bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early occurrence of lion (Panthera spelaea) at the Middle Pleistocene Acheulean site of Notarchirico (MIS 16, Italy)
Authors: Iannucci Alessio , Mecozzi Beniamino , Pineda Antonio , Sardella Raffaele , Carpentieri Marco , Rabinovich Rivka , Moncel Marie‐Hélène
Published: June 2024

The long sedimentary sequence of Notarchirico has yielded evidence of one of the earliest Acheulean manifestations in Europe and of recurrent hominin occupation, spanning from the end of the interglacial MIS 17 to the glacial MIS 16 (~695–610 ka). Here, we report the new discovery of a lion, Panthera spelaea, from the site, based on a metatarsal from layer A. This part of the sequence dates to ~660–612 ka (MIS 16, 40Ar/39Ar age). Therefore, Notarchirico's lion represents the earliest confirmed occurrence of the species in southwestern Europe, although older findings are known from adjacent areas. Lions and several other large mammal species dispersed into Europe during the Early–Middle Pleistocene Transition, which also witnessed the spread of the Acheulean. Ecological and behavioural adaptability was probably key, for hominins and other species, to cope with the intense and recurrent environmental fluctuations that occurred during this period.
Incision and rock uplift along the Lower Seine River since Marine Isotope Stage 8
Authors: Chourio‐Camacho Diana , Grimaud Jean‐Louis , Tissoux Hélène , Bessin Paul , Voinchet Pierre , Vartanian Emmanuel , Noble Mark , Bertran Pascal
Published: June 2024

The study of alluvial terraces helps in reconstructing the past geometries of rivers and makes it possible to assess the rate and pattern of fluvial incision and bedrock uplift. The fluctuations of river base levels are particularly variable and complex during the Late Quaternary in the lower course of rivers due to the interplay of responses to sea‐level fluctuations, tectonics and glacio‐isostasy. In this paper, the geometry and chronology of Manoir Brésil, an outcrop of alluvial terraces of the Lower Seine River, northern France, are investigated through a multidisciplinary study. Fluvial incision during MIS 8 in the Lower Seine in relation to sea‐level drop is recorded by an erosional surface cut into the chalk bedrock. This surface is covered by MIS 7 tidal deposits and then by younger, mostly periglacial colluvium (head). Manoir Brésil is therefore considered to be a chronological equivalent of the nearby, well‐studied Tourville‐la‐Rivière outcrop. The deposits are affected by post‐MIS 7 cryoturbation processes. Based on the local elevation of MIS 7 tidal deposits and erosional surfaces at Manoir Brésil, a minimum bedrock uplift rate of 25–40 m/Ma and an erosion rate of 125 m/Ma during glacial periods can be proposed. A regional correlation of the MIS 8 erosional surface is increasingly deformed by uplift towards the North, making it difficult to correlate the fluvial deposits along the Seine without precise chronological control. We interpret this regional tilt as the result of isostasy rebound after glaciations, consistent with the distribution of the elevations of MIS 5e and MIS 7 marine deposits along the English Channel.
Efficiency of freeze‐ and spray‐dried microbial preparation as active dried starter culture in kombucha fermentation
Authors: Phan Van Thach , Nguyen Quoc‐Duy , Nguyen Nhu‐Ngoc , Do Anh Duy
Published: June 2024

BACKGROUND

Kombucha is a widely consumed fermented beverage produced by fermenting sweet tea with a symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast (SCOBY). The dynamic nature of microbial communities in SCOBY may pose challenges to production scale‐up due to unpredictable variations in microbial composition. Using identified starter strains is a novel strategy to control microorganism composition, thereby ensuring uniform fermentation quality across diverse batches. However, challenges persist in the cultivation and maintenance of these microbial strains. This study examined the potential of microencapsulated kombucha fermentation starter cultures, specifically Komagataeibacter saccharivorans, Levilactobacillus brevis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, through spray‐drying and freeze‐drying.

RESULTS

Maltodextrin and gum arabic–maltodextrin were employed as carrier agents. Our results revealed that both spray‐dried and freeze‐dried samples adhered to physicochemical criteria, with low moisture content (2.18–7.75%) and relatively high solubility (65.75–87.03%) which are appropriate for food application. Freeze‐drying demonstrated greater effectiveness in preserving bacterial strain viability (88.30–90.21%) compared to spray drying (74.92–78.66%). Additionally, the freeze‐dried starter strains demonstrated similar efficacy in facilitating kombucha fermentation, compared to the SCOBY group. The observations included pH reduction, acetic acid production, α‐amylase inhibition and elevated total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Moreover, the biological activity, including antioxidant potential and in vitro tyrosinase inhibition activity, was enhanced in the same pattern. The freeze‐dried strains exhibited consistent kombucha fermentation capabilities over a three‐month preservation, regardless of storage temperature at 30 or 4 °C.

CONCLUSION

These findings highlight the suitability of freeze‐dried starter cultures for kombucha production, enable microbial composition control, mitigate contamination risks and ensure consistent product quality. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Motor Efficacy of Subcutaneous DIZ102, Intravenous DIZ101 or Intestinal Levodopa/Carbidopa Infusion
Authors: Bergquist Filip , Ehrnebo Mats , Nyholm Dag , Johansson Anders , Lundin Fredrik , Odin Per , Svenningsson Per , Dizdar Nil , Eriksson Elias
Published: June 2024

Background

It has been suggested that carbidopa at high blood concentrations may counter the therapeutic effect of levodopa in Parkinson's disease by entering the brain and blocking central levodopa conversion to dopamine. We previously demonstrated equivalent plasma levodopa concentration in patients with Parkinson's disease during 16 h of (1) intravenous carbidopa/levodopa (DIZ101) infusion, (2) subcutaneous carbidopa/levodopa (DIZ102) infusion or (3) intestinal carbidopa/levodopa gel infusion. Plasma levels of carbidopa were however approximately four times higher with DIZ101 and DIZ102 than with LCIG, and higher than those usually observed with oral levodopa/carbidopa.

Objectives

To investigate if high carbidopa blood concentrations obtained with parenteral levodopa/carbidopa (ratio 8:1) counter the effect of levodopa on motor symptoms.

Methods

Eighteen patients with advanced Parkinson's disease were administered DIZ101, DIZ102, and intestinal levodopa/carbidopa gel for 16 h on different days in randomized order. Video recordings of a subset of the motor examination in the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) were evaluated by raters blinded for treatment and time. Motor function was also measured using a wrist‐worn device monitoring bradykinesia, dyskinesia, and tremor (Parkinson KinetiGraph).

Results

There was no tendency for poorer levodopa effect with DIZ101 or DIZ102 as compared to LCIG.

Conclusion

Although DIZ101 or DIZ102 causes approximately four times higher plasma carbidopa levels than LCIG, patients responded equally well to all treatments. The results do not indicate that high plasma carbidopa levels hamper the motor efficacy of levodopa.
An X/Ku‐band shared aperture antenna with open, short, and load‐ended series‐feed center‐fed chebyshev amplitude distribution array for AIR‐BORNE‐synthetic aperture radar
Authors: Kati Praveena , Kothapudi Venkata Kishore
Published: June 2024

This article presents a dual‐band shared aperture antenna array designed for ASAR applications. The antenna array comprises eight elements for Chebyshev array configurations in both X/Ku‐bands. The proposed array achieves a scanning angle of ±25° by employing an interelement spacing of 0.7 λ. The layout mitigates mutual coupling effects and provides good isolation performance between the X‐ and Ku‐band antenna arrays across all synthesis techniques. Adopting the open, short, and load antenna array achieves different side lobe level (SLL) performances, >−25 dB. The isolation between bands and between the three conditions is quantified as follows: S16 = S61 = −68 dB, S15 = S51 = −55 dB, S12 = S21 = −46 dB, S43 = S34 = −49 dB, and S56 = S65 = −43 dB. The SLL values for each synthesis technique in the X/Ku‐band are as follows: Chebyshev simulated and measured results for open‐ended (X/Ku‐band: −26/−24 dB/−27/−26.8 dB). Furthermore, the antenna array achieves maximum realized gains in different positions (0°, 5°, 10°, 15°, 20°, 25°) in the X/Ku‐band. The gains for each synthesis technique are as follows: Chebyshev (The measured gain of this X/Ku‐band is high around 16.2/16.5 dBi (open‐ended), 13.1/14.2 dBi (short‐ended), and 15.3/15.2 dBi (load‐ended). The antenna array exhibits a comparatively wide impedance bandwidth Chebyshev (X/Ku‐band: 100/230 MHz).
Mechanism and experimental investigation on the formation of micro‐triangle stepped jet in composite spinning solution
Authors: Zhang Zhiming , Huang Xinyu , Hong Da , Ye Peiyan , Chen Zhen , Xu Qiao
Published: June 2024

In the field of nanotechnology, rotary jet spinning technology has garnered attention due to its unique advantages in fabricating composite nanofibers. The composite nanofibers prepared using this technology exhibit exceptional purity, uniformity, and consistency, thereby enhancing reliability and controllability in practical applications. During the process of rotary jet spinning, the spinning solution flows into the nozzle and converges at a micro‐triangle under the combined influence of centrifugal force, viscous force, surface tension, and gravity. Stepped jet refers to the flow phenomenon occurring within a channel with a gradually decreasing cross‐sectional area. In this process, an increase in the flow velocity of the composite spinning solution aids in stabilizing stretching at the micro‐triangle which is crucial for forming continuous jets. This article analyzes cone formation mechanisms for composite spinning solutions and stepped jet principles while establishing corresponding models that reflect relationships between solution velocity magnitude and parameters such as rotational speed, concentration, and nozzle diameter. Finally, polyethylene oxide (PEO)/polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) composite nanofibers were prepared using a rotary jet spinning device where experimental investigation focused on examining how parameters such as rotational speed, solution concentration, and nozzle diameter impact motion of spinning solution within micro‐triangle.

Highlights

Preparation of PEO/PVP composite nanofibers by rotary jet spinning.

Presentation of cone formation mechanisms for composite solutions.

The stepped injection principle was proposed.

Modeling of composite solution motion.

Rotational speed, solution concentration, and nozzle diameter impact motion.
Quantifying Protein Acetylation in Diabetic Nephropathy from Formalin‐Fixed Paraffin‐Embedded Tissue
Authors: Schwab Stefanie K. , Harris Peter S. , Michel Cole , McGinnis Courtney D. , Nahomi Rooban B. , Assiri Mohammed A. , Reisdorph Richard , Henriksen Kammi , Orlicky David J. , Levi Moshe , Rosenberg Avi , Nagaraj Ram H. , Fritz Kristofer S.
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of chronic kidney disease and end‐stage renal disease. One potential mechanism underlying cellular dysfunction contributing to kidney disease is aberrant protein post‐translational modifications. Lysine acetylation is associated with cellular metabolic flux and is thought to be altered in patients with diabetes and dysfunctional renal metabolism.

Experimental Design

A novel extraction and LC‐MS/MS approach was adapted to quantify sites of lysine acetylation from formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) kidney tissue and from patients with DKD and non‐diabetic donors (n = 5 and n = 7, respectively).

Results

Analysis of FFPE tissues identified 840 total proteins, with 225 of those significantly changing in patients with DKD. Acetylomic analysis quantified 289 acetylated peptides, with 69 of those significantly changing. Pathways impacted in DKD patients revealed numerous metabolic pathways, specifically mitochondrial function, oxidative phosphorylation, and sirtuin signaling. Differential protein acetylation in DKD patients impacted sirtuin signaling, valine, leucine, and isoleucine degradation, lactate metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and ketogenesis.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

A quantitative acetylomics platform was developed for protein biomarker discovery in formalin‐fixed and paraffin‐embedded biopsies of kidney transplant patients suffering from DKD.
On the wavefunction cutoff factors of atomic hydrogen confined by an impenetrable spherical cavity
Authors: Reyes‐García Roberto , Cruz Salvador A. , Cabrera‐Trujillo Remigio
Published: June 2024

The Schrödinger equation for the hydrogen atom enclosed by an impenetrable spherical cavity is solved through a Finite‐Differences approach to gain an insight on the actual nature and structure of the ansatz wavefunction cutoff factor widely used in an ad hoc manner in corresponding variational calculations to comply with the Dirichlet boundary conditions. The results of this work provide a theoretical foundation for the choice of the appropriate analytical cutoff functions that fulfill the boundary conditions. We find three different regions for the behavior of the cutoff functions. Small cavity radius where the cutoff function has a parabolic behavior, an intermediate region where the cutoff function is quasi‐linear, and a large cavity region where the cutoff function is a step‐like function. We deduce the traditional linear and quadratic cutoff functions used in the literature as well as its validity region for the confining radius. Finally, we provide a mathematical deduction of the exact cutoff function in terms of the nodal structure of the free hydrogenic wavefunctions and a relation to the Laguerre polynomials for some cavity radii where the free atomic energy level coincides with a confined energy level. We find that the cutoff function transit over several unconfined solutions in terms of its nodal structure as the system is compressed.
Characterizing Lomerizine metabolites in camel urine: High‐resolution mass spectrometry method development and validation for enhanced doping control
Authors: Nalakath Jahfar , Thacholil Rasik Puzhithinipra , Kadry Ahmed , Babu Ansar , Waseem Ibrahim , OK Praseen , Hebel Christiana , Selvapalam Narayanan , Nagarajan Erumaipatty Rajagounder
Published: June 2024

Rationale

Lomerizine (LMZ) is an antimigraine drug that works as a calcium channel blocker and has selective effects on the central nervous system. It is metabolized into trimetazidine (TMZ), which is a prohibited substance owing to its performance‐enhancing effects in both human and animal sports. Effective doping control measures are imperative to distinguish the source of TMZ in samples to ensure integrity and fairness of the sport, therefore a comprehensive analysis of LMZ metabolites is essential to identify potential biomarkers in camel urine for effective doping control.

Methods

Camel urine samples were collected from four healthy animals following a single oral administration of LMZ at a dosage of 1 mg/kg body weight. In vitro studies were conducted using homogenized camel liver samples. Lomerizine and its metabolites were extracted using solid‐phase extraction and analyzed with a Thermo Fisher Orbitrap Exploris liquid chromatography mass spectrometry system. The acquired data was processed with the Compound Discoverer software.

Results

The study conducted a comprehensive analysis of LMZ metabolites in camels and identified 10 phase I and one phase II metabolites. The primary pathway for the formation of phase I metabolites was de‐alkylation, while phase II metabolite was formed through alkylation of the parent drug. The study provided valuable insights into the unique metabolic pathways of LMZ in camels under specific experimental conditions.

Conclusion

The developed method enables the detection and characterization of LMZ and its metabolites in camels. The identified metabolites has the potential to act as marker metabolites for the distinctive detection of LMZ in camel urine to ensure efficient analytical strategies for routine doping control applications.
Sperm morphology: Evaluating its clinical relevance in contemporary fertility practice
Authors: Pelzman Daniel L. , Sandlow Jay I.
Published: June 2024

Background

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends reporting sperm morphology in a standard semen analysis. However, the clinical utility and prognostic value of morphology is often debated.

Methods

We reviewed and summarized studies that assessed both the benefits and limitations of sperm morphology in the context of natural fertility, assisted reproductive technologies, and recurrent pregnancy loss. We additionally describe possible environmental and anatomical etiologies of teratozoospermia.

Results

Sperm morphology evaluation has continuously evolved since the release of the first WHO manual in 1980. Initially, several large studies reported significant inverse associations between fertility outcomes and teratozoospermia. Most recent studies, however, fail to show an association between sperm morphology and natural or assisted fertility outcomes.

Conclusion

Sperm morphology analysis may have limited diagnostic and prognostic value. Providers should be aware of these limitations when counseling or managing infertile patients.
Nonlinear prescribed performance sliding mode control of hypersonic vehicles
Authors: Shao Jinchao , Che Wei‐Wei , Shao Ke
Published: June 2024

This paper addresses the adaptive saturation prescribed performance control problem for air‐breathing hypersonic vehicles with parameter uncertainties and unknown external disturbances. First of all, different from the traditional performance function, a novel class of performance functions is presented without the initial state information, which does not require to reset parameters even if the initial velocity and altitude change. To ensure the successful design of the velocity controller and altitude controller, the constrained errors are transformed into the unconstrained errors by the projection technique. Secondly, the adaptive neural network and the sliding mode control techniques are combined to design the adaptive neural network sliding mode controllers, which guarantee that the velocity and altitude tracking errors can respectively approach the predetermined regions within the identical preset finite time. Finally, the effectiveness of the designed controllers is verified by an example with comparisons.
Ar/NH3 Plasma Etching of Cobalt‐Nickel Selenide Microspheres Rich in Selenium Vacancies Wrapped with Nitrogen Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Highly Efficient Air Cathode Catalysts for Zinc‐Air Batteries
Authors: Feng Yan‐en , Chen Weiheng , Zhao Lin , Jiang Zhong‐Jie , Tian Xiaoning , Jiang Zhongqing
Published: June 2024

This work utilizes defect engineering, heterostructure, pyridine N‐doping, and carbon supporting to enhance cobalt‐nickel selenide microspheres' performance in the oxygen electrode reaction. Specifically, microspheres mainly composed of CoNiSe2 and Co9Se8 heterojunction rich in selenium vacancies (VSe·) wrapped with nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (p‐CoNiSe/NCNT@CC) are prepared by Ar/NH3 radio frequency plasma etching technique. The synthesized p‐CoNiSe/NCNT@CC shows high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) performance (half‐wave potential (E1/2) = 0.878 V and limiting current density (JL) = 21.88 mA cm−2). The JL exceeds the 20 wt% Pt/C (19.34 mA cm−2) and the E1/2 is close to the 20 wt% Pt/C (0.881 V). It also possesses excellent oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance (overpotential of 324 mV@10 mA cm−2), which even exceeds that of the commercial RuO2 (427 mV@10 mA cm−2). The density functional theory calculation indicates that the enhancement of ORR performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of plasma‐induced VSe· and the CoNiSe2‐Co9Se8 heterojunction. The p‐CoNiSe/NCNT@CC electrode assembled Zinc‐air batteries (ZABs) show a peak power density of 138.29 mW cm−2, outperforming the 20 wt% Pt/C+RuO2 (73.9 mW cm−2) and other recently reported catalysts. Furthermore, all‐solid‐state ZAB delivers a high peak power density of 64.83 mW cm−2 and ultra‐robust cycling stability even under bending.
Late chordee correction after tubularized incised plate repair for proximal hypospadias: An underreported problem
Authors: Abouzeid Amr Abdelhamid , Seada Mohammad , Waly Mohamed
Published: June 2024

Background

Repair of proximal hypospadias remains a challenge with no consensus on the best surgical approach. Several reports have shown recurrence of chordee after plate‐preserving techniques. In this report, we present our experience in managing cases who presented with persistent/recurrence of chordee after tubularized incised plate (TIP) repair for proximal hypospadias.

Methods

Between 2015 and 2023, the study included eight patients who presented with ventral penile curvature after previous hypospadias repair in infancy (TIP urethroplasty). Reoperation to correct persistent ventral curvature was performed several years after the primary TIP repair (3–15 years; mean 7.9 years; median 7.5 years). The reoperation was a two‐stage procedure: the first stage comprised transection of the urethra and grafting (lower lip mucosal graft); the second stage (6 months later) was a Thiersch‐Duplay urethroplasty.

Results

Complications included poor taking of the graft after the first stage in one case (12.5%), which was regrafted using buccal (cheek) mucosa. Complications after second stage included urethro‐cutaneous fistulae in five (62.5%) that were successfully surgically treated at a later stage. Follow‐up after second stage ranged between 6 months and 7 years (mean 2.4 years; median 1 year). Satisfaction with reoperation to correct penile curvature was noted by parents as well as older children (adolescents) who appreciated better cosmesis by increasing ventral penile length and improved curvature.

Conclusion

Preservation of the urethral plate in proximal hypospadias may result in shortened penile length, mostly on the ventral aspect. A two‐stage reoperation to increase the length of the penile urethra can successfully reverse this complication.
Optimizing Tourism Data Extraction and Analysis: A Comprehensive Methodology
Authors: Galán-Hernández José Javier , Carrasco-González Ramón Alberto , Marín-Díaz Gabriel
Published: June 2024

Objective: There are various sources that provide data related to tourism. However, at times, this data lacks structure or is found in sources that do not facilitate its easy, automatic, or unsupervised collection. In such situations, a methodology employing data science techniques offers a significant advantage to researchers. They can leverage the tools available through the proposed methodology to extract, process, and analyze information efficiently. While this methodology is applicable to various disciplines, this work presents a specific case focused on tourism in Spain. Methodology: Employing data science techniques like graph analysis and unsupervised machine learning, we collect and process data on tourists’ origins and numbers in Spain, using Python, R, and VOSViewer. The analysis uncovers primary tourism sources and origin-country patterns. It delves deep into Andalusia due to its high tourist influx. Results: Our study reveals key Spanish tourism sources and visitor behavior patterns. Visual data illustrates tourist origins, visit numbers, and interactions. Additionally, Andalusia is thoroughly examined for visit counts and origin countries. Conclusions: Employing data science, our study yields insights into Spanish tourism, identifying core sources and understanding origin-country interactions. These findings inform strategic decisions and enhance Spain's tourism promotion and management.
Analysis of the Trend in the Number of Followers on Social Networks in Spanish World Heritage Cities: A Comparative Study of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
Authors: Sánchez-Rivero Marcelino , Rodríguez-Rangel María Cristina , Díez-Apolo Juan Carlos , Murillo-González Luis
Published: June 2024

The presence of tourist destinations on social media has become a fundamental requirement for the success of tourism management. Virtually all tourist destinations have profiles on one or more social networks. However, their presence is not the same on all these social networks, as the existence of a profile and level of activity largely depends on the preferences of destination managers or the marketing strategy chosen by the destination. Using the weekly number of followers on the three main social networks of the 15 Spanish Cities of World Heritage (CEPH), the objective of this study is to delve into the analysis of the annual variation experienced by estimating the most appropriate trend model for the analyzed time series. The results obtained have allowed us to identify the profiles that have grown the most during the year, locate the social network in which this growth has occurred the most, and understand how this growth has occurred throughout the analyzed year. In turn, the trend analysis in time series reveals that, predominantly, the exponential model is the one that best fits the data. This implies that the highest growth rates occur in the middle and late months of the year.
An R Approach to Data Cleaning and Wrangling for Education Research
Authors: Kopra Juho , Tikka Santtu , Heinäniemi Merja , López-Pernas Sonsoles , Saqr Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Data wrangling, also known as data cleaning and preprocessing, is a critical step in the data analysis process, particularly in the context of learning analytics. This chapter provides an introduction to data wrangling using R and covers topics such as data importing, cleaning, manipulation, and reshaping with a focus on tidy data. Specifically, readers will learn how to read data from different file formats (e.g. CSV, Excel), how to manipulate data using the package, and how to reshape data using the package. Additionally, the chapter covers techniques for combining multiple data sources. By the end of the chapter, readers should have a solid understanding of how to perform data wrangling tasks in R.
Breakdown of field theory in near-horizon regions
Authors: Banks Tom , Draper Patrick , Karydas Manthos
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We discuss back-reaction in the semiclassical treatment of quantum fields near a black hole. When the state deviates significantly from Hartle-Hawking, simple energetic considerations of back-reaction give rise to a characteristic radial distance scale ∼ $$ {\left({r}_s^2{G}_N\right)}^{1/D} $$

r
s
2

G
N

1
/
D

, below which some breakdown of effective field theory may occur.
The gut microbiota and diabetes: research, translation, and clinical applications – 2023 Diabetes, Diabetes Care, and Diabetologia Expert Forum
Authors: Byndloss Mariana , Devkota Suzanne , Duca Frank , Niess Jan Hendrik , Nieuwdorp Max , Orho-Melander Marju , Sanz Yolanda , Tremaroli Valentina , Zhao Liping
Published: June 2024

This article summarises the state of the science on the role of the gut microbiota (GM) in diabetes from a recent international expert forum organised by Diabetes, Diabetes Care, and Diabetologia, which was held at the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 2023 Annual Meeting in Hamburg, Germany. Forum participants included clinicians and basic scientists who are leading investigators in the field of the intestinal microbiome and metabolism. Their conclusions were as follows: (1) the GM may be involved in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes, as microbially produced metabolites associate both positively and negatively with the disease, and mechanistic links of GM functions (e.g. genes for butyrate production) with glucose metabolism have recently emerged through the use of Mendelian randomisation in humans; (2) the highly individualised nature of the GM poses a major research obstacle, and large cohorts and a deep-sequencing metagenomic approach are required for robust assessments of associations and causation; (3) because single time point sampling misses intraindividual GM dynamics, future studies with repeated measures within individuals are needed; and (4) much future research will be required to determine the applicability of this expanding knowledge to diabetes diagnosis and treatment, and novel technologies and improved computational tools will be important to achieve this goal.
Unveiling the potential of Pseudococcomyxa simplex: a stepwise extraction for cosmetic applications
Authors: Imbimbo Paola , Giustino Enrica , Ferrara Alfonso , Alvarez-Rivera Gerardo , Annaz Hassan , Ibanez Elena , Di Meo Maria Chiara , Zarrelli Armando , Monti Daria Maria
Published: June 2024

Microalgae are gaining attention as they are considered green fabrics able to synthesize many bioactive metabolites, with unique biological activities. However, their use at an industrial scale is still a challenge because of the high costs related to upstream and downstream processes. Here, a biorefinery approach was proposed, starting from the biomass of the green microalga Pseudococcomyxa simplex for the extraction of two classes of molecules with a potential use in the cosmetic industry. Carotenoids were extracted first by an ultrasound-assisted extraction, and then, from the residual biomass, lipids were obtained by a conventional extraction. The chemical characterization of the ethanol extract indicated lutein, a biosynthetic derivative of α-carotene, as the most abundant carotenoid. The extract was found to be fully biocompatible on a cell-based model, active as antioxidant and with an in vitro anti-aging property. In particular, the lutein-enriched fraction was able to activate Nrf2 pathway, which plays a key role also in aging process. Finally, lipids were isolated from the residual biomass and the isolated fatty acids fraction was composed by palmitic and stearic acids. These molecules, fully biocompatible, can find application as emulsifiers and softener agents in cosmetic formulations. Thus, an untapped microalgal species can represent a sustainable source for cosmeceutical formulations.

Key points

• Pseudococcomyxa simplex has been explored in a cascade approach.

• Lutein is the main extracted carotenoid and has antioxidant and anti-aging activity.

• Fatty acids are mainly composed of palmitic and stearic acids.

Graphical abstract
Revitalizing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) waste: from environmental collection to high-strength hybrid yarns
Authors: Suvari Fatih , Gurvardar Hakan
Published: June 2024

Plastic products are used in large quantities. However, the fact that plastics do not degrade in nature for many years causes environmental pollution. Addressing this issue, the study focuses on recycling the widespread high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic waste. In this study, HDPE waste was collected randomly from the environment, mirroring real-world scenarios. Then, the waste was transformed into granules. Afterward, washing and drying processes were carried out. HDPE filaments of different linear densities were successfully produced from the waste plastic granules. Tensile tests revealed that the breaking strength of the filaments from waste plastic was lower than that of virgin HDPE filaments, highlighting the challenges of recycling. Hybrid yarns were formed by twisting the filaments with cotton yarn to improve the mechanical properties of the filaments from waste plastic. Remarkably, statistical analysis demonstrated that the breaking load values of the hybrid yarns from waste plastic were statistically equivalent to those made from virgin polymer. This outcome indicated that the hybrid yarns made from waste HDPE plastic were as strong as those made from virgin HDPE polymer. In addition, both hybrid yarns exhibited a breaking load 36% higher than the reference extra-twisted cotton yarn. The hybrid yarn formation made filaments produced from waste plastic a valuable component of the high-strength hybrid yarn. Overall, this study shows that recycling HDPE plastics can lead to the production of high-strength hybrid yarns, which can contribute to reducing plastic waste pollution.
Mutational analyses of the interacting domains of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Byr2 with 14-3-3s
Authors: Kobayashi-Ooka Yasuyo , Ozoe Fumiyo , Kawamukai Makoto
Published: June 2024

The Byr2 kinase of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe is recruited to the membrane with the assistance of Ras1. Byr2 is also negatively regulated by 14-3-3 proteins encoded by rad24 and rad25. We conducted domain and mutational analysis of Byr2 to determine which region is critical for its binding to 14-3-3 proteins. Rad24 and Rad25 bound to both the Ras interaction domain in the N-terminus and to the C-terminal catalytic domain of Byr2. When amino acid residues S87 and T94 of the Ras-interacting domain of Byr2 were mutated to alanine, Rad24 could no longer bind to Byr2. S402, S566, S650, and S654 mutations in the C-terminal domain of Byr2 also abolished its interaction with Rad24 and Rad25. More than three mutations in the C-terminal domain were required to abolish completely its interaction with 14-3-3 protein, suggesting that multiple residues are involved in this interaction. Expression of the N-terminal domain of Byr2 in wild-type cells lowered the mating ratio, because it likely blocked the interaction of Byr2 with Ste4 and Ras1, whereas expression of the catalytic domain of Byr2 increased the mating ratio as a result of freeing from intramolecular regulation by the N-terminal domain of Byr2. The S87A and T94A mutations of Byr2 increased the mating ratio and attenuated inhibition of Byr2 by Rad24; therefore, these two amino acids are critical for its regulation by Rad24. S566 of Byr2 is critical for activity of Byr2 but not for its interaction with 14-3-3 proteins. In this study, we show that 14-3-3 proteins interact with two separate domains in Byr2 as negative regulators.
On the optimality of policy choices in the face of biased beliefs, retrospective voting and the down-up problem
Authors: Seixas Carlos , Lourenço Diogo
Published: June 2024

Previous literature has shown that voters’ biased beliefs regarding policy outcomes incentivize the selection of seemingly better, but socially worse, policies. It has also shown that voters’ tendency to gauge an incumbent’s competence by the present state of the economy (retrospective voting) could counteract biased beliefs. In this article, we argue that, when the advantageous consequences of a measure of policy only accrue with considerable lag (the down-up problem), retrospective voting instead amplifies the effects of biased beliefs. Still, we find that it may nevertheless be optimal for an incumbent to select good long-term policies if the incumbent is strongly motivated by the success of the chosen policies. Finally, we investigate the robustness of these conclusions by considering an incumbent bias, limited accountability, and the introduction of incentive and threshold contracts.
Impact of adjuvant chemotherapy on survival after pathological complete response in rectal cancer: a meta-analysis of 31,558 patients
Authors: de Moraes Francisco Cezar Aquino , Kelly Francinny Alves , Souza Maria Eduarda Cavalcanti , Burbano Rommel Mario Rodríguez
Published: June 2024

Background

Locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) typically involves neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) followed by surgery (total mesorectal excision, TME). While achieving a complete pathological response (pCR) is a strong indicator of a positive prognosis, the specific benefits of adjuvant chemotherapy after pCR remain unclear. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the potential advantages of adjuvant therapy in patients who achieve pCR.

Methods

In this study, we searched Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases for relevant research. We focused on binary outcomes, analyzing them using odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). To account for potential variability between studies, all endpoints were analyzed with DerSimonian and Laird random-effects models. We assessed heterogeneity using the I2 statistic and employed the R statistical software (version 4.2.3) for all analyses.

Results

Thirty-four studies, comprising 31,558 patients, were included. The outcomes demonstrated a significant difference favoring the AC group in terms of overall survival (OS) (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.60–0.94; p = 0.015; I2 = 0%), and OS in 5 years (OR 1.65; 95% CI 1.21–2.24; p = 0.001; I2 = 39%). There was no significant difference between the groups for disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 0.94; 95% CI 0.76–1.17; p = 0.61; I2 = 17%), DFS in 5 years (OR 1.19; 95% CI 0.82–1.74; p = 0.36; I2 = 43%), recurrence-free survival (RFS) (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.87–1.40; p = 0.39; I2 = 0%), and relapse-free survival (OR 1.08; 95% CI 0.78–1.51; p = 0.62; I2 = 0%).

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis found a significant difference in favor of the ACT group in terms of survival after pCR. Therefore, the administration of this treatment as adjuvant therapy should be encouraged in clinical practice.
Patterns and timing of recovery from facial nerve palsy after nerve-sparing parotid surgery: the role of neuromuscular retraining
Authors: Molinari Giulia , Calvaruso Federico , Barbazza Alice , Vanelli Elena , Nizzoli Federica , Reggiani Elena , Guidotti Monica , Borghi Aurora , Marchioni Daniele , Presutti Livio , Fernandez Ignacio Javier
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Among the complications of parotid surgery, facial palsy is frequent and burdened by high functional and social impact for the patient. There are few data on the efficacy of facial neuromuscular retraining (FNR) in patients with facial palsy after parotid surgery, and no data exist on its impact in timing and extent of recovery.

Material and methods

A retrospective study was conducted on patients undergoing FN sparing parotid surgery and suffering from postoperative facial palsy. Among 400 patients undergoing surgery between July 2016 and May 2023, those with the preservation of the FN and onset of facial palsy were selected. Nerve function was evaluated during 2 years follow up using the House-Brackman (H&Bs) and Sunnybrook scales (SBs).

Results

A total of 46 patients undergoing partial or total parotidectomy were included. At discharge 18 patients (39,1%) had IV to VI grade paralysis according to the H&Bs and the mean SBs value was 54. At 2 and 6 months after surgery, the average value of Sunnybrook increased to 76.5 and 95.4 respectively. After 12 months no patients with IV to VI grade paralysis were represent in our cohort. Two years after surgery, only five patients (10.9%) had persistent grade II paralysis according to HBs.

Conclusions

Our study supports the efficacy of FNR in the rehabilitation of facial paralysis after nerve-sparing parotidectomy. The greater functional improvement is achieved within the first 6 months of rehabilitation. A significant improvement is detected still after 18 months, supporting the importance of long rehabilitation for patients without complete recovery after the first year.
Glymphatic function from diffusion-tensor MRI to predict conversion from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Pang Huize , Wang Juzhou , Yu Ziyang , Yu Hongmei , Li Xiaolu , Bu Shuting , Zhao Mengwan , Jiang Yueluan , Liu Yu , Fan Guoguang
Published: June 2024

Background

Although brain glymphatic dysfunction is a contributing factor to the cognitive deficits in Parkinson’s disease (PD), its role in the longitudinal progression of cognitive dysfunction remains unknown.

Objective

To investigate the glymphatic function in PD with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) that progresses to dementia (PDD) and to determine its predictive value in identifying individuals at high risk for developing dementia.

Methods

We included 64 patients with PD meeting criteria for MCI and categorized them as either progressed to PDD (converters) (n = 29) or did not progress to PDD (nonconverters) (n = 35), depending on whether they developed dementia during follow-up. Meanwhile, 35 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were included. Bilateral diffusion-tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) indices and enlarged perivascular spaces (EPVS) volume fraction in bilateral centrum semiovale, basal ganglia (BG), and midbrain were compared among the three groups. Correlations among the DTI-ALPS index and EPVS, as well as cognitive performance were analyzed. Additionally, we investigated the mediation effect of EPVS on DTI-ALPS and cognitive function.

Results

PDD converters had lower cognitive composites scores in the executive domains than did nonconverters (P < 0.001). Besides, PDD converters had a significantly lower DTI-ALPS index in the left hemisphere (P < 0.001) and a larger volume fraction of BG-PVS (P = 0.03) compared to HC and PDD nonconverters. Lower DTI-ALPS index and increased BG-PVS volume fraction were associated with worse performance in the global cognitive performance and executive function. However, there was no significant mediating effect. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed that the DTI-ALPS could effectively identify PDD converters with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.850.

Conclusion

The reduction of glymphatic activity, measured by the DTI-ALPS, could potentially be used as a non-invasive indicator in forecasting high risk of dementia conversion before the onset of dementia in PD patients.
Unravelling relationships between obesity, diabetes, and factors related to somatosensory functioning in knee osteoarthritis patients
Authors: Meert Lotte , Vervullens Sophie , Heusdens Christiaan H. W. , Smeets Rob J. E. M. , Meeus Mira , Mertens Michel G. C. A. M.
Published: June 2024

Objective

This study explores the association between obesity, diabetes, and somatosensory functioning in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA), aiming to understand how metabolic conditions are related to pain mechanisms in this patient population. We hypothesized that higher body mass index (BMI), fat mass, and glycated hemoglobin levels (HbA1c) are associated with signs of altered somatosensory functioning.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted as part of a larger multicentre prospective cohort study. Data were collected from patients awaiting total knee arthroplasty in Belgium and the Netherlands. Associations between BMI, fat mass, HbA1c, and various pain-related variables were examined employing Pearson and Spearman correlation analyses which were further analyzed with linear regression techniques.

Results

The study included 223 participants. Analysis revealed a significant although weak negative correlation between fat mass and pressure pain thresholds (PPT) at multiple locations, suggesting a link between higher fat mass and increased mechanical hyperalgesia. There were no significant correlations between BMI and pain-related outcomes. HbA1c levels showed very weak positive correlations with pain measures but did not withstand correction for multiple testing.

Conclusion

The findings indicate that fat mass may be closely associated with altered somatosensory functioning in patients with knee OA. However, no significant correlations were found between BMI or HbA1c levels and pain-related outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to elucidate the causal relationships and further explore the impact of metabolic factors on pain mechanisms in this patient population.

Key Points• The findings indicate that fat mass may be closely associated with altered somatosensory functioning in patients with knee OA.
Comparing the productive vocabularies of grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) and young children
Authors: Roubalová Tereza , Jarůšková Lucie , Chládková Kateřina , Lindová Jitka
Published: June 2024

Due to their outstanding ability of vocal imitation, parrots are often kept as pets. Research has shown that they do not just repeat human words. They can use words purposefully to label objects, persons, and animals, and they can even use conversational phrases in appropriate contexts. So far, the structure of pet parrots’ vocabularies and the difference between them and human vocabulary acquisition has been studied only in one individual. This study quantitatively analyses parrot and child vocabularies in a larger sample using a vocabulary coding method suitable for assessing the vocabulary structure in both species. We have explored the composition of word-like sounds produced by 21 grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) kept as pets in Czech- or Slovak-speaking homes, and compared it to the composition of early productive vocabularies of 21 children acquiring Czech (aged 8–18 months), who were matched to the parrots by vocabulary size. The results show that the ‘vocabularies’ of talking grey parrots and children differ: children use significantly more object labels, activity and situation labels, and emotional expressions, while parrots produce significantly more conversational expressions, greetings, and multiword utterances in general. These differences could reflect a strong link between learning spoken words and understanding the underlying concepts, an ability seemingly unique to human children (and absent in parrots), but also different communicative goals of the two species.
Deep learning model using classification for diabetic retinopathy detection: an overview
Authors: Muthusamy Dharmalingam , Palani Parimala
Published: June 2024

Early detection of diabetic retinopathy is a serious disease for diabetics to minimize their sightlessness risks. The different approaches take a much longer time for a very large training dataset. In classifying to better the accuracy of diabetic retinopathy, a novel technique called MAP Concordance Regressive Camargo’s Index-Based Deep Multilayer Perceptive Learning Classification (MAPCRCI-DMPLC) has been introduced with minimum time consumption. The novel model of MAPCRCI-DMPLC comprises the input layer, hidden layers, and output layer for detecting diabetic retinopathy at an early stage through high accuracy and less moment consumption. The proposed MAPCRCI-DMPLC model collected the retinal fundus images from the dataset as input. After that, we carried out image preprocessing using the MAP-estimated local region filtering-based preprocessing technique in the first hidden layer. In the second hidden layer, Camargo’s index-based ROI extraction is performed to identify the infected region. Then, Concordance Correlative Regression is applied for texture feature extraction. Then the color feature is extracted, beginning the image. The features extracted to the output layer to classify the different levels of DR using the swish activation function through higher accuracy. An investigational assessment using a retinal image dataset on factors such as peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), disease detection accuracy (DDA), false-positive rate (FPR), and disease detection time (DDT), regarding the quantity of retinal fundus images and image dimension. The quantitative and qualitatively analyzed outcome shows a better presentation of our proposed MAPCRCI-DMPLC technique when compared through the five state-of-the-art approaches.