bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CITYLID: A large-scale categorized aerial lidar dataset for street-level research
Authors: Verma Deepank , Mumm Olaf , Carlow Vanessa Miriam
Published: January 2025

Urban point cloud datasets are crucial for understanding the depth and physical structure of environmental features. These details hold significance in urban planning, providing precise measurements of the space upon which novel development plans and strategies can be formulated. However, such datasets, when uncategorized, lack information, rendering them much less helpful in utilizing them in urban planning and design projects. This documentation provides a methodical framework to create the CITYLID dataset, which uses an openly available citywide aerial Lidar dataset, categorizes it with standard urban classes such as buildings, trees, and ground, and fuses with it detailed street features information such as driveways, medians, bikepaths, walkways, and on-street parking. Since the point cloud provides the required height information, shadow maps are also generated utilizing the entire point cloud dataset and further integrated with the point clouds. The resulting dataset includes 3 standard and 5 street feature classes, along with 5 classes representing shadows. Apart from the categorized point cloud dataset, we additionally provide the detailed methodology to generate Lidar categorization and starter codes to extract subsets of point clouds, which can be used to analyze and study urban environments such as street cross-sections, neighborhood comparisons, tree inventory, etc.
Quantifying the benefits of urban amenities in Singapore with consideration of the effects of spatial heterogeneity
Authors: Song Jie , Oon Jeremy , Mepparambath Rakhi Manohar , Le Diem Trinh Thi , Huynh Hoai Nguyen
Published: January 2025

Studying urban amenities is crucial for understanding their impact on quality of life, social equity, and sustainable city development. However, the valuation of urban amenities on a holistic level is understudied. This paper builds upon the framework of isobenefit lines, where residents supposedly receive the same level of combined benefits from all urban amenities. Specifically, our proposed approach takes into account the spatial heterogeneity of amenities and the proxy data of property transaction prices in Singapore to estimate their underlying monetary values. These monetary values were quantified using geographically weighted regression (GWR) that can adequately address spatial autocorrelation issues. Our results show that GWR outperforms the global linear regression model by approximately 150% increase in the R-square value, demonstrating a much better goodness of fit when dealing with spatial data sets. Additionally, the signs of the average coefficients of GWR are largely consistent with those of the global model, while the signs and magnitude of the GWR coefficients vary spatially. The spatial variations of modeling performance tend to intensify from older to younger towns. The results reveal that the central regions of Singapore are among the top spots that receive the highest levels of composite benefits. It is also observed that a spatial structure with multiple centers with high benefit scores emerges in the younger towns located in the peripheral rings of the city. This observation demonstrates the efforts of local authorities to promote a city with several regional centers of diverse functions. As the first study that applies the concept of isobenefit lines in a real urban setting, we demonstrate that the developed framework can be a useful addition to the existing toolbox of urban and infrastructure planners.
An analysis of directivity pulses using empirical data and dynamic rupture simulations of the 2023 Kahramanmaras earthquake doublet
Authors: Yen Ming-Hsuan , Türker Elif , Ulrich Thomas , Marchandon Mathilde , Gabriel Alice-Agnes , Cotton Fabrice
Published: January 2025

Near-field earthquake ground motions characterized by strong velocity pulses can cause extensive damage to buildings and structures. Such pulses were identified during the Mw 7.8 and Mw 7.5 earthquake doublet of the 2023 Turkey seismic sequence, potentially contributing to the extensive damage it caused. Therefore, a better understanding and characterization of pulse properties (e.g. period and amplitude) and their underlying physical factors are crucial for earthquake-resistant design. In this study, we characterize the velocity pulses reported in observed records and synthetic waveforms generated by a three-dimensional (3D) dynamic rupture simulation of the Mw 7.8 event. We observed significant variability in the pulse properties of the observed records in near-fault regions, particularly regarding their orientations. This variability was not fully captured by the dynamic rupture simulation. Our results indicate that directivity effects are not the only factors influencing pulse characteristics in this earthquake doublet. While site effects (e.g. basin effects) may influence pulse characteristics at some stations, local heterogeneities in slip amplitude, orientations, and fault geometries can be critical in generating or influencing pulse properties in this earthquake doublet.
Economic impact of prolonged tracheal extubation times on operating room time overall and for subgroups of surgeons: a historical cohort study
Authors: Dexter Franklin , Marian Anil A. , Epstein Richard H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Prolonged tracheal extubation time is defined as an interval ≥ 15 min from the end of surgery to extubation. An earlier study showed that prolonged extubations had a mean 12.4 min longer time from the end of surgery to operating room (OR) exit. Prolonged extubations usually (57%) were observed during OR days with > 8 h of cases and turnovers, such that longer OR times from prolonged extubation can be treated as a variable cost (i.e., each added minute incurs an expense). The current study addressed limitations of the generalizability of these earlier investigations.

Methods

The retrospective cohort study included cases performed at a university hospital October 2011 through June 2023 with general anesthesia, tracheal intubation and extubation in the OR where the anesthetic was performed, and non-prone positioning. The primary endpoint was the interval from end of surgery to OR exit. Mean OR time differences with/without prolonged extubation were analyzed pairwise by surgeon. The variance among surgeons was estimated using the DerSimonian-Laird method with Knapp-Hartung adjustment for the sample sizes of surgeons. Proportions were analyzed after arcsine transformation, and the inverse taken to report results.

Results

There were prolonged extubations for 23% (41,768/182,374) of cases. Prolonged extubations had a mean 13.3 min longer time from the end of surgery to OR exit (95% confidence interval 12.8–13.7 min, P < 0.0001). That result was among the 71 surgeons each with ≥ 9 cases having prolonged extubation times and ≥ 9 cases with typical extubation times. Results were similar using a threshold of ≥ 3 cases, comprising 257 surgeons (13.2 min, P < 0.0001). Among the 71 surgeons with at least nine prolonged extubations, on most days with a prolonged extubation during at least one of their cases, there were > 8 h of cases and turnover times in the OR (77%, 73%-81%, P < 0.0001). Results were similar when analyzed for the 249 surgeons each with ≥ 3 cases with prolonged extubation (76%, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Matching earlier findings, prolonged tracheal extubation times are important economically, increasing OR time by 13 min and usually performed in ORs with lists of cases of sufficient duration to treat the extra time as a variable cost.
Development of a standardized patient-reported clinical questionnaire for children with spinal pain
Authors: Overgaard Freja Gomez , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Damkjær Mads , Ebbesen Anne Reffsøe , Hestbæk Lise , Konner Mikkel Brunsgaard , O’Neill Søren Francis Dyhrberg , Pape Stine Haugaard , Rathleff Michael Skovdal , Straszek Christian Lund , Nim Casper
Published: January 2025

Background

Spinal pain affects up to 30% of school-age children and can interfere with various aspects of daily life, such as school attendance, physical function, and social life. Current assessment tools often rely on parental reporting which limits our understanding of how each child is affected by their pain. This study aimed to address this gap by developing MySpineData-Kids (“MiRD-Kids”), a tailored patient-reported questionnaire focusing on children with spinal pain in secondary care (Danish hospital setting).

Methods

The process and development of MiRD-Kids followed a structured, multi-phase approach targeted children in outpatient care. The first phase involved evidence-synthesis, expert consultations, and item formulation, resulting in the first version. The second phase involved pilot testing among pediatric spinal pain patients, leading to modifications for improved clarity and relevance. The third phase involved implementation at the Pediatric outpatient track at The Spine Centre of Southern Denmark, University Hospital of Southern Denmark.

Results

MiRD-Kids was based on selected items from seven questionnaires, encompassing 20 items across six domains. Pilot testing with 13 pediatric patients facilitated modifications and finalized the questionnaire. The questionnaire includes sections for parents/legal guardians and six domains for children covering pain, sleep, activities, trauma, concerns, and treatment, following the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF). Implementation challenges were overcome within a 2-month period, resulting in the clinical questionnaire MiRD-Kids a comprehensive tool for assessing pediatric spinal pain in hospital outpatient settings.

Conclusion

MiRD-Kids is the first comprehensive questionnaire for children with spinal pain seen in outpatient caresetting and follows the ICF approach. It can support age-specific high-quality research and comprehensive clinical assessment of children aged 12 to 17 years, potentially, contributing to efforts aimed at mitigating the long-term consequences of spinal pain.
Effects of culturally-appropriate group education for migrants with type 2 diabetes in primary healthcare: pre-test-post-test design
Authors: Hjelm Katarina , Hadziabdic Emina
Published: January 2025

Background

The global incidence of type 2 diabetes is rapidly rising, particularly among migrants in developed countries. Migrants bear a significant burden of diabetes. However, this study is the only to evaluate the effects of a culturally appropriate diabetes intervention for these migrants on diabetes knowledge and health outcomes, adding a novel perspective to the existing literature.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects on diabetes knowledge, HbA1c, and self-rated health of a previously developed, culturally appropriate diabetes education model, based on individual beliefs about health and illness, underpinned by knowledge, and conducted through focus group discussions.

Methods

Observational study evaluating the intervention using a pre-test-post-test design. It involved structured interviews and HbA1c measurements before, immediately after, and three months post-participation in the group-based intervention. The study included 22 migrants from the Middle East and Africa, divided into eight focus groups. The group education was conducted by a multi-professional team, led by a diabetes specialist nurse, in primary healthcare settings. Descriptive and analytical statistics applied in analysing data.

Results

The findings showed that participation in the diabetes education significantly improved the knowledge levels, led to an initial change and possible short-term improvement in HbA1c (better immediate post-intervention), albeit statistically insignificant, but no change in glycaemic control over time and in self-rated health (SRH).

Conclusions

The findings supported the hypothesis of improved knowledge. Moreover, the findings showed a possible initial change in glycaemic control, but no overall effect. The study showed no change in self-rated (perceived) health. Further studies involving other populations and long-term follow-ups are needed. This study highlights the importance of culturally tailored diabetes educational programmes in our multicultural society. By recognising individual beliefs about health and illness, this education programme can significantly increase knowledge and thereby contribute to improved self-care and thus, overall health. Furthermore, it is recommended for daily practice in primary healthcare, supporting healthcare professionals with a proven strategy to increase knowledge.
Understanding how users of home-based aged care services with cognitive impairment rate their social care related quality of life
Authors: Phillipson Lyn , Caiels James , Smith Louisa , Towers Ann-Marie
Published: January 2025

Background

Over the past decades, self-directed models of care have been implemented throughout the world to support older people, including those with dementia, to live at home. However, there is limited information about how self-directed home care is experienced by older people with cognitive impairment and dementia, and how their thinking informs their care choices and quality of life.

Methods

We used the ASCOT-Easy Read, a staggered reveal method, talk aloud techniques, probing questions, and physical assistance to support users of self-directed home care in Australia with cognitive impairment and dementia to discuss their Social Care Related Quality of Life (SCRQoL). Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed thematically in NVivo. Demographic, functional, cognitive and SCRQoL scores were analysed in Excel and SPSS. Analysis of both the quantitative and qualitative data for each participant allowed us to examine consistency or discordance between ratings and participants’ comments about their experiences within each domain.

Results

Twenty six older people with cognitive impairment and/or dementia completed an interview. Ratings of SCRQoL were more favourable in lower order domains (e.g. food and drink, personal cleanliness, accommodation comfort and cleanliness and safety) than in the higher order domains (e.g. occupation and social participation). Overall SCRQOL also varied significantly from 0.40 to 0.97. Despite variable ratings, all participants described unmet needs associated with limitations in personal function and mobility, transport and the amount and flexibility of home care services they received. Qualitative comments suggest many experienced more significant limitations than some of their ratings may imply. This was attributed to adaptation and acceptance of limitations as a normal part of aging. The choice to remain living in one’s own home was perceived as the most important outcome.

Conclusions

Some older people living at home with cognitive impairment and/or dementia adapt and accept their limitations as a normal part of the aging process. This affects expectations about their lives at home and their support. Rather than relying on self-direction, supports to live well at home could be enhanced by a greater emphasis on comprehensive needs assessment and more supports to promote reablement and enhance personal and community level participation.
Negotiating a physically active life in tune with ageing: a grounded theory study of older persons’ experiences of participating in high-intensity interval training
Authors: Fridberg Helena , Wiklund Maria , Snellman Fredrik , Rosendahl Erik , Hedlund Mattias , Boraxbekk Carl-Johan , Lindelöf Nina
Published: January 2025

Background

Physical activity and exercise are promoted worldwide as effective interventions for healthy ageing. Various exercise initiatives have been developed and evaluated for their efficacy and effectiveness among older populations. However, a deeper understanding of participants’ experiences with these initiatives is crucial to foster long-term activity and exercise among older persons.

Methods

A constructivist grounded theory study was conducted to explore the experiences of older persons participating in a supervised group supramaximal high-intensity training (HIT) programme. Four focus groups were held, involving 28 persons aged 65 to 78. The focus groups were analysed inductively, followed by an iterative process of abstraction, abduction, and theory generation using a constant comparative method. A conceptual framework comprising three theoretical concepts—stereotype embodiment, ageist practices, and self-efficacy—was employed during the abductive phase as an analytical lens.

Results

The core category of our grounded theory, Negotiating a physically active life in tune with ageing, encapsulates the complex processes and actions influencing older persons as they engage in physical activities in their daily lives and in relation to HIT. This core category was created from the conceptual framework and the four categories: Grit in the moment and overall life, Empowered by the training group, Navigating one’s physically active self, and Committing to exercise for duty and pleasure. Participants reported feeling invigorated by the exercise, enjoying the challenge, and valuing the group setup for its social connectedness and structure. The generated theory illustrates how participants’ engagement with physical activity and exercise is shaped by various perspectives accumulated over their lifespan. The findings provide a plausible explanation of how participation in HIT groups can challenge negative age stereotypes and ageist practices while enhancing self-efficacy for high-intensity exercise.

Conclusions

Our grounded theory underscores that physical activity and exercise should be regarded as multifaceted processes, which must be considered when promoting physical activity initiatives for older persons. By considering the older person and societal norms and values, we can gather knowledge to design physical exercise interventions that are not only effective but also enjoyable and capable of transforming how individuals perceive themselves as exercising persons.
Functional fitness and psychological well-being in older adults
Authors: Tóth Eliza E. , Vujić Aleksandar , Ihász Ferenc , Ruíz-Barquín Roberto , Szabo Attila
Published: January 2025

Background

Physical fitness and functioning are related to better mental health in older age. However, which fitness components (body composition, strength, flexibility, coordination, and endurance) are more closely related to psychological well-being (PWB) is unclear.

Methods

This research examined how body mass index (BMI) and six indices of functional fitness (i.e., lower and upper body strength, lower and upper body flexibility, coordination [based on agility and balance], and aerobic endurance) relate to five psychological measures that could mirror PWB (i.e., resilience, mental well-being, optimism, life satisfaction, and happiness). Thirty-nine older adults (60–94 years; two-thirds female) were examined with the Fullerton Functional Fitness Test (FFFT) after completing five psychometric instruments.

Results

Data were analyzed with correlations, ordinary least squares regressions, and regularized (elastic net) regressions, calculating the Lindeman, Merenda, and Gold (LMG) indices of the relative importance of the six FFFT components separately for the five psychological measures. Results revealed that BMI, upper body strength, and upper body flexibility were the least significant predictors of PWB. In contrast, endurance, complex movement coordination, and lower body flexibility emerged as the most significant predictors. Still, lower body strength correlated moderately positively with all PWB indices, and similarly, upper body flexibility with resilience, mental well-being, and happiness.

Conclusions

These findings should stimulate research on the mechanism connecting functional fitness with PWB in older adults. Further, apart from their novelty, the findings could be valuable in providing directions for physical fitness intervention programs targeting mental and physical health for older people.
Effect of pre-hospital living setting on nutritional intake route upon discharge in older adults with aspiration pneumonia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yamaguchi Kohei , Miyagami Taiju , Imada Ryoko , Yanagida Ryosuke , Kushiro Seiko , Morikawa Toru , Nakagawa Kazuharu , Yoshimi Kanako , Naito Toshio , Tohara Haruka
Published: January 2025

Background

Aspiration pneumonia, which often recurs due to dysphagia, worsens as patients move between homes, facilities, and hospitals. The impact of pre-hospital living setting on oral intake at discharge remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of the pre-hospital living setting on the nutritional intake route upon discharge in older patients with aspiration pneumonia.

Methods

This prospective cohort study included patients aged ≥ 65 years who were admitted to an acute care hospital and diagnosed with aspiration pneumonia. Patients were followed up until discharge or death during hospitalisation. Patient demographic information, pre-hospital living setting (home or nursing facility), functional oral intake scale (FOIS) score, pneumonia severity index, clinical frailty scale score, history of aspiration pneumonia, and pneumonia recurrence during hospitalisation were recorded. Binary logistic regression was used to assess the impact of the pre-hospital living setting on oral intake at discharge as the primary outcome.

Results

Among the 89 included patients (52 males (58.4%); mean age, 84.8 ± 7.9 years), 39.3% (n = 35) had pneumonia recurrence during hospitalisation. The average follow-up period was 44.0 ± 36.6 days. The pre-hospital living setting was independently associated with the nutritional intake route upon discharge (odds ratio = 7.72, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) = 1.70–35.1, p = 0.008).

Conclusions

The pre-hospital living setting could serve as a good indicator of the nutritional intake route upon discharge. It is essential to optimize care in both nursing facilities and hospital settings when caring for older patients with aspiration pneumonia.
Forecasting cardiovascular disease mortality using artificial neural networks in Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Qureshi Moiz , Ishaq Khushboo , Daniyal Muhammad , Iftikhar Hasnain , Rehman Mohd Ziaur , Salar S. A. Atif
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and its incidence and prevalence are increasing in many countries. Modeling of CVD plays a crucial role in understanding the trend of CVD death cases, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and predicting future disease trends. This study aims to investigate the modeling and forecasting of CVD mortality, specifically in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The civil hospital in the Nawabshah area of Sindh province, Pakistan, provided the data set used in this study. It is a time series dataset with actual cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality cases from 1999 to 2021 included. This study analyzes and forecasts the CVD deaths in the Sindh province of Pakistan using classical time series models, including Naïve, Holt-Winters, and Simple Exponential Smoothing (SES), which have been adopted and compared with a machine learning approach called the Artificial Neural Network Auto-Regressive (ANNAR) model. The performance of both the classical time series models and the ANNAR model has been evaluated using key performance indicators such as Root Mean Square Deviation Error, Mean Absolute Error (MAE), and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE). After comparing the results, it was found that the ANNAR model outperformed all the selected models, demonstrating its effectiveness in predicting CVD mortality and quantifying future disease burden in the Sindh province of Pakistan. The study concludes that the ANNAR model is the best-selected model among the competing models for predicting CVD mortality in the Sindh province. This model provides valuable insights into the impact of interventions aimed at reducing CVD and can assist in formulating health policies and allocating economic resources. By accurately forecasting CVD mortality, policymakers can make informed decisions to address this public health issue effectively.
Fracture resistance and marginal fit of three different overlay designs using advanced zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate CAD/CAM material
Authors: Refaey Heidi Saad , Abdelkader Sanaa H. , Aly Yasser M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Conservative dentistry introduced modern restoration designs, contributing to the greater use of partial-coverage ceramic restorations. New strong bondable ceramic materials made fabricating partial coverage ceramic restorations easier to restore the badly destructed teeth.

Aim of the study

This study investigated the impact of three distinct overlay preparation designs on the marginal fit (both before and after thermal aging) and the fracture resistance of overlay restorations fabricated using advanced zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate (ALD) CAD/CAM glass-ceramic blocks.

Materials and methods

Using a standardized preparation protocol, three typodont molars were prepared to receive three different indirect overlay ceramic restoration designs. The typodont teeth were duplicated to get 27 resin dies that were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 9) based on the preparation design; group (O): a traditional overlay preparation with anatomical occlusal reduction, group (OS): anatomical occlusal reduction with circumferential shoulder finish line, and group (OG): anatomical occlusal reduction with a central groove preparation at the mid-occlusal surface. After standardized restorations fabricated following the manufacturer’s guidelines, the restorations were cemented to their corresponding dies and exposed to thermal aging corresponding to 6-month clinical service. Marginal gap was measured before and after thermal aging procedure using an optical microscope. To measure fracture resistance, specimens were loaded till failure using the universal testing machine. The Kruskal Wallis test was utilized to assess data among the groups, followed by Dunn’s post hoc test with Bonferroni correction. Differences in the marginal fit before and after thermal aging were evaluated using Wilcoxon Sign Rank test.

Results

A statistically significant difference in marginal fit was observed between the studied groups, with a p-value of 0.032 where group OS has the lowest micro gap compared to group OG and group O. The fracture resistance group (O) recorded the highest fracture resistance with a statistically significant difference between the studied groups at p value = 0.043.

Conclusions

Adjusting the tooth preparation significantly influenced both the fracture resistance load and the marginal fit observed for advanced zirconia-reinforced lithium disilicate glass-ceramic (ALD) overlays.
Simulator training in focus assessed transthoracic echocardiography (FATE) for undergraduate medical students: results from the FateSim randomized controlled trial
Authors: Weimer Johannes Matthias , Sprengart Franziska Marietta , Vieth Thomas , Göbel Sebastian , Dionysopoulou Anna , Krüger Rebecca , Beer Jan , Weimer Andreas Michael , Buggenhagen Holger , Kloeckner Roman , Pillong Lukas , Helfrich Johanna , Waezsada Elias , Wand Philipp , Weinmann-Menke Julia
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Ultrasound is important in heart diagnostics, yet implementing effective cardiac ultrasound requires training. While current strategies incorporate digital learning and ultrasound simulators, the effectiveness of these simulators for learning remains uncertain. This study evaluates the effectiveness of simulator-based versus human-based training in Focused Assessed with Transthoracic Echocardiography (FATE).

Materials and methods

This single-centre, prospective, randomised controlled study was conducted during an extracurricular FATE workshop (approximately 420 min) for third-year medical students. Participants were randomly assigned to the study group (training solely on simulators) or the control group (training on human subjects). Both groups completed a theory test and a self-assessment questionnaire before the course (T1) and at the end of the training (T2). At T2, all participants also completed two Direct Observation of Procedural Skills (DOPS) tests—one on the simulator (DOPSSim) and one on humans (DOPSHuman).

Results

Data from 128 participants were analysed (n = 63 study group; n = 65 control group). Both groups exhibited increased competency between the T1 and T2 self-assessments and theory tests (p < 0.01). In the DOPSHuman assessment at T2, the control group performed significantly better (p < 0.001) than the study group. While motivation remained consistently high among both groups, the study group rated their “personal overall learning experience” and the “realistic nature of the training” significantly worse than the control group (p < 0.0001). Both groups supported the use of ultrasound simulators as a “supplement to human training” (study: 1.6 ± 1.1 vs. control: 1.7 ± 1.2; p = 0.38), but not as a “replacement for human training” (study: 5.0 ± 2.3 vs. control: 5.4 ± 2.1; p = 0.37).

Conclusion

Both simulator- and human-based training effectively developed theoretical and practical skills in FATE. However, the simulator group demonstrated significantly poorer performance when applying their skills to human subjects, indicating limitations in the transferability of this simulator-based training to real-life patient care. These limitations of simulator-based ultrasound training should be considered in future training concepts.

Clinical trial number

Not Applicable.
Immobilization of purified pectinase from Aspergillus nidulans on chitosan and alginate beads for biotechnological applications
Authors: El-Shora Hamed M. , Abo-Elmaaty Sabah A. , El-Sayyad Gharieb S. , Al-Bishri Widad M. , El-Batal Ahmed I. , Hassan Mervat G.
Published: January 2025

Background

Because the process is cost-effective, microbial pectinase is used in juice clearing. The isolation, immobilization, and characterization of pectinase from Aspergillus nidulans (Eidam) G. Winter (AUMC No. 7147) were therefore the focus of the current investigation.

Results

Ammonium sulphate (85%), DEAE-cellulose, and Sephadex G-200 were used to purify the enzyme. With a yield of 30.4%, the final specific activity was 400 units mg−1 protein and 125-fold purification. Using SDS-PAGE to validate the purification of the pectinase, a single band showing the homogeneity of the purified pectinase with a molecular weight of 50 kD was found. Chitosan and calcium alginate both effectively immobilized pectinase, with immobilization efficiencies of 85.7 and 69.4%, respectively. At 50, 55, 60, and 65 °C, the thermostability of both free and chitosan-immobilized pectinase was examined. The free and chitosan-immobilized enzymes had half-lives (t1/2) of 23.83 and 28.64 min at 65 °C, and their Kd values were 0.0291 and 0.0242 min−1, respectively. In addition, the Z values were 44.6 and 31.54 °C, while the D values were 79.2 and 95.1 min. Compared to the untreated one, the orange, mango, and pineapple juices treated with immobilized pure pectinase showed greater clarity. Following treatment with pure pectinase, the fruit juice’s 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and 2, 2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate scavenging activities increased. Following treatment with pure pectinase, the amounts of total phenolics and total flavonoids increased.

Conclusion

The procedure is deemed cost-effective in the food industry because the strong affinity of fungal pectinase for pectin. The investigated pectinase supported its usage in the food industry by being able to clear orange, mango, and pineapple juices.
Metabolic engineering of Priestia megaterium for 2’-fucosyllactose production
Authors: Park Bu-Soo , Yoon Jihee , Lee Jun-Min , Cho Sang-Hyeok , Choi Yoojeong , Cho Byung-Kwan , Oh Min-Kyu
Published: January 2025

Background

2′-Fucosyllactose (2′-FL) is a predominant human milk oligosaccharide that significantly enhances infant nutrition and immune health. This study addresses the need for a safe and economical production of 2’-FL by employing Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) microbial strain, Priestia megaterium ATCC 14581. This strain was chosen for its robust growth and established safety profile and attributing suitable for industrial-scale production.

Results

The engineering targets included the deletion of the lacZ gene to prevent lactose metabolism interference, introduction of α-1,2-fucosyltransferase derived from the non-pathogenic strain, and optimization of the GDP-L-fucose biosynthesis pathway through the overexpression of manA and manC. These changes, coupled with improvements in lactose uptake and utilization through random mutagenesis, led to a high 2’-FL yield of 28.6 g/L in fed-batch fermentation, highlighting the potential of our metabolic engineering strategies on P. megaterium.

Conclusions

The GRAS strain P. megaterium ATCC 14581 was successfully engineered to overproduce 2’-FL, a valuable human milk oligosaccharide, through a series of genetic modifications and metabolic pathway optimizations. This work underscores the feasibility of using GRAS strains for the production of oligosaccharides, paving the way for safer and more efficient methods in biotechnological applications. Future studies could explore additional genetic modifications and optimization of fermentation conditions of the strain to further enhance 2’-FL yield and scalability.
Current status and innovative developments of CAR-T-cell therapy for the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Marei Hany E. , Bedair Khaled , Hasan Anwarul , Al-Mansoori Layla , Caratelli Sara , Sconocchia Giuseppe , Gaiba Alice , Cenciarelli Carlo
Published: January 2025

Breast cancer will overtake all other cancers in terms of diagnoses in 2024. Breast cancer counts highest among women in terms of cancer incidence and death rates. Innovative treatment approaches are desperately needed because treatment resistance brought on by current clinical drugs impedes therapeutic efficacy. The T cell-based immunotherapy known as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell treatment, which uses the patient’s immune cells to fight cancer, has demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating hematologic malignancies; nevertheless, the treatment effects in solid tumors, like breast cancer, have not lived up to expectations. We discuss in detail the role of tumor-associated antigens in breast cancer, current clinical trials, barriers to the intended therapeutic effects of CAR-T cell therapy, and potential ways to increase treatment efficacy. Finally, our review aims to stimulate readers’ curiosity by summarizing the most recent advancements in CAR-T cell therapy for breast cancer.
Integrating human biomonitoring exposure data into a primary care morbidity database: a feasibility study
Authors: Jansen Pieter , Den Hond Elly , De Brouwere Katleen , Ali Endale Alemayehu , Hassen Hamid Yimam , Gabaret Ilona , Van Pottelbergh Gijs
Published: January 2025

Background

The detection of a local per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) pollution hotspot in Zwijndrecht (Belgium) necessitated immediate action to address health concerns of the local community. Several human biomonitoring (HBM) studies were initiated, gathering cross-sectional exposure data from more than 10,000 participants. The linkage of these HBM data with primary care health registries might be a useful new tool in environmental health analysis.

Aim

We assessed the feasibility of linking exposure data from HBM programs to health outcomes from the Intego registry, which collects data from general practitioners’ electronic health records. This feasibility study uses exposure data from one of the completed PFAS HBM studies, which included 796 individuals. We describe the separate datasets, the process of integrating the HBM data into Intego, the analysis plan and the advantages and challenges of using this method.

Results

We established the integration of HBM data into the Intego primary care morbidity database, adhering to stringent privacy regulations and quality standards to ensure result integrity. Because of the modest sample size used in this feasibility study, no conclusions about the impact of PFAS on health endpoints can be drawn. However, with PFAS data from more than 10,000 residents available soon, more robust studies will be possible with this new method.

Interpretation

We introduce a novel approach for assessing the impact of environmental health hazards within primary care settings. The methods outlined here not only pave the way for larger-scale projects but also offer a promising avenue for long-term environmental health monitoring.
Novel sustainable biodiesel production from low-grade oleic acid via esterification catalyzed by characterized crystalline ZrO2/Al2O3
Authors: Alkahlawy Amal , Gaffer Amany
Published: January 2025

The depletion of fossil fuels and growing environmental concerns necessitate the exploration of renewable energy sources. Biodiesel, a promising alternative fuel derived from sustainable feedstock, has attracted considerable attention. This study investigates the catalytic esterification of oleic acid, a readily available fatty acid, with ethanol for biodiesel production using a novel heterogeneous catalyst, ZrO2/Al2O3. Crystalline ZrO2/Al2O3 was successfully synthesized and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and temperature programmed desorption NH3-TPD to understand its structural and textural properties. The characterized ZrO2/Al2O3 was then employed to catalyze the esterification reaction. The influence of reaction parameters, including temperature, alcohol-to-oleic acid molar ratio, and catalyst loading, was systematically evaluated. Under optimal conditions (70 °C, 10:1 alcohol-to-oleic acid molar ratio, and 4 wt% catalyst loading), a remarkable 90.5% conversion of oleic acid to biodiesel was achieved. Furthermore, the catalyst exhibited reusability, demonstrating its potential for sustainable biodiesel production from low-grade oleic acid feedstock.
Characterization of novel cold-active chitin deacetylase for green production of bioactive chitosan
Authors: Abd El-Ghany Mohamed N. , Hamdi Salwa A. , Zahran Ahmed K. , Abou-Taleb Mustafa A. , Heikel Abdallah M. , Abou El-Kheir Muhammed T. , Farahat Mohamed G.
Published: January 2025

A Novel cold-active chitin deacetylase from Shewanella psychrophila WP2 (SpsCDA) was overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21 and employed for deacetylation of chitin to chitosan. The produced chitosan was characterized, and its antifungal activity was investigated against Fusarium oxysporum. The purified recombinant SpsCDA appeared as a single band on SDS-PAGE at approximately 60 kDa, and its specific activity was 92 U/mg. The optimum temperature and pH of SpsCDA were 15 °C and 8.0, respectively, and the enzyme activity was significantly enhanced in the presence of NaCl. The bioconversion of chitin to chitosan by SpsCDA was accomplished in 72 h, and the chitosan yield was 69.2%. The solubility of chitosan was estimated to be 73.4%, and the degree of deacetylation was 78.1%. The estimated molecular weight of the produced chitosan was 224.7 ± 8.4 kDa with a crystallinity index (CrI) value of 18.75. Moreover, FTIR and XRD spectra revealed the characteristic peaks for enzymatically produced chitosan compared with standard chitosan, indicating their structural similarity. The produced chitosan inhibited spore germination of F. oxysporum with a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.56 mg/mL. The potential antifungal effect of chitosan is attributed to the inhibition of spore germination accompanied by ultrastructural damage of membranes and leakage of cellular components, as evidenced by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy. This study shed light on the cold-active chitin deacetylase from S. psychrophila and provides a candidate enzyme for the green preparation of chitosan.
Liquid biopsy in organ damage: introduction of an innovative tool for assessing the complexity of blunt splenic injury
Authors: Wöhler Aliona , Wang Bingduo , Schwab Robert , Lukacs-Kornek Veronika , Willms Arnulf G. , Kornek Miroslaw T.
Published: January 2025

Liquid biomarkers are essential in trauma cases and critical care and offer valuable insights into the extent of injury, prognostic predictions, and treatment guidance. They can help assess the severity of organ damage (OD), assist in treatment decisions and forecast patient outcomes. Notably, small extracellular vesicles, particularly those involved in splenic trauma, have been overlooked. Here, we reanalyzed our data and explored whether monocyte-derived small EVs are correlated with AAST score (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) scoring and are sensitive enough to distinguish the severity of splenic trauma in our explorative study. There was a correlation between monocyte-derived small extracellular vesicles (EVs) and the AAST score (rSp = 0.82, p < 0.001). Specifically, we observed that blood-borne small EVs originating from monocytes (CD9+CD14+ sEVs) were directly correlated with AAST scores. These EVs were found to be significantly elevated in patients with complex spleen injuries (AAST I–IV with hemodynamic instability and need for operative management) in an incremental manner; these patients were typically classified as AAST grade II or higher, which frequently included accompanying solid organ injuries. Our initial discovery shows great promise and warrants further exploration. This could pave a novel future path for a new critical care management approach for splenic injuries. There may also be synergistic effects when combined with extended focused assessment with sonography in trauma (E-FAST) sonography, particularly in triage scenarios, where resource constraints prevent immediate access to a CT scan.
Neuropathology-based approach reveals novel Alzheimer's Disease genes and highlights female-specific pathways and causal links to disrupted lipid metabolism: insights into a vicious cycle
Authors: Jin Yin , Topaloudi Apostolia , Shekhar Sudhanshu , Chen Guangxin , Scott Alicia Nicole , Colon Bryce David , Drineas Petros , Rochet Chris , Paschou Peristera
Published: January 2025

Dementia refers to an umbrella phenotype of many different underlying pathologies with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) being the most common type. Neuropathological examination remains the gold standard for accurate AD diagnosis, however, most that we know about AD genetics is based on Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS) of clinically defined AD. Such studies have identified multiple AD susceptibility variants with a significant portion of the heritability unexplained and highlighting the phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity of the clinically defined entity. Furthermore, despite women’s increased susceptibility to dementia, there is a lack of sex-specific genetic studies and understanding of sex-specific background for the disorder. Here, we aim to tackle the heterogeneity of AD by specifically concentrating on neuropathological features and pursuing sex-specific analysis. We bring together 14 different genomic and neuropathology datasets (6960 individuals) and we integrate our GWAS findings with transcriptomic and phenotypic data aiming to also identify biomarkers for AD progression. We uncover novel genetic associations to AD neuropathology, including BIN1 and OPCML. Our sex-specific analysis points to a role for BIN1 specifically in women as well as novel AD loci including QRFPR and SGCZ. Post-GWAS analyses illuminate the functional and biological mechanisms underlying AD and reveal sex-specific differences. Finally, through PheWAS and Mendelian Randomization analysis, we identify causal links with AD neuropathology pointing to disrupted lipid metabolism, as well as impaired peripheral immune response and liver dysfunction as part of a vicious cycle that fuels neurodegeneration.
Effect of catalase on CPC production during fermentation of Acremonium chrysogenum
Authors: Liu Ling , Chen Zhen , Tian Xiwei , Chu Ju
Published: January 2025

Cephalosporin C (CPC) is a critical raw material for cephalosporin antibiotics produced by Acremonium chrysogenum. During fermentation, the oxygen supply is a crucial factor limiting the efficient biosynthesis of CPC. This study demonstrated that the addition of exogenous surfactants significantly increased the dissolved oxygen (DO) level, extracellular catalase content, and final CPC titer. Consequently, we hypothesized and examined a correlation between catalase and CPC biosynthesis in A. chrysogenum through both the exogenous addition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and the endogenous modulation of the catA expression level. The results indicated that both the addition of H₂O₂ and the ∆catA mutation exhibited similar fermentation trends, leading to decreased extracellular catalase activity and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content, which resulted in reduced CPC production. Conversely, strains that overexpress varying levels of the catA accelerated hyphal differentiation under DO-limiting conditions, reducing intracellular ROS accumulation and decreasing cellular apoptosis, which stabilized CPC yield during the later stages of fermentation. This study provides a critical foundation for further investigations into the regulatory mechanisms governing CPC biosynthesis in A. chrysogenum.

Graphical Abstract
Recurrent Helicobacter cinaedi bacteremia cured with long-term oral minocycline treatment in a patient undergoing hemodialysis: a case report and literature review
Authors: Kakizoe Yutaka , Iwata Yasunobu , Nakagawa Terumasa , Miyasato Yoshikazu , Mizumoto Teruhiko , Izumi Yuichiro , Kuwabara Takashige , Adachi Masataka , Yokoi Hideki , Mukoyama Masashi
Published: January 2025

Background

Helicobacter cinaedi is a Gram-negative spiral bacillus that inhabits the intestines of animals. First reported in 1984 as the causative agent of proctitis in a homosexual man, it causes bacteremia, cellulitis, and infections in many organs and tissues, particularly in immunocompromised patients. The clinical challenge with H. cinaedi infection includes its slow growth rate and weak Gram staining that make it easy to misdiagnose, as well as the high incidence of relapses after the discontinuation of antibiotics. Herein, we report a case of delayed diagnosis of H. cinaedi bacteremia in a patient undergoing hemodialysis, where long-term minocycline therapy proved effective.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old woman undergoing maintenance hemodialysis for lupus nephritis presented with a high fever. She was thought to have a bacterial infection and was initially treated with tazobactam/piperacillin, resulting in a good response and discharge. Soon after discharge, the fever recurred, leading to readmission for further evaluation. After admission, polymerase chain reaction and sequencing of the blood culture sample taken during the first admission revealed that she had H. cinaedi bacteremia. The fever promptly subsided with the administration of meropenem. However, long-term antibiotic use was deemed necessary, and oral minocycline therapy was initiated. Minocycline was administered for 12 weeks, leading to complete resolution of infection.

Conclusions

In cases of recurrent fever following antibiotic treatment, especially in immunocompromised patients, H. cinaedi infection should be considered, warranting appropriate culture testing and antibiotic therapy. Oral minocycline is considered an effective treatment option in such cases.