bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of kombucha prepared from black tea and coffee leaves: A comparative analysis of physiochemical properties, bioactive components, and bioactivities
Authors: Huang Gongping , Huang Yuanyuan , Sun Yu , Lu Tingting , Cao Qingwei , Chen Xiumin
Published: April 2024

The utilization of coffee leaves in kombucha production has intrigued researchers; however, the lack of understanding regarding the characteristics of coffee leaf kombucha (CK) and its differentiation from black tea kombucha (BK) has impeded its application in the beverage industry. Therefore, this study aimed to characterize and compare the physiochemical properties, phytochemical compositions, antioxidant activity, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory ability of kombucha prepared from the leaves of Coffea arabica (CK) and black tea (Camellia sinensis, BK) and their extracts (CT and BT). After fermentation, pH and the contents of total sugars, reducing sugars, and free amino acids of BK and CK were decreased, whereas the levels of total acids and organic acids, such as gluconic, lactic, and acetic acid were increased. Notably, the concentration of vitamin C in CK was 48.9% higher than that in BK. HPLC analysis exhibited that 5‐caffeoylquinic acid in CT was significantly decreased by 48.0% in CK, whereas the levels of 3‐caffeoylquinic acid and 4‐caffeoylquinic acid were significantly increased after fermentation. The content of caffeine was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced by 9.5% and 22.0% in BK and CK, respectively, whereas the theobromine level was significantly increased in CK. Notably, CK has superior total phenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity than BK, whereas BK possesses higher α‐glucosidase inhibitory capacity. Electronic nose analysis demonstrated that sulfur‐containing organics were the main volatiles in both kombuchas, and fermentation significantly increased their levels. Our study indicates that coffee leaves are a promising resource for preparing kombucha.

Practical Application

This article investigates the differences in physicochemical properties, bioactive constituents, antioxidant activity, and α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity of kombucha preparation from black tea and coffee leaves. We have found that after fermentation BK had brighter soup color and higher α‐glucosidase inhibitory capacity, whereas CK had higher levels of total phenols, flavonoids, vitamin C, and antioxidants and lower contents of sugars. This study provides valuable information for the preparation of CK with high‐quality attributes and antioxidant activity.
Two novel angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) inhibiting peptides from tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) skin and their molecular docking mechanism
Authors: Chen Jiayi , Ji Hongwu , Luo Jing , Zhang Di , Liu Shucheng
Published: April 2024

In the study, papain was used to hydrolyze tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus) skin to obtain a tilapia skin hydrolysate (TSH) with dual angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP‐IV) inhibitory activities. The resulting TSH was sequentially fractionated by ultrafiltration, size exclusion separation chromatography, and reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Its inhibitory effects on ACE and DPP‐IV were determined by commercial reagent kits. Two peptides purified from TSH were identified as Gly‐Pro‐Leu‐Gly‐Ala‐Leu (GPLGAL) and Lys‐Pro‐Ala‐Gly‐Asn (KPAGN) by the ultra‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Inhibitory concentration (IC50) of GPLGAL on ACE and DPP‐IV were 117.20 ± 1.69 and 187.10 ± 2.75 µM, respectively. IC50 of KPAGN on ACE and DPP‐IV were 137.40 ± 2.33 and 259.20 ± 2.85 µM, respectively. The molecular simulation demonstrated that the binding affinities of GPLGAL to ACE and DPP‐IV proteins were −8.5 and −7.4 kcal/mol, respectively, whereas those of KPAGN to ACE and DPP‐IV proteins were −7.9 and −6.7 kcal/mol, respectively. GPLGAL interacted with 21 amino acid residues of the ACE active site, whereas KPAGN engaged with 19 amino acid residues. Additionally, GPLGAL interacted with 10 amino acid residues of the DPP‐IV active site, whereas KPAGN engaged with 13 amino acid residues. The two peptides predominantly occupied the active sites of ACE (His513, Tyr523, and Ala354) and DPP‐IV (Tyr662 and Arg125) through hydrogen bonding. This leads to the deactivation of ACE and DPP‐IV.

Practical Application

Accelerate tilapia skin development and high‐value utilization; provide foundation for preparing the peptides with dual ACE and DPP‐IV inhibiting activity.
Assessing the impact of isochoric freezing as a preservation method on the quality attributes of orange juice
Authors: Atci Sumeyye , McGraw Valerie S. , Takeoka Gary , Vu Vivian C. H. , McHugh Tara , Rubinsky Boris , Bilbao‐Sainz Cristina
Published: April 2024

Isochoric (constant volume) freezing is a novel food preservation technology that has demonstrated the ability to preserve food products at subfreezing temperatures in an unfrozen state, thereby avoiding the detrimental effects of ice formation. It minimizes the quality loss of fresh fruits and juices, increases their nutrient content, and reduces microbial counts. Orange juice (OJ) samples were subjected to conventional freezing (CF) and isochoric freezing (IF) for 7 days and then stored at 4°C for an additional 7 days. We evaluated the microbiological and physicochemical quality of CF and IF OJ before and after storage. The IF was performed at three different conditions: −5°C/73 MPa, −10°C/93 MPa, and −15°C/143 MPa. The results indicate that the total aerobic count of OJ remained below the detection limit after heat treatment, 7 days of CF and 7 days of IF. Yeast and mold counts increased in fresh and CF OJ after 7 days of storage at 4°C, whereas IF OJ remained below the detection limit. Less color difference was observed in IF (−15°C/143 MPa) OJ compared to heat‐treated and CF OJ. Heat treatment inactivated 42% of pectin methylesterase (PME), whereas 7‐day long IF increased PME activity up to 150%. Additionally, IF (−15°C/143 MPa) OJ showed reduced pulp sedimentation, which can be advantageous, as sedimentation in juices has been a recognized technological issue in the juice industry. Ascorbic acid level was significantly higher in IF (−15°C/143 MPa) OJ compared to fresh and CF OJ after storage.
Local governance networks as public authority: Insights from Mozambique, Myanmar and Pakistan
Authors: Joshi Anuradha , Anderson Colin , Barnes Katrina , Chaimite Egidio , Loureiro Miguel , Shankland Alex
Published: April 2024

Drawing upon ‘governance diaries,’ a method which used repeated interviews with a set of households and intermediaries in three countries—Mozambique, Myanmar and Pakistan—to understand how marginalised groups meet their daily governance needs, we argue that local governance networks constitute a form of public authority. The networks we examine encompass a range of local actors (state and non‐state), who help develop and enforce rules and ensure social coordination. We highlight the role of intermediaries who constitute the first point of contact for people seeking to resolve various issues. We show how these intermediaries and their networks are specific to each context, not just at a national level, but down to a granular local level. Decision‐making and the exercise of power moves around within the networks, blurring formal/informal boundaries. We conclude that in these contexts of fragility, public authority is embedded in and exercised through local governance networks.
Epigenetic age oscillates during the day
Authors: Koncevičius Karolis , Nair Akhil , Šveikauskaitė Aušrinė , Šeštokaitė Agnė , Kazlauskaitė Auksė , Dulskas Audrius , Petronis Artūras
Published: April 2024

Since their introduction, epigenetic clocks have been extensively used in aging, human disease, and rejuvenation studies. In this article, we report an intriguing pattern: epigenetic age predictions display a 24‐h periodicity. We tested a circadian blood sample collection using 17 epigenetic clocks addressing different aspects of aging. Thirteen clocks exhibited significant oscillations with the youngest and oldest age estimates around midnight and noon, respectively. In addition, daily oscillations were consistent with the changes of epigenetic age across different times of day observed in an independant populational dataset. While these oscillations can in part be attributed to variations in white blood cell type composition, cell count correction methods might not fully resolve the issue. Furthermore, some epigenetic clocks exhibited 24‐h periodicity even in the purified fraction of neutrophils pointing at plausible contributions of intracellular epigenomic oscillations. Evidence for circadian variation in epigenetic clocks emphasizes the importance of the time‐of‐day for obtaining accurate estimates of epigenetic age.
STAT5 phosphorylation plus minimal residual disease defines a novel risk classification in adult B‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia
Authors: Xu Xiuli , Huang Zicong , Ding Chenhao , Deng Shiyu , Ou Jiawang , Cai Zihong , Zhou Yang , Liang Haimei , Chen Junjie , Wang ZhiXiang , Liu Xiaoli , Xuan Li , Liu Qifa , Zheng Zhongxin , Li Zhen , Zhou Hongsheng
Published: April 2024

The dysregulation of the Janus family tyrosine kinase‐signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK‐STAT) is closely related to acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL), whereas the clinical value of phosphorylated STAT5 (pSTAT5) remains elusive. Herein we performed a prospective study on clinical significance of flow cytometry‐based pSTAT5 in adult B‐ALL patients. A total of 184 patients were enrolled in the Precision‐Classification‐Directed‐Target‐Total‐Therapy (PDT)‐ALL‐2016 cohort between January 2018 and December 2021, and STAT5 phosphorylation was detected by flow cytometry at diagnosis. Based on flow‐pSTAT5, the population was classified into pSTAT5low (113/184, 61.1%) and pSTAT5high (71/184, 38.9%). Overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) were inferior in pSTAT5high patients than in those with pSTAT5low (OS, 44.8% vs. 65.2%, p = 0.004; EFS, 23.5% vs. 52.1%, p < 0.001), which was further confirmed in an external validation cohort. Furthermore, pSTAT5 plus flow‐based minimal residual disease (MRD) postinduction defines a novel risk classification as being high risk (HR, pSTAT5high + MRD+), standard risk (SR, pSTAT5low + MRD−) and others as moderate‐risk group. Three identified patient subgroups are distinguishable with disparate survival curves (3‐year OS rates, 36.5%, 56.7% and 76.3%, p < 0.001), which was confirmed on multivariate analysis (hazard ratio 3.53, p = 0.003). Collectively, our study proposed a novel, simple and flow‐based risk classification by integrating pSTAT5 and MRD in favour of risk‐guided treatment for B‐ALL.
Time to say goodbye? The impact of environmental regulation on foreign divestment
Authors: Mao Haiou , Görg Holger , Fang Guopei
Published: April 2024

We look at divestments by foreign firms—a topic that has received comparatively little attention in the literature—and investigate how changes in the regulatory environment in the host country may impact on such divestment decisions. We use the implementation of China's two control zones (TCZ) policy as a “quasi‐natural experiment,” using detailed firm‐level combined with city‐level data for the empirical analysis. Our results show that the implementation of the TCZ policy has led to higher probabilities of divestments by foreign firms in cities and industries targeted by the TCZ policy. The mechanism behind this seems to be a TCZ‐induced increase in discharge fees and efforts to reduce SO2 emissions. Allowing for heterogeneity of effects, we find that the effect is particularly strong for firms from source countries with less stringent environmental regulation and those using less advanced technology. We also show that firms using intermediates from polluting industries also experience a higher probability of divestment.
Increased SERPINB2 potentiates 15LO1 expression via STAT6 signalling in epithelial cells in eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps
Authors: Luo Chunyu , Zhu Ying , Zhang Shiyao , Zhou Jiayao , Mao Song , Tang Ru , Gu Yuelong , Tan Shaolin , Lin Hai , Li Zhipeng , Zhang Weitian
Published: April 2024

Background

SERPINB2, a biomarker of Type‐2 (T2) inflammatory processes, has been described in the context of asthma. Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is also correlated with T2 inflammation and elevated 15LO1 induced by IL‐4/13 in nasal epithelial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression and location of SERPINB2 in nasal epithelial cells (NECs) and determine whether SERPINB2 regulates 15LO1 and downstream T2 markers in NECs via STAT6 signalling.

Methods

SERPINB2 gene expression in bulk and single‐cell RNAseq database was analysed by bioinformatics analysis. SERPINB2, 15LO1 and other T2 markers were evaluated from CRSwNP and HCs NECs. The colocalization of SERPINB2 and 15LO1 was evaluated by immunofluorescence. Fresh NECs were cultured at an air‐liquid interface with or without IL‐13, SERPINB2 Dicer‐substrate short interfering RNAs (DsiRNAs) transfection, exogenous SERPINB2, 15‐HETE recombinant protein and pSTAT6 inhibitors. 15LO1, 15‐HETE and downstream T2 markers were analysed by qRT‐PCR, western blot and ELISA.

Results

SERPINB2 expression was increased in eosinophilic nasal polyps compared with that in noneosinophilic nasal polyps and control tissues and positively correlated with 15LO1 and other downstream T2 markers. SERPINB2 was predominantly expressed by epithelial cells in NP tissue and was colocalized with 15LO1. In primary NECs in vitro, SERPINB2 expression was induced by IL‐13. Knockdown or overexpression SERPINB2 decreased or enhanced expression of 15LO1 and 15‐HETE in NECs, respectively, in a STAT6‐dependent manner. SERPINB2 siRNA also inhibited the expression of the 15LO1 downstream genes, such as CCL26, POSTN and NOS2. STAT6 inhibition similarly decreased SERPINB2‐induced 15LO1.

Conclusions

SERPINB2 is increased in NP epithelial cells of eosinophilic CRSwNP (eCRSwNP) and contributes to T2 inflammation via STAT6 signalling. SERPINB2 could be considered a novel therapeutic target for eCRSwNP.
Modeling the risk of aquatic species invasion spread through boater movements and river connections
Authors: Kinsley Amy C. , Kao Szu‐Yu Zoe , Enns Eva A. , Escobar Luis E. , Qiao Huijie , Snellgrove Nicholas , Muellner Ulirich , Muellner Petra , Muthukrishnan Ranjan , Craft Meggan E. , Larkin Daniel J. , Phelps Nicholas B. D.
Published: April 2024

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) are one of the greatest threats to the functioning of aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Once an invasive species has been introduced to a new region, many governments develop management strategies to reduce further spread. Nevertheless, managing AIS in a new region is challenging because of the vast areas that need protection and limited resources. Spatial heterogeneity in invasion risk is driven by environmental suitability and propagule pressure, which can be used to prioritize locations for surveillance and intervention activities. To better understand invasion risk across aquatic landscapes, we developed a simulation model to estimate the likelihood of a waterbody becoming invaded with an AIS. The model included waterbodies connected via a multilayer network that included boater movements and hydrological connections. In a case study of Minnesota, we used zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) and starry stonewort (Nitellopsis obtusa) as model species. We simulated the impacts of management scenarios developed by stakeholders and created a decision‐support tool available through an online application provided as part of the AIS Explorer dashboard. Our baseline model revealed that 89% of new zebra mussel invasions and 84% of new starry stonewort invasions occurred through boater movements, establishing it as a primary pathway of spread and offering insights beyond risk estimates generated by traditional environmental suitability models alone. Our results highlight the critical role of interventions applied to boater movements to reduce AIS dispersal.
Exploring the immunological relevance of pre‐transplant donor‐specific antibody in intestinal transplantation, with special consideration to the liver
Authors: McArdle Rhea , Cope Rebecca , Chaudhry Afzal , Sharkey Lisa , Peacock Sarah
Published: April 2024

Despite recent advances that have improved outcomes following intestinal transplantation (ITx), achieving long‐term patient survival and rejection‐free survival is still challenging. Understanding the relevance of pre‐transplant human leukocyte antigen (HLA) donor‐specific antibody (DSA) in ITx and the immunomodulatory potential of the liver within the allograft is crucial to providing an accurate assessment of pre‐transplant immunological risk, which could influence and improve post‐transplant outcomes further. This was the primary objective of this retrospective study of 95 adult ITx transplants which took place at Cambridge University Hospitals (United Kingdom) between 2007 and 2019. Two novel programs were developed and validated to identify DSA (tested by Luminex single antigen beads) in this dataset. Data analysis utilised Kaplan–Meier survival methods, and statistical analysis was performed using log‐rank tests and adjusted Cox models. Fifty‐four (57%) ITx cases contained a liver, and 36 (38%) were sensitised to HLA. Pre‐transplant DSA > 500 mean fluorescent intensity appeared to negatively affect post‐ITx patient survival and rejection outcomes. Additionally, liver‐inclusive allografts seemed to show particular resistance to HLA class I DSA. Our data hints towards consistency with other ITx studies where deleterious effects of DSA have been demonstrated, and where liver inclusion is protective from HLA class I DSA. This is in line with current national guidelines for immunological risk. Our publicly available research programs could support future large or multicentre studies where statistically relevant data might be gained.
Pleistocene glaciation advances the cryptic speciation of Stellera chamaejasme L. in a major biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Rana Santosh Kumar , Rana Hum Kala , Landis Jacob B. , Kuang Tianhui , Chen Juntong , Wang Hengchang , Deng Tao , Davis Charles C. , Sun Hang
Published: April 2024

The mountains of Southwest China comprise a significant large mountain range and biodiversity hotspot imperiled by global climate change. The high species diversity in this mountain system has long been attributed to a complex set of factors, and recent large‐scale macroevolutionary investigations have placed a broad timeline on plant diversification that stretches from 10 million years ago (Mya) to the present. Despite our increasing understanding of the temporal mode of speciation, finer‐scale population‐level investigations are lacking to better refine these temporal trends and illuminate the abiotic and biotic influences of cryptic speciation. This is largely due to the dearth of organismal sampling among closely related species and populations, spanning the incredible size and topological heterogeneity of this region. Our study dives into these evolutionary dynamics of speciation using genomic and eco‐morphological data of Stellera chamaejasme L. We identified four previously unrecognized cryptic species having indistinct morphological traits and large metapopulation of evolving lineages, suggesting a more recent diversification (~2.67–0.90 Mya), largely influenced by Pleistocene glaciation and biotic factors. These factors likely influenced allopatric speciation and advocated cyclical warming–cooling episodes along elevational gradients during the Pleistocene. The study refines the evolutionary timeline to be much younger than previously implicated and raises the concern that projected future warming may influence the alpine species diversity, necessitating increased conservation efforts.
Rethinking patient feedback: A provocation for genuine integration in healthcare
Authors: Khalife Roy , LaDonna Kori
Published: April 2024

The authors challenge healthcare to radically embrace patient feedback, arguing it's the key to transforming care and education into genuinely patient‐centered practices.
Comprehensive mapping of saliva by multiomics in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Ye Qing , Liu Huihui , Meng Hanyan , Wang Dongjie , Zhang Jiayu , Zhu Shifan , Mao Jianhua
Published: April 2024

Aim

Saliva can reflect an individual's physiological status or susceptibility to systemic disease. However, little attention has been given to salivary analysis in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS). We aimed to perform a comprehensive analysis of saliva from INS children.

Methods

A total of 18 children (9 children with INS and 9 normal controls) were recruited. Saliva was collected from each INS patient in the acute and remission phases. 16S rRNA gene sequencing, widely targeted metabolomics, and 4D‐DIA proteomics were performed.

Results

Actinobacteria and Firmicutes were significantly enriched in the pretreatment group compared with the normal control group, while Bacteroidota and Proteobacteria were significantly decreased. A total of 146 metabolites were identified as significantly different between INS children before treatment and normal controls, which covers 17 of 23 categories. KEGG enrichment analysis revealed three significantly enriched pathways, including ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, pentose and glucuronate interconversions, and terpenoid backbone biosynthesis (P < 0.05). A total of 389 differentially expressed proteins were selected between INS children before treatment and normal controls. According to the KEGG and GO enrichment analyses of the KOGs, abnormal ribosome structure and function and humoral immune disorders were the most prominent differences between INS patients and normal controls in the proteomic analysis.

Conclusion

Oral microbiota dysbiosis may modulate the metabolic profile of saliva in children with INS. It is hypothesized that children with INS might have “abnormal ribosome structure and function” and “humoral immune disorders”.
A call for theory‐inspired analysis in qualitative research: Ways to construct different truths in and about healthcare
Authors: Glasdam Stinne , Xu Hongxuan , Gulestø Ragnhild J. A.
Published: April 2024

Over the last 50 years, there has been significant development of qualitative research and related methods in healthcare. Theoretical frameworks support researchers in selecting appropriate research approaches, procedures and analytical tools. However, the implications of the choice of theory are sparsely elucidated. Based on a text excerpt from a public debate article, the study aimed to show how different theory‐inspired analytical perspectives produced varied understandings of the same text. The study presented three subanalyses inspired by Bourdieu's sociological theory, Lazarus and Folkman's psychological theory and utilitarian ethics, respectively. The analyses showed that by using different theoretical analytical perspectives in inductive processes, an immediate interpretation of the text was not obvious. It became possible to spot the underlying meta‐theoretical assumptions, as the interpretations were not taken for granted or indisputable. Our analyses suggest that different theoretical lenses lead to different interpretations of the same empirical material, recognising the existence of multiple truths or realities. Thus, utilising a theoretical perspective in inductive analyses can enhance transparency and rigour because the analytical optics are made explicit to the reader. This allows the reader to follow the analysis processes and comprehend from which theoretical starting point a truth arises.
The influence of COVID‐19 on temporo‐mandibular disorders
Authors: Ramishvili Marika , Gobadze Gia , Menabde Giorgi , Zurmukhtashvili Marika , Dugashvili Giorgi , Marks Luc
Published: April 2024

Temporomandibular disorders are multi‐factorial conditions affected by psychological, biomechanical, and neuromuscular factors. Stress and anxiety experienced during the pandemic are capable of influencing and aggravating temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain. The study aimed to analyze whether the coronavirus infection can directly affect these diseases. All participants were asked to complete the Pain Screener and Patients Health Questionnaire and were assigned to Group I: healthy participants and Group 2: participants with existing complaints. In group II participants filled the questionnaires twice the Temporomandibular Disorders Symptom Questionnaire and Graded Chronic Pain Scale. The first time to self‐report the severity of chronic pain before COVID‐19 (T1 timeline) and the second time‐ to self‐report the level of pain after COVID‐19 infection (T2 timeline). Totally 150 participants were included in the study. In group II the difference between T1 and T2 timeline was significant for the level of average pain (p = 0.022) and highest facial pain (p = 0.043); Difference in level of interference of daily activities (p > 0.05), recreational activities (p > 0.05) and ability to work (p > 0.05) was statistically not significant. Graded chronic pain status was the same “Grade I” for T1 and T2 timeline. There was no statistically significant difference in stress level between group I and II.
Brauer–Manin obstructions requiring arbitrarily many Brauer classes
Authors: Berg Jennifer , Pagano Carlo , Poonen Bjorn , Stoll Michael , Triantafillou Nicholas , Viray Bianca , Vogt Isabel
Published: April 2024

On a projective variety defined over a global field, any Brauer–Manin obstruction to the existence of rational points is captured by a finite subgroup of the Brauer group. We show that this subgroup can require arbitrarily many generators.
On a conjecture of Graham on the p$p$‐divisibility of central binomial coefficients
Authors: Croot Ernie , Mousavi Hamed , Schmidt Maxie
Published: April 2024

Let be pairwise distinct primes. From a theorem of Kummer, each prime can divide at most times. We show that, for all , if are sufficiently large in terms of and , then there exist infinitely many positive integers such that each divides at most times. We connect this result to a famous conjecture by Graham on whether there are infinitely many integers such that is coprime to 105.
Significant decrease in surface charging of electrically isolated ionic liquid by cluster ion bombardment
Authors: Fujiwara Yukio
Published: April 2024

Surface charging caused by the bombardment of samples with positive ion beams is a significant problem in material processing and surface analysis. The charging potential of an electrically isolated sample is commonly believed to increase with the acceleration voltage of a positive ion beam in the absence of charge compensation. Contrary to the common belief, however, this paper reports that the charging potential of an electrically isolated ionic liquid target decreases with increasing acceleration voltage of a positive cluster ion beam. A typical ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide (EMI-TFSA), was used as the target. It was placed on a metal plate that was electrically isolated from the ground, and its charging potential during cluster ion bombardment was measured with a high-impedance electrometer. For comparison, an electrically isolated metal plate was used. This study demonstrates that the charging potential varies significantly depending on cluster ion species and target materials. The charging potential of the metal plate increased monotonically with the irradiation time, whereas that of the ionic liquid target saturated at a lower voltage. The charging potential of the ionic liquid target decreased with increasing acceleration voltage of the ion beam even though the beam current increased. Larger cluster ions (m/z 502) caused less charge buildup than lighter cluster ions (m/z 111). The results obtained are explained by considering secondary ion emission from the ionic liquid target, which reduce the incoming net charge into the target, resulting in reduced surface charging.
Testing an acoustic model of the P-center in English and Japanese
Authors: Rathcke Tamara V. , Smit Eline A. , Lin Chia-Yuan , Kubozono Haruo
Published: April 2024

The notion of the “perceptual center” or the “P-center” has been put forward to account for the repeated finding that acoustic and perceived syllable onsets do not necessarily coincide, at least in the perception of simple monosyllables or disyllables. The magnitude of the discrepancy between acoustics and perception—the location of the P-center in the speech signal— has proven difficult to estimate, though acoustic models of the effect do exist. The present study asks if the P-center effect can be documented in natural connected speech of English and Japanese and examines if an acoustic model that defines the P-center as the moment of the fastest energy change in a syllabic amplitude envelope adequately reflects the P-center in the two languages. A sensorimotor synchronization paradigm was deployed to address the research questions. The results provide evidence for the existence of the P-center effect in speech of both languages while the acoustic P-center model is found to be less applicable to Japanese. Sensorimotor synchronization patterns further suggest that the P-center may reflect perceptual anticipation of a vowel onset.
Bioresorbable, wireless, passive sensors for continuous pH measurements and early detection of gastric leakage
Authors: Li Shuo , Lu Di , Li Shupeng , Liu Jiaqi , Xu Yameng , Yan Ying , Rodriguez Jorge Zárate , Bai Hedan , Avila Raudel , Kang Shuming , Ni Xinchen , Luan Haiwen , Guo Hexia , Bai Wubin , Wu Changsheng , Zhou Xuhao , Hu Ziying , Pet Mitchell A. , Hammill Chet W. , MacEwan Matthew R. , Ray Wilson Z. , Huang Yonggang , Rogers John A.
Published: April 2024

Continuous monitoring of biomarkers at locations adjacent to targeted internal organs can provide actionable information about postoperative status beyond conventional diagnostic methods. As an example, changes in pH in the intra-abdominal space after gastric surgeries can serve as direct indicators of potentially life-threatening leakage events, in contrast to symptomatic reactions that may delay treatment. Here, we report a bioresorbable, wireless, passive sensor that addresses this clinical need, designed to locally monitor pH for early detection of gastric leakage. A pH-responsive hydrogel serves as a transducer that couples to a mechanically optimized inductor-capacitor circuit for wireless readout. This platform enables real-time monitoring of pH with fast response time (within 1 hour) over a clinically relevant period (up to 7 days) and timely detection of simulated gastric leaks in animal models. These concepts have broad potential applications for temporary sensing of relevant biomarkers during critical risk periods following diverse types of surgeries.
Programmable multiphoton quantum interference in a single spatial mode
Authors: Carosini Lorenzo , Oddi Virginia , Giorgino Francesco , Hansen Lena M. , Seron Benoit , Piacentini Simone , Guggemos Tobias , Agresti Iris , Loredo Juan C. , Walther Philip
Published: April 2024

The interference of nonclassical states of light enables quantum-enhanced applications reaching from metrology to computation. Most commonly, the polarization or spatial location of single photons are used as addressable degrees of freedom for turning these applications into praxis. However, the scale-up for the processing of a large number of photons of these architectures is very resource-demanding due to the rapidly increasing number of components, such as optical elements, photon sources, and detectors. Here, we demonstrate a resource-efficient architecture for multiphoton processing based on time-bin encoding in a single spatial mode. We use an efficient quantum dot single-photon source and a fast programmable time-bin interferometer to observe the interference of up to eight photons in 16 modes, all recorded only with one detector, thus considerably reducing the physical overhead previously needed for achieving equivalent tasks. Our results can form the basis for a future universal photonics quantum processor operating in a single spatial mode.
Tissue-specific genetic variation suggests distinct molecular pathways between body shape phenotypes and colorectal cancer
Authors: Peruchet-Noray Laia , Sedlmeier Anja M. , Dimou Niki , Baurecht Hansjörg , Fervers Béatrice , Fontvieille Emma , Konzok Julian , Tsilidis Kostas K. , Christakoudi Sofia , Jansana Anna , Cordova Reynalda , Bohmann Patricia , Stein Michael J. , Weber Andrea , Bézieau Stéphane , Brenner Hermann , Chan Andrew T. , Cheng Iona , Figueiredo Jane C. , Garcia-Etxebarria Koldo , Moreno Victor , Newton Christina C. , Schmit Stephanie L. , Song Mingyang , Ulrich Cornelia M. , Ferrari Pietro , Viallon Vivian , Carreras-Torres Robert , Gunter Marc J. , Freisling Heinz
Published: April 2024

It remains unknown whether adiposity subtypes are differentially associated with colorectal cancer (CRC). To move beyond single-trait anthropometric indicators, we derived four multi-trait body shape phenotypes reflecting adiposity subtypes from principal components analysis on body mass index, height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio, and waist and hip circumference. A generally obese (PC1) and a tall, centrally obese (PC3) body shape were both positively associated with CRC risk in observational analyses in 329,828 UK Biobank participants (3728 cases). In genome-wide association studies in 460,198 UK Biobank participants, we identified 3414 genetic variants across four body shapes and Mendelian randomization analyses confirmed positive associations of PC1 and PC3 with CRC risk (52,775 cases/45,940 controls from GECCO/CORECT/CCFR). Brain tissue–specific genetic instruments, mapped to PC1 through enrichment analysis, were responsible for the relationship between PC1 and CRC, while the relationship between PC3 and CRC was predominantly driven by adipose tissue–specific genetic instruments. This study suggests distinct putative causal pathways between adiposity subtypes and CRC.
Coin-sized, fully integrated, and minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring system based on organic electrochemical transistors
Authors: Bai Jing , Liu Dingyao , Tian Xinyu , Wang Yan , Cui Binbin , Yang Yilin , Dai Shilei , Lin Wensheng , Zhu Jixiang , Wang Jinqiang , Xu Aimin , Gu Zhen , Zhang Shiming
Published: April 2024

Continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGMs) are critical toward closed-loop diabetes management. The field’s progress urges next-generation CGMs with enhanced antinoise ability, reliability, and wearability. Here, we propose a coin-sized, fully integrated, and wearable CGM, achieved by holistically synergizing state-of-the-art interdisciplinary technologies of biosensors, minimally invasive tools, and hydrogels. The proposed CGM consists of three major parts: (i) an emerging biochemical signal amplifier, the organic electrochemical transistor (OECT), improving the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) beyond traditional electrochemical sensors; (ii) a microneedle array to facilitate subcutaneous glucose sampling with minimized pain; and (iii) a soft hydrogel to stabilize the skin-device interface. Compared to conventional CGMs, the OECT-CGM offers a high antinoise ability, tunable sensitivity and resolution, and comfort wearability, enabling personalized glucose sensing for future precision diabetes health care. Last, we discuss how OECT technology can help push the limit of detection of current wearable electrochemical biosensors, especially when operating in complicated conditions.
The immune-evasive proline-283 substitution in influenza nucleoprotein increases aggregation propensity without altering the native structure
Authors: Yoon Jimin , Zhang Yu Meng , Her Cheenou , Grant Robert A. , Ponomarenko Anna I. , Ackermann Bryce E. , Hui Tiffani , Lin Yu-Shan , Debelouchina Galia T. , Shoulders Matthew D.
Published: April 2024

Nucleoprotein (NP) is a key structural protein of influenza ribonucleoprotein complexes and is central to viral RNA packing and trafficking. NP also determines the sensitivity of influenza to myxovirus resistance protein 1 (MxA), an innate immunity factor that restricts influenza replication. A few critical MxA-resistant mutations have been identified in NP, including the highly conserved proline-283 substitution. This essential proline-283 substitution impairs influenza growth, a fitness defect that becomes particularly prominent at febrile temperature (39°C) when host chaperones are depleted. Here, we biophysically characterize proline-283 NP and serine-283 NP to test whether the fitness defect is caused by the proline-283 substitution introducing folding defects. We show that the proline-283 substitution changes the folding pathway of NP, making NP more aggregation prone during folding, but does not alter the native structure of the protein. These findings suggest that influenza has evolved to hijack host chaperones to promote the folding of otherwise biophysically incompetent viral proteins that enable innate immune system escape.
OASL suppresses infectious bursal disease virus replication by targeting VP2 for degrading through the autophagy pathway
Authors: Wang Suyan , Xu Zhuangzhuang , Liu Yongzhen , Yu Mengmeng , Zhang Tao , Liu Peng , Qi Xiaole , Chen Yuntong , Meng Lingzhai , Guo Ru , Zhang Li , Fan Wenrui , Gao Li , Duan Yulu , Zhang Yanping , Cui Hongyu , Gao Yulong
Published: April 2024

Infectious bursal disease (IBD) is an acute and fatal immunosuppressive disease caused by infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV). As an obligate intracellular parasite, IBDV infection is strictly regulated by host factors. Knowledge on the antiviral activity and possible mechanism of host factors might provide the theoretical basis for the prevention and control of IBD. In this study, RNA-sequencing results indicated that many host factors were induced by IBDV infection, among which the expression levels of OASL (2´,5´-oligadenylate synthetase-like protein) was significantly upregulated. OASL overexpression significantly inhibited IBDV replication, whereas OASL knockdown promoted IBDV replication. Interestingly, the antiviral ability of OASL was independent of its canonical enzymatic activity, i.e., OASL targeted viral protein VP2 for degradation, depending on the autophagy receptor p62/SQSTM1 in the autophagy pathway. Additionally, the 316 lysine (K) of VP2 was the key site for autophagy degradation, and its replacement with arginine disrupted VP2 degradation induced by OASL and enhanced IBDV replication. Importantly, our results for the first time indicate a unique and potent defense mechanism of OASL against double-stranded RNA virus by interaction with viral proteins, which leads to their degradation.

IMPORTANCE

OASL (2´,5´-oligadenylate synthetase-like protein) exhibits broad-spectrum antiviral effects against single-stranded RNA viruses in mammals, potentially serving as a promising target for novel antiviral strategies. However, its role in inhibiting the replication of double-stranded RNA viruses (dsRNA viruses), such as infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV), in avian species remains unclear. Our findings indicated a unique and potent defense mechanism of OASL against dsRNA viruses. It has been previously shown in mammals that OASL inhibits virus replication through increasing interferon production. The groundbreaking aspect of our study is the finding that OASL has the ability to interact with IBDV viral protein VP2 and target it for degradation and thus exerts its antiviral effect. Our results reveal the interaction between avian natural antiviral immune response and IBDV infection. Our study not only enhances our understanding of bird defenses against viral infections but can also inform strategies for poultry disease management.
Trends in work-related respiratory diseases attributed to nickel, chromium and cobalt in the UK: descriptive findings from The Health and Occupation Research (THOR) network 1996–2019
Authors: Iskandar Ireny Y K , Gawkrodger David J , Byrne Laura , Gittins Matthew , Carder Melanie , Fishwick David , van Tongeren Martie
Published: April 2024

Background

Occupational exposure to metals can be associated with respiratory diseases which can adversely affect the individual’s health, finances and employment. Despite this, little is known about the incidence of these respiratory conditions over prolonged periods of time.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the trends in the incidence of work-related respiratory diseases attributed to nickel, chromium and cobalt in the UK.

Methods

Cases of occupational respiratory diseases caused by nickel, chromium or cobalt reported to Surveillance of Work-related and Occupational Respiratory Disease (SWORD), the UK-based surveillance scheme between 1996 and 2019 (inclusive), were extracted and grouped into six 4-year time periods. Cases were characterised by causative metal exposure, occupational and industrial sector. Incidence rates diseases (adjusted for physician participation and response rate) were calculated using ONS employment data.

Results

Of cases reported to SWORD during the study period, 1% (173 actual cases) of respiratory problems were attributed to nickel, chromium or cobalt. Diagnoses of asthma compromised the largest proportion of diagnoses (74.4%), followed by lung cancer (8.9%) and pneumoconiosis (6.7%). Cases had a mean age of 47 years (SD 13); 93% were men. The annual incidence fell from 1.6 per million employed in the first 4-year period, to 0.2 in the most recent period.

Conclusions

Over 24 years, a decline in the incidence of metal-related occupational respiratory diseases was observed in the UK. This could be attributed to improvements in working conditions which resulted in reduced metal exposure but could also be due to closure of industries that might have generated case returns.
Performance evaluation of a self-administered point-of-care test for anal HPV screening in PrEP users: data from a community-based PrEP service
Authors: Biasioli Lorenzo , Rossotti Roberto , Tavelli Alessandro , De Bona Anna , Tincati Camilla , Calzavara Daniele , Vinti Pietro , Baiguera Chiara , D’Amico Federico , Nava Alice , Repossi Roberto , Bossolasco Simona , Muccini Camilla , Mulè Giovanni , Tesoro Daniele , d'Arminio Monforte Antonella , Cernuschi Massimo
Published: April 2024

Objectives

In this study, we compared the performance of a self-administered point-of-care test (POCT) for anal human papillomavirus (HPV) screening with laboratory gold-standard test in pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users and evaluated its feasibility.

Methods

We enrolled PrEP users from a local community-based PrEP service. Each participant self-collected an anal swab to test anal HPV with a PCR POCT capable of detecting 14 high-risk HPV genotypes. Anonymous questionnaires on self-sampling feasibility were completed. Participants were then referred to local clinics to undergo standard viral genotyping. Concordance between POCT and gold-standard test was measured with absolute agreement and Cohen’s kappa. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to calculate POCT sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV).

Results

179 subjects got a valid POCT result, most of them men (98.3%) and men who have sex with men (90.4%). 68.2% tested positive for at least one high-risk HPV genotype on POCT. 150 feasibility questionnaires were collected: 92.7% of compilers found the self-swab easy to perform. For 178 subjects, a gold-standard test valid result was also available: 77% tested positive for at least one high-risk HPV genotype. The median time elapsed between the two tests was 9.8 months, due to COVID-19-related service interruptions. Agreement between POCT and gold-standard test was 79.3% (Cohen’s kappa=0.49). POCT showed a sensitivity of 81.0%, a specificity of 73.8%, a PPV of 91.0% and an NPV of 54.4%.

Conclusions

POCT showed a moderate agreement with gold-standard test and a discrete sensitivity and specificity, suggesting that it could be a useful and feasible additional tool for HPV screening, especially in low-resource and community-based settings.
Proceedings of the 2023 Meeting of the Animal Science Modelling Group
Authors: Kebreab E. , Cant J.P. , Knapp J.R.
Published: April 2024

The Animal Science Modelling Group meets approximately yearly for one-day meetings. The 2023 meeting was sponsored by Trouw Nutrition (Guelph, ON, Canada), Lallemand Specialties, Inc. (Milwaukee, WI, USA), and Adisseo (Alpharetta, GA, USA). It was held on June 24 as a hybrid in-person/virtual meeting prior to the ADSA Annual Meeting in Ottawa. Summaries of the papers presented follow. Each summary has been peer reviewed and edited for clarity.
Crack detection and dimensional assessment using smartphone sensors and deep learning
Authors: Tello-Gil Carlos , Jabari Shabnam , Waugh Lloyd , Masry Mark , McGinn Jared
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses the crucial need for effective crack detection and dimensional assessment in civil infrastructure materials to ensure safety and functionality. It proposes a cost-effective crack detection and dimensional assessment solution by applying state-of-the-art deep learning on smartphone sensor imagery and positioning data. The proposed methodology integrates three-dimensional (3D) data from LiDAR sensors with Mask R-convolutional neural network (CNN) and YOLOv8 object detection networks, for automated crack detection in concrete structures, allowing for accurate measurement of crack dimensions, including length, width, and area. The study finds that YOLOv8 produces superior precision and recall results in crack detection compared to Mask R-CNN. Furthermore, the calculated crack-straight-length closely aligns with the ground-truth straight-length, with an average error of 1.5%. These research contributions include developing a multi-modal solution combining LiDAR observations with image masks for precise 3D crack measurements, establishing a dimensional assessment pipeline to convert segmented cracks into measurements, and comparing state-of-the-art CNN-based networks for crack detection in real-life images.
The distribution of tree biomass carbon within the Pacific Coastal Temperate Rainforest, a disproportionally carbon dense forest
Authors: Carter Trevor A. , Buma Brian
Published: April 2024

Spatially explicit global estimates of forest carbon storage are typically coarsely scaled. While useful, these estimates do not account for the variability and distribution of carbon at management scales. We asked how climate, topography, and disturbance regimes interact across and within geopolitical boundaries to influence tree biomass carbon, using the perhumid region of the Pacific Coastal Temperate Rainforest, an infrequently disturbed carbon dense landscape, as a test case. We leveraged permanent sample plots in southeast Alaska and coastal British Columbia and used multiple quantile regression forests and generalized linear models to estimate tree biomass carbon stocks and the effects of topography, climate, and disturbance regimes. We estimate tree biomass carbon stocks are either 211 (SD = 163) Mg C ha−1 or 218 (SD = 169) Mg C ha−1. Natural disturbance regimes had no correlation with tree biomass but logging decreased tree biomass carbon and the effect diminished with increasing time since logging. Despite accounting for 0.3% of global forest area, this forest stores between 0.63% and 1.07% of global aboveground forest carbon as aboveground live tree biomass. The disparate impact of logging and natural disturbance regimes on tree biomass carbon suggests a mismatch between current forest management and disturbance history.