bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of age and renal function on the pharmacokinetics and protein binding characteristics of fludarabine in paediatric and adult patients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation conditioning
Authors: Nath Christa E. , Rosser Sebastian P. A. , Nath Kiran K. , Chung Jason , Larsen Stephen , Gibson John , Gabriel Melissa , Shaw Peter J. , Keogh Steven J.
Published: September 2024

Aim

To evaluate the population pharmacokinetics of unbound F-Ara-A (the circulating metabolite of fludarabine) in 211 patients (age range, 0.1–63.4 years) undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation conditioning.

Methods

Total (n = 2480) and unbound (n = 1403) F-Ara-A concentrations were measured in blood samples collected at timed intervals after fludarabine doses ranging from 10 to 50 mg/m2 and infused over 0.42–1.5 h. A three-compartment population pharmacokinetic model was developed based on unbound plasma concentrations and used to estimate F-Ara-A unbound pharmacokinetic parameters and fraction unbound (fu). A number of covariates, including glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and post-menstrual age (PMA), were evaluated for inclusion in the model.

Results

The base population mean estimates ± relative standard error (%RSE) for unbound clearance from the central compartment (CLu) and inter-compartmental clearances (Q2u, Q3u) were 3.42 ± 3%, 6.54 ± 24% and 1.47 ± 16% L/h/70 kg, respectively. The population mean estimates (%RSE) for the unbound volume of distribution into the central (V1u) and peripheral compartments (V2u, V3u) were 9.65 ± 8%, 8.17 ± 9% and 16.4 ± 10% L/70 kg, respectively, and that for fu was 0.877 ± 1%. Covariate model development involved differentiating F-Ara-A CLu into non-renal (1.81 ± 9% L/h/70 kg) and renal components (1.02 ± 9%*GFR L/h/70 kg). A sigmoidal maturation factor was applied to renal CLu, with population mean estimates for the Hill exponent and PMA at 50% mature of 2.97 ± 4% and 69.1 ± 8% weeks, respectively.

Conclusion

Patient age and GFR are predictors of unbound F-Ara-A CLu. This has the potential to impact dose requirements. Dose individualisation by target concentration intervention will be facilitated by this model once it is externally validated.
A genome assembly and transcriptome atlas of the inbred Babraham pig to illuminate porcine immunogenetic variation
Authors: Schwartz John C. , Farrell Colin P. , Freimanis Graham , Sewell Andrew K. , Phillips John D. , Hammond John A.
Published: September 2024

The inbred Babraham pig serves as a valuable biomedical model for research due to its high level of homozygosity, including in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) loci and likely other important immune-related gene complexes, which are generally highly diverse in outbred populations. As the ability to control for this diversity using inbred organisms is of great utility, we sought to improve this resource by generating a long-read whole genome assembly and transcriptome atlas of a Babraham pig. The genome was de novo assembled using PacBio long reads and error-corrected using Illumina short reads. Assembled contigs were then mapped to the porcine reference assembly, Sscrofa11.1, to generate chromosome-level scaffolds. The resulting TPI_Babraham_pig_v1 assembly is nearly as contiguous as Sscrofa11.1 with a contig N50 of 34.95 Mb and contig L50 of 23. The remaining sequence gaps are generally the result of poor assembly across large and highly repetitive regions such as the centromeres and tandemly duplicated gene families, including immune-related gene complexes, that often vary in gene content between haplotypes. We also further confirm homozygosity across the Babraham MHC and characterize the allele content and tissue expression of several other immune-related gene complexes, including the antibody and T cell receptor loci, the natural killer complex, and the leukocyte receptor complex. The Babraham pig genome assembly provides an alternate highly contiguous porcine genome assembly as a resource for the livestock genomics community. The assembly will also aid biomedical and veterinary research that utilizes this animal model such as when controlling for genetic variation is critical.
A review of multiparametric ultrasound imaging in the clinical setting: scrotal contents
Authors: Sidhu Paul S. , Yusuf Gibran T. , Sellars Maria E. , Deganello Annamaria , Fang Cheng , Huang Dean Y. H.
Published: September 2024

The innovative techniques in ultrasound have added a new dimension to investigating superficially located areas such as the contents of the scrotal sac. High frequency transducers, improved technology with the addition of elastography, contrast enhanced ultrasound and microvascular imaging has resulted in a further improvement in diagnostic capabilities. The ability to clearly demonstrate the presence or absence of vascularity within the area under investigation adds an additional dimension to operator confidence in establishing the presence of infarction, global or segmental, or the walls and cavity of an abscess in the testis or epididymis. Increased vascularity of a tumor aids the differential diagnosis based on the flow dynamics of the microbubble contrast, benign lesions likely to retain contrast. Elastography has the ability to ascertain the stiffness of tissue, and when used in conjunction with other ultrasound methods adds to the understanding of the likelihood of a malignant abnormality being present. All the different techniques come under the umbrella term ‘multiparametric ultrasound’, with the application in the scrotal sac detailed in this article.
Characterization of a hypersonic turbulent boundary layer along a sharp cone with smooth and transverse square−bar roughened wall
Authors: Neeb Dominik , Marquardt Pascal , Gülhan Ali
Published: September 2024

In the present study, the response of a hypersonic turbulent boundary layer at an inflow of Ma∞ = 6 and Re∞ = 16·106 1/m to a smooth and rough surface along a sharp cone is examined. The model consisted of three segments with exchangeable parts to consider smooth and rough surfaces with a roughness topology of square bar elements with a nominal wavelength of four times the height of the elements. In selected regions of interest, the flow field was measured by particle image velocimetry (PIV) which enabled analysis of mean velocity fields and Reynolds stresses. Van Driest transformed smooth wall mean velocity profiles showed the expected incompressible behavior and compared well to previous investigations. A combination of an integral and fitting approach is discussed to enable inner scaling of the rough wall profiles, which showed the expected shift below the smooth wall profile. The smooth wall turbulence profiles from PIV agreed to artificially filtered DNS in case of the streamwise component. Turbulence profiles above the smooth and rough wall agreed to within measurement accuracies. Additionally, two−point correlations were used to investigate turbulent structures above the smooth and rough wall. Both, length scales and orientations of the correlations, showed high level of agreement between smooth and rough walls, with only differences close to the wall. Furthermore, uniform momentum zones could be identified with similar behavior along both smooth and rough walls. Information from turbulence data support outer layer similarity, whereas mean velocity profiles show an increase in Coles wake parameter for the rough wall data. This might be influenced by transitional roughness effects.
Moderate effects of distance to air-filled macropores on denitrification potentials in soils
Authors: van Dijk Hester , Geers-Lucas Maik , Henjes Sina , Rohe Lena , Vogel Hans-Jörg , Horn Marcus A. , Schlüter Steffen
Published: September 2024

Denitrification is a major source of the greenhouse gas N2O. As a result of spatial heterogeneity of organic carbon, oxygen and nitrate, denitrification is observed even under relatively dry conditions. However, it is unclear whether denitrification potentials of microbial communities exhibit spatial patterns relative to variations in distance to soil pores facilitating oxygen exchange and nutrient transfer. Thus, we determined genetic and process-level denitrification potentials in two contrasting soils, a cropland and a grassland, with respect to the distance to air-filled pores. An X-ray computed tomography aided sampling strategy was applied for precise sampling of soil material. Process-level and genetic denitrification potentials in both soils were spatially variable, and similar with respect to distance to macropores. In the cropland soil, a minor increase of process-level potentials with distance to pores was observed and related to changes in NO3− rather than oxygen availability. Genetic denitrification potentials after the short-term incubations revealed a certain robustness of the local community. Thus, distance to macropores has a minor impact on denitrification potentials relative to the observed spatial variability. Our findings support the notion that the impact of macropore induced changes of the environmental conditions in soil does not overrule the high spatial variability due to other controlling factors, so that the rather minor proportion of spatial heterogeneity of functional genes and activity potentials related to macropore distances in soil need not be considered explicitly in modelling denitrification.
Multicompartment microparticles of SBM triblock terpolymers: Morphological transitions through homopolymer blending
Authors: Trömer Manuel , Nikoubashman Arash , Gröschel André H.
Published: September 2024

Block copolymers (BCPs) have recently been explored in spherical confinement to form internally structured microparticles. While the behavior of AB diblock copolymers in confinement is comparably well studied, knowledge on confined ABC triblock terpolymers is still rather sparse. The latter are especially interesting as the third block allows the formation of a broader variety of multicompartment microparticles (MMs), but their synthesis is often realized through sequential polymerization, which can be work intensive and challenging. Here, we demonstrate that blending linear ABC triblock terpolymers with homopolymers is a versatile and straightforward method to tune the microphase behavior in MMs. We systematically blend polystyrene-block-polybutadiene-block-poly(methyl methacrylate) (SBM or PS-b-PB-b-PM) with homopolymers of hPS, hPB, or hPM, to study the feasibility of this approach to replicate specific morphologies or access new ones. We utilize Shirasu Porous Glass (SPG) membrane emulsification and evaporation-induced confinement assembly (EICA) to produce narrowly size-dispersed MMs with defined inner structure. We analyze the MMs with dynamic light scattering (DLS), as well as transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM, SEM). We show that the resulting blend morphologies can be identical to those of the unblended SBM at same composition and that, depending on the location in the ternary microphase diagram, one SBM morphology can be converted into multiple different morphologies.

Graphical Abstract
Alterations of perfusion and functional connectivity of the cingulate motor area are associated with psychomotor retardation in major depressive disorder
Authors: Bracht Tobias , Mertse Nicolas , Breit Sigrid , Federspiel Andrea , Wiest Roland , Soravia Leila M. , Walther Sebastian , Denier Niklaus
Published: September 2024

Psychomotor retardation, characterized by slowing of speech, thoughts, and a decrease of movements, is frequent in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, its neurobiological correlates are still poorly understood. This study aimed to explore if cerebral blood flow (CBF) and resting state functional connectivity (rs-FC) of the motor network are altered in patients with MDD and if these changes are associated with psychomotor retardation. Thirty-six right-handed patients with depression and 19 right-handed healthy controls (HC) that did not differ regarding age and sex underwent arterial spin labelling (ASL) and resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) scans. Psychomotor retardation was assessed with the motoric items of the core assessment of psychomotor change (CORE) questionnaire. Patients with MDD had more pronounced psychomotor retardation scores than HC. Patients with MDD had reduced CBF in bilateral cingulate motor area (CMA) and increased resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) between the cluster in the CMA and a cluster localized in bilateral supplementary motor areas (SMA). Furthermore, increased rs-FC between the CMA and the left SMA was associated with more pronounced psychomotor retardation. Our results suggest that reduced perfusion of the CMA and increased rs-FC between the CMA and the SMA are associated with psychomotor retardation in patients with depression.
Exploration of compounds to inhibit the Panton-Valentine leukocidin of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Grebe Tobias , Sarkari Mithra Tatjana , Cherkaoui Angelika , Schaumburg Frieder
Published: September 2024

The Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) of Staphylococcus aureus is associated with necrotizing infections. After binding to complement 5a receptor (C5aR/CD88) and CD45 it causes cytolysis in polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) as well as inflammasome activation in monocytes. The objective of this study was to test if (ant)agonists of C5aR and CD45 can attenuate the effect of PVL on PMNs and monocytes. We tested the effect of various concentrations of six C5aR (ant)agonists (avacopan, BM213, DF2593A, JPE-1375, PMX205 and W-54011) and one CD45 antagonist (NQ301) to attenuate the cytotoxic effect of PVL on human PMNs and monocytes in vitro. Shifts in the half-maximal effective concentration (EC50) of PVL to achieve a cytotoxic effect on PMNs and modulation of inflammatory cytokine response from monocytes were determined by flow cytometry and IL-1β detection. Pre-treatment of PMNs with avacopan, PMX205 and W-54,011 resulted in 3.6- to 4.3-fold shifts in the EC50 for PVL and were able to suppress IL-1β secretion by human monocytes in the presence of PVL. BM213, DF2593A and NQ301 were unable to change the susceptibility of PMNs towards PVL or reduce inflammasome activation in monocytes. Avacopan, PMX205 and W-54,011 showed protection against PVL-induced cytotoxicity and suppressed IL-1β secretion by monocytes. Clinical studies are needed to prove whether these substances can be used therapeutically as repurposed drugs.
Micropeltation in Myrtaceae: a neglected subject
Authors: Dörken Veit M. , Ladd Philip G. , Parsons Robert F.
Published: September 2024

The majority of taxa with peltate leaves are perennial herbs native to swampy or aquatic habitats or to mesic shaded understorey habitats. These large peltate leaves are formed by a meristematic bridge at the lamina–petiole junction. However, there are also several strong-light exposed, small-leaved, xero- and scleromorphic Myrtaceae with leaf peltation which is formed without a meristem fusion/bridge. Here, abaxial laminar tissue at the insertion point of the petiole forms a basal extension, so that a weak peltation occurs. This shifts the petiole onto the adaxial laminar surface. The formation of micropeltation in Myrtaceae leads to erect leaves that are strongly appressed to the shoot axis and the entire foliate, vertical shoots appear as “green columns”, a result that is also the case in taxa with reflexed minute leaves. It seems that micropeltation achieves the same goal as leaf reflexion in small-leaved taxa—reduction of heat-load and transpiration during the hottest phases of the day by a lower light interception at midday compared to the morning and evening. Thus, physiologically micropeltation and reflexion of minute leaves seem to be the result of convergent evolution.
Assessment of the onset of analgesia and length of analgesia following the use of PBM with different wavelengths: a clinical study
Authors: Kulkarni Sachin , Walsh Laurence J. , Bhurani Yash , George Roy
Published: September 2024

This clinical study assessed photobiomodulation (PBM) induced analgesic effects of diode lasers and an LED light source on the dental pulp. Baseline responses to electric pulp testing (EPT) were recorded in 93 healthy unrestored premolar teeth in 26 adults (age range 22–63 years) attending a private dental practice. The teeth were irradiated on buccal and lingual aspects of the crown, by placing the tips on the middle third of the crown of the teeth, on separate days for each of 4 different light sources (660, 808, or 904 nm diode lasers, or a novel multi-wavelength LED light source (700–1100 nm)) using comparable parameters (100 mW, 30 s, 6 J). EPT scores were measured after a further 1-, 2-, 5- and 20-min. Discomfort caused by PBM therapy was recorded using the Wong-Baker scale. EPT changes were tracked over time using repeated measures analysis of variance. Baseline EPT scores were very consistent between different days (linear regression r2 0.9422–0.9648). All PBM devices caused a significant elevation in EPT at 5 min, with an earlier onset at 2 mins for 904 nm and LED. The LED was the only light source that elevated scores at 20 min. Across 2–20 min, when ranked by effectiveness, the greatest EPT elevations were seen for LED, followed by 904 nm, then 660 nm and finally 808 nm. Discomfort during PBM was most common with 904 nm, followed by 808 nm. No discomfort occurred from the LED. Among the light sources utilized, the LED multi-wavelength system demonstrated the largest increase in EPT readings, suggesting its potential as a non-pharmacological alternative for achieving dental analgesia compared to diode lasers.
Compliance with kauri forest protection in New Zealand’s regional parks: the mediating role of trust on local versus visitor populations
Authors: Grant Andrea , Lindsay Nicole , Benson Hugh A. N.
Published: September 2024

Realising behavioural change in long invested environmental practices is often difficult to achieve, especially when scientific understanding of the issues is still unfolding. Having confidence in one’s action requires knowledge that actions will be effective in improving environmental outcomes. Currently, we know little about the role of social trust in mediating complex and uncertain knowledge of environmental problems and the required actions needed to address them. In this quantitative study, we surveyed 472 users of endangered kauri forests in New Zealand to better explore the role of trust in relation to pro-environmental behaviours (PEB) designed to mitigate effects of the devastating plant disease, kauri dieback. Findings show uncertainty about the scientific knowledge of the issue, recommended actions and efficacy of proposed solutions significantly influenced PEB for both residents and visitors of forests; however, this relationship was partially mediated by trust, particularly among locals residing within 5 km of infected forest areas. These findings indicate the need for closer engagement with local residents to develop institutional and scientific trust in kauri dieback interventions. We outline activities that may help build trust and recommend new areas of research to support higher compliance with environmental protection initiatives.
How Well Do Popular Bicycle Helmets Protect from Different Types of Head Injury?
Authors: Baker C. E. , Yu X. , Lovell B. , Tan R. , Patel S. , Ghajari M.
Published: September 2024

Bicycle helmets are designed to protect against skull fractures and associated focal brain injuries, driven by helmet standards. Another type of head injury seen in injured cyclists is diffuse brain injuries, but little is known about the protection provided by bicycle helmets against these injuries. Here, we examine the performance of modern bicycle helmets in preventing diffuse injuries and skull fractures under impact conditions that represent a range of real-world incidents. We also investigate the effects of helmet technology, price, and mass on protection against these pathologies. 30 most popular helmets among UK cyclists were purchased within 9.99–135.00 GBP price range. Helmets were tested under oblique impacts onto a 45° anvil at 6.5 m/s impact speed and four locations, front, rear, side, and front-side. A new headform, which better represents the average human head’s mass, moments of inertia and coefficient of friction than any other available headforms, was used. We determined peak linear acceleration (PLA), peak rotational acceleration (PRA), peak rotational velocity (PRV), and BrIC. We also determined the risk of skull fractures based on PLA (linear risk), risk of diffuse brain injuries based on BrIC (rotational risk), and their mean (overall risk). Our results show large variation in head kinematics: PLA (80–213 g), PRV (8.5–29.9 rad/s), PRA (1.6–9.7 krad/s2), and BrIC (0.17–0.65). The overall risk varied considerably with a 2.25 ratio between the least and most protective helmet. This ratio was 1.76 for the linear and 4.21 for the rotational risk. Nine best performing helmets were equipped with the rotation management technology MIPS, but not all helmets equipped with MIPS were among the best performing helmets. Our comparison of three tested helmets which have MIPS and no-MIPS versions showed that MIPS reduced rotational kinematics, but not linear kinematics. We found no significant effect of helmet price on exposure-adjusted injury risks. We found that larger helmet mass was associated with higher linear risk. This study highlights the need for a holistic approach, including both rotational and linear head injury metrics and risks, in helmet design and testing. It also highlights the need for providing information about helmet safety to consumers to help them make an informed choice.
Lessons learned from establishing and running a Mössbauer laboratory in industry
Authors: de Souza Paulo
Published: September 2024

Mössbauer spectroscopy offers unique capabilities for primary industry sectors such as mining, mineral processing, and steelmaking, as well as in environmental services and advanced manufacturing. However, there are three key limiting factors: the time required to record a single spectrum, the challenges of managing an additional radioactive source on company premises, and the lack of personnel skilled in analysing Mössbauer spectra and understanding its operation. More commonly used techniques such as XRD, SEM, or XRF have technical staff who can interpret data with support from standard libraries and user-friendly software packages. In contrast, Mössbauer spectroscopists, who often hold degrees in Physics or Chemistry, typically emerge from academic settings and are less commonly employed in industry. This paper addresses the current challenges limiting the widespread adoption of Mössbauer laboratories in the industry and proposes potential solutions to overcome these obstacles. These solutions include promoting internships for undergraduate and postgraduate students familiar with Mössbauer spectroscopy in industrial settings, increasing investment in software development, hosting seminars and workshops to educate industry professionals on the capabilities of Mössbauer spectroscopy, and providing ongoing support from the scientific community to industries interested in operating spectrometers in their facilities.
Impaired Social Attention and Cognitive Empathy in a Paediatric Sample of Children with Symptoms of Anxiety
Authors: Eaton Steve , Dorrans Ellie Mae , van Goozen Stephanie H.M.
Published: September 2024

Impairments in social cognition, in particular empathy, have been associated with childhood psychopathology, though previous investigations have yielded inconsistent results. Measures of social attention can reveal processes involved in responses to emotional stimuli and highlight deficits in empathy, or emotional biases in those with anxiety. The current study examined symptoms of anxiety, cognitive and affective empathy scores, and eye-gaze patterns in a pediatric sample of children (n = 178; 51–98 months-old) referred by their teachers for emerging psychopathology symptoms at school. We used eye-tracking metrics to capture gaze patterns during a dynamic video task designed to elicit empathic responses. Anxiety symptomology was reported by parents using the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders scale (SCARED). Associations between eye-tracking variables, cognitive and affective empathy, and anxiety scores were analysed dimensionally in accordance with the Research and Domain Criteria (RDoC) framework. Higher levels of anxiety were associated with lower cognitive empathy and shorter first and total fixation durations to the eyes, across emotions (happiness, sadness, fear). No such associations were found between affective empathy and anxiety. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that across emotion conditions, first fixation duration negatively predicted anxiety scores. Our results indicate that children high in anxiety display cognitive empathy impairments and shorter attention to the eyes. These findings could inform early intervention programs for individuals at risk of developing anxiety disorders, as educating those high in anxiety on ways to identify emotions in others through changes in social attention could help to reduce anxiety.
Extraction and Characterization of Microcrystalline Cellulose (MCC) from Durian Rind for Biocomposite Application
Authors: Yong Wei Sing , Yeu Yee Lee , Chung Ping Ping , Soon Kok Heng
Published: September 2024

The scientific community has become interested in cellulose extraction from agro-industrial wastes because they contain large quantities of cellulose and are being researched globally due to their application. Cellulose extracted from these wastes offers varying characteristics and structures depending on the specific source. In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was extracted from different parts of the durian husk through acid hydrolysis with various concentrations of oxalic acid and cellulose-to-acid ratios. The durian husk underwent a pretreatment method involving bleaching and alkaline treatment. The characteristics of MCC, such as functional group, morphology, and crystallinity, were studied. The findings indicated that lignin was successfully removed through pretreatment. However, traces of hemicellulose were still detected in a few samples. The extracted MCCs demonstrated a diameter range from 6.237 to 25.38 μm and crystallinity within the range of 71.43–78.30%. Polycaprolactone (PCL)-based biocomposites with different MCC weights (0.2, 0.5, and 1.0 wt%) were fabricated, and the performance was evaluated through tensile testing and biodegradability tests. The addition of 1.0 wt% MCC enhanced the tensile strength by 22%. SEM analysis revealed the cross-section fracture surface of the biocomposite, indicating the contribution of the MCC during pull-out. Meanwhile, the biodegradability of the biocomposite increased with the addition of MCC, indicating that the MCC-based biocomposite was fully biodegradable.
Deep learning architectures for data-driven damage detection in nonlinear dynamic systems under random vibrations
Authors: Joseph Harrish , Quaranta Giuseppe , Carboni Biagio , Lacarbonara Walter
Published: September 2024

The primary goal of structural health monitoring is to detect damage at its onset before it reaches a critical level. In the present work an in-depth investigation addresses deep learning applied to data-driven damage detection in nonlinear dynamic systems. In particular, autoencoders and generative adversarial networks are implemented leveraging on 1D convolutional neural networks. The onset of damage is detected in the investigated nonlinear dynamic systems by exciting random vibrations of varying intensity, without prior knowledge of the system or the excitation and in unsupervised manner. The comprehensive numerical study is conducted on dynamic systems exhibiting different types of nonlinear behavior. An experimental application related to a magneto-elastic nonlinear system is also presented to corroborate the conclusions.
On testimony in scenarios with Wigner and Friend
Authors: Placek Tomasz
Published: September 2024

The paper constructs a semi-formal language suited to the analysis of Wigner’s Friend scenarios: it represents an epistemic notion of rational beliefs and perspectives, to accommodate the insights of perspectival interpretations of quantum mechanics. The language is then used to analyze a paradox put forward by Frauchiger and Renner (Nat Commun, 9(1):3711, 2018). Their argument is presented as a semi-formal derivation with specified rules of reasoning. These rules bear an affinity to some of the cherished tenets of epistemology and we argue that they are valid (one universally, and the other in experimental contexts). Since our proof is a reductio, it leaves a choice which premises are responsible for a contradiction. Our first choice is a step that appears incorrect from the point of view of the universal unitary evolution as well as the view that every measurement induces a collapse of a measured system’s state. Our second choice, brought to view by the paper’s attention to perspectives and epistemology, points to a step reporting the transmission of beliefs (testimony) about measurement results. We argue that testimony is not licensed by quantum mechanical formalism; we discuss some recent attempts to save the cogency of testimony in the context of quantum measurements.
First evidence on the occurrence of multi-mycotoxins and dietary risk exposure to AFB1 along the cassava value chain in Uganda
Authors: Oyesigye Elias , Cervini Carla , Oluwakayode Abimbola , Mahuku George , Medina Angel
Published: September 2024

This study investigated the occurrence and distribution of multiple mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, B2, G1, G2, fumonisins B1, B2, ochratoxin A (OTA), deoxynivalenol (DON), zearalenone (ZEN), and citrinin (CIT)) in cassava products and as assessed the potential risk of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) exposure among cassava consumers. A total of 192 samples of cassava products (96 flour and 96 chips, each with 48 samples from farmer and 48 from wholesaler) were analysed using LC/MS–MS. All positive samples irrespective of their origin (flour or chips) exhibited AFB1 levels exceeding the EU regulatory threshold of 5 µg/kg. The sum of fumonisins (FB1 + FB2), ZEN, and DON were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in cassava flour (14.3 µg/kg; 3.71 µg/kg; 25.1 µg/kg) compared to chips (6.54 µg/kg; 1.25 µg/kg; 0.25 µg/kg), respectively. Aflatoxins G2 was not detected in any of 192 samples. Cassava flour samples from farmers exhibited significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean concentrations of AFB1 (27.1 µg/kg), total aflatoxins (78.2 µg/kg), and ochratoxin A (79.6 µg/kg) in contrast to wholesalers, whose mean levels were notably lower at 8.91, 5.79 µg/kg, and 2.44 µg/kg, respectively, pointing the likely critical source of mycotoxin contamination. Cassava consumers in Northern Uganda are at a higher risk, with an estimated 2.06 cancer cases per 100,000 individuals per year compared to those in Eastern Uganda at 0.25. This study underscores the urgent need for interventions to manage aflatoxins in cassava flour, particularly at farm level in Northern Uganda. It accentuates a shift market to household-level sampling and the need for analytical methods targeting multiple mycotoxins.
The relationships between (dis-)empowering climate and basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration
Authors: Haberstock Stefanie , Schulte Lina , Seidel Johanna , Cowper Imogen , Pels Fabian
Published: September 2024

In the realm of sports, athlete wellbeing stands as a pivotal cornerstone for peak performance and personal growth. Within this context, the satisfaction of basic psychological needs (BPNs; i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) plays a fundamental role. This study is rooted in self-determination theory and is the first to investigate how peer-created empowering climate (PCEC) and peer-created disempowering climate (PCDC) relate to BPN satisfaction and frustration. The study sample comprises 101 athletes from diverse team sports, including para- and non-para-athletes. Using adapted scales, the study cross-sectionally measures PCEC and PCDC as independent variables and BPN satisfaction and frustration as dependent variables in the context of team sports. The results show significant positive relationships between PCEC and BPN satisfaction across autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Conversely, PCDC shows positive relationships with BPN frustration regarding autonomy, competence, and relatedness. The research highlights the differential impacts of PCEC and PCDC on athletes’ needs, emphasizing how PCEC may positively influence satisfaction while PCDC relates to increased frustration. Notably, the study provides insights into the influential role of peers in meeting the basic psychological needs of athletes. These findings underscore the importance of interpersonal relationships in team sports and offer valuable insights for interventions to enhance athlete wellbeing and optimize performance.
The impact of histological subtype on postoperative recurrence pattern and timing in locally advanced esophagogastric junction cancer
Authors: Maeda Shinsuke , Ota Masaho , Ito Shunichi , Hosoda Kei
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The differences in tumor behavior between adenocarcinoma (AC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) have yet to be well investigated. The purpose of this study was to gain insights that can contribute to tailored treatments and follow-up strategies by analyzing the correlation between histological subtypes and oncological outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was used to determine the characteristics of the histological subtypes of EGJ cancer by comparing the appearance of postoperative recurrence. A total of 102 consecutive patients with pathological stage IIA to IVA EGJ cancer, who underwent R0 surgery in our department from 2004 to 2020, were enrolled. The recurrence pattern, timing, survival, and potential prognostic factors were compared.

Results

After a median follow-up time of 70.1 months, the AC group demonstrated comparable lymph node failure-free survival (P = 0.291) and significantly worse non-lymphogenous recurrence-free survival (P = 0.035) than did the SCC group. A significantly longer period from surgery to recurrence was also observed in the AC group (P = 0.029). Multivariate analysis indicated that histological subtype (P = 0.015, 95% CI 1.24–7.28) was significantly correlated with the incidence of non-lymphogenous recurrence.

Conclusions

The pattern and timing of postoperative recurrence were significantly different between the histological subtypes of EGJ cancer. Compared with EGJ SCC, EGJ AC may have a greater tendency toward non-lymphogenous progression and a greater propensity for longer surgery-to-recurrence periods.
Recent advances in pharmaceutical cocrystals of theophylline
Authors: Jia Yanxiao , Yang Dezhi , Wang Wenwen , Hu Kun , Yan Min , Zhang Li , Gao Li , Lu Yang
Published: September 2024

Currently, cocrystallization is a promising strategy for tailoring the physicochemical properties of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Theophylline, an alkaloid and the most primary metabolite of caffeine, is a readily available compound found in tea and coffee. It functions primarily as a bronchodilator and respiratory stimulant, making it a mainstay treatment for lung diseases like asthma. Theophylline’s additional potential benefits, including anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, and its possible role in neurological disorders, have garnered significant research interest. Cocrystal formation presents a viable approach to improve the physicochemical properties of theophylline and potentially mitigate its toxic effects. This review comprehensively explores several successful studies that utilized cocrystallization to favorably alter the physicochemical properties of theophylline or its CCF. Notably, cocrystals can not only enhance the solubility and bioavailability of theophylline but also exhibit synergistic effects with other APIs. The review further delves into the hydrogen bonding sites within the theophylline structure and the hydrogen bonding networks observed in cocrystal structures.

Graphical Abstract
Structure characterization and immunoactivity on dendritic cells of two neutral polysaccharides from Dictyophora rubrovalvata
Authors: Huang Ni , Yang Yi-Na , Huang Jia , Shao Hui-Yan , Li Yan-Lang , Qin Shi-Hui , Li Han-Fen , Shen Xiao-Jiang , Yang Liu , Hu Jiang-Miao
Published: September 2024

Dictyophora rubrovalvata is a valuable fungus homologous to food and medicine, and its polysaccharide have been gaining increasing attention because of its plentiful activity. However, the structure and activity of its homogeneous polysaccharide have not been studied enough. In this study, two polysaccharides DRP-I and DRP-II were purified from D. rubrovalvata. Their structures were characterized by chemical composition, monosaccharide composition analysis, methylation analysis and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The results showed that DRP-I and DRP-II were neutral heteropolysaccharides with molecular weights of 5.79 × 103 and 1.25 × 104 Da, respectively, which were composed of mannose, galactose, glucose, xylose and fucose. The main chains were → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(2,1 → 6)-α-D-Manp-(2,1 → 6)-α-D-Galp-(1, and branch chains were β-D-Xylp-(1 → 3)-α-L-Fucp-(1 → 4)-α-D-Manp-(1 → and α-D-Galp-(1 → 3)-α-D-Galp-(1 → . The in vitro immunoactivity assays on dendritic cells showed that DRP-I and DRP-II could up-regulate the expression of IL-10 and IL-6 and inhibit the expression of TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. This research indicated that DRP-I and DRP-II possessed immunoactivity by balancing the excessive inflammation, and molecular weight is an important factor affecting immunoactivity.

Graphical Abstract
Integration of a hybrid vibration prediction model for railways into noise mapping software: methodology, assumptions and demonstration
Authors: Reumers Pieter , Degrande Geert , Lombaert Geert , Thompson David J. , Ntotsios Evangelos , Bouvet Pascal , Nélain Brice , Nuber Andreas
Published: September 2024

Within the SILVARSTAR project, a user-friendly frequency-based hybrid prediction tool has been developed to assess the environmental impact of railway-induced vibration. This tool is integrated in existing noise mapping software. Following modern vibration standards and guidelines, the vibration velocity level in a building in each frequency band is expressed as the sum of a force density (source term), line source transfer mobility (propagation term) and building correction factor (receiver term). A hybrid approach is used that allows for a combination of experimental data and numerical predictions, providing increased flexibility and applicability. The train and track properties can be selected from a database or entered as numerical values. The user can select soil impedance and transfer functions from a database, pre-computed for a wide range of parameters with state-of-the-art models. An experimental database of force densities, transfer functions, free field vibration and input parameters is also provided. The building response is estimated by means of building correction factors. Assumptions within the modelling approach are made to reduce computation time but these can influence prediction accuracy; this is quantified for the case of a nominal intercity train running at different speeds on a ballasted track supported by homogeneous soil of varying stiffness. The paper focuses on the influence of these parameters on the compliance of the track–soil system and the free field response. We also demonstrate the use and discuss the validation of the vibration prediction tool for the case of a high-speed train running on a ballasted track in Lincent (Belgium).
Self-Supervised 3D Semantic Occupancy Prediction from Multi-View 2D Surround Images
Authors: Abualhanud S. , Erahan E. , Mehltretter M.
Published: September 2024

An accurate 3D representation of the geometry and semantics of an environment builds the basis for a large variety of downstream tasks and is essential for autonomous driving related tasks such as path planning and obstacle avoidance. The focus of this work is put on 3D semantic occupancy prediction, i.e., the reconstruction of a scene as a voxel grid where each voxel is assigned both an occupancy and a semantic label. We present a Convolutional Neural Network-based method that utilizes multiple color images from a surround-view setup with minimal overlap, together with the associated interior and exterior camera parameters as input, to reconstruct the observed environment as a 3D semantic occupancy map. To account for the ill-posed nature of reconstructing a 3D representation from monocular 2D images, the image information is integrated over time: Under the assumption that the camera setup is moving, images from consecutive time steps are used to form a multi-view stereo setup. In exhaustive experiments, we investigate the challenges presented by dynamic objects and the possibilities of training the proposed method with either 3D or 2D reference data. Latter being motivated by the comparably higher costs of generating and annotating 3D ground truth data. Moreover, we present and investigate a novel self-supervised training scheme that does not require any geometric reference data, but only relies on sparse semantic ground truth. An evaluation on the Occ3D dataset, including a comparison against current state-of-the-art self-supervised methods from the literature, demonstrates the potential of our self-supervised variant.
Postdigital Game-Based Learning: Complexity, Continuity, and Contingency
Authors: Bacalja Alexander
Published: September 2024

Discourses that establish the potential learning benefits of digital games for schooling too often focus on learning as a product of relations between student and gameplay, adopting overly deterministic positions that have long been associated with digital technologies and education. This paper draws on ideas from postdigitalism to problematise such narrow conceptualisations of digital game-based learning (DGBL). The analysis of one Australian school’s experience of incorporating digital games into their senior English curriculum provides a break from broad generations and allows a focus on the web of relations within which digital games exist when deployed in formal school contexts. An analytical framework which draws on three ideas emerging from postdigital studies is utilized to explore relations of power through which digital games interact as they are played and studied in schools. This analysis suggests that unitary logics about learning and digital games are insufficient and highlights the importance of engaging with the complexity, continuity and contingency in DGBL contexts to combat the hyperbole that surrounds digital games and education. Postdigital attention on actual instances of digital game deployment reveals the fragility of all knowledge claims about these technologies, contributing to a more critical discourse regarding their potential to impact school learning.
Antifouling ultrafiltration membranes based on acrylic fibers waste/nanochitosan for Congo red and crystal violet removal
Authors: Abdelhamid Ahmed E. , Selim Salah E. , Meligi Gamal A. , Hussain Ahmed I. , Mabrouk Mahmoud A.
Published: September 2024

In this study, acrylic fibers waste blended with different ratios of nanochitosan (0.5%, 1%, 2% and 4%, in weight) were converted into antifouling ultrafiltration nanocomposite membranes using a phase separation technique for the remediation of Congo red (CR) and crystal violet (CV) dyes from water. The fabricated nanocomposite membranes were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The membrane hydrophilicity was estimated using contact angle measurements, which revealed that the 4% loaded nanochitosan had the highest hydrophilicity. Additionally, the water uptake, porosity, water contact angle and water flux of the nanocomposite membranes were assessed. The membrane filtration performances were explored for the removal of CR and CV as anionic and cationic dyes, respectively, at different concentrations and various applied pressures (1 bar to 4 bar). The experimental data revealed a high rejection (R) performance for CR (R≃100%) with a high water flux of about 150 L/(m2·h) to 183 L/(m2·h) for the optimized membrane with 2% nanochitosan at an applied pressure of 4 bar. The rejection for CV showed a variant rejection (70%–99%) at different dye concentrations with fluxes ranging from 93.6 L/(m2·h) to 149.5 L/(m2·h) for the same composite membrane. The composite membrane showed enhanced flux recovery after fouling by bovine serum albumin and was resistant to widespread gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria.

Graphical abstract
Adverse Childhood Experiences, Protective Factors, and Childhood Obesity: Comparing the Effectiveness of Three Resilience Frameworks
Authors: Keane Kevin , Evans Retta R. , Wilkinson Larrell L. , King Dione Moultrie , Leban Lindsay , Macrina David
Published: September 2024

While rates of childhood obesity continue to rise in the United States, multiple studies have linked childhood obesity to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). ACEs researchers have begun to develop frameworks that identify protective factors that build resilience against ACEs. However, these frameworks have a limited evidence base. Utilizing data from the 2018–2020 National Survey of Children’s Health, this study compared the effectiveness of the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (NSCDC), Health Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE), and cumulative positive childhood experiences (PCEs) frameworks in mitigating the impact of ACEs on childhood obesity. Based on hierarchical logistic regression conducted on data from 46,672 children between the ages of 10 and 17 years old, this study found that both the NSCDC and HOPE frameworks were associated with childhood obesity, with each framework explaining a similar amount of variance in childhood obesity across analyses. The cumulative PCEs framework did not strengthen the association between either framework and childhood obesity. Across analyses, strong self-regulation, mastery/after-school activities, and living in a supportive neighborhood had the strongest association with childhood obesity. The findings suggest that the most salient protective factors may be those most closely associated with the direct causes of childhood obesity, with the need to identify factors across ecological levels. Future research is needed to validate these frameworks further and explore these frameworks with other outcomes. The findings have important implications for future ACEs research and ACEs interventions.

Public Relevance

By understanding which resilience frameworks and protective factors have the strongest relationship with childhood obesity among children who experienced ACEs, interventions can potentially be developed using these findings to mitigate the harmful impact of ACEs on childhood obesity.

Key Findings

This study found that the National Scientific Council on the Developing Child (NSCDC) and Health Outcomes from Positive Experiences (HOPE) frameworks were associated with childhood obesity after controlling for adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in a sample of children between the ages of 10 and 17 years old. The strongest protective factors against childhood obesity were strong self-regulation, mastery/after-school activities, and living in a supportive neighborhood. Given the relationship between these protective factors along with several covariates in the study with childhood obesity, future ACEs interventions should potentially target these protective factors and other social determinants of health to reduce the negative impact of ACEs on childhood obesity.