bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What does wellbeing look like in the Chin community in Melbourne?
Authors: Lausaw Tluang
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Victoria is one of the most diverse states in Australia. With emerging refugee communities such as the Chin community, it is important to consider steps to support and increase productivity of Chin community members to be active citizens. This study therefore aims to understand one of the most essential and fundamental aspect of living a productive life: Wellbeing.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the review of previous literature on refugees’ wellbeing including Chin people around the world, an interview method prevailed as the ideal method of data collection. A total of five active Chin community leaders across south-east and north-west of Melbourne were recruited as participants to represent more than ten thousand Chin(s) residing in Melbourne. Through the assistant of guiding questions prepared by the researcher, participants were interviewed individually via Zoom.

Findings

Responses across the five participants produce similarity yet unique results. Findings shows that a complete positive state of wellbeing is still a working process for settling Chin community members as negative appears to outweigh positive factors. Nonetheless, it is recommended that community workers, local councils and government to further strengthen their assistant and support in barriers and issues impacting the overall health and wellbeing of Chin community members.

Research limitations/implications

The sample in this study strictly focuses on the responses of five Chin community leaders and workers across Victoria and therefore it is difficult to generalise about the impact on the overall Chin community population in Melbourne. The majority of participants in this research revealed that they wore more than one hat in their service to the Chin community. For example, some community leaders were also serving as active and current volunteers and leaders in their Church groups. Due to this, it is uncertain whether this impacted the responses of participants such as prioritising religious perspectives above community perspectives.

Originality/value

Future studies will be appreciated to build on this research to further elaborate and identify other elements of wellbeing that could increase productivity and participation amongst Chin community members to improve their overall wellbeing.
Mechanical behavior analysis of additively manufactured parts using the Taguchi method and artificial neural networks
Authors: Hiremath Shivashankar , Oh Jeongwoo , Jung Younghoon , Kim Tae-Won
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene is an important material in 3D printing due to its strength, durability, heat resistance and cost-effectiveness. These properties make it suitable for various applications, from functional prototypes to end-use products. This study aims to model and predict the mechanical properties of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene parts produced using the fused deposition modeling process.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiment was carefully designed to determine the optimal print parameters, including layer thickness, nozzle temperature and infill density. Tensile tests were performed on all printed samples following industry standards to gauge the mechanical properties such as elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and breakpoint. Taguchi optimization and variable analysis were used to explore the relationship between mechanical properties and print parameters. Furthermore, an artificial neural network (ANN) regression model was implemented to predict mechanical properties based on varying print conditions.

Findings

The results demonstrated that layer thickness has the most significant influence on mechanical properties when compared to other print conditions. The optimization approaches indicated a clear relationship between the selected print parameters and the material’s mechanical response. For acrylonitrile butadiene styrene material, the optimal print settings were determined to be a 0.25 mm layer thickness, a 270 °C nozzle temperature and a 30 % infill density. Moreover, the ANN model notably excelled in predicting the yield strength of the material with greater accuracy than other mechanical properties.

Originality/value

Comparing the accuracy and capabilities of the Taguchi and ANN models in analyzing mechanical properties, it was found that both models closely matched the experimental data. However, the ANN model showed superior accuracy in predicting tensile outcomes. In conclusion, while the ANN model offers higher predictive accuracy for tensile results, both Taguchi and ANN methods are effective in modeling the mechanical properties of 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene materials.
Nitrogen vacancy centers integrated magnetometer based on multi-frequency modulation measurement technique
Authors: He Xinhui , Huang Kun , Ran Guihao , Mao Xiaobiao , Hu Qin , Lin Zhennan , Ran Shuangquan , Hu Tao
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to improve the sensitivity of magnetic detection. In this article, a multi-frequency modulation technique is used to increase the magnetic detection sensitivity of diamond nitrogen vacancy (NV) centers sensors.

Design/methodology/approach

In the field of magnetic detection, NV centers have corresponding advantages due to their unique long coherence property at room temperature. The important indicators for NV centers magnetometers are the magnetic detection sensitivity of the NV centers and the integration of the magnetometer. To solve this problem, the authors propose a multi-frequency modulated magnetic detection technique, using an integrated probe as well as a lock-in amplifier for the double enhancement of sensitivity as well as integration.

Findings

The following results can be obtained by processing and calculating the experimental data with an integrated lock-in amplifier circuit with an area of 27.50 cm2 and a probe volume of 3.12 cm3. The multi-frequency modulation technique was used to increase the magnetic detection sensitivity of the NV centers from 8.59 nT/Hz1 / 2–2.42 nT/Hz1 / 2.

Research limitations/implications

The authors propose a signal modulation technique with an integrated design, which achieves an improvement in the sensitivity of the sensor’s magnetic detection through practical testing.

Originality/value

The authors propose a signal modulation technique with an integrated design, which achieves an improvement in the sensitivity of the sensor’s magnetic detection through practical testing. This technique provides new research solution for the subsequent improvement of the magnetic detection sensitivity.
Exploring the determinants of green electronics purchase intention through the stimulus-organism-response model
Authors: Vafaei-Zadeh Ali , Nikbin Davoud , Seong Zhen Kheoh , Hanifah Haniruzila
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the determinants of green electronics purchase intention in Malaysia by extending existing knowledge on green consumer behavior and contributing to the field of sustainable consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative research approach was adopted, with data collected from 250 Malaysian consumers. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess the relationships between various determinants and green purchase intention.

Findings

The results demonstrate that perceived consumer effectiveness, green advertising and monetary cost positively affect environmental attitudes, which subsequently influence green purchase intention. The study also identifies that brand image and information quality significantly enhance green brand trust (GBT), leading to stronger intentions to engage in green purchasing. Additionally, it finds that environmental knowledge and environmental concern shape perceived behavioral control, which further impacts green purchasing intention.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses on Malaysian consumers, which may limit the generalizability of the findings to other cultural contexts. Future research could expand the scope to include cross-cultural comparisons to validate the model in different settings.

Practical implications

By providing insights into the key factors driving consumers’ intention to purchase green electronics, the study offers valuable guidance for marketers and manufacturers to develop targeted strategies that promote sustainable consumption and capitalize on the growing demand for green products in Malaysia.

Originality/value

This study is unique in measuring the influence of green attitude, GBT and perceived behavioral control on green purchase intention specifically within the electronics sector, offering a novel contribution to the literature on sustainable consumer behavior.
University incubators performance through the lens of institutional theory
Authors: Kulkarni Praveen , Tigadi Basavaraj , Gokhale Prayag , K. Lakshminarayana
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aims to understand the role of university incubation centers (UICs) in fostering startup growth within an academic ecosystem, focusing on enhancing their effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from startups and incubation centers in Karnataka, India. Warp partial least squares 6.0 was used for path analysis to examine the relationships between institutional pressures, startup performance and resource acquisition.

Findings

UICs in India effectively support startup growth. Mimetic isomorphism positively influences resource munificence, while normative isomorphism enhances monitoring and assistance. Coercive pressures negatively impact startup performance.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited to India. Future studies in other developing countries would help validate and extend these findings, offering a more comprehensive understanding of incubation center dynamics globally.

Practical implications

This study offers insights on optimizing UIC operations to better support startups. By integrating institutional theory, it highlights the significance of legitimacy, professional standards and strategic location in enhancing incubation center effectiveness.

Social implications

UICs play a crucial role in bolstering the startup ecosystem, essential for employment generation and economic development in India. Effective incubation centers drive innovation and entrepreneurship, contributing to broader societal benefits.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap by focusing on South Asia, providing insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by UICs in developing countries and enhancing understanding of incubation practices in these regions.
Negotiating Care: The Biographical Narratives of Young Adults Who Questioned Their Gender When Younger
Authors: Atkin Karl , Jackson‐Taylor Christine
Published: December 2024

Current discussions about gender identity are increasingly politicised, particularly in the UK. An individual's body becomes a site of competing interests that attempt to regulate the physical, social and moral boundaries between biological sex and a socially realised gender. Care becomes defined within this context. The emerging biopolitics generates dividing practices that classify and regulate rather than situate a knowing subject, who is creatively and actively responsive. In response, our paper explores the value of biographical narratives when understanding how young adults negotiate their identity, within the context of social relationships and normative conventions, when experiencing (and articulating) gender questioning. Using testimonial experience from 18 young adults, aged between 19 and 30 years old, our analysis discusses participants' response to gender questioning before engaging with their exploration of gender, from childhood through to the present day. We consider how these young adults resolve gender questioning through reflexive engagement, seek legitimation and negotiate the response of others, as they seek care. Our conclusion, by providing insights into an actively constituted biographical experience, assesses the possibilities associated with more inclusive caring practices, in which an individual can flourish.
From Trivial to Critical. Emergent Interagency Collaboration Through Co‐Location of Emergency Call Centrals
Authors: Almklov Petter G. , Antonsen Stian
Published: December 2024

This paper studies the role of day‐to‐day social interaction among emergency call central operators and its effect on interagency collaboration in emergencies. In 2017 the police, fire and health emergency call centrals in a region in Norway were co‐located. This was done largely retaining their formal structures and responsibilities, which follows strict sectorial boundaries. However, the proximity afforded by co‐location −placing the centrals in the same building− led to the emergence of informal interactional patterns among the operators. Much of this interaction is seemingly trivial and only loosely connected to resolution of critical tasks. Our study, however, shows that it formed a basis for improved collaboration and development within the centrals. Through an ethnographically oriented normal operations study, our focus is not primarily on the outcomes of spatial proximity during emergencies, rather on the processes leading up to the outcomes: How the foundations emerge for quality in critical moments, how trust was established in the first place, how the involved actors could learn to know what others know, and how a learning‐oriented community of practice was developed over time. In interviews, our informants were surprisingly uniform in their positive assessment of the co‐location. The main question of the paper is thus not whether the operators were satisfied with the change, but more why, and whether this perceived improvement affected the outcome of their work in terms of emergency response capabilities. The paper thus argues for the importance of the social “undercurrents” evolving over time—the informal, trivial and often organizationally “invisible,” day‐to‐day interaction that provides the collaborative basis for dealing with critical situations.
Cultivated meat microbiological safety considerations and practices
Authors: Powell Dean Joel , Li Dan , Smith Ben , Chen Wei Ning
Published: December 2024

Cultivated meat, produced using cell culture technology, is an alternative to conventional meat production that avoids the risks from enteric pathogens associated with animal slaughter and processing. Cultivated meat therefore has significant theoretical microbiological safety advantages, though limited information is available to validate this. This review discusses sources and vectors of microbial contamination throughout cultivated meat production, introduces industry survey data to evaluate current industry practices for monitoring and mitigating these hazards, and highlights future research needs. Industry survey respondents reported an average microbiological contamination batch failure rate of 11.2%. The most common vectors were related to personnel, equipment, and the production environment, while the most commonly reported type of microbiological contaminant was bacteria. These will likely remain prominent vectors and source organisms in commercial‐scale production but can be addressed by a modified combination of existing commercial food and biopharmaceutical production safety systems such as Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Good Cell Culture Practice (GCCP). As the sector matures and embeds these and other safety management systems, microbiological contamination issues should be surmountable. Data are also included to investigate whether the limited microbiome of cultivated products poses a novel food safety risk. However, further studies are needed to assess the growth potential of microorganisms in different cultivated meat products, taking into account factors such as their composition, pH, water activity, and background microflora.
Demystifying furan formation in foods: Implications for human health, detection, and control measures: A review
Authors: Batool Zahra , Singla Rajeev K. , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Shen Bairong
Published: December 2024

Furan (C₄H₄O), an unintended hazardous compound, is formed in various thermally processed foods through multiple pathways, raising concerns due to its potential carcinogenicity in humans. The aim of this comprehensive review was to synthesize and evaluate the latest research on furan, from its formation by different precursors to its presence in diverse food matrices, as well as the emerging methods for its detection and mitigation. Emphasizing the toxicity of furan, it explored evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies, including reproductive toxicity, carcinogenic effects, and related biomarkers. Additionally, this review focused on human risk assessments of furan exposure and discussed innovative research approaches to better understand its health risks. By consolidating current knowledge, this review provided a comprehensive perspective on furan's impact on human health and suggested future research directions to further research on furan.
Effect of ultrasound‐assisted extraction on phenolic profile, bio‐accessibility, OVCAR‐3, and SKOV‐3 cytotoxicity in blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.)
Authors: Bostanci Ayten , Yilmaz Emel , Damar Irem
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine the extraction of specific phenolic compounds from blackthorn using ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) and to evaluate the influence of UAE on the phenolic composition, bioaccessibility, and cytotoxic effect evaluated on ovarian cancer (OVCAR‐3 and SKOV‐3) and healthy (HaCaT) cell lines. The UAE parameters were optimized by modeling with the response surface method. Temperature, time, and ultrasound amplitude were utilized to determine the optimal extraction conditions. Optimization experiments were conducted to assess the influence of independent variables on the maximum concentrations of six phenolic compounds identified via high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and the 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. The optimal conditions for UAE were determined as an extraction temperature of 33.177°C, a duration of 4.334 min, and an amplitude of 38.980%. The phenolic profile of the extract obtained under optimized UAE conditions (B‐UAEopt) was re‐examined, confirming that it remained consistent at the individual component level. Using an in vitro digestion model, UAE was found to increase the bioaccessibility of antioxidant activity in the small intestine. The IC50 values for OVCAR‐3 were 64 and 67 mg mL−1 for blackthorn and B‐UAEopt, while the IC50 values for SKOV‐3 were 53 mg mL−1 and 50 mg mL−1 for blackthorn and B‐UAEopt, respectively. This study showed that UAE is an exceptionally effective method for extracting phenolic compounds from blackthorn, as it preserves the phenolic profile, enhances bioaccessibility, and maintains cytotoxic effects without any detrimental impact.
Non‐destructive detection of milk nutritional components based on hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Zhang Yuanpu , Liu Jiangping
Published: December 2024

As consumers increasingly prioritize food safety and nutritional value, the dairy industry faces a pressing need for rapid and accurate methods to detect essential nutritional components in milk, such as fat, protein, and lactose. Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology, known for its non‐destructive, fast, and precise nature, shows great promise in food quality assessment. However, the high dimensionality of HSI data poses challenges for effective band selection and model optimization. Additionally, prior studies primarily focus on predicting single nutritional components without addressing simultaneous multi‐component detection. To overcome these challenges, this study presents a comprehensive approach that integrates moving average smoothing and first derivative (MA‐FD) preprocessing, the improved coati optimization algorithm (ICOA), and the CatBoost model for multi‐target regression. ICOA incorporates the good point set strategy, dynamic opposition‐based learning, and the golden sine algorithm, which significantly enhance its global search capability and convergence speed in band selection. Combined with CatBoost's multi‐target prediction capability, this method enables accurate detection of fat, protein, and lactose levels in milk. Experimental results demonstrate high prediction accuracy, with the calibration set achieving an multi‐target coefficient of determination (MultiR2) of 0.9992 and multi‐target root mean square error (MultiRMSE) of 0.0240, while the prediction set yielded an MultiR2 of 0.9797 and MultiRMSE of 0.1181. Prediction set R2 values for fat, protein, and lactose were 0.9658, 0.9910, and 0.9825, respectively. The proposed method demonstrates robust predictive accuracy and reliability in milk quality assessment, and its potential for application in broader food quality assessments is substantial.

Practical Application

This study provides a rapid, non‐destructive method for assessing milk quality by detecting key nutritional components through hyperspectral imaging, combined with MA‐FD preprocessing, ICOA for band selection, and CatBoost for multi‐target regression. This approach offers the dairy industry a reliable, non‐invasive solution that supports quality control and helps safeguard consumer health.
A comprehensive profiling of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities of 24 varieties of red raspberry cultivated in Northeast China
Authors: Zhang Haonan , Yu Yiping , Zhang Hegu , Zhao Xin , Wang Jinling
Published: December 2024

Red raspberries, valued for their nutrients and bioactive compounds, have broad uses in processing and healthy products. However, limited comprehensive research focused on the comparison of phenolic compounds of red raspberry, especially species cultivated in Northeast China, has been reported. This study aimed to conduct a thorough investigation of 24 red raspberry varieties in Northeast China for the first time, evaluating their phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities. The results showed that ‘DNS1’ had the highest total phenolic content (TPC), ‘Willamette’ had the highest total flavonoid content (TFC), and ‘Boyne’ had the highest total anthocyanin content (TAC). Phenolic compounds in red raspberries were predominantly found in esterified form, while glycosylated phenolics should not be overlooked. Chlorogenic acid, cryptochlorogenic acid, ellagic acid, and arbutin were the main phenolic compounds, and the distribution of their contents varied between varieties. The antioxidant activity in the red raspberry had a close association with the content of phenolic compounds. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that phenolic compounds and antioxidant activities were higher in samples from ‘DNS1’, ‘Boyne’, ‘Beijing10’, ‘DNS5’, and ‘Willamette’ varieties. These varieties should be given priority in breeding programs that aim to boost the utility and bioactive profile of red raspberries.

Practical Application

Red raspberry is becoming a desirable commercially grown fruit species and is viewed as a new functional food. In this context, this research offers strong support for confirming the quality of 24 varieties of red raspberry and plays a critical role in the food industry. It also indicates the potential sources of superior varieties of red raspberry, which are advantageous for growers and consumers in search of high‐quality red raspberry varieties.
Optimizing extraction conditions for isolation of antioxidant compounds from black rice bran using ultrasonic‐assisted extraction and response surface methodology
Authors: Win Htun‐Htun , Teethaisong Yothin , Ketudat‐Cairns James R. , Ketudat‐Cairns Mariena
Published: December 2024

Black rice bran (BRB), a valuable byproduct from the rice milling process, possesses numerous pharmacological activities, including antioxidant potential, but information regarding highly efficient extraction methods is scarce. To enhance the extraction efficiency, ultrasonic‐assisted extraction coupled with Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used in this study to maximize the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), total anthocyanin content (TAC), and antioxidant capacity of BRB extract. The BBD results showed that 57% ethanol at 50°C and pH 3.1 were best for TPC (136.2 mg GAE/g dry weight), TAC (2.3 mg cyanidin‐3‐O‐glucoside equivalents/g dry weight), and TFC (38.6 mg quercetin equivalents/g dry weight). In vitro antioxidant capacities of BRB extract determined by 2,2‐azinobis (3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS+) and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays revealed free radical scavenging potentials with EC50 values of 67.62 and 1149 µg/mL, respectively. The cytotoxic effect of BRB extract on human skin HaCaT keratinocytes was determined by a 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which revealed no significant cytotoxicity and a significant increase in cell viability at a concentration of 500 µg/mL. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) analysis identified syringic acid, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, vanillic acid, p‐coumaric acid, and ferulic acid in BRB extract. This study provides the optimal conditions to extract antioxidant bioactive compounds from BRB and supports the use of BRB as a source of antioxidants. Due to BRB showing no significant cytotoxicity to human skin cells, it could potentially be further developed for topical applications.
Impacts of kappa‐selenocarrageenan on the muscle quality of pork: Novel insights into myofibrillar protein and lipid oxidation
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Xiong Zhemin , Huang Qinghuo , Xiong Kexin , Wang Ziling , Lu Hongyan , Peng Lijuan , Zhang Yinping , Yang Ying , Wang Haibin
Published: December 2024

Excessive oxidation of protein and lipids in pork leads to quality degradation and loss of nutrients. Kappa‐selenocarrageenan (Se‐K) can not only be used as a selenium enhancer but also as an antioxidant. To explore potential antioxidants that could be applied to pork, the effect of Se‐K on myofibrillar protein (MP) and lipid oxidation was investigated. The results demonstrated that Se‐K could scavenge hydroxyl radicals, DPPH radicals, and ABTS radicals. It was found that Se‐K inhibited the formation of carbonyls and decreased the loss of sulfhydryl groups of MP. Se‐K also inhibited cross‐linking, aggregation, unfolding, and structural transformation of MP and repressed the increase in surface hydrophobicity. Additionally, Se‐K enhanced the emulsibility, textural properties, and water‐holding capacity of MP. We also found that Se‐K delayed the increase in acid value, peroxide value, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances value. Furthermore, Se‐K inhibited the degradation of unsaturated fatty acids, especially linoleic acid. Overall, Se‐K was effective in inhibiting MP and lipid oxidation and could be a potential antioxidant for pork.
UPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS based chemometric analysis for solvent polarity effect evaluation on phytochemical compounds and antioxidant activity in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq) fruit extract
Authors: Herrera‐Pool Emanuel , Ramos‐Díaz Ana Luisa , Padilla de la Rosa José Daniel , García‐Cruz Ulises , Lizardi‐Jiménez Manuel Alejandro , Ayora‐Talavera Teresa , Cuevas‐Bernardino Juan C. , Pacheco Neith
Published: December 2024

The effect of solvents with different polarities on the recovery of phytochemicals (carotenoids, capsaicinoids, and phenolic compounds) from habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense) and their association with antioxidant activity (ABTS•+ and DPPH) was evaluated through Ultra‐Performance‐Liquid Chromatography coupled with a Photodiode Array Detector and a Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (UPLC‐PDA‐ESI‐MS)‐based chemometric analysis, including linear correlation, multiple linear regression, and principal component analysis (PCA). The solvent polarity scale was established according to solvent dielectric constants (ɛ). Color variation (ΔE) was used to determine the presence of carotenoids, with the highest ΔE obtained using low‐polarity solvents (hexane and ethyl acetate). A high content of capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin was recovered with acetone (4.29 and 3.76 mg g⁻¹ dry weight, respectively). Phenolic compounds such as N‐caffeoyl putrescine and derivatives of luteolin and apigenin were identified through mass spectrometry. A high recovery (26.54–31.74 mg GAE g⁻¹ dry weight) of these compounds was obtained using intermediate‐polarity solvents. The PCA revealed clustering of solvents based on their affinity for extracting specific compounds and their association with antioxidant activity. A significant correlation was observed between ΔE and DPPH, indicating that carotenoid pigments exhibited higher DPPH radical inhibition capacity than other compounds. Total phenolic content (TPC) and phenolic compounds (phenolpolyamides, hydroxycinnamic acids, and hydroxybenzoic acids) were clustered with the ABTS•+ radical inhibition assay. The information obtained is crucial for selecting suitable solvents in the extraction and purification protocols of bioactive compounds. It is also valuable for conducting plant metabolomic analyses and for studies focused on determining the effects of bioactive compounds in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmeceutical applications.

Practical Application

The results describe the characteristics of the extracts obtained using different solvents. Therefore, the information may be useful for establishing extraction protocols for phytochemical compounds in fruits from Capsicum chinense for various purposes, such as metabolomic analysis, the recovery of specific compounds with antioxidant activity, and food applications.
Nanoencapsulation of vitamin B2 using chitosan‐modified poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and in vitro studies on simulated gastrointestinal stability and delivery
Authors: Sathiensathaporn Siriratchakorn , Solé‐Porta Anna , Baowan Duangkamon , Pissuwan Dakrong , Wongtrakoongate Patompon , Roig Anna , Katewongsa Kanlaya Prapainop
Published: December 2024

Vitamin B2, or riboflavin, is essential for maintaining healthy cellular metabolism and function. However, its light sensitivity, poor water solubility, and gastrointestinal barriers limit its storage, delivery, and absorption. Selecting suitable nanomaterials for encapsulating vitamin B2 is crucial to overcoming these challenges. This study employed chitosan‐coated poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanoparticles (CS‐PLGA NPs) as a novel delivery system to enhance the bioavailability of vitamin B2 for food fortification and nutraceutical applications. The nanoparticles, with sizes below 200 nm, exhibited greater stability than PLGA NPs after freeze‐drying and in simulated body fluids. Encapsulation improved the photostability of vitamin B2 under ultraviolet light and prolonged its release in simulated body fluids compared to non‐encapsulated vitamin B2. Furthermore, CS‐PLGA NPs demonstrated higher uptake in intestinal epithelial cells (Caco‐2), indicating enhanced transport and potential for use in fortified food systems. These findings underscore the promise of CS‐PLGA NPs for delivering vitamin B2 in food, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical applications.

Practical Application

The use of chitosan‐coated PLGA NPs for encapsulating vitamin B2 offers a promising solution to enhance its bioavailability, especially for individuals with gastrointestinal absorption issues. This formulation improves stability, controlled release, and cellular uptake, which can lead to more effective supplementation strategies in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical applications. It could benefit patients with vitamin B2 deficiencies, such as those with malabsorption disorders, by ensuring efficient delivery through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, this approach can be applied to other water‐soluble vitamins or bioactive compounds, offering a versatile platform for improving the efficacy of oral supplements.
Synthesis and characterization of turmeric extract‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: Metabolite profiling and antioxidant activity
Authors: Reddy Chagam Koteswara , Lee Choong Hwan
Published: December 2024

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) has gained significant attention for its medicinal properties, yet its therapeutic applications are often limited by low aqueous solubility and susceptibility to environmental factors. This study investigates the formulation of a curcumin‐rich turmeric extract–β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex (TUE–β‐CD) to enhance its bioactivity and stability. Structural characterization and metabolite profiling of the inclusion complex were conducted using field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with LTQ–Orbitrap–mass spectrometry (UHPLC–LTQ–Orbitrap–MS). Results revealed that the inclusion complexes exhibit distinct morphological, spectroscopic, crystalline, and thermal properties compared to both curcumin‐rich TUE and β‐CD, confirming successful encapsulation of turmeric metabolites within β‐cyclodextrin cavities. Results of UHPLC–LTQ–Orbitrap–MS confirmed that β‐CD had differential encapsulation efficiencies for bioactive compounds of turmeric. The results suggest that the inclusion complex significantly improves the thermal stability and bioactivity of turmeric extract, thereby enhancing its potential applications as a functional component in both food and non‐food industries.
Risk of comorbidity of autoimmune liver disease in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A single‐center case–control study in China
Authors: Zhang Meng Yuan , Xu Tian Ming , Sun Ying Hao , Chu Xiao Tian , Ruan Ge Chong , Bai Xiao Yin , Lv Hong , Yang Hong , Shu Hui Jun , Qian Jia Ming
Published: December 2024

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), and the impact of comorbidity of AIH, PBC, and PSC on hospitalization burden in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

Inpatients admitted to Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 1, 1998 to December 31, 2021 were included. Odds ratio (OR) and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated to compare the risk of AIH, PBC, and PSC between IBD and non‐IBD patients. Medical cost and length of hospitalization were compared between IBD patients with and without AIH, PBC, or PSC.

Results

Among the included 858 967 inpatients, there were 3059 patients with IBD. Additionally, there were 117 patients with AIH, 879 patients with PBC, and 35 patients with PSC, regardless of having IBD or not. Patients with IBD had a significantly higher risk of AIH (OR 4.87, 95% CI 1.20–19.71, p = 0.03) and PSC (OR 112.28, 95% CI 53.88–233.98, p < 0.01) than those without IBD. While there was no significant difference in the risk of PBC between patients with and without IBD (OR 1.60, 95% CI 0.67–3.86, p = 0.29). The medical cost of each hospitalization did not differ between IBD patients with and without AIH, PBC, or PSC.

Conclusions

IBD patients had a higher risk of AIH and PSC. Comorbidity of AIH, PBC, or PSC has no significant effect on the average cost of each hospitalization in IBD patients.
Epidermal Collagen Reduction Drives Selective Aspects of Aging in Sensory Neurons
Authors: Krishna Meera M. , Waghmare Swapnil G. , Franitza Ariel L. , Maccoux Emily C. , E Lezi
Published: December 2024

Despite advances in understanding molecular and cellular changes in the aging nervous system, the upstream drivers of these changes remain poorly defined. Here, we investigate the roles of non‐neural tissues in neuronal aging, using the cutaneous PVD polymodal sensory neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans as a model. We demonstrate that during normal aging, PVD neurons progressively develop excessive dendritic branching, functionally correlated with age‐related proprioceptive deficits. Our study reveals that decreased collagen expression, a common age‐related phenomenon across species, triggers this process. Specifically, loss‐of‐function in dpy‐5 or col‐120, genes encoding cuticular collagens secreted to the epidermal apical surface, induces early‐onset excessive dendritic branching and proprioceptive deficits. Adulthood‐specific overexpression of dpy‐5 or col‐120 mitigates excessive branching in aged animals without extending lifespan, highlighting their specific roles in promoting neuronal health span. Notably, collagen reduction specifically drives excessive branching in select sensory neuron subclasses but does not contribute to PVD dendritic beading, another aging‐associated neurodegenerative phenotype associated with distinct mechanosensitive dysfunction. Lastly, we identify that rig‐3, an immunoglobulin superfamily member expressed in interneurons, acts upstream of collagen genes to maintain PVD dendritic homeostasis during aging, with collagen's regulatory role requiring daf‐16/FOXO. These findings reveal that age‐related collagen reduction cues neuronal aging independently of collagen's traditional structural support function, possibly involving bi‐directional communication processes between neurons and non‐neuronal cells. Our study also offers new insights into understanding selective neuron vulnerability in aging, emphasizing the importance of multi‐tissue strategies to address the complexities of neuronal aging.
Intimate war across borders: Terrifying encounters, recognition, and “the Colombian armed conflict” in Quito, Ecuador
Authors: Ackerman Alana
Published: December 2024

Much anthropological scholarship on war—particularly “civil war”—focuses on violence perpetrated between organized political groups within the confines of a national space. In contrast, this article examines how “internal armed conflict” manifests across international borders, irrupting as interpersonal violence in spaces that are supposedly external to war. More specifically, I demonstrate how “the Colombian armed conflict” unfolds between refugees and their persecutors in Quito, Ecuador, through fleeting encounters based upon processes of life‐threatening recognition. These everyday encounters constitute “intimate war,” a relational condition of world‐making involving terrifying social attachments—threatening verbal and physical gestures and cues—between “strangers,” or people who are not necessarily familiar with each other. In this context, refugees enact strategies of evasion to avoid detection by their persecutors, such as bus hopping, visually scanning their surroundings, and avoiding other Colombians. Terrifying encounters across borders, and refugees’ strategies to avoid them, unsettle normative assumptions about the desirability of recognition, where and how war happens, and what constitutes escape.
Quantitative Live Imaging Reveals Phase Dependency of PDAC Patient‐Derived Organoids on ERK and AMPK Activity
Authors: Tsukamoto Shoko , Huaze Ye , Weisheng Zhang , Machinaga Akihito , Kakiuchi Nobuyuki , Ogawa Seishi , Seno Hiroshi , Higashiyama Shigeki , Matsuda Michiyuki , Hiratsuka Toru
Published: December 2024

Patient‐derived organoids represent a novel platform to recapitulate the cancer cells in the patient tissue. While cancer heterogeneity has been extensively studied by a number of omics approaches, little is known about the spatiotemporal kinase activity dynamics. Here we applied a live imaging approach to organoids derived from 10 pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients to comprehensively understand their heterogeneous growth potential and drug responses. By automated wide‐area image acquisitions and analyses, the PDAC cells were non‐selectively observed to evaluate their heterogeneous growth patterns. We monitored single‐cell ERK and AMPK activities to relate cellular dynamics to molecular dynamics. Furthermore, we evaluated two anti‐cancer drugs, a MEK inhibitor, PD0325901, and an autophagy inhibitor, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), by our analysis platform. Our analyses revealed a phase‐dependent regulation of PDAC organoid growth, where ERK activity is necessary for the early phase and AMPK activity is necessary for the late stage of organoid growth. Consistently, we found PD0325901 and HCQ target distinct organoid populations, revealing their combination is widely effective to the heterogeneous cancer cell population in a range of PDAC patient‐derived organoid lines. Together, our live imaging quantitatively characterized the growth and drug sensitivity of human PDAC organoids at multiple levels: in single cells, single organoids, and individual patients. This study will pave the way for understanding the cancer heterogeneity and promote the development of new drugs that eradicate intractable cancer.
The Value of ROH Metrics for Predicting Morbidity: Insights From a Large Cohort Analysis of Chromosomal Microarray
Authors: Sagi‐Dain Lena , Levy Michal , Matar Reut , Kahana Sarit , Agmon‐Fishman Ifaat , Klein Cochava , Gurevitch Merav , Basel‐Salmon Lina , Maya Idit
Published: December 2024

This retrospective cohort study aimed to define the optimal Regions of Homozygosity (ROH) size cut‐offs for prediction of morbidity, based on 13 483 Chromosomal Microarray Analyses (CMA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated, and area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the predictive capability of total ROH percentage (TRPS), ROH number and ROH segment size in distinguishing between healthy (n=6,196) and affected (n=6,839) cohorts. The metrics were examined for telomeric and interstitial segments, distinct TRPS categories, and across different ancestral origins. ROH segments were identified in 13 035 samples (96.7%), encompassing 66 710 ROH segments. Significant differences in TRPS and ROH segment size were observed between healthy and affected cohorts (p=0.012 and p < 0.001, respectively). However, no clinically significant thresholds could be established based on ROC curves for TRPS and ROH number per sample, as well as for ROH size (AUC 0.64, 0.55, and 0.62, respectively, Figure 1). The same was noted for telomeric versus interstitial locations, various origins, and subcategories of TRPS. In conclusion, this study highlights the complexity of ROH interpretation and emphasizes the importance of tailored reporting strategies in clinical practice. Our findings underscore the need for context‐specific reporting guidelines and further research, particularly in consanguineous populations.
Outcomes of Acute Kidney Injury After Pediatric Liver Transplantation: A 1‐Year Follow‐Up
Authors: Ji Jiemei , Liang Shengfeng , Lai Jian , Mao Zhongxuan , Lin Yunan , Lan Yuyan , Liu Jingchen
Published: December 2024

Background

Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) following pediatric liver transplantation (PLT) have not been comprehensively studied. This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between AKI and both 1‐year CKD and mortality.

Methods

This retrospective study included 132 children aged between 3 months and 12 years who underwent PLT between 2017 and 2021. Postoperative AKI and CKD after 1 year were assessed according to KDIGO criteria. AKI was classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on severity as well as transient (≤2 days) and persistent (>2 days) based on duration. CKD occurrence was the primary outcome, whereas all‐cause mortality was the secondary outcome.

Results

AKI developed in 45.4% of children, with 40.7% mild, 37.1% moderate, and 22.2% severe. Half of the children with AKI subsequently developed CKD within 1 year, compared to 23.1% without AKI. Multivariate analysis indicated that moderate AKI, severe AKI, and persistent AKI were risk factors for CKD development (moderate AKI, OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 1.2–12.3; severe AKI, OR = 7.4, 95% CI = 1.4–38.3; persistent AKI, OR = 9.7, 95% CI = 2.3–36.4). The overall mortality rate within 1 year after surgery was 9.8%. Children with severe AKI and AKI lasting longer than 2 days exhibited a higher mortality rate than those without AKI.

Conclusions

The development of postoperative AKI is relatively common after PLT, and the severity and duration of AKI are associated with CKD and mortality within 1 year.
Pathways From Spatial Skills to Mathematics: The Roles of Gender and Fluid Reasoning
Authors: Harris Danielle , Resnick Ilyse , Logan Tracy , Lowrie Tom
Published: December 2024

There are contentious and persistent gender differences reported in some measures of spatial skills, particularly mental rotation and, to a lesser extent, perspective‐taking, which may have an impact on mathematics success. Furthermore, pathways between spatial skills and mathematics may be mediated by other cognitive factors, such as fluid reasoning. Participants (N = 320, age range 8–12 years) completed measures of mental rotation, perspective‐taking, fluid reasoning, and mathematics. Regression analyses were conducted to assess the mediation effect of fluid reasoning on the relations between mental rotation and perspective‐taking, and mathematics. Moderated mediation was performed to assess the effects of gender and age on these relations. Mental rotation and perspective‐taking both predicted performance in mathematics for the overall sample, and fluid reasoning was found to partially mediate these relations. For mental rotation, gender moderated the mediation model, with mental rotation directly predicting performance in mathematics for males but not females. The mediation model for perspective‐taking and mathematics was not moderated by gender. Although a predictor of performance, age did not moderate any of the reported relations. These findings suggest that gender differences in some spatial skills, such as mental rotation, may extend to the pathways linking the skills to mathematics. Although mental rotation may be predictive of mathematics performance for boys, the same might not be so for girls. Extrinsic spatial skills, such as perspective‐taking, offer new pathways to explore in the growing body of work examining the links between spatial reasoning and mathematics.
Prediction of cerebral palsy and cognitive delay among high‐risk children in a developing nation: A successful early detection programme
Authors: Hewawitharana Gemunu , Darshana ILA Nuwan , Madhushani UI Asha , Chathuranga DP Sadeepi , Priyangika DI Nirosha , Hewawitharana Bimba , Wijesinghe Champa , Kodituwakku Piyadasa , Phillips John
Published: December 2024

Aim

To determine the feasibility of combining the Hammersmith Infant Neurological Examination (HINE) and General Movements Assessment (GMA) within a standard follow‐up schedule to predict developmental outcomes in infants at risk in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Method

A total of 201 Sri Lankan infants (128 male, 73 female) were prospectively assessed with the GMA before 44 weeks (writhing movements) and at 3 to 4 months (fidgeting movements), followed by the HINE at 5 to 6 months. Developmental outcomes were assessed using the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Fourth Edition and clinical assessment after 24 months.

Results

The sensitivity of predicting cerebral palsy (CP) was lower with a single GMA assessment (writhing 89.5%, fidgeting 94.7%) or HINE (89.5%) compared to all three assessments combined (sensitivity 100%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 82.4–100.0). The GMA and HINE were less predictive of non‐CP‐related developmental delays, particularly when single assessments were used (< 65% for all domains) compared to all three assessments combined (motor sensitivity > 86.9%, 95% CI = 66.4–97.2; cognitive sensitivity > 86.7%, 95% CI = 69.3–96.2; social–emotional sensitivity > 83.3%, 95% CI = 65.3–94.4). Specificity was lower for the prediction of CP‐related (40.1%) and non‐CP‐related developmental delays (< 46.0% for all).

Interpretation

In an LMIC such as Sri Lanka, with limited access to specialist care and neuroimaging, combining two GMA measures and the HINE identified most infants with CP‐related and non‐CP‐related developmental delay, thereby allowing targeted early intervention therapies.