bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward Rational Design of Mononuclear Nickel Complexes as Water Oxidation Catalysts Exploring the Ligand Effects on the Rate‐Determining Step
Authors: Kumar Singh Ajeet , Roy Lisa
Published: June 2024

The major impediment in realizing a carbon‐neutral hydrogen fuel economy is the cost and inadequacy of contemporary electrochemical water splitting approaches towards the energy intensive oxygen evolution reaction (OER). The O−O bond formation in the water oxidation half‐cell reaction is both kinetically and thermodynamically challenging and amplifies the overpotential requirement in most of the active water oxidation catalysts. Herein, density functional theory is employed to interrogate 20 Ni(II) complexes, out of which 17 are in silico designed molecular water oxidation catalysts, coordinated to electron‐rich tetra‐anionic redox non‐innocent phenylenebis(oxamidate) and dibenzo‐1,4,7,10‐tetraazacyclododecane‐2,3,8,9‐tetraone parent ligands and their structural analogues, and identify the role of substituent changes or ligand effects in the order of their reactivity. Importantly, our computational mechanistic analyses predict that the activation free energy of the rate‐determining O−O bond formation step obeys an inverse scaling relationship with the global electrophilicity index of the intermediate generated on two‐electron oxidation of the starting complex. Additionally, the driving force is directly correlated with this OER descriptor which enables two‐dimensional volcano representation and thereby extrapolation towards the ideal substitution with the chosen ligand. Our study, therefore, establish fundamental insights to overcome the imperative overpotential issue with simple and precise computational rationalization preceding experimental validation.
Low Nirmatrelvir and Ritonavir Exposure through Breastmilk: Analyzing Milk Concentrations and Infant Risk
Authors: Dai Jean , Fuquay Taylor , Huseman Samuel , Patel Dhavalkumar , Datta Palika , Krutsch Kaytlin
Published: June 2024

This research study investigates the intricate relationship among COVID‐19, maternal and infant health, and breastfeeding practices, with a specific focus on assessing the transfer of nirmatrelvir and ritonavir into human milk. Our aim is to provide critical insights to those managing COVID‐19 treatment in lactating individuals. The InfantRisk Center Human Milk Biorepository contained human milk and corresponding health information for eight mother–infant dyads exposed to standard doses of maternal nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (300 mg nirmatrelvir and 100 mg ritonavir taken orally twice daily for 5 days). The primary outcomes measured were drug levels in milk using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry and reporting the tolerance of the breastfed infant. Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir was measurable in all participants at a mean concentration of 33.48 ng/mL (ritonavir) and 729 ng/mL (nirmatrelvir). The estimated infant dose via milk was 0.0024 mg/kg/12 h (ritonavir) and 0.054 mg/kg/12 h (nirmatrelvir). The estimated relative infant dose was 0.19% (ritonavir) and 1.43% (nirmatrelvir) well under the standard 10% safety threshold. Among the eight infants exposed in this study, there were no reported adverse events. Nirmatrelvir with ritonavir is the recommended treatment for ambulatory COVID‐19 patients with mild‐to‐moderate COVID‐19 infection at high risk for progression to severe disease. Although its use is recommended in lactating women, there are no previous studies on the transfer of nirmatrelvir into human milk. The study findings endorse the current approach of nirmatrelvir/ritonavir use in lactating women and encourage healthcare providers to consider prescribing this treatment irrespective of lactation status when indicated.
Preparation and Compositional Analysis of Lignocellulosic Plant Biomass as a Precursor for Food Production During Food Crises
Authors: Mather Tara N. , Siva Niroshan , Jauregui Marjorie , Klatte Hannah , Lambert Joshua D. , Anderson Charles T.
Published: June 2024

In the event of a sunlight‐blocking, temperature‐lowering global catastrophe, such as a global nuclear war, super‐volcano eruption or large asteroid strike, normal agricultural practices would be severely disrupted with a devastating impact on the global food supply. Despite the improbability of such an occurrence, it is prudent to consider how to sustain the surviving population following a global catastrophe until normal weather and climate patterns resume. Additionally, the ongoing challenges posed by climate change, droughts, flooding, soil salinization, and famine highlight the importance of developing food systems with resilient inputs such as lignocellulosic biomass. With its high proportion of cellulose, the abundant lignocellulosic biomass found across the Earth's land surfaces could be a source of energy and nutrition, but it would first need to be converted into foods. To understand the potential of lignocellulosic biomass to provide energy and nutrition to humans in post‐catastrophic and other food crisis scenarios, compositional analyses should be completed to gauge the amount of energy (soluble sugars) and other macronutrients (protein and lipids) that might be available and the level of difficulty in extracting them. Suitable preparation of the lignocellulosic biomass is critical to achieve consistent and comparable results from these analyses. Here we describe a compilation of protocols to prepare lignocellulosic biomass and analyze its composition to understand its potential as a precursor to produce post‐catastrophic foods which are those that could be foraged, grown, or produced under the new climate conditions to supplement reduced availability of traditional foods. These foods have sometimes been referred to in the literature as emergency, alternate, or resilient foods. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Convection oven drying (1 to 2 days)

Alternate Protocol 1: Air‐drying (2 to 3 days)

Alternate Protocol 2: Lyophilization (1 to 4 days)

Support Protocol 1: Milling plant biomass

Support Protocol 2: Measuring moisture content

Basic Protocol 2: Cellulose determination

Basic Protocol 3: Lignin determination

Basic Protocol 4: Crude protein content by total nitrogen

Basic Protocol 5: Crude fat determination via soxtec extraction system

Basic Protocol 6: Sugars by HPLC

Basic Protocol 7: Ash content
A single‐phase AC‐AC converter with continuous input current and without commutation problem
Authors: Fathipour Babak , Kheyri Ramin , Mousavi Seyyed Mohammad Javad , Babaei Ebrahim
Published: June 2024

In this paper, a single‐phase AC‐AC converter with continuous input current and without commutation problem is proposed. The output voltage regulation achieved using a single high‐frequency switch eliminates the need for complementary switches, thereby resolving high‐frequency commutation issues and obviating the necessity for snubber circuits and a safe commutation strategy. The proposed converter operates with a continuous input current, eliminating the need for a bulky LC filter. Low‐frequency switches on the output side allow for step‐changed frequency operation without encountering commutation problems. A straightforward and adaptable switching strategy generates the step‐changed frequency at the output. The proposed converter reduces volume, weight, and cost by minimizing the total stored energy of passive components. High‐speed switching is achieved by preventing the body diode conduction of power MOSFETs, which traditionally suffer from poor reverse recovery. The operational principles of the proposed converter are delineated for various modes, and their key relationships are presented. A 110Vi(rms)/50 Hz laboratory prototype validates the performance of the proposed converter.
Endangered status and threatened population ecological factors in Salvia daiguii, an endemic species from Hunan, China
Authors: Xiao Han‐Wen , Liu Qing‐Shan , Huang Yan‐Bo , Li Yan , Wei Yu‐Kun , Tian Ru‐Nan
Published: June 2024

Many species of Salvia have excellent ornamental, culinary, and medicinal values. Salvia daiguii, is an ornamental and highly medicinal perennial herb endemic to the prefecture‐level city of Zhangjiajie in Hunan Province, China, with a narrow geographical distribution. However, currently, it has only been assessed as a Critically Endangered species according to the IUCN classification criteria, but its conservation has not yet been studied. This study investigated the distribution and niche characteristics of S. daiguii, and compared the differences in growth, flowering characteristics, and soil nutrients between the wild and ex situ populations. We also analyzed the effects of soil nutrients on plant growth and flowering characteristics. During the survey, we found 274 individuals on a rock approximately 200 m from ZEFR1. Nevertheless, S. daiguii were still restricted in three populations, TNFP, TGM, and ZEFR in Zhangjiajie City, with a total of about 500 plants and less than 250 mature individuals. Our results show that aspects such as adverse environmental conditions, low seedling renewal rate, a lack of soil nutrients, and competition for the characteristic niche of this and other dominant plants in the natural community are the main ecological factors affecting the growth, flowering, and geographic distribution of S. daiguii. Based on the results of field surveys, we recommend that (1) S. daiguii be classified as Critically Endangered C2b and China's List of Plant Species with Extremely Small Populations. (2) Comprehensive conservation strategies were developed, such as the establishment of nature reserves, reintroduction, public education, and institutional development to provide management recommendations related to the conservation of S. daiguii and other endangered plants.
A statistical population reconstruction model for wildlife populations: A case study with white‐tailed deer and fisher
Authors: Bellier Edwige , Ferreira Dylan C. , Kalb David M. , Ganoe Laken S. , Mayer Amy E. , Gerber Brian D.
Published: June 2024

Harvested wildlife populations should ideally be monitored to inform harvest policies and decision‐making to help achieve management objectives. When the age of harvested individuals can be obtained, these data (i.e., age‐at‐harvest data) can be used to estimate trends of abundances, demographic rates, and harvest probabilities by the statistical reconstruction of the living population. This approach was developed primarily within the frequentist framework and requires the inclusion of auxiliary data (e.g., radiotelemetry data). We developed a novel Bayesian hierarchical approach allowing the population reconstruction from the definition of the species' life cycle without auxiliary data. The hierarchical model assumes that individuals are harvested from an open population whose fluctuations result from demographic processes, and the definition of a superpopulation composed of pseudo‐individuals from which the harvested population is drawn. We evaluated the ability of our model to estimate abundances, survival, recruitment, and harvest probabilities based on simulations guided by the demographic processes of a long‐lived mammal population. We considered model performance across scenarios, including varying age and temporal structures, superpopulation size, and prior information. We showed how prior information selected based on life history characteristics affects the accuracy of estimated parameters. We found that the model estimates accurate demographic parameters and abundances when the age‐at‐harvest matrix comprises more than two age classes. Furthermore, an increase in demographic information (number of age groups and years) increased the precision of the estimated parameters. We apply our model to a population of harvested (2012–2021) white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and a mammalian carnivore, the fisher (Pekania pennanti), from Rhode Island, USA. Our model estimated biologically realistic population size and demographic rates for both species. Our approach provides robustness to track the population abundance of harvested species through time and estimate fundamental demographic parameters. Such results can be used to monitor whether population objectives are being met and whether harvest policy changes are required. Furthermore, this information can be critical for evaluating the effect of harvest on population growth and projecting trajectories of age‐structured populations under different harvest scenarios. Therefore, our framework can help to guide management decisions and species conservation.
The climate change adaptation readiness of co‐operative housing in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Carriere Zacharie D. , Lesnikowski Alexandra
Published: June 2024

Climate adaptation policy in Canada is emerging in the context of another major challenge: the diminishing availability of affordable housing. Housing is a well‐known driver of social vulnerability to environmental risks, so as governments respond to these challenges, it will be essential to understand how housing is being situated within adaptation, particularly with respect to differences in housing tenure and how decisions around equity and social vulnerability are factored into planning and policy processes. This research examines how adaptation plans and policies in Nova Scotia are addressing the needs of the non‐profit co‐operative housing sector and assesses the adaptation readiness of housing co‐operatives in the province. Two methods are employed: a systematic content analysis of municipal and provincial climate policy documents, and interviews with key informants across the co‐operative housing sector and government agencies. Using a modified adaptation readiness framework, we consider the potential for co‐operative adaptation and complimentary public policy to address vulnerability at the intersection of housing and climate change. Findings indicate that non‐market forms of tenure have been largely neglected by adaptation planners and state policymakers. Several barriers which contribute to a low level of adaptation readiness for co‐ops are highlighted, notably a lack of usable science and funding to facilitate adaptation. Characteristics such as affordability and a propensity for collective action position housing co‐ops to be agents of equitable and systemic adaptation, but this potential will only be realized in Canada if key barriers are overcome through targeted governmental rt for non‐profit housing organizations.
Pick and Choose the Coordinated Metal Ion to Tune the Porphyrin Supramolecular Chirogenesis
Authors: Stefanelli Manuela , Magna Gabriele , Martini Roberto , Di Filippo Ilaria , Domenici Fabio , Sgarlata Anna , Pomarico Giuseppe , Monti Donato , Paolesse Roberto
Published: June 2024

The solvent‐driven aggregation of metalloporphyrin derivatives, bearing an L‐ or D‐prolinate appendage, results in the stereospecific formation of chiral species that are strictly influenced by the aminoacid chirality and, above all, by the metal axial coordination capability. The Pd porphyrin derivatives self‐assemble in hydroalcoholic mixtures in fractal‐like suprastructures, displaying intense, specular dichroic bands and peculiar UV‐Vis spectral features, accounting for the formation of J‐type aggregates of complex morphology. Spectroscopic and kinetic studies gave important information on the aggregation process, allowing for a comparison with previously reported systems achieved from the free base and Zn derivatives in the same aggregative conditions. Analyzing the self‐aggregation process for the three porphyrin derivatives highlights the remarkable influence of porphyrin inner core features on the chirogenesis of the final systems, revealing an easy tunability of the asymmetry of the assemblies upon metal choosing.
Editing Streptomyces genome using target AID system fused with UGI‐degradation tag
Authors: Apriliana Pamella , Kahar Prihardi , Kashiwagi Norimasa , Kondo Akihiko , Ogino Chiaki
Published: June 2024

The utilization of Streptomyces as a microbial chassis for developing innovative drugs and medicinal compounds showcases its capability to produce bioactive natural substances. Recent focus on the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR) technology highlights its potential in genome editing. However, applying CRISPR technology in certain microbial strains, particularly Streptomyces, encounters specific challenges. These challenges include achieving efficient gene expression and maintaining genetic stability, which are critical for successful genome editing. To overcome these obstacles, an innovative approach has been developed that combines several key elements: activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID), nuclease‐deficient cas9 variants (dCas9), and Petromyzon marinus cytidine deaminase 1 (PmCDA1). In this study, this novel strategy was employed to engineer a Streptomyces coelicolor strain. The target gene was actVA‐ORF4 (SCO5079), which is involved in actinorhodin production. The engineering process involved introducing a specific construct [pGM1190‐dcas9‐pmCDA‐UGI‐AAV‐actVA‐ORF4 (SCO5079)] to create a CrA10 mutant strain. The resulting CrA10 mutant strain did not produce actinorhodin. This outcome highlights the potential of this combined approach in the genetic manipulation of Streptomyces. The failure of the CrA10 mutant to produce actinorhodin conclusively demonstrates the success of gene editing at the targeted site, affirming the effectiveness of this method for precise genetic modifications in Streptomyces.
A study on power supply restoration strategy considering flexible resource regulation ability
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Jin Fuguo , Guo Feng , Yang Jiwei , Qian Xiaoyi , Feng Dejin
Published: June 2024

The rapid development of new energy technology can make this type of energy the primary power source in the future. However, new energy power generation is considerably affected by the environment, resulting in intermittent and fluctuating characteristics. Given the shortage of power generation in urban distribution networks during extreme weather, a study on power supply restoration strategy considering flexible resource regulation ability is proposed in this study. First, the typical adjustable flexible resources, air conditioners, and electric vehicles in urban distribution networks are modeled, and their adjustment ability is evaluated. Second, on the basis of the evaluation results, the optimal power supply recovery path is solved to ensure the power supply of essential loads in the distribution network. Last, the IEEE 33‐bus system proves that this method can quickly find the optimal path of power supply recovery and effectively reduce the power loss rate of essential loads, thus improving the toughness of urban distribution networks.
Screening of phenolic components and antimicrobial properties of Iris persica L. subsp. persica extracts by in vitro and in silico methods
Authors: Unver Tuba , Uslu Harun , Gurhan Ismet , Goktas Bunyamin
Published: June 2024

The tendency toward natural herbal products has increased due to the antibiotic resistance developed by microorganisms and the severe side effects of antibiotics commonly used in infectious diseases worldwide. Although antimicrobial studies have been conducted with several species of the Iris genus, this study is the first in the literature to be performed with Iris persica L. subsp. persica aqueous and methanol extracts. In this study, the phenolic content of I. persica was determined by LC–MS/MS analysis, the in vitro antimicrobial activity of I. persica aqueous and methanol extracts was examined, and this study was supported by in silico analysis. Consequently, methanol and aqueous extracts were observed to have inhibitory effects against all tested microorganisms except Candida krusei. Although the MIC values of aqueous extract and methanol extract against Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella pneumoniae are the same (22.5 and 11.25 mg/mL, respectively), the inhibitory effect of aqueous extract is generally more potent (MIC value is 11.25 mg/mL for Candida parapsilosis and other bacterial species, and 90 mg/mL for Candida albicans and Candida tropicalis) than that of methanol extract. In silico results showed that hydroxybenzaldeyde, vanillin, resveratrol, isoquercitrin, kaempferol‐3‐glucoside, fisetin, and luteolin were more prone to antifungal activity. Hence, shikimic, gallic, protocatechuic, vanillic, caffeic, o‐coumaric, trans‐ferulic, sinapic acids, and hesperidin were more prone to antibacterial activity. In vitro and in silico results show that the antibacterial activity of our extracts may be higher than the antifungal activity. This preliminary study indicates the anti‐infective potential of I. persica extracts and their usability in medicine and pharmacology.
The evaluation of black carrot, green cabbage, grape, and apple juices as substrates for the production of functional water kefir‐like beverages
Authors: Agirman Bilal , Yildiz Ilker , Polat Suleyman , Erten Huseyin
Published: June 2024

Water kefir (WK) is a nondairy probiotic beverage produced using water kefir grains that are highly adaptable to diverse food substrates. Fruit and vegetables have been used more in beverage production in recent years due to their plentiful nutritional qualities. In this context, the aim of this study is to develop fruit–vegetable juice‐based beverages fermented with WK grains in order to produce novel, non‐dairy, probiotic water kefir‐like beverages (W‐KLBs) with improved sensory and nutritional properties. In this context, black carrot (BC), apple (A), grape (G), and green cabbage (GC) juices are fermented with commercial WK grains. Results showed that BC‐KLB possessed the highest antioxidant activity (75.50%), total phenolic (1248.60 mg GA/L), and total monomeric anthocyanin (391.31 mg/L as cyaniding‐3‐glucoside equivalent) content. Also, the sensory evaluation demonstrated that BC‐KLB was the most favorable sample, while GC‐KLB received negative feedback. These findings strongly support the suitability of BC juice to develop W‐KLB with high added value and functional properties.
Prevention policies for the marine ecological environment in the South China Sea as a consequence of excessive plastic compound use in Vietnam
Authors: Islam Md. Ziaul
Published: June 2024

Vietnam suffers from a distressing predicament: It ranks among the most heavily contaminated nations on earth. Its coastal and marine domains are plagued by an excess of plastic waste. Vietnam has consistently discharged a substantial amount of waste into the oceans, ranging from 0.28 to 0.73 million metric tons annually. Numerous areas have emerged as focal points of plastic pollution throughout its extensive seashore and marine areas. The escalating presence of marine litter poses an increasingly grave threat to the intricate equilibrium of Vietnam's marine ecosystems. This comprehensive policy study reveals that the mounting problem of ocean plastic pollution, characterized by the abundance of floating plastic debris, imperils both plant and animal life, placing various marine species such as seabirds, fish, turtles, and cetaceans at risk. The consumption of minuscule plastic particles and the harmful impact of chemical pollutants from plastic waste in the ocean not only endangers the vitality of marine life but also poses a substantial hazard to human well-being because plastic waste infiltrates the food chain. This research reveals that, despite the existence of numerous laws and policies—including the Law on Environmental Protection 2020, the Marine Plastic Waste Management Initiative for the Fisheries Sector 2020–2030, and the National Action Plan for Management of Marine Plastic Litter—a significant amount of plastic waste is infiltrating the river network and eventually infiltrating oceans as a result of improper monitoring and ineffective enforcement of these legislations. Relying primarily on existing data released by the government and other sources and a wide range of gray literature retrieved from reputable databases, this study aims to evaluate the role of Vietnam's legal framework for combating the critical issue of marine plastic pollution in the South China Sea. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:2088–2106. © 2024 SETAC

Key Points

Vietnam has consistently discharged a substantial amount of waste into the oceans, ranging from 0.28 to 0.73 million metric tons annually. Vietnam is responsible for 60% of the plastic pollution in the South China Sea. Marine litter threatens the intricate equilibrium of marine ecosystems.
Impaired acute‐phase humoral immunity is the major factor predicting unfavorable outcomes in multiple myeloma patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variants outbreak infection
Authors: Li Ziping , He Huiwen , Li Haolong , Zhang Fujing , Jin Xianghong , Liu Shuangjiao , Chen Miao , Li Yongzhe , Zhuang Junling
Published: June 2024

At the end of 2022, a huge tide of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection mainly Omicron BA.4/5 developed in China. Multiple myeloma (MM) patients suffered cancer deterioration and mortality from COVID‐19, yet profound analyses of Omicron variants‐induced immunity function are scarce. We presented a longitudinal study in 218 MM patients and 73 healthy controls (HCs), reporting the prognostic factors and dynamic humoral and cellular immune responses. Neutralizing antibody and interferon γ ELISpot assay of SARS‐CoV‐2 was tested at three time points: 2–4, 8–10, and 14–16 weeks after infections. Our data showed older age, active MM, relapsed/refractory MM (R/RMM), immunotherapy, comorbidity, and non‐vaccination were risk factors associated with hospitalization. Severe humoral immunity impairment within 2–4 weeks was especially seen in patients with unvaccinated, older age, immunotherapy, R/RMM and comorbidities, while T‐cell response was relatively intact. Although antibodies of Omicron variants reached positive levels in MM patients at 8–10 weeks, half lost effective antibody protection at 14–16 weeks. However, most seronegative patients (76.2% at 2–4 weeks, 83.3% at 8–10 weeks) could develop effective T‐cell response. Notably, the inactivated wild‐type vaccinated patients exhibited weaker humoral and cellular immunity only at 2–4 weeks, escalating to similar levels as those in HCs later. Our findings indicate impairment of humoral immunity at acute‐phase after infection is the major factor correlated with hospitalization. One‐month suspension of immune therapy is suggested to prevent serious infection. These results confirm the value of inactivated vaccine, but indicate the need for additional booster at 14–16 weeks after infection for high‐risk MM population.
Is doomscrolling related to celebrity worship? A cross‐cultural study
Authors: McCutcheon Lynn E. , Hwang Hyeyeon , Mokhtari Chirani Benyamin , Shabahang Reza , Aruguete Mara S. , Thomas Emma F.
Published: June 2024

Building upon evidence supporting the co‐occurrence of behavioural addictions, this study delved into the relationship between social media doomscrolling and celebrity worship among university student social media users in Iran and the United States. Objectives were threefold: (a) provide psychometric support for the Social Media Doomscrolling Scale (SMDS), (b) examine psychological correlates of doomscrolling and celebrity worship, and (c) explore the relationship between doomscrolling and celebrity worship. The SMDS demonstrated good psychometric properties in the US sample, like the original study of the SMDS conducted in an Iranian sample. Doomscrolling showed a positive association with future anxiety and a negative association with psychological well‐being in both US and Iranian samples. Celebrity worship was positively linked with future anxiety in the Iranian and US samples. A positive correlation emerged between doomscrolling and celebrity worship in both the US and Iranian samples. This cross‐cultural study offers preliminary evidence for the co‐occurrence of two emerging media‐related behavioural addictions.
Privatization of SOEs and its innovation performance: A reexamination
Authors: Wu Peizhen , Sun Zhen
Published: June 2024

The empirical literature comparing the innovation performance of state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) and private firms in China often yields conflicting results. To shed new light on this debate, we construct an extensive dataset by linking the Annual Survey of Industrial Enterprises (ASIE) dataset with patent quality data. Our analysis focuses on the impact of privatization on the innovation performance of former SOEs. Our findings suggest that the privatization of SOEs generally results in a decrease in innovation performance. This adverse effect is particularly pronounced for firms situated in regions characterized by low levels of market development or those grappling with high financial constraints. This supports the hypothesis that SOEs can serve as a mechanism to address institutional deficiencies in China's context. Our study contributes to a deeper understanding of the relative innovation performance of SOEs and private enterprises and has significant policy implications for ongoing SOE reforms in China and other developing countries.
Porous collagen scaffolds enable endothelial lumen formation in vitro under both static and dynamic growth conditions
Authors: Rössler Lena , Nasehi Ramin , Hansen Nadja , Aveic Sanja , Fischer Horst
Published: June 2024

Despite recent advances in the field of tissue engineering, the development of complex tissue‐like structures in vitro is compromised by the lack of integration of a functioning vasculature. In this study, we propose a mesoscale three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro vascularized connective tissue model and demonstrate its feasibility to prompt the self‐assembly of endothelial cells into vessel‐like structures. Moreover, we investigate the effect of perfusion on the organization of the cells. For this purpose, primary endothelial cells (HUVECs) and a cell line of human foreskin fibroblasts are cultivated in ECM‐like matrices made up of freeze‐dried collagen scaffolds permeated with collagen type I hydrogel. A tailored bioreactor is designed to investigate the effect of perfusion on self‐organization of HUVECs. Immunofluorescent staining, two‐photon microscopy, second‐harmonic generation imaging, and scanning electron microscopy are applied to visualize the spatial arrangement of the cells. The analyses reveal the formation of hollow, vessel‐like structures of HUVECs in hydrogel‐permeated collagen scaffolds under both static and dynamic conditions. In conclusion, we demonstrate the feasibility of a 3D porous collagen scaffolding system that enables and maintains the self‐organization of HUVECs into vessel‐like structures independent of a dynamic flow.
Naringin exerts antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory effects on mice with Staphylococcus aureus–induced osteomyelitis
Authors: Wang Rong , Wu NongXin , Zhan Dong'ang , Chen Fengwen
Published: June 2024

Osteomyelitis is an invasive bone infection that can lead to severe pain and even disability, posing a challenge for orthopedic surgery. Naringin can reduce bone‐related inflammatory conditions. This study aimed to elucidate the function and mechanism of naringin in a Staphylococcus aureus–induced mouse model of osteomyelitis. Femurs of S. aureus–infected mice were collected after naringin administration and subjected to microcomputed tomography to analyze cortical bone destruction and bone loss. Bacterial growth in femurs was also assessed. Proinflammatory cytokine levels in mouse femurs were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. Pathological changes and bone resorption were analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining, respectively. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis were used to quantify the messenger RNA and protein expression of osteogenic differentiation–associated genes in the femurs. The viability of human bone marrow–derived stem cells (hBMSCs) was determined using cell counting kit‐8. Alizarin Red S staining and alkaline phosphatase staining were performed to assess the formation of mineralization nodules and bone formation in vitro. Notch signaling–related protein levels in femur tissues and hBMSCs were assessed using western blot analysis. Experimental results revealed that naringin alleviated S. aureus–induced cortical bone destruction and bone loss in mice by increasing the bone volume/total volume ratio. Naringin suppressed S. aureus–induced bacterial growth and inflammation in femurs. Moreover, it alleviated histopathological changes, inhibited bone resorption, and increased the expression of osteogenic markers in osteomyelitic mice. It increased the viability of hBMSCs and promoted their differentiation and bone mineralization in vitro. Furthermore, naringin activated Notch signaling by upregulating the protein levels of Notch1, Jagged1, and Hes1 in the femurs of model mice and S. aureus–stimulated hBMSCs. In conclusion, naringin reduces bacterial growth, inflammation, and bone resorption while upregulating the expression of osteogenic markers in S. aureus–infected mice and hBMSCs by activating Notch signaling.
Analysing false‐positive errors when Australian radiographers use preliminary image evaluation
Authors: Takapautolo Jermayne , Neep Michael , Starkey Deborah
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Diagnostic errors in the emergency departments can have major implications on patient outcomes. Preliminary Image Evaluation (PIE) is a brief comment written by a radiographer describing an acute or traumatic pathology on a radiograph and can be used to complement referrer's image interpretation in the absence of the radiologist report. Currently, no studies exist that focus their analysis on false‐positive (FP) errors in PIE. The purpose of this study was to investigate the regions of the body that cause the most FP errors and recognise other areas in image interpretation that may need additional attention.

Methods

A longitudinal retrospective clinical audit was conducted to determine the accuracy of radiographer PIE's over 5 years from January 2016 to December 2020. PIE's were compared to the radiologist report to assess for diagnostic accuracy. FP and unsure errors were further categorised by anatomical region and age.

Results

Over this period, a sample size of 11,090 PIE audits were included in the study demonstrating an overall PIE accuracy of 87.7%. Foot, ankle and chest regions caused the most FP errors, while ankle, shoulder and elbow caused the most unsure cases. 76% of the unsure cases were negative for any pathology when compared to the radiologist report. The paediatric population accounted for 21.3% of FP cases and 33.6% of unsure cases.

Conclusion

Findings in this study should be used to tailor education specific to radiographer image interpretation. Improving radiography image interpretation skills can assist in improving referrer diagnostic accuracy, thus improving patient outcomes.
The effect of the number of strands and knot throws of core suture techniques on the mechanical properties of the repaired flexor tendon
Authors: Linden Liliann R. , Reisdorf Ramona , Selim Omar , Berglund Lawrence , Zhao Chunfeng
Published: June 2024

Flexor tendon injury is a common hand trauma that requires surgical repair. The objective was to compare the repaired strength and gliding resistance with a varied number of repair strands and of square knots using a two‐strand‐overhand locking (TSOL) knot. First, isolated suture loops with different number of suture strands and number of closing knots were compared in mechanical strength and failure mode. Then, 90 flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendons from turkey digits were used for the tendon repair experiment. Both phases followed a similar 3 × 3 matrix comparing the knot type including TSOL+1SK (square knot), TSOL+2SK, and TSOL+3 SK and repair techniques including two‐, four‐, and six‐strand repairs techniques respectively. The repaired tendons were tested for tendon resistance against pulley (friction), maximum force, force at 2 mm displacement, stiffness, and failure mode. Increasing the number of strands and closing square knots increases the tensile strength and stiffness of flexor tendon repairs and isolated suture loops without a significant effect on tendon friction. An increase in the number of square knots have shown increased strength only in Pennington repair, which correlated with the increased number of knot unraveling, a weak knot failure model. Our data demonstrated that increasing the number of strands is effective for improving the overall strength of tendon repair. When a two‐strand repair is chosen, increasing knot number can improve repair strength. However, the number of knots appears not affecting repair strength in six‐strand repair technique.
Staphyloccocus aureus biofilm, in absence of planktonic bacteria, produces factors that activate counterbalancing inflammatory and immune‐suppressive genes in human monocytes
Authors: Bell Richard D. , Cann E. Abrefi , Mishra Bikash , Valencia Melanie , Zhang Qiong , Huang Mary , Yang Xu , Carli Alberto , Bostrom Mathias , Ivashkiv Lionel B.
Published: June 2024

Staphyloccocus aureus (S. aureus) is a major bacterial pathogen in orthopedic periprosthetic joint infection (PJI). S. aureus forms biofilms that promote persistent infection by shielding bacteria from immune cells and inducing an antibiotic‐tolerant metabolic state. We developed an in vitro system to study S. aureus biofilm interactions with primary human monocytes in the absence of planktonic bacteria. In line with previous in vivo data, S. aureus biofilm induced expression of inflammatory genes such as TNF and IL1B, and their anti‐inflammatory counter‐regulator IL10. S. aureus biofilm also activated expression of PD‐1 ligands, and IL‐1RA, molecules that have the potential to suppress T cell function or differentiation of protective Th17 cells. Gene induction did not require monocyte:biofilm contact and was mediated by a soluble factor(s) produced by biofilm‐encased bacteria that was heat resistant and >3 kD in size. Activation of suppressive genes by biofilm was sensitive to suppression by Jak kinase inhibition. These results support an evolving paradigm that biofilm plays an active role in modulating immune responses, and suggest this occurs via production of a soluble vita‐pathogen‐associated molecular pattern, a molecule that signals microbial viability. Induction of T cell suppressive genes by S. aureus biofilm provides insights into mechanisms that can suppress T cell immunity in PJI.
Impact of Tissue Handling and Size Modification on Septal Chondrocyte Viability
Authors: Goshtasbi Khodayar , Nguyen Theodore V. , Prasad Karthik R. , Hong Ellen M. , Sterritt Naya , Dilley Katelyn K. , Kozlowski Konrad , Ha Alexis , Wong Brian J.F.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The physical modification of cartilage grafts during rhinoplasty risks chondrocyte death at the margins where the tissue is cut. This study compares chondrocyte viability between diced, scaled, and pate samples in human models, and further computes percent chondrocyte viability as a function of sequential dicing size in a computational model.

Methods

Septal cartilage from 11 individuals was prepared as follows: diced (1 mm cubic), scaled (shaved to <1 mm thickness ~ translucent), pate (0.02 g of scraped cartilage surface), positive control (2 × 2 mm diced), and negative control (2 × 2 mm diced soaked in 70% EtOH). Viability analysis was performed using Live/Dead assay™ and confocal microscopy. Numerical simulation of cartilage dicing in 0.05 mm increments was performed using MATLAB assuming 250 chondrocytes/mm3 with each average chondrocyte size of 65 μm2.

Results

Chondrocyte viability was similar between 1 mm diced cartilage, scaled cartilage, and positive control samples (p > 0.05). Conversely, pate samples had significantly less viability compared to positive controls, diced samples, and scaled samples (all p < 0.01 after Bonferroni correction). Pate samples had similar chondrocyte viability compared to negative controls (p = 0.36). On computational modeling, cartilage viability decreased to 50% as the diced sample was cut from 1 mm edge length to 0.7–0.8 mm. Similarly, cartilage viability decreased to 26% at 0.55–0.65 mm, 11% at 0.4–0.5 mm, and <5% at <0.4 mm edge length.

Conclusion

Modifying septal cartilage grafts into 1 mm diced or scaled samples maintains ideal chondrocyte viability whereas pate preparations result in significant chondrocyte death. According to computational analysis, chondrocyte viability sharply decreases as the cartilage is diced below 0.7–0.8 mm.

Level of Evidence

N/A Laryngoscope, 134:4259–4265, 2024
The Effect of Palatoplasty on Growth
Authors: Abdilahi Abdiasis , Ramin Seth , Meyer Cassandra , Chinnadurai Sivakumar , Morrell Noelle , Tibesar Robert , Roby Brianne
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To assess the effect of palatoplasty on growth velocity in undernourished and nourished orally fed children with cleft palate.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted using a data query with cleft‐associated ICD‐10 and ICD‐9 codes to identify children who underwent cleft palate repair between 2006 and 2022 at a tertiary pediatric hospital. Data gathered included demographics, admission variables, weight gain, and weight percentile as per the WHO growth chart data. Inclusion was limited to patients with complete growth data and without parenteral feeding support. Nutritional status was defined as undernourished (≤3rd percentile) and nourished (>3rd percentile). Between and within‐group comparisons were made using nonparametric tests.

Results

A total of 192 patients met the study criteria. Among undernourished patients, the median pre‐ and postsurgical weekly weight gain was 0.09 kg and 0.05 kg (p = <0.0001), and the median growth percentiles were 0.67% and 1.1%, respectively (p = 0.03). Among nourished patients, the median pre‐ and postsurgical weekly weight gain was 0.12 kg and 0.07 kg (p = <0.0001), and the median growth percentiles were 25.4% and 29.5%, respectively (p = <0.0001). The postsurgical reduction in weight gain per week was similar across nutritional status (p = 0.43), however, the nourished group demonstrated a larger increase in median growth percentile (3.3% vs. 0.23%; p = 0.03).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that palatoplasty does not independently improve growth velocity in children who were able to maintain an oral preoperative diet. In the case of undernourished children, there was no clinically significant improvement in postoperative growth percentiles.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 134:5145–5151, 2024
Effect of Dry and Wet Fractionation on Nutritional and Physicochemical Properties of Faba Bean and Yellow Pea Protein
Authors: Li Ziqi , Messina Valeria , Skylas Daniel J. , Valtchev Peter , Whiteway Chris , Cheng Shu , Langrish Timothy A. G. , Quail Ken J. , Dehghani Fariba
Published: June 2024

Plant‐based proteins continue to gain popularity as a sustainable alternative to animal proteins due to their nutritional, functional and health benefits. Dry and wet fractionation methods are increasingly being used for the production of value‐added pulse protein ingredients. The objective of this study was to compare the nutritional properties, protein quality, physicochemical properties and secondary structure of Australian faba bean and yellow pea protein concentrates and protein isolates obtained by dry and wet fractionation. Amino acid scores highlighted that faba bean and yellow pea protein isolates and concentrates were deficient in the sulphur‐containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine and tryptophan. Faba bean (63.7%) and yellow pea protein (63.0%) isolates had higher in vitro protein digestibility‐corrected amino acid scores compared to the protein concentrates, being 50.7% and 54.4%, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy revealed different secondary structures between protein concentrates and isolates, especially for the amide I region. Faba bean and yellow pea protein concentrates had higher protein solubility (46.2% and 50.1%, respectively) and higher foaming capacity (65% and 59%, respectively) compared to the protein isolates. Water‐holding capacity was higher for faba bean and yellow pea protein isolates, being 4.3% and 4.0 g/g, respectively. These findings demonstrate that faba bean and yellow pea protein concentrates and isolates have unique functional properties that can be exploited for use in a diverse range of new and existing food applications.
Food quantity and quality modulates inducible defenses in a common predator–prey system
Authors: Kiene Marvin , Schott Matthias , Martin‐Creuzburg Dominik , Laforsch Christian
Published: June 2024

Zooplankton displays different inducible defenses against invertebrate and vertebrate predators. The response pattern to gape‐limited invertebrate predators involves increased somatic growth and offspring body size but delayed maturity and reduced offspring numbers. In contrast to this general pattern, the freshwater model organism Daphnia magna has been reported to exhibit a different response when encountering the gape‐limited tadpole shrimp Triops cancriformis. Under laboratory conditions, D. magna showed increased somatic growth, earlier maturation, and an increase in both offspring number and size. We propose here that the discrepancy between the previously observed and the theory‐based response patterns against invertebrate predators is due to differences in food availability in the applied laboratory settings and assessed whether the defensive response of D. magna against T. cancriformis is modulated differently by food quantity and quality. We found a strong impact of food quantity and quality on the defense response of D. magna to T. cancriformis kairomones. The prey seem to be able to overcome trade‐offs between morphological defense traits and reproductive traits, but distinctly between high food quantity and high food quality. Thereby, reproductive traits were preferred over morphological defenses. Furthermore, the removal of particles from the T. cancriformis‐conditioned water caused a defense pattern in D. magna that was consistent with the general response pattern known from other invertebrate predators, thus explaining the described discrepancy to previous studies with T. cancriformis. Our study highlights the importance of assessing food‐related effects on predator–prey interactions to understand trophic relationships and food web processes.
Holistic optical water type classification for ocean, coastal, and inland waters
Authors: Bi Shun , Hieronymi Martin
Published: June 2024

Water constituents exhibit diverse optical properties across ocean, coastal, and inland waters, which alter their remote‐sensing reflectance obtained via satellites. Optical water type (OWT) classifications utilized in satellite data processing aim to mitigate optical complexity by identifying fitting ocean color algorithms tailored to each water type. This facilitates comprehension of biogeochemical cycles ranging from local to global scales. Previous OWT frameworks have focused narrowly on either oceanic or inland waters and have relied too heavily on specific data collections. We propose a novel holistic OWT framework applicable to all natural waters, based on state‐of‐the‐art bio‐geo‐optical modeling and radiative transfer simulations that encompass different phytoplankton groups. This framework employs a “knowledge‐driven” paradigm, combining domain knowledge and insights from previous studies to simulate the reflectance spectrum from water constituent concentrations and inherent optical properties. Our method extracts optical variables to represent the full spectrum of reflectance, consolidating both spectral shape and magnitude. We apply the framework utilizing diverse in situ, synthetic, and satellite data (Sentinel‐3 OLCI) and demonstrate its better classifiability than other frameworks. This framework lays the foundation for comprehensive global monitoring of natural waters.