bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Quality of Life after Robotic, Video-Assisted, and Open Surgery for Lung Cancer
Authors: Asemota Nicole , Maraschi Alessandro , Lampridis Savvas , Pilling John , King Juliet , Le Reun Corinne , Bille Andrea
Published: September 2023

Post-operative quality of life (QOL) has become crucial in choosing operative approaches in thoracic surgery. However, compared to VATS and thoracotomy, QOL results post-RATS are limited. We compared QOL before and after RATS and between RATS, VATS, and thoracotomy. We conducted a retrospective review of lung cancer surgical patients from 2015 to 2020. Patients completed validated EORTC QOL questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and QLQ-LC13). Results were analysed using the EORTC Scoring Guide, with statistical analysis. A total of 47 (94%) pre- and post-RATS questionnaires were returned. Forty-two patients underwent anatomical lung resections. In addition, 80% of patients experienced uncomplicated recovery. All global and functional QOL domains improved post-operatively, as did most symptoms (13/19). Only four symptoms worsened, including dyspnoea (p = 0.017), with two symptoms unchanged. Of the 148 returned questionnaires for all approaches (open-22/VATS-79/RATS-47), over 70% showed a high pre-operative performance status. Most patients underwent anatomical lung resection, with only VATS patients requiring conversion (n = 6). Complications were slightly higher in RATS, with one patient requiring re-intubation. RATS patients demonstrated the highest global and functional QOL. Physical QOL was lowest after thoracotomy (p = 0.002). RATS patients reported the fewest symptoms, including dyspnoea (p = 0.046), fatigue (p < 0.001), and pain (p = 0.264). Overall, RATS results in a significantly better post-operative QOL and should be considered the preferred surgical approach for lung cancer patients.
Childhood Obesity and Congenital Heart Disease: A Lifelong Struggle
Authors: Di Salvo Giovanni , Cattapan Irene , Fumanelli Jennifer , Pozza Alice , Moscatelli Sara , Sabatino Jolanda , Avesani Martina , Reffo Elena , Sirico Domenico , Castaldi Biagio , Cerutti Alessia , Biffanti Roberta , Pergola Valeria
Published: September 2023

Congenital heart disease (CHD) affects approximately one in every one hundred infants worldwide, making it one of the most prevalent birth abnormalities globally. Despite advances in medical technology and treatment choices, CHD remains a significant health issue and necessitates specialized care throughout an individual′s life. Childhood obesity has emerged as a novel global epidemic, becoming a major public health issue, particularly in individuals with lifelong conditions such as CHD. Obesity has profound effects on cardiac hemodynamics and morphology, emphasizing the importance of addressing obesity as a significant risk factor for cardiovascular health. Obesity-induced alterations in cardiac function can have significant implications for cardiovascular health and may contribute to the increased risk of heart-related complications in obese individuals. Moreover, while diastolic dysfunction may be less apparent in obese children compared to adults, certain parameters do indicate changes in early left ventricular relaxation, suggesting that obesity can cause cardiac dysfunction even in pediatric populations. As most children with CHD now survive into adulthood, there is also concern about environmental and behavioral health risk factors in this particular patient group. Addressing obesity in individuals with CHD is essential to optimize their cardiovascular health and overall quality of life. This review aims to succinctly present the data on the impact of obesity on CHD and to enhance awareness of this perilous association among patients, families, and healthcare providers.
Effectiveness and Safety of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Colorectal Neoplasm in Patients with High Charlson Comorbidity Index Score: A HASID Multicenter Study
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyun , Jung Yong-Wook , Jin Byung-Chul , Oh Hyung-Hoon , Song Hyo-Yeop , Kim Seong-Jung , Myung Dae-Seong , Kim Sang-Wook , Lee Jun , Seo Geom-Seog , Joo Young-Eun , Kim Hyun-Soo
Published: September 2023

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective method for removing early colorectal lesions. However, research on the safety and efficacy of ESD in patients with various underlying conditions remains limited. This study retrospectively examined ESD outcomes in colorectal neoplasm patients from five tertiary medical centers. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and age-adjusted CCI (ACCI) were analyzed, and the differences in complete resection and complication rates were analyzed. The CCI, ACCI, and complication rates tended to gradually increase proportionally, and the complication resection rate increased from CCI 2 to ACCI 4 as the starting point, followed by a decreasing trend. Of these, 140 patients (9.7%) had a CCI score of 3 or higher. The high CCI group was older (70.6% vs. 64.7%, p < 0.01) and had a higher proportion of men (70.7% vs. 58.7%, p < 0.01) than the low CCI group. The high CCI group had a higher incidence of cancer than the low CCI group (77.9% vs. 65.2%, p < 0.01). The en bloc resection rate (90.0% vs. 89.3%, p = 0.79) and complete resection rate (75.7% vs. 81.2%, p = 0.12) were not significantly different between the two groups. Colorectal ESD can be safely and effectively performed in patients with various underlying medical conditions.
Associated Factors of Functional Ability in Older Persons Undergoing Hip Surgery Immediately Post-Hospital Discharge: A Prospective Study
Authors: Monkuntod Kanokwan , Aree-Ue Suparb , Roopsawang Inthira
Published: September 2023

Background: hip fractures commonly have an impact on older adults’ health. Surgical treatment aims to reduce pain and promote functional ability. However, developing adverse health outcomes or complications post-hip surgery may impede older patients’ recovery to return to functional ability as pre-fracture. We aimed to examine the association of personal factors and adverse health outcomes during hospitalization and post-hospital discharge on the functional ability of older people undergoing hip surgery. Methods: a total of 120 older people with hip fractures who were scheduled for surgery at three tertiary hospitals and met the inclusion criteria were recruited for this study. Data were obtained at admission, before discharge, and during the two-week postoperative follow-up using the Demographic, Hip Dysfunction and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Joint Replacement, the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) Thai version, and Health Outcome Questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze the data. Results: most participants were female, with a mean age of 78.10 years (range = 60–93; SD = 8.37). The most common adverse health outcome during hospitalization was urinary tract infection, followed by delirium, pneumonia, deep vein thrombosis, and surgical site infection. At two weeks immediately post-hospital discharge, 16 participants experienced unpleasant events, including delirium, urinary tract infection, surgical site infection, and pneumonia. The significant predictors of poor functional ability at two weeks immediately post-hospital discharge were old age (OR = 1.114, p = 0.001), subtrochanteric fracture (OR = 13.48, p = 0.008), and type of surgery (OR = 4.105, p = 0.049).
Interannual Variability and Long-Term Trends in Intensity of the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass during 1993–2019
Authors: Yang Jing , Liu Chunli , Sun Qiwei , Zhai Li , Sun Qiming , Li Shiji , Ai Libo , Li Xue
Published: September 2023

The Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass (YSCWM) is an important component of the hydrodynamic system and it significantly impacts the primary production of the Yellow Sea. This study investigated the difference in the interannual variability and long-term trends between the northern YSCWM (NYSCWM) and southern YSCWM (SYSCWM), and explored the main physical environmental factors that led to their inconsistency using multiple wavelet coherence. On the interannual scale, the intensities of the NYSCWM and SYSCWM exhibited consistent variability, but the intensity of the SYSCWM had a larger standard deviation and longer periodic signal than that of the NYSCWM. The two-factor combination of surface air temperature (SAT)–Niño 3.4 in the NYSCWM and sea surface temperature (SST)–northward seawater velocity (Vgos) in the SYSCWM controlled the interannual variability, which meant the influencing intensity variability differed in the NYSCWM and SYSCWM. In the long-term trend, the intensities of the NYSCWM and SYSCWM both showed decreasing trends during the study period. However, the enhanced circulation provided more horizontal heat input into the SYSCWM, and the relatively higher increase in SST and decrease in the amplitude of variation in the thermocline depth promoted vertical heat exchange in the SYSCWM, thereby making the intensity of the SYSCWM decrease more quickly than that of the NYSCWM. These findings provide important references that facilitate a deeper understanding of the influence of hydrological processes on marine ecosystems in marginal seas.
First Cases of Feline Sporotrichosis Caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis in Paraguay
Authors: do Prado Carolina Melchior , Razzolini Emanuel , Santacruz Gabriela , Ojeda Leticia , Geraldo Marlon Roger , Segovia Nancy , Pereira Brunelli José , Vicente Vânia Aparecida , Svoboda Walfrido Kühl , Queiroz-Telles Flávio
Published: September 2023

Sporothrix brasiliensis is an emerging fungal pathogen causing cat-transmitted sporotrichosis, an epi-zoonosis affecting humans, cats and dogs in Brazil and now spreading to neighboring South American countries. Here, we report the first two autochthonous cases of cat-transmitted sporotrichosis in Paraguay. The first case was a four-year-old male cat showing several ulcerative lesions, nasal deformity and respiratory symptoms. The second case was a one-year-old male cat showing a single ulcerated lesion, respiratory symptoms and nasal deformity. Both cases were admitted to a veterinary clinic in Ciudad del Este, Paraguay. Isolates were recovered from swabs of the two cases. Using molecular methods, the isolates were identified as S. brasiliensis.
Effective Recognition of Lithium Salt in (Choline Chloride: Glycerol) Deep Eutectic Solvent by Reichardt’s Betaine Dye 33
Authors: Kumar Manish , Kumar Abhishek , Pandey Siddharth
Published: September 2023

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have emerged as novel alternatives to common solvents and VOCs. Their employment as electrolytes in batteries has been an area of intense research. In this context, understanding changes in the physicochemical properties of DESs in the presence of Li salts becomes of utmost importance. Solvatochromic probes have the potential to gauge such changes. It is reported herein that one such UV–vis molecular absorbance probe, Reichardt’s betaine dye 33, effectively manifests changes taking place in a DES Glyceline composed of H-bond accepting salt choline chloride and H-bond donor glycerol in a 1:2 molar ratio, as salt LiCl is added. The lowest energy intramolecular charge–transfer absorbance band of this dye exhibits a 17 nm hypsochromic shift as up to 3.0 molal LiCl is added to Glyceline. The estimated ETN parameter shows a linear increase with the LiCl mole fraction. Spectroscopic responses of betaine dye 33, N,N-diethyl-4-nitroaniline and 4-nitroaniline are used to assess empirical Kamlet–Taft parameters of dipolarity/polarizability (π*), H-bond-donating acidity (α) and H-bond-accepting basicity (β) as a function of LiCl concentration in Glyceline. LiCl addition to Glyceline results in an increase in α and no change in π* and β. It is proposed that the added lithium interacts with the oxygen of the –OH functionalities on the glycerol rendering of the solvent with increased H-bond-donating acidity. It is observed that pyrene, a popular fluorescence probe of solvent polarity, does respond to the addition of LiCl to Glyceline, however, the change in pyrene response starts to become noticeable only at higher LiCl concentrations (mLiCl ≥ 1.5 m). Reichardt’s betaine dye is found to be highly sensitive and versatile in gauging the physicochemical properties of DESs in the presence of LiCl.
As in Forests, So in Verse: Clearings and the Poetics of Lack in Finnish Forest Poetry
Authors: Lummaa Karoliina
Published: September 2023

Forests and forestry have been recurrent topics in Finnish environmental poetry since the 1970s, reflecting the importance of the cultural meanings of forests and forest-related livelihoods in Finland. Despite the recent forest boom in Finnish contemporary art and literature, contemporary sylvan poetics in Finnish poetry has remained an understudied topic. Moreover, the wider ecocritical discussions on the artistic and poetic dimensions of forest management and economy are still scarce, at least in the Nordic cultural context. To ignite these discussions, this study examines the meanings of forest clearings in contemporary Finnish poetry. Theoretically, this study draws from ecocriticism, with a particular emphasis on ecopoetics. By focusing on typography, rhetorics and thematics, this article shows how forest poems written by Jouni Tossavainen, Janette Hannukainen and Mikael Brygger combine technical forestry terminology with affective language and visual means to express anthropogenic changes in forests, resulting in a specific expressive style conceptualised as the poetics of lack. This poetics consists of ideas and rhetorical and typographical elements that together denote and express a variety of experiences, emotions and thoughts regarding a lack of trees, as well as a lack of natural organisation in forest growth.
Design and Optimization of a Spherical Magnetorheological Actuator
Authors: Vizjak Jakob , Hamler Anton , Jesenik Marko
Published: September 2023

Recently, an increasing number of electromagnetic devices have been using smart fluids. These include ferrofluids, electrorheological fluids, and magnetorheological (MR) fluids. In the paper, magnetorheological fluids are considered for use in a spherical actuator for haptic applications. An approach is presented to the design and optimization of such a device, using finite element method modelling linked with differential evolution (DE). Much consideration was given to the construction of the objective function to be minimized. A novel approach to objective function assembly was used, using reference values based on the model design and created with parameters set to the midpoint values of the selected range. It was found to be a useful strategy when the reference values are unknown. There were four parameters to be optimized. Three of them gravitated towards the boundary value, and the fourth (actuator radius) was somewhere in between. The value of the objective function reached a minimum in the range of actuator radius between 42.9880 mm and 45.0831 mm, which is about a 5% difference in regard to the actuator radius. Three passes of optimization were performed with similar results, proving the robustness of the algorithm.
Evaluation of a New Chemiluminescent Immunoassay-Based Interferon-Gamma Release Assay for Detection of Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Kim Keun Ju , Ryu Seong-Eun , Lee Ha-Na , Oh Seung-Hwan , Chang Chulhun L.
Published: September 2023

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of a new chemiluminescent immunoassay-based tuberculosis (TB) interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), AdvanSureI3 TB-IGRA (LG Chem Ltd., Seoul, Republic of Korea), for detecting latent tuberculosis infection in comparison with T-SPOT.TB (Oxford Immunotec, Oxford, UK). Materials and Methods: Between June 2021 and December 2021, 125 non-duplicate blood specimens were collected from adult volunteers; each subject received both tests concurrently. Total agreement and Cohen’s kappa coefficient (κ) were used to calculate concordance. The Jonckheere–Terpstra test was used to examine the correlation between interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) levels in AdvanSureI3 TB-IGRA and spot counts in T-SPOT.TB. Results: The IGRA findings of the two assays revealed 90.8% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 84.2–94.8) total agreement with κ of 0.740 (95% CI = 0.595–0.885), showing substantial agreement between the two tests. Additionally, the amount of IFN-γ in AdvanSureI3 TB-IGRA increased with the spot counts in T-SPOT.TB (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our research revealed that the results of the AdvanSureI3 TB-IGRA were comparable to those of T-SPOT.TB.
Phase Formation and Stabilization Behavior of Ca-PSZ by Post-Heat Treatment II: CaOx-ZrO2(1 − x) (x = 5–10 mol%)
Authors: Yoo Hyunjo , Kim Juyoung , Lee Hwanseok , Jo Ilguk , Lee Heesoo
Published: September 2023

The effects of CaO content and post-heat treatment were investigated on the phase stability and mechanical and thermal properties of Ca-PSZ. ZrO2 specimens with 5–10 mol% CaO were sintered, and post-heat treatment was performed at 1200 °C for 100 h. Subsequently, to test and analyze the crystal structure and the microstructure, the mechanical and thermal properties of the specimens were evaluated. All specimens were partially stabilized by 5–10 mol% CaO (5CSZ–10CSZ) in a mixed monoclinic and tetragonal phase; however, peaks of the secondary phase of CaZrO3 were observed in 10CSZ. The ratio of the monoclinic phase decreased from 62.50% (5CSZ) to 21.02% (10CSZ) as the CaO content increased. Additionally, the monoclinic phase ratio decreased from 59.38% (5CSZ) to 19.57% (9CSZ) after the post-heat treatment; an increase to 24.84% was observed for 10CSZ. An increase in Vickers hardness from 676.02 to 1256.25 HV and flexural strength from 437.7 to 842.7 MPa was observed with increasing CaO content. The post-heat treatment resulted in further increases in these values as the CaO content increased from 5CSZ to 9CSZ; however, the Vickers hardness and flexural strength of 10CSZ decreased by approximately 8% and 9%, respectively. The thermal expansion coefficient exhibited the same tendency as the mechanical properties. This coefficient increased from 8.229 × 10−6 to 9.448 × 10−6 K−1 with increasing CaO content and was enhanced after the post-heat treatment in 5CSZ to 9CSZ; however, the thermal expansion coefficient of 10CSZ decreased by approximately 4% after the post-heat treatment. The mechanically and thermally stable tetragonal phase increased, and the monoclinic phase decreased as the doped Ca replaced the Zr sites, as was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The post-heat treatment and the increased Ca addition further facilitated the replacement of Zr sites by Ca. However, at high Ca concentrations of 10CSZ, an equilibrium phase of CaZrO3 was formed as a secondary phase at the post-heat treatment temperature, resulting in low performance.
Molecular Dynamics Study of the Devitrification of Amorphous Copper Nanoparticles in Vacuum and in a Silver Shell
Authors: Poletaev Gennady , Gafner Yuri , Gafner Svetlana , Bebikhov Yuriy , Semenov Alexander
Published: September 2023

The process of the devitrification of copper nanoparticles in vacuum and in a silver shell during heating was studied using a molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that there is an inverse relationship between the particle diameter and devitrification temperature. As the size of the particles decreases, the temperature at which devitrification occurs increases due to a higher fraction of atoms near the interface. The presence of a silver shell leads to a significant increase in the devitrification temperature of the copper nanoparticles. For the considered particle sizes, the difference between the devitrification temperatures without a shell and with a shell ranged from 130 K for copper particles with a diameter of 11 nm to 250 K for 3 nm particles. The mechanisms of the nucleation of a crystalline phase in particles in vacuum and in a silver shell are significantly different. In the first case, crystalline nuclei are predominantly formed near the surface, while in the second case, on the contrary, they are formed within the particle’s volume.
Evaluating the Effects of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Inflammatory Bowel Disease via Circulating Metabolites: A Mediation Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Jia Xiaojing , Hu Chunyan , Wu Xueyan , Qi Hongyan , Lin Lin , Xu Min , Xu Yu , Wang Tiange , Zhao Zhiyun , Chen Yuhong , Li Mian , Zheng Ruizhi , Lin Hong , Wang Shuangyuan , Wang Weiqing , Bi Yufang , Zheng Jie , Lu Jieli
Published: September 2023

Epidemiological evidence regarding the effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) supplementation on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is conflicting. Additionally, little evidence exists regarding the effects of specific omega-3 components on IBD risk. We applied two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) to disentangle the effects of omega-3 PUFAs (including total omega-3, α-linolenic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)) on the risk of IBD, Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). Our findings indicated that genetically predicted increased EPA concentrations were associated with decreased risk of IBD (odds ratio 0.78 (95% CI 0.63–0.98)). This effect was found to be mediated through lower levels of linoleic acid and histidine metabolites. However, we found limited evidence to support the effects of total omega-3, α-linolenic acid, and DHA on the risks of IBD. In the fatty acid desaturase 2 (FADS2) region, robust colocalization evidence was observed, suggesting the primary role of the FADS2 gene in mediating the effects of omega-3 PUFAs on IBD. Therefore, the present MR study highlights EPA as the predominant active component of omega-3 fatty acids in relation to decreased risk of IBD, potentially via its interaction with linoleic acid and histidine metabolites. Additionally, the FADS2 gene likely mediates the effects of omega-3 PUFAs on IBD risk.
Accurate Microwave Circuit Co-Simulation Method Based on Simplified Equivalent Circuit Modeling
Authors: Kim Sanghyun , Yoon Won-Sang , Lim Jongsik , Han Sang-Min
Published: September 2023

A new co-simulation method is proposed for active devices and electromagnetic resonant circuits at microwave frequency range. For the measured and extracted device parameters, three steps of equivalent circuit models are processed of the general, simplified, and EM RLC models. To overcome the limited lumped element simulation in an electromagnetic simulator, the simplified equivalent circuit model is established by mathematical computation. The co-simulation procedures are described and experimentally verified for commercial diodes. The application circuit is designed and implemented using the proposed co-simulation method. The experimental results verify that design using the proposed co-simulated method presented excellent agreement for a wideband frequency range of 0–4 GHz, compared with that using a conventional design method. The proposed co-simulation method can be applied to any commercial EM simulation tools without active model error.
A BTO/PVDF/PDMS Piezoelectric Tangential and Normal Force Sensor Inspired by a Wind Chime
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Zhang Xiaotian , Zhang Qiang , Sang Shengbo , Ji Jianlong , Hao Runfang , Liu Yan
Published: September 2023

There is a growing demand for flexible pressure sensors in environmental monitoring and human–robot interaction robotics. A flexible and susceptible sensor can discriminate multidirectional pressure, thus effectively detecting signals of small environmental changes and providing solutions for personalized medicine. This paper proposes a multidimensional force detection sensor inspired by a wind chime structure with a three-dimensional force structure to detect and analyze normal and shear forces in real time. The force-sensing structure of the sensor consists of an upper and lower membrane on a polydimethylsiloxane substrate and four surrounding cylinders. A piezoelectric hemisphere is made of BTO/PVDF/PDMS composite material. The sensor columns in the wind chime structure surround the piezoelectric layer in the middle. When pressure is applied externally, the sensor columns are connected to the piezoelectric layer with a light touch. The piezoelectric hemisphere generates a voltage signal. Due to the particular structure of the sensor, it can accurately capture multidimensional forces and identify the direction of the external force by analyzing the position of the sensor and the output voltage amplitude. The development of such sensors shows excellent potential for self-powered wearable sensors, human–computer interaction, electronic skin, and soft robotics applications.
Methodology for Testing Key Parameters of Array-Level Small-Area Hafnium-Based Ferroelectric Capacitors Using Time-to-Digital Converter and Capacitance Calibration Circuits
Authors: Zhang Donglin , Yang Honghu , Cao Yue , Han Zhongze , Liu Yixuan , Wu Qiqiao , Han Yongkang , Jiang Haijun , Yang Jianguo
Published: September 2023

Hafnium-based ferroelectric memories are a promising approach to enhancing integrated circuit performance, offering advantages such as miniaturization, compatibility with CMOS technology, fast read and write speeds, non-volatility, and low power consumption. However, FeRAM (Ferroelectric Random Access Memory) still faces challenges related to endurance and retention susceptibility to process variations. Hence, testing and obtaining the core parameters of ferroelectric capacitors continuously is essential to investigate these phenomena and explore the potential solution. The traditional method for measuring ferroelectric capacitors has limitations in timing generation capability, introduces parasitic capacitance, and lacks accuracy for small-area capacitors. In this study, we analyzed the working principle of ferroelectric capacitors and designed a method to detect the remnant polarization, saturation polarization, and imprint offset of ferroelectric capacitors. Further, we further proposed a circuit implementation method. The proposed test circuit conquers these limitations and enables high-precision testing of ferroelectric capacitors, contributing to developing hafnium-based ferroelectric memories. The circuit includes a flip-readout circuit, a capacitance calibration circuit, and a voltage-to-time converter and time-to-digital converter (VTC&TDC) readout circuit. According to simulation results, the capacitance calibration circuit reduces the deviation of the capacitance by 84%, and the accuracy of the readout circuit is 5.91 bits, with a readout time of 150 ns and a power consumption of 1 mW. This circuit enables low-cost acquisition of array-level small-area ferroelectric capacitance data, which can guide subsequent device optimization and circuit design.
Substrate Specificity of Biofilms Proximate to Historic Shipwrecks
Authors: Mugge Rachel L. , Moseley Rachel D. , Hamdan Leila J.
Published: September 2023

The number of built structures on the seabed, such as shipwrecks, energy platforms, and pipelines, is increasing in coastal and offshore regions. These structures, typically composed of steel or wood, are substrates for microbial attachment and biofilm formation. The success of biofilm growth depends on substrate characteristics and local environmental conditions, though it is unclear which feature is dominant in shaping biofilm microbiomes. The goal of this study was to understand the substrate- and site-specific impacts of built structures on short-term biofilm composition and functional potential. Seafloor experiments were conducted wherein steel and wood surfaces were deployed for four months at distances extending up to 115 m away from three historic (>50 years old) shipwrecks in the Gulf of Mexico. DNA from biofilms on the steel and wood was extracted, and metagenomes were sequenced on an Illumina NextSeq. A bioinformatics analysis revealed that the taxonomic composition was significantly different between substrates and sites, with substrate being the primary determining factor. Regardless of site, the steel biofilms had a higher abundance of genes related to biofilm formation, and sulfur, iron, and nitrogen cycling, while the wood biofilms showed a higher abundance of manganese cycling and methanol oxidation genes. This study demonstrates how substrate composition shapes biofilm microbiomes and suggests that marine biofilms may contribute to nutrient cycling at depth. Analyzing the marine biofilm microbiome provides insight into the ecological impact of anthropogenic structures on the seabed.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Sublineages and Spike Protein Mutations Conferring Resistance against Monoclonal Antibodies in a Swedish Cohort during 2022–2023
Authors: Haars Jonathan , Palanisamy Navaneethan , Wallin Frans , Mölling Paula , Lindh Johan , Sundqvist Martin , Ellström Patrik , Kaden René , Lennerstrand Johan
Published: September 2023

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important treatment option for COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2, especially in immunosuppressed patients. However, this treatment option can become ineffective due to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome, mainly in the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike (S) protein. In the present study, 7950 SARS-CoV-2 positive samples from the Uppsala and Örebro regions of central Sweden, collected between March 2022 and May 2023, were whole-genome sequenced using amplicon-based sequencing methods on Oxford Nanopore GridION, Illumina MiSeq, Illumina HiSeq, or MGI DNBSEQ-G400 instruments. Pango lineages were determined and all single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) mutations that occurred in these samples were identified. We found that the dominant sublineages changed over time, and mutations conferring resistance to currently available mAbs became common. Notable ones are R346T and K444T mutations in the RBD that confer significant resistance against tixagevimab and cilgavimab mAbs. Further, mutations conferring a high-fold resistance to bebtelovimab, such as the K444T and V445P mutations, were also observed in the samples. This study highlights that resistance mutations have over time rendered currently available mAbs ineffective against SARS-CoV-2 in most patients. Therefore, there is a need for continued surveillance of resistance mutations and the development of new mAbs that target more conserved regions of the RBD.
A Survey of Archaeal Restriction–Modification Systems
Authors: Anton Brian P. , Roberts Richard J.
Published: September 2023

When compared with bacteria, relatively little is known about the restriction–modification (RM) systems of archaea, particularly those in taxa outside of the haloarchaea. To improve our understanding of archaeal RM systems, we surveyed REBASE, the restriction enzyme database, to catalog what is known about the genes and activities present in the 519 completely sequenced archaeal genomes currently deposited there. For 49 (9.4%) of these genomes, we also have methylome data from Single-Molecule Real-Time (SMRT) sequencing that reveal the target recognition sites of the active m6A and m4C DNA methyltransferases (MTases). The gene-finding pipeline employed by REBASE is trained primarily on bacterial examples and so will look for similar genes in archaea. Nonetheless, the organizational structure and protein sequence of RM systems from archaea are highly similar to those of bacteria, with both groups acquiring systems from a shared genetic pool through horizontal gene transfer. As in bacteria, we observe numerous examples of “persistent” DNA MTases conserved within archaeal taxa at different levels. We experimentally validated two homologous members of one of the largest “persistent” MTase groups, revealing that methylation of C(m5C)WGG sites may play a key epigenetic role in Crenarchaea. Throughout the archaea, genes encoding m6A, m4C, and m5C DNA MTases, respectively, occur in approximately the ratio 4:2:1.
HIV and an Ageing Population—What Are the Medical, Psychosocial, and Palliative Care Challenges in Healthcare Provisions
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed H. , Ahmed Fatima , Abu-Median Abu-Bakr , Panourgia Maria , Owles Henry , Ochieng Bertha , Ahamed Hassan , Wale Jane , Dietsch Benjamin , Mital Dushyant
Published: September 2023

The continuing increase in patient numbers and improvement in healthcare provisions of HIV services in the UK, alongside the effectiveness of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), has resulted in increasing numbers of the ageing population among people living with HIV (PLWH). It is expected that geriatricians will need to deal with many older people living with HIV (OPLWH) as life expectancy increases. Therefore, geriatric syndromes in OPLWH will be similar to the normal population, such as falls, cognitive decline, frailty, dementia, hypertension, diabetes and polypharmacy. The increase in the long-term use of cART, diabetes, dyslipidaemia and hypertension may lead to high prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The treatment of such conditions may lead to polypharmacy and may increase the risk of cART drug–drug interactions. In addition, the risk of developing infection and cancer is high. OPLWH may develop an early onset of low bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis and fractures. In this review, we have also provided potential psychosocial aspects of an ageing population with HIV, addressing issues such as depression, stigma, isolation and the need for comprehensive medical and psychosocial care through an interdisciplinary team in a hospital or community setting. OPLWH have a relatively high burden of physical, psychological, and spiritual needs and social difficulties, which require palliative care. The holistic type of palliative care that will improve physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing is discussed in this review.
Update on Emeralds from Kagem Mine, Kafubu Area, Zambia
Authors: Gao Ran , Chen Quanli , Li Yan , Huang Huizhen
Published: September 2023

Kagem emerald mine in Zambia is deemed to the largest open-pit emerald mine with extremely high economic value and market share in the world. To meet the market demand for tracing the origin of emeralds, 30 emeralds from the region were tested, and some discoveries were made compared to previous studies. This study provides a full set of data through standard gemological properties, inclusions, color characteristics, advanced spectroscopic and chemical analyses, including Raman, micro micro-UV-Vis-NIR, FTIR, and LA-ICP-MS. The most common inclusions in Kagem emeralds are two-phase inclusions, which exhibit elongated, hexagonal, oval, irregular shapes or appear as negative crystals with incomplete hexagonal prism. These inclusions consist of H2O or H2O + CO2 (liquid) and CO2 + N2 or CO2 + N2 + CH4 (gas). Mineral inclusions typically include actinolite, graphite, magnetite, and dolomite. Black graphite encased in actinolite in Kagem emeralds is first reported. The FTIR spectrum of Kagem emeralds reveals that the absorption of type II H2O is stronger than that of type I H2O, indicating the presence of abundant alkali metals, which was confirmed through chemical analysis. Kagem emeralds contain high levels of Na (avg. 16,440 ppm), moderate-to-high Cs (avg. 567 ppm), as well as low-to-moderate levels of K (avg. 185 ppm) and Rb (avg. 14 ppm) concentrations.
Research on Hydrocyclone Separation of Palygorskite Clay
Authors: Sun Xiangyun , Chen Yuting , Liang Long , Xie Guangyuan , Peng Yaoli
Published: September 2023

The separation methods of palygorskite can be divided into dry separation and wet separation. For wet separation, which is more efficient, the centrifuge is the commonly used method but is characterized as having a high cost. It remains a challenge to separate ultra-fine palygorskite with an economical method. This work tried to separate palygorskite using a hydrocyclone with two separation stages. Orthogonal experiments are designed to investigate the influence of feed concentration, feeding pressure, and underflow port diameter on separation performance. The element content, mineral composition, and particle size distribution of the separation products are analyzed, respectively, by XRD, XRF, and laser particle sizers. The apparent viscosity of palygorskite pulp is characterized by a rotational rheometer. The purity of the feed and palygorskite concentrate is measured using an internal standard method. The results show that the purity of palygorskite increased from 45.1% to 64.2%, with a recovery of 95.9%.
Boosted Photocatalytic Performance for Antibiotics Removal with Ag/PW12/TiO2 Composite: Degradation Pathways and Toxicity Assessment
Authors: Shi Hongfei , Wang Haoshen , Zhang Enji , Qu Xiaoshu , Li Jianping , Zhao Sisi , Gao Huajing , Chen Zhe
Published: September 2023

Photocatalyst is the core of photocatalysis and directly determines photocatalytic performance. However, low quantum efficiency and low utilization of solar energy are important technical problems in the application of photocatalysis. In this work, a series of polyoxometalates (POMs) [H3PW12O40] (PW12)-doped titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofibers modified with various amount of silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared by utilizing electrospinning/photoreduction strategy, and were labelled as x wt% Ag/PW12/TiO2 (abbr. x% Ag/PT, x = 5, 10, and 15, respectively). The as-prepared materials were characterized with a series of techniques and exhibited remarkable catalytic activities for visible-light degradation tetracycline (TC), enrofloxacin (ENR), and methyl orange (MO). Particularly, the 10% Ag/PT catalyst with a specific surface area of 155.09 m2/g and an average aperture of 4.61 nm possessed the optimal photodegradation performance, with efficiencies reaching 78.19% for TC, 93.65% for ENR, and 99.29% for MO, which were significantly higher than those of PW12-free Ag/TiO2 and PT nanofibers. Additionally, various parameters (the pH of the solution, catalyst usage, and TC concentration) influencing the degradation process were investigated in detail. The optimal conditions are as follows: catalyst usage: 20 mg; TC: 20 mL of 20 ppm; pH = 7. Furthermore, the photodegradation intermediates and pathways were demonstrated by HPLC-MS measurement. We also investigated the toxicity of products generated during TC removal by employing quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) prediction through a toxicity estimation software tool (T.E.S.T. Version 5.1.2.). The mechanism study showed that the doping of PW12 and the modification of Ag NPs on TiO2 broadened the visible-light absorption, accelerating the effective separation of photogenerated carriers, therefore resulting in an enhanced photocatalytic performance. The research provided some new thoughts for exploiting efficient and durable photocatalysts for environmental remediation.
Preparation and Characterization of Eugenol Incorporated Pullulan-Gelatin Based Edible Film of Pickering Emulsion and Its Application in Chilled Beef Preservation
Authors: Ding Zhi-Gang , Shen Yi , Hu Fei , Zhang Xiu-Xiu , Thakur Kiran , Khan Mohammad Rizwan , Wei Zhao-Jun
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to develop a composite film composed of eugenol Pickering emulsion and pullulan–gelatin, and to evaluate its preservation effect on chilled beef. The prepared composite film was comprehensively evaluated in terms of the stability of emulsion, the physical properties of the film, and an analysis of freshness preservation for chilled beef. The emulsion size (296.0 ± 10.2 nm), polydispersity index (0.457 ± 0.039), and potential (20.1 ± 0.9 mV) proved the success of emulsion. At the same time, the films displayed good mechanical and barrier properties. The index of beef preservation also indicated that eugenol was a better active ingredient than clove essence oil, which led to the rise of potential of hydrogen, chroma and water content, and effectively inhibited microbial propagation, protein degradation and lipid oxidation. These results suggest that the prepared composites can be used as promising materials for chilled beef preservation.
Selectivity of Sol-Gel and Hydrothermal TiO2 Nanoparticles towards Photocatalytic Degradation of Cationic and Anionic Dyes
Authors: Islam Md. Torikul , Roni Md. Nahid Parvez , Ali Md. Yunus , Islam Md. Robiul , Hossan Md. Shamim , Rahman M. Habibur , Zahid A. A. S. Mostofa , Alam Md. Nur E , Hanif Md. Abu , Akhtar M. Shaheer
Published: September 2023

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been extensively studied for catalyzing the photo-degradation of organic pollutants, the photocatalyst being nonselective to the substrate. We, however, found that TiO2 nanoparticles prepared via the sol-gel and hydrothermal synthetic routes each possess a definite specificity to the charge of the substrate for photodegradation. The nanoparticles were characterized by SEM, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and UV-visible spectra, and the photocatalytic degradation under UV-B (285 nm) irradiation of two model compounds, anionic methyl Orange (MO) and cationic methylene blue (MB) was monitored by a UV-visible spectrophotometer. Untreated sol-gel TiO2 nanoparticles (Tsg) preferentially degraded MO over MB (90% versus 40% in two hours), while after calcination at 400 °C for two hours (Tsgc) they showed reversed specificity (50% MO versus 90% MB in one hour). The as-prepared hydrothermal TiO2 nanoparticles (Tht) behaved in the opposite sense of Tsg (41% MO versus 91% MB degraded in one and a half hours); calcination at 400 °C (Thtc) did not reverse the trend but enhanced the efficiency of degradation. The study indicates that TiO2 nanoparticles can be made to degrade a specific class of organic pollutants from an effluent facilitating the recycling of a specific class of pollutants for cost-effective effluent management.
Chemical Composition of Litsea pungens Essential Oil and Its Potential Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities
Authors: Chen Tao , Kong Qingbo , Kuang Xuekun , Zhou Jiasi , Wang Haizhou , Zhou Lijun , Yang Hongyu , Feng Shiling , Ding Chunbang
Published: September 2023

Litsea pungens is a plant with medicinal and edible properties, where the fruits are edible and the leaves have medicinal properties. However, there is limited research on the chemical and pharmacological activities of the plant. In this study, essential oils were extracted by steam distillation and their antioxidant and antibacterial activities were further evaluated. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) was used to identify the chemical components of L. pungens fresh fruit essential oil (FREO) and L. pungens fresh flower essential oil (FLEO), rapeseed oil (RO) and commercial Litsea oil (CEO). The results showed that 12 chemical components were identified in FREO. Twelve chemical components were identified from FLEO, four chemical components were identified from CEO, and thirteen chemical components were identified from RO. Except for RO, the other three oils were mainly composed of terpenes, among which limonene is the main chemical component. In terms of antioxidant activity, FREO, FLEO, CEO and RO have antioxidant capacity, mainly reflected in the scavenging DPPH free radicals and the iron ion chelating ability, and the antioxidant activity shows a certain dose effect, but the antioxidant activity of FLEO is the weakest among the four oils. Meanwhile, under the stress of hydrogen peroxide, CEO demonstrated a significant antioxidant protective effect on cells. It is worth mentioning that compared with the positive control, the FREO exhibited a better antibacterial rate. When the concentration of essential oil is 20 mg/mL, the bacteriostatic rate can reach 100%. Therefore, it could be a promising candidate among medicinal and edible plants.
Ni/Mn-Complex-Tethered Tetranuclear Polyoxovanadates: Crystal Structure and Inhibitory Activity on Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG-2)
Authors: Shi Fumei , Chen Yilan , Dong Chuanheng , Wang Jiajia , Song Chunman , Zhang Yalin , Li Zhen , Huang Xianqiang
Published: September 2023

Polyoxometalates (POMs) exhibit unique structural characteristics and excellent physical and chemical properties, which have attracted significant attention from scholars in the fields of anticancer research and chemotherapy. Herein, we successfully synthesized and structurally characterized two novel polyoxovanadates (POVs), denoted as POVs-1 and POVs-2, where [M(1-vIM)4]2[VV4O12]·H2O (M: NiII and MnII, 1-vinylimidazole abbreviated as 1-vIM) serve as ligands. The two POVs are isomeric and consist of fundamental structural units, each comprising one [V4O12]4− cluster, two [M(1-vIM)4]2+ cations, and one water molecule. Subsequently, we evaluated the cell viability of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG-2) cells treated with the synthesized POVs using the MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazoliumbromide) assay. And the changes in cell nucleus morphology, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm), and reactive oxygen species levels in HepG-2 exposed to POVs were monitored using specific fluorescent staining techniques. Both hybrid POVs showed potent inhibitory activities, induing apoptosis in HepG-2 cells along with significant mitochondria dysfunction and a burst of reactive oxygen species. Notably, the inhibitory effects of POVs-2 were more pronounced than those of POVs-1, which is primarily attributed to the different transition metal ions present. These findings underscore the intricate relationship between the metal components, structural characteristics, and the observed antitumor activities in HepG-2 cells.
Electroassisted Incorporation of Ferrocene within Sol–Gel Silica Films to Enhance Electron Transfer
Authors: Loughlani Rayane-Ichrak , Gamero-Quijano Alonso , Montilla Francisco
Published: September 2023

The sol–gel method is a straightforward technique that allows electrode modification with silica thin films. Furthermore, the silica pores could be functionalized to enhance the electrical conductivity and reactivity of the silica films. In this context, silica thin films were functionalized with ferrocene species. This functionalization was performed by electroassisted accumulation, generating a micro-structured composite electrode (Fc@SiO2 electrode). These modified electrodes were characterized by electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical methods, pointing out that ferrocene species were confined with high stability within the microporous silica thin film, demonstrating the good adsorption capacity of the silica. While the spectroelectrochemical characterization indicates that only a fraction of the confined species within the silica films were electroactive, the electrochemical results demonstrate that the Fc@SiO2 film enhances the electrochemical response of cytochrome c in a solution, which gives rise to further applications of these films for redox-controlled release and electrochemical detection of other redox-active proteins.
Influence of pH on Heat-Induced Changes in Skim Milk Containing Various Levels of Micellar Calcium Phosphate
Authors: Ahmadi Elaheh , Vasiljevic Todor , Huppertz Thom
Published: September 2023

The present study investigated the effect of micellar calcium phosphate (MCP) content and pH of skim milk on heat-induced changes in skim milk. Four MCP-adjusted samples, ranging from 67 to 113% of the original MCP content, were heated (90 °C for 10 min) at different pH values (6.3, 6.6, 6.9, and 7.2), followed by determining changes in particle size, turbidity, protein distribution, and structure. The results demonstrate a strong effect of MCP level and pH on heat-induced changes in milk, with the MCP67 samples revealing the greatest thermal stability. Specifically, decreasing MCP content by 33% (MCP67) led to a smaller increase in non-sedimentable κ-casein and a lower decrease in αs2-casein concentrations after heating compared to other samples. Lower MCP content resulted in a moderate rise in the average particle size and turbidity, along with lower loading of β-turn structural component after heating at low pH (pH 6.3). Notably, MCP113 exhibited instability upon heating, with increased particle size, turbidity, and a significant decrease in non-sedimentable αs2-casein concentration, along with a slight increase in non-sedimentable κ-casein concentration. The FTIR results also revealed higher loading of intermolecular β-sheet, β-turn, and random coil structures, as well as lower loading of α-helix and β-sheet structures in MCP-enhanced skim milk samples. This suggests significant changes in the secondary structure of milk protein and greater formation of larger aggregates.