bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purslane Ameliorates Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nkhumeleni Zikho , Phoswa Wendy , Mokgalaboni Kabelo
Published: November 2024

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is characterised by insulin resistance and leads to hyperglycaemia. Its prevalence and associated complications continue to rise exponentially, despite the existence of pharmaceutical drugs, and this has prompted research into exploring safer herbal remedies. Portulaca oleracea (purslane) has been investigated in animal and clinical trials to explore its effects on diabetes, yielding conflicting results. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of purslane on inflammation and oxidative stress in diabetes mellitus. We conducted a comprehensive literature search on Scopus PubMed, and through a manual bibliographical search to find relevant studies from inception to 13 September 2024. The search terms included purslane, portulaca oleracea, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Of the 38 retrieved studies, 12 were considered relevant and underwent critical review. Evidence from rodent studies showed decreased inflammatory markers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), nuclear factor kappa-beta (NF-κβ), and C-reactive (CRP), while interleukin-10 (IL-10) was increased after intervention with purslane. The markers of oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels increased, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased. Notably, the evidence from clinical trials showed a significant reduction in NF-κβ and CRP after purslane treatment; however, no effect was observed on MDA and TAC. The evidence gathered in this study suggests that purslane exerts anti-inflammatory properties by downregulating NF-κβ, thus suppressing the production of associated pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, purslane may be used as an antioxidant and inflammatory agent for diabetes. However, further clinical evidence with a broader population is required to validate the therapeutic properties of purslane in diabetes.
Targeting Myeloid Cells in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Kinase Inhibitor Library Screening Approach
Authors: Zaky Mohamed Y. , John Jessy , Vashisht Monika , Singh Priya , Al-Hatamleh Mohammad A. I. , Siddoway Karen , Chen Zhangguo , Wang Jing H.
Published: November 2024

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is highly enriched with tumor-infiltrating myeloid cells, including tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). However, effective therapeutic agents targeting tumor-associated myeloid cells in HNSCC are currently lacking. Here, we employed a unique co-culture system to investigate how HNSCC cells affect tumor-associated myeloid cells. We found that the presence of cancer cells significantly enhances myeloid cell proliferation and promotes TAM differentiation. To identify potential therapeutic agents, we screened a custom library of 70 kinase inhibitors to assess their effects on distinct subsets of tumor-associated myeloid cells. We discovered specific inhibitors that differentially suppressed the populations of TAMs, monocytic MDSCs (M-MDSCs), or polymorphonuclear MDSCs (PMN-MDSCs), suggesting that inhibiting different targets could reduce distinct subsets of tumor-associated myeloid cells. Conversely, some inhibitors were found to increase the population of CD11b+Ly6G−Ly6C− myeloid cells. Among the promising inhibitors tested, vatalanib, a VEGF-R inhibitor, demonstrated significant in vivo efficacy at inhibiting tumor growth and reducing tumor-associated myeloid cells, thereby underscoring its potential as a therapeutic agent. Our findings highlight specific kinase inhibitors with differential modulatory effects on HNSCC-associated myeloid subsets and caution the application of some as anti-cancer drugs. This experimental system may provide a robust platform for identifying new agents targeting tumor-associated myeloid cells in HNSCC and beyond, and for elucidating mechanistic insights into tumor-myeloid cell interaction.
Alcohol Alters Skeletal Muscle Bioenergetic Function: A Scoping Review
Authors: DiLeo Matthew R. , Hall Rylea E. , Vellers Heather L. , Daniels Chelsea L. , Levitt Danielle E.
Published: November 2024

Bioenergetic pathways uniquely support sarcomere function which, in turn, helps to maintain functional skeletal muscle (SKM) mass. Emerging evidence supports alcohol (EtOH)-induced bioenergetic impairments in SKM and muscle precursor cells. We performed a scoping review to synthesize existing evidence regarding the effects of EtOH on SKM bioenergetics. Eligible articles from six databases were identified, and titles, abstracts, and full texts for potentially relevant articles were screened against inclusion criteria. Through the search, we identified 555 unique articles, and 21 met inclusion criteria. Three studies investigated EtOH effects on the adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-phosphocreatine (PCr) system, twelve investigated EtOH effects on glycolytic metabolism, and seventeen investigated EtOH effects on mitochondrial metabolism. Despite increased ATP-PCr system reliance, EtOH led to an overall decrease in bioenergetic function through decreased expression and activity of glycolytic and mitochondrial pathway components. However, effects varied depending on the EtOH dose and duration, model system, and sample type. The results detail the EtOH-induced shifts in energy metabolism, which may adversely affect sarcomere function and contribute to myopathy. These findings should be used to develop targeted interventions that improve SKM bioenergetic function, and thus sarcomere function, in people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Key areas in need of further investigation are also identified.
4-Hexylresorcinol Enhances Glut4 Expression and Glucose Homeostasis via AMPK Activation and Histone H3 Acetylation
Authors: Che Xiangguo , Oh Ji-Hyeon , Kang Yei-Jin , Kim Dae-Won , Kim Seong-Gon , Choi Je-Yong , Garagiola Umberto
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the potential of 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR) as a novel antidiabetic agent by assessing its effects on blood glucose levels, Glut4 expression, AMPK phosphorylation, and Histone H3 acetylation (Ac-H3) in the liver. In vitro experiments utilized Huh7 and HepG2 cells treated with varying concentrations of 4HR. Glut4, p-AMPK, and Ac-H3 expression levels were quantified via Western blotting. Additionally, GAPDH activity and glucose uptake were evaluated. In vivo experiments employed streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, with or without 4HR treatment, monitoring blood glucose, body weight, and hepatic levels of Glut4, p-AMPK, and Ac-H3. In vitro, 4HR treatment increased GAPDH activity and glucose uptake. Elevated Glut4, p-AMPK, and Ac-H3 levels were observed 8 h after 4HR administration. Inhibition of p-AMPK using compound C reduced 4HR-mediated Glut4 expression. In STZ-induced diabetic rats, 4HR significantly upregulated Glut4, p-AMPK, and Ac-H3 expression in the liver. Periodic 4HR injections mitigated weight loss and lowered blood glucose levels in STZ-injected animals. Histological analysis revealed increased glycogen storage in hepatocytes of the 4HR-treated group. Overall, 4HR enhanced Glut4 expression through upregulation of AMPK activity and histone H3 acetylation in vitro and in vivo, improving hepatic glucose homeostasis and suggesting potential as a candidate for diabetes treatment.
Exosomes from Limosilactobacillus fermentum Ameliorate Benzalkonium Chloride-Induced Inflammation in Conjunctival Cells
Authors: Lee Kippeum , Gwon Hyeonjun , Kim Joo Yun , Shim Jae Jung , Lee Jae Hwan
Published: November 2024

Dry eye is characterized by persistent instability and decreased tear production, which are accompanied by epithelial lesions and inflammation on the surface of the eye. In our previous paper, we reported that supplementation with Limosilactobacillus fermentum HY7302 (HY7302) could inhibit corneal damage in a benzalkonium chloride (BAC)-induced mouse model of dry eye, through its effects in gut microbiome regulation. The aim of this study was to determine what functional extracellular substances can alter the inflammatory response of conjunctival cells. We isolated exosomes from HY7302 probiotic culture supernatant, analyzed their morphological characteristics, and found that their average size was 143.8 ± 1.1 nm, which was smaller than the exosomes from the L. fermentum KCTC 3112 strain. In addition, HY7302-derived exosomes significantly reduced the levels of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-20, IL-8, IL-6, and IL-1B, in BAC-treated human conjunctival cells. Moreover, HY7302-derived exosomes significantly increased the levels of genes encoding tight junction proteins, including TJP1, TJP2, and occludin-1, in Caco-2 cells. Lastly, the HY7302 exosomes reduced mRNA expression levels of IL1B, IL20, IL6, IL8, and NFAT5 in a transwell coculture system. Our findings indicate that HY7302 exosomes have potential for use in the treatment of ocular inflammation-related dry eye disease, through gut–eye axis communication via exosomes.
Impact of Individual Characteristics on Hospital Outcomes in Exacerbated COPD in a Biomass-Exposed Turkish Population
Authors: Uzer Fatih , Karaboğa Burcu , Calis Aliye Gamze , Kaplan Nermin , Altınöz Emsal Sema , Sahin Sena , Karaca Mustafa
Published: November 2024

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, and factors such as biomass exposure, demographic characteristics, and comorbidities significantly influence patient outcomes during exacerbations. Aim: This study aims to clarify the impact of patient characteristics on key hospital outcomes, including ICU admissions, hospital length of stay, and in-hospital mortality, focusing on the contextual role of biomass exposure rather than its direct impact. Methods: Using a multicenter, retrospective cohort design, we analyzed the medical records of patients admitted with COPD exacerbations from January 2021 to December 2023. Eligible patients were over 40 years old with confirmed COPD exacerbation, excluding those with other significant lung conditions, severe organ dysfunction, or incomplete data. The collected data included demographics, smoking history, comorbidities, medications, laboratory results, and clinical outcomes, with smoking status categorized into current, former, or never smokers. Results: Our analysis comprised 334 patients with a mean age of 69 ± 8.8 years, including 52 (15.6%) females. Biomass exposure, observed in 22% of patients, was associated with a higher likelihood of being female (p < 0.001), lower smoking rates (p < 0.001), higher prevalence of diabetes mellitus type 2 (p = 0.020), lower peripheral blood eosinophilia (p = 0.001), increased intensive care unit (ICU) admissions (p = 0.034), and higher in-hospital mortality (p = 0.043). Non-survivors tended to be older and had a higher prevalence of hypertension, a history of childhood pneumonia, longer COPD duration, greater need for non-invasive ventilation (NIV) during hospitalization, and more frequent ICU admissions. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed no significant associations between characteristics and outcomes. Conclusions: Patients with biomass exposure were more likely to be female and had higher rates of ICU admission and in-hospital mortality.
A Narrative Review on Stress and Itch: What We Know and What We Would Like to Know
Authors: Khalil Nicole B. , Coscarella Giulia , Dhabhar Firdaus S. , Yosipovitch Gil
Published: November 2024

Itch is one of the most prevalent symptoms experienced by patients with inflammatory skin conditions, yet it is also one of the most debilitating. Patients suffering from chronic itch have been found to have significantly higher stress levels compared with those not experiencing itch. In fact, recent studies have revealed a bidirectional relationship between stress and itch, where each condition worsens the other. This is thought to be driven by the vicious itch–scratch cycle, which is fueled by underlying inflammation. The precise molecular pathways and mediators involved, however, remain unclear. This narrative review discusses the existing research on the relationship between stress and itch and outlines future research directions that will be necessary to advance our understanding and treatment of these conditions. Given that the effective management of both symptoms often requires a combined treatment approach, further investigation into their shared mechanisms is essential for identifying successful therapies and improving patient outcomes.
Recurrent Early Pregnancy Loss and Congenital Thrombophilia: A Prospective Study
Authors: Basha Asma , Alkhatib Yasmine , Tashtoush Tamara , Yousef Maysa , Oweidi Laila , Alkhatib Mohammad , Al-Aqrabawi Sally , Jarrar Yazun , Awidi Abdalla
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: This study aims to investigate the role of congenital single nucleotide thrombophilia in young females with early recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Methods: We studied 120 pregnant females with RPL and 80 matched females as a control with no RPL. Females were aged ≤ 35 years, had at least two consecutive first-trimester RPLs, and the acquired cause of RPL was excluded. A matched control group of 80 pregnant women with no RPL was studied. Coagulation tests included prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), thrombin time (TT), a Factor XIII functional assay, and detecting IgM and IgG anti-beta2-Glycoprotein I (β2GPI) antibodies by an ELISA. The DNA samples were tested for Factor V Leiden, Factor II G20210A, Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR C677T, A1298C), FXIII V34L, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G, endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) A4600G, and endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) G4678C. Results: Of the single nucleotide gene mutations investigated, the most relevant mutations were MTHFR C677T, MTHFR A1298C, heterozygous FXIII Val34Leu, and heterozygous FXIII 1694 C>T. Each of them conferred a statistically significant effect. There was a statistically significant protective role for the endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) A2/A2, wild FXIII Val34Leu, and heterozygousFXIII1694 C>T. Conclusions: Our findings suggest the important role of congenital single nucleotide thrombophilia mutations in young Middle Eastern women with early RPL, particularly MTHFR mutations and FXIII Val34Leu. We found a protective effect of EPCR A2/A2, wild FXIIIVal34Leu, and heterozygous FXIII1694 C>T. We recommend additional studies to explore detrimental factors and protective factors.
Maximizing Survival in Pediatric Congenital Cardiac Surgery Using Machine Learning, Explainability, and Simulation Techniques
Authors: Mauricio David , Cárdenas-Grandez Jorge , Uribe Godoy Giuliana Vanessa , Rodríguez Mallma Mirko Jerber , Maculan Nelson , Mascaro Pedro
Published: November 2024

Background: Pediatric and congenital heart surgery (PCHS) is highly risky. Complications associated with this surgical procedure are mainly caused by the severity of the disease or the unnecessary, late, or premature execution of the procedure, which can be fatal. In this context, prognostic models are crucial to reduce the uncertainty of the decision to perform surgery; however, these models alone are insufficient to maximize the probability of success or to reverse a future scenario of patient death. Method: A new approach is proposed to reverse the prognosis of death in PCHS through the use of (1) machine learning (ML) models to predict the outcome of surgery; (2) an explainability technique (ET) to determine the impact of main risk factors; and (3) a simulation method to design health scenarios that potentially reverse a negative prognosis. Results: Accuracy levels of 96% in the prediction of mortality and survival were achieved using a dataset of 565 patients undergoing PCHS and assessing 10 risk factors. Three case studies confirmed that the ET known as LIME provides explanations that are consistent with the observed results, and the simulation of one real case managed to reverse the initial prognosis of death to one of survival. Conclusions: An innovative method that integrates ML models, ETs, and Simulation has been developed to reverse the prognosis of death in patients undergoing PCHS. The experimental results validate the relevance of this approach in medical decision-making, demonstrating its ability to reverse negative prognoses and provide a solid basis for more informed and personalized medical decisions.
The Role of Vitamin D3 Deficiency and Colonization of the Oral Mucosa by Candida Yeast-like Fungi in the Pathomechanism of Psoriasis
Authors: Marchlewicz Mariola , Sagan Paulina , Grabowska Marta , Kiedrowicz Magdalena , Kruk Joanna , Gill Kamil , Piasecka Małgorzata , Duchnik Ewa
Published: November 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex pathogenesis and variable severity. Performed studies have indicated the impact of vitamin D3 deficiency on the pathogenesis of psoriasis and its severity. However, there is no clear evidence of the influence of the mucosal microbiome on the onset and progression of psoriasis. This review aims to present the current evidence on the role of vitamin D3 and colonization of the oral mucosa by Candida yeast-like fungi in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Candida albicans is a common yeast that can colonize the skin and mucosal surfaces, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or compromised skin barriers. In psoriasis, the skin’s barrier function is disrupted, potentially making patients more susceptible to fungal infections such as Candida. Since patients with psoriasis are at increased risk of metabolic syndrome, they may experience the vicious circle effect in which chronic inflammation leads to obesity. Vitamin D3 deficiency is also associated with microbiological imbalance, which may promote excessive growth of Candida fungi. Under normal conditions, the intestinal and oral microflora support the immune system. Vitamin D3 deficiency, however, leads to disruption of this balance, which allows Candida to overgrow and develop infections.
Reverse Split Hand as a Neurophysiological Hallmark of Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Vacchiano Veria , Morabito Francesca , Bonan Luigi , Teodorani Luca , Faini Claudia , Rizzo Giovanni , Liguori Rocco
Published: November 2024

Objective: Motor unit number estimation (MUNE) methods are crucial for estimating lower motor neuron loss in motor neuron diseases. The MScanFit MUNE (MScanFit) is a novel method that estimates MUNE values from compound motor action potential (CMAP) scans, demonstrating high sensitivity and reproducibility in detecting motor unit loss in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). In this study, we aimed to characterize the pattern of motor unit loss in the hand intrinsic muscles of SMA patients compared to ALS patients and healthy controls (HC) using MScanFit MUNE. Methods: Patients diagnosed with ALS, adult SMA patients, and HC were prospectively enrolled. MScanFit examinations were performed on the abductor pollicis brevis (APB) and abductor digiti minimi (ADM) muscles. To focus on the different patterns of motor neuron degeneration in the intrinsic hand muscles, the ratio of CMAP amplitude of APB to ADM (CMAP ratio) and the ratio of MUNE values of APB to those of the ADM muscle (MUNE ratio) were calculated. Results: The study included 46 ALS patients, 16 SMA patients, and 23 HC. MScanFit MUNE revealed distinct patterns of motor unit degeneration in SMA patients, notably more severe in the ADM than in the APB muscle, indicating a “reverse” split-hand phenomenon. Both CMAP and MUNE ratios demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy in distinguishing ALS from SMA, with the MUNE ratio performing better. Conclusions: MScanFit MUNE is a valuable tool for exploring distinct patterns of motor neuron degeneration in patients with different types of motor neuron diseases.
Dysfunction and Morphological Involvement of Inner Macular Layers in Glaucoma
Authors: Parisi Vincenzo , Ziccardi Lucia , Giammaria Sara , Barbano Lucilla , Tanga Lucia , Michelessi Manuele , Roberti Gloria , Carnevale Carmela , Dell’Aquila Carmen , D’Andrea Mattia , Manni Gianluca , Oddone Francesco
Published: November 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to study the inner retina functional and morphological impairment of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from specific macular rings and sectors to identify whether selective macular regions were more vulnerable than others within the 20 central degrees in patients with open-angle glaucoma (OAG). Methods: In total, 21 OAG patients [mean age 50.19 ± 7.86 years, Humphrey Field Analyzer (HFA) 24-2 mean deviation (MD) between −5.02 and −22.38 dB, HFA 10-2 MD between −3.07 and −17.38 dB], providing 21 eyes, were enrolled in this retrospective case–control study. And 20 age-similar healthy subjects, providing 20 eyes, served as controls. The multifocal photopic negative response (mfPhNR) response amplitude density (RAD) from concentric rings and macular sectors and ganglion cell layer thickness (GCL-T) assessed by Spectral Domain–Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT) was measured. Mean RAD and GCL-T values were compared between OAG and control ones by ANOVA. In OAG eyes, the relationship between mfPhNR and SD-OCT data was examined by linear regression analysis, and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were computed. Results: In considering all rings and sectors, compared to the controls, the OAG group showed a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in mean mfPhNR RAD and in GCL-T values with the greatest reduction in the central area. In OAG eyes, a significant (p < 0.01) correlation between all mfPhNR RAD and GCL-T values, with significant (p < 0.01) correlation coefficients, were found. Conclusions: In OAG eyes, RGC dysfunction was detectable by abnormal mfPhNR responses in localized macular areas, mainly in the central one. Localized macular RGC dysfunction was linearly correlated with the GCL morphological changes.
Comparative Analysis of the Physical, Tactical, Emotional, and Mood Characteristics of Under-13 Soccer Players by Performance Level
Authors: Montenegro Bonilla Aura D. , Rodríguez Pachón Sergio D. , Hernández-Beltrán Víctor , Gamonales José M. , Rico-González Markel , Pino-Ortega José , Olivares-Arancibia Jorge , Yánez-Sepúlveda Rodrigo , López-Gil José Francisco , Becerra Patiño Boryi A.
Published: November 2024

Background and Objectives: Soccer is a sport characterized by various unpredictable situations in which physical abilities are associated with athletic performance. There are several capabilities that young soccer players must develop to adapt to the needs of the competition. This study analyzes the physical characteristics, tactical knowledge, emotional intelligence, and mood states of youth soccer players at different competitive levels. Materials and Methods: The sample consisted of 36 male soccer players with an average age of 12.65 ± 0.48 years, weight of 44.92 ± 7.49 kg, and height of 157.2 ± 0.08 cm. A cross-sectional correlational study design was selected. Inferential analysis was conducted via the RV coefficient to assess relationships between groups. Two-sample tests (Student’s t test or the Mann–Whitney U test) were used to assess the distribution of the samples. Standardized mean differences (i.e., Cohen’s d) were calculated as effect sizes. Results: For the yo-yo intermittent endurance test level 1, the Premier category showed higher speed (p = 0.01, d = 0.40) and superior estimated VO2max (p = 0.01, d = −0.91). The statistically significant variables included the hamstring strength exercise of the hamstrings for the angle of rupture (p = 0.04, d = −0.04, d = −0.72), the COD-Timer 5-0-5 for contact time—5-0-5 (ms) (p = 0.04, d = 0.69) and 10 m—5-0-5 (s) (p = 0.02, d = 0.79), tactical knowledge of in-game performance (p = 0.01, d = −1.19), support level (p = 0.01, d = −1.27), decision-making ability (p = 0.01, d = 0.59), melancholy (p = 0.01, d = 0.59), confusion (p = 0.01, d = 0.56), and emotional intelligence (p = 0.04, d = 0.77). The Premier category presented slightly higher averages than did category A. In the assessment of running-based anaerobic sprint test power (p < 0.05, d = 0.83) and mood states (p < 0.05, d = 0.59), players in category A presented higher results. Conclusions: The performance capacity of youth soccer players encompasses a multidimensional complexity that includes physical, tactical, emotional, and psychological aspects, which vary among players of the same age.
MOTH: Memory-Efficient On-the-Fly Tiling of Histological Image Annotations Using QuPath
Authors: Kauer Thomas , Sehring Jannik , Schmid Kai , Bartkuhn Marek , Wiebach Benedikt , Crnkovic Slaven , Kwapiszewska Grazyna , Acker Till , Amsel Daniel
Published: November 2024

The emerging usage of digitalized histopathological images is leading to a novel possibility for data analysis. With the help of artificial intelligence algorithms, it is now possible to detect certain structures and morphological features on whole slide images automatically. This enables algorithms to count, measure, or evaluate those areas when trained properly. To achieve suitable training, datasets must be annotated and curated by users in programs like QuPath. The extraction of this data for artificial intelligence algorithms is still rather tedious and needs to be saved on a local hard drive. We developed a toolkit for integration into existing pipelines and tools, like U-net, for the on-the-fly extraction of annotation tiles from existing QuPath projects. The tiles can be directly used as input for artificial intelligence algorithms, and the results are directly transferred back to QuPath for visual inspection. With the toolkit, we created a convenient way to incorporate QuPath into existing AI workflows.
An Ecologically Consistent Model of Growth for Hard-Bodied Marine Organisms
Authors: Warby Cian , Dias Frederic , Schoefs Franck , Pakrashi Vikram
Published: November 2024

There are several factors to account for marine growth including but not limited to temperature, salinity, chlorophyll-a content, existing species in the environment and predating. This paper proposes a model of biological growth for hard species on marine structures, which can be compatible with site-specific and realistic ecology while also being able to translate the results for analyses linked to lifetime hydrodynamic or structural effects via commercial software or computing. The model preserves fundamentals of ecological aspects rather than using heuristics or random sampling to data fitting on sparsely collected information. The coefficients used in the proposed model align to the real world, with location-specific values, and can be adapted to new information. The growth model is demonstrated for Mythulis Edulis (blue mussel) colonisation to assess the lifetime hydrodynamic effects for the West Coast of Ireland and the Gulf of Guinea. The model can be extended to any hard growth approach.
Evaluating Nuclear Forensic Signatures for Advanced Reactor Deployment: A Research Priority Assessment
Authors: Schiferl Megan N. , McLachlan Jeffrey R. , Peterson Appie A. , Marks Naomi E. , Abergel Rebecca J.
Published: November 2024

The development and deployment of a new generation of nuclear reactors necessitates a thorough evaluation of techniques used to characterize nuclear materials for nuclear forensic applications. Advanced fuels proposed for use in these reactors present both challenges and opportunities for the nuclear forensic field. Many efforts in pre-detonation nuclear forensics are currently focused on the analysis of uranium oxides, uranium ore concentrates, and fuel pellets since these materials have historically been found outside of regulatory control. The increasing use of TRISO particles, metal fuels, molten fuel salts, and novel ceramic fuels will require an expansion of the current nuclear forensic suite of signatures to accommodate the different physical dimensions, chemical compositions, and material properties of these advanced fuel forms. In this work, a semi-quantitative priority scoring system is introduced to identify the order in which the nuclear forensics community should pursue research and development on material signatures for advanced reactor designs. This scoring system was applied to propose the following priority ranking of six major advanced reactor categories: (1) molten salt reactor (MSR), (2) liquid metal-cooled reactor (LMR), (3) very-high-temperature reactor (VHTR), (4) fluoride-salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR), (5) gas-cooled fast reactor (GFR), and (6) supercritical water-cooled reactor (SWCR).
The Role of Aspergillus niger in Regulating Internal Browning Involves Flavonoid Biosynthesis and the Endophytic Fungal Community of Pineapple
Authors: Shen Fei , Wang Guang , Zhu Shijiang
Published: November 2024

Endophytic fungi are commonly used to control plant diseases, overcoming the drawbacks of chemical agents. The internal browning (IB) of postharvest pineapple fruit, a physiological disease, leads to quality losses and limits industrial development. This work investigated the relationship among the effects of Aspergillus niger (An) on IB controlling, flavonoid metabolism and the endophytic fungal community of pineapple through metabolomics, transcriptomics, microbiomics and microorganism mutagenesis technology. We obtained an endophyte An that can control the IB of pineapple and screened its mutant strain AnM, through chemical mutagenesis, that cannot control IB. The transcriptome of fungi showed that An and AnM were different in oxidative metabolism. Transcriptome and metabolome analyses of pineapple showed that An upregulated genes of flavonoid synthesis, including dihydroflavonol 4-reductase and flavonoid 3′-monooxygenase and increased the flavonoid content in pineapple fruit, i.e., Hispidulin, Hispidulin-7-O-Glucoside, and Diosmetin, while AnM could not. Microbiomics analysis identified an increase in the abundance of eight endophytic fungi in An-inoculated fruit, among which the abundance of six endophytic fungi (Filobasidium magnum, Naganishia albida, A. niger, Aureobasidium melanogenum, Kwoniella heveanensis and Lysurus cruciatus) was positively correlated with the content of three flavonoids mentioned above but not in AnM-inoculated fruit. Overall, this suggested, for the first time, that A. niger alleviated IB mainly by enhancing flavonoid synthesis and content and the abundance of endophytic fungi and by regulating the interaction between flavonoid content and endophytic fungi abundance in pineapple. This work adds to the understanding of the IB mechanism in postharvest pineapple and provides a new green approach for reducing postharvest losses and controlling physiological diseases.
Oestrogen Detoxification Ability of White Rot Fungus Trametes hirsuta LE-BIN 072: Exoproteome and Transformation Product Profiling
Authors: Savinova Olga S. , Savinova Tatiana S. , Fedorova Tatyana V.
Published: November 2024

White rot fungi, especially representatives of the genus Trametes spp. (Polyporaceae), are effective destructors of various xenobiotics, including oestrogens (phenol-like steroids), which are now widespread in the environment and pose a serious threat to the health of humans, animals and aquatic organisms. In this work, the ability of the white rot fungus Trametes hirsuta LE-BIN 072 to transform oestrone (E1) and 17β-oestradiol (E2), the main endocrine disruptors, was shown. More than 90% of the initial E1 and E2 were removed by the fungus during the first 24 h of transformation. The transformation process proceeded predominantly in the direction of the initial substrates’ detoxification, with the radical oxidative coupling of E1 and E2 as well as their metabolites and the formation of less toxic dimers in various combinations. A number of minor metabolites, in particular, less toxic estriol (E3), were identified by HPLC-MS. The formation of E1 from E2 and vice versa were shown. The exoproteome of the white rot fungus during the transformation of oestrogens was studied in detail for the first time. The contribution of ligninolytic peroxidases (MnP5, MnP7 and VP2) to the process of the extracellular detoxification of oestrogens and their possible metabolites is highlighted. Thus, the studied strain appears to be a promising mycodetoxicant of phenol-like steroids in aquatic environments.
The Rising Threat of Mucormycosis: Oman’s Experience Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Al-Jardani Amina , Al-Wahaibi Adil , Al Rashdi Azza , Spruijtenburg Bram , AlBulushi Noora , Rani R. Sandhya , AlKindi Hanan , Al-Yaquobi Fatma , Al-Rawahi Bader , AlBalushi Asma , Al Azri Saleh , Meis Jacques F. , AlBuloshi Iman , Al-Abri Seif , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Al-Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , Al Maani Amal
Published: November 2024

Mucormycosis is a rare, severe fungal infection mainly affecting immunocompromised individuals. Because of limited data on its epidemiology in Oman, we present this national, multicentric, retrospective review that includes all cases of proven mucormycosis between 2006 and 2022 in Oman. There were 51 cases of mucormycosis reported in Oman. The annual incidence of mucormycosis was 0.38–0.69 cases per million population before COVID-19. During the pandemic, the incidence rose significantly to 1.76 in 2020, 5.31 in 2021, then decreased to 0.87 per million population in 2022. Diabetes was observed in 82.4% (n = 42) of the cases, COVID-19 in 47.1% (n = 24), and other chronic diseases in 72.6%. The use of steroids was reported in 33.3% (n = 17) and many patients (64.7%, n = 33) had multiple risk factors. The overall mortality rate was 41.2% (n = 21) and most deaths occurred within a month of diagnosis. Mortality rate among patients diagnosed with COVID-19 was 58.3% (14/24). Survival analysis showed a statistically significant association between COVID-19 status and patient survival (p = 0.024). Annual incidence of mucormycosis in Oman rose during the pandemic. This study highlights the epidemiological features of mucormycosis and emphasizes the importance of its inclusion in the national notifiable communicable diseases priority list as well as the importance of enhancing diagnostic capacities to detect and improve patient outcomes.
Optimal Monetary and Fiscal Policies to Maximise Non-Parallel Risk Premia in Sovereign Bond Markets
Authors: Hariparsad Sanveer , Maré Eben
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we analysed several emerging market (EM) and developed market (DM) sovereign yield curves to identify the proportion of parallel and non-parallel shifts over time. We found that non-parallel shifts are more prevalent in EM due to higher political and economic risks. Key drivers include systemic risk events like wars, debt distress, and pandemics. By backtesting a long butterfly strategy to extract non-parallel risk premia from June 2007 to March 2024, we observed that steeper slopes and greater curvature result in higher returns. We also quantified monetary and fiscal regimes to determine what types of policies are required to extract non-parallel risk premia from these sovereign yield curves. Our research suggests that countries with opposing monetary and fiscal policies possess higher return opportunities whilst countries with complementing policies require tactical butterfly strategies to optimise returns.
Factors Influencing Key Audit Matter Reporting in the Stock Exchange of Thailand: Empirical Evidence from 2016–2020 Data
Authors: Srisuwan Praphada , Swatdikun Trairong , Pathak Shubham , Surbakti Lidya Primta , Saramolee Alisara
Published: November 2024

This study aims to respond to the new auditing standard on the information reporting of Key Audit Matters (KAMs) as a separate section in the auditor’s report, which will increase the transparency and quality of the report. It not only explores the current practice of KAM reporting among Thai listed companies but also seeks factors that influence KAM reporting in Thailand. This study explores the quantitative methodology through secondary data collected from the Thai Stock Exchange. This archival research explores 343 listed companies in the Thai Stock Exchange from 2016 to 2020. Descriptive statistics, a correlation matrix, and regression analysis are employed. The results suggest that the type of auditor (Big 4 or non-Big-4 audit firms), audit fee, audit independence, and industry have a direct positive impact on Key Audit Matter reporting at a 0.05 significance level. However, the evidence also suggests that the presence of females on the board, year, ROA (return on asset), risk, and size were not validated factors that have direct positive impacts on Key Audit Matter reporting at a 0.05 significance level.
Microstructural Evolution and Damage Mechanism of Water-Immersed Coal Based on Physicochemical Effects of Inorganic Minerals
Authors: Chen Xuexi , Liu Zijian , Li Tao , Ma Jingyi , Hu Jiaying
Published: November 2024

Coal seam water injection technology enables seam permeability enhancement and facilitates outburst risk reduction. This study investigated the microscale effects of water infiltration on coal and the evolution mechanisms of its mechanical properties. To this end, we systematically analyzed dynamic changes (such as mineral composition, pore structure, and mechanical performance) in coal soaked for various durations using X-ray diffraction, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and uniaxial compression testing. The results indicate: (1) the coal NMR T2 spectrum displays three characteristic peaks, corresponding to rapid water absorption, uniform transition, and stabilization stages of soaking traditionally divided according to peak area variation trends. (2) The coal strength decreases with progressive soaking, influenced by water content, pore volume, mineral composition, etc. Its compressive strength and elastic modulus drop by 22.4% and 19.5%, respectively, compared to the initial values. (3) The expansion of clay minerals during immersion reduces average pore size. In contrast, quartz particle displacement, pore water movement, and soluble mineral dissolution increase pore volume, reducing the overall structure strength. (4) The dominant factors driving the degradation of mechanical properties vary across immersion stages, including water content and specific mineral concentration. This work offers new insights into how hydraulic technology alters coal seams, providing theoretical support for optimizing water injection strategies in the seam.
Upscaling of Copper Slag-Based Geopolymer to 3D Printing Technology
Authors: Kozub Barbara , Sitarz Mateusz , Gądek Szymon , Ziejewska Celina , Mróz Katarzyna , Hager Izabela
Published: November 2024

Additive manufacturing using cement has evolved rapidly in recent decades, revolutionizing the construction industry. This technology automates building structures through computer-aided design, offering benefits such as reduced material waste, optimized material distribution, and the ability to use composite materials. This paper aims to examine the potential of using copper-slag-based geopolymers in 3D printing. Geopolymers have gained popularity as an alternative and more energy-efficient material to traditional building materials, while copper slag allows for reducing and managing mining industry waste. Moreover, samples formed in molds based on the same material were produced to evaluate the method of manufacturing on the mechanical properties of geopolymers. This paper presents an evaluation of the mechanical properties including the compressive, flexural, and shear strength of the layered material. It reveals promising results, with strength development mainly observed within the first 14 days. The results show that the compressive strength after 28 days of curing is 46.4 MP and 42.1 MPa for formed and printed samples, respectively. Furthermore, the average bending strength value ranges between 7.4 MPa and 7.8 MPa, regardless of the bending direction and forming method. The obtained results show that printed geopolymers demonstrate adequate layer bonding, confirming the profitability of the 3D printing technology. This research confirms that 3D printing technology enables the use of geopolymer binder materials based on copper slag, which opens the door to sustainable alternatives in construction practices.
Equivalent Heat Source Model of Thermal Relay Contact Based on Surface Roughness of Silver–Magnesium–Nickel Contact
Authors: Li Bo , Liang Huimin , Li Pinmou , Li Yuexian , Wang Aobo
Published: November 2024

In a sealed electromagnetic relay, the change in the surface roughness mainly depends on the collision wear between the contact and the moving reed and the ablation effect of the arc on the contact surface based on the strong correlation between the contact resistance and the surface roughness of the Ag-Mg-Ni contact. With a change in contact resistance, the contact temperature increase in a hermetically sealed electromagnetic relay (HSER) is greatly affected. Under extreme overload conditions, the contact surface is severely ablated by the arc, and the roughness increases rapidly with the number of cycles, which greatly affects the contact resistance of the contact surface and the reliability of the relay. A thermal model of a relay contact system based on the surface roughness of Ag-Mg-Ni contacts was established in this paper by analyzing the effect of an arc on the surface roughness of Ag-Mg-Ni contacts under heavy overload conditions. The arc image of the Ag-Mg-Ni contact was recorded using a double-axis arc photographing platform, and the moving track of the arc center under overload conditions was drawn. This paper explored the patterns of arc center movement on the contact surface and the effects of the arc on the surface roughness of the contacts by analyzing the probabilities of the arc center appearing in various locations. A mathematical model correlating the number of contact cycles with contact resistance was established. Subsequently, a finite element simulation model for the equivalent heat source of the contact was developed. The theoretical model error was less than 10%. The accuracy of the equivalent heat source model was verified by comparing the measured data with the simulation results.
A Progressive Loss Decomposition Method for Low-Frequency Shielding of Soft Magnetic Materials
Authors: Ji Airu , Sun Jinji
Published: November 2024

Energy loss in shielding soft magnetic materials at low frequencies (1–100 Hz) can cause fluctuations in the material’s magnetic field, and the resulting magnetic noise can interfere with the measurement accuracy and basic precision physics of biomagnetic signals. This places higher demands on the credibility and accuracy of loss separation predictions. The current statistical loss theory (STL) method tends to ignore the high impact of the excitation dependence of quasi-static loss in the low-frequency band on the prediction accuracy. STL simultaneously fits and predicts multiple unknown quantities, causing its results to occasionally fall into the value boundary, and the credibility is low in the low-frequency band and with less data. This paper proposes a progressive loss decomposition (PLD) method. Through multi-step progressive predictions, the hysteresis loss simulation coefficients are first determined. The experimental data of the test ring verifies the credibility of PLD’s prediction of the two hysteresis coefficients, improving the inapplicability of the STL method. In addition, we use the proposed method to obtain the prediction results of the low-frequency characteristics of the loss of a variety of typical soft magnetic materials, providing a reference for analyzing the loss characteristics of materials.
Thermal Quenching of Intrinsic Photoluminescence in Amorphous and Monoclinic HfO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Shilov Artem , Savchenko Sergey , Vokhmintsev Alexander , Zhusupov Kanat , Weinstein Ilya
Published: November 2024

Nanotubular hafnia arrays hold significant promise for advanced opto- and nanoelectronic applications. However, the known studies concern mostly the luminescent properties of doped HfO2-based nanostructures, while the optical properties of nominally pure hafnia with optically active centers of intrinsic origin are far from being sufficiently investigated. In this work, for the first time we have conducted research on the wide-range temperature effects in the photoluminescence processes of anion-defective hafnia nanotubes with an amorphous and monoclinic structure, synthesized by the electrochemical oxidation method. It is shown that the spectral parameters, such as the position of the maximum and half-width of the band, remain almost unchanged in the range of 7–296 K. The experimental data obtained for the photoluminescence temperature quenching are quantitatively analyzed under the assumption made for two independent channels of non-radiative relaxation of excitations with calculating the appropriate energies of activation barriers—9 and 39 meV for amorphous hafnia nanotubes, 15 and 141 meV for monoclinic ones. The similar temperature behavior of photoluminescence spectra indicates close values of short-range order parameters in the local atomic surrounding of the active emission centers in hafnium dioxide with amorphous and monoclinic structure. Anion vacancies VO− and VO2− appeared in the positions of three-coordinated oxygen and could be the main contributors to the spectral features of emission response and observed thermally stimulated processes. The recognized and clarified mechanisms occurring during thermal quenching of photoluminescence could be useful for the development of light-emitting devices and thermo-optical sensors with functional media based on oxygen-deficient hafnia nanotubes.