bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Self‐Pressurized Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Electrolyzer for Hydrogen Production at High Pressures
Authors: Liao Longfei , Li Mingyu , Yin Yongli , Du Ruixing , Tan Xing , Zhong Qitong , Zeng Feng
Published: December 2024

This study involves the development of a self‐pressurized water electrolyzer for H2 production, highlighting the effects of electrolyzer configuration, operation temperature, flow rate, and pressure on the electrolyzer's performance. The compression of H2 takes up a large proportion of the cost for H2 production through water electrolysis in a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolyzer. However, creating a high‐pressure PEM electrolyzer comes with challenges, such as managing diffusion and ohmic losses that impact cell voltage and efficiency. To address these issues, a novel cell configuration was designed. This configuration aims to minimize the gap among various components, including electrodes, gas diffusion layers, and current collectors. The configuration also leads to reduced cost as well as the difficulty of processing and assembling. Additionally, the gas diffusion layers and current collectors were coated with Pt to enhance their conductivity, effectively reducing the ohmic losses within the cell. Further optimization efforts focused on investigating the effects of temperature, pressure, and water flow on concentration voltage to achieve peak performance. As a result, a cell voltage of 1.868 V was achieved at 1 A/cm2 under 10 MPa operating conditions.
Cu2O@Cu@NiAl‐LDH with Cu0/Cu+ Valence Synergy and Core‐Shell Structure for Highly Selective Generation of C2H6
Authors: Guo Sheng‐hui , Guo Rui‐tang , Zhang Zhen‐rui , Yu Ling‐qi , Yan Ji‐song , Liu Hao , Pan Wei‐Guo
Published: December 2024

Photocatalytic CO2 reduction to produce C2 products remains a challenge. Herein, Cu2O@Cu@NiAl‐LDH composites with three‐dimensional ordered core‐shell structures were successfully prepared, and the effects of Cu2O with different exposed surfaces on CO2 photoreduction were investigated. The synergistic effect of zero‐valent Cu and Cu+ as intermediate electron mediators retains more photogenerated electrons and the Z‐scheme heterojunction formed between Cu2O and NiAl‐LDH leads to the enhancement of C2 selectivity. The best sample, Cu2O@Cu@NiAl‐LDH‐2, achieved a C2H6 yield of 22.17 μmol g−1 h−1 with 63.89 % electron selectivity. The evolution pathways and photocatalytic mechanisms of CO2 were investigated by in‐situ DRIFTS and theoretical calculations. This study provides references and suggestions for the further development of experimental and theoretical calculations of Cu2O‐based photocatalysts for the reduction of CO2 to C2 products.
Engineering the Morphology and Electronic Structure of NiCo2O4 to Boost the Electrocatalytic Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural
Authors: Li Kewang , Lu Huiying , Shi Huijie
Published: December 2024

Electrocatalytic biomass conversion using green electricity is regarded as an important strategy to meet the requirement of sustainable development. NiCo2O4 electrodes with different morphologies and electronic structures were fabricated by changing the precipitants used in the solvothermal process, and applied in the electrocatalytic 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation (HMFOR). The experimental and theoretical calculation results showed NiCo2O4 nanosheets (NCO‐Ns) with low Co/Ni ratio exhibited larger adsorption energy towards HMF and superior intrinsic catalytic activity in HMFOR, while NiCo2O4 nanoneedles (NCO‐Nn) with larger electrochemical active surface areas presented faster electron transfer kinetics and enhanced catalytic performance for 50 mM HMF with a higher conversion rate (99.9 %), 2,5‐furanodicarboxylic acid (FDCA) selectivity (98.6 %) and faraday efficiency (98.6 %). It indicated that compared with NCO‐Ns, NCO‐Nn providing more active sites was kinetically favorable for improving HMFOR efficiency. In‐situ electrochemical Raman investigation revealed that in strong alkaline media, NiOOH formed by the electrochemical reconstruction of NiCo2O4 surface served as the main active species in HMFOR, and an indirect oxidation mechanism was elucidated. This work established the relationship between the electrocatalytic performance of a catalyst and the surface morphology and electronic structure in HMFOR, provided a new idea for improving the electrocatalytic activity of a catalyst, and supported it experimentally.
Seabird nutrient subsidy alters size and resource use of functionally important mangrove macroinvertebrates
Authors: Appoo Jennifer , Graham Nicholas A. J. , Jones Christopher W. , Jaquemet Sébastien , Bunbury Nancy
Published: December 2024

Invertebrates have a central role in food webs and ecosystem functioning. By boosting productivity, allochthonous nutrient inputs influence the food webs of recipient communities. Understanding how allochthonous nutrient subsidies affect invertebrates is crucial, particularly in highly productive coastal areas. Here, we examine how mangrove macroinvertebrates are impacted by nutrient‐rich guano delivered by nesting seabird populations at Aldabra Atoll in the Indian Ocean. We compare nitrogen and carbon stable isotope ratios and nitrogen composition of basal resources and macroinvertebrate consumers in mangroves with and without nesting seabirds. Seabird‐derived nutrient enrichment increased the nitrogen content of basal food sources and herbivorous littorinid gastropods and sesarmid crabs. In mangroves with breeding seabirds, mean carapace widths of sesarmid and omnivorous portunid crabs were 6% and 11% larger, respectively. Isotopic niches of littorinid gastropods and sesarmid crabs were larger and had higher overlap at seabird compared to non‐seabird sites. Epiphytic macroalgae and guano comprised >50% of resource contributions to littorinid gastropods and sesarmid crabs at seabird sites. This differed markedly from non‐seabird sites where the main resource contributions were 77% mangrove leaves for littorinid gastropods, 36% sediment organic matter, and 41% mangrove leaves for sesarmid crabs. The increased sizes of mangrove crabs suggest that seabird nutrient enrichment can promote mangrove crab fisheries productivity and benefit the provisioning of mangrove ecosystem services. By shifting resource use of functionally important macroinvertebrates, we discuss how seabirds modify trophic interactions, with potential consequences for mangrove ecosystem processes and resilience.
Experimental Evidence of Rapidly Decaying Environmental DNA Highlights Infection Risk from Two Major Amphibian Pathogens
Authors: Trafford Joseph D. , Garner Trenton W. J. , Murrell David J. , Day Julia J.
Published: December 2024

Infectious diseases spread through international wildlife trade networks, presenting major conservation and welfare challenges. The diseases amphibian chytridiomycosis (caused predominantly by chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, Bd) and ranavirosis (caused by iridoviruses in the genus Ranavirus, Rv) are the result of infection by globally distributed pathogens. These pathogens spread internationally through live‐animal trade networks and have driven population declines, mass mortalities, and community collapse for a broad range of amphibian species. Environmental (e)DNA methods may provide highly sensitive and non‐invasive pathogen surveillance for traded or wild amphibians. To investigate the relationship between eDNA detection and environmental pathogen persistence, eDNA degradation rates were quantified across a range of temperatures (15°C–25°C) for both Bd and Ranavirus. Estimated decay rates suggest that overall pathogen eDNA concentration degrades by 99% between 18.9–52.4 h. Low levels of pathogen eDNA remained detectable for the duration of the experiment (> 28 days). Time was found to have a significant negative effect on eDNA concentration for both pathogens (p < 0.001). The negative effect of temperature on eDNA concentration was significant for both pathogens (20°C for Rv, p < 0.05; 25°C for Bd/Rv p < 0.001). We argue that high concentrations of eDNA represent viable pathogen in the environment, demonstrating the usefulness of eDNA for the monitoring of disease status of consignments of traded amphibians.
An Innovative Nanoparticle Modified Carbon Paste Microsensor for Ultrasensitive and Selective Detection of Danofloxacin in Environmental and Urinary Samples
Authors: Amra Siham , Bourouina‐Bacha Saliha , Bourouina Mustapha , Hauchard Didier
Published: December 2024

An ultrasensitive and selective voltammetric microsensor (multiwalled carbon nanotube [MWCNT]/carbon black nanoparticle [nCB])‐modified carbon paste microelectrode (mCPµE) with ultra‐trace level detection limit is designed for the determination of danofloxacin (DAN) in real samples. The (MWCNT/nCB)‐mCPµE consists of a carbon paste cavity microelectrode (MEC) modified with nCBs and MWCNTs. The nanostructure of the different MEC materials are characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Under optimal conditions, a wide linear range (2.5 × 10−9–2.5 × 10−7 mol L−1) is obtained. The detection and quantification limits are estimated at 4.3 × 10−10 and 1.43 × 10−9 mol L−1, respectively. For the measurement of DAN in the presence of many possible interfering chemical molecules, the suggested microsensor demonstrates remarkable selectivity. Analysis of the real samples confirms that the (MWCNT/nCB)‐mCPµE is a suitable electrochemical sensor for the determination of DAN in wastewater and urine samples with satisfactory recoveries of 103.5%–104.6% and relative standard deviations less than 4.93%. Finally, in terms of sustainability (availability of materials used), analytical efficiency (precision and very low limit of quantification), and economic considerations (use of a very small quantity of materials), the proposed method outperforms previously reported methods.
Joint Power and Delay Optimization‐Based Resource Allocation in Mu‐MIMO‐OFDM System: Deep Convolutional Red Piranha Pyramid‐Dilated Neural Network
Authors: Vijaipriya K. , Nesasudha M. , Michael Prawin Angel
Published: December 2024

In general, Multi‐User Multiple Input Multiple Output Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (MU‐MIMO‐OFDM) enables multiple users to simultaneously communicate with a single base station using multiple antennas and OFDM modulation. Nevertheless, resource allocation challenges such as power management and delay optimization arise within MU‐MIMO‐OFDM systems, requiring sophisticated solutions to ensure efficient use of resources and optimal system performance. Thus, joint power and delay optimization‐based resource allocation using a Deep Convolutional Pyramid‐Dilated Neural Network (DCPDNN) with Red piranha optimization and Optimal Delay Scheduling conflict graphs Algorithm (DCPDNN‐RPO‐ODSCGA) in MU‐MIMO‐OFDM system is proposed in this presented research. The proposed mechanism is performed in two stages: power allocation and delay optimization. In the first stage, through a Deep Convolutional Pyramid‐Dilated Neural Network (DCPDNN), which aims to maximize throughput, the network resources are distributed to user equipment (UEs) based on power and transmission rate. To reduce the loss function, Red Piranha Optimization (RPO) is proposed to optimize the layers of DCPDNN. In the second stage, the Optimal Delay Scheduling conflict graphs Algorithm (ODSCGA) is proposed for the optimizing delay in the MU‐MIMO‐OFDM system. The multiracial envelope procedure and service curve for traffic flows in the uplink transmission are used in the ODSCGA approach to estimate the delay‐bound value. Ideas like the maximal weight independent set and optimal conflict graph are also utilized. The simulations of DCPDNN‐RPO‐ODSCGA were conducted using MATLAB software. Thus, the proposed approach has attained higher spectral capacity, higher fairness index, and increased cumulative distribution function (CDF), 29.74%, 32.98%, and 16.46% lower loss rate, 28.05%, 24.09%, and 17.45% improved energy efficiency, 15.09%, 13.78%, and 12.05% lower processing time than other conventional approaches like MPQM‐SCA, Hyb‐BF‐DSA, and SIA‐FDBD methods, respectively.
HACDRAN: A Novel Hybrid Atrous Convolution Model With Densenet and Residual Attenuation Network for Multi‐Plant Leaf Disease Classification
Authors: Sahu Kalicharan , Singh Manoj Kumar , Niranjan Maheshwari , Joshi Pratibha
Published: December 2024

The beneficiation of the plant is majorly crucial for both the environment and human life. The crops do trouble from disorders like other species. Various plant leaf disorders happen and trouble the general growth of the crop. These crop leaf disorders are troubles the entire plant consisting flower, root, stem, and leaf. The plant leaf disorders are mostly not taken care of by the farmers so that the crop dies or can create the cause of fruits, flowers and leave a drop. Significant detection of these disorders is essential for detecting and takes preventive measures of plant leaf disorders. The research of plant leaf disorders, procedures, and their causes for handling and managing is known as plant pathology. However, the conventional model encloses the involvement of humans in the identification and categorization of crop leaf disorders. This approach is expensive and consumes more time. It is highly essential to design a new multi‐plant leaf disorder categorization model to tackle the above‐mentioned complexities. At first, the multi‐plant leaf pictures are obtained from online sources and they are offered to the abnormality segmentation phase. Here, the abnormality presented in the multi‐plant leaf image is segmented by adaptive TransUNet, where the parameters are optimized by the developed Mean Position of Sheep Flock and Cuckoo Search (MPSFCS). Further, the abnormality segmented images are offered to the multi‐plant leaf disease classification phase. In this phase, the multi‐plant leaf disorders are categorized by utilizing Hybrid Atrous Convolution based Networks of DenseNet and Residual Attenuation Network (HACDRAN), and their parameters are optimized by the developed MPSFCS to offer effective multi‐plant leaf disease classified outcome. Thus, the developed multi‐plant leaf disease classification model provides a better functionality rate than the conventional methods with multiple analyses.
Combinatorial discovery of small molecule‐doped afterglow polymer composites for anti‐counterfeiting
Authors: Lu Yeqing , Chen Xue , Suh Yung Doug , Liu Xiaowang
Published: December 2024

The exploration of afterglow in small molecule‐doped polymer composites, rooted in a nuanced understanding of structure‐properties relationships, holds paramount importance for optoelectronics. However, conventional strategies face challenges in achieving high‐throughput discovery of these polymers. This study introduces a novel combinatorial approach, employing photoinitiated solvent‐free polymerization, to craft afterglow aromatic boronic acid‐doped polymer composites. The afterglow activation results from stabilizing the triplet states of doped small molecules through a synergy of chemical and physical fixation effects. Aromatic boronic acids emerge as crucial dopants, exhibiting versatility in afterglow development across the visible spectrum. Notably, the influence of functional groups and the number of non‐fused benzene rings on afterglow wavelengths is minimal, while significantly impacting afterglow lifetimes. Besides conjugation degrees, the optimal size and doping concentrations of dopants play a pivotal role in extending afterglow lifetimes. This strategy not only facilitates exploration of small molecule‐based afterglow materials but also enables the feasible fabrication of intricate, multicolor afterglow polymeric objects via a step‐polymerization strategy for anti‐counterfeiting.
Explainable Soybean Futures Price Forecasting Based on Multi‐Source Feature Fusion
Authors: Wu Binrong , Yu Sihao , Lv Sheng‐Xiang
Published: December 2024

The prediction and early warning of soybean futures prices have been even more crucial for the formulation of food‐related policies and trade risk management. Amid increasing geopolitical conflicts and uncertainty in trade policies across countries in recent years, there have been significant fluctuations in global soybean futures prices, making it necessary to investigate fluctuations in soybean futures prices, reveal the price determination mechanism, and accurately predict trends in future prices. Therefore, this study proposes a comprehensive and interpretable framework for soybean futures price forecasting. Specifically, this study employs a set of methodologies. Using a snow ablation optimizer (SAO), this study improves the parameters of a time fusion transformer (TFT) model, an advanced interpretable predictive model based on a self‐attention mechanism. Besides, it addresses the factors influencing soybean futures prices and constructs effective fusion features through a feature fusion method. To explore volatility trends, the original soybean futures price series are decomposed using variational mode decomposition (VMD). This study also enhances the accuracy of soybean futures price predictions by introducing global geopolitical risk coefficients and trading volumes as predictors. The empirical findings suggest that the VMD‐SAO‐TFT model enhances prediction accuracy and interpretability, offering implications for decision‐makers to achieve accurate predictions and early warning of agricultural futures prices.
Science and Justice
Authors: Kaebnick Gregory E.
Published: December 2024

In different ways, the November‐December 2024 issue of the Hastings Center Report contests the view that science is a value‐free endeavor to understand the world. The lead article argues that, while most science is commendable, some is inherently “abhorrent,” as it is both harmful and devoid of value. Contemporary “race science”—the work of a “new wave of race researchers” who use “questionable scientific techniques to investigate alarming hypotheses regarding the genomic basis of differences in cognitive abilities between racial and ethnic groups”—is, for the authors, a paradigmatic case of abhorrent science. The intersection of genomics and values is also the subject of a special report, “Toward a More Just Genomics,” published with this issue.
How to Diagnose Abhorrent Science
Authors: Matthews Lucas J. , Tabery James , Turkheimer Eric
Published: December 2024

What makes certain scientific research controversial? And when does scientific research go beyond being merely controversial to be something far worse? We propose a diagnostic framework for distinguishing between scientific research that is merely controversial and that which is abhorrent. Our framework places research projects along two axes of a value‐harm map. Most research, fortunately, is both valuable and harmless. However, research may be controversial if it is either valuable but harmful or harmless but valueless. The most concerning quadrant of our value‐harm map includes research that is both valueless and harmful, which is abhorrent science. The article's analysis considers a series of case studies, highlighting “new genomic race science” as an exemplar of abhorrent science.
Understanding Organ Stewardship
Authors: Shupe Eli
Published: December 2024

I present a bipartite model of organ stewardship that places it at the intersection of resource stewardship and gift stewardship. Though both forms of stewardship are grounded in relationships of trust, they are importantly distinct, as are the duties they confer. This bipartite model of organ stewardship functions as a beneficial instrument for understanding and resolving conflicts among transplant stakeholders. As proof of concept, I apply the bipartite model of organ stewardship to a controversial case of conditional organ donation, showing that we can better understand the underlying moral conflict if we recognize that it involves a tension between resource and gift stewardship. Then, demonstrating that the model can do more than just explanatory work, I use it to resolve the long‐standing debate over whether organ transplant recipients are organ stewards. Although some transplant recipients are gift stewards, I argue, none are resource stewards, and they therefore do not owe anything to members of the transplant team.
Molecular Profiling Identifies CD49d and CD79b as Predictive Markers for Acquired Acalabrutinib Resistance in Patients With Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia
Authors: Bibikova Elena , Parsa Sara , Floren Muskan , Law Brian , Clevenger Tracy , Cheung Jean , De Jesus Gary , Burke Kathleen , Gulrajani Michael , Yamaguchi Kyoko , Do Phuong , Dougherty Brian , Whitston David , Brock Graham , Munugalavadla Veerendra , Frigault Melanie M. , Hartmann Tanja N. , Byrd John C. , Furman Richard R. , Brown Jennifer R. , Covey Todd , Mortlock Andrew
Published: December 2024

Contemporary studies of Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor (BTKi) resistance focus on mutations in the B‐cell receptor (BCR) pathway, but alternative mechanisms of resistance remain undefined. Here, we sought to identify novel predictive markers of acquired resistance to acalabrutinib, a second‐generation BTKi, in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Clinical samples from 41 patients with relapsed/refractory or treatment‐naive CLL receiving acalabrutinib as part of a clinical trial (NCT02029443) were divided into two groups: those who continued to respond to treatment (NP, n = 23) and those who developed progressive disease on acalabrutinib therapy (PD, n = 18). Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the two groups of patients were profiled at baseline (BL) and at a second timepoint (T2) by RNA‐seq and flow cytometry. Our findings show a correlation between acquired resistance to acalabrutinib and upregulation of integrin alpha‐4 (ITGA4; CD49d), the BCR surface receptor CD79B, and oncogenes such as MYC, LAG3, and MCL1 in CLL cells. High surface expression of CD49d and CD79b prior to acalabrutinib therapy was associated with increased risk of disease progression on acalabrutinib in patients with CLL. When stratified by pretreatment CD49d surface expression, the CD49dhi group (defined as ≥ 30% CD49d+ cells at baseline) showed reduced acalabrutinib‐induced lymphocytosis and higher levels of tumor proliferation markers such as CD38 and Ki‐67 compared with the CD49dlo group (defined as < 30% CD49d+ cells at baseline). In summary, CD49d and CD79b are useful predictive markers for CLL progression on acalabrutinib.

Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02029443
Different Role of PET‐CT Evaluation in Newly Diagnosed Follicular Lymphoma Upon Rituximab‐Based Chemotherapy and Chemo‐Free Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Nan , Huang Xin‐Yun , Jiang Xu‐Feng , Wang Li , Cheng Shu , Xu Peng‐Peng , Dong Lei , Ou‐Yang Bin‐Shen , Mu Rong‐Ji , Li Chen , Zhao Yan , Feng Yan , Dou Hong‐Jing , Zheng Zhong , Zhao Wei‐Li
Published: December 2024

Newly diagnosed follicular lymphoma (FL) patients usually received first‐line rituximab‐based immunochemotherapy (R‐chemo). Recently, rituximab plus lenalidomide (R2) emerged as an alternative chemo‐free immunotherapy. We performed a comparative analysis of positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in FL undergoing R‐chemo or R2. With data of sequential PET/CT at the baseline, interim, and end‐of‐induction, treatment responses and survival outcomes were analyzed using Deauville scores at the interim and end‐of‐induction. Additionally, correlations between interim Deauville scores and baseline PET/CT parameters were explored. Conclusively, we revealed that Deauville 1–3 at the interim and end‐of‐induction showed lower disease progression within 24 months (POD24) and superior progression‐free survival (PFS) in R‐chemo and R2 cohorts. Also, patients with interim Deauville 1–3 exhibited reduced POD24 and favorable PFS as compared to those with interim Deauville 4–5/end‐of‐induction Deauville 1–3. Furthermore, total lesion glycolysis of baseline PET‐CT surpassed standardized uptake value and total metabolic tumor volume in predicting interim Deauville 1–3, with different optimal cutoffs of 2600 and 600 mL in the R‐chemo and R2 cohort. These findings underscored the potential of PET‐CT‐adapted strategies to achieve durable remission in FL undergoing rituximab‐based immunochemotherapy or immunotherapy.
Decreasing Patient Wait Time by Process Level Interventions in an Oncology Daycare Unit: A Quasi‐Experimental Study
Authors: Radheshyam Avani , Ramani Vinod K. , Mhaske Manohar , Naik Radhehsyam
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The DMAIC approach is a five‐phase improvement cycle which enables the advancement of pre‐existing processes and was implemented as part of the “lean” process improvement initiative. The present study aims to improve the work efficiency of chemotherapy daycare unit (CDU) at a cancer hospital. The objectives include studying the process flow of the CDU, estimating the patient wait time (PWT) before infusion at the CDU, and implementing new measures to improve its functioning.

Methods

In this quasi‐experimental study, PWT of the CDU process was assessed and its work efficiency was analyzed using other parameters of functioning. The research team implemented a planning system using “lean” methods for reducing the patient contact points in the hospital, streamlining the workflow of patient services at CDU and reducing the laboratory waiting time. The patient satisfaction survey enabled measuring the quality of care at CDU.

Results

The study methodology was “lean‐DMAIC,” which enabled an improvement in the activities performed by the CDU staff. The mean difference in PWT between the two groups (pre‐ and postintervention) was 13.93 min, which is a significant (p < 0.001) reduction (19%) in the mean PWT values. Although the patient satisfaction survey did not show significant results for the general questionnaire conducted on study subjects (95 patients each in the pre‐ and postintervention groups), the intervention‐specific questionnaire on the cohort of 20 patients showed a significant mean difference (µ = 4.2 ± 0.3 and 4.8 ± 0.2, p < 0.001) between the pre‐ and postintervention groups.

Conclusion

The results of the study implicate the potential of revising the process flow for a subset of oncology patients, and its impact on the efficiency of CDU. Adopting a lean technique in the study resulted in an improvised work approach and an anticipative growth in revenue generation.
Prevalence of Diabetic Foot Ulcer and Determinant Factors Among Adult Diabetic Patients Who Attend the Diabetic Follow‐Up at Adwa General Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Mekonen Haftea Hagos , Gebru Tsegu Hailu
Published: December 2024

Background and Aims

Diabetic foot ulcers are the main complication of diabetes mellitus. There is limited information on the prevalence and factors of diabetic foot ulcers in Ethiopia, particularly to the study setting. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of diabetic foot ulcers and determinant factors among adult diabetic patients who attend the diabetic follow‐up at Adwa General Hospital, Ethiopia, 2019.

Methods

An institutional‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted. The data was collected using face to face interviews, direct observation, and a patient's records reviews. Data were cleaned, entered, and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with a diabetic foot ulcer. Finally, p < 0.05 in multivariable logistic regression was used to declare statistical significance.

Results

The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was 13%. Being a rural residence (AOR = 7.180, 95% CI: 2.663–19.359), oral hypoglycemic medication (AOR = 2.521, 95% CI: 1.001–6.349), medication nonadherence (AOR = 4.480, 95% CI: 1.954–10.269), poor diabetic foot self‐care practice (AOR = 4.350, 95% CI: 1.378–13.731), lost to follow‐up (AOR = 4.838, 95% CI: 1.828–12.801), neuropathy (AOR = 4.938, 95% CI: 1.565–15.580), and alcohol drink (AOR = 4.178, 95% CI: 1.592–10.966) were the determinant factors.

Conclusion

The prevalence of diabetic foot ulcer was high. Being a rural residence, oral hypoglycemic medication, medication nonadherence, poor diabetic foot self‐care practice, lost to follow‐up, neuropathy, and alcohol drinks were the determinants of diabetic foot ulcer. Health education on diabetic foot self‐care practice, alcohol drink, and the other determinants are important to prevent diabetic foot ulcer.
A Study of Quadratic Buoyancy‐Driven Magnetohydrodynamic Stagnation‐Point Flow With Radiative Heat, Thermophoresis, and Arrhenius Energy Over a Stretching Surface
Authors: Das Utpal Jyoti , Patgiri Indushri
Published: December 2024

The motivation of this study is to explore the magnetohydrodynamic flow of the Newtonian fluid model, focusing on the effects of thermophoresis and nonlinear convection on the viscous fluid in a stretchy sheet embedded in permeable media. This work aims to study the flow behavior, including the novel effects of radiative heat in the energy equation and energy activation in the concentration equation. Through proper similarity variables, governing equations are transformed to dimension‐free form. The nonlinear dimension‐free equations are solved via the bvp4c tool. The study of stagnation‐point flow for a viscous nanofluid towards a stretchable area offers a comprehensive understanding of the relationships between fluid dynamics, heat transportation, and material properties. The flow behavior of several physical factors is studied graphically for temperature, velocity, and concentration boundary layer. Moreover, skin friction, mass, and heat transmission rates are important in this investigation. The impact of skin friction, heat, and mass transmission rates are represented in a table. From observation, it is highlighted that the permeability parameter reduces fluid velocity and the heat transport rate. Magnetic parameter enhances skin friction. Heat and mass transfer rates decrease by 0.39% and 0.21%, respectively, whereas skin friction rises by 6.19% when M is increased by 0.5 from 0.5 to 1. The heat transfer rate increases by 0.06% when the activation energy is increased by 0.2 from 0.4 to 0.6, but the mass transfer rate declines by 39.8%. Eckert number and radiation parameters enhance the fluid's temperature. The concentration boundary layer reduces for increasing chemical reactions and Schmidt numbers. This research helps design efficient systems and processes for engineering and commercial uses incorporating fluid motion and heat exchange.
The Role of Periodic Mixing on Thermal Energy Extraction From an L‐Shaped Heater Covered by Porous Layer
Authors: Tarek Nehila , Ismael Muneer
Published: December 2024

In this numerical study, a technical solution is proposed to maximize heat transfer within a square cavity by integrating an L‐shaped porous layer in the lower right part of the cavity, covering an L‐shaped heat sink heated to a set temperature. Additionally, a thin bar undergoes a periodic sinusoidal motion with an amplitude of Vbar and a period of ωbar. The finite element method is used to solve the governing dimensionless nonlinear equations, with a mesh test supported by numerical and experimental validations. The study focuses on the effects of bar displacement amplitude (Vbar = 0.1–0.4), displacement period (ωbar = 1/3–1), Reynolds number (Re = 50, 100, and 200), Darcy number (Da = 10−2 and 10−4), and porosity (ε = 0.75–0.95) on the average Nusselt number, streamlines, and isotherms distribution. The numerical results show that increasing the bar displacement amplitude, Darcy number, and Reynolds number can significantly enhance the overall heat transfer, while an increase in the porosity of the porous medium has the opposite effect. The bar's sinusoidal motion and the porous medium's presence alter the flow dynamics within the cavity and directly influence heat transfer.
Modeling cancer–microbiome interactions in vitro: A guide to co‐culture platforms
Authors: Moskal Kamil , Khurana Nimisha , Siegert Luisa , Lee Ye Seul , Clevers Hans , Elinav Eran , Puschhof Jens
Published: December 2024

The biology of cancer is characterized by an intricate interplay of cells originating not only from the tumor mass, but also its surrounding environment. Different microbial species have been suggested to be enriched in tumors and the impacts of these on tumor phenotypes is subject to intensive investigation. For these efforts, model systems that accurately reflect human–microbe interactions are rapidly gaining importance. Here we present a guide for selecting a suitable in vitro co‐culture platform used to model different cancer–microbiome interactions. Our discussion spans a variety of in vitro models, including 2D cultures, tumor spheroids, organoids, and organ‐on‐a‐chip platforms, where we delineate their respective advantages, limitations, and applicability in cancer microbiome research. Particular focus is placed on methodologies that facilitate the exposure of cancer cells to microbes, such as organoid microinjections and co‐culture on microfluidic devices. We highlight studies offering critical insights into possible cancer–microbe interactions and underscore the importance of in vitro models in those discoveries. We anticipate the integration of more complex microbial communities and the inclusion of immune cells into co‐culture systems to more accurately simulate the tumor microenvironment. The advent of ever more sophisticated co‐culture models will aid in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer‐microbiome interplay and contribute to exploiting their potential in novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Silicone Loss During Histological Preparation of Breast Implant Tissue From Capsular Contracture, Quantified by Stimulated Raman Scattering Microscopy
Authors: Schmidt Robert W. , de Bakker Erik , Ariese Freek
Published: December 2024

Breast augmentations, commonly performed for aesthetic or medical reasons, often use silicone (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]) implants. Some patients develop complications like capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant. Previously, we used stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy to detect and quantify silicone in stained capsule tissue, finding a correlation between silicone amount and contracture severity. However, we suspected silicone loss during histological preparation, which includes multiple steps like formalin fixation and paraffin embedding. In this study, we assessed silicone loss by comparing adjacent tissue samples from the same capsule: one prepared conventionally and the other snap‐frozen. SRS microscopy revealed that snap‐frozen samples had roughly five times more silicone, indicating significant silicone loss during conventional preparation. Thus, measuring silicone in histologically prepared samples likely underestimates PDMS content.
A Comprehensive Review Highlighting the Prospects of Phytonutrient Berberine as an Anticancer Agent
Authors: Haque Shafiul , Mathkor Darin Mansor , Bhat Sajad Ahmad , Musayev Abdugani , Khituova Lidiya , Ramniwas Seema , Phillips Enosh , Swamy Nitin , Kumar Suneel , Yerer Mukerrem Betul , Tuli Hardeep Singh , Yadav Vikas
Published: December 2024

﻿Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid derived from various medicinal plants, emerges as a potential therapeutic agent against diverse human diseases. It has particularly shown notable anticancer efficacy against breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, and liver cancer. Berberine results in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppressing angiogenesis, positioning it as a versatile, multitargeted therapeutic tool against cancer. Notably, berberine enhances the effectiveness of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs, mitigating associated drug resistance. Mechanistically, it has been shown to exert its efficacy by targeting molecules like nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐κB), mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs), and phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/Akt, thereby inhibiting survival pathways and promoting apoptosis of cancer cells. Moreover, berberine influences the expression of tumor suppressor genes, curtails cancer cell migration and invasion, and modulates the tumour microenvironment. Despite promising preclinical evidence, further research is essential to comprehensively elucidate its mechanisms of action and evaluate its safety and efficacy in clinical settings. In the present review, we have highlighted the pharmacokinetics, biosynthesis, and recent research work done pertaining to berberine's strong anticancer activity. We have also emphasised on the research being done on nanoformulations of berberine, which aim to improve its stability and bioavailability.
Anti‐Hyperlipidemic, Antioxidant, Anti‐Inflammatory and Antidiabetic Effect of Brucine Against Streptozotocin‐Induced Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats
Authors: Feng Ling , Gao Lei
Published: December 2024

Among the diabetes‐related complications, diabetic nephropathy is the major complication and it leads to end‐stage renal failure. In the current investigation, we examined the protection of brucine, an alkaloid extracted from the seeds of Strychnos nux vomica plant widely used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicines against diabetic‐induced nephropathy. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, diabetic rats, diabetic‐induced + 40 mg/kg brucine‐treated rats, and diabetic‐induced + 25 mg/kg metformin‐treated rats. The 35 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ) was injected into (i.p.) rats to induce diabetes, and then rats were post‐treated with brucine and metformin for 45 days. The food intake, weight gain, fasting blood glucose, HbA1C, insulin, and HOMA‐IR values were measured on initial and after completion of treatment to confirm the induction of diabetes by STZ and the antidiabetic effect of brucine. The rats were euthanized on 45th day, and kidney tissue was isolated to assess the nephroprotective effect of brucine. The antioxidant property of brucine was analyzed by measuring the oxidative stress and antioxidant biomarkers. The lipid profiles in the control and treated rats were measured. To assess the nephroprotective effect of brucine KIM‐1 protein was measured. The anti‐inflammatory property of brucine was assessed by quantifying the levels of pro‐inflammatory cytokines i.e., NF‐κB, TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, TGF‐β and to confirm the nephroprotective effect. The histopathological analysis was also performed with H&E staining. Our results suggested that brucine showed potent antidiabetic, antioxidant, antilipidemic, anti‐inflammatory, and nephroprotective properties.
Overexpression of lncRNA LINC00294 Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis in Colorectal Cancer by Regulating the miR‐499a‐5p/LARP4B Axis
Authors: Wang Ke , Nie Yuanhua , Wang Shilong , Chang Dongmin
Published: December 2024

Increasing long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been found to participate in regulating the progression of colorectal cancer (CRC), which is a common gastrointestinal malignancy. Here, the specific role and mechanisms of lncRNA LINC00294 were investigated in CRC. The expression levels of LINC00294, miR‐499a‐5p, and La‐related protein 4B (LARP4B) in CRC cells (HCT116 and SW620) and tissues were assessed by RT‐qPCR. The viability, proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of HCT116 and SW620 cells were determined by CCK‐8, EdU, and flow cytometry assays. Protein levels of cell cycle and cell apoptosis markers were measured by western blot analysis. FISH assay was performed to evaluate the subcellular localization of LINC00294 in CRC cells. Luciferase reporter assay, RNA pull‐down assay, as well as RIP assay verified the interactions between miR‐499a‐5p and LINC00294 (or LARP4B). The xenograft model was established in mice to investigate the function of LINC00294 in vivo. LINC00294 presented a decreased expression level in CRC cells and tissues. LINC00294 overexpression suppressed the cell proliferative capacity, promoted cell cycle arrest, and induced cell apoptosis in CRC HCT116 and SW620 cells. LINC00294 interacted with miR‐499a‐5p, and miR‐499a‐5p targeted LARP4B. MiR‐499a‐5p was upregulated while LARP4B was downregulated in CRC cells. In rescue assays, LARP4B knockdown reversed the inhibition of LINC00294 overexpression on malignant phenotypes of HCT116 and SW620 cells. In the xenograft model, LINC00294 overexpression inhibited tumor growth in vivo. LINC00294 exerted an antitumor function in CRC by forming a LINC00294/miR‐499a‐5p/LARP4B regulatory network.
Cx43 Regulates Nicotine‐Induced Proliferation and Migration of Distal Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells by the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Hou Xiaomin , Xu Xinrong , Dong Lin , Li Yanhua , Liang Ruifeng , Zhang Mingsheng , Nie Jisheng , Shi Yiwei , Qin Xiaojiang
Published: December 2024

Pulmonary hypertension is a progressive disease associated with remodeling of the pulmonary vasculature. Excessive proliferation and migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) play important roles in nicotine‐induced vascular injury. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is involved in intracellular communication and regulation of the pulmonary vasculature. However, the role of Cx43 and the potential mechanisms in PASMCs proliferation and migration induced by nicotine remains not very clear. In this study, we used both in vitro and in vivo models to explore the crucial role of Cx43 in pulmonary artery remodeling in nicotine treatment Tagln‐Cre; Cx43+/+ and Cx43 heterozygous (Tagln‐Cre; Cx43flox/+) or Cx43 Homozygous (Tagln‐Cre; Cx43flox/flox) deletion mice, and further explore the mechanism. We found that nicotine exposure led to modifications in the morphology and ultrastructure of pulmonary arteries in Tagln‐Cre; Cx43+/+ mice. Nicotine increased the Cx43 expression of pulmonary arteries and promoted the proliferation and migration of PASMCs of Tagln‐Cre; Cx43+/+ mice in a concentration‐dependent manner by promoting ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Compared with the Tagln‐Cre; Cx43+/+ mice, the Tagln‐Cre; Cx43flox/+ mice were protected against increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by nicotine. These results demonstrated that the downregulation of Cx43 reduced nicotine‐induced proliferation and migration of distal PASMCs by inhibiting ERK1/2 phosphorylation.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Performance for the Measurement of Key Serum Minerals: A Comparative Study With Standard Quantification Methods
Authors: Kojo Kosuke , Oguri Tomoko , Tanaka Takazo , Ikeda Atsushi , Shimizu Takuya , Fujimoto Shunsuke , Nakazono Ayumi , Nagumo Yoshiyuki , Kandori Shuya , Negoro Hiromitsu , Nishiyama Hiroyuki
Published: December 2024

Background

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) is widely used for the accurate measurement of minerals. However, its application to serum essential mineral measurement has not been fully evaluated. The present study aimed to assess the performance of ICP‐MS for serum minerals by comparing its measurements to those obtained using standard quantification methods.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data were collected from 282 participants from a single facility in Japan. Serum concentrations of eight key minerals, namely sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, zinc, and copper, measured via ICP‐MS and standard methods were compared using Passing–Bablok regression and Bland–Altman plots.

Results

All minerals, except phosphorus, exhibited good agreement with standard methods, with more stable regression coefficients observed for minerals with greater interindividual variability. After systematically filtering outliers, the mean relative errors were approximately −3% for sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; +5% for iron; 0% for zinc; and −19% for copper. The outliers for iron were primarily due to mild hemolysis, whereas those for zinc were largely attributed to nonhemolysis factors. For phosphorus, the serum total phosphorus concentration measured using ICP‐MS was approximately 3.5 times higher than the serum inorganic phosphorus concentration measured using standard methods, with a weak correlation observed between the two methods.

Conclusion

This study provides a practical foundation for future research. Understanding ICP‐MS characteristics will facilitate the development of new approaches in clinical diagnostics.
oar‐miR‐411a‐5p Promotes Proliferation and Differentiation in Hu Sheep Myoblasts Under Heat Stress by Targeting SMAD2
Authors: Lu Jiawei , Liu Yilan , Li Huixia
Published: December 2024

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding RNAs that produce a remarked effect on regulating posttranscriptional gene expression. Our previous study identified a decrease in the expression of oar‐miR‐411a‐5p from umbilical plasma in intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) Hu lambs subjected to maternal heat stress. In this study, we demonstrated that oar‐miR‐411a‐5p could modulate skeletal muscle development. Overexpression of oar‐miR‐411a‐5p significantly enhanced proliferation and differentiation in heat‐stressed Hu sheep myoblasts while suppressing apoptosis. Conversely, inhibition of oar‐miR‐411a‐5p resulted in opposing effects. Subsequently, RNAhybrid analysis revealed targeted sites between oar‐miR‐411a‐5p and the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of SMAD2. This suggested that SMAD2 is a direct target gene of oar‐miR‐411a‐5p, as its expression was negatively modulated by oar‐miR‐411a‐5p, a finding corroborated by dual‐luciferase assay and RT‐qPCR. Furthermore, co‐transfection of oar‐miR‐411a‐5p and SMAD2 into Hu sheep myoblasts indicated that oar‐miR‐411a‐5p modulated heat‐stressed myoblast growth by targeting SMAD2. In conclusion, these findings elucidate the function of oar‐miR‐411a‐5p in promoting the development of heat‐stressed Hu sheep myoblasts, thereby enhancing our understanding of how miRNAs influence skeletal muscle growth in heat‐stressed Hu sheep.
The Nematocidal Effect of Leiurus quinquestratus Scorpion Venom on Toxocara canis in Mice Model
Authors: Salama Wesam M. , Elmahy Rasha A.
Published: December 2024

One neglected zoonotic illness is toxocariasis. There are not enough anthelmintic drugs in the market to treat low‐effectiveness toxocariasis against migrating larvae. Therefore, it is critical to find new, safe alternatives to toxocariasis treatment today. The venom of the Leiurus quinquestratus scorpion (LQV) has numerous medicinal uses. The purpose of this study was to conduct that LQV had an effect on T. canis larvae in the model of mice. Fifty male mice were divided into five groups (n = 10). Group 1 (Gp1) was the negative group, and from Gp2‐Gp5 had been infected with 800–1000 T. canis embryonated eggs. Gp2 was left as positive control, Gp3 was orally administrated with albendazole (Alb) (100 mg/kg/b.wt) for 7 consecutive days at first day post infection (pi), Gp4 was injected intra‐peritoneal (i.p) with LQV (0.03 mg/kg/b.wt) for 15 consecutive days at the first day pi, and Gp5 was given Alb/LQV in the same way and doses as Gp3 and Gp4. At the end of the experiment, at 30th pi, the blood samples were collected for evaluating the biochemical and hematological parameters. The larval count reduction in brain were evaluated, and the histopathological changes in brain and liver were detected. The results showed that, treatment with LQV or Alb/LQV combinations significantly reduced the larval burden in the brain of the infected mice with reduction percentage reached to 70, and 72%, respectively. Interestingly, LQV and Alb/LQV significantly reduced IL‐4, IL‐10, and TNF –α levels and increased IFN‐γ levels. Also, improved the liver transaminases activity, and ameliorated liver and brain architecture. Collectively, LQV may be a promising treatment for T. canis infection and albendazole alternative.