bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESKAPE: Navigating the Global Battlefield for Antimicrobial Resistance and Defense in Hospitals
Authors: Ravi Kamna , Singh Baljit
Published: April 2024

The current healthcare environment is at risk due to the facilitated transmission and empowerment of the ESKAPE pathogens, comprising of Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter species. These pathogens have posed significant challenges to global public health and the threat has only amplified over time. These multidrug-resistant bacteria have become adept at escaping the effects of conventional antibiotics utilized, leading to severe healthcare-associated infections and compromising immunocompromised patient outcomes to a greater extent. The impact of ESKAPE pathogens is evident in the rapidly rising rates of treatment failures, increased mortality, and elevated healthcare costs. To combat this looming crisis, diverse strategies have been adopted, ranging from the development of novel antimicrobial agents and combination therapies to the implementation of stringent infection control measures. Additionally, there has been a growing emphasis on promoting antimicrobial stewardship programs to optimize the use of existing antibiotics and reduce the selective pressure driving the evolution of resistance. While progress has been made to some extent, the rapid adaptability of these pathogens and the enhancement of antimicrobial resistance mechanisms proves to be a major hurdle yet to be crossed by healthcare professionals. In this viewpoint, the impending threat heralded by the proliferation of ESKAPE pathogens, and the need for a concerted global effort via international collaborations for the assurance of effective and sustainable solutions, are explored. To curb the possibility of outbreaks in the future and to safeguard public health, better preparation via global awareness and defense mechanisms should be given paramount importance.
Influence of Solid Fraction on Particle Size during Wet-Chemical Synthesis of β-Li3PS4 in Tetrahydrofuran
Authors: Gries Aurelia , Langer Frederieke , Schwenzel Julian , Busse Matthias
Published: April 2024

For all-solid-state batteries, the particle size distribution of the solid electrolyte is a critical factor. Small particles are preferred to obtain a high active mass loading of cathode active material and a small porosity in composite cathodes. In this work, the influence of the solid fraction in the wet-chemical synthesis of β-Li3PS4 in tetrahydrofuran (THF) is investigated. The solid fraction is varied between 50 and 200 mg/mL, and the obtained samples are evaluated using X-ray diffraction, SEM and electrochemical impedance measurements. The sizes of the resulting particles show a significant dependency on the solid fraction, while a good ionic conductivity is maintained. For the highest concentration, the particle sizes do not exceed 10 µm, but for the lowest concentration, particles up to ~73 µm can be found. The ionic conductivities at room temperature are determined to be 0.63 ± 0.01 × 10−4 S/cm and 0.78 ± 0.01 × 10−4 S/cm for the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively. These findings lead to an improvement towards the production of tailored sulfide solid electrolytes.
L-PRF Secretome from Both Smokers/Nonsmokers Stimulates Angiogenesis and Osteoblast Differentiation In Vitro
Authors: Ríos Susana , González Lina Gabriela , Saez Claudia Gilda , Smith Patricio Cristian , Escobar Lina M. , Martínez Constanza Eugenia
Published: April 2024

Leukocyte and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) is part of the second generation of platelet-concentrates. L-PRF derived from nonsmokers has been used in surgical procedures, with its beneficial effects in wound healing being proven to stimulate biological activities such as cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and differentiation. Cigarette smoking exerts detrimental effects on tissue healing and is associated with post-surgical complications; however, evidence about the biological effects of L-PRF derived from smokers is limited. This study evaluated the impact of L-PRF secretome (LPRFS) derived from smokers and nonsmokers on angiogenesis and osteoblast differentiation. LPRFS was obtained by submerging L-PRF membranes derived from smokers or nonsmokers in culture media and was used to treat endothelial cells (HUVEC) or SaOs-2 cells. Angiogenesis was evaluated by tubule formation assay, while osteoblast differentiation was observed by alkaline phosphatase and osterix protein levels, as well as in vitro mineralization. LPRFS treatments increased angiogenesis, alkaline phosphatase, and osterix levels. Treatment with 50% of LPRFS derived from smokers and nonsmokers in the presence of osteogenic factors stimulates in vitro mineralization significantly. Nevertheless, differences between LPRFS derived from smokers and nonsmokers were not found. Both LPRFS stimulated angiogenesis and osteoblast differentiation in vitro; however, clinical studies are required to determine the beneficial effect of LPRFS in smokers.
Organoids Modeling Stroke in a Petri Dish
Authors: Giorgi Chiara , Castelli Vanessa , d’Angelo Michele , Cimini Annamaria
Published: April 2024

Stroke is a common neurological disorder, the second leading cause of death, and the third leading cause of disability. Unfortunately, the only approved drug for it is tissue plasminogen, but the therapeutic window is limited. In this context, preclinical studies are relevant to better dissect the underlying mechanisms of stroke and for the drug screening of potential therapies. Brain organoids could be relevant in this setting. They are derived from pluripotent stem cells or isolated organ progenitors that differentiate to form an organ-like tissue, exhibiting multiple cell types that self-organize to form a structure not unlike the organ in vivo. Brain organoids mimic many key features of early human brain development at molecular, cellular, structural, and functional levels and have emerged as novel model systems that can be used to investigate human brain diseases including stroke. Brain organoids are a promising and powerful tool for ischemic stroke studies; however, there are a few concerns that need to be addressed, including the lack of vascularization and the many cell types that are typically present in the human brain. The aim of this review is to discuss the potential of brain organoids as a novel model system for studying ischemic stroke, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages in the use of this technology.
Disruption of Electroencephalogram Coherence between Cortex/Striatum and Midbrain Dopaminergic Regions in the Knock-Out Mice with Combined Loss of Alpha, Beta, and Gamma Synucleins
Authors: Vorobyov Vasily , Deev Alexander , Chaprov Kirill , Ninkina Natalia
Published: April 2024

The malfunctioning of the brain synucleins is associated with pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease. Synucleins’ ability to modulate various pre-synaptic processes suggests their modifying effects on the electroencephalogram (EEG) recorded from different brain structures. Disturbances in interrelations between them are critical for the onset and evolution of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, we have shown that, in mice lacking several synucleins, differences between the frequency spectra of EEG from different brain structures are correlated with specificity of synucleins’ combinations. Given that EEG spectra are indirect characteristics of inter-structural relations, in this study, we analyzed a coherence of instantaneous values for EEGs recorded from different structures as a direct measure of “functional connectivity” between them. Methods: EEG data from seven groups of knock-out (KO) mice with combined deletions of alpha, beta, and gamma synucleins versus a group of wild-type (WT) mice were compared. EEG coherence was estimated between the cortex (MC), putamen (Pt), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and substantia nigra (SN) in all combinations. Results: EEG coherence suppression, predominantly in the beta frequency band, was observed in KO mice versus WT littermates. The suppression was minimal in MC-Pt and VTA-SN interrelations in all KO groups and in all inter-structural relations in mice lacking either all synucleins or only beta synuclein. In other combinations of deleted synucleins, significant EEG coherence suppression in KO mice was dominant in relations with VTA and SN. Conclusion: Deletions of the synucleins produced significant attenuation of intra-cerebral EEG coherence depending on the imbalance of different types of synucleins.
Assessment of the Suitability of Selected Linear Actuators for the Implementation of the Load-Adaptive Biological Principle of Redundant Motion Generation
Authors: Bartz Marcel , Jüttner Michael , Halmos Fabian , Uhlich Elias , Klein Max , Drumm Patricia , Dreßler Erkan , Martin Sina , Walter Jonas , Franke Jörg , Wartzack Sandro
Published: April 2024

The load-adaptive behavior of the muscles in the human musculoskeletal system offers great potential for minimizing resource and energy requirements in many technical systems, especially in drive technology and robotics. However, the lack of knowledge about suitable technical linear actuators that can reproduce the load-adaptive behavior of biological muscles in technology is a major reason for the lack of successful implementation of this biological principle. In this paper, therefore, the different types of linear actuators are investigated. The focus is particularly on artificial muscles and rope pulls. The study is based on literature, on the one hand, and on two physical demonstrators in the form of articulated robots, on the other hand. The studies show that ropes are currently the best way to imitate the load-adaptive behavior of the biological model in technology. This is especially illustrated in the context of this paper by the discussion of different advantages and disadvantages of the technical linear actuators, where ropes, among other things, have a good mechanical and control behavior, which is very advantageous for use in an adaptive system. Finally, the next steps for future research are outlined to conclude how ropes can be used as linear actuators to transfer load-adaptive lightweight design into technical applications.
A CRISPR/Cas12a-Based System for Sensitive Detection of Antimicrobial-Resistant Genes in Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacterales
Authors: Shin Jiyong , Kim Sei Rim , Xie Zifan , Jin Yong-Su , Wang Yi-Cheng
Published: April 2024

Antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria pose a significant global health threat, and bacteria that produce New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) are particularly concerning due to their resistance to most β-lactam antibiotics, including carbapenems. The emergence and spread of NDM-producing genes in food-producing animals highlight the need for a fast and accurate method for detecting AMR bacteria. We therefore propose a PCR-coupled CRISPR/Cas12a-based fluorescence assay that can detect NDM-producing genes (blaNDM) in bacteria. Thanks to its designed gRNA, this CRISPR/Cas12a system was able to simultaneously cleave PCR amplicons and ssDNA-FQ reporters, generating fluorescence signals. Our method was found to be highly specific when tested against other foodborne pathogens that do not carry blaNDM and also demonstrated an excellent capability to distinguish single-nucleotide polymorphism. In the case of blaNDM-1 carrying E. coli, the assay performed exceptionally well, with a detection limit of 2.7 × 100 CFU/mL: 100 times better than conventional PCR with gel electrophoresis. Moreover, the developed assay detected AMR bacteria in food samples and exhibited enhanced performance compared to previously published real-time PCR assays. Thus, this novel PCR-coupled CRISPR/Cas12a-based fluorescence assay has considerable potential to improve current approaches to AMR gene detection and thereby contribute to mitigating the global threat of AMR.
Using Objective Speech Analysis Techniques for the Clinical Diagnosis and Assessment of Speech Disorders in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Sonkaya Zeynep , Özturk Bilgin , Sonkaya Rıza , Taskiran Esra , Karadas Ömer
Published: April 2024

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is one of the chronic and neurodegenerative diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). It generally affects motor, sensory, cerebellar, cognitive, and language functions. It is thought that identifying MS speech disorders using quantitative methods will make a significant contribution to physicians in the diagnosis and follow-up of MS patients. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the speech disorders of MS via objective speech analysis techniques. The study was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with MS according to McDonald’s 2017 criteria and 20 healthy volunteers without any speech or voice pathology. Speech data obtained from patients and healthy individuals were analyzed with the PRAAT speech analysis program, and classification algorithms were tested to determine the most effective classifier in separating specific speech features of MS disease. As a result of the study, the K-nearest neighbor algorithm (K-NN) was found to be the most successful classifier (95%) in distinguishing pathological sounds which were seen in MS patients from those in healthy individuals. The findings obtained in our study can be considered as preliminary data to determine the voice characteristics of MS patients.
Adult Maltese Women’s Understanding of How Childhood Domestic Violence Has Impacted Their Relationships with Their Parents and Siblings: A Grounded Theory Study
Authors: Sammut-Scerri Clarissa , Vetere Arlene
Published: April 2024

Most of the literature that has looked at children’s relationships with their parents in the domestic violence context has focused solely on the children’s relationship with one parent or is studied from the perspective of one parent, usually the mother. Sibling relationships in the same context are also under-studied. This paper explores in more detail the complexity of children’s relationships with their mothers, fathers, and siblings over time from the perspective of adult women and survivors of childhood domestic violence. Methods: A grounded theory methodology was used to analyse the interviews with 15 women aged twenty to forty-three years of age living in Malta. Results: the analysis showed that the domestic violence context remains significant in these important relationships for these women. The relationship with the father remains strongly influenced by the dynamics of fear, love, and retaliation, with cycles of cut-off and connection from the adult daughter’s end. The relationship with the mother is complicated—feelings of love that are seen as having been limited and complicated by betrayal if there was abuse from the mother. Similarly, for the siblings, the roles of the early family of origin remain persistent and significant. However, in some of these relationships, there has been transformation, reconciliation, and forgiveness. The article offers implications for therapeutic practice for dealing with the complexity of these relationships and ideas for future research.
A Study on the Feasibility and Strategy of Developing Photovoltaic Integrated Shading Devices in Street Canyons
Authors: Wang Peng , Wang Wei , Ji Cheng , Zhi Hongyu , Jia Ling , Wang Chenglong , Zhang Wendi , Huang Lei
Published: April 2024

The measurement and analysis of the spatial attributes of the street canyon hold significant importance in the advancement of photovoltaic integrated shading devices (PVSDs). This study offers the space aspect ratio index AR(h) as a more efficient method for determining the optimal location for installing PVSDs on building facades in various street canyons. The AR(h) index addresses the limitations of the current quantitative index. This study examined the evolving regulations of indoor thermal conditions, natural lighting, and the performance of PVSDs in various street canyons. It assessed the viability of implementing PVSDs in different canyons and suggested development plans based on the variation law. The findings demonstrated that AR(h) is capable of effectively assessing and directing the implementation of PVSDs. When AR(h) is below 0.6, the shade of surrounding buildings has the least impact on the photovoltaic power output and building energy consumption in various street canyons. In this scenario, the building has the largest yearly energy-saving rate, making it highly ideal for implementing PVSDs on the building façade. In summary, the suitability of the AR(h) index in various street sceneries was assessed, offering valuable insights for the widespread implementation of PVSDs and street planning, thereby optimizing the utilization of solar energy. The findings of this study will be advantageous in diminishing the utilization of non-renewable energy sources in urban areas and mitigating carbon emissions to safeguard the environment.
Recently Updated Role of Chitinase 3-like 1 on Various Cell Types as a Major Influencer of Chronic Inflammation
Authors: Mizoguchi Emiko , Sadanaga Takayuki , Nanni Linda , Wang Siyuan , Mizoguchi Atsushi
Published: April 2024

Chitinase 3-like 1 (also known as CHI3L1 or YKL-40) is a mammalian chitinase that has no enzymatic activity, but has the ability to bind to chitin, the polymer of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc). Chitin is a component of fungi, crustaceans, arthropods including insects and mites, and parasites, but it is completely absent from mammals, including humans and mice. In general, chitin-containing organisms produce mammalian chitinases, such as CHI3L1, to protect the body from exogenous pathogens as well as hostile environments, and it was thought that it had a similar effect in mammals. However, recent studies have revealed that CHI3L1 plays a pathophysiological role by inducing anti-apoptotic activity in epithelial cells and macrophages. Under chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, many groups already confirmed that the expression of CHI3L1 is significantly induced on the apical side of epithelial cells, and activates many downstream pathways involved in inflammation and carcinogenesis. In this review article, we summarize the expression of CHI3L1 under chronic inflammatory conditions in various disorders and discuss the potential roles of CHI3L1 in those disorders on various cell types.
Click Chemistry with Cell-Permeable Fluorophores Expands the Choice of Bioorthogonal Markers for Two-Color Live-Cell STED Nanoscopy
Authors: Gregor Carola , Grimm Florian , Rehman Jasmin , Wurm Christian A. , Egner Alexander
Published: April 2024

STED nanoscopy allows for the direct observation of dynamic processes in living cells and tissues with diffraction-unlimited resolution. Although fluorescent proteins can be used for STED imaging, these labels are often outperformed in photostability by organic fluorescent dyes. This feature is especially crucial for time-lapse imaging. Unlike fluorescent proteins, organic fluorophores cannot be genetically fused to a target protein but require different labeling strategies. To achieve simultaneous imaging of more than one protein in the interior of the cell with organic fluorophores, bioorthogonal labeling techniques and cell-permeable dyes are needed. In addition, the fluorophores should preferentially emit in the red spectral range to reduce the potential phototoxic effects that can be induced by the STED light, which further restricts the choice of suitable markers. In this work, we selected five different cell-permeable organic dyes that fulfill all of the above requirements and applied them for SPIEDAC click labeling inside living cells. By combining click-chemistry-based protein labeling with other orthogonal and highly specific labeling methods, we demonstrate two-color STED imaging of different target structures in living specimens using different dye pairs. The excellent photostability of the dyes enables STED imaging for up to 60 frames, allowing the observation of dynamic processes in living cells over extended time periods at super-resolution.
An Experimental Study of Heat Transfer in Pool Boiling to Investigate the Effect of Surface Roughness on Critical Heat Flux
Authors: Ali Bashar Mahmood
Published: April 2024

Utilizing pool boiling as a cooling method holds significant importance within power plant industries due to its ability to effectively manage temperature differentials amidst high heat flux conditions. This study delves into the impact of surface modifications on the pool boiling process by conducting experiments on four distinct boiling surfaces under various conditions. An experimental setup tailored for this investigation is meticulously designed and implemented. The primary objective is to discern the optimal surface configuration capable of efficiently absorbing maximum heat flux while minimizing temperature differentials. In addition, this study scrutinizes bubble dynamics, pivotal in nucleation processes. Notably, surfaces polished unidirectionally (ROD), exhibiting lower roughness, demonstrate superior performance in critical heat flux (CHF) compared to surfaces with circular roughness (RCD). Moreover, the integration of bubble liquid separation methodology along with the introduction of a bubble micro-layer yields a microchannel surface. Remarkably, this modification results in a noteworthy enhancement of 131% in CHF and a substantial 211% increase in the heat transfer coefficient (HTC) without resorting to particle incorporation onto the surface. This indicates promising avenues for enhancing cooling efficiency through surface engineering without additional additives.
Risk Factors of Malnutrition among In-School Children and Adolescents in Developing Countries: A Scoping Review
Authors: Amoadu Mustapha , Abraham Susanna Aba , Adams Abdul Karim , Akoto-Buabeng William , Obeng Paul , Hagan John Elvis
Published: April 2024

Malnutrition among in-school children is a complex issue influenced by socio-economic, environmental, and health-related factors, posing significant challenges to their well-being and educational trajectories in developing countries. This review synthesized evidence on the multifaceted aspects of child malnutrition within the educational setting in developing countries. This review followed the six steps outlined by Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. Four main databases (PubMed, CENTRAL, JSTOR, and Scopus) were searched. Additional searches were conducted in WHO Library, ProQuest, HINARI, Google Scholar, and Google. Reference lists of eligible papers were checked. This review found that low family income, varying family sizes, parental employment status, and educational levels significantly impact malnutrition among in-school children and adolescents. Environmental elements, including rural/urban residence, household sanitation, and living conditions, also influence malnutrition. In addition, nutrition knowledge, dietary habits, nutrient deficiencies, physical activity, and prevalent health conditions compound the risk of malnutrition. This study underscores the extensive health impact of malnutrition on general health, specific nutrient deficiencies, fetal/maternal health concerns, and overall morbidity. Also, malnutrition affects school performance and attendance, impacting cognitive abilities, and academic achievements. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive policy actions aligned with Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing poverty alleviation, health literacy, and gender equity.
Charged Amino Acid Substitutions Affect Conformation of Neuroglobin and Cytochrome c Heme Groups
Authors: Semenova Marina A. , Bochkova Zhanna V. , Smirnova Olga M. , Maksimov Georgy V. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Dolgikh Dmitry A. , Brazhe Nadezda A. , Chertkova Rita V.
Published: April 2024

Neuroglobin (Ngb) is a cytosolic heme protein that plays an important role in protecting cells from apoptosis through interaction with oxidized cytochrome c (Cyt c) released from mitochondria. The interaction of reduced Ngb and oxidized Cyt c is accompanied by electron transfer between them and the reduction in Cyt c. Despite the growing number of studies on Ngb, the mechanism of interaction between Ngb and Cyt c is still unclear. Using Raman spectroscopy, we studied the effect of charged amino acid substitutions in Ngb and Cyt c on the conformation of their hemes. It has been shown that Ngb mutants E60K, K67E, K95E and E60K/E87K demonstrate changed heme conformations with the lower probability of the heme planar conformation compared to wild-type Ngb. Moreover, oxidized Cyt c mutants K25E, K72E and K25E/K72E demonstrate the decrease in the probability of methyl-radicals vibrations, indicating the higher rigidity of the protein microenvironment. It is possible that these changes can affect electron transfer between Ngb and Cyt c.
Decreased Serum Levels of the Insulin Resistance-Related microRNA miR-320a in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Vogt Sarina , Handke Diana , Behre Hermann M. , Greither Thomas
Published: April 2024

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is often associated with metabolic abnormalities in the affected patients such as obesity or a dysregulated glucose metabolism/insulin resistance (IR). IR affects the serum levels of several circulating microRNAs; however, studies on the association between IR-related microRNAs and PCOS are scarce. Therefore, we quantified the serum levels of the IR-associated microRNAs miR-93, miR-148a, miR-216a, miR-224 and miR-320a via qPCR in a cohort of 358 infertility patients, of whom 136 were diagnosed with PCOS. In bivariate correlation analyses, the serum levels of miR-93 and miR-216a were inversely associated with dipeptidyl peptidase 4 serum concentrations, and the miR-320a serum levels were significantly downregulated in PCOS patients (p = 0.02, Mann–Whitney U test). Interestingly, in all patients who achieved pregnancy after Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) cycles, the serum levels of the five IR-associated microRNAs were significantly elevated compared to those of non-pregnant patients. In cell culture experiments, we detected a significant upregulation of miR-320a expression following testosterone stimulation over 24 and 48 h in KGN and COV434 granulosa carcinoma cells. In conclusion, we demonstrated a significantly reduced serum level of the IR-associated miR-320a in our patient cohort. This result once again demonstrates the close relationship between metabolic disorders and the dysregulation of microRNA expression patterns in PCOS.
Study on Electrochemical Corrosion of Q235 Steel in Sand Containing HA Solution under a Natural Air-Dried State
Authors: Xie Ruizhen , Bao Yage , Geng Ruicheng , Zhang Qi , Hou Haosheng , Wang Yakang , Li Boqiong , Han Pengju , Wang Zhenxia , Wang Shiying , Lin Naiming , Dou Baojie
Published: April 2024

To explore the corrosion of Q235 steel in sand containing a simulated haze aqueous solution (HA solution) under a natural air-dried state, the effect of moisture (age) on the corrosion of Q235 steel in sand was comprehensively studied by EIS, polarization curve, SEM, EDS and XPS. The physical and chemical properties of the sand showed that the sand containing the HA solution was basically neutral under natural air drying, and the temperature was around 20 °C. After 14 days, the moisture content gradually decreased from 30% to 0%, and the salinity decreased from 1.26% to 0.04%. With the increase in age, the Eocp gradually positively skews, indicating the corrosion kinetics of the Q235 steel decrease. The impedance spectra showed that in the frequency of 10−2–103 Hz, the impedance spectra exhibited a flat capacitive loop, and the corrosion of Q235 steel was the strongest in the sand containing HA solution on the 8 d. The polarization curves showed that with increasing age, the degree of corrosion of Q235 steel changed from medium or above to slight corrosion in the sand containing HA solution. The pitting characteristics of anode branch for polarization curve also indicate the faster corrosion kinetics of Q235 steel in the early age (1–5 d). The corrosion current density Io first increased and then decreased, and the highest value was 3.44 × 10−5 A/cm2 at 6 d. The average corrosion rate was 0.1629 mm/a. HA solution accelerates the corrosion of Q235 steel in sand without HA solution (average corrosion rate, 1.51 × 10−2 mm/a). A large amount of brown-yellow corrosion products (iron oxides, about 70–200 μm) presented on the surface of the Q235 steel. The corrosion of Q235 steel belonged to local corrosion, and the corrosion pits were connected to form a large dimple-like area. The HA solution and the porous structure of sand jointly affect the electrochemical corrosion of Q235 steel.
P16-CD8-Ki67 Triple Algorithm for Prediction of CDKN2A Mutations in Patients with Multiple Primary and Familial Melanoma
Authors: Nurla Luana-Andreea , Gheorghe Emma , Aşchie Mariana , Cozaru Georgeta Camelia , Orășanu Cristian Ionuț , Boşoteanu Mǎdǎlina
Published: April 2024

Melanoma, a malignant neuroectodermic tumor originating from the neural crest, presents a growing global public health challenge and is anticipated to become the second most prevalent malignancy in the USA by 2040. The CDKN2A gene, particularly p16INK4a, plays a pivotal role in inhibiting the cell cycle via the cyclin D/CDK2-pRb pathway in certain tumors. In familial melanomas (FM), 40% exhibit CDKN2A mutations affecting p16INK4a, impacting checkpoint G1, and stabilizing p53 expression. This study aims to establish a scoring system using immunohistochemical antibodies, providing a cost-saving approach to classify multiple primary melanomas (MPM) and FM patients based on their mutational status, thus mitigating genetic testing expenses. This retrospective study included 23 patients with MPM and FM, assessing the p16, CD8, and Ki67 immunohistochemical status. Analyses of each parameter and associations between their value intervals and genetic CDKN2A status were conducted. A total score of at least 9 out of 10 points per tumor defined melanomas with homozygous CDKN2A deletions, exhibiting a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 94.11%. In conclusion, p16, CD8, and Ki67 individually serve as valuable indicators for predicting melanoma evolution. The algorithm, comprising these three immunohistochemical parameters based on their prognostic and evolutionary significance, proves to be a valuable auxiliary diagnostic tool for cost-effective prediction of mutational status in detecting multiple and familial primary melanomas with CDKN2A homozygous deletion.
Implications of Climate-Induced Localised Extinction of Bull Kelp (Durvillaea amatheiae) for Holdfast Macrofauna
Authors: Davis Tom R. , Nimbs Matt J. , Benson Andrew , Smith Steve D. A.
Published: April 2024

Globally, work is being undertaken to preserve biodiversity and prevent further species extinctions. Yet, without adequate data about the presence of species within ecosystems, hidden extinctions can occur without our knowledge. Given that poleward range retractions are projected for bull kelp (Durvillaea amatheiae) in southeastern Australia, there is the potential for hidden extinctions to occur in associated macrofaunal species. However, this risk cannot be assessed due to the limited data on the invertebrate macrofauna associated with D. amatheiae. We documented macrofauna within D. amatheiae holdfasts, with the objective of establishing a first analysis of the holdfast fauna for this kelp and identifying, where possible, any host-specific taxa. Holdfasts were collected at six locations, spanning most of the range of D. amatheiae on the southeastern Australian mainland. Macrofauna were removed from holdfasts and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. Modelling was applied to determine factors correlated with patterns of assemblages among locations. Holdfast assemblages were found to vary significantly among locations and exhibited a latitudinal gradient in assemblage structure. The northernmost location (Aragunnu), which has the highest risk of D. amatheiae range retractions, was found to have distinct species assemblages and generally higher diversity and abundance than locations further south. However, no host-specific taxa were identified in samples, indicating that there is a low risk of multiple hidden species extinctions occurring in holdfast macrofauna, due to future range retractions of D. amatheiae. Rather, most of the macrofauna taxa in D. amatheiae holdfasts were found to also occur in association with the sympatric golden kelp Ecklonia radiata, which is not expected to undergo range retractions at the latitudes where losses of D. amatheiae are projected. Overall, there is an urgent need to develop strategies to combat projected future range retractions of D. amatheiae to reduce impacts on the species that rely on D. amatheiae for habitat.
The (Im)Possibility of Interrupting Midwest Nice in a Predominantly White, Small-Town School District
Authors: Miller Emily O.
Published: April 2024

As school and district leaders are confronted with explicit opposition to racial equity and inclusion policies and practices, they also continue to contend with Nice resistance. In this ethnographic case study, I draw on interviews with teachers and administrators as well as observations of meetings and professional learning sessions to explore how educational leaders in a predominantly white, small, Midwestern town navigated a culture of Niceness characterized by good intentions, comfort, and avoiding conflict. Though most educators said they supported equity and inclusion, they resisted the administration and the policies and practices administrators implemented. Leaders challenged the culture of Niceness in the school district by focusing on impacts, pushing teachers to do things they were not comfortable with, and having direct conversations. Ultimately, several administrators left the district, and some equity and inclusion efforts were stalled or rolled back. Based on the findings of this study, I conclude that it is difficult to interrupt Niceness in the interest of advancing racial equity and inclusion.
Children and Practitioners as Truth Seekers and Truth Tellers: Innovative, Counter-Hegemonic Approaches to Evaluating National Inclusion Policies
Authors: Robinson Deborah , Codina Geraldene
Published: April 2024

This paper describes and defends the counter-hegemonic methods applied to the investigation of a high-profile national policy for Early Education and Care (ECCE) in Ireland. The policy, the Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) seeks to ensure the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities in mainstream, state funded ECCE. It makes a significant contribution to data and debate on how research about inclusion can become inclusion in the context of policy evaluation. The design of the policy evaluation included surveys, in depth interviews and qualitative case studies of pre-schools and children supported by AIM which were deliberately designed to be counter-hegemonic through the recruitment of practitioners as co-researchers (as expert representatives within a feminised workforce), and the use of a participative method of elicitation that sough the perspectives and lived experiences of inclusion among fourteen children supported by AIM. This method was multi-modal mapping. With a focus on these counter-hegemonic elements, the paper poses questions about how the approach was counterhegemonic in terms of its theoretical underpinning, practical approach, and outcomes. Thematic analysis of the data collected by practitioner researchers for the child case studies showed that the approach did achieve counter-hegemony through the achievement of redistribution, representation, and recognition in both the enactment of the research, and in the reporting of children’s lived experience in the study as a whole. However, the extent of counter-hegemony achieved was limited when practitioner researchers were unable to deploy the multi-modal mapping method because of limited time, or because the child was not a speaker of English or was as yet, non-speaking. In a context where policy makers have a preference for positivist and rationalist approaches to evaluating the impact of policies, we assert that research about policies for inclusion, should be enacted as inclusion and social justice through the deliberate deployment of participatory and counter-hegemonic methods. We also assert that multi-modal mapping holds particular promise for researching the lived experience of inclusion and participation from the perspective of children and argue that more work needs to be done on developing these methods so that they are effective with all children, including those who are non-speaking. Finally, we posit that Fraser’s triune model of social justice can be applied as a benchmark for designing and evaluating counter-hegemonic modii and outcomes.
Analysis of Pressure Characteristics of Ultra-High Specific Energy Lithium Metal Battery for Flying Electric Vehicles
Authors: Shi Wei , Chai Jin , Xu Ruofan
Published: April 2024

The lithium metal battery is likely to become the main power source for the future development of flying electric vehicles for its ultra-high theoretical specific capacity. In an attempt to study macroscopic battery performance and microscopic lithium deposition under different pressure conditions, we first conduct a pressure cycling test proving that amplifying the initial preload can delay the battery failure stage, and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that the pressure is effective in improving the electrode’s surface structure. Secondly, we analyze how differing pressure conditions affect the topography of lithium deposits by coupling the nonlinear phase-field model with the force model. The results show that the gradual increase in the external pressure is accompanied by a drop in the length of the dendrite and the migration curvature in the diaphragm, and the deposition morphology is gradually geared towards smooth and thick development, which can significantly reduce the specific surface area of lithium dendrite. However, as cyclic charging and discharging continue, the decrease in the electrolyte diffusion coefficient results in higher internal stress inside the battery, and thus the external pressure must be increased so as to achieve marked inhibitory effects on the growth of the lithium dendrite.
Effects of Planting Position, Seedling Size, and Organic Nitrogen Fertilization on the Establishment of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Norway Spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) Seedlings
Authors: Häggström Bodil , Hajek Jörgen , Nordin Annika , Öhlund Jonas
Published: April 2024

The forest regeneration phase in Sweden commonly involves mechanical soil preparation followed by the planting of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) or Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst) seedlings. The prepared soil offers planting positions with different properties, including reduced damage by pine weevils (Hylobius abietis L.). Nitrogen fertilization can be applied at the time of planting to aid establishment of the seedlings. In this study, we compared the effects of different planting positions, organic nitrogen fertilization, and different seedling sizes on the early survival and growth of Scots pine and Norway spruce seedlings. The main planting positions were capped mound, hinge, and mineral soil. Seedlings planted close to organic material were categorized as being in “low-quality positions”, since proximity to organic material increases pine weevil attraction. Higher mortality rates related to pine weevil damage were recorded for the seedlings planted in the low-quality positions, regardless of seedling size or N fertilization. Pine weevil attack rates increased with increasing seedling size. Growth was, in general, lowest in the mineral soil positions. The effect of organic N fertilization on growth was positive for the spruce regardless of the planting position or seedling size, while it depended on the planting position and seedling size for the pine, indicating that the effects of organic N fertilization depend on the seedling species, seedling size, and planting position.
Effect of Static Magnetic Field on the Quality of Pork during Super-Chilling Storage
Authors: Wang Ting , Jin Yamei , Zhang Xiao , Yang Na , Xu Xueming
Published: April 2024

Fresh pork tenderloin was stored at −3 °C under different static magnetic fields (SMF) of 0, 4, and 10 mT (control, MF-4, and MF-10) to investigate their physicochemical properties changes during storage of 8 days. The initial equilibrium temperature of the samples stored with 4 mT MF was found to be −2.3 °C, which was slightly lower (0.3 °C) than that the control value. The super-chilling phenomenon on the pork was then observed, as the samples stored under the magnetic field did not freeze throughout storage period, but the control experienced a sudden change in temperature after 138 h and then froze. The preservation effect of MF-4 on meat quality was the best in all treatment groups. MF-4 achieved a higher water-retention rate, with drip and cook losses of 6.5% and 29.0% lower than the control, respectively. Meanwhile, the MF-4 effectively delayed the color change in the meat during the storage and the texture hardening after cooking, and effectively controlled the growth of the total volatile saline nitrogen content on the samples. In addition, MF-4 delayed the reduction in myofibrillar protein solubility, sulfhydryl content, and emulsification capacity, indicating that this field inhibited the denaturation of myofibrillar protein. This study can be considered as an application reference of magnetic fields during meat storage at a super-chilled temperature.
Comparative Analysis of the Evolution of Green Leaf Volatiles and Aroma in Six Vitis vinifera L. Cultivars during Berry Maturation in the Chinese Loess Plateau Region
Authors: Chen Huawei , Zhang Zhenwen , Zhang Lijian , Bai Shijian , Ning Pengfei , Wei Shichao , Xie Sha , Zeng Qingqing
Published: April 2024

Green leaf volatiles (GLVs) are important in giving grape a fresh and green aroma. But the changes in GLVs during the phenological development of grapevines are not well known. This study analyzed the GLVs and transcription levels of associated biosynthetic genes in six grape species from the Loess Plateau region at five stages of maturation. Thirteen GLVs were detected, showing unique patterns for each grape type at various growth phases. The primary components in six grapes were (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, and hexanal. With the exception of Cabernet Franc in 2019, the overall GLV contents of the six types generally increased during growth and development, peaking or stabilizing at harvest. And Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Gernischt, and Cabernet Sauvignon exhibited higher total contents among the varieties. PLS-DA analysis revealed 3-hexenal’s high VIP scores across two years, underscoring its critical role in grape variety classification. Correlation analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between the levels of hexanal, 1-hexanol, (E)-2-hexen-1-ol, (Z)-3-hexenyl acetate, nonanal, and (E, E)-2,6-nonadienal and the expression of VvHPL and VvAAT genes in the LOX-HPL pathway. Specifically, VvHPL emerges as a potential candidate gene responsible for species–specific differences in GLV compounds. Comprehending the changing patterns in the biosynthesis and accumulation of GLVs offers viticulturists and enologists the opportunity to devise targeted strategies for improving the aromatic profile of grapes and wines.
Correlation Analysis between Microbial Communities and Flavor Compounds during the Post-Ripening Fermentation of Traditional Chili Bean Paste
Authors: Wu Quanye , Xu Zhaona , Feng Shirong , Shi Xunzhu , Qin Likang , Zeng Haiying
Published: April 2024

Chili bean paste is a traditional flavor sauce, and its flavor compounds are closely related to its microflora. This study focused on investigating the content of bioactive compounds, flavor compounds, and microbial communities during the post-ripening fermentation of chili bean paste, aiming to provide a reference for improving the flavor of chili bean paste by regulating microorganisms. Compared to no post-ripening fermentation, the content of organic acids increased significantly (p < 0.05), especially that of citric acid (1.51 times). Glutamic acid (Glu) was the most abundant of the 17 free amino acids at 4.0 mg/g. The aroma profiles of the samples were significantly influenced by fifteen of the analyzed volatile compounds, especially methyl salicylate, methyl caproate, and 2−octanol (ROAV > 1). Latilactobacillus (27.45%) and Pseudomonas (9.01%) were the dominant bacterial genera, and Starmerella (32.95%) and Pichia (17.01%) were the dominant fungal genera. Weissella, Lacticaseibacillus, Pichia, and Kazachstania had positive effects on volatile flavoring compounds, which enriched the texture and flavor of the chili bean paste. Therefore, the microbial-community activity during the post-ripening fermentation is the key to enhance the flavor quality of the product.
Further Fractional Hadamard Integral Inequalities Utilizing Extended Convex Functions
Authors: Almoneef Areej A. , Barakat Mohamed A. , Hyder Abd-Allah
Published: April 2024

This work investigates novel fractional Hadamard integral inequalities by utilizing extended convex functions and generalized Riemann-Liouville operators. By carefully using extended integral formulations, we not only find novel inequalities but also improve the accuracy of error bounds related to fractional Hadamard integrals. Our study broadens the applicability of these inequalities and shows that they are useful for a variety of convexity cases. Our results contribute to the advancement of mathematical analysis and provide useful information for theoretical comprehension as well as practical applications across several scientific directions.