bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biodegradable magnesium based metal materials inhibit the growth of cervical cancer cells
Authors: Nie Xiaojing , Wang Lei , Zhao Zexiang , Yang Jingxin , Lin Chen
Published: September 2024

Traditional chemotherapy drugs for cervical cancer often cause significant toxic side effects and drug resistance problems, highlighting the urgent need for more innovative and effective treatment strategies. Magnesium alloy is known to be degradable and biocompatible. The release of degradation products Mg2+, OH−, and H2 from magnesium alloy can alter the tumor microenvironment, providing potential anti-tumor properties. We explored the innovative use of magnesium alloy biomaterials in the treatment of cervical cancer, investigating how various concentrations of Mg2+ on the proliferation and cell death of cervical cancer cells. The results revealed that varying concentrations of Mg2+ significantly inhibited cervical cancer by arresting the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptosis in SiHa cells, effectively reducing tumor cell proliferation. In vivo experiments demonstrated that 20 mM Mg2+ group had the smallest tumor volume, exhibiting a potent inhibitory effect on the biological characteristics of cervical cancer. This enhances the therapeutic potential of this biomaterial as a local anti-tumor therapy and lays a theoretical foundation for the potential application of magnesium in the treatment of cervical cancer.
An arm swing enhances the proximal-to-distal delay in joint extension during a countermovement jump
Authors: Cefai Christina M. , Shaw Joseph W. , Cushion Emily J. , Cleather Daniel J.
Published: September 2024

An abundance of degrees of freedom (DOF) exist when executing a countermovement jump (CMJ). This research aims to simplify the understanding of this complex system by comparing jump performance and independent functional DOF (fDOF) present in CMJs without (CMJNoArms) and with (CMJArms) an arm swing. Principal component analysis was used on 39 muscle forces and 15 3-dimensional joint contact forces obtained from kinematic and kinetic data, analyzed in FreeBody (a segment-based musculoskeletal model). Jump performance was greater in CMJArms with the increased ground contact time resulting in higher external (p = 0.012), hip (p < 0.001) and ankle (p = 0.009) vertical impulses, and slower hip extension enhancing the proximal-to-distal joint extension strategy. This allowed the hip muscles to generate higher forces and greater time-normalized hip vertical impulse (p = 0.006). Three fDOF were found for the muscle forces and 3-dimensional joint contact forces during CMJNoArms, while four fDOF were present for CMJArms. This suggests that the underlying anatomy provides mechanical constraints during a CMJ, reducing the demand on the control system. The additional fDOF present in CMJArms suggests that the arms are not mechanically coupled with the lower extremity, resulting in additional variation within individual motor strategies.
Drug resistance and genomic variations among Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates from The Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Soliman May S. , Hansen Chungyi H. , Hanafy Mostafa , Shawky Sherine , Rashed Heba , Abdullah Mohamed , Soliman Noha Salah , Gad Maha A. , Khairat Sahar , El-Kholy Amani , Talaat Adel M.
Published: September 2024

Tuberculosis is a global public health concern. Earlier reports suggested the emergence of high rates of drug resistant tuberculosis in Egypt. This study included 102 isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis collected from two reference laboratories in Cairo and Alexandria. All clinical isolates were sub-cultured on Löwenstein–Jensen medium and analyzed using both BD BACTEC MGIT 960 SIRE Kit and standard diffusion disk assays to identify the antibiotic sensitivity profile. Extracted genomic DNA was subjected to whole genome sequencing (WGS) using Illumina platform. Isolates that belong to lineage 4 represented > 80%, while lineage 3 represented only 11% of the isolates. The percentage of drug resistance for the streptomycin, isoniazid, rifampicin and ethambutol were 31.0, 17.2, 19.5 and 20.7, respectively. Nearly 47.1% of the isolates were sensitive to the four anti-tuberculous drugs, while only one isolate was resistant to all four drugs. In addition, several new and known mutations were identified by WGS. High rates of drug resistance and new mutations were identified in our isolates. Tuberculosis control measures should focus on the spread of mono (S, I, R, E)- and double (S, E)-drug resistant strains present at higher rates throughout the whole Nile Delta, Egypt.
Revitalizing elixir with orange peel amplification of alginate fish oil beads for enhanced anti-aging efficacy
Authors: Dhasmana Archna , Preetam Subham , Malik Sumira , Jadon Vikash Singh , Joshi Nupur , Bhandari Geeta , Gupta Sanjay , Mishra Richa , Rustagi Sarvesh , Samal Shailesh Kumar
Published: September 2024

The research introduces a novel method for creating drug-loaded hydrogel beads that target anti-aging, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects, addressing the interconnected processes underlying various pathological conditions. The study focuses on the development of hydrogel beads containing anti-aging compounds, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory drugs to effectively mitigate various processes. The synthesis, characterization and in vitro evaluations, and potential applications of these multifunctional hydrogel beads are discussed. A polymeric alginate-orange peel extract (1:1) hydrogel was synthesized for encapsulating fish oil. Beads prepared with variable fish oil concentrations (0.1, 0.3, and 0.5 ml) were characterized, showing no significant decrease in size i.e., 0.5 mm and a reduction in pore size from 23 to 12 µm. Encapsulation efficiency reached up to 98% within 2 min, with controlled release achieved upto 45 to 120 min with increasing oil concentration, indicating potential for sustained delivery. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful encapsulation by revealing peak shifting, interaction between constituents. In vitro degradation studies showed the hydrogel's biodegradability improved from 30 to 120 min, alongside anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-collagenase and anti-elastase activities, cell proliferation rate enhanced after entrapping fish oil. In conclusion, the synthesized hydrogel beads are a promising drug delivery vehicle because they provide stable and effective oil encapsulation with controlled release for notable anti-aging and regenerative potential. Targeted delivery for inflammatory and oxidative stress-related illnesses is one set of potential uses. Further research may optimize this system for broader applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.
Calcium intake and genetic variants in the calcium sensing receptor in relation to colorectal cancer mortality: an international consortium study of 18,952 patients
Authors: Wesselink Evertine , Gauderman William , Berndt Sonja I. , Brenner Hermann , Buchanan Daniel D. , Campbell Peter T. , Chan Andrew T. , Chang-Claude Jenny , Cotterchoi Michelle , Gunter Marc J. , Hoffmeister Michael , Joshi Amit D. , Newton Christina C. , Pai Rish K. , Pellatt Andrew J. , Phipps Amanda I. , Song Mingyang , Um Caroline Y. , van Guelpen Bethany , White Emily , Peters Ulrike , van Duijnhoven Fränzel J. B.
Published: September 2024

Background

Research on calcium intake as well as variants in the calcium sensor receptor (CaSR) gene and their interaction in relation to CRC survival is still limited.

Methods

Data from 18,952 CRC patients, were included. Associations between primarily pre-diagnostic dietary (n = 13.085), supplemental (n = 11,837), total calcium intake (n = 5970) as well as 325 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the CaSR gene (n = 15,734) in relation to CRC-specific and all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox proportional hazard models. Also interactions between calcium intake and variants in the CaSR gene were assessed.

Results

During a median follow-up of 4.8 years (IQR 2.4–8.4), 6801 deaths occurred, of which 4194 related to CRC. For all-cause mortality, no associations were observed for the highest compared to the lowest sex- and study-specific quartile of dietary (HR 1.00, 95%CI 0.92–1.09), supplemental (HR 0.97, 95%CI 0.89–1.06) and total calcium intake (HR 0.99, 95%CI 0.88–1.11). No associations with CRC-specific mortality were observed either. Interactions were observed between supplemental calcium intake and several SNPs of the CaSR gene.

Conclusion

Calcium intake was not associated with all-cause or CRC-specific mortality in CRC patients. The association between supplemental calcium intake and all-cause and CRC-specific mortality may be modified by genetic variants in the CaSR gene.
Fabrication and properties of temperature-responsive imprinted sensors based on fluorescently labeled yeast cells via MVL ATRP
Authors: Chen Yue , Du Shaokai , Cui Ailu , Jiang Shipeng , He Yuxuan , Yang Shuhan , Ma Ruyi , Sun Yue
Published: September 2024

Fluorescein-labelled yeast cells were used both as templates and photocatalysts for MVL ATRP, improving the detection range of the imprinted sensor.
Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometric studies of gilteritinib fumarate and characterization of its major degradation products by NMR
Authors: Vuyyala Bhuvaneshwari , Pisini Krishna Prasad , Swain Debasish
Published: September 2024

Gilteritinib fumarate (GTB) upon exposure to stress conditions (as per ICH guidelines) produced five degradation products which were separated using the UHPLC method and their structural characterization was carried out using LC-MS and NMR.
Identification of hypermucoviscous Klebsiella pneumoniae strains via untargeted surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Li-Yan , Tang Jia-Wei , Tian Ben-Shun , Huang Yuanhong , Liu Xiao-Yong , Zhao Yue , Cui Xu-Xia , Zhang Xin-Yu , Qin Yu-Rong , Li Guang-Hua , Wang Liang
Published: September 2024

K. pneumoniae strains from clinical samples were cultured and string-tested, among which ten hypermucoviscous strains and ten regular strains were randomly collected for SERS spectral analysis.
Exploring the time-dependent and wavelength-guided tunable binary and ternary logic behaviours of a charge-transfer probe
Authors: Karar Monaj , Pal Animesh , Dey Nilanjan
Published: September 2024

Construction of a state-of-the-art inter-switchable ternary molecular logic system, consisting of 3-input TRANSFER & INHIBIT logic gates powered by basic chemical interactions, as well as a time-dependent logic system are presented in this paper.
Keggin structure heteropolyacid-catalyzed phosphinylation of secondary propargyl alcohols with phosphine oxides to γ-ketophosphine oxides
Authors: Yang Yang , Liang Shuyan , Zhuang Hongfeng , Han Feng , Zhang Wenxuan , Miao Chengxia
Published: September 2024

Phosphotungstic acid-catalyzed phosphinylation of secondary propargyl alcohols to γ-ketophosphine oxides in DMC was developed and promoted by trace water.
Controllable amorphization and morphology engineering on mixed-valence MOFs for ultra-fast and high-stability near-pseudocapacitance Li+ storage
Authors: Yu Junjie , Wu Yan , Peng Tianlang , Qi Qi , Ma Xinyu , Gu Yafei , Li Xinguang , Ding Jianshen , Chen Shiang , Hu Xiaoshi , Wang Yanling , Xiong Qinqin , Yuan Yongjun , Qin Haiying
Published: September 2024

We report controllable amorphization and morphology engineering on mixed-valence MOFs by a valence manipulation way for realizing largely improved initial coulombic efficiency (>80%), and super-stable near-pseudocapacitance Li+ storage performance.
Recent advances in DNAzymes for bioimaging, biosensing and cancer therapy
Authors: Sun Pei , Gou Hongquan , Che Xinran , Chen Guifang , Feng Chang
Published: September 2024

With their stability, high catalytic activity, ease of synthesis, functionalization and ease of modification, DNAzymes have attracted much attention in the fields of bioimaging, biosensing and cancer therapy.
Oxidation-induced coupling reactions of bi(metallacycloprop-1-ene) complexes
Authors: Tsang Long Yiu , Kong Lam Cheung , Sung Herman H. Y. , Williams Ian D. , Jia Guochen
Published: September 2024

Bi(metallacycloprop-1-ene) complexes (1) can undergo oxidation-induced coupling to give η4-butadiene complexes (2). These reactions represent a unique example of the coupling of two carbene ligands of biscarbene complexes.
Interlayer confinement mediated oxidation of americium by sodium bismuthate and stability of its higher redox states in acidic solution
Authors: Verma Parveen K. , Bhattacharyya Arunasis , Mohapatra Prasanta K.
Published: September 2024

Interlayer ion exchange assisted Am3+ oxidation to AmO22+ on NaBiO3·xH2O (x = 2–3) was seen in acidic solution. Am redox transformation also perturbing NaBiO3·xH2O (x = 2–3) lattice structure, making its dissolution easier even at low acidity.
Electrochemical approach of the reductive activation of O2 by a nonheme FeII complex. Some clues for the development of catalytic oxidations
Authors: Bohn Antoine , Robinson Amanda Lyn , Sénéchal-David Katell , Herrero Christian , Kanoufi Frédéric , Anxolabéhère-Mallart Elodie , Banse Frédéric
Published: September 2024

Reductive activation of O2 by an FeII complex at −650 mV vs. SCE yields an FeIII peroxo intermediate and ultimately the oxidative bromination of anisole. This reaction is in competition with the direct reduction of the reaction intermediate.
From ex ovo to in vitro: xenotransplantation and vascularization of mouse embryonic kidneys in a microfluidic chip
Authors: Oliveira Micaela , Sarker Partha Protim , Skovorodkin Ilya , Kalantarifard Ali , Haskavuk Tugce , Mac Intyre Jonatan , Nallukunnel Raju Elizabath , Nooranian Samin , Shioda Hiroki , Nishikawa Masaki , Sakai Yasuyuki , Vainio Seppo J. , Elbuken Caglar , Raykhel Irina
Published: September 2024

The new lab-on-a-chip design allows organoids of different origin to be cultured and vascularized on CAM and to be transferred them in vitro conditions.
Silver phosphate-based melamine–formaldehyde polymer for reduction of mono, di, and tri-nitrophenols under ambient conditions
Authors: Garg Anjali Kumari , Singh Vaishali , Lamba Nicky Kumar , Dalal Chumki , Sonkar Sumit Kumar
Published: September 2024

Silver phosphate nanoparticles decorated with melamine–formaldehyde polymer nanocomposite (Ag3PO4-MFP) for catalytic reduction of mono, di, and tri-nitrophenols.
Synergistic ramifications of synthesis criteria and amine functionalization of UiO-66-NH2 MOFs for the catalytic degradation of a nerve agent simulant, methyl-paraoxon
Authors: Balasubramanian Selva , Kulandaisamy Arockia Jayalatha , Rayappan John Bosco Balaguru
Published: September 2024

A UiO-66-NH2 catalyst for the degradation of a CWA simulant, methyl-paraoxon.
In situ heating characterization of structural evolution and size-dependent melting point depression in gold nanoclusters: a comprehensive thermodynamic investigation
Authors: Hu Shengyong , Hu Kuo-Juei , Zhao Zixiang , Zhang Yongxin , Shah Syed Adil , Lu Siqi , Zhu Wuwen , Tang Sichen , Song Fengqi
Published: September 2024

The investigation of nanocluster behaviors at elevated temperatures is important because it encompasses temperature-dependent structural evolution and size-dependent melting points.
“Diluting branches” put to work: from synthesis to properties control of multifunctional polymers derived from triphenylamine, fluorene and thiophene
Authors: Trofin Ioana-Alexandra , Constantin Catalin-Paul , Damaceanu Mariana-Dana , Rusu Radu-Dan
Published: September 2024

A dilution of branches strategy is used to manage the building blocks’ distinct arrangement within a fully conjugated branched architecture and control the morphological, thermal, optical and electrochemical outcome.
An rGO-doped laser induced graphene electrochemical biosensor for highly sensitive exosome detection
Authors: Chen Xiaoshuang , Yan Xiaohui , Qiu Jiaoyan , Zhang Xue , Zhang Yunhong , Zhou Hongpeng , Zhao Yujuan , Han Lin , Zhang Yu
Published: September 2024

An electrochemical biosensing chip using rGO-modified LIG was developed to detect exosomes for breast cancer diagnostics.
Phase separation dynamics in wetting ridges of polymer surfaces swollen with oils of different viscosities
Authors: Cai Zhuoyun , Badr Rodrique G. M. , Hauer Lukas , Chaudhuri Krishnaroop , Skabeev Artem , Schmid Friederike , Pham Jonathan T.
Published: September 2024

Phase separation dynamics of oil from swollen elastomers in a wetting ridge depends on oil viscosity and swelling ratio, which changes for early and late stages of wetting.
The pro-drug C13 activates AMPK by two distinct mechanisms
Authors: Freemantle Jordana B. , Shah Dinesh , Lynch Dylan M. , Ciulli Alessio , Hundal Harinder S. , Hardie D. Grahame
Published: September 2024

The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy status that is expressed in almost all eukaryotic cells. In the canonical activation mechanism, it is activated by increases in AMP:ATP and ADP:ATP ratios that signify declining cellular energy status. Once activated, AMPK phosphorylates numerous targets that promote catabolic pathways generating ATP, while inhibiting anabolic and other processes that consume ATP, thus acting to restore energy homeostasis. Pharmacological agents that activate AMPK have been useful in identifying downstream targets and have potential as drugs for treatment of metabolic disorders such as Type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. One such agent is C13, a pro-drug with a phosphonate bis(isobutyryloxymethyl) ester moiety, with the isobutyryloxymethyl groups increasing membrane permeability. Following cellular uptake, C13 is cleaved to release C2, an AMP analogue and potent AMPK activator that is specific for complexes containing the α1 (but not the α2) catalytic subunit isoform. This has previously been assumed to be the sole mechanism by which C13 activates AMPK, with potential roles for the isobutyryloxymethyl groups being ignored. We now report that, following cleavage from C13, these protective groups are metabolized to formaldehyde, an agent that inhibits mitochondrial function and increases cellular AMP:ATP ratios, thus providing additional AMPK activation by the canonical mechanism.
How does CHD4 slide nucleosomes?
Authors: Reid Xavier J. , Zhong Yichen , Mackay Joel P.
Published: September 2024

Chromatin remodelling enzymes reposition nucleosomes throughout the genome to regulate the rate of transcription and other processes. These enzymes have been studied intensively since the 1990s, and yet the mechanism by which they operate has only very recently come into focus, following advances in cryoelectron microscopy and single-molecule biophysics. CHD4 is an essential and ubiquitous chromatin remodelling enzyme that until recently has received less attention than remodellers such as Snf2 and CHD1. Here we review what recent work in the field has taught us about how CHD4 reshapes the genome. Cryoelectron microscopy and single-molecule studies demonstrate that CHD4 shares a central remodelling mechanism with most other chromatin remodellers. At the same time, differences between CHD4 and other chromatin remodellers result from the actions of auxiliary domains that regulate remodeller activity by for example: (1) making differential interactions with nucleosomal epitopes such as the acidic patch and the N-terminal tail of histone H4, and (2) inducing the formation of distinct multi-protein remodelling complexes (e.g. NuRD vs ChAHP). Thus, although we have learned much about remodeller activity, there is still clearly much more waiting to be revealed.
Design and multi‐objective optimisation of double‐layer non‐uniform Halbach external‐rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Ma Haotian , Lv Pin , Xu Donghui , Liu Ziyang , Liu Lulu , Wang Ning , Shang Zehua
Published: September 2024

In order to further improve the output torque and stability of the external rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor, a double‐layer non‐uniform Halbach external rotor permanent magnet synchronous motor (DNH) structure is proposed and optimised. Finite element models of DNH and other structures are established to compare the electromagnetic characteristics of these motors and verify the superiority of the proposed structure. Secondly, the multi‐objective whale optimisation algorithm is improved, and the algorithm is tested by test function to verify the improvement effect. Further, the Spearman correlation of the parameters is calculated, and the parameters are layered. The first layer parameters are optimised by the improved multi‐objective whale optimisation algorithm, and the second layer parameters are optimised by parameter scanning. Finally, the motor performance of the initial scheme, single layer optimisation scheme, and hierarchical optimisation scheme is compared by simulation. The simulation results show that the hierarchical optimisation method is superior to the single layer optimisation method. By comparing with other schemes, the performance advantages of hierarchical optimisation DNH in terms of average output torque, cogging torque, torque ripple, permanent magnet cost and other parameters are proved, as well as the effectiveness of the optimisation method.
Impact of fishing activities on the population dynamics of European whitefish in four peri-alpine lakes
Authors: Bourinet Fabien , Anneville Orlane , Drouineau Hilaire , Goulon Chloé , Guillard Jean , Richard Alexandre
Published: September 2024

Inland fisheries play a crucial role in socio-economic activities and food production. However, these fisheries are often less intensively monitored and studied than marine fisheries. In the past two decades, important fluctuations in European whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus) landings have been observed in four peri-alpine lakes in France and Switzerland. To better gauge the impact of fishing removal, a multi-lakes Delay-Difference model was developed and adapted to these fisheries. A hierarchical state-space Bayesian framework was used to integrate stochasticity for each process and incorporate diverse data. The model gave estimates of time series for biomass, recruitment, stage-structured landings, and fishing mortality, as well as estimates of natural mortality rate, Brody growth coefficient and mean recruitment productivity. Differences in the estimates of variables predicted by the model were observed among lakes. Negative impacts of exploitation have been highlighted for Lakes Geneva, Bourget, and Annecy. Low levels of biomass under high fishing mortality rates were observed, while landings tended to increase under lower mortality rates. Lakes Geneva and Bourget outputs suggest stocks were impacted by fishing activities and that fishing effort reduction could ultimately increase yields. Lake Annecy abundance and landings trends increased after 2010, suggesting management strategies that focused on effort reduction were successful. Lake Neuchâtel stock abundance was low after 2017 and probably more fragile due to low biomass levels and recruitment. The observed changes in European whitefish biomass cannot be attributed solely to fishing, suggesting that environmental factors may also influence recruitment success alongside the impacts of fishing pressure.
Quantitative release assessment for beta-lactamase-producing
Escherichia coli
of dairy origin into vegetables
Authors: Makita Kohei , Zhang Dongsheng , Okamura Ayaka , Fukuda Akira , Tokunaga Natsumi , Asai Tetsuo , Shimazaki Yoko , Usui Masaru
Published: September 2024

Outbreaks of food poisoning associated with vegetables contaminated with
Escherichia coli
have been reported globally. This study was conducted to assess the probability of releasing beta-lactamase-producing
E
.
coli
of dairy farm origin into vegetables in Japan. A release assessment model connecting dairy farms to vegetable farms was developed. Data on the indicated diseases and antimicrobial use in dairy cattle were obtained from the agricultural insurance program in Hokkaido Prefecture between 2016 and 2019. Data on
bla
-harboring
E
.
coli
in cattle were obtained from the Japan Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System. Microbiological field sampling was conducted at dairy and vegetable farms. Inoculation experiments in vegetables were conducted. All processes in the model simulation were iterated for 1000 times. The estimated proportion of dairy farms holding cattle with
bla
-harboring
E
.
coli
was 6.00% (95% CI: 4.81–7.35%). Beta-lactams were used in 71.76% (333,098/464,204 average annual cases) of indicated diseases. The estimated concentration of
bla
-harboring
E
.
coli
in mixed fresh manure at affected farms was 3.33 log
10
CFU/g (95% CI: 3.33–3.34). The concentrations were reduced to 0.83 (95% CI: 0.34–1.25) and −0.54 log
10
CFU/g (95% CI: −1.04 to −0.05) in soil after immature manure, and slurry spraying, respectively. The estimated concentrations in the soil of fields of radish, leafy vegetables, tomato, and spring-seeded and autumn-seeded onions at harvest were −1.99 (95% CI: −2.48 to −1.57), −2.87 (95% CI: −3.36 to −2.42), −3.82 (95% CI: −4.32 to −3.40), −5.36 (95% CI: −5.85 to −4.93), and −5.94 (95% CI: −6.43 to −5.52) log
10
CFU/g, respectively. The concentrations in the bodies of leafy green spinach and lettuce were −9.88 (95% CI: −10.38 to −9.43) and −10.91 (95% CI, −11.52 to −8.05) log
10
CFU/g, respectively. The probability of ingesting
bla
-harboring
E
.
coli
of dairy origin with raw vegetables in Japan was thus assessed to be very low.

One Health impact statement

This study applied a release assessment in the World Organisation for Animal Health framework for antimicrobial resistance risk assessment to connect the antimicrobial use for dairy cattle, manure production and vegetable farming. As vegetable is often consumed raw, the assessment is directly associated with human health. Although the environmental continuum was not explored, the reduction of the hazard on the soil of vegetable farms was considered. The study involved the engagement with dairy and vegetable farmers and the agriculture industry in understanding farming behavior and value chain. The approach in this study can be applied to the complex problems across the animal-human-environment interface.
Understanding the Potential of Microbial Protein as a more Sustainable Food Source
Authors: Pereira Alexandra , Delmoitié Brecht , Sakarika Myrsini
Published: September 2024

The increasing global demand for protein, driven by population growth and dietary shifts, poses a challenge to conventional, inefficient food production systems. In response, alternative protein sources like microbial protein have gained traction for their potential to supply nutritional food more sustainably. Microbial protein, the protein-rich biomass of microorganisms, offers a promising solution due to its high nutritional value, resource efficiency, and climate resilience. However, challenges persist in transitioning to the use of sustainable feedstocks and navigating complex legislative frameworks, hindering widespread adoption. Effective legislative reforms, streamlined regulatory processes, and technological innovations are essential to unlock the full potential of microbial protein as a more sustainable food source. Moreover, consumer acceptance and behavioral changes are crucial for driving adoption and harnessing the environmental benefits of microbial protein. Ultimately, collaborative efforts across stakeholders, informed consumer choices, and policy interventions are imperative for realizing a sustainable food future, with microbial protein playing a pivotal role in this transformative journey.

Information

© The Authors 2024
Maxwell's equal area law for Vaidya-Bonner-de Sitter black hole under Lorentz invariance violation
Authors: Singh Yenshembam Priyobarta , Singh Telem Ibungochouba , Singh Sapam Niranjan
Published: September 2024

In this study, we investigate the tunneling of fermions with arbitrary spin near the event horizon of a nonstationary Vaidya-Bonner-de Sitter (VBdS) black hole under Lorentz invariance violation (LIV). The modified Hawking temperature of VBdS black holes is calculated by using tortoise coordinate transformation, Feynman prescription, and Wentzel–Kramers–Brillouin approximation. By considering the cosmological constant as a thermodynamic pressure in the extended phase space, we construct a Maxwell's equal area law under LIV and study the phase transitions of VBdS black hole in

,

, and

planes. The LIV increases the length of the liquid-gas coexistence region. The thermodynamic quantities such as the entropy, heat capacity, Helmholtz free energy, internal energy, enthalpy, and Gibbs free energy of the VBdS black hole are discussed. These quantities tend to increase under LIV. The stability of the black hole is also discussed in the presence of LIV.
Properties analysis on interlayer within lithium target and its beam uniformity for accelerator-based Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Authors: Hu Yaocheng , Jiang Quanxu , Xie Yupeng , Su Haoquan , Zhang Fanxi , Sun Qiuyu , Li Jinglun , Yang Yifan , Si Yixin , Li Haipeng , Ma Baolong , feng Li Zhi , Wang Sheng
Published: September 2024

In order to enhance the performance and lifetime of the
lithium target used in accelerator-based neutron sources for Boron
Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT) treatment, an exploration of target
design was conducted based on the 2.8 MeV, 20 mA proton beam. A
comparison between scanning magnets and octupole magnets was
performed for beam uniform, with octupole magnets selected to
effectively avoid localized high thermal densities over short
durations. Exploration was conducted on the performance of tantalum
and vanadium as interlayers within the lithium target, considering
aspects such as cooling, hydrogen diffusion, and neutron
performances. This study revealed that, as the majority of energy
deposition occurs within the interlayer, the presence of an
appropriately thick tantalum or vanadium interlayer has minimal
impact on cooling effectiveness, ensuring temperatures remain below
144 °C. The addition of an interlayer effectively reduces
the maximum hydrogen concentration in copper, thus preventing copper
blistering. Within the investigated thickness range, the interlayer
does not affect neutron spectrum in the forward direction of the
target, mitigating concerns regarding its impact on beam shaping.
Beam energy spectra in the presence of cell-to-cell phase advance errors
Authors: Levichev A. , Arsentyeva M. , Grishina K.
Published: September 2024

The parameters of the accelerating structures of linear
accelerators have a strong influence on the beam parameters such as
the mean energy and the energy spread. One of the most common types
the accelerating structures is based on disk loaded
waveguides. Imperfections in such structure parameters may be
critical for subsequent beam dynamics. We analytically study the
influence of the errors of the cell-to-cell phase advance on the
beam energy spread and the mean energy on the example of the
constant gradient structure. Derived expressions were applied to the
case of a large number of accelerating structures, which is relevant
for GeV linacs, to obtain accelerated beam parameters in terms of
the probabilistic analysis for several values of the injected beam
duration.
Is the volatility of yields for major crops grown in Germany related to spatial diversification at county level?
Authors: Ahrends Hella Ellen , Piepho Hans-Peter , Sommer Michael , Ewert Frank , Webber Heidi
Published: September 2024

Recent evidence suggests a stabilizing effect of crop diversity on agricultural production. However, different methods are used for assessing these effects and there is little systematic quantitative evidence on diversification benefits. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between volatility of combined crop yields (denoted as standard deviation) and diversity (denoted as Shannon’s Evenness Index SEI) for standardized yield data of major crop species grown in Germany between 1977 and 2018 (winter wheat, winter barley, silage maize and winter rapeseed) at the county level. Portfolio theory was used to estimate the optimal crop area share for minimizing yield volatility. On average, results indicated a weak negative relationship between volatility and the SEI during the past decades for the case of Germany. Optimizing crop area shares for minimizing volatility reduced yield variance on average by 24% but was associated with a decrease in SEI for most counties. This was related to the finding that the stability of individual species, i.e., barley and wheat, was more effective in reducing the volatility of combined yields than the asynchronous variation in annual yields among crops. Future studies might include an increased number of crop species and consider temporal diversification effects for a more realistic assessment of the relation between yield volatility and crop diversity and test the relationship in other regions and production conditions.
Significant influence of winter Pacific-North American pattern on spring vegetation in mid-high latitude Asia
Authors: Xin Ning , Zhou Botao , Chen Haishan , Sun Shanlei , Yan Minchu
Published: September 2024

Given that the vegetation over mid-high latitude Asia (MHA) has been more variable in recent years, it is necessary to better understand the physical causes of vegetation variations in this region. Based on the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), this study reveals a close linkage of the variability of spring (April–May) vegetation in MHA to the winter (December–January–February) Pacific-North American (PNA) pattern. When the winter PNA pattern lies in the positive phase, the NDVI tends to decrease in most parts of the MHA region during the following spring. Further analysis suggests that the lagged influence of winter PNA on spring atmospheric circulations and hence the vegetation in MHA is accomplished by the stratospheric pathway. The positive PNA phase can enhance the upward transport of wave energy into the stratosphere over the high latitudes in winter through the linear constructive interference of zonal wavenumber 1 (WN1), consequently leading to a weaker polar vortex in the stratosphere during February-March. Subsequently, the weakened polar vortex signal propagates downward from the stratosphere to the troposphere, inducing the negative Arctic Oscillation-like circulation with an anomalous cyclonic circulation dominating the MHA region in spring. The anomalous cyclonic circulation further cools the surface air temperature in MHA via modulating downward solar radiation and temperature advection, resulting in a decrease of spring NDVI in situ.
Causal fermion systems as an effective collapse theory
Authors: Finster Felix , Kleiner Johannes , Paganini Claudio F
Published: September 2024

It is shown that, in the non-relativistic limit, causal fermion systems give rise to an effective collapse theory. The nonlinear and stochastic correction terms to the Schrödinger equation are derived from the causal action principle. The dynamics of the statistical operator is described by a deterministic equation of Kossakowski–Lindblad form. Moreover, the quantum state undergoes a dynamical collapse compatible with the Born rule. The effective model has similarities with the continuous spontaneous localization model, but differs from it by a conservation law for the probability integral as well as a non-locality in time on a microscopic length scale

ℓ

min

.
Chitosan derived N-doped carbon aerogel nanostructures for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Quan Le Hong , Thi Dieu Thuy Ung , Van Chi Nguyen , Van Hoa Nguyen
Published: September 2024

This study presented a chitosan-derived activated carbon aerogel material (ACAM), which was prepared via a sol–gel method, freeze-drying, and carbonization. The prepared nitrogen-doped carbon materials had nanopore structures with a highly specific surface area of 2341 m2 g−1 that was expected to be suitable as active electrode materials for supercapacitors). The prepared electrode exhibited a high capacitance of 215 F g−1 at 1.0 A g−1. Moreover, the electrode could retain almost 93% of the original capacitance, and the Coulombic efficiency remains over 97% after 5,000 cycles. The findings suggest a low-price and high-performance material for supercapacitors.
User Experience of a (Semi-) Automated Cognitive Phone-Based Assessment Within a Memory Clinic Population
Authors: ter Huurne Daphne , Ramakers Inez , Possemis Nina , König Alexandra , Linz Nicklas , Tröger Johannes , Langel Kai , Verhey Frans , de Vugt Marjolein
Published: September 2024

Objective

We examined the user experience in different modalities (face-to-face, semi-automated phone-based, and fully automated phone-based) of cognitive testing in people with subjective cognitive decline and mild cognitive impairment.

Method

A total of 67 participants from the memory clinic of the Maastricht University Medical Center+ participated in the study. The study consisted of cognitive tests in different modalities, namely, face-to-face, semi-automated phone-based guided by a researcher, and fully automated phone-based without the involvement of a researcher. After each assessment, a user experience questionnaire was administered, including questions about, for example, satisfaction, simplicity, and missing personal contact, on a seven-point Likert scale. Non-parametric tests were used to compare user experiences across different modalities.

Results

In all modalities, user experiences were rated above average. The face-to-face ratings were comparable to the ratings of the semi-automated phone-based assessment, except for the satisfaction and recommendation items, which were rated higher for the face-to-face assessment. The face-to-face assessment was preferred above the fully automated phone-based assessment on all items. In general, the semi- and fully automated phone-based assessments were comparable (simplicity, conceivability, quality of sound, visiting the hospital, and missing personal contact), while on all the other items, the semi-automated phone-based assessment was preferred.

Conclusions

User experience was rated high within all modalities. Simplicity, conceivability, comfortability, and participation scores were comparable in the semi-automated phone-based and face-to-face assessment. Based on these findings and earlier research on validation of the semi-automated phone-based assessment, the semi-automated assessment could be useful for screening for clinical trials, and after more research, in clinical practice.
DTI-LM: language model powered drug–target interaction prediction
Authors: Ahmed Khandakar Tanvir , Ansari Md Istiaq , Zhang Wei
Published: September 2024

Motivation

The identification and understanding of drug–target interactions (DTIs) play a pivotal role in the drug discovery and development process. Sequence representations of drugs and proteins in computational model offer advantages such as their widespread availability, easier input quality control, and reduced computational resource requirements. These make them an efficient and accessible tools for various computational biology and drug discovery applications. Many sequence-based DTI prediction methods have been developed over the years. Despite the advancement in methodology, cold start DTI prediction involving unknown drug or protein remains a challenging task, particularly for sequence-based models. Introducing DTI-LM, a novel framework leveraging advanced pretrained language models, we harness their exceptional context-capturing abilities along with neighborhood information to predict DTIs. DTI-LM is specifically designed to rely solely on sequence representations for drugs and proteins, aiming to bridge the gap between warm start and cold start predictions.

Results

Large-scale experiments on four datasets show that DTI-LM can achieve state-of-the-art performance on DTI predictions. Notably, it excels in overcoming the common challenges faced by sequence-based models in cold start predictions for proteins, yielding impressive results. The incorporation of neighborhood information through a graph attention network further enhances prediction accuracy. Nevertheless, a disparity persists between cold start predictions for proteins and drugs. A detailed examination of DTI-LM reveals that language models exhibit contrasting capabilities in capturing similarities between drugs and proteins.

Availability and implementation

Source code is available at: https://github.com/compbiolabucf/DTI-LM.
Pustular annular erythema triggered by empagliflozin
Authors: Dandoy Celine , White Jonathan M L , Sanak Dilara , del Marmol Véronique , Benhadou Farida
Published: September 2024

We report the case of a 42-year-old woman who developed pustular annular erythema following the initiation of empagliflozin. Several differential diagnoses were considered, and biopsies were performed. The epidermis showed multiple subcorneal pustules, while the dermis contained a discrete perivascular inflammatory infiltrate.
212. CLINICAL RESULTS OF PHOTODYNAMIC THERAPY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER PATIENTS WITH INOPERABLE CONDITION
Authors: Yi Eunjue , Chang Ji-Eun , Choi Hyuk Soon , Chung Jae Ho , Jung Younggi , Lee Sungho
Published: September 2024

Background

Although surgical resection is the best way for curing cancer, there has been a certain portion of patients who could not undergo surgery because of various reasons. We experienced 10 cases of photodynamic therapy for esophageal cancer patients (Including one case of carcinoma in-situ) with inoperable conditions, and investigated the feasibility and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Methods

Medical records of patients of esophageal cancers who received photodynamic therapies between 2005 and 2022 in our institute were reviewed retrospectively. Survival, complication rates and treatment results were evaluated.

Results

Average age at the time of treatment was 72.4 (±6.47, ranging 64 to 86) and average follow-up periods were 25.0 (±27.7, ranging 3.8 to 89.8). The average Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were 7.3 (±2.29, ranging 4 to 10). During the follow-up periods, 5 patients died, and only one death was related with the esophageal cancer progression. There was one case of skin reaction and no other complications were appeared. There were no complication related deaths. Complete remission of esophageal cancer showed in 7 patients (70.0%) and partial remission showed in 3 patients (30.0%). Two patients with partial remission showed loco-recurrence. One patient with complete remission had to undergo surgery because of preexisting esophageal stenosis.

Conclusion

Photodynamic therapy could be an option of palliative therapy for advanced esophageal cancer with reasonable complication rates. Therapeutic application could be considered in early esophageal cancer, especially for patients with poor general condition or refusal of surgery. It was still in debates whether it could substitute the surgical role in early esophageal cancers.
213. A NEW MANOMETRIC TOOL TO EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF LAPAROSCOPIC ANTIREFLUX SURGERY
Authors: Sozzi Marco , Siboni Stefano , Puricelli Michele , Milito Pamela , Lovece Andrea , Bernardi Daniele , Asti Emanuele
Published: September 2024

Background

High resolution manometry (HRM) has been proven able to describe the pathophysiological pathway leading to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Recently, a new manometric tool, the Milan Score (MS), has been introduced and validated to evaluate the risk of pathologic GERD, defined as Acid Exposure Time (AET) >6% at pH-study. Aim of this study is to validate this score in the post-operative assessment after laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS).

Methods

All patients who underwent HRM after LARS between October 2020 and May 2023 were included. The MS was calculated assessing four manometric variables: esophagogastric junction (EGJ) type, EGJ contractile integral (EGJ-CI), ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and response to the straight leg raise (SLR) manoeuvre. The MS was considered pathologic if ≥137 (risk of GERD ≥50%). The risk of GERD was categorized into six classes, according to the MS score. The MS was compared with validated questionnaires for reflux symptoms, including GERD Questionnaire (GERD-Q), GERD Health-Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL) and Reflux Symptom Index (RSI), and with postoperative endoscopy findings.

Results

A total of 160 patients were included (63% males, age: 53 years, time from surgery: 30 months). Surgical techniques included magnetic sphincter augmentation in 54% of patients, Toupet fundoplication in 29% and Nissen or Dor fundoplication in 17%. The proportion of patients with MS ≥137 among those with pathologic questionnaires was 73% for GERD-Q (p<0.001), 75% for GERD-HRQL (p<0.001) and 78% for RSI (p<0.001). The rate of pathologic questionnaires increased for higher MSs. A MS ≥137 was related to recurrent hiatal hernia (23%, p=0.046) and esophagitis (21%, p=0.007) at endoscopy. Clinical and manometric outcomes were similar among different surgical techniques.

Conclusions

The MS is an efficient tool to assess the efficacy of LARS. Various surgical techniques have similar distribution in the different risk classes for GERD identified by MS, and similar clinical results. HRM with MS represent an easy and feasible assessment of surgical outcomes after LARS, providing an objective evaluation of the antireflux barrier after surgery.
220. SHORT-AND LONG-TERM OUTCOMES OF ROBOT ASSISTED MINIMALLY INVASIVE ESOPHAGECTOMY FOR ESOPHAGEAL CANCER: A PROPENSITY SCORE-MATCHED STUDY
Authors: Goto Hironobu , Koterazawa Yasufumi , Sawada Ryuichiro , Harada Hitoshi , Urakawa Naoki , Hasegawa Hiroshi , Kanaji Shingo , Yamashita Kimihiro , Matsuda Takeru , Oshikiri Taro , Kakeji Yoshihiro
Published: September 2024

Background

Conventional minimally invasive esophagectomy (C-MIE) for esophageal cancer has become widespread and standardized. In Japan, robot-assisted MIE (RAMIE) has been covered by national health insurance since 2018. However, the superiority of RAMIE over conventional MIE remains controversial. In this study, we will clarify the short-and long-term outcomes of RAMIE compared to C-MIE.

Methods

Short-term outcomes were compared using propensity score-matching (PSM) for C-MIE group (324 cases) and RAMIE group (101 cases) performed from 2010 to 2023. Long-term outcomes were compared using PSM for C-MIE group (313 cases) and RAMIE group (69 cases) up to 2021, when a minimum three-year observation period was available. Covariates for PSM were age, sex, tumor location, histological type, cT, cN, preoperative treatment, abdominal approach, and range of lymph node dissection.

Results

For short-term outcomes, 96 cases were included in each group after PSM. There were no significant differences in age, sex, tumor location, histological type, cT, cN, and preoperative treatment. Operative time was significantly longer in RAMIE group than in C-MIE group (overall procedure: 657 vs. 764 min, P<0.001; thoracic prpcedure: 306 vs. 411 min, P<0.001). Blood loss was significantly lower in RAMIE group than in C-MIE group (145 vs. 64 ml, P<0.001). The rate of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy (Clavien-Dindo classification, Grade II or higher) was significantly lower in RAMIE group than in C-MIE group (10% vs. 0%, P<0.001). There were no significant differences in the rates of anastomotic leakage and postoperative pneumonia between both groups (P=0.159, 0.709). For long-term outcomes, 69 cases were included in each group after PSM. The 3-year overall survival rate was 70.8% in C-MIE group and 77.1% in RAMIE group, and the 3-year disease-free survival rate was 63.5% in C-MIE group and 58.8% in RAMIE group, both showing no significant difference (P=0.406, P=0.651).

Conclusions

RAMIE has the potential to reduce recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy compared to C-MIE and long-term outcomes for both procedures were comparable.