bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sea conch (Rapana venosa) peptide hydrolysate regulates NF‐κB pathway and restores intestinal immune homeostasis in DSS‐induced colitis mice
Authors: Ullah Hidayat , Alioui Yamina , Ali Muhsin , Ali Sharafat , Farooqui Nabeel Ahmed , Siddiqui Nimra Z. , Alsholi Duaa M. , Ilyas Muhammad , Rahman Mujeeb U. , Xin Yi , Wang Liang
Published: September 2024

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Sea conch peptide hydrolysate (CPH) was produced by enzymatic digestion of fresh conch meat with trypsin enzyme. To analyze the molecular composition, functional groups, and structural morphology of the hydrolysate, we employed liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results confirmed that crude protein could be effectively digested by enzymes to generate peptides. In this study, we evaluated the bioactivities of CPH on dextran sulfate solution (DSS)‐induced colitis in mice. The findings demonstrated that CPH supplementation improved body weight, food and water intake, and colon length. The therapeutic efficacy and immunoregulatory effect of CPH were further determined. Our results exhibited that CPH treatment significantly ameliorated pathological symptoms by enhancing intestinal integrity, mucin production, and goblet cell count. Moreover, the immunoregulatory effect of CPH on mRNA expression levels of different pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokines was determined. Results exhibited a decrease in the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti‐inflammatory cytokines in the colon. Additionally, the CPH administration modulates the nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) pathway, preventing DNA damage and cell death. Assays for apoptosis and DNA damage revealed that CPH reduced oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis. These findings highlight the immunomodulatory and treatment amelioration effect of CPH in reducing the severity of colitis.
PSAP‐Genomic‐Regions: A Method Leveraging Population Data to Prioritize Coding and Non‐Coding Variants in Whole Genome Sequencing for Rare Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Ogloblinsky Marie‐Sophie C. , Bocher Ozvan , Aloui Chaker , Leutenegger Anne‐Louise , Ozisik Ozan , Baudot Anaïs , Tournier‐Lasserve Elisabeth , Castillo‐Madeen Helen , Lewinsohn Daniel , Conrad Donald F. , Génin Emmanuelle , Marenne Gaëlle
Published: September 2024

The introduction of Next‐Generation Sequencing technologies in the clinics has improved rare disease diagnosis. Nonetheless, for very heterogeneous or very rare diseases, more than half of cases still lack molecular diagnosis. Novel strategies are needed to prioritize variants within a single individual. The Population Sampling Probability (PSAP) method was developed to meet this aim but only for coding variants in exome data. Here, we propose an extension of the PSAP method to the non‐coding genome called PSAP‐genomic‐regions. In this extension, instead of considering genes as testing units (PSAP‐genes strategy), we use genomic regions defined over the whole genome that pinpoint potential functional constraints. We conceived an evaluation protocol for our method using artificially generated disease exomes and genomes, by inserting coding and non‐coding pathogenic ClinVar variants in large data sets of exomes and genomes from the general population. PSAP‐genomic‐regions significantly improves the ranking of these variants compared to using a pathogenicity score alone. Using PSAP‐genomic‐regions, more than 50% of non‐coding ClinVar variants were among the top 10 variants of the genome. On real sequencing data from six patients with Cerebral Small Vessel Disease and nine patients with male infertility, all causal variants were ranked in the top 100 variants with PSAP‐genomic‐regions. By revisiting the testing units used in the PSAP method to include non‐coding variants, we have developed PSAP‐genomic‐regions, an efficient whole‐genome prioritization tool which offers promising results for the diagnosis of unresolved rare diseases.
Interference inhibition of multimodal information in digital interfaces and its rule of cognitive processing
Authors: Shao Junkai , Tang Wenzhe , Ji Jing , Xue Chengqi , Lu Feng
Published: September 2024

In the digital interface of multimodal audio–visual presentation, the appearance of irrelevant information often brings cognitive interference or even confusion, leading to decision‐making errors when users focus on or manipulate the interface target. However, few studies have explored the brain's inhibition effect and cognitive law evoked by audio–visual interference from the perspective of interface information design. On the basis of Stroop's classic interference task, an experimental paradigm of multimodal audio–visual stimuli to induce event‐related potential (ERP) components was designed for digital interfaces in this study. Combining behavioral measurement and ERP technology, this study discussed the differences in the induced inhibition effects between the two carriers under various audio–visual interferences. The findings demonstrated that all five interference stimuli, based on functional icons and Chinese characters, elicited significant N250 and N400, with a similar time course. Compared with the Chinese character group, the functional icon group elicited more negative activity in the frontal and some parietal‐occipital regions, indicating that the functional icon required more cognitive inhibitory resources to resist interference stimuli. Moreover, the inhibition effect induced by audio–visual interference with the same semantics was significantly lower than that of opposite semantics and even lower than that of single‐sensory interference. The findings offered physiological evidence for the inhibition effect induced by audio–visual semantic interference in digital interfaces and proposed design principles for the interface information of human–machine systems.
Proteomic exploration of potential blood biomarkers in haemophilic arthropathy
Authors: Kalebota Nataša , Novak Ruđer , Hrkač Stela , Perić Porin , Salai Grgur , Močibob Marko , Pranjić Marija , Zdráhal Zbyněk , Pustka Václav , Žerjavić Nadica Laktašić , Milošević Milan , Vodanović Marijo , Šalek Silva Zupančić , Grgurević Lovorka
Published: September 2024

Background and Aims

The pathophysiology of haemophilic arthropathy (HA) is complex and largely undefined. Proteomic analyses provide insights into the intricate mechanisms of the HA.

Our study aimed to identify differentially expressed proteins in relation to the severity of HA, explore their pathophysiological roles, and evaluate their potential as HA biomarkers.

Methods

Our cross‐sectional observational study encompassed 30 HA patients and 15 healthy subjects. Plasma samples were pooled into three groups of 15 samples from those with severe haemophilic arthropathy (sHA), mild haemophilic arthropathy (mHA) and healthy controls. Proteomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. The severity of HA was assessed using the World Federation of Haemophilia Physical Examination Score and ultrasonography following the Haemophilia Early Arthropathy Detection with Ultrasound (HEAD‐US) guidelines.

Results

A total of 788 proteins were identified, with 97% of the uniquely identified proteins being expressed in all analysed groups. We identified several up and downregulated proteins across the groups that were mainly related to inflammatory and immunity‐modulating processes, as well as joint degeneration. We highlighted ten proteins relevant for the development of HA: cathepsin G, endoplasmic reticulum aminopeptidase 2, S100‐A9, insulin‐like growth factor I, apolipoprotein (a), osteopontin, pregnancy zone protein, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, CD44, and cadherin‐related family member 2.

Conclusion

Our analysis identified several proteins that shed further light on the distinctive pathogenesis of HA and could serve for biomarker research. However, these results need to be validated on a larger patient group.
Nusselt number and skin‐friction coefficients of a micropolar flow over a flat plate under constant wall temperature conditions in a porous medium
Authors: Maaitah Hussein , Quran Omar , Elayyan Mutaz , Mustafa Mohamad Y. , Duwairi Hamzeh M.
Published: September 2024

This study examines the forced convection of a micropolar fluid (MPF) flow across a vertical permeable plate inside a porous medium. A similar solution is derived for a scenario involving a constant surface temperature. The system of transformed governing equations is addressed by employing a finite‐difference method. Notably, a parametric analysis is conducted to demonstrate how the Prandtl number, micropolar parameters, Darcy number, inertia coefficient (ξ), skin friction (Cf), and Nusselt number (Nu) impact the system. The results are then presented graphically, while the physical aspects of the issue are assessed. Although a larger Nu produced a high wall heat transfer, the Cf values are decreased as ξ increases. The ξ also reduces the local Nu. Compared with Newtonian fluids, the MPF increases Cf and reduces the heat transfer rate. The outcomes are validated by comparing the current results with other related studies. The results of this study are useful for improving the efficiency of solar panels by enhancing their cooling rate. It is also found that increasing the inertia of MPF leads to an increase in the friction coefficient (Cf) while increasing porosity, microrotation parameter n and Fs decreases (Cf).
Effects of water quality and nitrogen on wheat productivity: Experimental and modelling study using the SALTMED model
Authors: Chauhdary Junaid Nawaz , Li Hong , Ragab Ragab , Hussain Zawar , Akhlaq Muhammad , Lakhiar Imran Ali
Published: September 2024

The effects of different water qualities and nitrogen doses need to be investigated for wheat growth to determine the optimal management strategy for sustaining wheat production potential to ensure human food security. Therefore, a 2‐year study (2020–2021 to 2021–2022) was conducted on wheat irrigated with different water qualities, including canal water (Ca), tubewell water (Tu) and mixed Ca‐Tu water (Mx), each fertilized with two nitrogen doses, that is, N75 = 75 kgN.ha−1 and N100 = 100 kgN.ha−1. Ca⨯N100 performed best, with 5.12 t.ha−1 grain yield, 11.60 t.ha−1 biomass, 102.83 cm plant height and 1.32 kg.m−3 water productivity. The best values of the root mean square error (RMSE), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), coefficient of determination (R2) and coefficient of residual mass (CRM) were 0.11, 0.12, 0.93 and −0.004, respectively, for calibration and 0.13, 0.15, 0.87 and ±0.01, respectively, for validation of the SALTMED model. The scenario simulation was performed for additional levels of water salinity (electrical conductivity [EC] = 8 and 12 dS.m−1) and nitrogen doses (50, 125, 150 and 175 kgN.ha−1). The results revealed improvements in wheat grain yield of 107%, 16% and −6% at EC = 8 dS.m−1 and 125%, 31% and 5% at EC = 12 dS.m−1, while the improvements in biomass were 113%, 22% and −2% at EC = 8 dS.m−1 and 137%, 29% and 8% at EC = 12 dS.m−1 with increasing nitrogen doses from 50–125 kg.ha−1, 125–150 kg.ha−1 and 150–175 kg.ha−1, respectively. It is recommended that high‐quality water with the lowest possible EC and nitrogen applications of up to 150 kgN.ha−1 be adopted for wheat production in semi‐arid areas of Punjab, Pakistan.
An inherited TBX3 alteration in a prenatal case of ulnar‐mammary syndrome: Clinical assessment and functional characterization in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Bottillo Irene , D'Alessandro Andrea , Ciccone Maria Pia , Cestra Gianluca , Di Giacomo Gianluca , Silvestri Evelina , Castori Marco , Brancati Francesco , Lenzi Andrea , Paiardini Alessandro , Majore Silvia , Cenci Giovanni , Grammatico Paola
Published: September 2024

Ulnar mammary syndrome (UMS) results from heterozygous variants in the TBX3 gene and impacts limb, tooth, hair, apocrine gland, and genitalia development. The expressivity of UMS is highly variable with no established genotype–phenotype correlations. TBX3 belongs to the Tbx gene family, which encodes transcription factors characterized by the presence of a T‐box DNA‐binding domain. We describe a fetus exhibiting severe upper limb defects and harboring the novel TBX3:c.400 C > T (p.P134S) variant inherited from the mother who remained clinically misdiagnosed until prenatal diagnosis. Literature revision was conducted to uncover the TBX3 clinical and mutational spectrum. Moreover, we generated a Drosophila humanized model for TBX3 to study the developmental consequences of the p.P134S as well as of other variants targeting different regions of the protein.

Phenotypic analysis in flies, coupled with in silico modeling on the TBX3 variants, suggested that the c.400 C > T is UMS‐causing and impacts TBX3 localization. Comparative analyses of the fly phenotypes caused by the expression of all variants, demonstrated that missense changes in the T‐box domain affect more significantly TBX3 activity than variants outside this domain. To improve the clinicians' recognition of UMS, we estimated the frequency of the main clinical features of the disease. Core features often present pre‐pubertally include defects of the ulna and/or of ulnar ray, hypoplastic nipples and/or areolas and, less frequently, genitalia anomalies in young males. These results enhance our understanding of the molecular basis and the clinical spectrum of UMS, shedding light on the functional consequences of TBX3 variants in a developmental context.
CCDC158: A novel regulator in renal proximal tubular endocytosis unveiled through exome sequencing and interactome analysis
Authors: Bondue Tjessa , Cervellini Francesca , Smeets Bart , Strelkov Sergei V. , Horuz‐Engels Flore , Veys Koenraad , Vargas‐Poussou Rosa , Matteis Maria Antonietta De , Staiano Leopoldo , van den Heuvel Lambertus , Levtchenko Elena
Published: September 2024

Renal proximal tubular reabsorption of proteins and polypeptides is tightly regulated by a concerted action of the multi‐ligand receptors with subsequent processing from the clathrin‐coated pits to early/recycling and late endosomes and towards lysosomes. We performed whole exome‐sequencing in a male patient from a consanguineous family, who presented with low‐ and intermediate molecular weight proteinuria, nephrocalcinosis and oligospermia. We identified a new potential player in tubular endocytosis, coiled‐coil domain containing 158 (CCDC158). The variant in CCDC158 segregated with the phenotype and was also detected in a female sibling with a similar clinical kidney phenotype. We demonstrated the expression of this protein in kidney tubules and modeled its structure in silico. We hypothesized that the protein played a role in the tubular endocytosis by interacting with other endocytosis regulators, and used mass spectrometry to identify potential interactors. The role of CCDC158 in receptor‐mediated endocytosis was further confirmed by transferrin and GST‐RAP trafficking analyses in patient‐derived proximal tubular epithelial cells. Finally, as CCDC158 is known to be expressed in the testis, the presence of oligospermia in the male sibling further substantiated the pathogenic role of the detected missense variant in the observed phenotype. In this study, we provide data that demonstrate the potential role of CCDC158 in receptor‐mediated endocytosis, most likely by interaction with other endocytosis‐related proteins that strongly correlate with the proximal tubular dysfunction phenotype as observed in the patients. However, more studies are needed to fully unravel the molecular mechanism(s) in which CCDC158 is involved.
Detection of Bartonella henselae in feline erythrocytes in Egypt by using Giemsa staining, transmission electron microscopy, and polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Alsaadawy Reem M. , Sayed Amal S. M. , Ali Magda M. , Abd‐Elghaffar Sary Kh.
Published: September 2024

Bartonella species (Bartonella spp.) have gained recognition as a significant human pathogen, implicated in a wide range of diseases. Among these, Bartonella henselae infection has been extensively studied for its primary occurrence in cats and its role in the development of cat‐scratch disease in humans. While light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) have traditionally played crucial roles in identifying causative agents of infectious diseases, including Bartonella spp., the accuracy of these methods in identifying Bartonella spp. remains undefined. Therefore, this study aims to bridge this gap by employing both light microscopy and TEM to detect Bartonella in feline blood samples and to confirm B. henselae with polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Examination of blood smears stained with Giemsa and toluidine blue semithin sections by using light microscopy revealed the presence of intraerythrocytic corpuscles, suggesting Bartonella infection in six out of 33 examined cat blood samples. TEM findings corroborated these observations, showcasing the engulfment of bacteria by the erythrocyte membrane, along with the presence of some Bartonella spp., adhering to the erythrocyte wall. PCR‐based molecular detection confirmed the presence of B. henselae in these six samples. It is concluded that light microscopy and TEM are considered valuable in the screening of cats' blood for the potential presence of Bartonella. However, further molecular techniques are essential for precise identification and confirmation of specific Bartonella spp.

Research Highlights

Giemsa‐stained blood smear and semithin section showed potential intraerythrocytic Bartonella spp. corpuscles.

TEM demonstrated the engulfment of Bartonella spp. by the erythrocyte membrane, along with the presence of some Bartonella spp. adhering to the erythrocyte wall.

Molecular analysis of blood samples from cats by PCR unveiled that six out of 33 (18.18%) samples tested positive for B. henselae infection.
Biofabrication of GO–Ag nanocomposite using Cucumis callosus (kachri) fruits: Enhanced antibacterial properties and green synthesis approach
Authors: Mamata  , Kumar Chandra , Tiwari Vishvanath , Ţălu Ştefan , Awasthi Kamlendra , Dutta Anirban
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel, environmentally sustainable method for the synthesis of graphene oxide (GO) sheets decorated uniformly with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) ranging in size from 4 to 34 nm. The reduction of AgNO3 is achieved using an extract derived from Cucumis callosus fruit, which serves as a dual‐function stabilizing and reducing agent. Cucumis callosus, belonging to the Cucurbitaceae family and native to regions such as India, South America, Thailand, Africa, and Egypt, is recognized for its substantial nutritional and medicinal value, encompassing antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, we explore the utilization of Cucumis callosus extract for the first time in synthesizing Ag NPs, employing a green synthesis approach to produce GO–Ag nanocomposites. Comprehensive characterization techniques confirm the structural integrity and quality of the synthesized nanocomposites. The antibacterial efficacy of the green‐synthesized Ag‐decorated GO nanocomposites was evaluated using the disk diffusion method against Bacillus subtilis (Gram‐positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram‐negative) bacteria at varying dosages. The nanocomposites demonstrated dose‐dependent antibacterial activity against both bacterial strains, with a notably heightened effect observed against Gram‐negative bacteria. These findings underscore the potential of Cucumis callosus as a promising candidate for the sustainable preparation of GO–Ag nanocomposites with enhanced antibacterial properties, suitable for various biomedical and environmental applications.

Research Highlights

This work presents a simple, environmentally free, and cost‐effective green synthesis method to decorate uniformly small (4–34 nm) spherical Ag NPs on the GO sheets.

Ag NPs were produced by reducing AgNO3 using Cucumis callosus fruit extract as a stabilizing and reducing agent.

The nanocomposites show dosage‐dependent antibacterial activities against both Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria, but the antibacterial effect is higher against the Gram‐negative bacteria.

Synthesis of these nanocomposites via the green route using an herbal plant/fruit like Cucumis callosus will benefit the medical industry.
Benchmarking transcriptome deconvolution methods for estimating tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific extracellular vesicle abundances
Authors: Larsen Jannik Hjortshøj , Jensen Iben Skov , Svenningsen Per
Published: September 2024

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) contain cell‐derived lipids, proteins and RNAs; however, determining the tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific EV abundances in body fluids remains a significant hurdle for our understanding of EV biology. While tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific EV abundances can be estimated by matching the EV's transcriptome to a tissue's/cell type's expression signature using deconvolutional methods, a comparative assessment of deconvolution methods' performance on EV transcriptome data is currently lacking. We benchmarked 11 deconvolution methods using data from four cell lines and their EVs, in silico mixtures, 118 human plasma and 88 urine EVs. We identified deconvolution methods that estimated cell type‐specific abundances of pure and in silico mixed cell line‐derived EV samples with high accuracy. Using data from two urine EV cohorts with different EV isolation procedures, four deconvolution methods produced highly similar results. The three methods were also concordant in their tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific plasma EV abundance estimates. We identified driving factors for deconvolution accuracy and highlighted the importance of implementing biological knowledge in creating the tissue/cell type signature. Overall, our analyses demonstrate that the deconvolution algorithms DWLS and CIBERSORTx produce highly similar and accurate estimates of tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific EV abundances in biological fluids.
Early Oxidative Stress May Prevent a Red Ornament From Signaling Longevity
Authors: Romero‐Haro A. A. , Cantarero A. , Alonso‐Alvarez C.
Published: September 2024

Harsh early environmental conditions can exert delayed, long‐lasting effects on phenotypes, including reproductive traits such as sexual signals. Indeed, adverse early conditions can accelerate development, increasing oxidative stress that may, in turn, impact adult sexual signals. Among signals, colorations produced by red ketocarotenoids seem to depend on mitochondrial functioning. Hence, they could reveal individual cell respiration efficiency. It has been hypothesized that these traits are unfalsifiable “index” signals of condition due to their deep connection to individual metabolism. Since mitochondrial dysfunction is frequently linked to aging, red ketocarotenoid‐based ornaments could also be good signals of a critical fitness component: longevity. We tested this red color per longevity correlation in captive zebra finches. In addition, we experimentally decreased the synthesis of glutathione (a critical intracellular antioxidant) during the first days of the birds' life to resemble harsh early environmental conditions (e.g., undernutrition). Longevity was recorded until the death of the last bird (almost 9 years). Males, but not females, exhibiting a redder bill in early adulthood lived longer than males with paler bills, which agrees with some precedent studies. However, such bill redness—longevity connection was absent among males with inhibited glutathione synthesis. These findings may suggest that environmental factors can alter the reliability of red ketocarotenoid‐based sexual signals, making them less unfalsifiable than believed.
Protein‐added kefir: biochemical changes in in vitro digestion stages
Authors: Saygili Derya , Karagozlu Cem
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

While yogurt is the leading fermented milk product, kefir is at the top of the beverage scale. Milk proteins, on the other hand, show specific functions that positively affect healthy nutrition due to the bioactive components, that they provide the necessary amino acids for growth and development.

RESULTS

In our study, kefir, a functional product enriched with whey proteins, casein and skimmed milk powder, which are the natural components of milk, was produced. Added‐protein kefir samples were applied the in vitro digestion protocol, static method. In order to observe different protein behaviors, samples were taken pre‐digestion, at 120th minute and at 240th minute of digestion protocol. ACE and Antioxidant capacity determination analyzes were carried out. While ACE inhibition values were in the range of 78.63–90.30% pre‐digestion, they changed in the range of 86.97–96.38% after gastrointestinal digestion. It was determined that the ACE inhibition values of the control sample remained at the lowest level at all stages of digestion and that the difference between all of samples was significant (P < 0.05). Antioxidant activity value ranging from 0.3615–0.5512 meq Ascorbic acid/μg before digestion was determined as 1.3796–1.9313 meq Ascorbic acid/μg after gastrointestinal digestion (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Kefir samples containing whey protein stand out with their high potential in terms of both antioxidant activity capacity and ACE inhibition activity at all stages of digestion. Considering their therapeutic effects in fermented products, it is thought that whey proteins among milk proteins will be important alternative sources to enrich the protein content in kefir production. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Characterization of a Soft Ionization by Chemical Reaction in Transfer Ion Source Hyphenated With Supercritical Fluid Chromatography‐Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Bhakta Niray , Kaplitz Alexander S. , Black Destini , Schug Kevin A.
Published: September 2024

A commercially available dielectric barrier discharge ionization (DBDI) source was tested with supercritical fluid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (SFC‐MS). The compound mixture investigated comprised caffeine, theobromine, theophylline, uracil, testosterone, and pyrene, diluted in methanol. Dynamic response ranges were evaluated with multiple injections at different concentrations. Precision studies demonstrated the robustness and sensitivity of the ionization source across a concentration range of 10–1000 ng/mL. Results from this experiment showed linear regression of 0.99 or greater for all analytes tested over the range with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of less than 10% down to 10 ng/mL for all analytes except theobromine, which had an RSD of less than 10% down to 25 ng/mL. Notably, this study marks the first investigation of sensitivity for coupling a commercial DBDI source with SFC; a limit of detection less than 1 ng/mL was achieved for all compounds. This study demonstrates chromatographic separation by SFC and MS analysis for compounds that ionize poorly using traditional atmospheric pressure ionization, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Combining SFC with the DBDI source opens promising avenues for analyzing compounds that were previously challenging to characterize with standard atmospheric pressure ionization techniques.
Responding to Hitch in Fighting Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Through Arginine Multi Functionalized Mucoadhesive SNEDDS of Rifampicin
Authors: Saeed Sana , Farooq Muhammad , Arshad Rabia , Adnan Sherjeel , Ahmad Hammad , Masood Zeeshan , Malik Abdul , Saeed Ayesha , Tabish Tanveer A
Published: September 2024

The study aimed to develop thiolated pluronic‐based self‐emulsifying drug delivery system (SNEDDS) targeted delivery of Rifampicin coated by arginine for enhanced drug loading, mucoadhesion, muco penetration, site‐specific delivery, stabilized delivery against intracellular mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), decreased bacterial burden and production by intracellular targeting. Oleic oil, PEG 200 and Tween 80 are selected as oil, co‐surfactant and surfactant based on solubilizing capacity and pseudo ternary diagram region. Coating of thiolated polymer on SNEDDS with ligand arginine (Arg‐Th‐F407 SNEDDDS) decreased bacterial burden and production by intracellular targeting in macrophages. Formulation are evaluated through scanning electron microscope (SEM), EDAX analysis, diffraction laser scattering (DLS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermal analysis (DSC & TGA). Hydrodynamic diameter of thiolated polymeric SNEDDS (Th‐F407 SNEDDS) and Arg‐Th‐F407 SNEDDS is observed to be 148.4 and 188.5 nm with low PDI of 0.4 and 0.3, respectively. Invitro drug release study from Arg‐Th‐F407 SNEDDS indicates 80% sustained release in 72 h under controlled conditions. Arg‐Th‐F407 SNEDDDS shows excellent capability of killing M.tb strains in macrophages even at low dose as compared to traditional rifampicin (RIF) and is found biocompatible, non‐cytotoxic, and hemocompatible. Therefore, Arg‐Th‐F407 SNEDDDS of RIF proved ideal for targeting and treating M.tb strains within macrophages.
Effect of argon on classification and identification of organics based on laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Li Yeqiu , Zhao Jingyi , Cai Mingyang , Duan Hao , Li Qian , Dai Qin , Wu Rina
Published: September 2024

Organic matter is the material basis of life, which is widely present in people's products and lives. The rapid and accurate detection of organic matter can be applied to the identification of fake and inferior products, the traceability of the origin of agricultural products, and the early warning of explosives in antiterrorism. By combining laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with argon, the spectral characteristics of five common organic compounds (nitroglycerin, metronidazole, polyformaldehyde, polypropylene, and phenolic resin), the plasma lifetime, the parameters of plasma thermodynamic state, and the distribution of three existing forms of the element C in two gas environments were compared, the influence of argon on organic LIBS results and the reasons for its enhancement were analyzed. The results indicate that argon makes the atomization of carbon chain structures in organic matter more complete, and reduce the interference of the element N in air on the organic LIBS results to a certain extent. The intensity differences of different organic substances are more obvious. support vector machine optimized by principal component analysis and particle swam optimization algorithm was used to classify five kinds of organic matter. The prediction accuracy of classification in air is 94.4%, and it improves to 100% in argon. This result provides a powerful method for high‐precision, real‐time in‐situ, and rapid identification of organic substances, which has important scientific significance for the study of organic substances LIBS.
‘We are working in specialty units’—An exploratory qualitative study
Authors: Rangwaneni Mphedziseni Esther , Raliphaswa Ndidzulafhi Selina , Maluleke Mary , Letlalo Vusiwana Patricia , Masutha Thingahangwi Cecilia , Manyuma Duppy , Makhado Langanani , Rikhotso Tinyiko Nelly
Published: September 2024

Aim

To explore related support needs of general nurses in specialty mental health units and provide references for formulating a model to support this population working in mental health care units.

Design

An exploratory qualitative design.

Method

In‐depth individual unstructured interviews were performed with 15 general nurses who worked in mental health care units and were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through in‐depth, individual, unstructured interviews. Data were analysed thematically using Tech's eight‐step analysis method.

Results

Two themes with their subthemes were extracted. The two themes included (a) Needs for professional growth and (b) the Need for emotional support.

Conclusion

Influenced by many factors, general nurses could not perform some nursing activities in mental health care units. Health managers should plan the training program to empower and provide emotional support to the general nurses in mental health care units. Further research is required to develop a model to facilitate the support of general nurses allocated to these units.

Reporting Method

This study follows the consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research.

Public Contribution

A total of 15 general nurses participated in the study. We utilized their lunch time to conduct the interviews, significantly contributing to the article's content.
Impact of Ligand Design on an Iron NHC Epoxidation Catalyst
Authors: Schlachta Tim P. , Zámbó Greta G. , Sauer Michael J. , Rüter Isabelle , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: September 2024

An open‐chain iron pyridine‐NHC framework is expanded utilizing a benzimidazole moiety to deepen the understanding of the impact of electronic variations on iron NHC epoxidation catalysts, especially regarding the stability. The thereby newly obtained iron(II) NHC complex is characterized and employed in olefin epoxidation. It is remarkably temperature tolerant and achieves a TOF of ca. 10 000 h−1 and TON of ca. 700 at 60 °C in the presence of the Lewis acid Sc(OTf)3, displaying equal stability, but lower activity than the unmodified iron pyridine‐NHC (pre‐)catalyst. In addition, a synthetic approach towards another ligand containing 2‐imidazoline units is described but formylation as well as hydrolysis hamper its successful synthesis.
Development of a Proteomic Workflow for the Identification of Heparan Sulphate Proteoglycan‐Binding Substrates of ADAM17
Authors: Calligaris Matteo , Spanò Donatella Pia , Puccio Maria Chiara , Müller Stephan A. , Bonelli Simone , Lo Pinto Margot , Zito Giovanni , Blobel Carl P. , Lichtenthaler Stefan F. , Troeberg Linda , Scilabra Simone Dario
Published: September 2024

Ectodomain shedding, which is the proteolytic release of transmembrane proteins from the cell surface, is crucial for cell‐to‐cell communication and other biological processes. The metalloproteinase ADAM17 mediates ectodomain shedding of over 50 transmembrane proteins ranging from cytokines and growth factors, such as TNF and EGFR ligands, to signalling receptors and adhesion molecules. Yet, the ADAM17 sheddome is only partly defined and biological functions of the protease have not been fully characterized. Some ADAM17 substrates (e.g., HB‐EGF) are known to bind to heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPG), and we hypothesised that such substrates would be under‐represented in traditional secretome analyses, due to their binding to cell surface or pericellular HSPGs. Thus, to identify novel HSPG‐binding ADAM17 substrates, we developed a proteomic workflow that involves addition of heparin to solubilize HSPG‐binding proteins from the cell layer, thereby allowing their mass spectrometry detection by heparin‐treated secretome (HEP‐SEC) analysis. Applying this methodology to murine embryonic fibroblasts stimulated with an ADAM17 activator enabled us to identify 47 transmembrane proteins that were shed in response to ADAM17 activation. This included known HSPG‐binding ADAM17 substrates (i.e., HB‐EGF, CX3CL1) and 14 novel HSPG‐binding putative ADAM17 substrates. Two of these, MHC‐I and IL1RL1, were validated as ADAM17 substrates by immunoblotting.
Sorption of non‐ferrous metal ions from aqueous solutions by polymer compositions based on polyacrylic acid and bentonite clay
Authors: Makhkamov Muzaffar , Mirzakulov Umid , Xidirova Mavluda , Abdugapporova Gulchekhrakhon
Published: September 2024

Composite hydrogels (CH) were obtained by copolymerization of acrylic acid with N,N‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide in the suspension of bentonite clay (BC) by the method “in situ.” At this CH of cross‐linking structure was formed in which, in the space between parts of polymer hydrogels (PH) on the base of polyacrylic acid (PAAc), were introduced particles of mineral. The morphology and structure of CH have been investigated by scanning electron microscopy, which has shown that particles of BC are distributed throughout the whole volume of the composite. The sorption of Cu2+, Ni2+, and Cr3+ ions from aqueous solutions of their salts by sorbents using the spectrophotometric method was studied. It has been determined that the introduction of BC particles into the composition of PH leads to a noticeable increase in their sorption capacity. Determination of the elemental analysis of the composition of sorbents after sorption by X‐ray fluorescence analysis showed that the sorption of non‐ferrous metal ions increases in the row Cr3+ < Ni2+ < Cu2+.
Controlled Etching of Gold Nanorods Within Mesoporous Silica Shells at Mild Conditions
Authors: Wang Kun‐Peng , Deng Tian‐Song , Zhang Er‐Ji , Gao Jia‐Fei , Liu Jie
Published: September 2024

Surface plasmon resonance of precious metal gold nanorods can be tuned by controlling the aspect ratio, and they find widespread applications in biotechnology, imaging, sensing, optoelectronics, photonics, and catalysis. Here, a method is proposed for the controlled etching of gold nanorods within mesoporous silica shells by using a certain concentration of H2O2 at room temperature. In the experiments, the amount of HCl is varied to adjust the acidity and/or change the amount of H2O2 to control the speed of corrosion, achieving controllable adjustment of the aspect ratio of the gold nanorods. The extinction spectra show that under the action of H2O2 and HCl, the longitudinal plasmonic resonance of the gold nanorods shifted to shorter wavelengths, and the intensity of the longitudinal plasmonic resonance decreased. The more hydrochloric acid or hydrogen peroxide added, the faster the corrosion rate of the gold nanorods, and the faster the blue shift of the longitudinal plasmonic resonance. In addition, the intensity of the extinction spectra at 320 nm increased linearly versus time, which can also be used to monitor the etching process. By corroding gold nanorods to control the plasmonic resonances, gold nanorods can find broader applications.
Suspected Case of Persistent Thiamin Deficiency in a Hand‐Reared Caribou Calf
Authors: Denryter Kristin , Beckmen Kimberlee B.
Published: September 2024

Hand‐reared animals are invaluable and irreplaceable in studies of wildlife nutrition. Hand‐rearing protocols provide insights into dietary and training programs, but less information is available on disease management. In young ruminants, thiamin (Vitamin B1) deficiency is a particularly important disease that is treatable early in the disease process, but otherwise can be fatal. In this husbandry report, we describe a case of suspected thiamin deficiency in a hand‐reared calf (Rangifer tarandus granti) that resulted in clinical signs of polioencephalomalacia and persisted for > 3 months. We attempted treatment with thiamin injections; injections resolved clinical signs of disease, but clinical signs of disease returned once injections stopped. After > 2 months of thiamin injections, the caribou calf received a rumen transfaunation from a fistulated moose (Alces alces) housed at the same facility. Following rumen transfaunation, we did not observe signs of thiamin deficiency. The calf outgrew other females in the cohort initially and shows no long‐term effects of thiamin deficiency or polioencephalomalacia. We recommend rumen transfaunation when thiamin deficiency is suspected and does not resolve with thiamin injections alone. We also recommend heterospecific donors if conspecific donors are not available.
Mozambique
Authors: Nuvunga Adriano , Collet Angela , Sinoia Dimas
Published: September 2024

The chapter highlights areas that deserve attention to protect vulnerable citizens, including strengthening local-national mechanisms of communication/accountability and clarifying criteria used for decision-making on equitable policies. Also noted are the inappropriate use of funds, unequal fund allocation to the provinces, reduction of funds to social protection and weak inclusive governance. Good practices include the Government of Mozambique’s issue of update reports and the role assigned to the National Institute of Health, enabling greater emphasis on evidence-based/scientific data. Recommendations include a broader perspective on social protection (to help tackle gender and human rights challenges); strengthening focus on informal economy; well-coordinated intersectoral policies (considering health, food, economic, social and security ‘multiple crises’); fair/transparent prioritization criteria for vaccination; policy strategies to guarantee that social protection benefits reach most vulnerable groups and ensuring that COVID-19 response invested resources contribute to poverty alleviation/inclusive growth; and compiling report of all measures implemented (governmental and non-governmental).
A Comprehensive Model for Patient Participation
Authors: Bårdsgjerde Elise Kvalsund , Kvangarsnes Marit , Landstad Bodil J. , Hole Torstein , Nylenna Magne
Published: September 2024

Patient participation is legislated for internationally and leads to improved patient satisfaction, quality in health services, trust in health professionals, and self-management of disease. Patient participation involves health personnel sharing power, thus empowering the patient. To involve and empower patients is important for achieving several Sustainable Development Goals: Good health and well-being (3) and Reduced equality (10). Patient participation is complex, and the aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive model to understand and improve patient participation in health services and research. Based on 27 qualitative primary studies about patient participation in non-communicable diseases analysed by meta-ethnography, four themes were defined: frame factors, interactions, level of involvement, and clinical context. Including frame factors adds a new dimension to the understanding of patient participation. Frame factors have been underestimated and frame factor theory may be useful to understand and reveal the complexity of patient participation in clinical practice and research.
Using Qualitative Design to Study Health Literacy
Authors: Landstad Bodil J. , Kvangarsnes Marit
Published: September 2024

Health literacy is critical for mobilising human and societal capital for patients, users, health professionals, organisations, and political bodies. Health reforms and changes in health services require continuous research into how health professionals and organisations can strengthen users’ health literacy and sustainable health services. We present qualitative designs which are appropriate for gaining knowledge to strengthen health literacy and to reach the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG 3) which deals with good health and well-being.
Evaluating Public Research and Innovation Policies: A Short History of Co-evolution
Authors: Bührer Susanne , Edler Jakob , Kuhlmann Stefan , Seus Sarah
Published: September 2024

In this article, we present the mutually development of R&I policies and R&I policy evaluation with a specific focus on Germany and the EU. We show that there has been considerable development in the field of R&I policy evaluation over the past decades, in terms of underlying theories, methodological approaches and the emergence of an R&I evaluation community. The field of R&I policy evaluation has naturally interacted and grown in parallel with the changes in R&I policy and practice as well as scientific advances. In line with the actual claims of R&I policy to support transformation, R&I policy evaluation has engaged in a debate around more responsible and inclusive evaluation procedures. The discussion about “responsible metrics” and societal stakeholder engagement in evaluation studies are examples of it. Our overview of evaluation practice has shown that the R&I policy evaluation community need continuous, in-built critical reflection on the (incessantly changing) role of evaluation in R&I policy.
Discrete dynamics and supergeometry
Authors: Chatterjee Subhobrata , Waldron Andrew , Yetişmişoğlu Cem
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We formulate a geometric measurement theory of dynamical classical systems possessing both continuous and discrete degrees of freedom. The approach is covariant with respect to choices of clocks and naturally incorporates laboratories. The latter are embedded symplectic submanifolds of an odd-dimensional symplectic structure. When suitably defined, symplectic geometry in odd dimensions is exactly the structure needed for covariance. A fundamentally probabilistic viewpoint allows classical supergeometries to describe discrete dynamics. We solve the problem of how to construct probabilistic measures on supermanifolds given a (possibly odd dimensional) supersymplectic structure. This relies on a superanalog of the Hodge star for differential forms and a description of probabilities by convex cones. We also show how stochastic processes such as Markov chains can be described by supergeometry.
Optimizing Gynecomastia Correction Surgery: Efficacy and Safety of Tumescent Local Anesthesia Approach
Authors: Tettamanzi Matilde , Filigheddu Edoardo , Ziani Federico , Arrica Giovanni , Trignano Claudia , Rubino Corrado , Trignano Emilio
Published: September 2024

Background

Tumescent local anesthesia (TLA) involves infusing a saline solution containing lidocaine and epinephrine into tissues to achieve localized anesthesia and vasoconstriction. While liposuction under general anesthesia remains the most used treatment, we introduce a novel TLA approach for gynecomastia surgery, drawing from our extensive experience in recent years.

Methods

Between the years 2010 and 2023, we performed gynecomastia surgery on 60 male patients under TLA. The gynecomastia was treated by liposuction plus periareolar excision technique. Liposuction was carried out on both breasts in every case, regardless of whether the gynecomastia was bilateral or unilateral. The tumescent solution consisted of 25 mL of 2% lidocaine, 8 mEq of sodium bicarbonate, and 1 mL of epinephrine (1 mg/1 mL) in 1000 mL of 0.9% saline solution. The solution was infiltrated between the pectoral fascia and the mammary gland, and then the surgery was carried out.

Results

The average volume of tumescent solution infiltrated during TLA was 300 mL per breast. There were no reports of adrenaline or lidocaine toxicity, and no cases required a conversion to general anesthesia. Patients experienced no pain or discomfort during the preoperative infiltration or surgical procedure. We observed a major postoperative complications rate of 6.7%, represented by three incident of hematoma and one case of seroma. A minor complication rate of 5% was observed: two cases of retraction of the NAC and one case of gynecomastia recurrence, the latter undergoing an additional combination procedure with liposuction and subcutaneous mastectomy. Follow-up time ranged from 30 days to 1 year.

Conclusions

We developed a new outpatient surgical method for gynecomastia using liposuction and periareolar excision under tumescent local anesthesia. This technique, supported by a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, proved a successful and quick recovery, and high patient satisfaction. Our results suggest it is a feasible and effective option, warranting further consideration in gynecomastia treatment strategies.

Level of Evidence IV

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