bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine learning‐based radiomics to distinguish pulmonary nodules between lung adenocarcinoma and tuberculosis
Authors: Li Yuan , Lyu Baihan , Wang Rong , Peng Yue , Ran Haoyu , Zhou Bolun , Liu Yang , Bai Guangyu , Huai Qilin , Chen Xiaowei , Zeng Chun , Wu Qingchen , Zhang Cheng , Gao Shugeng
Published: January 2024

Background

Radiomics is increasingly utilized to distinguish pulmonary nodules between lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and tuberculosis (TB). However, it remains unclear whether different segmentation criteria, such as the inclusion or exclusion of the cavity region within nodules, affect the results.

Methods

A total of 525 patients from two medical centers were retrospectively enrolled. The radiomics features were extracted according to two regions of interest (ROI) segmentation criteria. Multiple logistic regression models were trained to predict the pathology: (1) The clinical model relied on clinical‐radiological semantic features; (2) The radiomics models (radiomics+ and radiomics−) utilized radiomics features from different ROIs (including or excluding cavities); (3) the composite models (composite+ and composite−) incorporated both above.

Results

In the testing set, the radiomics+/− models and the composite+/− models still possessed efficient prediction performance (AUC ≥ 0.94), while the AUC of the clinical model was 0.881. In the validation set, the AUC of the clinical model was only 0.717, while that of the radiomics+/− models and the composite+/− models ranged from 0.801 to 0.825. The prediction performance of all the radiomics+/− and composite+/− models were significantly superior to that of the clinical model (p < 0.05). Whether the ROI segmentation included or excluded the cavity had no significant effect on these models (radiomics+ vs. radiomics−, composite+ model vs. composite−) (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The present study established a machine learning‐based radiomics strategy for differentiating LUAD from TB lesions. The ROI segmentation including or excluding the cavity region may exert no significant effect on the predictive ability.
A latent profile analysis of social anxiety, depression, and pregaming motives among heavy‐drinking college students
Authors: Fitzke Reagan E. , Atieh Toni , Davis Jordan P. , Canning Liv , Tran Denise D. , Buch Keegan , Hummer Justin F. , Pedersen Eric R.
Published: January 2024

Background

Pregaming is a high‐risk drinking behavior that is associated with heavy drinking and negative alcohol‐related consequences. College students may engage in pregaming for several reasons, including to enhance social experiences or cope with negative affect. Research shows that associations between drinking, social anxiety, and depression are multifaceted. However, our understanding of the complex associations of mental health symptoms with pregaming motives and behaviors remains limited.

Methods

This study examined heterogeneity in how pregaming motives, social anxiety, and depression associate with past 30‐day pregaming variables (quantity, frequency, and negative consequences). We used latent profile analysis (LPA) in a sample of heavy‐drinking university students (N = 479).

Results

LPA results indicated four profiles: mild/moderate social anxiety and depression symptoms, moderate motives (n = 285), minimal social anxiety and depression symptoms, low motives (n = 61), subclinical/elevated social anxiety and depression symptoms, high motives (n = 75), and clinically elevated social anxiety and depression symptoms, moderate motives (n = 58). The subclinical/elevated symptoms, high motives profile reported the highest pregaming frequency and consequences, including blackouts. Individuals in the clinically elevated symptoms, moderate motives profile reported more consequences than those in the minimal symptoms, low motives and mild/moderate symptoms, moderate motives profiles. Individuals in the minimal symptoms, low motives profile reported the fewest consequences.

Conclusions

Among these students, social anxiety and pregaming motives were associated with more frequent pregaming and social anxiety and depression were associated with greater negative consequences. Interventions that target pregaming‐specific motives among students with mental health symptoms may be warranted to reduce this risky behavior and associated drinking‐related harm.
Breastfeeding outcomes at 3 months for women with diabetes in pregnancy: Findings from the Diabetes and Antenatal Milk Expressing randomized controlled trial
Authors: Moorhead Anita M. , Amir Lisa H. , Crawford Sharinne B. , Forster Della A.
Published: January 2024

Background

Women with diabetes in pregnancy have decreased exclusivity and duration of breastfeeding compared with women without diabetes, and their infants are at increased risk of hypoglycemia. Clinicians often suggest pregnant women with diabetes to express breastmilk, and studies have reported increased breastfeeding exclusivity in the early postnatal period for patients who have expressed. Little is known about longer term outcomes. We investigated whether advising low‐risk women with diabetes in pregnancy to express beginning at 36 weeks of pregnancy increased exclusivity and maintenance of breastfeeding at 3 months.

Methods

We conducted a multicenter, two‐group, randomized controlled trial at six hospitals in Melbourne, Australia, between 2011 and 2015. Women were randomized to either standard maternity care or advised to hand express for 10 min twice daily, in addition to standard care. Women were telephoned at 12–13 weeks postpartum and asked a series of questions about feeding their baby, perceptions of their milk supply, and other health outcomes.

Results

Of 631 women in the study, data for 570 (90%) were analyzed at 12–13 weeks. After adjustment, we found no evidence that women allocated to antenatal expressing were more likely to be giving only breastmilk (aRR 1.07 [95% CI 0.92–1.22]) or any breastmilk (aRR 0.99 [95% CI 0.92–1.06]) at 12–13 weeks postpartum compared with women in the standard care group.

Conclusion

While the practice of antenatal expression for low‐risk women with diabetes during pregnancy is promising for increasing exclusivity of breastmilk feeding in hospital, at 12–13 weeks, there was no association with breastfeeding outcomes.
Third Report of the Japan Diabetes Society/Japanese Cancer Association Joint Committee on Diabetes and Cancer: Summary of the results of a questionnaire survey of oncologists and diabetologists—Secondary publication
Authors: Goto Atsushi , Ohashi Ken , Noda Mitsuhiko , Noto Hiroshi , Ueki Kohjiro , Inoue Manami , Nishimura Rimei , Takahashi Shin , Ioka Tatsuya , Oshima Masanobu , Fujibayashi Kazutoshi , Tsuji Akihito , Kodaira Makoto , Tamakoshi Akiko , Mimori Koshi , Tanabe Yuko , Hara Eiji , Matsuo Keitaro , Murakami Yoshinori , Watada Hirotaka
Published: January 2024

The Japan Diabetes Society and the Japan Cancer Association launched a joint committee and published their “First Joint Committee Report on Diabetes and Cancer” in 2013, compiling recommendations for physicians and health‐care providers as well as for the general population. In 2016, the “Second Joint Committee Report on Diabetes and Cancer” summarized the current evidence on glycemic control and cancer risk in patients with diabetes. The current “Third Joint Committee Report on Diabetes and Cancer”, for which the joint committee also enlisted the assistance of the Japanese Society of Clinical Oncology and the Japanese Society of Medical Oncology, reports on the results from the questionnaire survey, “Diabetes Management in Patients Receiving Cancer Therapy,” which targeted oncologists responsible for cancer management and diabetologists in charge of glycemic control in cancer patients. The results of the current survey indicated that there is a general consensus among oncologists and diabetologists with regard to the need for guidelines on glycemic control goals, the relevance of glycemic control, and glycemic control during cancer therapy in cancer patients.
Gene correction and overexpression of TNNI3 improve impaired relaxation in engineered heart tissue model of pediatric restrictive cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hasegawa Moyu , Miki Kenji , Kawamura Takuji , Takei Sasozaki Ikue , Higashiyama Yuki , Tsuchida Masaru , Kashino Kunio , Taira Masaki , Ito Emiko , Takeda Maki , Ishida Hidekazu , Higo Shuichiro , Sakata Yasushi , Miyagawa Shigeru
Published: January 2024

Research on cardiomyopathy models using engineered heart tissue (EHT) created from disease‐specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) is advancing rapidly. However, the study of restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), a rare and intractable cardiomyopathy, remains at the experimental stage because there is currently no established method to replicate the hallmark phenotype of RCM, particularly diastolic dysfunction, in vitro. In this study, we generated iPSCs from a patient with early childhood‐onset RCM harboring the TNNI3 R170W mutation (R170W‐iPSCs). The properties of R170W‐iPSC‐derived cardiomyocytes (CMs) and EHTs were evaluated and compared with an isogenic iPSC line in which the mutation was corrected. Our results indicated altered calcium kinetics in R170W‐iPSC‐CMs, including prolonged tau, and an increased ratio of relaxation force to contractile force in R170W‐EHTs. These properties were reversed in the isogenic line, suggesting that our model recapitulates impaired relaxation of RCM, i.e., diastolic dysfunction in clinical practice. Furthermore, overexpression of wild‐type TNNI3 in R170W‐iPSC‐CMs and ‐EHTs effectively rescued impaired relaxation. These results highlight the potential efficacy of EHT, a modality that can accurately recapitulate diastolic dysfunction in vitro, to elucidate the pathophysiology of RCM, as well as the possible benefits of gene therapies for patients with RCM.
Kurdish gender politics: Funeral ceremonies of female fighters
Authors: Abakay Yunus
Published: January 2024

The funeral ceremonies of female fighters are a relatively recent phenomenon that gained popularity in Kurdish politics in Turkey in the early 2000s and after the 2011 uprisings in Syria. As a sociocultural rite, these funerals have become a spectacular site, a political means, and a symbolic investment serving an intersectional agenda pursuing Kurdish national and gender‐egalitarian aspirations simultaneously. The funerals provide a ground for mobilizing women to claim symbolic authority in public and inscribe women as nation builders to the notion of nation. Women undertaking this intersectional task through national discourse garnered significant academic interest in the national dimension of the ceremonies. However, the emphasis on the national aspect overshadowed the gendered strategy the ceremonies signify. This article investigates the gender aspect of funerals to draw attention to the use of national discourse to subvert patriarchal dynamics within society, highlighting the role of national struggle in women's pursuit of liberation from social oppression. Therefore, it speaks to the scholarship focused on gender in nationalist endeavors and revisits the discussions on gender‐nation relations by focusing on national discourse instrumentalization serving the gender agenda. The analysis reveals the intricate dynamics between gender and nation and how they intersect in pursuing women's liberation.
Sick pay and absence from work: Evidence from flu exposure
Authors: Grossmann Jakub
Published: January 2024

Sick pay systems are critical in balancing the economic and health costs of infectious diseases, especially in workplaces, where uncontrolled disease spread can lead to significant economic losses. Surprisingly, most research on sick‐pay reforms does not rely on variation in worker exposure to disease when investigating absences from work. This paper studies the effects of exposure to influenza outbreaks on absences from work when a nation‐wide policy canceled health‐insurance coverage for the first 3 days of illness. We explore geographic variation in the prevalence of infectious diseases, primarily the seasonal flu, to identify corresponding variations in the need for sickness insurance. Estimates based on the Czech Structure of Earnings Survey imply that when sickness insurance was canceled for the first 3 days of an illness, the total hours of work missed were not affected, but employees relied on paid and unpaid leave instead of sick‐leave to stay home. The substitution effects are heterogeneous across occupations and socio‐demographic characteristics of employees, and suggest that workers did not increase the spread of infectious illness in workplaces due to a lack of insurance coverage for the first 3 days of an illness.
Safety‐in‐use test of facial cosmetic products on normal and self‐assessed sensitive skin subjects
Authors: Gao Yuan , Kern Petra S. , Schoborg Deborah , Nash J. F. , Dey Swatee
Published: January 2024

Background

Safety‐in‐use (SIU) studies are commonly used by the cosmetic Industry to confirm the skin and ocular compatibility of cosmetic products under realistic in–use conditions. There are only limited case studies published about the design, outcome and interpretation of product SIU studies.

Objective

A series of SIU case studies is presented to demonstrate the considerations in study design and how the methodology can help in supporting skin and ocular safety profile of facial cosmetic products within a population of different ethnicities with normal and self‐perceived sensitive skin.

Subjects/Methods

In a series of four single‐blinded SIU studies, more than 250 female study subjects of different ethnicities and with normal and self‐assessed sensitive skin were asked to use different facial cosmetic products including lotions, essences and cleansers according to the instructed usage conditions of these products. Each study was specifically designed according to product usage scenarios and target consumer groups. The primary measures of safety were based on dermal evaluations by a dermatologist for erythema and dryness/scaling and by an ophthalmologist for any visible signs of an ocular condition on eyelids, conjunctivae and cornea. The study subjects were also asked for any self‐perceived skin or eye reactions. Dermal and ocular irritation potential of the products under realistic product usage conditions was evaluated according to the measures.

Results

Across all studies, objectively and self‐assessed mean scores for skin and eye effects did not indicate any cumulative response of the investigated products over the study period.

Conclusions

As a suitable tool for assessing and establishing the skin and eye compatibility of facial cosmetic products, SIU studies can be designed according to specific consumer groups, skin types and product usage scenarios to better predict realistic in‐use conditions. It can demonstrate the safe use of the investigated products for people of different ethnicities, skin types and with normal or self‐assessed sensitive skin, single product use or regimen use. The test results are consistent with the inherently low irritation potential of the products.
The cellular landscape of the endochondral bone during the transition to extrauterine life
Authors: Rueda Alejandro Díaz , Salvador‐Martínez Irepan , Sospedra‐Arrufat Ismael , Alcaina‐Caro Ana , Fernández‐Miñán Ana , Burgos‐Ruiz Ana M , Cases Ildefonso , Mohedano Alberto , Tena Juan J , Heyn Holger , Lopez‐Rios Javier , Nusspaumer Gretel
Published: January 2024

The cellular complexity of the endochondral bone underlies its essential and pleiotropic roles during organismal life. While the adult bone has received significant attention, we still lack a deep understanding of the perinatal bone cellulome. Here, we have profiled the full composition of the murine endochondral bone at the single‐cell level during the transition from fetal to newborn life and in comparison with the adult tissue, with particular emphasis on the mesenchymal compartment. The perinatal bone contains different fibroblastic clusters with blastema‐like characteristics in organizing and supporting skeletogenesis, angiogenesis and hematopoiesis. Our data also suggest dynamic inter‐ and intra‐compartment interactions, as well as a bone marrow milieu that seems prone to anti‐inflammation, which we hypothesize is necessary to ensure the proper program of lymphopoiesis and the establishment of central and peripheral tolerance in early life. Our study provides an integrative roadmap for the future design of genetic and cellular functional assays to validate cellular interactions and lineage relationships within the perinatal bone.

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Association of parity with the prevalence of hypertension in Japan: The Tohoku Medical Megabank Community‐based cohort study
Authors: Wang Hongxin , Iwama Noriyuki , Yuwaki Keiichi , Nakamichi You , Hamada Hirotaka , Tomita Hasumi , Tagami Kazuma , Kudo Rie , Kumagai Natsumi , Metoki Hirohito , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Saito Masatoshi
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the association of parity with hypertension prevalence in Japanese women while considering a clinical history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and menopausal status. This cross‐sectional study included 30,530 Japanese women (6700 premenopausal; 23 830 postmenopausal). The association between parity and the prevalence of hypertension was evaluated using a multiple logistic regression model with possible confounders. In premenopausal women, no statistically significant association between parity and hypertension prevalence was found. When not adjusted for current body mass index (BMI), a linear graded association was observed between parity and the prevalence of hypertension in postmenopausal women. However, the association between parity and hypertension prevalence in postmenopausal women was attenuated after adjustment for current BMI. Both current BMI and a clinical history of HDP were significantly associated with a high risk of hypertension in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Our results also suggest that continuous surveillance and preventive measures for hypertension should be provided for women with HDP and high parity.
Borrower‐based macroprudential measures and credit growth: How biased is the existing literature?
Authors: Malovaná Simona , Hodula Martin , Gric Zuzana , Bajzík Josef
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes over 700 estimates from 34 studies on the impact of borrower‐based measures (such as loan‐to‐value, debt‐to‐income, and debt‐service‐to‐income ratios) on bank loan provision. Our dataset reveals notable fragmentation in the literature concerning variable transformations, methods, and estimated coefficients. We run a meta‐analysis on a subsample of 422 semi‐elasticities from 23 studies employing a consistent estimation framework to draw an economic interpretation. We confirm strong publication bias, particularly against positive and statistically insignificant estimates. After correcting for this bias, the effect indicates a credit growth reduction of −0.6 to −1.1 percentage points following the occurrence of borrower‐based measures, significantly lower than the unadjusted simple mean effect of the collected estimates. Additionally, our study examines the contexts of these estimates, finding that beyond publication bias, model specification and estimation method are vital in explaining the variation in reported coefficients.
Perspectives on healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities in Poland
Authors: Wrzesińska Magdalena Agnieszka , Wrona Sylwia , Prysak Dorota , Binder‐Olibrowska Katarzyna Weronika
Published: January 2024

This paper presents current information on policy developments, service design, best practices, and approaches to empower the users of health and medical care services for people with intellectual disabilities in Poland. Polish regulations allow systemic support to be provided for all people with disabilities. However, Polish patients with intellectual disabilitiy (PwID) and their caregivers face many barriers. Although a key obstacle is the lack of a standard definition that approaches disability in an interdisciplinary way, PwID are also more likely to experience difficulties in personal communication in medical settings and less likely to encounter specialists prepared to work with this group. There is also a need to pay greater attention to the expectations of PwID. To facilitate a holistic approach to diagnosis and therapy, there needs to be coordination between different specialists, including medical staff, paramedics, psychologists, and teachers. Providing personal communication training for medical personnel, as well as developing dedicated procedures for PwID in primary health care, clinics and hospitals, will improve equal access to health and health literacy for all in Poland. Even so, it is important to respect the autonomy of PwID and the commitment of caregivers.
Natural variation in CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE‐GATED ION CHANNEL 4 reveals a novel role of calcium signaling in vegetative phase change in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Xiang , Song Xia , Miao Huaiqi , Feng Shengjun , Wu Gang
Published: January 2024

The timing of vegetative phase change (VPC) in plants is regulated by a temporal decline in the expression of miR156. Both exogenous cues and endogenous factors, such as temperature, light, sugar, nutrients, and epigenetic regulators, have been shown to affect VPC by altering miR156 expression. However, the genetic basis of natural variation in VPC remains largely unexplored.

Here, we conducted a genome‐wide association study on the variation of the timing of VPC in Arabidopsis. We identified CYCLIC NUCLEOTIDE‐GATED ION CHANNEL 4 (CNGC4) as a significant locus associated with the diversity of VPC.

Mutations in CNGC4 delayed VPC, accompanied by an increased expression level of miR156 and a corresponding decrease in SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING‐LIKE (SPL) gene expression. Furthermore, mutations in CNGC2 and CATION EXCHANGER 1/3 (CAX1/3) also led to a delay in VPC. Polymorphisms in the CNGC4 promoter contribute to the natural variation in CNGC4 expression and the diversity of VPC. Specifically, the early CNGC4 variant promotes VPC and enhances plant adaptation to local environments.

In summary, our findings offer genetic insights into the natural variation in VPC in Arabidopsis, and reveal a previously unidentified role of calcium signaling in the regulation of VPC.
Wearable sensor supports in‐situ and continuous monitoring of plant health in precision agriculture era
Authors: Li Xiao‐Hong , Li Meng‐Zhao , Li Jing‐Yi , Gao Yang‐Yang , Liu Chun‐Rong , Hao Ge‐Fei
Published: January 2024

Plant health is intricately linked to crop quality, food security and agricultural productivity. Obtaining accurate plant health information is of paramount importance in the realm of precision agriculture. Wearable sensors offer an exceptional avenue for investigating plant health status and fundamental plant science, as they enable real‐time and continuous in‐situ monitoring of physiological biomarkers. However, a comprehensive overview that integrates and critically assesses wearable plant sensors across various facets, including their fundamental elements, classification, design, sensing mechanism, fabrication, characterization and application, remains elusive. In this study, we provide a meticulous description and systematic synthesis of recent research progress in wearable sensor properties, technology and their application in monitoring plant health information. This work endeavours to serve as a guiding resource for the utilization of wearable plant sensors, empowering the advancement of plant health within the precision agriculture paradigm.
Abnormal cell wall structure caused by boron nutrient imbalance in orchards could affect psyllid feeding behaviour, resulting in epidemic variation of Asian citrus psyllid
Authors: Dong Z. , Liu X. , Low W. , Riaz M. , Tan Q. , Sun X. , Yan X. , Hu C.
Published: January 2024

The control of Huanglongbing (HLB), one of the most destructive pests of citrus, relies heavily on the reduction of Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. An in‐depth understanding of ACP feeding behaviours among citrus plants is urgent for comprehensive management of orchards.

An investigation was conducted in 37 citrus orchards in HLB epidemic areas, sampling shoots in the area with aggregation feeding of ACP (ACPf) and shoots in a neighbouring area without ACP feeding (CK), to study the interaction between leaf chemical composition and ACP psyllid feeding behaviours.

Results of FTIR showed a strong absorption peak intensity, mainly representing functional groups originating from cell wall components in the leaf with ACP feeding. As compared with the control, cell wall components, such as alkali‐soluble pectin, water‐soluble pectin, total soluble pectin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, of the cell wall of ACPf increased by 134.0%, 14.0%, 18.0%, 12.5%, and 20.35%, respectively. These results suggest that cell wall mechanical properties significantly decreased in the term of decreases in pectin performance and cellulose mechanical properties. In addition, there was a remarkably lower boron (B) content in leaves and cell wall components with ACP feeding. Further analysis indicated that leaf B content significantly affected leaf cell wall components.

Taken together, we provide evidence to demonstrate that the regional distribution of nutrient imbalance in orchards could affect psyllid feeding behaviour by weakening the cell wall structure, resulting in epidemic variation in ACP. This could help us to understand the management of psyllid infections in orchards with unbalanced nutrition
Mycorrhization in trees: ecology, physiology, emerging technologies and beyond
Authors: Chaudhury R. , Chakraborty A. , Rahaman F. , Sarkar T. , Dey S. , Das M.
Published: January 2024

Mycorrhization has been an integral part of plants since colonization by the early land plants. Over decades, substantial research has highlighted its potential role in improving nutritional efficiency and growth, development and survival of crop plants. However, the focus of this review is trees. Evidence have been provided to explain ecological and physiological significance of mycorrhization in trees. Advances in recent technologies (e.g., metagenomics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, agricultural drones) may open new windows to apply this knowledge in promoting tree growth in forest ecosystems. Dual mycorrhization relationships in trees and even triple relationships among trees, mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria offer an interesting physiological system to understand how plants interact with other organisms for better survival. Besides, studies indicate additional roles of mycorrhization in learning, memorizing and communication between host trees through a common mycorrhizal network (CMN). Recent observations in trees suggest that mycorrhization may even promote tolerance to multiple abiotic (e.g., drought, salt, heavy metal stress) and biotic (e.g. fungi) stresses. Due to the extent of physiological reliance, local adaptation of trees is heavily impacted by the mycorrhizal community. This knowledge opens the possibility of a non‐GMO avenue to promote tree growth and development. Indeed, mycorrhization could impact growth of trees in nurserys and subsequent survival of the inoculated trees in field conditions. Future studies might integrate hyperspectral imaging and drone technologies to identify tree communities that are deficient in nitrogen and spray mycorrhizal spore formulations on them.
Trajectories in the development of Amhara nationalism: Is it from rejection to embracement?
Authors: Workneh Yilkal Ayalew
Published: January 2024

Amhara nationalism emerged in the Ethiopian political discourse in the 1990s, and has appeared at varying paces across time. This article examines whether the trajectories in Amhara identity conceptions go from rejection to embracing Amhara ethnicity. A qualitative data analysis is used gleaned from various sources including archives, opinions expressed in social media platforms, and key informant interviews undertaken largely in 2020. The article revealed how Amhara ethnicity has been built under various political contexts in Ethiopia. In the last, nearly three decades’ actors and political parties shift their subscription from Ethiopian identity to Amhara and the other way around. This shows the situationality, and variability of ethnicity, and more importantly, the weight of context in the construction of identity discourses and practices. The practice of “Amhara democratic nationalism”, with its Bolshevik ingredients, aimed to “discipline” Amhara, accompanied by the attitude of many ethnonationalist elites which consider all Amhara as an oppressor gave way to reactive ethnicity, and Amhara political identity is already established with essential implications for the current political discontent and future of Ethiopia.
Phosphatidic acid interacts with an HD‐ZIP transcription factor GhHOX4 to influence its function in fiber elongation of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
Authors: Wang Na‐Na , Ni Ping , Wei Ying‐Li , Hu Rong , Li Yang , Li Xue‐Bao , Zheng Yong
Published: January 2024

Upland cotton, the mainly cultivated cotton species in the world, provides over 90% of natural raw materials (fibers) for the textile industry. The development of cotton fibers that are unicellular and highly elongated trichomes on seeds is a delicate and complex process. However, the regulatory mechanism of fiber development is still largely unclear in detail. In this study, we report that a homeodomain‐leucine zipper (HD‐ZIP) IV transcription factor, GhHOX4, plays an important role in fiber elongation. Overexpression of GhHOX4 in cotton resulted in longer fibers, while GhHOX4‐silenced transgenic cotton displayed a “shorter fiber” phenotype compared with wild type. GhHOX4 directly activates two target genes, GhEXLB1D and GhXTH2D, for promoting fiber elongation. On the other hand, phosphatidic acid (PA), which is associated with cell signaling and metabolism, interacts with GhHOX4 to hinder fiber elongation. The basic amino acids KR‐R‐R in START domain of GhHOX4 protein are essential for its binding to PA that could alter the nuclear localization of GhHOX4 protein, thereby suppressing the transcriptional regulation of GhHOX4 to downstream genes in the transition from fiber elongation to secondary cell wall (SCW) thickening during fiber development. Thus, our data revealed that GhHOX4 positively regulates fiber elongation, while PA may function in the phase transition from fiber elongation to SCW formation by negatively modulating GhHOX4 in cotton.
Hyaluronic Acid Extraction from Eggshell Membrane with Papain and Bromelain Hydrolysis
Authors: Leong Hong-Yeng , Cheng Kian-Kai , Sim Jia-Chee , Wong Rui-Fang , Othman Nor Zalina
Published: January 2024

Eggshell membranes which is one of the food wastes that naturally contains glycosaminoglycan and other proteins has the potential to become a good natural resource alternative to produce hyaluronic acid. The reuse of eggshell membranes can greatly reduce the production of food wastes globally. The objective of this research was to compare the yield of HA extracted from eggshell membrane by using single and mixture of papain and bromelain enzyme. More than that, the other aim of this research was to determine the optimum condition for the hyaluronic acid (HA) extraction from eggshell membrane using mixture of enzymatic in ratio. The yield of HA extracted was determined by using carbazole method. This research has shown that enzyme hydrolysis using combination of enzyme capable of increasing the yield of HA extracted from eggshell membrane. The final condition selected for the extraction of hyaluronic acid is 1:2 papain to bromelain ratio in enzyme mixture (62.23mg/g ESM, 6.723% HA yield) at pH 7 (34.17mg/g ESM, 3.417% HA yield) and 60℃ (44.628mg/g ESM, 4.463% HA yield). Based on this study, the extraction of hyaluronic acid from eggshell membrane could be a more economic and environmental friendly an alternative natural sources for hyaluronic acid production.
Characterization of Maltogenic Amylase Activity Recovery: A Potential Approach for Improving Immobilization
Authors: Jaafar Nardiah Rizwana , Md Illias Rosli , Jailani Nashriq , Mohamed Shuhada Ammni
Published: January 2024

Cross-linked enzymes aggregate (CLEA) is a versatile carrier free-immobilization technique that has gained much attention in the development of biocatalyst technology. However, there is no precise and accurate method of using this technique that will lead to an expected outcome that meets the requirements of the industrial standard. Therefore, the objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a few methods of executing cross-linked enzyme aggregates approach using maltogenic amylase by measuring the activity recovery of the developed CLEA. Some factors that are considered in developing the methodologies are the interaction between cross-linkers and enzymes, size of the cross-linked enzyme aggregates and substrate diffusion. The addition of precipitant and the cross-linking agent steps has been manipulated and four different methodologies were developed. Based on the results, Method 2 showed the highest activity recovery (57.9%) whilst Method 4 gave the lowest activity recovery (15.7%). Method 2 is an improvised method that removed supernatant after centrifugation before proceeding to the cross-linking step. The characterization of cross-linked enzyme aggregates such as morphological characterization and Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy was also determined. In conclusion, the best and most productive preparation method was determined based on the highest activity recovery.
Optimization and Characterization of Fish Protein Hydrolysate (FPH) from Milkfish Scales (Chanos chanos Forsskal) Using Papain Enzyme
Authors: Susanti Evi , Wulansari Ginta Ayu , Arief Najla Aulia , Salim Norazlinaliza
Published: January 2024

This study determined that optimum fish protein hydrolysed (FPH production results from milkfish scales using crude extract of papain can be achieved by mixing 0.305 units of papain crude extract with 1 g of milkfish scales previously treated with 0.1 M NaOH (1:10 w/v). The incubation process comprised three stages: incubation at room temperature for 3 h, incubation at 75 °C for 1 h, and continued incubation at 90 °C for 5 min, with a resulting FPH yield of 45.70%. FTIR characterization revealed that FPH derived from milkfish scales includes amide A, amide I, amide II, and amide III groups. Additionally, SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the FPH molecules measure between 10-35 kDa. The results of the study showed that FPH can inhibit the activity of E. coli and S. aureus, forming clear zones measuring 2.438 mm and 1.563 mm, respectively. Furthermore, FPH exhibited antioxidant activity against DPPH with an IC50 value of 81.91 ppm.
Elucidation of Kinetic Studies in Biosurfactant Fermentative Production and Their Behaviour: A Mini Review
Authors: Azman Nur Raudhah , Asli Umi Aisah , Shamjuddin Amnani
Published: January 2024

Bioprocess engineering, which include kinetic behaviour, is a fundamental form of developing effective product performance and functionality. Kinetic studies are one of the most important steps in any bioprocess and bioproduct development to elucidate the production phase and product behaviour. The lack of comprehensive understanding and limited knowledge of the kinetic behaviour of biosurfactant production, especially in the complex fermentation process involving microorganisms, substrate, and product formation, is major challenge and hinder the development of optimized biosurfactant in the industrial scale. Kinetic studies in the field of biosurfactants need to be emphasized to better understand the mechanisms of biosurfactant formation through biomass growth and substrate consumption. In this mini-review, various kinetic models used in biosurfactant work were critically discussed. The objective of this study is to analyze the kinetic studies of biomass growth, biosurfactant formation and substrate consumption focusing on the biosurfactant itself. This review revealed the various kinetic models used in fermentative biosurfactant production and how the different models were used and interpreted based on different substrates and biosurfactant-producing microorganisms. A key feature of this review is its focus on the biosurfactant, which provides valuable insights into the factors that maximize productivity and improve scale-up. Based on previous works, the logistic model is preferred to represent biomass growth, biosurfactant formation and substrate consumption due to its simplicity and rationale. Throughout this study, the kinetic profile of the biosurfactant able to be established and serve as a foundation for the prediction of the biosurfactant behaviour.
Venture Aging: A Process Model of Legitimacy, Routinization, and Competitor Imitation of Venture Innovation Capabilities
Authors: Bloodgood James
Published: January 2024

This study proposes a process model that delineates how venture aging results in legitimacy and routinization, and subsequent venture performance. This model addresses the gap between new venture literature and organizational management literature. The resource-based view of the firm and competitive rivalry models are used to develop the theory behind the process model. The model shows that venture aging enhances legitimacy, which is shown to increase competitor attacks and imitation attempts of venture innovation capabilities. Venture routinization increases the inimitability of a venture’s innovation capabilities, which decreases the success of competitors trying to imitate the new venture. The resulting effects on venture performance identify approaches that entrepreneurs can take to increase their chances of successfully navigating the venture aging process. The model assists researchers in further developing the competitive rivalry literature by explaining how factors such as awareness, motivation, and capability of competitors influence venture success.
COVID-19 Repercussions on Bangladeshi On-Demand-Food Delivery, Restaurant, and Hotel Industry
Authors: Binti Haja Maideen Mazuwin , Mohammad Imtiaz Hossain  , Sharmin Nusrut , Tariqul Islam
Published: January 2024

Objectives: The article's main objective was to explore the impact and consequences of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) on Bangladesh's on-demand-food delivery (ODFD), restaurant and hospitality industry.

Methods: To achieve the research objective, qualitative methodology was applied using focus group discussion on the online platform during the movement restriction period. We collected data from four informants, and they were chosen based on their professional relevance with the Food and Hospitality industry. Existing literature is also overviewed.

Results: This study found that COVID-19 significantly negatively impacts the industry. The informants provide the miserable scenario of the industry during this pandemic, besides suggesting possible strategies.

Contribution: This article discusses the impacts of COVID-19 on the on-demand-food delivery, restaurant and hotel industry in Bangladesh in order to provide a better understanding to government and practitioners of why improving the management of response to infectious disease outbreaks is so critical for a country's economy, its society, and its place in the global community. 

Keywords: COVID-19, food, hotel, hospitality, online delivery, pandemic, economy, Bangladesh
On analyzing two dimensional fractional order brain tumor model based on orthonormal Bernoulli polynomials and Newton's method
Authors: Masti Iman , Khosro Sayevand  , Jafari Hossein
Published: January 2024

Recently, modeling problems in various field of sciences and engineering with the help of fractional calculus has been welcomed by researchers. One of these interesting models is a brain tumor model. In this framework, a two dimensional expansion of the diffusion equation and glioma growth is considered. The analytical solution of this model is not an easy task, so in this study, a numerical approach based on the operational matrix of conventional orthonormal Bernoulli polynomials (OBPs) has been used to estimate the solution of this model. As an important advantage of the proposed method is to obtain the fractional derivative in matrix form, which makes calculations easier. Also, by using this technique, the problem under the study is converted into a system of nonlinear algebraic equations. This system is solved via Newton's method and the error analysis is presented. At the end to show the accuracy of the work, we have examined two examples and compared the numerical results with other works.
Compact stellar model with vanishing complexity under Vaidya–Tikekar background geometry
Authors: Das Shyam , Govender Megandhren , Bogadi Robert S.
Published: January 2024

We make use of the condition of vanishing complexity, based on the current definition proposed by Herrera (Phys Rev D 97:044010, 2018), to find exact interior solutions to the Einstein equations for describing compact stellar objects. In the framework of general relativity, the complexity factor is an outcome of the orthogonal splitting of the Riemann tensor from which structure scalars are obtained. By using the Vaidya–Tikekar (V–T) metric ansatz (J Astrophys Astron 3:325, 1982) for the spacetime of a static spherically symmetric matter distribution, we model superdense, relativistic stars. The interior spacetime is matched to the exterior Schwarzschild solution across the boundary of the star where the radial pressure vanishes. The physical viability of the model has been tested following the current data corresponding to the pulsar $$ 4U 1820-30 $$

4
U
1820
-
30

. The stability of the model fulfilled the given criteria, namely the Tolman–Oppenheimer–Volkoff equation, the adiabatic index and the causality conditions.
DFT and Monte Carlo investigations of electronic structure, magnetic, magnetocaloric, and thermoelectric properties of the perovskite SrXO3 (X = Mn and Fe) compound
Authors: Ouichou H. , Dahbi S. , Tahiri N. , Jabar A. , El Bounagui O. , Ez-Zahraouy H.
Published: January 2024

The structural, electronic, magnetic, magnetocaloric, and thermoelectric properties of the SrXO3 (X = Mn and Fe) perovskite compounds were investigated using first-principles calculations. It was observed that the SrXO3 compounds are G-anti-ferromagnetic perovskites with partial magnetic moment with a value of 2.7 [Formula: see text] and 2.4 [Formula: see text] for Mn-3d and Fe-3d orbitals for SrMnO3 and SrFeO3, respectively. Moreover, by using Monte Carlo simulation (MCs) combined with the Metropolis algorithm, the calculated coupling interactions between the magnetic atoms Mn–Mn and Fe–Fe are [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV for SrMnO3, [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]meV for SrFeO3, respectively. Furthermore, a significant magnetocaloric effect (MCE) was observed around the Néel temperature of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K (for SrMnO3) and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]K (for SrFeO3), and the maximal simulated magnetic entropy and relative cooling power values of all the studied compounds are found to be 100[Formula: see text]J/kg (for SrMnO3) and 110[Formula: see text]J/kg (for SrFeO3), respectively, with an applied magnetic field of [Formula: see text] T. These results are in complete agreement with the experimental results and more specifics than other theoretical calculations. Hence, SrXO3 compounds are considered promising candidates for magnetic refrigeration at low temperature.
Gut Microbiome: An Intersection between Human Genome, Diet, and Epigenetics
Authors: Muhammad Abdullahi Y. , Amonov Malik , Baig Atif A. , Alvi Farrukh J.
Published: January 2024

The composition and diversity of gut microbiome are in crosstalk with the genetic makeup and diet of an individual. Under normal health conditions, the gut commensals are in homeostasis with the host; while they inhabit the gut for their normal growth, they protect against invading pathogens through anticolonization mechanisms and contribute largely to the metabolism of several macromolecules in the gut. Specific genetic variants in genes that are responsible for maintaining the composition of the gut commensal, such as genes of the immune system, are described to result in gut dysbiosis that can lead to the development of several autoimmune diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease and type-1 diabetes. Similarly, the diet of an individual shapes the gut microbiota by allowing the predominance of microbes that metabolize an abundant macromolecule in the diet. Epigenetically, the microbial metabolites produced by these microbes can be beneficial in the treatment of cancer or deteriorating by serving as carcinogens. Therefore, the complex association of the gut microbiome with the genetic makeup and diet of an individual plays a significant role in the development of several diseases and health conditions. Recently, the association between the human genome and the gut microbiome has been analyzed and considered a multiomic approach, and extensive genome-wide association studies were conducted to further understand the complex relationship.
Table S3 from Direct Medical Spending on Young and Average-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer before and after Diagnosis: a Population-Based Costing Study
Authors: Garg Ria , Sayre Eric C. , Pataky Reka , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Peacock Stuart , Loree Jonathan M. , McKenzie Michael , Brown Carl J. , Yeung Shirley S.T. , De Vera Mary A.
Published: January 2024

Modified Activity Based Radiation Costing Model
Supplementary Table 7 from Incident Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Older Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hashibe Mia , Wei Mei , Lee Catherine J. , Tao Randa , Koric Alzina , Wang Jing , Daud Anees , Tay Djin , Shen Jincheng , Lee Yuan-chin A. , Chang Chun-Pin E.
Published: January 2024

This table shows the hazard ratios for death among ANHPI breast cancer patients who had heart failure
Supplementary Table 6 from Incident Cardiovascular Disease Risk among Older Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Hashibe Mia , Wei Mei , Lee Catherine J. , Tao Randa , Koric Alzina , Wang Jing , Daud Anees , Tay Djin , Shen Jincheng , Lee Yuan-chin A. , Chang Chun-Pin E.
Published: January 2024

This table shows the sensitivity analysis of excluding Japanese breast cancer patients for the hazards ratios of CVDs
Table S1 from Direct Medical Spending on Young and Average-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer before and after Diagnosis: a Population-Based Costing Study
Authors: Garg Ria , Sayre Eric C. , Pataky Reka , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Peacock Stuart , Loree Jonathan M. , McKenzie Michael , Brown Carl J. , Yeung Shirley S.T. , De Vera Mary A.
Published: January 2024

Diagnostic Codes
Figure S1 from Direct Medical Spending on Young and Average-Age Onset Colorectal Cancer before and after Diagnosis: a Population-Based Costing Study
Authors: Garg Ria , Sayre Eric C. , Pataky Reka , McTaggart-Cowan Helen , Peacock Stuart , Loree Jonathan M. , McKenzie Michael , Brown Carl J. , Yeung Shirley S.T. , De Vera Mary A.
Published: January 2024

Allocation of months of observations for yCRC and aCRC cases, along with controls
Supplementary Table 6 from Male-Pattern Vertex Baldness Trajectories, Chest Hair Patterns, and Odds of Overall and Aggressive Prostate Cancer
Authors: Salmon Charlotte , Mesidor Miceline , Rousseau Marie-Claude , Richard Hugues , Weiss Deborah , Spence Andrea R. , Parent Marie-Elise
Published: January 2024

Supplementary Table 6. Association between ever baldness, onset and severity baldness, chest hair amount and odds of prostate cancer, according to cancer aggressiveness (Gleason score <8, Gleason score ≥ 8), Prostate Cancer & Environment Study, Montreal, Canada, 2005–2012