bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optical properties of Mg-implanted GaN grown on free-standing substrates
Authors: Wu Wenxuan , Pan Yangye , Gao Xiaodong , Wang Xiaodan , Wei Sida , Sun Jiahao , Zeng Xionghui , Zheng Shunan , Xu Ke
Published: January 2025

In this work, unintentionally doped GaN thin films were successfully grown on (0001) c-, (11–20) a- and (10–10) m-plane GaN free-standing substrates using metal–organic chemical vapor deposition. Subsequently, Mg was introduced into the GaN thin films through ion implantation (I/I) to prepare Mg-doped GaN (GaN:Mg). Compared with the c-plane substrate, non-polar a- and m-plane substrates were found to effectively enhance the concentration of MgGa acceptors while reducing the concentration of nitrogen vacancy-related clusters in I/I GaN:Mg. The origins of the ultraviolet luminescence peak, green luminescence band and blue luminescence band were analyzed by photoluminescence (PL) spectra. Two acceptor energy levels of Mg in I/I GaN:Mg were calibrated by measuring low-temperature PL spectra in the range of 5 K to 50 K.
Splashing physics of springboard diving
Authors: Heck André , van Baarsen Sebas , Heinzel Jan Wilko , Mooldijk Ad , van Veen Norbert
Published: January 2025

Understanding rotational physics is often difficult due to abstract concepts like torque, angular momentum, and moments of inertia, along with the required knowledge of trigonometry and calculus. This paper presents how springboard diving and gymnastics offer real-world contexts for students to explore these topics, focusing on non-twisting somersaults in springboard diving. Video analysis, body modelling, and motion analysis are suggested as student activities to deepen their understanding of biomechanics and rotational physics, specifically in estimating body segment inertia parameters and analysing somersaults.
The quenching effect of oxygen addition on an argon capacitively coupled plasma: experimental and computational study of the argon metastable atom kinetics
Authors: Luo Lan-Yue , Donkó Zoltán , Masheyeva Ranna , Vass Máté , Li He-Ping , Hartmann Peter
Published: January 2025

The effect of oxygen admixture in an argon capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasma is investigated experimentally and computationally in a symmetrical discharge cell, at pressures

⩽

10

 Pa. In the experiments, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy is applied to monitor the densities of the Ar 1s5 (

→

772.376

nm

2p6) and 1s3 (

→

772.421

nm

2p2) metastable atoms in the plasma as a function of the oxygen content in the working gas. In order to enhance computational efficiency, the modelling is divided into two steps. First, the electron energy probability function (EEPF) is obtained from a particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulation of the Ar/O2 plasma without considering the dynamics of the excited levels of Ar atoms. As the second step, this EEPF is fed into a code that solves the balance equations of Ar atoms in numerous excited levels. These equations comprise the effects of diffusion, direct and stepwise excitation processes, stepwise and pooling ionization, as well as radiative transfer between the various Ar atomic levels, and the quenching of the excited Ar atoms by O2 molecules. Using this approach is justified by the fact that the EEPF is insensitive to the excited level dynamics at low pressures, as shown in previous studies. The measurements and simulations are found to yield consistent results, indicating the correctness of the literature values of the quenching coefficient of Ar 1s5 and 1s3 by oxygen molecules.
Strong gravitational lensing of a five-dimensional charged, equally rotating black hole with a cosmological constant
Authors: Ali Md Sabir , Kaushal Shagun , Liu Yu-Xiao
Published: January 2025

We study the lensing phenomena of the strong gravity regime of five-dimensional charged, equally rotating black holes with a cosmological constant, familiarly known as the Cveti\v c-L"u-Pope black holes. These black holes are characterized by three observable parameters, the mass $M$, the charge $Q$ and the angular momentum $J$, in addition to the cosmological constant. We investigate the strong gravitational lensing observables, mainly the photon sphere radius, the minimum impact parameter, the deflection angle, the angular size, and the magnification of the relativistic images. We model the $M87$ and $SgrA^*$ for these observables. We also focus on the relativistic time delay effect in the strong-field regime of gravity and the impact of the observable on it. The analytical expressions for the observables of the relativistic images with vanishing angular momentum ($j=0$) are discussed in some detail. We shed a light on the gravitational time delay effect by incorporating the lensing observables. The gravitational time delay has a direct consequence on the photon sphere radius and hence on the quasinormal modes.
Rotating Regular Black Holes in AdS Spacetime and its Shadow for an Arbitrary Observer
Authors: Singh Balendra Pratap , Ali Md Sabir , Ghosh Sushant G.
Published: January 2025

The photon region surrounding a black hole is crucial for distant observers to receive the emitted spectrum from its vicinity. This paper investigates the optical features of a regular spinning anti-de Sitter (AdS) black hole.These kinds of black holes hold deviation parameter $k$, and the cosmological constant $\Lambda$ including their mass $M$ and spin $a$. The cosmological parameter depends on the curvature radius by $\Lambda = -3/l^2$.We investigate the structure of geodesics for unstable circular orbits of photons as observed by an observer at specific Boyer-Lindquist coordinates($r_O,\;\vartheta_O$) in the region between outer and cosmological horizon, so-called the domain of outer communication. Our investigations include the analysis of three observables from its shadow plot: the black hole shadow radius $(R_s)$, the distortion of the black hole $(\delta_s)$, and shadow area $A$. With the help of these observables, we calculate the angular diameter of the apparent size of the shadow. The shadows cast by spinning regular spacetimes are smaller compared to those produced by rotating black holes in both general relativity and regular spacetimes. We also calculate the rate at which energy is emitted from the black hole.
Synergistic SERS effects in organic/MoS2 heterojunctions with cavity structure enabling nanoplastics screening and antibiotic adsorption behavior detection
Authors: Ma Liqi , Rahim Abdur , Lyu Baiju , Saleem Muhammad , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Mingyue , Zahid Muhammad , Liu Mei
Published: January 2025

The detection of nanoplastics (NPs) and their interactions with antibiotics is critical due to their potential environmental and health risks. Traditional detection methods are challenged by the small size and chemical similarity of NPs to microplastics. Current surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates for NP detection are limited by high cost, reliance on single enhancement modes, and insufficient sensitivity and selectivity, especially for NP-antibiotic complexes. In this study, the F/M-AAO substrate, which integrates 2,3,5,6-tetrafluorotetracyanoquinodimethane (F4TCNQ) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates, is used to enhance the detection of NPs and NP-antibiotic complexes. The conical cavity structure of the substrate facilitates the enrichment and direct detection of NPs with diameters smaller than 450 nm. The 3D F/M-AAO substrate achieved a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.73×106 ng/L for 100 nm NPs and a minimum detection concentration of 10-10 M for ciprofloxacin adsorbed on NPs (NPs-CIP). It demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and selectivity in the detection of both individual NPs and NP-antibiotic complexes. This work highlights the innovative application of the F/M-AAO substrate in the SERS detection of NPs and NP-antibiotic complexes, providing a low-cost and effective platform for monitoring emerging environmental contaminants.
Concentrated Solar Thermal-Thermoelectric generator hybrid systems: Review on the Most Recent Developed technologies
Authors: Almohamed Noorah H. , Mohammed Ali Saif W.
Published: January 2025

Solar- (Thermoelectric Generator) TEG hybrid system has recently become the most widely studied and developed system. This paper focuses on the creation of solar-TEG hybrid systems and thoroughly assesses recent developments in solar-TEG hybrid energy technology. The study investigates the integration of concentrated solar thermal systems and photovoltaic (PV) cells with thermoelectric generators (TEGs). Studies on hybrid systems integrating concentrated solar units with TEG units have demonstrated encouraging outcomes in increasing energy conversion efficiency. Furthermore, it has been noted that phase change materials (PCM) and appropriate cooling systems are crucial for optimizing the performance of concentrated solar collector (CSC)-TEG or CSC-PVT-TEG systems. The potential of concentrated solar power (CSP) technology in areas with high solar irradiation is also covered in the study, focusing on the significance of connectivity opportunities and efficient energy generation. The current study considered the most recent development in solar-TEG hybrid systems, the results highlight how important new ideas and cutting-edge technology are to expanding the field of solar energy use for sustainable energy solutions.
Eco-friendly Textile Architecture: A Review of Concepts, Terms and Sustainable Applications
Authors: Shareef Al-Azzawi Rana Alaa , Al-Alwan Hoda A. S.
Published: January 2025

Textile architecture has a long history, originating between 40.000 and 44.000 BCE. However, nowadays, it is considered a new discipline that uses fabrics, cutting-edge textiles, and textile materials to create amazing, attractive, and visually appealing lightweight, flexible, translucent structures. These structures are characterized by the innovation of textiles and advanced technologies, guaranteeing efficient functionality, aesthetics, durability, and sustainability. Some studies have focused on the structural and environmental behavior of textile structures, while other studies focused on the historical developments of these structures. However, few studies shed light on the concept of textile architecture and its related terms. Thus, this paper descriptively investigates the concept and definition of textile architecture, as well as its role as an eco-friendly and sustainable approach in the building practice that makes as little impact on the natural environment as possible.

The research concludes that the terms “textile architecture,” “fabric architecture,” or “membrane architecture” are all synonyms, whereas the first one is the most commonly used term. Concerning the words “textile” and “fabric”, these terms are also synonyms and interchangeable in the field of language (linguistics). In terminology, the term “Textile” is broader than “Fabric”, where all fabrics are part of a textile, not the reverse. Besides, the research concluded some of the main characteristics that make textile materials eco-friendly, in terms of translucency, solar reflection, thermal insulation, recyclability, and adaptation and responsiveness to the environment and cultural contexts, as well as novel technological developments related to textile structures and materials that make them more efficient, saving energy, time, costs, with less impact on the environment.
Pneumatic conveying inkjet bioprinting for the processing of living cells
Authors: Bożek Justyna , Kurchakova Olga , Michel Johanna , Groß Isabel , Gerhards Lena , Zhang Yanzhen , Brand Izabella , Bräuer Anja U
Published: January 2025

Inkjet printing techniques are often used for bioprinting purposes because of their excellent printing characteristics, such as high cell viability and low apoptotic rate, contactless modus operandi, commercial availability, and low cost. However, they face some disadvantages, such as the use of bioinks of low viscosity, cell damage due to shear stress caused by drop ejection and jetting velocity, as well as a narrow range of available bioinks that still challenge the inkjet printing technology. New technological solutions are required to overcome these obstacles. Pneumatic conveying printing, a new type of inkjet-based printing technique, was applied for the bioprinting of both acellular and cellular fibrin-hydrogel droplets. Drops of a bioink containing 6 × 106 HEK293H cells ml−1 were supplied from a sterile nozzle connected to a syringe pump and deposited on a gas stream on a fibrinogen-coated glass slide, here referred to as biopaper. Fibrinogen film is the substrate of the polymerization reaction with thrombin and Ca2+ present in the bioink. The pneumatic conveying printing technique operates on a mechanism by which drop ejection and deposition in a stream of gas occurs. The percentage of unprinted and printed dead HEK293H cells was 5 ± 2% and 7 ± 4%, respectively. Thus, compared to normal handling, pneumatic conveying printing causes only little damage to the cells. The velocity of the drop approaching the biopaper surface is below 0.2 m s−1 and does not cause any damage to the cells. The cell viability of printed cells was 93%, being an excellent value for inkjet printing technology. The HEK293H cells exhibited approximately a 24 h lag time of proliferation that was preceded by intense migration and aggregation. Control experiments proved that the cell migration and lag time were associated with the chemical nature of the fibrin hydrogel and not with cell stress.
Implementing W-Net deep learning for terahertz image enhancement and segmentation
Authors: Mondal Shyamal , Jampani Kashyap , Raj R Akshay , Chowdhury Dibakar Roy , Sethi Abhijit
Published: January 2025

Terahertz images typically suffer from poor image quality and do not allow traditional machine learning methods to detect and identify objects. In this work, an image segmentation algorithm called W-Net is deployed for the first time, to segment concealed objects from the poor-quality Terahertz image samples. This involves developing an image enhancement and segmentation system for terahertz images. The proposed system comprises of two stages: in the first stage, the resolution of low resolution THz images has been enhanced by training a U-Net deep learning model. In the latter stage, another U-Net model is trained to segment the enhanced images using corresponding masks to identify regions of interest. The proposed system is evaluated using a dataset of low-resolution terahertz images with its respective high resolution images and masks. The system performed well with an accuracy, precision, receiver operating characteristics and F1 scores of 99.1%, 0.9143, 0.9977 and 0.9146, respectively for enhancement. Moreover, values of the same evaluation metrics deduced as 99.9%, 0.9851, 0.9999 and 0.9923, respectively for segmentation. Therefore, the demonstrated scheme is expected to identify and classify objects hidden in real-time terahertz images and improve the quality of the same to enable accurate segmentation for applications like security screening, biomedical applications, quality and health monitoring in food industry, etc.
Perceptions of wildfire risk and adaptation behaviour in California
Authors: Horing Jill , Shivaram Ranjitha , Azevedo Ines M L
Published: January 2025

California wildfires have been increasing in frequency and severity. However, there is a limited understanding to date about people’s experiences with wildfire occurrences, how that experience shapes their perceptions of risk and how it affects their response in terms of actions that can reduce their household risk. In 2021, we fielded an online survey to 1,200 people living in California aimed at understanding experience, risk perceptions, and decision-making strategies related to wildfires. We find that 70% of all survey respondents participants experienced poor air quality and 39% experienced a power outage in their home. Other experiences elicited (such as experiencing a school closure, a home evacuation, or home damages) were reported by less than 1/5 of our respondents. A significant portion of our survey respondents has undertaken actions to reduce the risk from wildfire to their household by having air filters, smoke-protecting masks and using informational air quality tools, and investing in back up power. Despite low number of reported prior experiences and the low perception of likelihood for the need to evacuate, a relatively large percent of respondents has taken actions to prepare for evacuation with 41% of the respondents stating packed a “go bag”, 32% securing a place to stay in case of evacuation, 35% reported having created a defensible space, and 18% have pursued retrofits to their house. Our regressions models suggest that while the perception of risk is associated with action, other factors, such as being a homeowner or deriving livelihood off their land are much more likely to drive people to act. The results from our study suggest that while experience may lead to action, other policy interventions, such as clear communication on risks and consequences for household in high-risk areas, may be warranted to drive further action.
Right coronary ostial atresia as a cause of arrhythmia and cardiogenic shock in a young woman: a case report
Authors: Ascenti Velio , Tresoldi Silvia , Monti Caterina B , Lucreziotti Stefano , Soldi Simone , Cariati Maurizio , Carrafiello Gianpaolo
Published: January 2025

A 19-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with arrhythmia and signs of cardiogenic shock. After a 12-lead electrocardiogram ruled out acute myocardial infarction, and cardiac magnetic resonance showed no sign of cardiomyopathy, cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) was performed, displaying ostial atresia of the right coronary artery. She was thus referred to a specialist centre for congenital cardiovascular disease, where an electrophysiological study observed an arrhythmogenic focus on the posteromedial papillary muscle, which was ablated, and she has been asymptomatic since. When dealing with patients presenting with arrhythmias or cardiogenic shock, and no signs of myocardial infarction or cardiomyopathy, performing CCTA to study the anatomy of the coronary arteries is vital.
Epidemiology and Prognostic Factors Associated With Mold-Positive Blood Cultures: 10-Year Data From a French Prospective Surveillance Program (2012–2022)
Authors: Tala-Ighil Thiziri , Garcia-Hermoso Dea , Dalle Frédéric , Cassaing Sophie , Guitard Juliette , Boukris-Sitbon Karine , Obadia Thomas , Lortholary Olivier , Letscher-Bru Valérie , Ledoux Marie-Pierre , Chouaki Taïeb , Bellanger Anne Pauline , Rouges Célia , Bougnoux Marie Elisabeth , Moniot Maxime , Pihet Marc , Dubée Vincent , Gabriel Frédéric , Morio Florent , Hasseine Lilia , Bonnal Christine , Gits-Muselli Maud , Perraud-Cateau Estelle , Mahinc Caroline , Nicolas Muriel , Chachaty Elisabeth , Cordier Camille , Lachaud Laurence , Courtellemont Laura , Henry Benoït , Angebault Cécile , Gargala Gilles , Chesnay Adélaïde , Pacreau Marie Liesse , Kamus Laure , Desbois-Nogard Nicole , Demar Magalie , Epelboin Loïc , Alanio Alexandre , Dannaoui Eric , Lanternier Fanny ,   for the French Mycoses Study Group, Millon Laurence , Blot Mathieu , Vincent Laure , Le Floch Ronan , Paugam André , Botterel Francoise , Brethon Benoît , Xhaard Aliénor , Delavigne Karen , Lelièvre Lucie , Desoubeaux Guillaume
Published: January 2025

Background

While invasive fusariosis and lomentosporiosis are known to be associated with fungemia, overall data on mold-related fungemia are limited, hampering early management. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology of mold-positive blood cultures.

Methods

Epidemiological and clinical data on mold-positive blood cultures from 2012 to 2022 were obtained from the RESSIF database. Pseudofungemia was excluded using modified Duthie and Denning criteria. Univariable and multivariable Firth logistical regression was used to study factors associated with 90-day mortality.

Results

Fusarium spp accounted for 67.5% of the 80 events, involving predominantly Fusarium fujikuroi spp complex (FFSC), Neocosmospora spp, and Fusarium oxysporum spp complex (FOSC). Lomentospora prolificans was the second most frequent (10%), followed by Trichoderma spp, Aspergillus spp, and Mucorales (5% each).

Most patients had a history of hematological malignancy (HM) (70%). Forty-three percent had undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cutaneous and pulmonary lesions were common (43% each). Median time to blood culture positivity was 72 hours.

HM and neutropenia were commonly reported in patients with FFSC, Neocosmospora spp, and L. prolificans fungemia. Pulmonary lesions were frequent in cases of L. prolificans fungemia. Patients with gastrointestinal conditions were frequently diagnosed with FOSC molds. HM (75%), particularly acute myeloblastic leukemia, was frequent in patients with Aspergillus spp fungemia. All patients with Trichoderma spp fungemia were exposed to corticosteroids.

Day 90 mortality was 53%. Independent predictive factors of day 90 mortality included L. prolificans (odds ratio [OR], 33.3), Aspergillus spp fungemia (OR, 14.2), and corticosteroid exposure (OR, 7.85).

Conclusions

Underlying conditions and clinical presentation vary between genera and could be considered to guide early management.
The development and validation of a prediction model for post-AKI outcomes of pediatric inpatients
Authors: Zhang Chao , Liu Xiaohang , Yan Ruohua , Nie Xiaolu , Peng Yaguang , Zhou Nan , Peng Xiaoxia
Published: January 2025

Background

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is common in hospitalized children. A post-AKI outcomes prediction model is important for the early detection of important clinical outcomes associated with AKI so that early management of pediatric AKI patients can be initiated.

Methods

Three retrospective cohorts were set up based on two pediatric hospitals in China, in which 8205 children suffered AKI during hospitalization. Two clinical outcomes were evaluated, i.e. hospital mortality and dialysis within 28 days after AKI occurrence. A Genetic Algorithm was used for feature selection, and a Random Forest model was built to predict clinical outcomes. Subsequently, a temporal validation set and an external validation set were used to evaluate the performance of the prediction model. Finally, the stratification ability of the prediction model for the risk of mortality was compared with a commonly used mortality risk score, the pediatric critical illness score (PCIS).

Results

The prediction model performed well for the prediction of hospital mortality with an area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC) of 0.854 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.816–0.888], and the AUROC was >0.850 for both temporal and external validation. For the prediction of dialysis, the AUROC was 0.889 (95% CI 0.871–0.906). In addition, the AUROC of the prediction model for hospital mortality was superior to that of PCIS (P < .0001 in both temporal and external validation).

Conclusions

The new proposed post-AKI outcomes prediction model shows potential applicability in clinical settings.
Functional versus compositional tests in the risk assessment of the impacts of pesticides on the soil microbiome
Authors: Sweeney Christopher J , Bottoms Melanie , Kaushik Rishabh , Aderjan Eva , Sherborne Neil
Published: January 2025

The Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 216 nitrogen transformation test is used to understand the impacts of plant protection products (PPPs) on the soil microbiome. However, there is significant interest in developing the European PPP risk assessment to include new technologies such as amplicon sequencing to assess impacts on soil microbial community composition and diversity. We have little understanding of how to generate endpoints from amplicon sequencing data sets, their robustness, and whether they provide an appropriate level of protection to the soil microbiome. Our study addresses this key knowledge gap. We conducted a dose-response OECD 216 study with two chemicals, nitrapyrin and streptomycin, and calculated traditional functional endpoints, in accordance with the OECD 216 guideline, and used amplicon sequencing techniques to generate a range of endpoints based on soil bacterial diversity, richness, dissimilarity from the control, species sensitivity distributions, and threshold indicator analysis. We show it is possible to generate a range of endpoints from amplicon sequencing data sets; however, these endpoints varied significantly based on the calculation method, with up to a 101-fold difference between the least and most sensitive endpoints. Additionally, the relative sensitivity of these endpoints compared to the currently used functional OECD 216 metrics was compound dependent, with many endpoint calculation methods unable to detect the impacts of nitrapyrin on the soil microbiome at concentrations deemed ecotoxicologically relevant by OECD 216. Our study shows amplicon sequencing methods to study soil microbial ecotoxicology did not perform consistently and reliably when considering both nitrapyrin and streptomycin treatments and in many cases did not consistently provide an enhanced degree of protection over the functional OECD 216 assessments already integrated into the PPP risk assessment.
Exposome-wide association study of cognitive function in US older adults using the NHANES data
Authors: Jang Hyuna , Lee Jiyun , Nguyen Vy Kim , Shin Hyeong-Moo
Published: January 2025

Neurodegenerative diseases pose increasing challenges to global aging populations. Cognitive decline in older adults is an initial indicator of neurodegenerative diseases, yet comprehensive research on environmental chemical exposures related to cognitive decline is limited. This study uses Exposome-Wide Association Study (ExWAS) framework to investigate associations of environmental chemicals with cognitive function in individuals aged ≥60 years. We used the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) scores and chemical biomarker data of the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) spanning four cycles (1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2011-2012, 2013-2014). We conducted multiple survey-weighted regression to identify biomarkers associated with DSST scores, Bayesian weighted quantile sum regression to estimate odds ratio (OR) of cognitive decline from multiple exposures to the identified biomarkers, and correlation network analyses to examine relationships among possible important biomarkers and cognitive decline. After correction for multiple comparisons, among 229 biomarkers having a ≥10% detection rate, 40 were associated with DSST scores (q-value <0.05). When assessing the effects of chemical mixtures on cognitive decline, no association between mixtures of chemicals and DSST scores was observed. Correlation network showed that cognitive decline is directly related with age and education level and identified that thiocyanate, m-/p-xylene, triclosan, benzophenone-3 and diphenyl phosphate were weakly related to cognitive function. In conclusion, leveraging the ExWAS framework enables us to identify chemical biomarkers that were not previously discovered from traditional approaches of examining a small number of chemicals at a time. While our findings provide foundation for further research, longitudinal studies are warranted to elucidate causal relationships.
A premature termination codon mutation in the onion AcCER2 gene is associated with both glossy leaves and thrip resistance
Authors: Lei Pengzheng , Pan Meihong , Kang Shiqiang , Zeng Peng , Ma Yu , Peng Yingmei , Ma Xiushan , Chen Wei , He Linyu , Yang Haifeng , Li Weiya , Zhang Shilin , Hui Linchong , Cai Jing
Published: January 2025

Plant epicuticular waxes (EW) play a critical role in defending against biotic and abiotic stresses. Notably, onions (Allium cepa L.) present a distinctive case where the mutant with defect in leaf and stalk EW showed resistance to thrips compared with the wild type with integral EW. We identified a premature stop codon mutation in the AcCER2 gene, an ortholog of CER2 gene in Arabidopsis thaliana which has been proved essential for the biosynthesis of very-long-chain fatty acids (VLCFAs), in the onions with glossy leaf and stalks in our experiments. The data hinted at the possibility that this mutation might impede the elongation process of VLCFAs from C28 to C32, thereby hindering the production of 16-hentriacontanone, a primary constituent of onion EW. Transcriptomic analysis revealed substantial alterations in expression of genes in the pathways related not only to lipid synthesis and transport but also to signal transduction and cell wall modification in glossy mutants. Meanwhile, metabolomic profiling indicates a remarkable increase in flavonoid accumulation and a significant reduction in soluble sugar content in glossy mutants. These findings suggested that the enhanced resistance of glossy mutants to thrips might be a consequence of multiple physiological changes, and our integrated multi-omics analysis highlighting the regulatory role of AcCER2 in these processes. Our study has yielded valuable insights into the biosynthesis of onion EW and has provided an initial hypothesis for the mechanisms underlying thrips resistance. These findings hold significant promise for the breeding programs of thrip-resistant onion.
Artificial intelligence-driven analysis of embryo morphokinetics in singleton, twin, and triplet pregnancies
Authors: Gómez E , Brualla A , Almunia N , Zepeda-Hernández A , Valcárcel M , Torres I , Burgos I , Jiménez R , Villaquirán A M , Parmegiani L
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the transfer of more than one embryo has become less frequent to diminish multiple pregnancies. Even so, there is still a risk of one embryo splitting into two or even three. This report presents the case of a triamniotic monochorionic gestation in a 35-year-old woman, obtained after the transfer of a single day 5 embryo that had been previously hatched with a laser and subsequently transferred in a fresh IVF cycle. The morphokinetics of this embryo as well as another eight that produced monozygotic twins were compared with nine embryos that achieved singleton gestations. An artificial intelligence (AI) system was used to perform this analysis objectively. Embryo divisions leading to multiple gestations were slower across all analysed parameters. This was most evident in the time taken to reach the 5-cell stage (t5) (48.74 ± 3.21 versus 44.69 ± 5.61 h) and the morula stage (tM) (85.08 ± 10.00 versus 78.13 ± 5.35 h). Moreover, blastocyst diameter (161.80 ± 26.50 versus 179.10 ± 25.88 μm) and area (21 684 ± 7267.4 versus 26 516 ± 7254.8 μm2) were smaller in these embryos, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. This is the first report, to our knowledge, to use AI to analyse and compare morphokinetic parameters between singleton pregnancies and a group of embryos that produced twin and triplet pregnancies.
Biofunctionalities of seaweed hydrolysates and peptides from Pacific dulse (Devaleraea mollis): an in vitro and in silico prospecting approach
Authors: Mendez Rufa L , Stanisheuski Stanislau , Miranda Cristobal , Stevens Jan Frederik , Kwon Jung Yeon
Published: January 2025

Pacific dulse (Devaleraea mollis) is a red macroalga species native to the Pacific coastline that is gaining interest for cultivation and consumption. As a promising source of plant protein, Pacific dulse was investigated for its potential for generating bioactive hydrolysates (BAHs) and peptides (BAPs) with health-promoting properties including the ability to mitigate inflammation, hypertension, and diabetes. Given that BAP discovery pipeline can be both costly and labor-intensive, we employed a prospecting approach to identify candidate BAHs and BAPs using in silico approach, followed by in vitro bioactivity validation. Hydrolysates from dulse, prepared through simulated gastrointestinal digestion, koji treatment, and bromelain hydrolysis exerted anti-inflammatory and enzyme-inhibitory activities against human DPPIV and ACE1. Additionally, dulse-associated synthetic peptides NNPTTIKPSAQVVW, VLPNTVFEAVVK, and HMYKTNWG inhibited the production of NO and IL-6 while downregulating inflammatory gene expression in LPS-stimulated murine macrophages (RAW 264.7). Together, these findings suggest that Pacific dulse has the potential to serve as a functional food and a source of BAHs and BAPs.
Effective utilisation of tea residues: physicochemical characterisation and hypoglycemic activity of cell wall polysaccharides prepared by sequential extraction
Authors: Li Fanglan , Zhu Jiangxiong , Wang Qian , Wei Xinlin , Wang Yuanfeng
Published: January 2025

Tea residues are usually discarded as worthless waste, resulting in resource waste and environmental pollution. This study focussed on extracting water-soluble polysaccharides (W-TPS) from green tea residues and further isolating four tea cell wall polysaccharides (C-TCWP, N-TCWP, 1 K-TCWP, and 4 K-TCWP) using 1,2-cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid, saturated sodium carbonate, 1 mol/L potassium hydroxide (KOH), and 4 mol/L KOH, respectively. The study characterised these polysaccharides, revealing differences in chemical composition, monosaccharide composition, and morphology. Importantly, the research demonstrated the digestibility of W-TPS and TCWPs and highlighted the potent hypoglycemic activity of 5 polysaccharides. Furthermore, cell-based experiments indicated the potential of W-TPS and 4 K-TCWP in ameliorating insulin resistance. Notably, 4 K-TCWP exhibited promising results by significantly increasing glucagon gene expression and enhancing glucagon-like peptide-1 secretion in NCI-H716 cells. This study underscores the potential of tea cell wall polysaccharides as valuable bioactive compounds for managing blood sugar levels and emphasises the efficient utilisation of tea residues.
Advancements in gaseous sensor technology for ensuring food safety: a review
Authors: Ha Yeonjeong
Published: January 2025

Food waste is a significant global issue, and a large proportion of discarded food originates from domestic households. This underscores the need for effective methods to determine when food is no longer safe to consume, which could significantly reduce food waste. Current disposal practices largely rely on expiration or use-by dates, which often do not accurately reflect food spoilage due to varying storage conditions. Moreover, foodborne illnesses, which pose serious public health risks, highlight the need for more accurate spoilage detection methods. Recent advancements in food spoilage sensors, particularly those using colorimetric gas detection, offer promising solutions. These sensors, which detect spoilage gases without direct food contact, are enhanced by new materials and improved data analysis techniques. This review focuses on colorimetric gas sensors, exploring their principles and methods, including the use of user-friendly devices and image processing technologies. It also addresses the challenges and future directions for developing effective food spoilage sensors.
Effect of vacuum frying on changes in the quality attributes of three varieties of maize
Authors: Villacrés Elena , Manosalvas Luis , Simbaña Katherine , Quelal María , Villacís Nicole , Zambrano José
Published: January 2025

In this study, two vacuum frying (VF) conditions were evaluated for their impact on the chemical characteristics, acrylamide content, starch digestibility, and instrumental and sensory texture of three corn varieties (local maize, INIAP-193, INIAP-122). In addition, INIAP-193 was fried under deep-fat frying (DF) because it is the most widely used preparation technique for saccharate variety, and the effect on nutritional and colour components was assessed. The lowest moisture content and the highest lipid content were found in fried INIAP-193 under DF. Frying led to an increase in total starch and resistant starch, while amylose, slow digestible starch, and total sugars decreased in fried kernels under VF, compared to raw grains. Fried INIAP-193 under DF had a higher acrylamide content, which correlated with its higher reducing sugar content. However, this fried variety under VF (140 °C, 11.3 kPa) received the highest sensory rating due to its lower hardness, reduced adhesion, and increased fracturability. Vacuum-fried kernels showed less nutritional degradation than their deep-fried counterparts. The correlogram showed significant positive correlations between the following attributes: hardness—sensory fracturability, instrumental—sensory fracturability, and instrumental fracturability—sensory hardness.
Pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity and hypolipidaemic effects of the pomace of Gamazumi (Viburnum dilatatum) fruit in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity
Authors: Iwai Kunihisa , Fujishima Hiroki , Wakayama Hayato
Published: January 2025

Obesity prevention is emphasised as the first step in preventing lifestyle-related diseases. Inhibition of pancreatic lipase decreases the absorption of fat and prevents obesity, but synthesised inhibitor has side effects, such as diarrhoea. Viburnum dilatatum (V. dilatatum) fruits are cultivated and squeezed to manufacture beverages, and the pomace is generated. Therefore, the pancreatic lipase inhibitory and hypolipidaemic effects of V. dilatatum pomace in mice with high-fat diet-induced obesity were investigated to identify natural inhibitors for obesity prevention. The pancreatic lipase-inhibitory ingredients in the pomace were identified as quercetin and kaempferol using high-performance liquid chromatography and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In mice fed with high-fat diets for 30 days, the ingestion of V. dilatatum pomace powder or its lipase inhibitory fraction led to decrease adipose tissue weights and plasma triacylglycerol concentration. After oral administration of soybean oil, postprandial hyperlipidaemia was suppressed in mice fed with a fraction diet. Moreover, their faecal lipid excretion was greater than that of the control mice, demonstrating that the hypolipidaemic effect of V. dilatatum pomace was induced by the pancreatic lipase inhibitory activity of quercetin and kaempferol. These results suggest that V. dilatatum pomace suppresses lipid accumulation and is useful to prevent obesity.
Bread composite by wheat and novel Andean purple corn: dough rheology and physical and bioactive characteristics
Authors: Comettant-Rabanal Raúl , Chávez-Llerena Roxanna T , Chavéz Davy William Hidalgo , Silva Bárbara Amorim , Rimari-Barzola Ronald , Encina-Zelada Christian R , Delgado-Soriano Victor , Carvalho Carlos W P
Published: January 2025

The aim of this work was to evaluate the dough rheological properties along with the textural, physical, colorimetric, structural, total phenolics, anthocyanins and antioxidant properties of breads composed of wheat and Peruvian INIA 601 purple corn flour at three levels of substitution (5%, 15%, and 25%). Paste profiles describe the gelatinization, swelling, and decomposition phenomena of starch-based systems. These profiles were strongly affected at 15% and 25% replacement levels of purple corn INIA 601, attributed to the presence of phenolic compounds, which retarded starch gelatinization by increasing energy demands to reach paste temperature. Farinographic analysis evaluates key quality properties of the dough and provides insight into its rheological behaviour. In them, 5% purple corn flour substitution had a gluten-enhancing effect that increased the dough consistency, given the reducing capacity of the polyphenols that caused the aggregation of gluten proteins. But at levels of 15% and 25% it affected dough stability and tolerance properties (p < .05). In the rheometry properties, the addition of purple corn increased the elastic (G′) and viscous (G″) modulus. However, the hardness as the most important textural parameter of breadcrumbs was not affected up to 15% purple corn incorporation levels (p < .05). Multivariate, heatmap, and correlation analyses identify patterns and relationships, offering insights into variable interactions. Correlation studies showed interesting associations (0.90 > r > 0.99) between the bread responses. In conclusion, the incorporation of INIA 601 purple corn can generate anthocyanin-rich pigmented breads with higher concentration of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins and antioxidant capacity, which showed physical characteristics like wheat without drastically affecting crumb cell structure and bread volume.
Enhancing waste utilization: efficient pectin extraction from mustard seed by-products
Authors: Sangpimpa Wanalee , Srichan Phatthamon , Banpacha Natthanicha , Janpeng Hiran , Setthaya Phatthawin , Samakradhamrongthai Rajnibhas Sukeaw
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the extraction of pectin from mustard seed waste using hydrochloric acid (HCl), sodium hexametaphosphate, and citric acid with hotplate and water bath heating and evaluate its impact on the physicochemical properties of the obtained pectin. The results demonstrated significant variations influenced by both the extraction method and solvent employed. The highest pectin yield (14.97% ± 0.62%) was achieved with sodium hexametaphosphate using hotplate heating, while the lowest yield (1.25% ± 0.30%) occurred when using citric acid under the same conditions. Pectin extracted with HCl via hotplate heating exhibited the highest degree of esterification (32.86% ± 1.90%) and methoxyl content (5.35% ± 0.31%). Furthermore, the highest galacturonic acid content was recorded for pectin extracted with HCl in a water bath (49.12 ± 4.02 mg/g). The scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed distinct morphological characteristics, emphasizing the potential of mustard seed waste for tailored pectin extraction catering to specific industrial applications.
Effects of extrusion cooking on nutritional and health attributes of sorghum and millets: special reference to protein and starch digestibility
Authors: Bhattarai Rewati Raman , Jayasree Joshi T , Sruthi N U , Rao Pavuluri Srinivasa , Johnson Stuart
Published: January 2025

Millets, including sorghum grain, are gaining global interest for their rich nutritional profile and potential to develop healthy staple foods. They also have a propensity for low protein and starch digestibility and are high in polyphenolics. These properties provide challenges for designing nutritious and consumer-acceptable foods from sorghum that meet the needs of those under energy/protein malnourishment. In contrast, the high nutritional and polyphenolic profiles and low digestibility make sorghum the ideal grain food to assist those over-energy, malnourished and at risk of obesity and related chronic diseases, including those linked to oxidative stress. Sorghum lacks gluten-forming proteins; therefore, producing sorghum foods with desirable textures is challenging. Extrusion cooking of sorghum may be one processing solution to overcome these barriers and design staple ready-to-eat food products with consumer acceptability. This paper critically reviews the current state of knowledge on the influence of extrusion cooking on protein quality and starch digestibility of sorghum and millet-composite extruded foods.
A qualitative exploration of stakeholder perspectives of independent prescribing by newly qualified pharmacists: a theoretical domains interview study
Authors: Fawkes Megan , Mullen Rachel , Cutler Suzanne
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To explore the perspectives of stakeholders on the General Pharmaceutical Council’s revised Standards for the Initial Education and Training of Pharmacists that enable pharmacists to prescribe at the point of registration, from 2026.

Methods

This qualitative study used the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to develop schedules for structured interviews that were conducted with various stakeholders and recorded via Microsoft Teams. Recordings were transcribed verbatim, checked for accuracy, and then analysed using the Framework approach, facilitated by NVIVO® software.

Key findings

In total, 43 participants (patients, community, hospital and primary care pharmacists, GPs, and nurses) were interviewed. Eleven out of the fourteen TDF domains were identified, the most frequently cited being ‘beliefs about consequences’, e.g. reducing pressure on the healthcare service, and concerns that non-prescribing pharmacists will be disadvantaged by the change. The domain ‘environmental context and resources’ was also cited where increasing placement opportunities to develop the required clinical skills were key enablers to implementation, while a lack of confidence, and lack of space, equipment and commercial pressures were considered barriers.

Conclusions

Overall, stakeholders in the study were supportive of pharmacists registering as independent prescribers upon qualification, however, there were concerns raised regarding their readiness, as well as preparedness of employers for this change. These concerns must be addressed to reassure stakeholders and to ensure that universities and employers adequately prepare pharmacists to prescribe at the point of registration and provide them with support and the necessary infrastructure to do so safely.
Estimating the Early Transmission Inhibition of New Treatment Regimens for Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis
Authors: Stoltz A , Nathavitharana R R , de Kock E , Ueckermann V , Jensen P , Mendel C M , Spigelman M , Nardell E A
Published: January 2025

Background

Most drug-resistant tuberculosis occurs due to transmission of unsuspected or ineffectively treated drug-resistant tuberculosis. The duration of treatment to stop person-to-person spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis is uncertain. We evaluated the impact of novel regimens, including BPaL (bedaquiline, 1200-mg linezolid, and pretomanid), on drug-resistant tuberculosis transmission, using the human–guinea pig (H-GP) transmission model.

Methods

In experiment 1, patients initiated an optimized drug-resistant tuberculosis regimen including bedaquiline and linezolid. In experiment 2, patients initiated the BPaL regimen. We measured baseline infectivity for each cohort by exhausting ward air to one of two guinea pig exposure rooms (control group), each containing 90 guinea pigs, for 8 patient-days. Then, after 72 hours of treatment, ward air was exhausted to the second guinea pig exposure room for 8 patient-days (intervention group). The infectiousness of each cohort was compared by performing tuberculin skin tests in guinea pigs at baseline (before treatment) and 6 weeks after the exposure period.

Results

In experiment 1, before treatment, 5 patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis infected 24 of 90 guinea pigs (26.7%) (control group). After treatment (72 hours after drug initiation), the same patients infected 25 of 90 guinea pigs (27.8%) (intervention group) (P > .99). In experiment 2, before treatment, 9 patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis infected 40 of 90 guinea pigs (44.4%) (control group). After treatment (beginning 72 hours after drug initiation), the same patients infected 0 of 90 guinea pigs (0%) (intervention group) (P < .0001).

Conclusions

In this study, drug-resistant tuberculosis drug regimens, including bedaquiline and standard-dose linezolid for 72 hours, did not decrease drug-resistant tuberculosis transmission. In contrast, transmission was rapidly and completely inhibited in patients treated with BPaL for 72 hours, suggesting an early and profound impact on transmission.