriko , Haruyama Rei , Miyasaka Naoyuki
Published: November 2023

The optimal range of gestational weight gain (GWG) was recently raised in Japan. This may help reduce small-for-gestational-age (SGA) infants, but may also increase large-for-gestational-age (LGA) infants. This study performed hypothetical experiments to determine effective GWG advice based on quantile regression analysis. In a total of 354,401 singleton pregnancies registered in the perinatal database of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2013–2017), the proportions of SGA and LGA were 9.33% and 11.13%, respectively. Using regression coefficients of GWG across the birth weight-for-gestational-age quantile distribution, we analyzed changes in their proportions by simulating a uniform 3-kg extra increase in GWG or an increase or decrease based on GWG adequacy. A hypothetical experiment of a uniform increase in GWG resulted in SGA and LGA proportions of 7.26% (95% confidence interval 7.15–7.36) and 14.51% (14.37–14.66), respectively. By contrast, assuming a 3-kg increase in women with inadequate GWG and a 3-kg decrease in women with excessive GWG resulted in SGA and LGA proportions of 8.42% (8.31–8.54) and 11.50% (11.37–11.62), respectively. Our real-world data analysis suggests that careful adjustment of GWG based on GWG adequacy will be effective in optimizing infant birth weight in Japan
Educational innovation: the architecture of digital technologies as a catalyst for change in university teacher training
Authors: Flores-Chacón Erick , Pacheco Alex , Gonzales-Ortiz Yvett , Moreno-Vega Lenin , del-Castillo-Palacios Fiorella , Perez-Rojas Even
Published: November 2023

The aim of this research was to determine the impact of the architecture of digital technologies in university teacher training as a catalyst for change and educational innovation. Methodologically, it is framed in a quantitative approach with a pre-experimental design and an explanatory level, with a sample of 269 teachers out of a total population of 450 at the university. The results show a significant impact of the architecture of digital technologies as a catalyst for change in university teacher training, with an increase of 22.88% from pre-test to post-test. The statistical significance of the results is supported by a P-value of 0.000, which means that it is less than the established significance level (α = 0.05), leading to the acceptance of hypothesis H1: The architecture of digital technologies as a catalyst for change in university teacher education has an impact. In conclusion, the architecture of digital technologies, consisting of the two academic pillar systems: the academic management system and the virtual learning system, contribute to the development of digital skills in key areas such as digital literacy, communication and collaboration, digital content creation and problem solving in virtual environments.
Comparing the biomechanical properties of conventional suture and all-suture anchors using patient-specific and realistic osteoporotic and non-osteoporotic phantom using 3D printing
Authors: Ock Junhyeok , seo Junghyun , Koh Kyoung Hwan , Kim Namkug
Published: November 2023

Conventional suture anchors (CAs) and all-suture anchors (ASAs) are used for rotator cuff repair. Pull-out strength (POS) is an important factor that affects surgical outcomes. While the fixation mechanism differs between the anchor types and relies on the quality, few studies have compared biomechanical properties of anchors based on bone quality. This study aimed to compare the biomechanical properties of anchors using osteoporotic bone (OB) and non-osteoporotic bone (NOB) simulators. Humerus simulators were fabricated using fused deposition modeling of 3D printing and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene adjusting the thickness of cortical bone and density of cancellous bone based on CT images. Cyclic loading from 10 to 50 N, 10 to 100 N, and 10 to 150 N for 10 cycles was clinically determined at each anchor because the supraspinatus generates a force of 67–125 N in daily activities of normal control. After cyclic loading, the anchor was extruded at a load of 5 mm/min. Displacement, POS, and stiffness were measured. In OB simulators, CAs revealed bigger gap displacement than ASAs with cyclic loading of 10–150 N. ASA showed higher values for POS and stiffness. In NOB simulators, ASAs revealed bigger gap displacement than CAs with cyclic loading of 10–150 N. ASA showed higher values for POS and CA showed higher values for stiffness. POS of anchors depends on anchors ‘displacement and bone stiffness. In conclusion, ASA demonstrated better biomechanical performance than CA in terms of stability under cyclic loading and stiffness with similar POS in OB.
Direct thioether metathesis enabled by in situ formed Pd nanocluster catalysts
Authors: Matsuyama Takehiro , Yatabe Takafumi , Yabe Tomohiro , Yamaguchi Kazuya
Published: November 2023

Direct catalytic metathesis of various thioethers was enabled by Pd nanoclusters formed in situ from Pd acetate and tricyclohexylphosphine precursors with no additives.
Insoluble/soluble fraction ratio determines effects of dietary fiber on gut microbiota and serum metabolites in healthy mice
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Hu Jielun , Zhong Yadong , Liu Shuai , Liu Liandi , Mu Xinyi , Chen Chunhua , Yang Shenji , Li Guohao , Zhang Duoduo , Huang Xinru , Yang Jinrui , Huang Xiaojun , Bian Shuigen , Nie Shaoping
Published: November 2023

Nine dietary fiber recipes with ratios of IDF to SDF from 1 : 9 to 9 : 1 differently affect the gut microbiota and serum metabolites in healthy mice.
The Use of Telepractice to Administer Norm-Referenced Communication and Cognition Assessments in Children With Hearing Loss: A Rapid Review
Authors: Favot Kate , Marnane Vivienne , Easwar Vijayalakshmi , Kung Carmen
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Telepractice administration of norm-referenced assessments of communication and cognition is relatively new, and evidence to support this practice for children with hearing loss is limited. This rapid review examines the validity, reliability, feasibility, and common features of telepractice-administered norm-referenced assessments of communication and cognition for children with hearing loss to determine whether results via telepractice-administration are usable.

Method:

This rapid review was conducted in accordance with the Cochrane Collaboration Rapid Reviews Methods Group recommendations. Rayyan software was used for initial and full-text screening, and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies was used to measure study quality.

Results:

Electronic databases searches identified two studies that met the eligibility criteria. The findings of this rapid review provide some evidence to indicate that results of norm-referenced assessments do not differ depending on test administration conditions or hearing group status. Although both studies were of sufficient quality, replicability of these studies is uncertain due to the limited description of telepractice administration procedures. Participants indicated that sound levels provided by inbuilt computer speakers were adequate for them to be able to participate in telepractice assessment.

Conclusion:

Telepractice administration of the norm-referenced assessments in the included studies may be valid, reliable, and feasible; however, the generalizability of these findings to other norm-referenced assessments is uncertain due to the limited amount of research.
Semi‐supervised domain adaptation via subspace exploration
Authors: Han Zheng , Zhu Xiaobin , Yang Chun , Fang Zhiyu , Qin Jingyan , Yin Xucheng
Published: November 2023

Recent methods of learning latent representations in Domain Adaptation (DA) often entangle the learning of features and exploration of latent space into a unified process. However, these methods can cause a false alignment problem and do not generalise well to the alignment of distributions with large discrepancy. In this study, the authors propose to explore a robust subspace for Semi‐Supervised Domain Adaptation (SSDA) explicitly. To be concrete, for disentangling the intricate relationship between feature learning and subspace exploration, the authors iterate and optimise them in two steps: in the first step, the authors aim to learn well‐clustered latent representations by aggregating the target feature around the estimated class‐wise prototypes; in the second step, the authors adaptively explore a subspace of an autoencoder for robust SSDA. Specially, a novel denoising strategy via class‐agnostic disturbance to improve the discriminative ability of subspace is adopted. Extensive experiments on publicly available datasets verify the promising and competitive performance of our approach against state‐of‐the‐art methods.
Characterization of internal discharge shock waves of gas‐insulated switchgears using shadowgraphy
Authors: Jia Chenglong , Chu Penghao , Zhao Wenbin , Tang Zhong
Published: November 2023

The gas‐insulated switchgear (GIS) is a vital component of a power system, and understanding the shock wave characteristics of its internal discharge is crucial to ensure the safe and stable operation of the entire system. In this study, a high‐speed shadowing technique is employed to obtain the shadowgraphs of a typical flow‐field evolution of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas following the breakdown of a pin–plate gap inside a GIS. Experimental data were used to derive parameters, including the Mach number, propagation speed, distance of the discharge shock wave, and the temperature, pressure, density, and velocity of the SF6 gas after wave generation. With a 0.2‐mm discharge gap and 0.4‐MPa pressure, the discharge generates a spherical shock wave, centred at the contact between the discharge channel and electrodes, that propagates in all directions. The shock wave gradually weakens after 20 μs, propagating at near‐sonic speed, and its Mach number decreases from 2.92 to 1.15; similarly, its post‐wave parameters sharply decrease during the first 20 μs. Additionally, a significant reflection occurs when the shock wave propagates to the metal wall. The authors’ findings provide a valuable reference for detecting and diagnosing the internal discharge in GISs.
Brain tumour segmentation of MR images based on custom attention mechanism with transfer‐learning
Authors: Vatanpour Marjan , Haddadnia Javad
Published: November 2023

The automatic segmentation of brain tumours is a critical task in patient disease management. It can help specialists easily identify the location, size, and type of tumour to make the best decisions regarding the patients' treatment process. Recently, deep learning methods with attention mechanism helped increase the performance of segmentation models. The proposed method consists of two main parts: the first part leverages a deep neural network architecture for biggest tumour detection (BTD) and in the second part, ResNet152V2 makes it possible to segment the image with the attention block and the extraction of local and global features. The custom attention block is used to consider the most important parts in the slices, emphasizing on related information for segmentation. The results show that the proposed method achieves average Dice scores of 0.81, 0.87 and 0.91 for enhancing core, tumour core and whole tumour on BraTS2020 dataset, respectively. Compared with other segmentation approaches, this method achieves better performance on tumour core and whole tumour. Further comparisons on BraTS2018 and BraTS2017 validation datasets show that this method outperforms other models based on Dice score and Hausdorff criterion.
A design of a high‐resolution frequency modulated continuous wave radar for drone detection based on spurious phase noise and discrete clutter reduction
Authors: Vu Hop Tran , Cao Quyen Tran , Van Loi Nguyen
Published: November 2023

The authors deal with the problem of the design and manufacture of a high‐resolution FMCW radar for drone detection and classification. The difficulties of the problem are discrete clutter reduction and spurious phase noise mitigation. The discrete clutter is due to the reflected signals from land vehicles, birds etc., while the spurious phase noise is inherent in the radar signal due to the phase‐locked loop component and leakage between the transmitting and receiving paths. Both spurious phase noise and clutter will increase the system noise level and hence reduce the probability of detection of small targets such as drones and induce false alarms on the radar screen. In order to reduce discrete clutter, the authors propose a method to separate a drone from discrete clutter based on the design of the radar system parameters for a drone and its propeller detection, target's Doppler dispersion and moving characteristics. For spur mitigation, a method that focuses on the design of the isolation coefficient between transmitting and receiving paths to decrease the power of spurs below the minimum power requirement at the input of the analogue‐to‐digital converter is introduced. The results were applied by the authors to the development and manufacture of a radar with the given specifications for drone detection and classification. Different laboratory and field tests show that the spurs are mitigated and the drones are separated from discrete clutter with a range and accuracy better than the one recently published.
Hedonic Ratings and Physicochemical Stability of Antiaging Cream Formulas with Natural Active Ingredients of Nanophytosome from Combination of Merbau Wood-Gotu Kola Leaves Extracts and Essential Oils
Authors: Wira Anggini Awanda , Ayyuni Fariha Tushliha , Kartika Sari Rita , Rafi Mohamad , Wientarsih Ietje , Noviyanti Sutardi Lina
Published: November 2023

Nanophytosome from the combination of Merbau wood (Intsia sp.) and Gotu Kola leaves (Centella asiatica) extracts (NMG) have the potential as natural active ingredients of antiaging creams. This study aims to analyze the preference level of creams with the active ingredient of 4% NMG and the additions of essential oils and to test the physicochemical stability of the most preferred cream. The cream added the essential oil of nutmeg leaf, kaffir lime peel, and lime peel at consentration of 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% (w/w). The preference level was measured by hedonic rating tests on the scent, texture, and viscosity by 30 non-standard panelists aged ≥25 years. The most preferred formula was tested for physicochemical stability by storage at low temperature (±4 °C), room temperature (±27 °C), and extreme temperature (±40 °C) for 21 days. The results showed that the most preferred formula was F9, which used 1% kaffir lime peel essential oil. The higher the temperature, the spreadability of the cream will increase; conversely, the higher the storage temperature, the lower the pH value, viscosity and stickiness of the cream, but it still meets the physicochemical standard of cosmetics cream. So this antiaging cream can be used for cosmetic applications.
Optimization of the drying process of edible film-based cassava starch using response surface methodology
Authors: Farina Nury Dennis , Zulfikar Luthfi Muhammad , Putra Ramadhan Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Most food packaging consists of plastic which is difficult to degrade. One strategy for addressing this issue is the development of biodegradable polymers from cassava starch, a known of raw material easily produced at low cost and biologically to degrade, hence becoming a low-cost for edible film production. The edible film was prepared by gelatinization method using cassava starch and glycerol as plasticizers. The study was subjected to determine the optimum drying process for cassava starch-based edible film based on the drying condition process with two independent variables: drying temperature (40, 50, and 60°C) and drying time (4, 5, and 6 h) on the mechanical properties. The response surface methodology approach with a central composite design was used for optimization. The experimental data for the optimum drying condition were analyzed to obtain the optimized variables using plots and contours. The optimized edible film occurred at a drying temperature of 63.28 °C and drying time of 3.58 h resulting in a tensile strength of 6640.24 Pa, elongation at break of 1.051%, and water solubility of 55.575%. The study concluded that the optimized drying condition process significantly affected the tensile strength, elongation at break, and water solubility.
Integriertes Drug-Checking
Authors: Tögel-Lins Karsten , Werse Bernd , Stöver Heino
Published: November 2023

Drug-Checking ist eine Maßnahme zur Schadensminderung für sozial integrierte Konsumierende in Partysettings. Dabei können illegale Substanzen auf ihre Inhaltsstoffe und schädliche Beimengungen untersucht werden. Integriertes Drug-Checking beinhaltet zudem Beratung zu akuten und langfristigen Risiken des Konsums. In vielen Ländern Europas bereits fest etabliert, befindet sich Drug-Checking in Deutschland bislang noch in der Testphase.
Sucht bei Männern – kommt hier zusammen, was zusammengehört?
Authors: Klein Michael
Published: November 2023

Sucht ist die häufigste psychische Störung bei Männern. Dies gilt besonders für Alkoholabhängigkeit, aber auch für drogenbezogene Störungen und Glücksspielsucht. Kann es sein, dass Männer eine besondere Affinität für süchtiges Verhalten aufweisen? Welche Risikofaktoren weisen Männer auf, wie sind die Unterschiede zu Frauen erklärbar und wie sind die hohen Zahlen hinsichtlich Suchtstörungen bei Männern zu reduzieren?
Lost in System Gaps – Versorgungslücken bei Suchtkranken und deren Auswirkungen
Authors: Reker Martin , Driessen Martin
Published: November 2023

Zahlreiche Suchtkranke werden vom Hilfesystem nicht erreicht, insbesondere bei schweren Krankheitsverläufen, komorbiden Störungen und/oder sozialer bzw. beruflicher Desintegration. Die Hintergründe dafür sind vielfältig. Das Versorgungssystem steht vor der Herausforderung, den suchtspezifischen Kompetenzerwerb zu fördern und sich konzeptuell stärker an der Lebenswelt und dem Bedarf der Betroffenen zu orientieren.
Nüchtern: Die fröhliche Umkehr der Einsamkeit
Authors: Döring Mika Mareike
Published: November 2023

Es gibt sie ja, diese faszinierenden Menschen, die sich nicht für Alkohol interessieren. In meiner Vorstellung heißen sie Alexander oder Lena. Wenn sie trinken, trinken sie Radler oder Weinschorle und wollen „morgen fit sein“. Sie sind nie verkatert, haben Leberwerte wie junge Götter und geben ihre Steuererklärung pünktlich ab. Ihr stabiles Elternhaus hat sie direkt aus dem Französisch-LK auf den gesunden Mittelweg geführt. Ich dagegen hatte die Abzweigung zum Mittelweg bereits mit 13 verpasst, als ich entschied, dass das Trinken allen anderen Freizeitbeschäftigungen überlegen war und ich außerdem ziemlich selten irgendetwas pünktlich abgab. Als es mir mit Anfang 20 dämmerte, dass ich vermutlich nicht mein Leben lang so trinken konnte, wie ich trinken wollte, versuchte ich mir vorzustellen, wie das wäre, so ein Leben ohne Alkohol.
Zwei tragische Geburtshelferschicksale: Eine Gedenkmedaille aus Kiel
zeigt Ignaz Philipp Semmelweis und Gustav Adolf Michaelis
Authors: Ebert Andreas D. , David Matthias
Published: November 2023

Es gibt es nur sehr wenige Geburtshelfer (und Gynäkologen), deren
Porträts auf Münzen oder Medaillen dargestellt wurden. Eine Ausnahme
stellt Ignaz Philipp (ungar.: Ignác Fülöp) Semmelweis
(1818–1865) dar, der für die Aufdeckung von Ursachen des sog.
Kindbettfiebers 1 nach seinem Tode den
Ehrentitel „Retter der Mütter“ erhielt. Auf einer
interessanten Medaille aus dem Jahr 1983 wurde ihm der Kieler Geburtshelfer Gustav
Adolf Michaelis (1798–1848) zur Seite gestellt (Abb. 1).
The role of exchange rate on hotelier’s pricing decision and business performance: the case of Switzerland, a small open economy
Authors: Blengini Isabella , Heo Cindy Yoonjoung
Published: November 2023

This study focuses on the role of the exchange rate on hotelier’s pricing decision and business performance. This study explores the way hospitality industry practitioners react to exchange rate fluctuations and monetary policy interventions on the FOREX market. By analyzing monthly performance data of hotels in Switzerland between January 2000 and April 2021, this study finds the presence of two structural breaks in the economy, due, respectively, to the central bank’s intervention on the exchange rate market and to the COVID 19. The findings of this study suggest that hoteliers pay close attention to fluctuations in the exchange rate as well as to monetary policies. These findings should raise individual hoteliers’ awareness about their competitors’ behavior and help them better define their strategic decisions in terms of pricing.
Alterferroicity with seesaw-type magnetoelectricity
Authors: Wang Ziwen , Dong Shuai
Published: November 2023

Primary ferroicities like ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism are essential physical properties of matter. Multiferroics, with coexisting multiple ferroic orders in a single phase, provide a convenient route to magnetoelectricity. Even so, the general trade-off between magnetism and polarity remains inevitable, which prevents practicable magnetoelectric cross-control in the multiferroic framework. Here, an alternative strategy, i.e., the so-called alterferroicity, is proposed to circumvent the magnetoelectric exclusiveness, which exhibits multiple but noncoexisting ferroic orders. The natural exclusion between magnetism and polarity, as an insurmountable weakness of multiferroicity, becomes a distinct advantage in alterferroicity, making it an inborn rich ore for intrinsic strong magnetoelectricity. The general design rules for alterferroic materials rely on the competition between the instabilities of phononic and electronic structures in covalent systems. Based on primary density functional theory calculations, Ti-based trichalcogenides are predicted to be alterferroic candidates, which exhibit unique seesaw-type magnetoelectricity. This alterferroicity, as an emerging branch of the ferroic family, reshapes the framework of magnetoelectricity, going beyond the established scenario based on multiferroicity.
Text and context revisited within a multimodal framework
Authors: Gambier Yves , Lautenbacher Olli Philippe
Published: November 2023

We are now faced with a flow of documents. But how do all these digital texts circulate between senders and
prosumers? Can we assume that texts today are similar in terms of meaning-making, coherence, and interpretation to texts produced,
perceived, used before the technological changes? The current developments in textuality require us to re-examine the materiality,
contextualization, genres, and readings of these “new” texts. Three decades of the Internet, the Web, have changed our concepts of
text and context, our experience of reading, writing, and translating multimodal texts. First, we revisit the concept of text – to
understand what is changing. Second, we revisit the concept of context to problematize it in the new framework, in which digital
productions are open, fluid, de-/re-textualizing, de-/re-semiotizing, and de-/re-contextualizing texts. How do multimodal texts
shed light on these changes, and how do they participate in them? All the articles discuss text and context and highlight
different instances of re-contextualization. The whole issue does not pretend to provide definitive answers but will hopefully
contribute to making translation scholars aware of the changes and how they will use text and context from now on.
“Türkiye,” not “Turkey”
Authors: Selvi Ali Fuad
Published: November 2023

This paper critically examines the recent presidential memorandum that replaced the Anglicized exonymic version
“Turkey” with the endonym “Türkiye” as a conscious, performative and public relations campaign at both national and international
levels. On the surface, this change addresses populist sociolinguistic hypersensitivities surrounding the connotations of the term
“turkey” while simultaneously harnessing the commodification and marketization of the Turkey brand through selective references
culled from collective memory (i.e., past) and branding aimed at economic gains (i.e., future). However, at the deeper level, this
transformation serves as a discursive political instrument and a top-down nation branding effort powered by substantial resources
from the state and its institutions with an ultimate motivation to consolidate President Erdoğan’s political power and authority,
elevate his status to that of a national leader and institutionalize his populist/nationalist yerli ve millî
rhetoric from a de facto to de jure within Yeni Türkiye as a competitive
authoritarian regime.
What kind of laughter?
Authors: Shukrun-Nagar Pnina , Hirsch Galia
Published: November 2023

The article examines the pragmatic functions of the Hebrew graphic laughter marker “hhh” in a particularly
turbulent public-political discursive arena – online readers’ comments to Facebook posts by the two leading contenders for the
post of Israeli prime minister during the 2020 election campaign, Benjamin Netanyahu and Benny Gantz.

We argue that “hhh” fulfills three functions dependent on its co-text, textual position, and length: (1) contempt marker – conveying contempt, ridicule, or disgust, towards a
previous comment or post, their authors, or the associated political wing; (2)
intention marker – signaling the employment of pragmatic strategies in the comment; and (3) interpretation marker – indicating the deciphering of pragmatic strategies in a
previous post or comment.

The findings indicate that in all three categories “hhh” is used mainly to taunt the rival political wing, at
times by creating an alliance with other commenters at the expense of their common rivals.
Cohort Studies Versus Case-Control Studies on Night-Shift Work and Cancer Risk: The Importance of Exposure Assessment
Authors: Papantoniou Kyriaki , Hansen Johnni
Published: November 2023

It is a general assumption that the prospective cohort study design is the gold standard approach and is superior to the case-control study design in epidemiology. However, there may be exceptions if the exposure is complex and requires collection of detailed information on many different aspects. Night-shift work, which impairs circadian rhythms, is an example of such a complex occupational exposure and may increase the risks of breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. So far, for logistical reasons, investigators in cohort studies have assessed shift work rather crudely, lacking information on full occupational history and relevant shift-work metrics, and have presented mostly null findings. On the other hand, most cancer case-control studies have assessed the lifetime occupational histories of participants, including collection of detailed night-shift work metrics (e.g., type, duration, intensity), and tend to show positive associations. In this commentary, we debate why cohort studies with weak exposure assessment and other limitations might not necessarily be the preferred or less biased approach in assessing the carcinogenicity of night-shift work. Furthermore, we propose that risk-of-bias assessment and comparison of associations between studies with low versus high risks of bias be considered in future synthesis of the evidence.
Treating Glabellar Lines With Botulinum Toxin: Does Your Patient Need to Frown Steadily?
Authors: Cavallini Maurizio , Dell’Avanzato Roberto , Fundarò Salvatore Piero , Urdiales-Gálvez Fernando , Papagni Marco , Trocchi Gloria , Raichi Mauro , Zazzaron Michela
Published: November 2023

Background

The variable relationship between the orbicularis supercilii and frontalis muscles may cause side effects with botulin toxin; steadily frowning is the usual recommendation. Eliminating the need to frown until all injections are over might enhance efficacy and lessen the neurotoxicity risks related to muscle exhaustion.

Objectives

The goal of this study was to investigate whether the digital caliper–assessed distances between the medial and lateral corrugator injection sites and the midline differed significantly in patients persistently frowning from patients resting.

Methods

Seventy-six individuals with glabellar wrinkles treated with botulinum toxin in the authors’ private practices for glabellar lines voluntarily contributed their retrospective data about the positions of injection sites. The investigators had freely chosen to inject the medial and lateral sections of the corrugator supercilii during persistent maximum frown or at rest.

Results

The mean differences in distances between the medial and lateral injection points and the estimated midline were clinically trivial (1.0 ± 1.28 and 1.5 ± 2.53 mm, respectively), although the distances between the relaxed and contracted medial and lateral injection sites exceeded 1.8 and 2.5 mm in 33.9% and 46.4% of patients, respectively. Distance differences, not significant before 40 years old, were statistically significant only for the lateral injections in older patients (on average, 1.9 ± 3.01 mm).

Conclusions

The average distances from the medial and lateral injection points and the midline appear minimally different in patients who frown until all injections are over and, conversely, patients who rest. Persistently frowning might be advisable only in patients older than 40. Facial asymmetries may be a confounding factor.

Level of Evidence: 4
Influence of fiber type and carbohydrase supplementation on nutrient digestibility, energy and nitrogen balance, and physiology of sows at mid and late gestation
Authors: Crome Thomas A , Giesemann Mark A , Miller Hannah E , Petry Amy L
Published: November 2023

Carbohydrase supplementation in grow-finish pig diets improves energy, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal function, but their efficacy in gestation diets is understudied. The experimental objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a multicarbohydrase to improve digestion, energetics, and various physiological functions in gestating sows fed soluble and insoluble fiber diets. On day 28 of gestation, 36 sows (186 ± 4.6 kg body weight), blocked by parity, were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments (n = 9). Factors included fiber type of insoluble (IF; 20% dried distiller grains with solubles) or soluble fiber (SF; 20% sugar beet pulp) and with (+) or without (−) enzyme (0.05%, Rovabio Advance P10; Adisseo, Antony, France). Diets were fed from days 28 to 109 of gestation at a feeding level of 2.1 kg (SID-Lys 11 g/d and 4.5 net energy-Mcal/d). Two separate 9-d metabolism periods were conducted on days 50 to 59 (mid) and 99 to 108 (late) of gestation. During each period, days 1 to 3 served as an adaptation period, days 4 to 7 total urine and feces were collected (96-h) and followed by a 48-h lactulose-mannitol study. Serum and plasma were collected on days 50 and 99. Data were analyzed as repeated records using a linear mixed model with block as a random effect and fiber type, enzyme, and period and their interactions as fixed effects. Sows fed SF+ had increased serum IL-1ra (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.035), and IL-2 (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.042). In the presence of IF, multicarbohydrases increased serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, but not when supplemented with SF (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.028). Circulating IL-8 and TNF-α were decreased in sows fed multicarbohydrases (P < 0.05). Multicarbohydrase supplementation increased the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of gross energy (GE), dry matter, and neutral detergent fiber by 2.8%, 3.4%, and 8.3%, respectively (P < 0.05). Compared to IF−, the ATTD of hemicellulose was 5.3% greater in sows fed IF+ but did not differ from SF− and SF+ (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.037). Sows fed IF+ had the greatest ATTD of insoluble dietary fiber (Fiber × Enzyme P = 0.011). Sows fed multicarbohydrases excreted less energy in their urine (519 vs. 469 GE kcal/d; Enzyme P = 0.033) and in their feces (985 vs. 900 GE kcal/d; Enzyme P = 0.003). This resulted in an improvement in both digestible energy (Enzyme P < 0.01) and metabolizable energy (Enzyme P = 0.041), irrespective of fiber type. In conclusion, multicarbohydrase supplementation increased the digestibility and energetic contribution of fiber, irrespective of adaptation time or fiber type, but modulation of inflammatory responses was unique to dietary fiber type.
IgG4-related sclerosing cholangitis mimicking cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ng Wei R , Lau Ngee-Soon , Fadia Mitali , Gananadha Sivakumar
Published: November 2023

A man in his 70s presented to the emergency department with painless obstructive jaundice. Initial blood test results show a predominantly cholestatic picture with elevated tumour markers, and imaging findings are concerning for a pancreatic head neoplasm or cholangiocarcinoma with involvement of the entire common bile duct. The patient underwent staging laparoscopy and biopsies including peritoneal washing, but did not identify any features of malignancy. Immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin G4 testing were subsequently tested and shown to be elevated. The provisional diagnosis of immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing cholangitis was made, and steroid treatment was empirically started. Treatment with steroids was successful, with complete resolution of symptoms and abnormal imaging findings and near complete resolution of liver function test results after 1 month.
Learning to safely integrate generative artificial intelligence technology into travel medicine practice
Authors: Flaherty Gerard Thomas
Published: November 2023

We have entered an exciting era where generative artificial intelligence is finding multiple applications in everyday life and scientific inquiry. This editorial explores the possibility of integrating this technology into the pre-travel consultation, but with careful consideration of its current capabilities, limitations and potential risks to patient safety.