bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An overview on recent approaches on drying of natural rubber materials
Authors: Mathew Benphil C , Marshal S Joseph John , Palanisamy Sivasubramanian , Ayrilmis Nadir
Published: June 2024

Natural rubber (Hevea brasiliensis) is generally a product of tropical countries such as Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. Due to its excellent physical properties, it is a widely used material in various industries, including tyre automotive, construction and medical. Natural rubber is often manufactured in wet form and must be dried to remove excess moisture and improve its mechanical properties. There are several methods for drying natural rubber, including vacuum drying, air drying, freeze drying and microwave drying. Microwave drying is a relatively new and promising method for drying natural rubber. This technology uses electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range to generate heat in the material, causing the moisture to evaporate. Microwave drying offers several advantages over traditional drying methods, including faster drying times, lower energy consumption and improved product quality. The natural rubber drying process is a complex process that consists of several factors such as humidity, temperature and drying time. Microwave drying is no exception and requires careful optimization of the process parameters to achieve optimal drying results. Research is currently underway to study the effects of microwave drying on natural rubber properties, including the physical, mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of the material. In this context, the article aims to provide an overview of the natural rubber drying process, with a particular focus on microwave drying. The article reviews the literature on the use of microwave drying for natural rubber and highlights the advantages and limitations of this method. The post also discusses the factors affecting the microwave drying process and their impact on the quality of the dried natural rubber. Finally, the paper identifies the gaps in our understanding of microwave drying of natural rubber and suggests potential areas for future research.
Agro waste reinforcement of metal matrix composites, a veritable sustainable engineering achievement, or an effort in futility? A critical review
Authors: Ben Festus , Olubambi Peter A
Published: June 2024

The utilization of agro waste as reinforcement in metal matrix composites (MMCs) has sparked interest regarding its feasibility and sustainability in engineering practices. Compared to synthetic reinforcements, its efficacy as a potentially cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative has been explored by diverse studies. This review critically examines existing literature on agro waste-based reinforced MMCs, evaluating experimental findings on mechanical, tribological, density, and corrosion performance from a sustainable engineering perspective. Furthermore, it explores the innovative strategy of employing multi-component metal matrix composites to fabricate composites with improved performance attributes. The utilization of multi-component reinforcements has the capability to tackle issues like the challenge of disproportionate reduction in ductility and toughness peculiar to monolithic and hybrid MMCs. Despite promising results in some studies, numerous unexplored research areas and gaps remain, emphasizing the need for further investigation to provide valuable guidance for future research and development of agro waste in sustainable engineering applications.
Effect of current density on the morphology and electrochemical properties of nanotubular TiO2 for implant applications
Authors: Le Van Toan , Ta Quoc Tuan , Pham Vuong-Hung
Published: June 2024

This study focuses on investigating the influence of current density (i) (A/dm2) at values of 0.5 A dm−2, 1.0 A dm−2 1.5 A dm−2, and 2.0 A/dm2 on the surface structure of nanotubular titanium dioxide (TiO2) in an ethylene glycol solvent containing a certain amount of fluoride salt and water. The surface structure observed via FESEM images reveals that different current densities yield different nanotubular TiO2 structures, predominantly in the form of anatase TiO2 crystals. EIS and CV measurements indicate that at a current density of i = 1.5 A dm−2, the nanotubular TiO2 layer exhibits corrosion resistance performance up to 90.06% compared to the bare titanium (Ti) samples. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) demonstrates enhanced attachment of BHK cells on anodized titanium surfaces compared to unmodified controls. These findings suggest that nanotubular TiO2 presents a biocompatible material with promising potential for biomedical implant applications.
Capacitance modeling, simulation and RF characterization of horizontal floating gate field effect transistor (H-FGFET) for gas sensing application
Authors: Babbar Divya , Garg Neha , Kabra Sneha
Published: June 2024

In this paper, physics-based capacitance model has been developed for horizontal floating gate field effect transistor (H-FGFET). The horizontal design of floating gate (FG) FET allows detection of large gas molecules like nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulphur dioxide (SO2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S), carbon dioxide (CO2) etc. In order to validate the proposed model, the device has been designed using Sentaurus TCAD simulator and results have been validated with experimental data. Different electrical parameters such as transfer characteristics, switching ratio, output characteristics, threshold voltage, drain induced barrier lowering (DIBL), C-V characteristics, transconductance, output conductance and RF characteristics of the device have been analyzed at room temperature. The simulation result shows that increase in channel length of H-FGFET results in decreased leakage current, improved switching performance, increased gate capacitance and reduced DIBL. The comparative analysis of H-FGFET with previously reported floating gate FET structures reveal that proposed device offers highest switching ratio. The RF characteristics of H-FGFET illustrates that proposed device can operate efficiently as an amplifier for the frequency range of 0.1 GHz to 100 GHz. Further, the proposed device has also been tested for the detection of nitrogen dioxide gas and results reveal that with increase in operating temperature from 30 °C to 180 °C the leakage current of the device increases from 10−13 to 10−9 and OFF current sensitivity of the proposed sensor changes by 82% on changing the work function of sensing layer from 50 meV to 250 meV.
Mechanical and vibration characteristics of hybrid natural fibre-reinforced composite using taguchi grey relational analysis
Authors: Pitchumani Shenbaga Velu , Suthenthiraveerappa Vimalanand , Gopalan Venkatachalam , Loganathan T G , Narasingamurthi Kulasekaran , Sampath Aravindh
Published: June 2024

In recent scenarios, the need for lightweight components in aerospace and safety applications results in the formation of new composite materials. The current investigation mainly emphasized the influence of a multi-wall carbon nanotube (0, 0.5 and 1 wt%) with different wt% of natural banana fibre (0, 3 and 6 wt%) / three different resins (Epoxy, Vinylester and General purpose) reinforced in composite using Taguchi’s L9 approach. Tensile, impact and impulsive excitation strengths (Youngs Modulus, Shear Modulus and Poisson’s ratio) are performed to predict the mechanical characteristics of the reinforced composites. ASTM standards are followed for preparation and testing. The outcomes illustrate that the mechanical characteristics are improved by the inclusion of 1 wt% CNT and 6 wt% of banana fibre reinforced in epoxy resin with an increase in impact strength of 5.41 kJ m−2, a tensile strength of 11.25 MPa, Young’s Modulus of 3.54 GPa and Poisson’s ratio of 0.404 when compared to the other composition. The optimal process constraints are found using Hybrid Taguchi-Grey Relationship Analysis. The experiments are carried out using the L9 orthogonal matrix. The results show that experimental trial no 3 could give optimized output. To evaluate the outcomes of the Taguchi optimization and analysis of variance, experimental trials are also carried out. This research aims to increase the strength of the industrial helmet by using this combination.
EU Institutions and Their Role in Food Policy and Law Making
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter outlines the main EU institutional actors and their role in policy and law making, including their legal foundations and their institutional constraints with a focus on food law (section 3.2). It distinguishes between distinct trajectories in which food law is made, discussing the involved institutions and their respective roles in the relevant procedures for passing EU legal acts (sections 3.2 and 3.3). This covers legislative and non-legislative acts (delegated and implementing acts) and highlights the role of the European Commission and technical aspects of the committee procedure under Regulation (EU) 182/2011 (section 3.3.5). The chapter concludes with a reflection on the institutional design with respect to food law (section 3.4).
Official Controls Regulation and Food Law Enforcement
Authors: Schebesta Hanna , Purnhagen Kai
Published: June 2024

This chapter elaborates on the main public enforcement rules in EU food law. It covers the general provisions under the General Food Law Regulation (GFLR) (section 6.2), which establishes a dual system of compliance control by food business operators and enforcement by Member States. The chapter further analyses the specific legal framework of the Official Controls Regulation (OCR) (section 6.3), which establishes rules for controlling compliance with the Union agri-food chain legislation, including compliance by food business operators, official controls on animals and goods, and requirements on how to sanction non-compliance. The chapter concludes with a reflection on the relevance of enhanced market surveillance to complement reactive control mechanisms (section 6.4).
What Is Humane Philosophy and Why Is It at Risk?
Authors: Cottingham John
Published: June 2024

The chapter discusses the increasing prevalence of a science-inspired model of philosophy as a series of technical research specialities, and asks how it came about. A survey of the successive phases of twentieth-century philosophy leads to a critique of two influential conceptions of the philosophical enterprise: ‘analysis’ on the one hand and ‘theory tested against intuitions’ on the other. Both these, it is argued, face serious limitations if they are taken to define the boundaries of legitimate philosophizing. There is a need for a philosophy that is less fragmented, aiming for a broad synoptic conception of the world and our place within it. We need to develop a more humane philosophy, synthetic in its methods, synoptic in its scope, culturally and historically aware in its outlook, and open to multiple resonances of meaning that come from the affective as well as the cognitive domains.
Integrity and Fragmentation
Authors: Cottingham John
Published: June 2024

This chapter discusses the virtue of integrity as central to a worthwhile life. It is argued that a fragmented or compartmentalized life is always subject to instability, in so far as unresolved psychological tensions may threaten to derail our ethical projects. Achieving an integrated life requires self-awareness; and (drawing on insights from the psychoanalytic tradition) it is suggested that this is not a simple matter but requires a complex process of self-discovery. The chapter’s final section argues that, although necessary for the good life, integrity cannot be sufficient. Against the influential views of Bernard Williams and Harry Frankfurt, it is maintained that our commitment to our chosen projects, however authentic, is not enough to give our lives meaning and value. A good and meaningful life cannot depend on authenticity alone, but requires us to bring our projects into line with objective values that we did not create and cannot alter.
Religion and the Mystery of Existence
Authors: Cottingham John
Published: June 2024

This chapter focuses on that remarkable yet perplexing aspect of our human nature, its restless longing for something that will heal our alienation and provide our lives with a sense of meaning and completion. This hunger for meaning cannot be dissolved simply by positing God as the putative cause of the cosmos: the authentic religious response is not to try to assuage our explanatory hunger by invoking God, but to feel awe before a mystery beyond the grasp of the finite human mind. In reply to the philosopher David Cooper’s challenge, to show how a ‘doctrine of mystery’ can have any clear propositional content, it is argued that our experience of the wonders of nature, the creative arts, and the insistent demands of morality, provide glimpses of the divine nature—intimations of the transcendent that shine through from the ineffable source of our being to the human world we inhabit.
From Desire to Encounter
Authors: Cottingham John
Published: June 2024

This chapter begins with the journey towards the infinite that is traced out in Descartes’s Meditations. Drawing on Emmanuel Levinas’s construal of the argument in the Third Meditation, it is argued that Descartes’s reflections on God as infinite can be a starting point for deepening our understanding of the religious quest—the paradoxical human search for that which, by its very nature, is incomprehensible to the human mind. The second half of the chapter argues that this search is from first to last structured by desire and longing, and that something prima facie non-cognitive and non-epistemic, namely the desire for God, has a cognitive and epistemic role to play. Perhaps desire can be our human way, or a human way, whereby we can (in Descartes’s words) ‘in a certain manner attain to’ the infinite perfection that is God.
SCSMD: Single Cell Consistent Clustering based on Spectral Matrix Decomposition
Authors: Jia Ran , Ren Ying-Zan , Li Po-Nian , Gao Rui , Zhang Yu-Sen
Published: June 2024

Cluster analysis, a pivotal step in single-cell sequencing data analysis, presents substantial opportunities to effectively unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying cellular heterogeneity and intercellular phenotypic variations. However, the inherent imperfections arise as different clustering algorithms yield diverse estimates of cluster numbers and cluster assignments. This study introduces Single Cell Consistent Clustering based on Spectral Matrix Decomposition (SCSMD), a comprehensive clustering approach that integrates the strengths of multiple methods to determine the optimal clustering scheme. Testing the performance of SCSMD across different distances and employing the bespoke evaluation metric, the methodological selection undergoes validation to ensure the optimal efficacy of the SCSMD. A consistent clustering test is conducted on 15 authentic scRNA-seq datasets. The application of SCSMD to human embryonic stem cell scRNA-seq data successfully identifies known cell types and delineates their developmental trajectories. Similarly, when applied to glioblastoma cells, SCSMD accurately detects pre-existing cell types and provides finer sub-division within one of the original clusters. The results affirm the robust performance of our SCSMD method in terms of both the number of clusters and cluster assignments. Moreover, we have broadened the application scope of SCSMD to encompass larger datasets, thereby furnishing additional evidence of its superiority. The findings suggest that SCSMD is poised for application to additional scRNA-seq datasets and for further downstream analyses.
HiCDiff: single-cell Hi-C data denoising with diffusion models
Authors: Wang Yanli , Cheng Jianlin
Published: June 2024

The genome-wide single-cell chromosome conformation capture technique, i.e. single-cell Hi-C (ScHi-C), was recently developed to interrogate the conformation of the genome of individual cells. However, single-cell Hi-C data are much sparser than bulk Hi-C data of a population of cells, and noise in single-cell Hi-C makes it difficult to apply and analyze them in biological research. Here, we developed the first generative diffusion models (HiCDiff) to denoise single-cell Hi-C data in the form of chromosomal contact matrices. HiCDiff uses a deep residual network to remove the noise in the reverse process of diffusion and can be trained in both unsupervised and supervised learning modes. Benchmarked on several single-cell Hi-C test datasets, the diffusion models substantially remove the noise in single-cell Hi-C data. The unsupervised HiCDiff outperforms most supervised non-diffusion deep learning methods and achieves the performance comparable to the state-of-the-art supervised deep learning method in terms of multiple metrics, demonstrating that diffusion models are a useful approach to denoising single-cell Hi-C data. Moreover, its good performance holds on denoising bulk Hi-C data.
Obese mice have decreased uterine contractility and altered energy metabolism in the uterus at term gestation
Authors: Prifti Kevin K , McCarthy Ronald , Ma Xiaofeng , Finck Brian N , England Sarah K , Frolova Antonina I
Published: June 2024

Over 35% of reproductive-age women in the USA have obesity, putting them at increased risk for numerous obstetric complications due to abnormal labor. While the association between maternal obesity and abnormal labor has been well documented, the mechanisms responsible for this remain understudied. The uterine smooth muscle, myometrium, has high energy needs in order to fuel regular uterine contractions during parturition. However, the precise mechanisms by which the myometrium meets its energy demands has not been defined. Here, our objective was to define the effects of obesity on energy utilization in the myometrium during labor. We generated a mouse model of maternal diet-induced obesity and found that these mice had a higher rate of dystocia than control chow-fed mice. Moreover, compared to control chow-fed mice, DIO mice at term, both before and during labor had lower in vivo spontaneous uterine contractility. Untargeted transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses suggest that diet-induced obesity is associated with elevated long-chain fatty acid uptake and utilization in the uterus, but also an accumulation of medium-chain fatty acids. Diet-induced obesity uteri also had an increase in the abundance of long chain-specific beta-oxidation enzymes, which may be responsible for the observed increase in long-chain fatty acid utilization. This altered energy substrate utilization may be a contributor to the observed contractile dysfunction.
The phase coherence of the neurovascular unit is reduced in Huntington’s disease
Authors: Bjerkan Juliane , Kobal Jan , Lancaster Gemma , Šešok Sanja , Meglič Bernard , McClintock Peter V E , Budohoski Karol P , Kirkpatrick Peter J , Stefanovska Aneta
Published: June 2024

Huntington’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder in which neuronal death leads to chorea and cognitive decline. Individuals with ≥40 cytosine–adenine–guanine repeats on the interesting transcript 15 gene develop Huntington’s disease due to a mutated huntingtin protein. While the associated structural and molecular changes are well characterized, the alterations in neurovascular function that lead to the symptoms are not yet fully understood. Recently, the neurovascular unit has gained attention as a key player in neurodegenerative diseases. The mutant huntingtin protein is known to be present in the major parts of the neurovascular unit in individuals with Huntington’s disease. However, a non-invasive assessment of neurovascular unit function in Huntington’s disease has not yet been performed. Here, we investigate neurovascular interactions in presymptomatic (N = 13) and symptomatic (N = 15) Huntington’s disease participants compared to healthy controls (N = 36). To assess the dynamics of oxygen transport to the brain, functional near-infrared spectroscopy, ECG and respiration effort were recorded. Simultaneously, neuronal activity was assessed using EEG. The resultant time series were analysed using methods for discerning time-resolved multiscale dynamics, such as wavelet transform power and wavelet phase coherence. Neurovascular phase coherence in the interval around 0.1 Hz is significantly reduced in both Huntington’s disease groups. The presymptomatic Huntington’s disease group has a lower power of oxygenation oscillations compared to controls. The spatial coherence of the oxygenation oscillations is lower in the symptomatic Huntington’s disease group compared to the controls. The EEG phase coherence, especially in the α band, is reduced in both Huntington’s disease groups and, to a significantly greater extent, in the symptomatic group. Our results show a reduced efficiency of the neurovascular unit in Huntington’s disease both in the presymptomatic and symptomatic stages of the disease. The vasculature is already significantly impaired in the presymptomatic stage of the disease, resulting in reduced cerebral blood flow control. The results indicate vascular remodelling, which is most likely a compensatory mechanism. In contrast, the declines in α and γ coherence indicate a gradual deterioration of neuronal activity. The results raise the question of whether functional changes in the vasculature precede the functional changes in neuronal activity, which requires further investigation. The observation of altered dynamics paves the way for a simple method to monitor the progression of Huntington’s disease non-invasively and evaluate the efficacy of treatments.
Structure-optimized and microenvironment-inspired nanocomposite biomaterials in bone tissue engineering
Authors: Lv Zheng , Ji Ying , Wen Guoliang , Liang Xiayi , Zhang Kun , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2024

Critical-sized bone defects represent a significant clinical challenge due to their inability to undergo spontaneous regeneration, necessitating graft interventions for effective treatment. The development of tissue-engineered scaffolds and regenerative medicine has made bone tissue engineering a highly viable treatment for bone defects. The physical and biological properties of nanocomposite biomaterials, which have optimized structures and the ability to simulate the regenerative microenvironment of bone, are promising for application in the field of tissue engineering. These biomaterials offer distinct advantages over traditional materials by facilitating cellular adhesion and proliferation, maintaining excellent osteoconductivity and biocompatibility, enabling precise control of degradation rates, and enhancing mechanical properties. Importantly, they can simulate the natural structure of bone tissue, including the specific microenvironment, which is crucial for promoting the repair and regeneration of bone defects. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the recent research developments and applications of structure-optimized and microenvironment-inspired nanocomposite biomaterials in bone tissue engineering. This review focuses on the properties and advantages these materials offer for bone repair and tissue regeneration, summarizing the latest progress in the application of nanocomposite biomaterials for bone tissue engineering and highlighting the challenges and future perspectives in the field. Through this analysis, the paper aims to underscore the promising potential of nanocomposite biomaterials in bone tissue engineering, contributing to the informed design and strategic planning of next-generation biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
Lifeways of families in coffee-growing territories: vulnerability and response capacity
Authors: Herrera Obeimar B , Parra Manuel , Guerrero Cristina , Soto-Pinto Lorena
Published: June 2024

Multilateral and research organizations have developed studies in coffee-growing zones that are focused on sustainable livelihoods; however, the origin of this research and its emphasis on capital limits the explanatory capacity of this approach. To overcome this gap in knowledge and analysis, we developed the lifeways and territorial innovation approach that has been used in research in Chiapas, Mexico, through quantitative and qualitative methodology: workshops and interviews, with the aim of analysing complementarity between capital, strategy, expected results and values of the lifeways of coffee-growing families that facilitate or limit their capacity of response to problems. Our study identified that generational change, coffee pests and diseases, the effects of climate change and the volatility of coffee prices and staple crops are the principal problems that, depending on the typology of the coffee-growing territory (the dynamics of the regime, transition to local initiatives, identity appropriation, appropriation and autonomy), affect each family differently.
Diagnostic differences in high-resolution esophageal motility in a large Mexican cohort based on geographic distribution
Authors: Vázquez-Elizondo Genaro , Remes-Troche José María , Valdovinos-Díaz Miguel Ángel , Coss-Adame Enrique , Morán Edgardo Suárez , Achem Sami R
Published: June 2024

High-resolution esophageal manometry [HRM] has become the gold standard for the evaluation of esophageal motility disorders. It is unclear whether there are HRM differences in diagnostic outcome based on regional or geographic distribution. The diagnostic outcome of HRM in a diverse geographical population of Mexico was compared and determined if there is variability in diagnostic results among referral centers. Consecutive patients referred for HRM during 2016–2020 were included. Four major referral centers in Mexico participated in the study: northeastern, southeastern, and central (Mexico City, two centers). All studies were interpreted by experienced investigators using Chicago Classification 3 and the same technology. A total of 2293 consecutive patients were included. More abnormal studies were found in the center (61.3%) versus south (45.8%) or north (45.2%) P < 0.001. Higher prevalence of achalasia was noted in the south (21.5%) versus center (12.4%) versus north (9.5%) P < 0.001. Hypercontractile disorders were more common in the north (11.0%) versus the south (5.2%) or the center (3.6%) P.001. A higher frequency of weak peristalsis occurred in the center (76.8%) versus the north (74.2%) or the south (69.2%) P < 0.033. Gastroesophageal junction obstruction was diagnosed in (7.2%) in the center versus the (5.3%) in the north and (4.2%) in the south p.141 (ns). This is the first study to address the diagnostic outcome of HRM in diverse geographical regions of Mexico. We identified several significant diagnostic differences across geographical centers. Our study provides the basis for further analysis of the causes contributing to these differences.
Case report: three ways to mitigate the risk of embolization during left atrial appendage closure in a patient with a massive and proximal left atrial appendage thrombus
Authors: Zendjebil Sandra , Horvilleur Jérôme , Boilève Victor , Millien Vincent , Garot Philippe
Published: June 2024

Background

Left atrial appendage (LAA) thrombus is a contraindication for LAA closure (LAAC). However, in selected cases, oral anticoagulants are strictly contraindicated because of a history of life-threatening bleeding, and LAAC remains the only possible therapy to avoid systemic and especially cerebral embolization.

Case summary

We report a case of LAAC despite a massive proximal thrombus in a patient who had an absolute contraindication to anticoagulant therapy, with thorough pre-planning using CT scan, device modelling and thrombus trapping techniques to reduce the risk of systemic embolic events and perform LAAC safely.

Discussion

Although LAAC remains at high risk in this setting, the use of cautious techniques and tools, from pre-procedure planning to systemic embolization prevention systems associated to a precise transoesopheageal echocardiography guiding throughout the procedure, allows it to be performed as safely as possible when no other option is available.
Catheter ablation for patients with anomalous pulmonary venous return and atrial fibrillation: a case report and literature review
Authors: Wei Zhaoyang , Li Minghua , Wang Zhenggui , Zhang Zhiguo
Published: June 2024

Background

Anomalous pulmonary venous return involves the partial or complete absence of a connection between the pulmonary veins and the left atrium. The pulmonary vein potential plays a vital role in atrial fibrillation, and catheter ablation to isolate the pulmonary vein is crucial for treating this condition. However, when anomalous pulmonary venous return is present, it makes ablation more challenging and increases the risk of atrial fibrillation recurrence after the procedure.

Case summary

A 49-year-old man was hospitalized because he had been experiencing occasional palpitations for 2 months. He had previously undergone surgery to repair an atrial septal defect when he was 11 years old, during which an issue with the right inferior pulmonary vein was identified but left unaddressed. Electrocardiography upon admission showed atrial fibrillation. Left atrial computed tomography angiography revealed that following atrial septal repair surgery, the right inferior pulmonary vein drained into the right atrium. The patient underwent transcatheter radiofrequency ablation to electrically isolate the pulmonary vein with anomalous return. After 12 months of follow-up, there was no atrial fibrillation recurrence.

Discussion

When performing catheter ablation for anomalous pulmonary venous return and atrial fibrillation, it is essential to consider ablating the irregular pulmonary vein before surgery. This helps to reduce surgical complications and the likelihood of atrial fibrillation recurrence. This case report highlights the challenges encountered during ablation in patients with atrial fibrillation and anomalous pulmonary venous return. In addition, we have reviewed the literature to offer insights into the development of ablation strategies for similar patients.
Effects of prime-boost strategies on the protective efficacy and immunogenicity of a PLGA (85:15)-encapsulated Chlamydia recombinant MOMP nanovaccine
Authors: Sahu Rajnish , Verma Richa , Egbo Timothy E , Giambartolomei Guillermo H , Singh Shree R , Dennis Vida A
Published: June 2024

To begin to optimize the immunization routes for our reported PLGA-rMOMP nanovaccine [PLGA-encapsulated Chlamydia muridarum (Cm) recombinant major outer membrane protein (rMOMP)], we compared two prime-boost immunization strategies [subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM-p) prime routes followed by two SC-boosts)] to evaluate the nanovaccine-induced protective efficacy and immunogenicity in female BALB/c mice. Our results showed that mice immunized via the SC and IM-p routes were protected against a Cm genital challenge by a reduction in bacterial burden and with fewer bacteria in the SC mice. Protection of mice correlated with rMOMP-specific Th1 (IL-2 and IFN-γ) and not Th2 (IL-4, IL-9, and IL-13) cytokines, and CD4+ memory (CD44highCD62Lhigh) T-cells, especially in the SC mice. We also observed higher levels of IL-1α, IL-6, IL-17, CCL-2, and G-CSF in SC-immunized mice. Notably, an increase of cytokines/chemokines was seen after the challenge in the SC, IM-p, and control mice (rMOMP and PBS), suggesting a Cm stimulation. In parallel, rMOMP-specific Th1 (IgG2a and IgG2b) and Th2 (IgG1) serum, mucosal, serum avidity, and neutralizing antibodies were more elevated in SC than in IM-p mice. Overall, the homologous SC prime-boost immunization of mice induced enhanced cellular and antibody responses with better protection against a genital challenge compared to the heterologous IM-p.
PAR1-mediated Non-periodical Synchronized Calcium Oscillations in Human Mesangial Cells
Authors: Stefanenko Mariia , Fedoriuk Mykhailo , Mamenko Mykola , Semenikhina Marharyta , Nowling Tamara K , Lipschutz Joshua H , Maximyuk Oleksandr , Staruschenko Alexander , Palygin Oleg
Published: June 2024

Mesangial cells offer structural support to the glomerular tuft and regulate glomerular capillary flow through their contractile capabilities. These cells undergo phenotypic changes, such as proliferation and mesangial expansion, resulting in abnormal glomerular tuft formation and reduced capillary loops. Such adaptation to the changing environment is commonly associated with various glomerular diseases, including diabetic nephropathy and glomerulonephritis. Thrombin-induced mesangial remodeling was found in diabetic patients, and expression of the corresponding protease-activated receptors (PARs) in the renal mesangium was reported. However, the functional PAR-mediated signaling in mesangial cells was not examined. This study investigated protease-activated mechanisms regulating mesangial cell calcium waves that may play an essential role in the mesangial proliferation or constriction of the arteriolar cells. Our results indicate that coagulation proteases such as thrombin induce synchronized oscillations in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration of mesangial cells. The oscillations required PAR1 G-protein coupled receptors-related activation, but not a PAR4, and were further mediated presumably through store-operated calcium entry and transient receptor potential canonical 3 (TRPC3) channel activity. Understanding thrombin signaling pathways and their relation to mesangial cells, contractile or synthetic (proliferative) phenotype may play a role in the development of chronic kidney disease and requires further investigation.
Telomere-to-telomere Genome Assembly of the Clubroot Pathogen Plasmodiophora Brassicae
Authors: Javed Muhammad Asim , Mukhopadhyay Soham , Normandeau Eric , Brochu Anne-Sophie , Pérez-López Edel
Published: June 2024

Plasmodiophora brassicae (Woronin, 1877), a biotrophic, obligate parasite, is the causal agent of clubroot disease in brassicas. The clubroot pathogen has been reported in more than 80 countries worldwide, causing economic losses of hundreds of millions every year. Despite its widespread impact, very little is known about the molecular strategies it employs to induce the characteristic clubs in the roots of susceptible hosts during infection, nor about the mechanisms it uses to overcome genetic resistance. Here, we provide the first telomere-to-telomere complete genome of P. brassicae. We generated ∼27 Gb of Illumina, Oxford Nanopore, and PacBio HiFi data from resting spores of strain Pb3A and produced a 25.3 Mb assembly comprising 20 chromosomes, with an N50 of 1.37 Mb. The BUSCO score, the highest reported for any member of the group Rhizaria (Eukaryota: 88.2%), highlights the limitations within the Eukaryota database for members of this lineage. Using available transcriptomic data and protein evidence, we annotated the Pb3A genome, identifying 10,521 protein-coding gene models. This high-quality, complete genome of P. brassicae will serve as a crucial resource for the plant pathology community to advance the much-needed understanding of the evolution of the clubroot pathogen.
Self-Directed Home- and Community-Based Services Improve Outcomes for Family Caregivers: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kueakomoldej Supakorn , Dinelli Emily , Beestrum Molly , Sadler Tonie , Caldwell Joseph , McHugh Megan , Heinemann Allen W
Published: June 2024

Background and Objectives

Self-direction is an approach that allows older adults and people with disabilities to determine the home- and community-based services they receive, including the ability to hire caregivers of their choice. Self-direction has been shown to improve outcomes for the service recipients. The promotion of choice and control in self-direction may also affect family caregivers. We conducted a systematic review examining the impact of self-direction on a broad range of caregiver outcomes.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted a systematic review guided by PRISMA guidelines. Literature search was conducted in 8 databases. We appraised risk of bias using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal checklists and assessed certainty of evidence using the GRADE framework.

Results

Sixteen studies meeting inclusion criteria were included. We found, with moderate certainty, that self-direction is associated with improved caregivers’ personal and social well-being. Caregivers also reported reduced unmet needs and increased access to care for the care recipients under self-direction. Self-direction did not appear to reduce caregiving hours. With less certainty, self-direction was also positively associated with increased respite care use, perception of choice, and intention to continue caregiving by caregivers.

Discussion and Implications

Beyond delivering person-centered services that improve recipient outcomes, self-direction may also improve the outcomes of family caregivers.
MethylGenotyper: Accurate Estimation of SNP Genotypes and Genetic Relatedness from DNA Methylation Data
Authors: Jiang Yi , Qu Minghan , Jiang Minghui , Jiang Xuan , Fernandez Shane , Porter Tenielle , Laws Simon M , Masters Colin L , Guo Huan , Cheng Shanshan , Wang Chaolong
Published: June 2024

Epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) are susceptible to widespread confounding caused by population structure and genetic relatedness. Nevertheless, kinship estimation is challenging in EWAS without genotyping data. Here, we proposed MethylGenotyper, a method that for the first time enables accurate genotyping at thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) directly from commercial DNA methylation microarrays. We modeled the intensities of methylation probes near SNPs with a mixture of three beta distributions corresponding to different genotypes and estimated parameters with an expectation-maximization algorithm. We conducted extensive simulations to demonstrate the performance of the method. When applying MethylGenotyper to the Infinium EPIC array data of 4662 Chinese samples, we obtained genotypes at 4319 SNPs with a concordance rate of 98.26%, enabling the identification of 255 pairs of close relatedness. Furthermore, we showed that MethylGenotyper allows for the estimation of both population structure and cryptic relatedness among 702 Australians of diverse ancestry. We also implemented MethylGenotyper in a publicly available R package (https://github.com/Yi-Jiang/MethylGenotyper) to facilitate future large-scale EWAS.
Innovation Policy Beyond Patents: A Case Study on the Development of Climate-Friendly Fertilizers
Authors: Metzger Axel , Kusch Chiara
Published: June 2024

Nitrogen fertilizers have revolutionized agriculture since the early 20th century and made a decisive contribution to combating world hunger. Nevertheless, the technology is controversial today because production is energy-intensive and contributes significantly to climate change. In addition, conventional fertilizers pollute groundwater, rivers and coastal waters. Synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is made from ammonia (NH3) produced by the Haber-Bosch process, for which a patent was filed with the German Imperial Patent Office in 1908 (DE235421). For the urgently needed development of modern climate-friendly fertilizers, patent law seems to have played a minor role so far. The large and patent-active agrochemical corporations in the industrialized countries are focusing on other technologies, leaving fertilizer production to companies with direct access to energy below the global market price. Another reason is the very generous regulation of nitrogen fertilizers. For farmers, the use of less climate-damaging fertilizers is not worthwhile. However, the disruption of supply chains in the wake of Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and the aggravation of climate change could lead to a rethink. In the US, the first support programs for the development of climate-friendly, innovative ‘next-generation’ fertilizers have been launched. This paper examines the interplay of patent law in concert with regulatory law and government funding tools in the area of innovative fertilizers. It starts from the hypothesis that other legal frameworks have a stronger influence on innovation activity than patent law at the moment. But this could change if the regulatory framework were to impose stricter requirements for the use of fertilizers.
The impact of the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative on breastfeeding rates at maternity units in France
Authors: Guajardo-Villar Andrea , Pelat Camille , Blondel Beatrice , Lebreton Elodie , Demiguel Virginie , Salanave Benoit , Mitha Ayoub , Pilkington Hugo , Regnault Nolwenn ,   ENP2021 Study Group, Le Ray Camille , Lelong Nathalie , Cinelli Hélène , Blondel Béatrice , Regnault Nolwenn , Demiguel Virginie , Lebreton Elodie , Salanave Benoit , Fresson Jeanne , Vilain Annick , Deroyon Thomas , Raynaud Philippe , Rey Sylvie , Chemlal Khadoudja , Rabier-Thoreau Nathalie , Collombet-Migeon Frédérique
Published: June 2024

Background

The Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) is associated with improved breastfeeding outcomes in many high-income countries including the UK and the USA, but its effectiveness has never been evaluated in France. We investigated the impact of the BFHI on breastfeeding rates in French maternity units in 2010, 2016 and 2021 to assess if the BFHI aids to reduce inequalities in breastfeeding.

Methods

We examined breastfeeding in maternity units (exclusive, mixed and any breastfeeding) in mothers of singleton full-term newborns using the 2010 (n = 13 075), 2016 (n = 10 919) and 2021 (n = 10 209) French National Perinatal Surveys. We used mixed-effect hierarchical multinomial regression models adjusting for neonatal, maternal, maternity unit and French administrative department characteristics, and tested certain interactions.

Results

The adjusted rate of exclusive breastfeeding was higher by +5.8 (3.4–8.1) points among mothers delivering in BFHI-accredited maternity units compared with those delivering in non-accredited units. When compared with average-weight newborns, this difference was sharper for infants with low birthweight: +14.9 (10.0–19.9) points when their birthweight was 2500 g. Mixed breastfeeding was lower by -1.7 points (-3.2–0) in BFHI-accredited hospitals, with no notable difference according to the neonatal or maternal characteristics.

Conclusion

Mothers delivering in BFHI-accredited maternity units had higher exclusive breastfeeding rates and lower mixed breastfeeding rates than those delivering in non-accredited maternity units. The positive impact of the BFHI was stronger among low-birthweight neonates, who are less often breastfed, helping reduce the gap for this vulnerable group while favouring mothers with higher education levels.
Effect of bone and analytical method on assessment of bone mineralization in response to dietary phosphorus, phytase, and vitamin D in finishing pigs
Authors: Williams Hadley R , Tokach Mike D , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , DeRouchey Joel M , Bergstrom Jon R , Hastad Chad W , Post Zach B , Rahe Michael C , Siepker Christopher L , Sitthicharoenchai Panchan , Ensley Steve M , Radke Scott L , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: June 2024

A total of 882 pigs (PIC TR4 × [Fast LW × PIC L02]; initially 33.2 ± 0.31 kg) were used in a 112-d study to evaluate the effects of different bones and analytical methods on the assessment of bone mineralization response to changes in dietary P, phytase, and vitamin D in growing pigs. Pens of pigs (20 pigs per pen) were randomized to one of five dietary treatments with nine pens per treatment. Dietary treatments were designed to create differences in bone mineralization and included: 1) P at 80% of NRC (2012) standardized total tract digestible (STTD) P requirement, 2) NRC STTD P with no phytase, 3) NRC STTD P with phytase providing an assumed release of 0.14% STTD P from 2,000 FYT/kg, 4) high STTD P (128% of the NRC P) using monocalcium phosphate and phytase, and 5) diet 4 with additional vitamin D3 from 25(OH)D3. On day 112, one pig per pen was euthanized for bone, blood, and urine analysis. Additionally, 11 pigs identified as having poor body condition which indicated a history of low feed intake (unhealthy) were sampled. There were no differences between treatments for final body weight, average daily gain, average daily feed intake, gain to feed, or bone ash measurements (treatment × bone interaction) regardless of bone ash method. The response to treatment for bone density and bone mineral content was dependent upon the bone sampled (density interaction, P = 0.053; mineral interaction, P = 0.078). For 10th rib bone density, pigs fed high levels of P had increased (P < 0.05) bone density compared with pigs fed NRC levels with phytase, with pigs fed deficient P, NRC levels of P with no phytase, and high STTD P with extra 25(OH)D3 intermediate, with no differences for metacarpals, fibulas, or 2nd ribs. Pigs fed extra vitamin D from 25(OH)D3 had increased (P < 0.05) 10th rib bone mineral content compared with pigs fed deficient P and NRC levels of P with phytase, with pigs fed industry P and vitamin D, and NRC P with monocalcium intermediate. Healthy pigs had greater (P < 0.05) serum Ca, P, vitamin D concentrations, and defatted bone ash than those unhealthy, with no difference between the two health statuses for non-defatted bone ash. In summary, differences between bone ash procedures were more apparent than differences between diets. Differences in bone density and mineral content in response to dietary P and vitamin D were most apparent with 10th ribs.
Factors Influencing Surgical Care and Outcome of Pediatric Burn Injuries and the Use of Synthetic Skin Substitutes
Authors: Wachenfeld-Teschner Victoria , Beier Justus P , Boos Anja M , Schäfer Benedikt
Published: June 2024

Burn trauma is one of the most common causes of inpatient treatment in children and is associated with severe physical and psychological consequences. Synthetic skin substitutes are designed to reduce the risk of infection, minimize wound pain, and reduce the frequency of dressing changes. However, data regarding premature detachment of these materials is scarce. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with early detachment and subsequent consequences for surgical treatment. A retrospective analysis of 392 children with superficial and deep partial thickness burns undergoing inpatient treatment with the application of a skin substitute (Suprathel) was performed. Patient age, wound localization and progression, as well as burned total body surface area (TBSA%) were investigated as possible risk factors for early detachment of wound dressings and surgical intervention. Premature material detachment was significantly associated with burn localization (P < .001) and correlated with burn depth progression (r = 0.23, <0.001) and patient age (r = 0.22, <0.001). Surgical revision after material detachment was required in 13% of patients. Patient age and burn localization seem to increase the risk of premature material detachment. In addition, we observed increased premature detachment of Suprathel® in areas that elicited higher wound progression rates. Identifying these areas might prove pivotal in the improvement of pediatric burn trauma management.