bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical significance of peripheral blood inflammatory cells and fibrinogen in prostate cancer and prognosis
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ma Yuan , Huang Hua , Liu Yang , Shao Yuan , Liu Zihao , Liu Liwei , Wang Yong
Published: August 2024

Objective: To explore the relationship between peripheral blood inflammatory cells and fibrinogen and the clinicopathological characteristics of the prostate, and to assess their clinical value in evaluating prostate cancer.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinicopathological data of 429 patients who underwent prostate biopsies at the Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University between June 2020 and December 2022. The levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelets, and plasma fibrinogen in peripheral blood before surgery in patients with prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia were analyzed. Further comparisons were made between the levels of inflammatory cells and fibrinogen in peripheral blood in patients with prostate cancer at different stages, different Gleason scores, and with or without bone metastases.
Results: The levels of inflammatory cells and fibrinogen in preoperative prostate cancer patients showed statistically significant differences compared to those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (P<0.05). Specifically, fibrinogen levels were significantly elevated in patients with stage 4 prostate cancer (4.13±1.40 g/L), Gleason scores of 9-10 (5.12±1.20 g/L), and bone metastases (4.11±1.48 g/L) (P<0.001). Fibrinogen levels exhibited a positive correlation with prostate pathology results, cancer stage, Gleason score, presence of bone metastases, and PSA levels (P<0.001).
Conclusions: The levels of preoperative peripheral inflammatory cells and fibrinogen are closely linked to prostate pathology outcomes. Moreover, the level of fibrinogen demonstrates potential as a prognostic indicator for disease progression and prognosis in prostate cancer patients.
A study of mixed teaching method based on BOPPPS combined with rain classroom in ophthalmology probation
Authors: Xu Zheng yang , Yue Xiaoli , She Xiaomeng
Published: August 2024

To explore the application effect of mixed teaching method based on BOPPPS and rain classroom in ophthalmology probation.
Objective The 24 regular students in our hospital were randomly divided into the experimental group and the control group.
Methods Forty ophthalmology trainees in our hospital were randomly divided into experimental group and control group. The control group adopted the classical LBL teaching method, while the experimental group adhered to the student-led method and carried out the mixed teaching method based on BOPPPS and rain classroom, according to six steps: bridge-in, objectives, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment and summary.
Results The theoretical and operational scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group.
Conclusion The mixed teaching method based on BOPPPS combined with rain classroom can improve the effect of ophthalmology internship.
KDELR1 regulates chondrosarcoma drug resistance and malignant behavior through Intergrin-Hippo-YAP1 axis
Authors: Wei Haifeng , Yin Huabin , Jiang Dongjie , Li Yongai , Chen Wenjun , Zhang Jie , Yang Xinghai , Hu Jinbo
Published: August 2024

Chondrosarcoma (CS) is the second most common primary bone malignancy, known for its unique transcriptional landscape that renders most CS subtypes resistant to chemotherapy, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy commonly used in osteosarcoma treatment. Understanding the transcriptional landscape of CS and the mechanisms by which key genes contribute to chemotherapy resistance could be a crucial step in overcoming this challenge. To address this, we developed a single-cell transcriptional map of CS, comparing it with osteosarcoma and normal cancellous bone. Our analysis revealed a specific increase in KDEL receptor 1 (KDELR1) expression in CS, which was closely associated with CS prognosis, tumor aggressiveness, and drug resistance. KDELR1 plays a key role in regulating membrane protein processing and secretion, as well as contributing to tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) formation and drug resistance. Further investigation using mass spectrometry proteomics and transcriptomics uncovered KDELR1's involvement in modulating the Hippo-YAP pathway activity in CS cells. The KDELR1-Integrin-PLCγ-YAP1 axis emerges as a critical process mediating drug resistance and malignant behavior in CS, offering novel insights and potential therapeutic targets for CS treatment.
Study on the shrinkage and restrained cracking of concrete with different surface curing methods
Authors: Wang Jiahe , Li Huajian , Tan Yanbin , Wang Jiaxuan , Gao Yu
Published: August 2024

The shrinkage and steel ring restrained cracking process of concrete using plastic film (PF), controlled permeability formwork liner (CPFL) and moisture retention curing film (MRCF) were experimentally measured using the designed test devices; A two-stage model for concrete creep considering humidity levels was established and the creep parameters were calibrated based on experimental results under sealed conditions; The uniform compressive stress of steel ring was calculated using the above model when the concrete using PF, CPFL and MRCF three different curing methods. The experimental and theoretical results show that: The surface curing method has a significant impact on the shrinkage deformation and restrained cracking process of concrete. The curing method should be adapted to the characteristics of the concrete body (w/b), otherwise there will be negative effects. CPFL can effectively reduce the drying shrinkage and the risk of restrained cracking of concrete by reducing the local w/b on the surface of concrete and forming a dense protective layer. It has a better effect on the low and medium strength grade concrete (C30 and C50), but has adverse effects on high-strength concrete (C80); MRCF can effectively reduce the shrinkage deformation and the risk of restrained cracking of concrete through the water supplement effect of the pre-absorbent materials. It has a better effect on the high-strength concrete, while its effect on low and medium strength grade concrete is relatively small; The two-stage creep model of concrete can better describe the differences in creep effects of concrete under different humidity levels. And the effective stress of the steel ring restraint concrete under different curing methods was accurately calculated using the model.
The use of ZnO for the stabilisation of C3S polymorphs
Authors: Queiroz Luciana , Barbosa Waleska , Kirchheim Ana Paula , Bergmann Carlos
Published: August 2024

The doping technique is widely used to stabilise C3S polymorphs, combined with synthesis temperature and cooling techniques. This work studied the doping technique using ZnO as a dopant at contents of 1.5, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 10.0wt% and evaluated its effect on the polymorphism and reactivity of C3S. The characterisation of the phases in the anhydrous state was carried out by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the effect of doping on chemical bonds and displacements in the crystalline structure was identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy (RAMAN). Hydration was assessed using isothermal calorimetry and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The results show a delay in the hydration process in all the doped pastes, a reduction in the average crystallite size with increasing dopant content, and changes in the displacements and symmetry of the polymorphs.
Optimizing radicle-tip cutting for improved growth and lateral root formation in pistachio seedlings
Authors: Osku Mozhdeh , Roozban Mahmoud Reza , Sarikhani Saadat , Lawson Shaneka , Arab Mohammad Mehdi , Vahdati Kourosh
Published: August 2024

Root architecture critically influences plant growth and survival. Pistachio plants face challenges because of the limited lateral roots within a taproot system and the poor survival rates if the primary root tip is severed during transplantation. This study investigated the effects of radicle-tip cutting (RC) on lateral root formation and growth of Pistacia vera L. ‘Ohadi’ seedlings. A factorial experiment with varying radicle lengths (L1-L5) and cutting site portions (CS1-CS5) was conducted. Control plants had an intact radicle tip. Following treatment, seedlings were transferred to 2 L pots filled with perlite, and nourished weekly with half-strength Hoagland's solution. After nine weeks, growth parameters and root characteristics were assessed. Results indicated that optimal radicle-tip cutting occurred at a radicle length of 2–3 cm (L3), with an ideal cutting distance of 3 mm from the radicle-tip (CS3). This treatment (L3CS3) led to improved growth (plant height, leaf area, shoot fresh weight (FW), root FW, shoot dry weight (DW), root DW) and root architecture (number of lateral roots (NLR), network depth (NWDP), network volume (NWVL), network convex area (NWCA) parameters, enhancing plant vitality. These findings offer valuable insights for nurserymen aiming to produce pistachio seedlings with robust lateral roots and higher post-transplantation survival rates.
Creek system and regional patterns of Juncus roemerianus stress and links to salt marsh loss on the Florida Gulf Coast
Authors: Verhulst Stephanie , Conlin Matthew , Adams Peter , Adams Carrie Reinhardt
Published: August 2024

Sea-level rise and adverse environmental conditions (e.g., drought, herbivory, and altered sedimentation and hydrology) stress coastal salt marsh vegetation, leading to reduced productivity, die-off, and subsequent marsh loss. Potential for loss may vary spatially within a single marsh creek system, as well as at the larger landscape-scale level across creek systems. Spatial patterns of plant stress that may signal future loss could inform management and conservation strategies. To inform predictions of marsh loss, in a field study in 12 Juncus roemerianus marshes on Florida’s Big Bend, we observed spatial patterns of plant stress and potential environmental drivers 1) within individual creek systems and 2) across a region of multiple creek systems. Juncus stress was higher at the creek margin (lower belowground biomass production and higher proline concentrations, K+ and Na+ ion levels, and relative stem water content) where soil salinity was higher and soil nutrients were lower. Patterns were not predicted by elevation alone, and other indicators did not similarly vary within creeks, but differed between creek systems, which often was explained by proximity to large freshwater inputs. Management strategies that account for these observed within- and between-creek patterns of stress, which represent symptoms that likely precede die-off and marsh loss, may best increase marsh persistence. This uniquely comprehensive data set (15 Juncus responses and 8 environmental variables across 12 marshes) highlights the challenge of determining stress patterns across a broad region and the necessary monitoring to generate information needed to spatially prioritize management efforts to ameliorate marsh loss.
ALOX12B and PRMT5 inhibit stemness and EMT in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by promoting decorin expression
Authors: Gu Yanhong , Zhang Xiao , Cao Shurui , Zhou Chenchen , Jiang Wen , Deng Xiaheng , Wang Hongshun , Hui Bingqing , Zhen Fuxi
Published: August 2024

Stemness is crucial for cancer metastasis and recurrence. We developed a novel pipeline to reveal cancer stemness related genes in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). ALOX12B was identified for its expression inversely correlated with ESCC stemness and significantly associated with tumor grade. Overexpression of ALOX12B in poorly differentiated ESCC cells suppressed cancer stemness, proliferation, invasion and migration. DCN was identified as a target gene by ALOX12B, which in turn inhibited ESCC stemness and EMT. Mechanistically, ALOX12B interacted with PRMT5, inhibiting its methyltransferase activity and reducing the deposition of PRMT5-mediated histone marker H4R3me2s at the DCN gene promoter. PRMT5 knockdown reduced H4R3me2s accumulation, reactivating DCN expression. DCN silencing negated the reduction of EMT markers and the inhibition of tumor stemness and invasion induced by PRMT5 depletion. Notably, intervention with PRMT5 enzymatic activity using GSK3326595 (GSK) showed a significant inhibitory effect on the growth of ESCC cells and xenografts with low ALOX12B expression both in vitro and in vivo. In conclusion, ALOX12B functionally interacts with PRMT5 to inhibit stemness and EMT in ESCC by promoting DCN expression. These findings suggest that PRMT5 targeting may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of poorly differentiated ESCC with low ALOX12B expression.
The role of C-reactive protein and ferritin in the diagnosis of HLH, adult-onset Still’s disease, and COVID-19 cytokine storm
Authors: Goubran Mariam , Spaner Caroline , Stukas Sophie , Zoref-Lorenz Adi , Shojania Kamran , Beckett Madelaine , Li Amanda , Peterson Erica , Sekhon Mypinder , Grey Rebecca , Wellington Cheryl , Cheng Catherine V , Biggs Catherine M , Mattman Andre , Jordan Michael B. , Chen Luke Y. C. , Setiadi Audi
Published: August 2024

Objectives
Cytokine storm syndromes such as hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), Adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD), and COVID-19 cytokine storm (CCS) are characterized by markedly elevated inflammatory cytokines. However clinical measurement of serum cytokines is not widely available. This study examined the clinical utility of C-reactive protein (CRP) and ferritin, two inexpensive and widely available inflammatory markers, for distinguishing HLH from AOSD and CCS.
Methods
This single centre retrospective study included 44 secondary HLH patients, 14 AOSD patients, and 13 CCS patients. Baseline CRP and ferritin measured within 72 hours of diagnosis and before administration of corticosteroids or other anti-inflammatory therapies were analyzed.
RESULTS
The median CRP in HLH patients was lower than AOSD (71 mg/L vs. 172 mg/L, p < 0.001) and CCS (71 mg/L vs. 121 mg/L, p = 0.0095) patients. Serum ferritin levels were lower in CCS compared to HLH (1,386 µg/L vs. 29,019 µg/L, p < 0.001) and AOSD (11,359 µg/L vs. 29,019 µg/L, p = 0.035).
A CRP < 130 mg/L when combined with an HScore >136 improves the specificity of HScore alone for HLH from 85.2% to 96.3%. Adding CRP < 130 mg/L to ferritin >15,254 µg/L increases specificity for HLH from 88.9% to 100%.
CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that median CRP is lower in HLH than in AOSD and CCS, and median ferritin is lower in CCS than in HLH or AOSD. This study demonstrates the clinical utility of these widely available inflammatory markers for distinguishing between different cytokine storm syndromes.
Using Hierarchical Multiple Regression Model to investigate the impact of AI-Powered Adaptive Testing on Student Academic Fortunes and Test Anxiety in Ghana
Authors: Ntumi Simon
Published: August 2024

This study explored the impact of AI-powered adaptive testing on student academic fortunes and test anxiety, with a focus on the effectiveness of adaptive testing compared to traditional methods. Utilizing a quantitative research design, the study employed hierarchical regression analysis to examine how AI-powered adaptive testing influences student outcomes, accounting for factors such as demographics, prior academic performance, and familiarity with technology. The sample comprised 250 senior high school students in Ghana, selected through stratified random sampling. The results indicated that AI-powered adaptive testing significantly enhanced student academic fortunes and reduced test anxiety relative to traditional testing methods. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that adaptive testing explained an additional 20% of the variance in student academic fortunes and 16% in test anxiety. The study also found that student demographics, prior academic performance, and familiarity with technology significantly influenced the effectiveness of adaptive testing. Normality tests confirmed the robustness of the regression results. The findings suggest that AI-powered adaptive testing offers a more personalized and effective approach to student assessment, potentially improving educational outcomes and reducing anxiety. Recommendations include integrating adaptive testing systems into educational practices, providing training for educators, addressing technological familiarity, ensuring equitable access, and conducting further research to explore long-term impacts and effectiveness in diverse educational contexts.
Novel Cisplatin-Magnetosome Complex Shows Enhanced Antitumor Activity via Hyperthermia
Authors: Jiménez-López M. Carmen , Moreno-Maldonado Ana Carolina , Martín-Morales Natividad , O’Valle Francisco , Ibarra M. Ricardo , Goya Gerardo F. , Molina Ignacio J.
Published: August 2024

There are many approaches to enhance the survival rate of cancer patients based on hyperthermia of tumor tissues, increasing their temperature above 41°C. These approaches use different energy sources to deliver the desired heat to the target region, including light, microwaves or radiofrequency electromagnetic fields. We have developed a new, magnetically responsive nanovector, composed by liposomes loaded with magnetic nanoparticles and cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP), which is commonly known as Cisplatin. The resulting synthetic magnetosome (SM) is rapidly internalized by lung and pancreas tumor cell lines, stored in intracellular vesicles, and capable of inducing hyperthermia under magnetic fields. Additionally, it efficiently releases the cytotoxic drug upon an increase in temperature. The SM has no significant toxicity both in vitro and in vivo and, most importantly, enhances cell death by apoptosis after magnetic hyperthermia. This indicates that the intracellular release of low-dose CDDP increases the antitumor effect over CDDP-encapsulated liposomes and empty SM. Remarkably, mice bearing induced lung tumors, treated with CDDP-loaded nanovectors and subjected to an applied electromagnetic field, showed an improved survival rate over those treated with either soluble CDDP or hyperthermia alone. Therefore, our approach of magnetic hyperthermia plus CDDP- SM significantly enhances in vitro cell death and in vivo survival of treated animals.
Histological evaluation of pulpal responses after full pulpotomy in mature dogs' teeth using mineral trioxide aggregate with and without the addition of zinc oxide
Authors: Bolhari Behnam , Khouzestani Neda Kardouni , Assadian Hadi , Farzad-Mohajeri Saeed , Dehghan Mohammad Mehdi , Niavarzi Soheil , Dorost Behnam , Nagendrababu Venkateshbabu , F Duncan Henry , Heboyan Artak
Published: August 2024

Background: Addition of zinc oxide (ZnO) to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) has been shown to overcome the problem of tooth discoloration; however, the biological effects of ZnO addition have not been elucidated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the pulpal responses to MTA containing 5% ZnO when used in full pulpotomy in dogs’ teeth.
Methods: Forty caries-free premolars were selected from mixed-breed dogs and were subjected to full pulpotomy. The exposed pulpal tissues were randomly capped with either Angelus MTA (MTA) or Angelus MTA mixed with 5% ZnO (MTA+ZnO) (n = 20 each). After 4 weeks, the teeth were extracted and processed for histological evaluation and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Data related to tissue response were analyzed by the Mann-Whitney U test with a significance level of 95%.
Results: The incidence, thickness and continuity of hard-tissue bridge formation was significantly lower for the MTA+ZnO (p = 0.007, p =0 .001 and p=0.002, respectively). In both experimental groups, most samples exhibited no inflammatory cells. None of the samples in either group demonstrated necrosis.
Conclusions:Incorporation of ZnO into Angelus MTA compromised the quantity and quality of hard-tissue bridge formation observed subsequent to full pulpotomy in dogs’ premolars.
Selection and quantification of key functional genes of some selected bacterial species in a microcosms study for biodegradation of crude oil
Authors: Gani Mustapha , Rahman Azizur
Published: August 2024

GC-MS and qPCR have been used to facilitate the profiling of metabolites from a wide range of oil materials leading to the wide coverage of comprehensive central pathways involving primary metabolism and the quantification of functional genes responsible for the biodegradation of crude oil components. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Pseudomonas lurida for the biodegradation of crude oil. The results of the GC-MS analysis showed an extensive elimination of hydrocarbons of mostly low and medium-chain hydrocarbons. The qPCR analysis was carried out to determine the activity of the functional genes and showed a substantially higher relative fold expression of 4-hydroxybenzoate monooxygenase gene (Ben) of 2.1x1014 fold after the first week (T1) during the biodegradation study with P. lurida. However, low relative gene fold of 60.91 for catechol-2,3-dioxtgenase gene (cat23) was observed. In the same vein, the relative fold expression of 2156.87 was detected for alkane monooxygenase (alkB) gene from a study with P. aeruginosa. This is substantially higher than the expression for cat23 gene and greatly lower than the Ben gene. The overall results of this study could evidently prove the environmental application of these bacterial species – B. endophyticus P. aeruginosa and P. lurida for the management of crude oil polluted environments. Hence, the overall finding from this study could be utilised as a tool to design an engineered bioremediation process to address the long devastating crude oil pollution across the Niger Delta and beyond.
Real-Time Obstacle Perception Method for UAVs with An RGB-D Camera in Low-Light Environments
Authors: Wang Hua , Wang Hao , Liu Yan-Jun , Liu Lei
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a real-time obstacle perception method (ROPM) for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with an RGB-D camera, which aims to address the difficulty of perceiving obstacles in real-time for UAVs in low-light environments. First of all, a novel obstacle detector is designed based on the ensemble detection strategy to rapidly detect dynamic and static obstacles in low-light environments. Moreover, a new tracker is constructed based on Kernel Correlation Filter (KCF), which uses the detection results to obtain obstacle features for regression matching. At the same time, a constant-acceleration Kalman filter is used to estimate the state of the dynamic obstacles in order to achieve the objective of constant and stable dynamic tracking. Furthermore, an obstacle reposition method in the region of obstacle tracking loss is designed, in order to address the problem of occlusion during obstacle perception in unknown low-light environments. Finally, an experiment conducted on a UAV platform in a low-light environment demonstrates the efficiency and accuracy of the aforementioned method.
Highly oxidation desulphurization of gasoline catalyzed by PW 9 La 3 @GO(gly)@CS as an efficient nanocatalyst with excellent recycle performance
Authors: Rezvani Mohammad Ali , Khalafi Nasrin , Khoshkbari Yeganeh , Mirsadri Seyed Amirhosein
Published: August 2024

Air pollution and its problems have led scientists to define new ways of overcoming these obstacles, which among the catalytic oxidative (CODS) process is more noteworthy. Herein, a new green organic/inorganic nanocomposite was designed with keggin-type polyoxometalate, graphene oxide, and chitosan. The PW9La3@GO(gly)@CS (PGC) was fabricated via the sol-gel method and was conducted to the oxidative desulfurization process under mild conditions. The two-step desulfurization of oxidation and oil/water phase separation resulted in marvelous efficiency. This temperature-dependent reaction was further investigated via pseudo-first order kinetics which approved the mechanism of the desulfurization process and its temperature dependency. The three substituted keggin POM showed more efficiency when immobilized on a firm natural polymer like chitosan. Therefore, the PGC was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, XRF, and SEM which confirmed the successful synthesis of this hybrid material.
Alpha-amylase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Properties of Protein Hydrolysates Derived from Cucumeropsis mannii Seed
Authors: Babatunde Oladimeji Taiwo , Bewaji Clement Olatunbosun , Igunnu Adedoyin
Published: August 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a leading cause of death. Managing postprandial hyperglycemia, a key aspect of the disease, can be achieved through α-amylase inhibition and free radical scavenging. Recent studies highlight the potential of plant-derived peptides to inhibit α-amylase and scavenge free radicals. This study investigated the α-amylase inhibitory and antioxidant properties of protein hydrolysates from Cucumeropsis mannii (C. mannii) seed, a protein-rich antidiabetic used in traditional medicine. The amino acid composition of the hydrolysates was determined using amino acid analyzer. The results showed that C. mannii seed yielded 22.8% protein. The pancreatin- and pepsin-derived hydrolysate contained predominantly glutamate (10.61, 7.20 g/100g), leucine (9.32, 5.23 g/100g) and aspartate (7.11, 6.11 g/100g), respectively. The pancreatin- and pepsin-derived hydrolysates yielded alpha-amylase inhibitory activity with IC50 values of 8.77 ± 0.35 mg/mL and > 9.00 ± 0.00 mg/mL, respectively. Kinetics analyses revealed that pancreatin- and pepsin-derived hydrolysates exhibited uncompetitive and mixed uncompetitive inhibitions, respectively at 9 mg/mL. The pancreatin- and pepsin-derived hydrolysates exhibited 2,20-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate cation radical (ABTS+) scavenging activity with IC50 values of 2.58 ± 0.01 mg/mL and > 5.00 ± 0.00 mg/mL; 1,1-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging activity with IC50 values of > 5.00 ± 0.00 mg/mL and > 5.00 ± 0.00 mg/mL, respectively; and reducing power with 20.01 ± 1.20 mM Fe2+ equivalent and 22.80 ± 1.45 mM Fe2+ equivalent, respectively at 5 mg/mL. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the hydrolysates can manage postprandial hyperglycemia in diabetes mellitus by inhibiting α-amylase activity and reducing free radical production.
Homologous expression of Aspergillus niger α-L-rhamnosidase and its application in enzymatic debittering of Ougan juice.
Authors: Zhang Fei , Wang Xue , Pan Lixia , Wang Zhao , zheng jianyong
Published: August 2024

The α-L-rhamnosidase (rha1) gene was homologously expressed in Aspergillus niger strains CCTCC 206047 and CCTCC 206047ΔpyrG, using hygromycin B and auxotrophic as selection markers. The engineered A. niger strains RHA001-1 and RHA003-1 were screened, yielding α-L-rhamnosidase activities of 20.81 ± 0.56 U/mL and 15.35 ± 0.87 U/mL, respectively. The copy numbers of the rha1 gene in strains RHA001-1 and RHA003-1 were found to be 18 and 14, respectively. Correlation analysis between copy number and enzyme activity in the A. niger strains revealed that α-L-rhamnosidase activity increased with the copy number of the rha1 gene. Recombinant α-L-rhamnosidase was utilized for the enzymatic debittering of Ougan juice, and its process conditions were optimized. Furthermore, the primary bitter substance neohesperidin (2.22 g/L) in Ougan juice was converted into hesperetin 7-O-glucoside (1.47 g/L) and hesperidin (0.143 g/L). This study presents a novel approach for the production of food-grade α-L-rhamnosidase and establishes a technical foundation for its application in the beverage industry.
Caregiver Assistance with Young Children’s Emotion Regulation Strategies: Correspondence between Global and Momentary Reports
Authors: Wright Joanna H. , Cox Maggie N. , Giuliani Nicole R.
Published: August 2024

Caregivers play a central role in children’s emotion regulation development. Caregiver assistance with children’s deployment of specific emotion regulation strategies has gained attention in the literature as a key component of emotion socialization. Many studies have examined caregiver support for child emotion regulation strategies using global caregiver self-report measures, but few have leveraged ecological momentary assessment methods to learn about these momentary co-regulatory behaviors in daily life. Furthermore, the degree to which global and momentary reports correspond with each other remains unknown. Discrepancies between global versus momentary reports have important implications for research design and interpretation. The present study evaluated the degree to which caregiver reports of assistance with child emotion regulation strategies collected using ecological momentary assessment aligned with global, retrospective reports. Analyses focused on four emotion regulation strategies: acceptance, distraction, cognitive reappraisal, and expressive suppression. A United States sample of 174 primary caregivers with children ages 1–5.5 years completed online check-ins up to three times per day for seven days. Caregivers reported their child’s emotion and the emotion regulation strategies they helped their child use. Before they began the week of check-ins, caregivers completed a global measure of assistance with child emotion regulation strategies. Correlation and regression analyses showed evidence of correspondence between global and momentary reports for acceptance and expressive suppression, but not for distraction or cognitive reappraisal. Results caution against assuming that global measures of caregiver assistance with child emotion regulations strategies uniformly reflect implementation in the context of daily parent-child interaction.
Monitoring the impacts of climatic seasons on air quality and VOC concentration trends at Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Authors: Moolla Raeesa , Nyathi Clinton
Published: August 2024

High emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOC) pose a serious health risk, including cancer. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the World Health Organization (WHO) list these substances as hazardous air pollutants (HAPs). Air travel and airport operations are major contributors to VOC emissions. Within the VOCs, a group referred to as BTEX (i.e. benzene, toluene, ethyl-benzene and xylenes) pose several health implications on exposure. Therefore, monitoring VOC concentrations at airport settings are imperative. The research was undertaken at Lanseria International Airport for this pilot study. Sampling was conducted in the winters of 2019 and 2020 and the summer of 2020. Monitoring campaigns lasted 14 days, using Radiello Passive Samplers and meteorological data acquired from the South Africa Weather Service (SAWS). BTEX data indicated that winter 2019 pollutant levels were higher than winter 2020. While summer typically produces lower concentrations than winter, summer 2021 saw greater concentrations than winter 2020. This may be attributed to the changing conditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown conditions that were experienced. BTEX results for winter 2019, winter 2020, and summer 2021 were 250.8 µg/m³, 133.63 µg/m³, and 232.5 µg/m³, respectively. The kriging interpolation technique was used to construct hotspot spatial distribution maps. Specifically, the paint shop, the fuel farm, and the apron office at the airport had elevated VOC concentrations over the three years. In contrast, the fire training area had some of the lowest concentration levels mapped. In conclusion, seasonal change, environmental conditions, and lockdown regulations significantly influenced BTEX VOC concentrations.
Sex dimorphism and tissue specificity of gene expression changes in aging mice
Authors: Zhu Dantong , Arnold Matt , Samuelson Brady , Wu Judy , Mueller Amber , Sinclair David A. , Kane Alice E.
Published: August 2024

Background
Aging is a complex process that involves all tissues in an organism and shows sex dimorphism. While transcriptional changes in aging have been well characterized, the majority of studies have focused on a single sex and sex differences in gene expression in aging are poorly understood. In this study, we explore sex dimorphism in gene expression in aging mice across three tissues.
Methods
We collected gastrocnemius muscle, liver and white adipose tissue from young (6 months, n = 14) and old (24 months, n = 14) female and male C57BL/6NIA mice and performed RNA-seq. To investigate sex dimorphism in aging, we considered two levels of comparisons: a) differentially expressed genes between females and males in the old age group and b) comparisons between females and males across the aging process. We utilized differential expression analysis and gene feature selection to investigate candidate genes. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed to identify candidate molecular pathways. Furthermore, we performed a co-expression network analysis and chose the gene module(s) associated with aging independent of sex or tissue-type.
Results
We identified both tissue-specific and tissue-independent genes associated with sex dimorphism in aged mice. Unique differentially expressed genes between old males and females across tissues were mainly enriched for pathways related to specific tissue function. We found similar results when exploring sex differences in the aging process, with the exception that in the liver genes enriched for lipid metabolism and digestive system were identified in both females and males. Combining enriched pathways across analyses, we identified amino acid metabolism, digestive system, and lipid metabolism as the core mechanisms of sex dimorphism in aging. Although the vast majority of age-related genes were sex and tissue specific, we identified 127 hub genes contributing to aging independent of sex and tissue that were enriched for the immune system and signal transduction.
Conclusions
There are clear sex differences in gene expression in aging across liver, muscle and white adipose. Core pathways, including amino acid metabolism, digestive system and lipid metabolism, contribute to sex differences in aging.
Design Optimization for Hydrostatic Pressure in Hybrid Composite Cylinders
Authors: Ngwa Akongnwi Nfor , Chaudhary Birendra , Matos Helio , Shukla Arun
Published: August 2024

This study explores an optimization system to achieve the highest collapse pressure on glass-carbon hybrid composite cylinders under hydrostatic loading conditions. This work evaluates and validates previously established composite buckling solutions for cylindrical composite structures under hydrostatic pressure with experimental results of hybrid composite shells. It utilizes the validated analytical solution to optimize the buckling pressure by varying layup configuration, optimum layup angle, material content, and thickness of each lamina. The optimization is performed on asymmetric and symmetric layup cases to evaluate the influence of the hybrid layup construction on the buckling performance of the structure. Results show that the thicker glass fiber plies are preferred for inner layers and the stiffer carbon fiber plies for the outermost layers to achieve maximum buckling collapse pressure for all the optimization cases, as this configuration provides superior flexural rigidity. For hybrid composite structures with asymmetric configurations, the collapse pressure can be higher when most layers are made of glass fiber if the glass layers are at least twice as thick as the carbon layers. Similarly, axial-load-resistant layers (0o) should be located around the laminate’s geometric center with the hoop-load-resistant layers (90o) on or near the outermost layers and shear-resistant layers (45o) between these layers for both symmetric and asymmetric hybrid structures. Moreover, long tubes with small diameters (L/D > 10) favor hoop bending stiffnesses (90o) for all layers in the laminate due to less influence of boundary conditions at endcap locations.
Genetic mapping and comparative analysis of heading date in hexaploid oat
Authors: Ubert Itacir P. , Nava Itamar Cristiano
Published: August 2024

Heading date is a critical stage in the growth and development of oats. The objectives of this study were to identify DNA markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting heading date in hexaploid oat, and to locate and characterize heading date QTL by comparative analysis using an oat reference genome. Genetic linkage maps were constructed using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in RIL lines from oat populations FL0206B-S-B-S1 × UFRGS 078030-1 and URS Taura × Leggett. Days to heading were collected in field trials, and QTLs for heading date were identified in several genomic regions of the two maps. Oat loci with the most significant additive effects were associated with linkage groups Mrg02, Mrg06, and Mrg05 in the FL0206B-S-B-S1 × UFRGS 078030-1 population and with Mrg12, Mrg24, and Mrg11 in the URS Taura × Leggett population. Major QTLs affecting heading date were mapped to locations consistent with known QTLs and candidate genes that play critical roles in regulating flowering. These genes include Hd3a and FT, which are orthologs of the Vrn3 gene and integrate the vernalization and photoperiod response pathways. The gene PRR37 is an ortholog of Ppd1, the main gene determining photoperiod sensitivity in wheat and barley. The COL13 and GI genes are involved in the regulation of flowering by photoperiod. In addition, novel QTLs were identified that are valuable for molecular selection in oat breeding programs aimed at developing new and improved oat cultivars adapted to specific growing conditions.
Transcriptomics-guided optimization of vitamins to enhance erythromycin yield in saccharopolyspora erythraea
Authors: Ke Xiang , Jiang Xing , Wang Shuohan , Tian Xiwei , Chu Ju
Published: August 2024

Comparative transcriptomics uncovered distinct expression patterns of genes associated with cofactor and vitamin metabolism in the high-yielding mutant strain Saccharopolyspora erythraea HL3168 E3, as compared to the wild-type NRRL 2338. An in-depth analysis was conducted on the effects of nine vitamins, and it was determined that TPP, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, and hemin are key enhancers in erythromycin production in E3. Then, the Plackett-Burman design and the path of steepest ascent were applied to further optimize the vitamin combination for maximum production efficiency. Otherwise, targeted metabolomics and metabolic flux analysis illuminated how vitamin supplementation modulates the central carbon metabolism with notable effects on the TCA cycle and methionine synthesis to augment the provision of energy and precursors essential for erythromycin synthesis. This work highlights the capacity for precise vitamin supplementation to refine metabolic pathways, thereby boosting erythromycin production, and provides valuable directions for application on an industrial scale.
Manifold Learning with Polynomial Projection on Cat Face Recognition
Authors: Dai Sinong , Xu Hao
Published: August 2024

In recent years, cat face recognition has received more and more attention. As an effective dimensional reduction method, manifold learning can help us better understand and deal with high-dimensional data. In this paper, unsupervised manifold learning based on polynomial projection is introduced for cat face recognition. Firstly, the data matrices are acquired by transforming the processed cat face picture into a matrix. Through the selection of datum points, the information coordinates are obtained which construct the polynomial kernel matrix. Next, after the polynomial projection manifold learning algorithm for cat face is proposed, it is applied to get the low-dimensional representation. Finally, carry out cat face recognition on the Graphical User Interface(GUI) and the recognition accuracy is obtained by computation simulations. Compared with the traditional dimensional reduction method, the presented method can provide a more accurate means to achieve cat face recognition which accomplishes the purpose of helping stray cats to go back home.
Exploring factors influencing the consistent adoption of a post-stroke upper extremity outcome measure using Normalisation Process Theory
Authors: Choo Silvana Xinyi , Yong Joshua , Rafi Shaikh Abdullah Bin Mohamed , Lo Chen Ju , Tong Jun Bin , Lum Elaine , Thumboo Julian
Published: August 2024

Background Stroke rehabilitation guidelines recommend using outcome measures like the Fugl-Myer Assessment (FMA) and the Action Research Arm Test for post-stroke upper extremity function assessment. Despite these recommendations, challenges persist in their integration into everyday clinical practice, highlighting the crucial need to comprehend and implement outcome measurement aligned with evolving healthcare models. Objective Our study aimed to use a theory-based approach to identify the barriers and facilitators to routine use of the FMA for post-stroke upper extremity function among hospital-based occupational therapists. Methods Employing a mixed-method sequential exploratory study design rooted in the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT), we gathered quantitative data through a validated survey followed by qualitative insights analysed with directed content analysis from focus group discussions involving occupational therapists from four hospitals. Results The online survey (n = 34) revealed barriers predominantly associated with NPT constructscollective actionandcoherence. Facilitators were primarily linked to thecognitive participationconstruct. Focus group discussion revealed key barriers including inadequate coaching, competing tasks and priorities, and the perceived limited value of the FMA by therapists. Key facilitators were legitimation of therapists’ role in outcome measurement and an open learning culture. Conclusions Through a theory-based approach, we identified distinct challenges and enablers to routine outcome measurement previously not reported in the literature. Our findings provide insights on designing implementation strategies to embed the use of the FMA into routine practice.
Food Insecurity Risk and Dietary Habits of International Students in the COVID-19 Pandemic Period
Authors: Sözlü Saniye , Esin Kübra , Yassıbaş Emine , Ayyıldız Feride
Published: August 2024

Background
International students are at risk for food insecurity (FI), and it is believed that the COVID-19 pandemic has made this situation even worse.
Objective
This study was conducted to determine the changes in the food insecurity (FI) risk and dietary habits of international students receiving education in Türkiye during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods
The data were collected using an online form and included questions on demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, anthropometric measurements, and dietary habits. The 10-item Adult Food Security Survey Module was used to assess FI.
Results
The sample of the study included 451 international university students aged 18–36 years. The mean FI score of the participants before COVID-19 was 4.8 ± 2.95, and the mean FI score during the COVID-19 period was 5.2 ± 2.86 (p < 0.01). The prevalence of FI prior to contracting COVID-19 was 74.7%, which increased to 81.2% during the pandemic (p < 0.01). The prevalence of FI in participants from Africa (87.3%) was significantly greater than that in those from Asia (77.4%) and Europe (54.6%) (p < 0.05). A greater percentage of participants whose fathers were university graduates had food security (FS) (22.7%) than did those whose fathers were primary school graduates (12.2%), and a greater percentage of participants lived with their friends had FI (86.2%) (p < 0.05). It was determined that the healthy dietary habits of the participants who experienced FI during the COVID-19 pandemic and their habits of consuming red meat, chicken, or fish; milk and dairy products; vegetables; fruits; legumes; cereals; and dried nuts decreased more than did these habits among those with FS (p < 0.01).
Conclusions
FI is highly prevalent among international students studying in Türkiye, and the COVID-19 pandemic has aggravated this situation.
Acceptance Criteria for Defects in Pe Welds, Coupling Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing and Destructive Tests
Authors: Gueugnaut Dominique , Tessier Manuel , Bechrouri Myriam , Lopitaux Aymeric , Soleau pierre
Published: August 2024

As a promising reference technique for non-destructive evaluation of both electrowelded and butt-fused assemblies, Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing (PAUT) is still studied extensively in several laboratories worldwide and is supported by the technical standard ISO TS 16943. During the last ten years, several joint projects have been completed aiming at evaluating the acuity of PAUT applied to both pipes and electrofused assemblies either exhumed from the field or prepared in laboratory. More recently, a focus has been made on fixing some acceptance criteria combining PAUT data and long term resistance of the laboratory joints. This paper presents the updated data obtained on electrofused assemblies − 63 mm saddles and 110 mm sockets – containing different types of defects such as: insufficient heating time, pipe under-penetration in the socket, excessive loaclized scraping, pollutants and calibrated thin strips, in both mass and cross configuration, put at the interface pipe-saddle. PAUT scanning on the different specimens, both during the welding phase and after cooling, confirms the capability of the technique to visualize and size the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ), which can be revealed and compared afterwards on sample sections. Moreover, most of the defects are detected and sized, confirming the fairly good Probability of Detection (POD) of PAUT, except for the smallest strips which are located in non accessible zones, due to the particular design of the saddle. Long term resistance of the welds is then evaluated by Hydrostatic Pressure Tests (HPT) followed by a decohesion test after rupture, according to the requirements of both the ISO 13956 and NF EN 1555 standards. Under such test conditions, every joints comply with the requirements of the standards (rupture time greater than 1,000 hours at 80°C and 5 MPa), even those violating the critical proportions of non-welded zones.
Efficacy of malic and tartaric acid in mitigation of cadmium stress in Spinacia oleracea; Modulations in Physiological and Biochemical Attributes
Authors: Shabbir Ansa , Shah Anis Ali , Usman Sheeraz , Ahmed Shakil , Kaleem Muhammad , Shafique Shiffa , Gatasheh Mansour K.
Published: August 2024

The increasing level of cadmium (Cd) contamination in soil due to the actions of humans is a significant problem. This problem not only harms the natural environment, but it also causes major harm to human health via the food chain. The use of chelating agent is useful strategy to improve the heavy metal. This research aimed to mitigate Cd stress by application of organic acids i.e., malic (MA) and tartaric acid (TA). We evaluated the physiological and biochemical features, growth traits of Spinacia oleracea L. under Cd stress. Soil was treated with 100 µM Cd, as well as two dosages of foliar sprays (100 and 150 µM) of MA and TA were applied. The results of this study revealed that exogenously applied 100 µM Cd significantly reduced root and shoot length as well as fresh and dry weight, leaf number, leaf area, photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange parameters, Soil plant analysis development (SPAD), and increase the antioxidants of S. oleracea. Malic and tartaric acids (100 and 150µM) both at 2 level may lower Cd concentrations while also enhancing nutrient uptake and accumulation in treated plants exposed to the Cd environment. Malic and Tartaric acid both overcome the toxicity caused by Cd stress in S. oleracea. When these organic chelates used they have significant effect on all morphological, physiological and biochemical parameters. These finding also demonstrates that TA and MA, when used together, have the ability to reduce Cd-induced phytotoxicity by reducing Cd uptake and enhancing plant development parameters.