bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plant species composition and vegetation structure ofSphagnumcultivation sites
Authors: Grobe Amanda
Published: August 2023

Aims

The cultivation ofSphagnummosses in paludiculture has high potential for the use of formerly drained peatlands under wet conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plant species composition and vegetation structure ofSphagnumcultivation sites in comparison with near‐natural donor sites and rewetted sites withoutSphagnumintroduction.

Location

Central Europe, northwest Germany close to the Dutch–German border.

Methods

The treatments (rewetting with and withoutSphagnumintroduction) and a near‐natural donor as a reference were each studied at three different sites. At each site, bryophyte and vascular plant species composition as well as parameters of vegetation structure were sampled in 40 randomly positioned plots of 25 cm × 25 cm.

Results

In addition to the highly frequentSphagnum, several further plant species typical of bogs were introduced. At two cultivation sites, the species composition showed a high degree of similarity to the near‐natural donor sites, whereas the third site was more similar to the rewetted sites without the introduction ofSphagnumbiomass. Rewetted sites were species‐poor in comparison with all other sites. Apart from a high cover ofSphagnum, the vegetation structure at the cultivation sites differed significantly from the near‐natural donor sites.

Conclusions

Sphagnumcultivation sites can be used to grow donor material for peatland restoration and contribute to species conservation by providing substitute habitat for bog‐typical and threatened plant species.
Postoperative ileus after digestive surgery: Network meta‐analysis of pharmacological intervention
Authors: Buscail Etienne , Planchamp Thibault , Le Cosquer Guillaume , Bouchet Manon , Thevenin Julie , Carrere Nicolas , Muscari Fabrice , Abbo Olivier , Maulat Charlotte , Weyl Ariane , Duffas Jean Pierre , Philis Antoine , Ghouti Laurent , Canivet Cindy , Motta Jean Paul , Vergnolle Nathalie , Deraison Celine , Shourick Jason
Published: August 2023

Aims

Several medicinal treatments for avoiding postoperative ileus (POI) after abdominal surgery have been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs). This network meta‐analysis aimed to explore the relative effectiveness of these different treatments on ileus outcome measures.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed to identify RCTs comparing treatments for POI following abdominal surgery. A Bayesian network meta‐analysis was performed. Direct and indirect comparisons of all regimens were simultaneously compared using random‐effects network meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 38 RCTs were included in this network meta‐analysis reporting on 6371 patients. Our network meta‐analysis shows that prokinetics significantly reduce the duration of first gas (mean difference [MD] = 16 h; credible interval −30, −3.1; surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA] 0.418), duration of first bowel movements (MD = 25 h; credible interval −39, −11; SUCRA 0.25) and duration of postoperative hospitalization (MD −1.9 h; credible interval −3.8, −0.040; SUCRA 0.34). Opioid antagonists are the only treatment that significantly improve the duration of food recovery (MD −19 h; credible interval −26, −14; SUCRA 0.163).

Conclusion

Based on our meta‐analysis, the 2 most consistent pharmacological treatments able to effectively reduce POI after abdominal surgery are prokinetics and opioid antagonists. The absence of clear superiority of 1 treatment over another highlights the limits of the pharmacological principles available.
Medical students' perceived comfort and competence performing physical examinations on patients with obesity: A mixed‐methods needs assessment
Authors: Tenedero Christine B. , O'Brien Kathleen T. , Patel Barkha P. , Strom Michele , Deveci Arin C. , Chu Lisa , Jayawardena Sanasi , Noseworthy Rebecca , McPherson Amy C. , Walsh Catharine M. , Hamilton Jill K.
Published: August 2023

Physicians are unsatisfied with their training in the care of patients with obesity. Physical examination is a key component of care, and modifications to techniques are often necessary for patients with obesity. To determine learning needs, we examined medical students' perceived comfort and competency in conducting physical examinations on patients with obesity. This mixed‐methods study of Canadian medical students used a questionnaire and semi‐structured focus groups to assess medical students' perceived comfort and competence in examining patients with obesity. Participants included 175 Canadian medical students. A minority of medical students felt comfortable (42%) or competent (14%) examining patients with obesity. Physical exam challenges included modifying exam manoeuvres, interpreting findings and communicating sensitively around weight. Lack of early exposure to patients with obesity, minimal instruction by preceptors and a lack of curricular focus on obesity were felt to be barriers to improving these skills. Students perceived their lack of confidence as negatively impacting their ability to manage patients with obesity and more training in this area was desired to prevent disparities in care. Medical students feel that adequate training on how to perform an obesity‐specific physical examination is lacking. Developing curricula and including formal teaching around these key competencies within medical education is essential.
Lesion detection in epilepsy surgery: Lessons from a prospective evaluation of a machine learning algorithm
Authors: Chari Aswin , Adler Sophie , Wagstyl Konrad , Seunarine Kiran , Tahir M. Zubair , Moeller Friederike , Thornton Rachel , Boyd Steward , Das Krishna , Cooray Gerald , Smith Stuart , D'Arco Felice , Baldeweg Torsten , Eltze Christin , Cross J. Helen , Tisdall Martin M.
Published: August 2023

Aim

To evaluate a lesion detection algorithm designed to detect focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) in children undergoing stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) as part of their presurgical evaluation for drug‐resistant epilepsy.

Method

This was a prospective, single‐arm, interventional study (Idea, Development, Exploration, Assessment, and Long‐Term Follow‐Up phase 1/2a). After routine SEEG planning, structural magnetic resonance imaging sequences were run through an FCD lesion detection algorithm to identify putative clusters. If the top three clusters were not already sampled, up to three additional SEEG electrodes were added. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients who had additional electrode contacts in the SEEG‐defined seizure‐onset zone (SOZ).

Results

Twenty patients (median age 12 years, range 4–18 years) were enrolled, one of whom did not undergo SEEG. Additional electrode contacts were part of the SOZ in 1 out of 19 patients while 3 out of 19 patients had clusters that were part of the SOZ but they were already implanted. A total of 16 additional electrodes were implanted in nine patients and there were no adverse events from the additional electrodes.

Interpretation

We demonstrate early‐stage prospective clinical validation of a machine learning lesion detection algorithm used to aid the identification of the SOZ in children undergoing SEEG. We share key lessons learnt from this evaluation and emphasize the importance of robust prospective evaluation before routine clinical adoption of such algorithms.

What this paper adds

The focal cortical dysplasia detection algorithm collocated with the seizure‐onset zone (SOZ) in 4 out of 19 patients.

The algorithm changed the resection boundaries in 1 of 19 patients undergoing stereoelectroencephalography for drug‐resistant epilepsy.

The patient with an altered resection due to the algorithm was seizure‐free 1 year after resective surgery.

Overall, the algorithm did not increase the proportion of patients in whom SOZ was identified.
Postdoctoral researchers' experience and their career plan in a research‐focused university in South Korea
Authors: Lee Soo Jeung , Shin Jung Cheol
Published: August 2023

This study aims to empirically analyse whether, in the context of South Korea, postdoctoral researchers' career plans are closely associated with their postdoctoral experience, along with whether these postdoctoral experiences differ by gender and discipline. Data were collected from an online survey targeting postdoctoral researchers at a research‐focused university in South Korea in 2019. This study found that the majority of the postdoctoral researchers pursue faculty positions at universities as in other countries, and there were no statistically significant differences in future academic career plan by gender and discipline. However, female postdoctoral researchers had lower satisfaction with their postdoctoral experience than males. Logistic regression analysis indicates that the postdoctoral researchers who experienced sufficient career advice from their supervisor are more likely to have academic positions at universities than their colleagues without such advice. This study suggests that institutional supports as well as close mentoring and advising by supervisors are critical for retaining them in academia.
Influence of conventional blanching and sonication on the quality parameters of black carrot (Daucus carota L.) juice: a comparative analysis
Authors: Kaur Navjot , Aggarwal Poonam , A Parinitha , Sandhu Pawandeep Kaur
Published: August 2023

Black carrot is a peculiar variety of carrot that is known for its deep purple‐black colour and its high levels of antioxidants. Black carrots were subjected to five different treatments, namely, hot water blanching, acidified water blanching, sonication and sonication combined with hot water blanching and acidified blanching. The untreated juice was taken as control. The effect of both conventional (blanching) and non‐conventional (sonication) methods on the quality attributes of black carrot juice was evaluated. The application of blanching treatments resulted in significant (P < 0.05) reduction in peroxidase activity, however, sonication alone was comparatively ineffective. The sonication exhibited a significant (P < 0.05) increase in minerals, phytochemicals and antioxidant activities. Conversely, conventional blanching treatments reduced their content. All treated samples exhibited significant (P < 0.05) decrease in microbial count as compared to control. However, the decline was more pronounced in juices subjected to simultaneous acidified water blanching and ultrasound treatment. The findings demonstrate that combining ultrasound treatment with blanching offers advantages in improving the phytochemical constituents, microbial safety, and overall quality of black carrot juice.
Nutritional, physicochemical and antioxidant properties of sprouted and fermented beverages made from Phalaris canariensis seed
Authors: Juárez‐Trujillo Naida , González‐Avila Cristina , Beristain‐Guevara César I. , Mendoza‐López María Remedios , Pascual‐Pineda Luz Alicia , Jiménez‐Fernández Maribel
Published: August 2023

The development of fermented beverages from seeds is important because the fermentation process decreases the concentration of anti‐nutritional compounds, in addition, compounds that provide odour, flavour, and that have beneficial properties for the consumer are generated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional characteristics, physicochemical properties, antioxidants, volatile compounds, fatty acids and bioactive compounds of un‐sprouted canary seed, sprouted seed and a fermented beverage prepared from the germinated seed. The analysis of untargeted bioactive compounds by Ultra High‐Performance Liquid Chromatography coupled to a quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UPLC‐MS‐QTOF) allowed the identification of the main metabolic pathways that occur during these processes. The sprouts contained linolenic acid, and the beverage contained fatty acids. L‐phenylalanine was the polyphenol present at the highest concentration in the seed, sprout and beverage. Seven volatile compounds were identified, of which 2‐methyl butanal and ethanol were found in the highest concentration in the sprouted and fermented seeds, respectively. The beverage exhibited the highest concentration of polyphenols and antioxidant activity assessed by the DPPH, FRAP and ABTS tests. We, therefore, conclude that the beverage could confer beneficial health effects, and the results provide information for the development of new functional canary seed products.
Shorter hours wanted? A systematic review of working‐time preferences and outcomes
Authors: ANTAL Miklós , LEHMANN Benedikt , GUIMARAES Thiago , HALMOS Alexandra , LUKÁCS Bence
Published: August 2023

Changes in working time have important economic, social and environmental implications. However, research on workers' preferences is highly fragmented across disciplines and journals. To overcome this, the present article provides a systematic review of the literature, analysing 173 studies. The study shows that working‐time outcomes and mismatches are mostly studied in a small group of OECD countries, using survey data and statistical methods. The most clear and consistent results are about gender, care responsibilities and current working hours. Among professions, only the medical workforce receives substantial attention. Norms and preference formation are poorly understood, and more qualitative research is essential to understand how working‐time reductions could spread.
Acid–base and electrolyte evaluation in dogs with upper GI obstruction: 115 dogs (2015‐2021)
Authors: Lozano B. A. , Yankin I. , Perry S. , Rutter C. R.
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Metabolic alkalosis, although uncommon in small animals, has been previously associated with gastrointestinal obstructions. Depending on the population and disease process evaluated, previous prevalence of metabolic alkalosis is reported as ranging from 2% to 45% in canine patients. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of metabolic alkalosis and other acid–base and electrolyte disorders in a cohort of dogs with a confirmed upper gastrointestinal obstruction.

Materials and Methods

Electronic medical records were reviewed to identify dogs who presented for vomiting with evidence of an upper gastrointestinal obstruction from January 2015 to October 2021. Patients were enrolled only if a preoperative venous blood gas was obtained and analysed in house. Traditional acid–base analysis was utilised to determine an acid–base status before relieving the obstruction. When available, post‐operative venous acid–base status was determined within 24 hours after surgery, and compared to preoperative results.

Results

A total of 115 dogs were included in the study. Twenty‐five out of 115 (22%) dogs displayed either a simple metabolic alkalosis or a mixed acid–base disturbance before surgery. Twenty‐seven out of 115 dogs (37%) had a normal acid–base status at entry. Seventy‐one dogs had pre‐ and post‐operative venous blood gas results available. Metabolic alkalosis was resolved in nearly all patients post‐operatively, with no patients displaying a simple metabolic alkalosis. A mixed metabolic acidosis and respiratory alkalosis was the most common condition post‐operatively, found in 25 of 71 (35%) dogs. Severe derangements of electrolytes were infrequent preoperatively (3/115; 2.6%). A majority of patients in this study exhibited hypokalaemia (64.4%), hypochloraemia (72.8%) and hyponatraemia (77.4%) on preoperative venous blood gases. Venous pH, PvCO2, bicarbonate and base excess were significantly higher preoperatively when compared to the post‐operative results.

Clinical Significance

This study found the prevalence of pre‐operative metabolic alkalosis in dogs with a documented upper gastrointestinal obstruction to be lower than previously reported. Surgical or endoscopic alleviation of the upper gastrointestinal obstruction resulted in resolution of metabolic alkalosis in nearly all patients.
A ‘New Scale’ from the Beyond:Verbunkosand Triadic Transformations in a Piece Attributed to the Spirit of Liszt by Rosemary Brown
Authors: Bomfim Érico , Almada Carlos
Published: August 2023

This article discusses ‘New Scale Modulations’, an unusual piece attributed to Franz Liszt by Rosemary Brown (1916–2001), a British composer who claimed to be a spirit medium. ‘New Scale Modulations’ ‘invents’ four key signatures that correspond to four transpositions of the same mode. The ‘New Scale’ and the way it is used establishes a unique mediation between two independent worlds: that ofverbunkosasymmetrical scales and that of symmetrical musical thinking, especially hexatonic scales and triadic transformations. By this means, ‘New Scale Modulations’ establishes a deep and rational dialogue with Liszt's harmonic language, incorporating several elements of theverbunkosandZukunftsmusik. Without ‘proving’ Brown's spirit medium claims, ‘New Scale Modulations’ challenges the view of her as no more than a superficial and intuitive imitator.
Basigin is released in extracellular vesicles derived from the renal tubular epithelium in response to albuminuria
Authors: Watanabe Tomoharu , Maeda Kayaho , Kato Noritoshi , Seko Hiroshi , Sugimura Masahiro , Sato Yuka , Ryuge Akihiro , Kato Sawako , Kadomatsu Kenji , Maruyama Shoichi , Kosugi Tomoki
Published: August 2023

Aim

Irrespective of the cause, albumin/proteinuria induces tubulointerstitial damage and accelerates the progression of kidney diseases. Our series of studies demonstrated that proteinuria, an independent prognostic factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), is correlated with urinary basigin/CD147 (Bsg) levels. We examined the morphology and origin of Bsg in the tubular lumen through the effects of filtered glucose and protein solutes on the tubules.

Methods

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) patients (N = 50) were treated with spironolactone 25 mg for 4 weeks or by conservative treatment. The associations between urinary Bsg values and clinical indicators were examined. Primary‐cultured proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) from human adult kidneys were exposed to high glucose or bovine serum albumin (BSA).

Results

In patients with early phase DKD, urinary Bsg levels were closely correlated with proteinuria but not HbA1c. Full‐length Bsg on extracellular vesicles (EVs) was investigated primarily in urine collected from DKD patients. EVs obtained from the urine of DKD patients included Bsg and SGLT2 proteins. Notably, spironolactone treatment concomitantly suppressed the release of Bsg‐bearing EVs in correlation with decreased albuminuria. Exposure of PTECs to BSA (but not high glucose) enhanced the storage of supernatant Bsg in EVs despite the absence of exposure‐specific changes in Bsg transcription.

Conclusion

Proteinuria induces the release of Bsg‐bearing EVs derived from PTECs into the tubular lumen.
Factors related to intensive care unit Nurses' work engagement: A web‐based survey
Authors: Haruna Yoshie , Shiromaru Mizue , Sumikawa Masuko
Published: August 2023

A questionnaire survey on the personal and work factors related to work engagement among intensive care unit nurses concerning their recovery experiences and the nursing practice environment was conducted using a web‐based tool. Two individual factors (demographics and experience on recovery from job stress) and four work factors (work employment type, nursing method, COVID‐19 nursing experience, and nursing practice environment) were surveyed. Data from 244 participants were obtained, and survey items were analyzed using a multiple regression analysis with work engagement as the dependent variable. The results show that 3–5 years of nursing experience is significantly associated with lower work engagement. Conversely, certifications for higher‐level and specialized nursing, mastery experience such as learning new things, 1–9 days/month of COVID‐19 nursing experience, and suitable nursing practice environment were significantly associated with higher work engagement. These factors are considered important for improving the work engagement of intensive care unit nurses.
Histone Deacetylase Complex 1 and histone 1 epigenetically moderate stress responsiveness of Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings
Authors: Perrella Giorgio , Fasano Carlo , Donald Naomi A. , Daddiego Loretta , Fang Weiwei , Martignago Damiano , Carr Craig , Conti Lucio , Herzyk Pawel , Amtmann Anna
Published: August 2023

Early responses of plants to environmental stress factors prevent damage but can delay growth and development in fluctuating conditions. Optimising these trade‐offs requires tunability of plant responsiveness to environmental signals.

We have previously reported that Histone Deacetylase Complex 1 (HDC1), which interacts with multiple proteins in histone deacetylation complexes, regulates the stress responsiveness of Arabidopsis seedlings, but the underlying mechanism remained elusive.

Here, we show that HDC1 attenuates transcriptome re‐programming in salt‐treated seedlings, and we identify two genes (LEA and MAF5) that inhibit seedling establishment under salt stress downstream of HDC1. HDC1 attenuates their transcriptional induction by salt via a dual mechanism involving H3K9/14 deacetylation and H3K27 trimethylation. The latter, but not the former, was also abolished in a triple knockout mutant of the linker histone H1, which partially mimics the hypersensitivity of the hdc1‐1 mutant to salt stress. Although stress‐induced H3K27me3 accumulation required both H1 and HDC1, it was not fully recovered by complementing hdc1‐1 with a truncated, H1‐binding competent HDC1 suggesting other players or independent inputs.

The combined findings reveal a dual brake function of HDC1 via regulating both active and repressive epigenetic marks on stress‐inducible genes. This natural ‘anti‐panic’ device offers a molecular leaver to tune stress responsiveness in plants.
Mobilizing adolescents and young women to promote healthy diets in urban settings of Colombia and Vietnam: Lessons from two action‐research programs
Authors: Bergeron Gilles , Nguyen Phuong Hong , Correa Guzman Nathalia , Tran Lan Mai , Hoang Nga Thu , Restrepo‐Mesa Sandra L.
Published: August 2023

Adolescent and young women face grave nutrition challenges, but limited evidence exists on solutions to improve their diets. Action‐research was done over 3 years (2020–2022) in secondary cities of Colombia (Medellin) and Vietnam (Thai Nguyen) to identify nutrient deficits in adolescent and young women diets; elaborate food‐based recommendations to improve their nutritional status using Optifood linear programming; and engage respondents in incorporating suggested recommendations to their diet using a Social Innovation Challenge approach. A total of 1001 respondents were interviewed in Vietnam, 793 in Colombia. The probability of nutrient inadequacy in both locations was highest for iron and calcium, followed by the risk of deficiency for several other vitamins and minerals. Social Innovation Challenge teams (11 in Vietnam, 9 in Colombia) were created and supported in developing solutions to improve diets and tackle those deficiencies. Awards and resources were transferred to the most promising solutions to enable their implementation. Pre/post measurements of the interventions’ impact using the Global Diet Quality Score as outcome metric showed significant improvement in the diets of Challenge participants. After introducing a series of companion articles that offer detailed results on those various steps, this paper draws strategic lessons from an action‐research perspective.
The experience of living with obesity for adults in Asian countries: A scoping review of qualitative studies
Authors: Yunus Nor Akma , Russell Grant , Muhamad Rosediani , Chai Tze Lin , Ahmad Zawawi Mohamad Ariff Fahmi , Sturgiss Elizabeth
Published: August 2023

Sociocultural and biological backgrounds significantly influence people's experience of obesity. Yet the experience within the Asian sociocultural context is underexplored. This scoping review aims to summarize the qualitative evidence that explores the lived experience of adults with obesity in Asian countries. Guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) approach, we systematically searched five databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus) for studies exploring the lived experience of adults with obesity in Asian countries. Eligible studies with English full text were screened by two reviewers and analyzed using a descriptive qualitative content analysis. Of the 16,764 articles retrieved, 11 were included. The qualitative data can be summarized into three categories: (1) cultural norms shaped the lived experience with obesity, (2) the influence of obesity on social relationships, and (3) coping with life challenges. Despite the small number of studies, a strong influence of the sociocultural environment on the lived experience of obesity was evident, particularly on social roles and expectations, social relationships, the stigma of obesity, and life challenges. The extent and significance of this sociocultural influence on the Asian population warrant further exploration. Future research should fully report the qualitative methods to provide contextual information about the study.
Clinical retrospective study of vaginal hyperplasia in the bitch (2012–2022)
Authors: Antonov Anton , Atanasov Anatoli , Fasulkov Ivan , Karadaev Manol
Published: August 2023

A retrospective study was used to analyse canine vaginal hyperplasia ambulatory cases in Small animal clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria between 2012 and 2022. The study was done to investigate the morbidity of vaginal hyperplasia in the bitch and its relationship with the breed, body weight, age, stage of the oestrous cycle, parity of dogs and grade of the condition. Grade II and grade III vaginal hyperplasia were observed in 3.11% of all female dog genital pathological cases. Twenty‐eight canine breeds were affected and the largest number were Central Asian Shepherds (30.47%). Most frequently the dogs were between 2 and 3 years old (29.68%), above 40 kg body weight (58.59%) and during follicular phase (proestrus and oestrus) of the oestrous cycle (82.02%). All the affected bitches were non‐spayed (100%) and nulliparous were 70.31% of them. Grade III vaginal hyperplasia was more frequently observed (53.13%) than grade II of the condition. High correlation was found between age of the bitches and grade of the vaginal hyperplasia (R2 = .551; SEE = 0.053), body weight and grade of the condition (R2 = .820; SEE = 0.054), and age of the animals and their body weight (R2 = .820; SEE = 1.27).
The effectiveness of technology‐based cognitive behavioral therapy on perinatal depression and anxiety: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ching Hannie , Chua Joelle Yan Xin , Chua Jing Shi , Shorey Shefaly
Published: August 2023

Background

Extensive literature has shown the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy in treating perinatal depression, but little is known about the effectiveness of its technology‐based version.

Aim

The aim of this review was to examine the effectiveness of technology‐based cognitive behavioral therapy in reducing depressive and anxiety symptoms in women suffering from or at risk of experiencing perinatal depression.

Methods

Six electronic databases were searched until February 2023 for articles published in English. Random‐effect meta‐analyses were conducted. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 statistics and Cochran's Q chi‐squared test. Sensitivity analyses and subgroup analyses were also performed, and quality appraisals at the study and outcome levels were conducted.

Results

A total of 16 randomized controlled trials were included in the review. Results from meta‐analyses suggest that technology‐based cognitive behavioral therapy has a medium effect in reducing perinatal depressive symptoms and a small effect in reducing perinatal anxiety symptoms. Overall, women suffering from or at risk of perinatal depression may benefit from technology‐based cognitive behavioral therapy.

Linking Evidence to Action

Future interventions can be improved by addressing both perinatal depression and anxiety, paying more attention to antenatal women to prevent postnatal mental health issues, and using self‐guided mobile applications for accessibility.
Screening of Critical Variables of Andrographis paniculata Extract Loaded onto Chitosan Microparticles
Authors: Ng Melissa Yushan , Hasham@Hisam Rosnani , Rahimah Sabtu  , Mohd Khairul Hafiz Idris  , Illani Abdul Rahman
Published: August 2023

Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a medicinal plant commonly found in Malaysia. However, the main challenges hindering its clinical values is its low bioavailability and solubility in aqueous environment which can be improved by incorporating it into a nanocarrier system. Therefore, this study was conducted to screen the critical variables involved in the development of AP extract-loaded chitosan microparticles. Nine formulations (coded as F1 to F9) at varying chitosan-to-tripolyphosphate (TPP) mass ratio (2:1, 4:1, and 6:1) and reaction time (30, 60, and 90 minutes) were tested utilizing the onefactor-at-a-time (OFAT) technique and characterized by means of their particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), and encapsulation efficiency (EE). The best formulation was further characterized for its zeta potential (ζ-potential), morphology, and stability. F2 was discovered as the best formulation in the first screening with a particle size of 0.595 ± 0.014 μm, PDI of 0.284 ± 0.011, and EE of 81.18 ± 5.53%. Further testing on the formulation revealed a ζ-potential of 6.4 ±1.51 mV with a spherical and smooth-surface microparticles in dispersion. The microparticles were also stable at 4 °C with minimal change in size after 14 days. In conclusion, these results show that entrapment of AP extract into chitosan-TPP microparticles were achievable at good characteristics and stability and could be further studied as a form for delivering therapeutic activities of AP at targeted site.
Formulation of Biscuits Containing Eucheuma Cottonii Powder and Physicochemical Properties Analysis of the Biscuits
Authors: Mohamad Yusup Mohamad Bukhari , Abdul Samad Nabilah , Abang Zaidel Dayang Norulfairuz
Published: August 2023

Presently, food eaten not only to satisfy hunger but also to cater nutritional needs and reduce the risk of disease. Now people start to read and put attention to the ingredients list in every food product that they bought and consumed. Respond to the people demand, various food products have been introduced to offer health and diet benefits beyond basic nutrition. Until now, very little research has been done on the substitution of wheat flour with E. cottonii powder in production of biscuits or cookies. Therefore, the present study aimed to develop biscuits formulation containing seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) powder to produce seaweed biscuits and analyse the impacts of E. cottonii powder on the physicochemical quality of biscuits such as physical characteristics, proximate analysis, texture profile and sensory properties. Formulation of seaweed biscuits were using the same material as homemade biscuits. However, additional of seaweed (Eucheuma cottonii) powder at different ratio and amount of the ingredients were varied. Modification of biscuits formulation by added seaweeds powder give major impacts on the physicochemical properties. Increased the percentage of seaweed powder had increased the level of hardness of biscuits and increased moisture content in seaweed biscuits. Addition of seaweed powder in the formulation also affected the appearance, aroma, taste, colour, texture and sweetness of the biscuits.
Lactic Acid Production from Sequential Inorganic Salt Pretreated Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch via Simultaneous Saccharification and Fermentation
Authors: Anuar Liyana Hazirah , Khairil Anwar Nur Amirah Khairina , Low Keat Long , Mohd Yusof Noordin , Idris Ani
Published: August 2023

Lactic acid is produced from inorganic salt pretreated oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) for the first time through simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF). OPEFB is an agricultural waste that can be turned into lactic acid (LA), a highly desired chemical product. An inorganic salt (Na3PO4.12H2O-FeCl3) pretreatment precedes SSF with Bacillus coagulans DSM2314. The effect of solid loading, concentration CaCO3 and enzyme loading on LA generation is studied using design of experiments. The results show that solid loading and concentration CaCO3 affect LA yield. 50g/L biomass, 50g/L CaCO3 concentration, and 50 FPU/g cellulase enzyme yield maximal LA (46.66/L) and yield (0.93/g OPEFB). The model created to predict LA production was then validated.
Molecular and Interactions Modelling of PETase and Its Variant with Different Types of Crosslinker in Enzyme Immobilization
Authors: Khairul Salleh Badrul Nazahan , Jaafar Nardiah Rizwana , Md Illias Rosli
Published: August 2023

Plastics are made from non-renewable resources and due to the tremendous production of plastics nowadays, they can lead to high levels of pollution. Biodegradation of plastic by utilizing enzymatic catalytic reaction is an environmentally friendly strategy that produce less or no negative carbon footprint.  PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis (IsPETase) is an enzyme that able to degrade polyethylene terephthalate (PET), a building block of plastic.  However, free enzyme has several limitations such as unstable in harsh conditions and lack of reusability. One of the strategies to overcome this drawback is through enzyme immobilization that able to improve the enzymatic properties. A suitable crosslinker is very important as it would determine the interactions of the enzymatic particles. Crosslinker should be chosen before performing the enzyme immobilization and this can be accomplished by molecular docking. Thus, the purpose of this research is to determine the suitability of glutaraldehyde, chitosan, dialdehyde starch (DAS) and ethylene glycol as the crosslinker for IsPETase and its variant. Three-dimensional structure of the enzymes was built and docked with different types of crosslinkers. Binding affinity and interactions between the enzymes and the crosslinkers were analyzed and it was found that chitosan has the lowest binding affinity (-7.9 kcal/mol) and the highest number of interactions. This is followed by DAS, ethylene glycol and glutaraldehyde. By using computational analysis, suitable crosslinker for IsPETase could be determine and this would a cost-effective practice in enzyme immobilization strategy.
Enzymatic Treatment of Enhanced Musa Peel Flour as Potential Low Digestible Starch
Authors: Abdul Manas Nor Hasmaliana , Khairil Mokhtar Khairun Mahfuzah , Mohd Fuzi Siti Fatimah Zaharah , Che Man Rohaida , Khayrani Apriliana Cahya
Published: August 2023

Enhanced musa peel flour has a great potential as a low digestible starch that is beneficial for diabetic patients. Low digestible starch prevents the rapid increase of blood-glucose level which is crucial to protect from internal organ from damage. However, the black colour of the flour which is due to the phenolic compound oxidation in the cell wall has affected the sensory evaluation of consumers. In this work, instead of using conventional chemical treatment, enzymatic treatment is utilized to reduce the dark colour of the flour. Cell wall disruption by degradation of hemicellulose component by xylanase was hypothesized to accelerate the removal of the dark pigment. Colour reduction was optimized by varying xylanase concentration and incubation duration. Next, starch digestibility analysis was conducted using amylase enzyme to determine the starch digestibility fractions in the treated flour. As a result, instead of obtaining significant colour reduction of the flour, it is observed that there is a significant increment of resistant starch content (14%) in the treated enhanced musa peel flour. Meanwhile, reduction of 86.44% of rapidly digested starch content in the treated flour was also obtained. As a conclusion, the disruption of the cell wall by xylanase lead to the increase of the resistant starch content in the enhanced musa peel flour.
A Brief Review of Immobilized Oxidoreductase Enzymes for the Removal of Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals from Wastewater
Authors: Abd Rahman Noor Hidayah , Murugesu Khirthanna , A. Rahman Roshanida , Mohamad Zurina , Jaafar Juhana , Md Illias Rosli , Sukmawati Dalia , Mohd Syukri Mohd Syahlan
Published: August 2023

Modern technological of human activities in industries or housing areas have created an unhealthy environment, particularly through unmanageable wastewater. For the time being, this kind of pollution is getting serious as it caused the emerging pollutant actively to spread to humans and living organisms. These non-biodegradable pollutants, to be specifically known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are synthetic or natural chemicals that have high toxicity and persistency which can interfere with the endocrine system in humans and animals. The removal of EDCs has received high attraction among researchers using physical-chemical treatments, however, conventional techniques do not effectively remove EDCs from wastewater. This review aims to discuss research related to biological approaches that have been carried out to efficiently remove EDCs from wastewater using oxidoreductase enzymes, especially via an immobilization strategy. In general, free enzymes have limitations to be applied in industrial scales such as low stability and fragility, and unable to separate from the bulk solution. On the other hand, immobilized enzymes offer better operational stability and reusability in harsh environments. This review also discussed the bioremediation of EDCs using several immobilized oxidoreductase enzymes like lignin peroxidase (LiP), manganese peroxidases (MnP), horseradish peroxidases (HRP), laccases and tyrosinases. The application of immobilized enzymes and factors affecting the bioremediation using oxidoreductase enzymes were also explored to highlight their potential for the removal of EDCs from wastewater.
Incorporating Geometric Nonlinearity in Theoretical Modeling of Muscle-Powered Soft Robotic Bio-Actuators
Authors: Aydin Onur , Hirashima Kenta , Saif M. Taher A.
Published: August 2023

Biohybrid actuators aim to leverage the various advantages of biological cells over artificial components to build novel compliant machines with high performance and autonomy. Significant advances have been made in bio-fabrication technologies, enabling the realization of muscle-powered bio-actuators. However, the mechanics of muscle-scaffold coupling has been relatively understudied, limiting the development of bio-actuators to intuitive or biomimetic designs. Here, we consider the case of implementing muscle-based actuation for soft robotic swimmers operating at low Reynolds numbers. We develop an analytical model to describe the elasto-hydrodynamic problem and identify key design parameters. Muscle contraction dynamics is characterized experimentally and the implications of nonlinear amplitude-frequency relationship of muscle-based actuation are discussed. We show that a novel bio-actuator with high performance can be developed by introducing compliant flexural mechanisms undergoing large deflection. Geometric nonlinearities are accounted for in the analysis of the force-deflection relationship for the flexural mechanism. Our results show that for expected muscle contraction forces, this novel bio-actuator can outperform previous muscle-powered swimmers by up to two orders of magnitude in swimming speed.
Assessment of Binary Pressure-Sensitive Paint for Temperature and Heat Transfer Coefficient Measurement of Leading-Edge Film Cooling
Authors: Burdett Timothy A. , Yeh Ming-Feng , Wright Lesley M.
Published: August 2023

Film cooling is a common technique for protecting gas turbine components from the hot combustor exhaust. Highly resolved film cooling effectiveness distributions are often obtained by measuring the mass transfer of a foreign gas coolant in mainstream air using pressure-sensitive paint (PSP). However, PSP is not able to measure the heat transfer coefficient, which is necessary to fully quantify the impact of film cooling. Instead, binary pressure-sensitive paint (BPSP) has an additional luminophore that is sensitive to temperature and can be used to measure the heat transfer coefficient. In this experiment, the film cooling effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient were measured using BPSP on the leading edge of a cylinder. The cylinder had a 7.62-cm diameter with two rows of cooling holes at ±15 deg from the leading edge. Each row contained ten holes with a 0.475-cm diameter, spaced 4 diameters apart in the spanwise direction, and angled 30 deg from the cylinder axis. The mainstream Reynolds number was 100,000 based on cylinder diameter with a turbulence intensity of 7.1%. The coolant-to-mainstream density ratio was 1.0, and the blowing ratio was 0.8. The heat transfer coefficient was measured in a transient heat transfer experiment using the reference signal from the BPSP. Despite the high uncertainty of the measurement, ranging from 24.0% to 71.1%, the results demonstrate the feasibility of the method and identify the best test methodology to minimize conduction errors.
The Internet Is Not Forever: Challenges and Sustainability in Video Game Archiving and Preservation
Authors: Dym Brianna , Simpson Ellen , Fong Olivia , striegl libi
Published: August 2023

Video games are an increasingly significant cultural touchstone in people’s everyday lives. However, preserving and archiving video games faces unique challenges, including intellectual property law, technology degradation, and the broader question of what it means to preserve a video game. In an exploratory study investigating sustainable game preservation practices, we spoke to 15 amateur game preservationists and hobbyists about their informal work with code, gaming consoles, and servers for online play. We found a lack of access to particular games during childhood or young adulthood led participants to seek out these games in other formats—such as emulated games they could play on other mediums (e.g., playing Nintendo games on your personal computer). Their nostalgia and the communities they found searching for these experiences inspired them to undertake archival work. Participants leveraged distributed knowledge across their communities to keep video games accessible for anyone interested in playing them. Considering these findings in the context of modern archival practices, we discuss what it means to archive a game, especially when that game is dependent on interactive, communal experiences, and what is potentially lost in current archival practices in contrast to informal, accidental archival work.
Climate shifts orchestrated hominin interbreeding events across Eurasia
Authors: Ruan Jiaoyang , Timmermann Axel , Raia Pasquale , Yun Kyung-Sook , Zeller Elke , Mondanaro Alessandro , Di Febbraro Mirko , Lemmon Danielle , Castiglione Silvia , Melchionna Marina
Published: August 2023

When, where, and how often hominin interbreeding happened is largely unknown. We study the potential for Neanderthal-Denisovan admixture using species distribution models that integrate extensive fossil, archaeological, and genetic data with transient coupled general circulation model simulations of global climate and biomes. Our Pleistocene hindcast of past hominins’ habitat suitability reveals pronounced climate-driven zonal shifts in the main overlap region of Denisovans and Neanderthals in central Eurasia. These shifts, which influenced the timing and intensity of potential interbreeding events, can be attributed to the response of climate and vegetation to past variations in atmospheric carbon dioxide and Northern Hemisphere ice-sheet volume. Therefore, glacial-interglacial climate swings likely played an important role in favoring gene flow between archaic humans.
Engineered bacteria detect tumor DNA
Authors: Cooper Robert M. , Wright Josephine A. , Ng Jia Q. , Goyne Jarrad M. , Suzuki Nobumi , Lee Young K. , Ichinose Mari , Radford Georgette , Ryan Feargal J. , Kumar Shalni , Thomas Elaine M. , Vrbanac Laura , Knight Rob , Woods Susan L. , Worthley Daniel L. , Hasty Jeff
Published: August 2023

Synthetic biology has developed sophisticated cellular biosensors to detect and respond to human disease. However, biosensors have not yet been engineered to detect specific extracellular DNA sequences and mutations. Here, we engineered naturally competent
Acinetobacter baylyi
to detect donor DNA from the genomes of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, organoids, and tumors. We characterized the functionality of the biosensors in vitro with coculture assays and then validated them in vivo with sensor bacteria delivered to mice harboring colorectal tumors. We observed horizontal gene transfer from the tumor to the sensor bacteria in our mouse model of CRC. This cellular assay for targeted, CRISPR-discriminated horizontal gene transfer (CATCH) enables the biodetection of specific cell-free DNA.
Bioadhesive polymer semiconductors and transistors for intimate biointerfaces
Authors: Li Nan , Li Yang , Cheng Zhe , Liu Youdi , Dai Yahao , Kang Seounghun , Li Songsong , Shan Naisong , Wai Shinya , Ziaja Aidan , Wang Yunfei , Strzalka Joseph , Liu Wei , Zhang Cheng , Gu Xiaodan , Hubbell Jeffrey A. , Tian Bozhi , Wang Sihong
Published: August 2023

The use of bioelectronic devices relies on direct contact with soft biotissues. For transistor-type bioelectronic devices, the semiconductors that need to have direct interfacing with biotissues for effective signal transduction do not adhere well with wet tissues, thereby limiting the stability and conformability at the interface. We report a bioadhesive polymer semiconductor through a double-network structure formed by a bioadhesive brush polymer and a redox-active semiconducting polymer. The resulting semiconducting film can form rapid and strong adhesion with wet tissue surfaces together with high charge-carrier mobility of ~1 square centimeter per volt per second, high stretchability, and good biocompatibility. Further fabrication of a fully bioadhesive transistor sensor enabled us to produce high-quality and stable electrophysiological recordings on an isolated rat heart and in vivo rat muscles.
Fine tuning an atomic mesh
Authors: Park Jiwoong
Published: August 2023

Controlling the angle in atomic meshes could result in quantum properties on demand
Using climate to model ancient human migration
Authors: Beverly Emily J.
Published: August 2023

Modeling fills gaps in the fossil record of early hominin movement from Africa
In Other Journals
Authors: Nusinovich Yevgeniya , Uzogara Ekeoma , Lavine Marc S. , Smith Keith T. , McCartney Melissa , Jiang Di , Maroso Mattia
Published: August 2023

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Observatory to probe origins of ferocious gamma rays
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: August 2023

With approval imminent, construction will soon begin on Cherenkov Telescope Array
Superconductivity claim electrifies social media
Authors: Cho Adrian
Published: August 2023

Report of room-temperature material goes viral, but many physicists are skeptical