bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Macroporous Poly(hydromethylsiloxane) Networks as Precursors to Hybrid Ceramics (Ceramers) for Deposition of Palladium Catalysts
Authors: Mrówka Jan , Kosydar Robert , Kornaus Kamil , Partyka Janusz , Hasik Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Poly(hydromethylsiloxane) (PHMS) was cross-linked with 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-1,3,5,7-tetravinylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4Vi) in water-in-oil High Internal Phase Emulsions to form macroporous materials known as polyHIPEs. It was shown that in the process of pyrolysis under Ar atmosphere at 520 °C, the obtained polyHIPEs were converted to ceramers with high yields (82.8–88.0 wt.%). Structurally, the obtained ceramers were hybrid ceramics, i.e., they consisted of Si-O framework and preserved organic moieties. Macropores present in the polyHIPE precursors remained in ceramers. Ceramers contained also micro- and mesopores which resulted from the precursor’s mass loss during pyrolysis. Total pore volume and BET specific surface area related to the existence of micro- and mesopores in ceramers depended on the PHMS: D4Vi ratio applied in polyHIPE synthesis. The highest total pore volume (0.143 cm3/g) and specific surface area (344 m2/g) were reached after pyrolysis of the precursor prepared with the lowest amount of D4Vi as compared to PHMS. The composite materials obtained after deposition of PdO nanoparticles onto ceramers followed by reduction of PdO by H2 were active and selective catalysts for phenylacetylene hydrogenation to styrene.
The Effect of Component Defects on the Performance of Perovskite Devices and the Low-Cost Preparation of High-Purity PbI2
Authors: Dong Boyu , Xie Yuhan , Lou Yongbing
Published: August 2024

The efficiency and reproducibility of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) are significantly influenced by the purity of lead iodide (PbI2) in the raw materials used. Pb(OH)I has been identified as the primary impurity generated from PbI2 in water-based synthesis. Consequently, a comprehensive investigation into the impact of Pb(OH)I impurities on film and device performance is essential. In this study, PbI2, with varying stoichiometries, was synthesized to examine the effects of different Pb(OH)I levels on perovskite device performance. The characterization results revealed that even trace amounts of Pb(OH)I impede the formation of precursor prenucleation clusters. These impurities also increase the energy barrier of the α-phase and facilitate the transition of the intermediate phase to the δ-phase. These effects result in poor perovskite film morphology and sub-optimal photovoltaic device performance. To address these issues, a cost-effective method for preparing high-stoichiometry PbI2 was developed. The formation of Pb(OH)I was effectively inhibited through several strategies: adjusting solution pH and temperature, modifying material addition order, simplifying the precipitation–recrystallization process, and introducing H3PO2 as an additive. These modifications enabled the one-step synthesis of high-purity PbI2. PSCs prepared using this newly synthesized high-stoichiometry PbI2 demonstrated photovoltaic performance comparable to those fabricated with commercial PbI2 (purity ≥ 99.999%). Our novel method offers a cost-effective alternative for synthesizing high-stoichiometry PbI2, thereby providing a viable option for the production of high-performance PSCs.
Study of Mesoporous Zr-TiO2 Catalyst with Rich Oxygen Vacancies for N-Methylmorpholine Oxidation to N-Methylmorpholine-N-oxide
Authors: Li Yongwei , Fang Zhihao , Feng Lijuan , Liu Fangfang , Shi Yucui , Li Jiao , Zhao Chao
Published: August 2024

A series of Zr-TiO2 catalysts were prepared using a facile sol-gel method and were used for N-methylmorpholine (NMM) oxidation to N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO). The structure features of Zr-TiO2 catalysts were studied in detail through a variety of characterization methods, such as XRD, SEM, N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, XPS, EPR, and O2-TPD. As-obtained 5%Zr-TiO2 catalysts had superior catalytic performance and stability with a 97.6% NMMO yield at 40 °C, which related to Zr doping, a higher surface area, more oxygen vacancies, and oxygen chemisorption on the catalytic surface. This work provides an efficient preparation strategy of TiO2-based catalysts for selective oxidation reactions by a facile method.
Study on Calcination Characteristics of Diaspore-Kaolin Bauxite Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Li Longjiang , Liu Jun
Published: August 2024

D-K-type bauxite from Guizhou can be used as an unburned ceramic, adsorbent, and geopolymer after low-temperature calcination. It aims to solve the problem where the color of the D–K-type bauxite changes after calcination at different temperatures. Digital image processing technology was used to extract the color characteristics of bauxite images after 10 min of calcination at various temperatures. Then, we analyzed changes in the chemical composition and micromorphology of bauxite before and after calcination and investigated the correlation between the color characteristics of images and composition changes after bauxite calcination. The test results indicated that after calcining bauxite at 500 °C to 1000 °C for 10 min, more obvious dehydration and decarburization reactions occurred. The main component gradually changed from diaspore to Al2O3, the chromaticity value of the image decreased from 0.0980 to 0.0515, the saturation value increased from 0.0161 to 0.2433, and the brightness value increased from 0.5890 to 0.7177. Studies have shown that changes in bauxite color characteristics are strongly correlated with changes in composition. This is important for directing bauxite calcination based on digital image processing from engineering viewpoints.
Chemical Profile and Potential Applications of Sclerocarya birrea (A.Rich.) Hochst. subsp. caffra (Sond.) Kokwaro Kernel Oils: Analysis of Volatile Compounds and Fatty Acids
Authors: Bvenura Callistus , Kambizi Learnmore
Published: August 2024

Sclerocarya birrea kernel volatile compounds and fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) from the Bubi district in Matabeleland North province of Zimbabwe were characterised by GC–MS. The volatile compounds of the oil include 65 different compounds from 24 distinct classes, dominated by 13 alcohols and 14 aldehydes (42%). Other classes include carboxylic acids, phenols, sesquiterpenes, lactones, pyridines, saturated fatty acids, ketones, and various hydrocarbons. The kernel oils revealed essential fatty acids such as polyunsaturated (α-linolenic and linoleic acids) and monounsaturated fatty acids (palmitic, palmitoleic, and oleic acids). Notably, oleic acid is the predominant fatty acid at 521.61 mg/g, constituting approximately 73% of the total fatty acids. Linoleic acid makes up 8%, and saturated fatty acids make up about 7%, including significant amounts of stearic (42.45 mg/g) and arachidic (3.46 mg/g) acids. These results validate the use of marula oils in food, pharmaceutical, and health industries, as well as in the multibillion USD cosmetics industry. Therefore, the potential applications of S. berria kernel oils are extensive, necessitating further research and exploration to fully unlock their capabilities.
Evaluation of Nitric Oxide-Donating Properties of 11H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalin-11-one Oxime (IQ-1) by Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
Authors: Andrianov Viacheslav V. , Schepetkin Igor A. , Bazan Leah V. , Gainutdinov Khalil L. , Kovrizhina Anastasia R. , Atochin Dmitriy N. , Khlebnikov Andrei I.
Published: August 2024

IQ-1 (11H-indeno[1,2-b]quinoxalin-11-one oxime) is a specific c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor with anticancer and neuro- and cardioprotective properties. Because aryloxime derivatives undergo cytochrome P450-catalyzed oxidation to nitric oxide (NO) and ketones in liver microsomes, NO formation may be an additional mechanism of IQ-1 pharmacological action. In the present study, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of the Fe2+ complex with diethyldithiocarbamate (DETC) as a spin trap and hemoglobin (Hb) was used to detect NO formation from IQ-1 in the liver and blood of rats, respectively, after IQ-1 intraperitoneal administration (50 mg/kg). Introducing the spin trap and IQ-1 led to signal characteristics of the complex (DETC)2-Fe2+-NO in rat liver. Similarly, the introduction of the spin trap components and IQ-1 resulted in an increase in the Hb-NO signal for both the R- and the T-conformers in blood samples. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations were in accordance with the experimental data and indicated that the NO formation of IQ-1 through the action of superoxide anion radical is thermodynamically favorable. We conclude that the administration of IQ-1 releases NO during its oxidoreductive bioconversion in vivo.
Theoretical Analysis of Superior Photodegradation of Methylene Blue by Cerium Oxide/Reduced Graphene Oxide vs. Graphene
Authors: Hao Nguyen Hoang , Lan Phung Thi , Ha Nguyen Ngoc , Cam Le Minh , Ha Nguyen Thi Thu
Published: August 2024

Density functional theory and a semi-empirical quantum chemical approach were used to evaluate the photocatalytic efficiency of ceria (CeO2) combined with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and graphene (GP) for degrading methylene blue (MB). Two main aspects were examined: the adsorption ability of rGO and GP for MB, and the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes in CeO2/rGO and CeO2/GP. Our results, based on calculations of the adsorption energy, population analysis, bond strength index, and reduced density gradient, show favorable energetics for MB adsorption on both rGO and GP surfaces. The process is driven by weak, non-covalent interactions, with rGO showing better MB adsorption. A detailed analysis involving parameters like fractional occupation density, the centroid distance between molecular orbitals, and the Lewis acid index of the catalysts highlights the effective charge separation in CeO2/rGO compared to CeO2/GP. These findings are crucial for understanding photocatalytic degradation mechanisms of organic dyes and developing efficient photocatalysts.
Preparation of Perovskite-Type LaMnO3 and Its Catalytic Degradation of Formaldehyde in Wastewater
Authors: Ma Qingguo , Huo Pengcheng , Wang Kesong , Yuan Ye , Bai Songjiang , Zhao Chentong , Li Wenzhuo
Published: August 2024

Formaldehyde (HCHO) is identified as the most toxic chemical among 45 organic compounds found in industrial wastewater, posing significant harm to both the environment and human health. In this study, a novel approach utilizing the Lanthanum-manganese complex oxide (LaMnO3)/peroxymonosulfate (PMS) system was proposed for the effective removal of HCHO from wastewater. Perovskite-Type LaMnO3 was prepared by sol-gel method. The chemical compositions and morphology of LaMnO3 samples were analyzed through thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effects of LaMnO3 dosage, PMS concentration, HCHO concentration, and initial pH on the HCHO removal rate were investigated. When the concentration of HCHO is less than 1.086 mg/mL (5 mL), the dosage of LaMnO3 is 0.06 g, and n(PMS)/n(HCHO) = 2.5, the removal rate of HCHO is more than 96% in the range of pH = 5–13 at 25 °C for 10 min. Compared with single-component MnO2, the perovskite structure of LaMnO3 is beneficial to the catalytic degradation of HCHO by PMS. It is an efficient Fenton-like oxidation process for treating wastewater containing HCHO. The LaMnO3 promoted the formation of SO4•− and HO•, which sequentially oxidized HCHO to HCOOH and CO2.
Standardization via Post Column Infusion—A Novel and Convenient Quantification Approach for LC-MS/MS
Authors: Habler Katharina , Rexhaj Arber , Happich Felix L. , Vogeser Michael
Published: August 2024

Mass spectrometry (MS) is a widely used analytical technique including medical diagnostics, forensic toxicology, food and water analysis. The gold standard for quantifying compounds involves using stable isotope-labeled internal standards (SIL-IS). However, when these standards are not commercially available, are prohibitively expensive, or are extremely difficult to synthesize, alternative external quantification techniques are employed. We hereby present a novel, convenient and cheap quantification approach—quantification via post column infusion (PCI). As a proof of concept, we demonstrated PCI quantification for the immunosuppressant tacrolimus in whole blood using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The validation results met the criteria according to the guideline on bioanalytical method validation of the European Medicine Agency (EMA), achieving imprecisions and inaccuracies with coefficient of variation and relative bias below 15%. Anonymized and leftover whole blood samples from immunosuppressed patients receiving tacrolimus were used for method comparison (PCI quantification vs. conventional internal standard (IS) quantification). Both methods showed strong agreement with a Pearson correlation coefficient of r = 0.9532. This novel PCI quantification technique (using the target analyte itself) expands the quantification options available in MS, providing reliable results, particularly when internal standards are unavailable or unaffordable. With the current paper, we aim to demonstrate that our innovative PCI technique has great potential to overcome practical issues in quantification and to provide guidance on how to incorporate PCI in existing or new LC-MS methods. Moreover, this study demonstrated a more convenient method for correcting matrix effects in comparison to alternative PCI techniques.
Prevalence and Predictors of Soft Drink Consumption among Adolescents in the Gulf Countries: Findings from National Surveys
Authors: Al-Zalabani Abdulmohsen
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and predictors of soft drink consumption among adolescents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries using nationally representative data from the Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire in a school survey and included 22,116 adolescents aged 12–18 years from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Data were collected and analyzed using complex survey methods. The GSHS was not available for Saudi Arabia. Soft drink consumption was the main outcome variable. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine its associations with sociodemographic characteristics, dietary behaviors, parental factors, and health-related behaviors. Results: The prevalence of soft drink consumption three or more times per day ranged from 10.6% to 26.8% across the countries, with the highest being in Qatar. Adjusted analyses showed that girls had lower odds of SD consumption compared to boys (OR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.57–0.77). Food insecurity, a proxy for low socioeconomic status, was associated with twice the odds of frequent consumption (OR = 2.06; 95% CI: 1.75–2.43). Parental smoking and low physical activity levels were also associated with higher soft drink intake (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.13–1.88 and OR = 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.28, respectively), while obesity showed a weak positive association. Conclusions: Daily soft drink consumption was highly prevalent among adolescents in the GCC countries. Sociodemographic, behavioral, and health-related factors were significantly associated with frequent intake. These findings highlight the need for comprehensive, multi-sectoral interventions to reduce soft drink consumption in the region.
A Mixture of Soybean Oil and Lard Alleviates Postpartum Cognitive Impairment via Regulating the Brain Fatty Acid Composition and SCFA/ERK(1/2)/CREB/BDNF Pathway
Authors: Shi Runjia , Tian Xiaoying , Ji Andong , Zhang Tianyu , Xu Huina , Qi Zhongshi , Zhou Liying , Zhao Chunhui , Li Duo
Published: August 2024

Lard is highly appreciated for its flavor. However, it has not been elucidated how to consume lard while at the same time eliminating its adverse effects on postpartum cognitive function. Female mice were divided into three groups (n = 10): soybean oil (SO), lard oil (LO), and a mixture of soybean oil and lard at a ratio of 1:1 (LS). No significant difference was observed between the SO and LS groups in behavioral testing of the maternal mice, but the LO group was significantly worse compared with these two groups. Moreover, the SO and LS supplementation increased docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) levels in the brain and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA)-producing bacteria in feces, thereby mitigating neuroinflammation and lowering the p-ERK(1/2)/ERK(1/2), p-CREB/CREB, and BDNF levels in the brain compared to the LO group. Collectively, the LS group inhibited postpartum cognitive impairment by regulating the brain fatty acid composition, neuroinflammation, gut microbiota, and the SCFA/ERK(1/2)/CREB/BDNF signaling pathway compared to lard.
An Anti-Inflammatory Diet and Its Potential Benefit for Individuals with Mental Disorders and Neurodegenerative Diseases—A Narrative Review
Authors: van Zonneveld Sophie M. , van den Oever Ellen J. , Haarman Benno C. M. , Grandjean Emmy L. , Nuninga Jasper O. , van de Rest Ondine , Sommer Iris E. C.
Published: August 2024

This narrative review synthesizes current evidence regarding anti-inflammatory dietary patterns and their potential benefits for individuals with mental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Chronic low-grade inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the etiology and progression of these conditions. The review examines the evidence for the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of dietary components and food groups, focusing on whole foods rather than specific nutrients or supplements. Key dietary components showing potential benefits include fruits and vegetables (especially berries and leafy greens), whole grains, legumes, fatty fish rich in omega-3, nuts (particularly walnuts), olive oil, and fermented foods. These foods are generally rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber, and bioactive compounds that may help modulate inflammation, support gut health, and promote neuroprotection. Conversely, ultra-processed foods, red meat, and sugary beverages may be harmful. Based on this evidence, we designed the Brain Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition (BrAIN) diet. The mechanisms of this diet include the modulation of the gut microbiota and the gut–brain axis, the regulation of inflammatory pathways, a reduction in oxidative stress, and the promotion of neuroplasticity. The BrAIN diet shows promise as an aid to manage mental and neurodegenerative disorders.
Current Status of Chronic Intestinal Failure Management in Adults
Authors: Solar Héctor , Ortega Mariana L. , Gondolesi Gabriel
Published: August 2024

Background: Chronic intestinal failure (CIF) is a heterogeneous disease that affects pediatric and adult populations worldwide and requires complex multidisciplinary management. In recent years, many advances in intravenous supplementation support, surgical techniques, pharmacological management, and intestinal transplants have been published. Based on these advances, international societies have published multiple recommendations and guidelines for the management of these patients. The purpose of this paper is to show the differences that currently exist between the recommendations (ideal life) and the experiences published by different programs around the world. Methods: A review of the literature in PubMed from 1980 to 2024 was carried out using the following terms: intestinal failure, CIF, home parenteral nutrition, short bowel syndrome, chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction, intestinal transplant, enterohormones, and glucagon-like peptide-2. Conclusions: There is a difference between what is recommended in the guidelines and consensus and what is applied in real life. Most of the world’s countries are not able to offer all of the steps needed to treat this pathology. The development of cooperative networks between countries is necessary to ensure access to comprehensive treatment for most patients on all continents, but especially in low-income countries.
Evaluation of the Potential Beneficial Effects of Ferula communis L. Extract Supplementation in Postmenopausal Discomfort
Authors: Macrì Roberta , Maiuolo Jessica , Scarano Federica , Musolino Vincenzo , Fregola Annalisa , Gliozzi Micaela , Carresi Cristina , Nucera Saverio , Serra Maria , Caminiti Rosamaria , Cardamone Antonio , Coppoletta Anna Rita , Ussia Sara , Ritorto Giovanna , Mazza Valeria , Bombardelli Ezio , Palma Ernesto , Muscoli Carolina , Mollace Vincenzo
Published: August 2024

Peri-menopausal discomfort can have a detrimental effect on the physical health of women due to physiological and behavioral changes. Estrogen and progesterone-based hormone therapy can alleviate menopausal symptoms, but estrogen supplementation may have negative health effects. The effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy using natural compounds for peri-menopausal disorders is still uncertain. Evidence from in vivo experiments indicates that Ferula L. extract in ovariectomized rats leads to better sexual behavior. The effect seems to be linked to the phytoestrogenic properties of ferutinin, the primary bioactive compound in the extract. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical impact of Ferula communis L. extract (titrated at 20% ferutinin, and given at doses of 100 mg/die for 90 days) on the quality of life of 64 menopausal women. The clinical trial was randomized, double-blind, and placebo controlled. Our data showed that Ferula communis L. extract reduced by 67 + 9% all symptoms associated to postmenopausal discomfort and enhanced significantly sexual behavior. In addition, the supplement led to a significant improvement of BMI and oxidative stress decrease in the women who received it, while also keeping platelet aggregation within normal levels. Overall, these results could point to the potential use of supplementation with Ferula communis L. extract to revert or mitigate menopause dysfunction.
Effect of Vitamin D and Skeletal Muscle Mass on Prognosis of Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Nakamura Nobuhiko , Kanemura Nobuhiro , Matsumoto Takuro , Nakamura Hiroshi , Shibata Yuhei , Yamaguchi Kimihiro , Kitagawa Junichi , Ikoma Yoshikazu , Suzaki Tomomi , Kaneda Yuto , Ninomiya Soranobu , Takada Eri , Hara Takeshi , Tsurumi Hisashi , Shimizu Masahito
Published: August 2024

This study investigated the prognostic impact of vitamin D deficiency and reduced skeletal muscle mass in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patients. A retrospective analysis of 186 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients from 2012 to 2022 was conducted, measuring serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and the skeletal muscle index (SMI). Decreased vitamin D levels were linked to more severe DLBCL disease, with a median 25(OH)D concentration of 13 (4.0–27) ng/mL. Males in the group with a low SMI had a considerably lower 25(OH)D concentration. The optimal threshold of 25(OH)D levels for overall survival (OS) was 9.6 ng/mL, with lower values associated with a higher likelihood of recurrence and mortality. Multivariable analysis showed hazard ratios for OS of 1.4 [95% CI 0.77–2.5] for a low SMI and 3.2 [95% CI 1.8–5.8] for low 25(OH)D concentration. The combination of a low SMI and low vitamin D concentration resulted in the worst prognosis. Thus, low levels of vitamin D associated with disease progression significantly impact DLBCL prognosis, which can be further stratified by the SMI, providing valuable insights for patient management and potential therapeutic interventions.
The Cow’s Milk-Related Symptom Score (CoMiSSTM) in Presumed Healthy Egyptian Infants
Authors: Bahbah Wael A. , Knockaert Nienke , El Zefzaf Heba M. S. , Huysentruyt Koen , Vandenplas Yvan
Published: August 2024

Background: The Cow’s Milk-Related Symptom Score (CoMiSS) was created as an awareness tool for cow’s milk-related symptoms. After different trials, a score of ≥10 was selected to raise awareness. The CoMiSS in healthy infants needs to be determined because the score does not return to 0 during a diagnostic elimination diet. This study aims to establish normal values in healthy Egyptian infants. Methods: In this prospective cross-sectional study, pediatricians determined the CoMiSS in healthy infants ≤ 12 months. Infants seeking medical help due to cow’s milk allergy (CMA) symptoms and infants with any known or suspected diseases, preterm delivery, medication, or food supplements were excluded. Results: A total of 808 infants were included with a median (Q1; Q3) age of 7 (3;10) months (50.7% boys). The median (Q1; Q3) CoMiSS was 5 (5;6). The 95th percentile was 7. There was no significant difference in the median CoMiSS according to gender (p = 0.621) or due to breastfeeding exclusively (p = 0.603). A significant difference was seen in the CoMiSS according to age, although all the age categories had a median CoMiSS of 5. Conclusions: This study revealed the median CoMiSS is 5 in presumed healthy Egyptian infants aged 0–12 months. The CoMiSS was not dependent on feeding. The determination of the CoMiSS in healthy infants allows for the determination of a cut-off under which CMA is unlikely, and a cut-off to raise awareness of CMA, thereby preventing under- and overdiagnosis. Since the median CoMiSS was not different in European infants, the outcome suggests that the CoMiSS may be a reliable awareness tool for CMA independent of ethnicity. However, additional studies are needed to confirm the previous hypothesis.
Case Report and Literature Review on Tongue Schwannoma
Authors: Pierri Michelangelo , Moffa Antonio , Sabatino Lorenzo , Iafrati Francesco , Di Giovanni Simone , De Benedetto Luigi , Casale Manuele
Published: August 2024

Schwannoma is a neoplasm originating from cells surrounding and insulating axons in peripheral nerves. It usually presents benign behaviour with slow growth. A significant portion of cases occur in the head and neck region but rarely in the oral cavity, where the tongue is the most frequently affected organ. This article describes the case of a man presenting an asymptomatic mass on the dorsal aspect of the tongue that sought attention at the Integrated Therapies in Otorhinolaryngology Department of the Policlinico Campus Bio-Medico Foundation in Rome. After clinical and radiological examinations, the patient underwent surgical treatment under local anaesthesia. A literature search was conducted on PubMed and Google Scholar. Only complete case reports published in English from 1923 to 2023 were selected. A total of 183 cases were considered after the selection of relevant articles and the elimination of duplicates. The resulting data confirm that the most common presentation of this pathology consists of a painless mass in the oral tongue; usually, this lesion is removed surgically via a transoral approach, but different variations were described depending on the dimensions and position of the lesion.
Patterns, Outcomes and Economic Burden of Primary vs. Secondary Bloodstream Infections: A Single Center, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chandroulis Ioannis , Schinas Georgios , de Lastic Anne-Lise , Polyzou Eleni , Tsoupra Stamatia , Davoulos Christos , Kolosaka Martha , Niarou Vasiliki , Theodoraki Spyridoula , Ziazias Dimitrios , Kosmopoulou Foteini , Koutsouri Christina-Panagiota , Gogos Charalambos , Akinosoglou Karolina
Published: August 2024

Bloodstream infections (BSIs) can be primary or secondary, with significant associated morbidity and mortality. Primary bloodstream infections (BSIs) are defined as infections where no clear infection source is identified, while secondary BSIs originate from a localized infection site. This study aims to compare patterns, outcomes, and medical costs between primary and secondary BSIs and identify associated factors. Conducted at the University Hospital of Patras, Greece, from May 2016 to May 2018, this single-center retrospective cohort study included 201 patients with confirmed BSIs based on positive blood cultures. Data on patient characteristics, clinical outcomes, hospitalization costs, and laboratory parameters were analyzed using appropriate statistical methods. Primary BSIs occurred in 22.89% (46 patients), while secondary BSIs occurred in 77.11% (155 patients). Primary BSI patients were younger and predominantly nosocomial, whereas secondary BSI was mostly community-acquired. Clinical severity scores (SOFA, APACHE II, SAPS, and qPitt) were significantly higher in primary compared to secondary BSI. The median hospital stay was longer for primary BSI (21 vs. 12 days, p < 0.001). Although not statistically significant, mortality rates were higher in primary BSI (43.24% vs. 26.09%). Total care costs were significantly higher for primary BSI (EUR 4388.3 vs. EUR 2530.25, p = 0.016), driven by longer hospital stays and increased antibiotic costs. This study underscores the distinct clinical and economic challenges of primary versus secondary BSI and emphasizes the need for prompt diagnosis and tailored antimicrobial therapy. Further research should focus on developing specific management guidelines for primary BSI and exploring interventions to reduce BSI burden across healthcare settings.
Investigation of a Serine Protease Inhibitor Active in the Infectious Stage of the Human Liver Fluke Opisthorchis viverrini
Authors: Salang Rosnanee , Phadungsil Wansika , Geadkaew-Krenc Amornrat , Grams Rudi
Published: August 2024

Serine protease inhibitors (serpins) participate in the regulation of inflammation, blood coagulation, and complement activation in humans. This research aimed to identify and characterize such inhibitors of the human liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini. Parasite proteins that might contribute to the modulation of host physiology are of particular interest, especially as chronic opisthorchiasis increases the risk of developing biliary cancer. BLAST was used to find hypothetical serpins predicted from the parasite genome data. RNA extraction and reverse transcriptase PCR were used to isolate a serpin cDNA and to determine developmental transcript abundance. The evolutionary relation to other trematode serpins was revealed by phylogenetic analysis. Recombinant serpin was expressed in Escherichia coli and used to test the immunoreactivity of human opisthorchiasis sera and the inhibition of human serine proteases. A substantial serpin family with high sequence divergence among the members was found in the genus Opisthorchis. A serpin, different from previously analyzed trematode serpins, was cloned. The transcript was only detected in metacercariae and newly excysted juveniles. Human opisthorchiasis sera showed statistically significant reactivity to recombinant serpin. The serpin caused moderate inhibition of thrombin and low inhibition of kallikrein and chymotrypsin. This parasite serpin could be further evaluated as a diagnostic tool for early infection. Kallikrein and thrombin are involved in fibrinolysis; therefore, further research should explore the effects of the parasite serpin on this process.
Conference Report: LPMHealthcare Emerging Viruses 2023 (EVOX23): Pandemics—Learning from the Past and Present to Prepare for the Future
Authors: Jenkins Fern , Mapulanga Tobias , Thapa Gauri , da Costa Kelly A. S. , Temperton Nigel J.
Published: August 2024

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 has meant that pandemic preparedness has become a major focus of the global scientific community. Gathered in the historic St Edmund Hall college in Oxford, the one-day LPMHealthcare conference on emerging viruses (6 September 2023) sought to review and learn from past pandemics—the current SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the Mpox outbreak—and then look towards potential future pandemics. This includes an emphasis on monitoring the “traditional” reservoirs of viruses with zoonotic potential, as well as possible new sources of spillover events, e.g., bats, which we are coming into closer contact with due to climate change and the impacts of human activities on habitats. Continued vigilance and investment into creative scientific solutions is required for issues including the long-term physical and psychological effects of COVID-19, i.e., long COVID. The evaluation of current systems, including environmental monitoring, communication (with the public, regulatory authorities, and governments), and training; assessment of the effectiveness of the technologies/assays we have in place currently; and lobbying of the government and the public to work with scientists are all required in order to build trust moving forward. Overall, the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has shown how many sectors can work together to achieve a global impact in times of crisis.
Molecular Detection of Theileria ovis, Anaplasma ovis, and Rickettsia spp. in Rhipicephalus turanicus and Hyalomma anatolicum Collected from Sheep in Southern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Li Yongchang , Li Jianlong , Xieripu Gulaimubaier , Rizk Mohamed Abdo , Macalanda Adrian Miki C. , Gan Lu , Ren Jichao , Mohanta Uday Kumar , El-Sayed Shimaa Abd El-Salam , Chahan Bayin , Xuan Xuenan , Guo Qingyong
Published: August 2024

The Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region (Xinjiang) borders eight countries and has a complex geographic environment. There are almost 45.696 million herded sheep in Xinjiang, which occupies 13.80% of China’s sheep farming industry. However, there is a scarcity of reports investigating the role of sheep or ticks in Xinjiang in transmitting tick-borne diseases (TBDs). A total of 894 ticks (298 tick pools) were collected from sheep in southern Xinjiang. Out of the 298 tick pools investigated in this study, Rhipicephalus turanicus (Rh. turanicus) and Hyalomma anatolicum (H. anatolicum) were identified through morphological and molecular sequencing. In the southern part of Xinjiang, 142 (47.65%), 86 (28.86%), and 60 (20.13%) tick pools were positive for Rickettsia spp., Theileria spp., and Anaplasma spp., respectively. Interestingly, the infection rate of Rickettsia spp. (73%, 35.10%, and 28.56–41.64%) was higher in Rh. turanicus pools than in H. anatolicum pools (4%, 4.44%, and 0.10–8.79%) in this study. Fifty-one tick pools were found to harbor two pathogens, while nineteen tick pools were detected to have the three pathogens. Our findings indicate the presence of Rickettsia spp., Theileria spp., and Anaplasma spp. potentially transmitted by H. anatolicum and Rh. turanicus in sheep in southern Xinjiang, China.
Asymptomatic Malaria Cases and Plasmodium Species among BaAka Pygmies in Central Africa
Authors: Kołodziej Daria , Richert Wanesa , Świetlik Dariusz , Korzeniewski Krzysztof
Published: August 2024

Malaria is a significant health problem in Africa, primarily due to the Plasmodium falciparum species, but this is not the only etiological factor responsible for malaria on the continent. The goal of the present research was to describe asymptomatic malaria cases and to identify Plasmodium species responsible for malaria in the BaAka Pygmies, inhabitants of the Central African Republic (CAR). Screening was realised in the period of August–September 2021 among 308 people, including 74 children and 234 adults reporting to a healthcare facility in Monasao (southwest CAR), an area inhabited by a semi-nomadic tribe of BaAka Pygmies. The study consisted of two phases. Phase I, which was conducted in Africa, consisted of performing malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs), taking haemoglobin measurements and collecting blood samples onto Whatman FTA cards for molecular diagnostics. Phase II, which was conducted in Poland, involved molecular tests (RT-PCR) to confirm or rule out malaria infections and to identify Plasmodium species responsible for the infections. mRDTs detected Plasmodium infections in 50.3% of children and 17.1% of adults participating in the study, whereas RT-PCR assays yielded positive results for 59.5% children and 28.6% adults. Molecular tests detected multiple Plasmodium falciparum infections but also three infections with P. malariae, three with P. ovale and one with P. vivax. The obtained results have confirmed numerous asymptomatic Plasmodium infections among the BaAka Pygmies. The rates of asymptomatic malaria cases in adults were twice as high as those in children, which may be indicative of the gradual acquisition of protective immunity with age. The study findings have also demonstrated that although most cases of malaria in Africa are caused by P. falciparum, three other species are also present in the region.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor Ameliorates Early Cardiometabolic Disorders in Fructose-Overloaded Rat Offspring
Authors: de Miranda Victor Hugo Martins , Dos Santos Camila Paixão , Neves Pietra Petrica , Nascimento-Filho Antonio Viana , Dutra Marina Rascio Henriques , Bernardes Nathalia , Irigoyen Maria Claúdia , De Angelis Kátia
Published: August 2024

Background: We investigate the role of galantamine on autonomic dysfunction associated with early cardiometabolic dysfunction in the offspring of fructose-overloaded rats. Methods: Wistar rats received fructose diluted in drinking water (10%) or water for 60 days prior to mating. Fructose overload was maintained until the end of lactation. The offspring (21 days after birth) of control and fructose-overloaded animals were divided into three groups: control (C), fructose (F) and fructose + galantamine (GAL). GAL (5 mg/kg) was administered orally until the offspring were 51 days old. Metabolic, hemodynamic and cardiovascular autonomic modulation were evaluated. Results: The F group showed decreased insulin tolerance (KITT) compared to the C and GAL groups. The F group, in comparison to the C group, had increased arterial blood pressure, heart rate and sympathovagal balance (LF/HF ratio) and a low-frequency band of systolic arterial pressure (LF-SAP). The GAL group, in comparison to the F group, showed increased vagally mediated RMSSD index, a high-frequency band (HF-PI) and decreased LF/HF ratio and variance in SAP (VAR-SAP) and LF-SAP. Correlations were found between HF-PI and KITT (r = 0.60), heart rate (r = −0.65) and MAP (r = −0.71). Conclusions: GAL treatment significantly improved cardiovascular autonomic modulation, which was associated with the amelioration of cardiometabolic dysfunction in offspring of parents exposed to chronic fructose consumption.
Safflower Yellow Injection Alleviates Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury by Reducing Oxidative and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress
Authors: Liang Wulin , Zhang Mingqian , Gao Jiahui , Huang Rikang , Cheng Lu , Zhang Liyuan , Huang Zhishan , Jia Zhanhong , Zhang Shuofeng
Published: August 2024

Safflower yellow is an extract of the famous Chinese medicine Carthamus tinctorious L, and safflower yellow injection (SYI) is widely used clinically to treat angina pectoris. However, there are few studies on the anti-myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury effect of SYI, and its mechanisms are unclear. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of SYI on myocardial I/R injury and explore its underlying mechanisms. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, sham group, model group, and SYI group (20 mg/kg, femoral vein injection 1 h before modeling). The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated to establish a myocardial I/R model. H9c2 cells were exposed to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) after incubation with 80 μg/mL SYI for 24 h. In vivo, TsTC, HE, and TUNEL staining were performed to evaluate myocardial injury and apoptosis. A kit was used to detect superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) to assess oxidative stress. In vitro, flow cytometry was used to detect the reactive oxygen species (ROS) content and apoptosis rate. Protein levels were determined via Western blotting. Pretreatment with SYI significantly reduced infarct size and pathological damage in rat hearts and suppressed cardiomyocyte apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. In addition, SYI inhibited oxidative stress by increasing SOD activity and decreasing MDA content and ROS production. Myocardial I/R and OGD/R activate endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, as evidenced by increased expression of activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase caspase-12, and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), which were all inhibited by SYI. SYI ameliorated myocardial I/R injury by attenuating apoptosis, oxidative damage, and ER stress, which revealed new mechanistic insights into its application.
The Beginning of the Poem: The Epigraph
Authors: Van Lucy
Published: August 2024

Theoretically, a poem can begin in any way. What does it mean that in practice, poems often begin in a particular way—that is, by returning to a fragment of some prior thing? We see this in the encore of John Milton’s opening to Lycidas (‘Yet once more, O ye laurels, and once more’); differently, we see this in the widely used convention of the poetic epigraph (for instance, T. S. Eliot’s ‘The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock’ begins with six lines from Dante’s Inferno). While there is an established model for understanding the beginning as an act that invokes poetic precedent, this paper seeks to expose the beginning’s logic of return to a broader sense of language that is beyond the remit of poetic tradition as such. With a focus on the epigraph, this paper thinks about the everyday existence of poems and about how this existence relates to ordinary language, asking, how do these different modes of language function together? How does ordinary language collude in the creation of poetry? In its enactment of the passage of language from one mode of existence to another, the beginning of a poem might offer some answers to these questions.
Comparative Metabolome and Transcriptome Analysis of Rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) Cotyledons in Response to Cold Stress
Authors: Liu Xinhong , Wang Tonghua , Ruan Ying , Xie Xiang , Tan Chengfang , Guo Yiming , Li Bao , Qu Liang , Deng Lichao , Li Mei , Liu Chunlin
Published: August 2024

Cold stress affects the seed germination and early growth of winter rapeseed, leading to yield losses. We employed transmission electron microscopy, physiological analyses, metabolome profiling, and transcriptome sequencing to understand the effect of cold stress (0 °C, LW) on the cotyledons of cold-tolerant (GX74) and -sensitive (XY15) rapeseeds. The mesophyll cells in cold-treated XY15 were severely damaged compared to slightly damaged cells in GX74. The fructose, glucose, malondialdehyde, and proline contents increased after cold stress in both genotypes; however, GX74 had significantly higher content than XY15. The pyruvic acid content increased after cold stress in GX74, but decreased in XY15. Metabolome analysis detected 590 compounds, of which 32 and 74 were differentially accumulated in GX74 (CK vs. cold stress) and XY15 (CK vs. cold stressed). Arachidonic acid and magnoflorine were the most up-accumulated metabolites in GX74 subjected to cold stress compared to CK. There were 461 and 1481 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) specific to XY15 and GX74 rapeseeds, respectively. Generally, the commonly expressed genes had higher expressions in GX74 compared to XY15 in CK and cold stress conditions. The expression changes in DEGs related to photosynthesis-antenna proteins, chlorophyll biosynthesis, and sugar biosynthesis-related pathways were consistent with the fructose and glucose levels in cotyledons. Compared to XY15, GX74 showed upregulation of a higher number of genes/transcripts related to arachidonic acid, pyruvic acid, arginine and proline biosynthesis, cell wall changes, reactive oxygen species scavenging, cold-responsive pathways, and phytohormone-related pathways. Taken together, our results provide a detailed overview of the cold stress responses in rapeseed cotyledons.
Exploring the Antifungal Activity of Moroccan Bacterial and Fungal Isolates and a Strobilurin Fungicide in the Control of Cladosporium fulvum, the Causal Agent of Tomato Leaf Mold Disease
Authors: Belabess Zineb , Gajjout Bilale , Legrifi Ikram , Barka Essaid Ait , Lahlali Rachid
Published: August 2024

The causal agent of tomato leaf mold, Cladosporium fulvum, is prevalent in greenhouses worldwide, especially under high humidity conditions. Despite its economic impact, studies on antifungal agents targeting C. fulvum remain limited. This study evaluates biocontrol agents (BCAs) as alternatives to chemical controls for managing this disease, alongside the strobilurin fungicide azoxystrobin. From a Moroccan collection of potential BCAs, five bacterial isolates (Alcaligenes faecalis ACBC1, Pantoea agglomerans ACBC2, ACBP1, ACBP2, and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SF14) and three fungal isolates (Trichoderma spp. OT1, AT2, and BT3) were selected and tested. The in vitro results demonstrated that P. agglomerans isolates reduced mycelial growth by over 60% at 12 days post-inoculation (dpi), while Trichoderma isolates achieved 100% inhibition in just 5 dpi. All bacterial isolates produced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with mycelial inhibition rates ranging from 38.8% to 57.4%. Likewise, bacterial cell-free filtrates significantly inhibited the pathogen’s mycelial growth. Greenhouse tests validated these findings, showing that all the tested isolates were effective in reducing disease incidence and severity. Azoxystrobin effectively impeded C. fulvum growth, particularly in protective treatments. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed significant biochemical changes in the treated plants, indicating fungal activity. This study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of these BCAs and azoxystrobin, contributing to integrated management strategies for tomato leaf mold disease.
Anti-Skin Aging and Cytotoxic Effects of Methanol-Extracted Solanum betaceum Red Fruit Seed Extract on Ca9-22 Gingival Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Huang Yen-Hua , Huang Cheng-Yang
Published: August 2024

The tamarillo, or Solanum betaceum, recognized for its comprehensive nutritional profile, has long been valued for its diverse ethnobotanical uses. This study delves into the potential therapeutic applications of S. betaceum by analyzing its polyphenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), anti-skin aging activities against key enzymes like elastase, tyrosinase, and hyaluronidase, and its cytotoxic effects on oral carcinoma cells. Extracts from the seeds, pulp, and peel of red and yellow fruits were prepared using methanol, ethanol, and acetone. The highest TPC was found in the methanol extract from red fruit seeds (9.89 mg GAE/g), and the highest TFC was found in the methanol extract of yellow fruit peel (3.02 mg QUE/g). Some of these extracts significantly inhibited skin aging-associated enzymes with the red fruit seed extract (100 μg/mL) showing up to 50.4% inhibition of tyrosinase. Additionally, the red fruit seed extract obtained using methanol demonstrated potential anticancer effects against Ca9-22 oral carcinoma cells by inhibiting cell survival, migration, and proliferation as well as inducing apoptosis. These results underscore the potential of S. betaceum fruit extracts, especially from red fruit seeds, as promising agents for anti-skin aging and anticancer applications, meriting further exploration for therapeutic uses.