bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of Dissolved Inorganic Carbon (DIC) in the Western Coast of the Taiwan Strait Using a Shipboard Measurement
Authors: Hu Jiehua , Yan Jinpei , Yang Hang , Huang Siming , Dai Siying , Zhang Xiaoke , Wang Shanshan , Zhao Shuhui
Published: December 2024

An online dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) monitoring system was produced to achieve high spatial and temporal resolution in DIC data from the western Taiwan Strait (WTS) during the summer. Surface seawater DIC, salinity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Chl-a, and NO3− samples were collected, as well as the vertical profiles of DIC, to understand DIC variations in the WTS. The results showed that the range of DIC levels in the surface seawater from the WTS was from 1.68 to 2.21 mmol/L (Mmol), with an average of 1.93 ± 0.19 Mmol, which was consistent with the sampling results using titration determination, with an average of 1.98 ± 0.12 Mmol. A high correlation (R2 = 0.96) was presented between the online monitoring and sampling detection of DIC, indicating that DIC could be measured with high accuracy using the online monitoring system. The spatial distribution of DIC was similar to that of salinity, but it was different from that of DOC and Chl-a. The DIC concentration positively correlated with salinity (R2 = 0.51) and presented a negative correlation (R2 = 0.92) with seawater temperature. However, the surface seawater DIC was almost independent from DOC and Chl-a in the observation sea areas. The DIC levels first increased and then decreased with the depth, with the highest DIC concentration occurring in the subsurface water at about 10 m, which was similar to the profiles of salinity and Chl-a in the northern and southern areas of the WTS. The profiles of DIC, salinity, NO3−, and Chl-a were almost independent from the water depth in the central WST. This indicated that seawater DIC in the WTS was mainly affected by seawater temperature, salinity, and the vertical mixing of sea water, but it was less impacted by TOC and Chl-a.
Numerical Study on the Instantaneous Theoretical Flow Rate of the Continuous Contact Gear Pump with a New Geometrical Approach
Authors: Jang Hosung , Ji Sangwon
Published: December 2024

External gear pumps with an involute tooth profile are used in many applications because of their simple shape, low production cost, and excellent reliability. However, they can be characterized by the generation of vibration and noise, due to the pressure pulsation caused by the trapped volume resulting from the gear meshing. In this study, a one-point continuous contact helical gear pump with circular-involute teeth was designed to eliminate the trapped volume. A novel geometrical approach is described to analyze the kinematic flow of this pump. The morphology of the tooth space, which changes depending on the angular position of the rotating gear, is explained by a newly defined algorithm. Algorithms designed for the geometric approach are simple because they define tooth space morphology for specific angular positions and therefore do not require corrections. The area of tooth space calculated through numerical analysis is used to calculate the instantaneous theoretical flow rate. The kinematic flow rate of the numerically analyzed pump can quantify the compressibility effect of the fluid. In addition, the calculated instantaneous theoretical flow rate accurately reflects the physical characteristics compared to previous studies and can be used to identify the cause of flow ripple.
Forensic Accounting and Risk Management: Exploring the Impact of Generalized Audit Software and Whistleblowing Systems on Fraud Detection in Indonesia
Authors: Achmad Tarmizi , Huang Chen-Yuan , Putra Mukhlas Adi , Pamungkas Imang Dapit
Published: December 2024

Purpose—This paper investigates the role of forensic accounting skills in enhancing auditor self-efficacy towards fraud detection in Indonesia. It also examines the moderating effect of the implementation of Generalized Audit Software (GAS) and the whistleblowing system on the relationship between accounting and auditing skills and auditor self-efficacy, as well as their combined role in enhancing fraud detection. Methodology—A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 537 external auditors in Indonesia. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression with moderation models, employing WarpPLS 8.0 software. Findings—The results indicate that practical communication skills, psychosocial skills, and accounting and auditing skills significantly enhance auditor self-efficacy. However, technical and analytical skills do not show a significant effect on auditor self-efficacy. Furthermore, auditor self-efficacy is found to have a direct and significant impact on fraud detection. This study also reveals that implementing GAS moderates the relationship between auditor self-efficacy and fraud detection, whereas the whistleblowing system does not demonstrate a significant moderating effect. Novelty—This study contributes to the literature by highlighting the role of forensic accounting skills and the implementation of GAS in enhancing auditor self-efficacy and fraud detection in the Indonesian auditing context.
Mining Customer Experiences of Hybrid Customized Cultural Fashion: The Case of High-End Qipaos for Weddings
Authors: Wang Zhongjie , Liu Chuanlan , Li Zhixiu
Published: December 2024

Consumer experiences with cultural fashion for special events often involve heightened expectations, with satisfied customers typically demonstrating increased brand engagement and loyalty. Traditional cultural attire, such as the Chinese Qipao, is widely recognized as quintessential for expressing cultural identity and fashion sensibility, particularly for weddings and other significant life events. Understanding these consumer experiences is crucial for cultural fashion brands seeking to expand their customer base by strategically enhancing consumer satisfaction through providing innovative features. This study, which examines customer experiences with hybrid customized high-end Qipaos for weddings using the integrated customer value framework, seeks to identify value dimensions that lead to satisfied customers. LDA and thematic analyses reveal three predominant themes. Specifically, the theme of “style”, reflecting esthetic values, emerged as the most influential factor and drives customer satisfaction, favorable word of mouth, and referrals. The theme of “fit”, representing performance values, was identified as a basic product feature and functions as a dissatisfier that customers take for granted when customizing high-end traditional cultural attire. This study used a dictionary-based analysis to examine consumers’ price, service, and traditional element preferences. This study proposes a five-dimensional value framework for assessing the high-end expressive fashion customization processes and experiences from a customer value perspective. The findings theoretically expand consumer value theory within customized consumption and offer practical recommendations for e-commerce brands and customization enterprises, aiming to enhance customer satisfaction.
Real-Time Common Rust Maize Leaf Disease Severity Identification and Pesticide Dose Recommendation Using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Megersa Zemzem Mohammed , Adege Abebe Belay , Rashid Faizur
Published: December 2024

Maize is one of the most widely grown crops in Ethiopia and is a staple crop around the globe; however, common rust maize disease (CRMD) is becoming a serious problem and severely impacts yields. Conventional CRMD detection and treatment methods are time-consuming, expensive, and ineffective. To address these challenges, we propose a real-time deep-learning model that provides disease detection and pesticide dosage recommendations. In the model development process, we collected 5000 maize leaf images experimentally, with permission from Haramaya University, and increased the size of the dataset to 8000 through augmentation. We applied image preprocessing techniques such as image equalization, noise removal, and enhancement to improve model performance. Additionally, during training, we utilized batch normalization, dropout, and early stopping to reduce overfitting, improve accuracy, and improve execution time. The optimal model recognizes CRMD and classifies it according to scientifically established severity levels. For pesticide recommendations, the model was integrated with the Gradio interface, which provides real-time recommendations based on the detected disease type and severity. We used a convolutional neural network (CNN), specifically the ResNet50 model, for this purpose. To evaluate its performance, ResNet50 was compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms, including VGG19, VGG16, and AlexNet, using similar parameters. ResNet50 outperformed the other CNN models in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F-score, achieving over 97% accuracy in CRMD classification—surpassing the other algorithms by more than 2.5% in both experimental and existing datasets. The agricultural experts verified the accuracy of the recommendation system across different stages of the disease, and the system demonstrated 100% accuracy. Additionally, ResNet50 exhibited lower time complexity during model development. This study demonstrates the potential of ResNet50 models for improving maize disease management.
The Relationship Between Carbon Emissions and Ecosystem Services in Guangdong Province, China: The Perspective of Ecological Function Zones
Authors: Lang Yanqing , Chao Heng , Xiao Jingyu
Published: December 2024

Ecosystem carbon sinks can offset part of the carbon emissions from human activities, playing a significant role in the carbon neutrality process. Clarifying the relationship between carbon emissions and ecosystem services is crucial for achieving the dual goals of carbon neutrality and ecological environmental protection. Effective ecosystem management is a prerequisite for controlling carbon emissions, as well as for ecosystem conservation and restoration, making a significant contribution to emission reduction and the enhancement of ecosystem services. Therefore, this study takes Guangdong Province as an example, starting with ecological functional zones—units that can enhance the effectiveness of ecosystem management—combining multi-source data and localized methods to develop annual carbon emissions (CEs) and ecosystem service value (ESV) data from 2000 to 2020, and reveals the spatiotemporal relationships between CEs and the ESV. The results showed the following from 2000 to 2020: (1) The net CEs increased from 203.73 to 482.80 million tons, representing an increase of 279.07 million tons, or 136.98%. The metropolitan residential security zone (MRSZ) was the dominant carbon source area, accounting for more than 60% of the total net CEs. (2) The total ESV gradually decreased from CNY 596.95 to 504.56 billion, representing a decline of CNY 92.39 billion, or 15.48%. The WCZ had the highest ESV, accounting for more than 50% of the total in all periods. (3) Temporally, the net CEs were negatively correlated with the total ESV in the study area, especially in the MRSZ, while a positive correlation was observed in the agricultural products provision zone (APZ). Spatially, the main clusters were Low–Low and High–Low clusters, primarily distributed in the APZ and MRSZ. This study explores and reveals the spatiotemporal relationship between CEs and the ESV, providing valuable references for related research in Guangdong Province and other regional comparative studies.
Positivity Bias and Cultural Differences in Acquiring Haihao in Chinese as a Second Language
Authors: Chen Chun-Yin Doris , Lu Pin-Yu Ruby
Published: December 2024

This study examines how Chinese as a Second Language (CSL) learners acquire the Chinese stance marker haihao with a focus on type and saliency. A total of 56 participants took part in the research, including 28 English-speaking CSL learners and 28 native Chinese speakers. The study utilized two evaluation judgment tasks. Results showed that participants categorized haihao into two simplified groups, guided by the economy principle and a positivity bias. English-speaking learners, influenced by a stronger positivity bias, tended to select more positive options, while Chinese participants favored slightly negative ones. Saliency improved the accuracy of recognizing negative haihao among American learners and low positive haihao among Chinese participants, though it was less effective for ambiguous expressions. These findings highlight how cultural differences and language saliency impact the interpretation of stance markers, offering insights for improving CSL teaching strategies.
Competencies of a Healthcare Manager in the Context of Hospital and Ambulateral Diagnostic Imaging Centers
Authors: Mierzwa Agnieszka , Syrkiewicz-Świtała Magdalena , Kuraszewska Bernadeta , Świtała Rafał , Grzebieluch Jolanta , Detyna Beata , Detyna Jerzy Dariusz
Published: December 2024

Background: Today’s healthcare requires a modern style of management that adapts to the needs of both patients and employees. Imaging diagnostics has its specificity in the entire area of hospital logistics and influences the organization of work and patient care. Modern managers should have special competencies to meet the expectations of patients, employees, and organizations. Aim: The main purpose of article was to define the role, competencies, and skills that managers should have in the field of diagnostic imaging. Methods: In the research part, a questionnaire survey and in-depth interviewing were used. The research group consisted of 10 managers and 300 medical staff, i.e., radiologists, nurses, and electroradiology technicians. Results: The decision-making role of the manager and their interpersonal skills were recognized to be most crucial. According to the respondents, managers should ensure good work organization and provide safe working conditions. Employees appreciated the manager’s ability to react in crisis situations as well as their high professionalism. The ability to communicate and resolve conflicts in a team was considered the most important psychological and social competence. Conclusions: A good manager, in the opinion of the respondents, is a decision-making, empathetic, and flexible person with strong leadership characteristics.
Testing the Effectiveness of Hybrid Milling and Surface Burnishing in Improving the Wear Resistance of Machine Parts Made of Structural Steel
Authors: Grudzień Joanna , Grochała Daniel , Grzejda Rafał , Kochmański Paweł
Published: December 2024

Due to the need to form a surface layer with specific operating properties, recent years have seen an increased interest in surface strengthening treatment, which aims to create a surface layer that improves the durability of parts. With a view to the economics of the machining process, it is common to combine shaping milling, characterised by high volumetric efficiency, with finishing burnishing, during which significant forces are applied. In the literature, one of the important limitations of such technological operations is the value of residual stresses, excessive values of which can lead to the flaking and falling off of surface fragments. In the present study, the authors put forward the research hypothesis that, in addition to stresses, the geometry of the machining roughness is also important and may contribute to faster tribological wear than stresses. It has been shown that what is important in hybrid machining is not so much the height of the resulting irregularities and the effectiveness of their levelling by burnishing, but the geometry of the irregularities. After milling, surfaces with small, regular irregularities with smooth peaks and shallow valleys were found to be the best in tribological tests. Such roughness can be plastically levelled out during burnishing. On the basis of the experimental studies carried out, it was shown that a higher burnishing force does not always lead to higher wear resistance.
6-Amino-7-((4-methoxybenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4(3H)-one
Authors: Thapa Susila , Bolliger Jeanne L.
Published: December 2024

The titular compound, 6-amino-7-((4-methoxybenzyl)thio)quinazolin-4(3H)-one, was prepared from 7-fluoro-6-nitroquinazolin-4(3H)-one via a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction followed by a reduction of the nitro group. Characterization of the target compound via 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and HRMS confirmed its structure.
Numerical Investigation and Device Architecture Optimization of Sb2Se3 Thin-Film Solar Cells Using SCAPS-1D
Authors: Lai Chung-Kuan , Lin Yi-Cheng
Published: December 2024

Antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) shows promise for photovoltaics due to its favorable properties and low toxicity. However, current Sb2Se3 solar cells exhibit efficiencies significantly below their theoretical limits, primarily due to interface recombination and non-optimal device architectures. This study presents a comprehensive numerical investigation of Sb2Se3 thin-film solar cells using SCAPS-1D simulation software, focusing on device architecture optimization and interface engineering. We systematically analyzed device configurations (substrate and superstrate), hole-transport layer (HTL) materials (including NiOx, CZTS, Cu2O, CuO, CuI, CuSCN, CZ-TA, and Spiro-OMeTAD), layer thicknesses, carrier densities, and resistance effects. The substrate configuration with molybdenum back contact demonstrated superior performance compared with the superstrate design, primarily due to favorable energy band alignment at the Mo/Sb2Se3 interface. Among the investigated HTL materials, Cu2O exhibited optimal performance with minimal valence-band offset, achieving maximum efficiency at 0.06 μm thickness. Device optimization revealed critical parameters: series resistance should be minimized to 0–5 Ω-cm2 while maintaining shunt resistance above 2000 Ω-cm2. The optimized Mo/Cu2O(0.06 μm)/Sb2Se3/CdS/i-ZnO/ITO/Al structure achieved a remarkable power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.68%, representing a significant improvement from 14.23% in conventional cells without HTL. This study provides crucial insights for the practical development of high-efficiency Sb2Se3 solar cells, demonstrating the significant impact of device architecture optimization and interface engineering on overall performance.
Fano and Electromagnetically Induced Transparency Resonances in Dual Side-Coupled Photonic Crystal Nanobeam Cavities
Authors: Zhao Yong , Chen Yuxuan , Hao Lijun
Published: December 2024

We propose two types of structures to achieve the control of Fano and electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT) line shapes, in which dual one-dimensional (1D) photonic crystal nanobeam cavities (PCNCs) are side-coupled to a bus waveguide with different gaps. For the proposed type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ systems, the phase differences between the nanobeam periodic structures of the two cavities are π and 0, respectively. The whole structures are theoretically analyzed via the coupled mode theory and numerically demonstrated using the three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (3D FDTD) method. The simulation results show that the proposed structure can achieve several kinds of spectra, including Fano, EIT and asymmetric EIT line shapes, which is dependent on the width of the bus waveguide. Compared to the previously proposed Fano resonator with 1D PCNCs, the proposed structures have the advantages of high transmission at the resonant peak, low insertion loss at non-resonant wavelengths, a wide free spectral range (FSR) and a high roll-off rate. Therefore, we believe the proposed structure can find broad applications in optical switches, modulators and sensors.
Synthesis, Purification, and Characterization of Molten Salt Fuel for the SALIENT-03 Irradiation Experiment
Authors: Souček Pavel , Beneš Ondřej , Hania Pieter Ralph , Kottrup Konstantin Georg , D’Agata Elio , Rodrigues Alcide , Uitslag-Doolaard Helena Johanna , Konings Rudy J. M.
Published: December 2024

This work presents the synthesis, purification, and characterization of a molten salt fuel for the irradiation experiment SALIENT-03 (SALt Irradiation ExperimeNT), a collaborative effort between the Nuclear Research and Consultancy Group and the Joint Research Centre, European Commission. The primary objective of the project is to investigate the corrosion behavior of selected Ni-alloy based structural materials which are being considered for the construction of fluoride molten salt reactors. During the test, these materials will be exposed to selected liquid molten fuel salts under irradiation in the High Flux Reactor in Petten, the Netherlands. In addition, the properties and distribution of the fission products formed in the fuel salt during burn-up will be studied by various post irradiation examinations. In the SALIENT-03 fuel, U and Pu fluorides, as fissile material, are dissolved in a carrier melt based on a 787LiF-22ThF4 eutectic mixture to form fuel salts with four different compositions, containing PuF3, UF4, UF3, and CrF3. This article comprehensively describes all the steps of this fuel synthesis process: the synthesis of the required pure fluoride powders (7LiF, ThF4, UF4, UF3, and PuF3); the mixing, melting, and purification of the different fuel salt compositions; and the fabrication of solid ingots to be loaded into the irradiation capsules. The characterization of the intermediate and final products is also carried out, following a rigorous quality assurance protocol. The quality assurance is achieved using an analytical scheme consisting of mass balance-based conversion efficiency evaluation, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. All experimental goals were successfully achieved, highlighting promising prospects for advancing future research and development regarding fuel production methods for fluoride-based molten salt reactors.
Influence of Aging Treatment and Volume Fraction on Nano-Indentation Behavior of Ni-Based Single Crystal Superalloys
Authors: Zhang Shunyong , Zhang Bin , Zhao Fengpeng , Li Jicheng , Wei Liming , Huang Xicheng
Published: December 2024

The effects of aging treatment and the volume fraction of precipitation particles on the nano-hardness and nano-indentation morphology of Ni-based single crystal superalloys are systematically investigated. Using nano-indentation tests and atomic force microscopy (AFM), this study examined the mechanical properties and related physical mechanisms of Ni-based superalloys that have two volume fractions of precipitation particles and four aging treatment times. Results analyzed using the Oliver–Pharr method indicate that prolonging the aging time or increasing the volume fraction of particles enhances the nano-hardness and creep resistance of Ni-based single crystal superalloys and reduces the indentation-affected area. Additionally, the nano-hardness and elastic modulus decrease gradually with increasing applied force, revealing an obvious indentation size effect. These variations are closely linked to the size and density of particles and work hardening rate, as well as to the topologically close-packed (TCP) phases, which influence dislocation movement and accumulation within the material and lead to various nano-indentation behavior in Ni-based single crystal superalloys. The related study provides theoretical guidance and experimental data to support the design and application of superalloys.
Some New Notions of Continuity in Generalized Primal Topological Space
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad , Kamran Tayyab , Ishtiaq Umar , Imtiaz Mariam , Popa Ioan-Lucian , Maiz Fethi Mohamed
Published: December 2024

This study analyzes the characteristics and functioning of Sg∗-functions, Sg∗-homeomorphisms, and Sg∗#-homeomorphisms in generalized topological spaces (GTS). A few important points to emphasize are Sg∗-continuous functions, Sg∗-irresolute functions, perfectly Sg∗-continuous, and strongly Sg∗-continuous functions in GTS and generalized primal topological spaces (GPTS). Some specific kinds of Sg∗ functions, such as Sg∗-open mappings and Sg∗-closed mappings, are discussed. We also analyze the GPTS, providing a thorough look at the way these functions work in this specific context. The goal here is to emphasize the concrete implications of Sg∗ functions and to further the theoretical understanding of them by merging different viewpoints. This work advances the area of topological research by providing new perspectives on the behavior of Sg∗ functions and their applicability in various topological settings. The outcomes reported here contribute to our theoretical understanding and establish a foundation for further research.
Diagnostic Efficacy of Staging Laparoscopy Compared to CT and PET-CT in Gastric Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Ofluoğlu Cem Batuhan , Aydın Isa Caner , Mülküt Fırat , Uzun Orhan , Senger Aziz Serkan , Gülmez Selçuk , Duman Uğur , Polat Erdal , Duman Mustafa
Published: December 2024

Background and Objectives: This study aimed to assess the diagnostic accuracy and prognostic significance of staging laparoscopy (SL) compared to computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) in gastric cancer staging. We evaluated the ability of SL to detect occult peritoneal metastases and influence of SL on survival outcomes across cancer stages and treatment approaches. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 95 patients with gastric cancer underwent preoperative assessment using CT, PET-CT, and SL between 2018 and 2024. Diagnostic performance metrics were calculated for SL, CT, and PET/CT across the local, locally advanced, and metastatic stages. Survival outcomes were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier curves, and comparisons were made using log-rank tests. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model incorporating interaction terms was used to determine the independent prognostic factors affecting survival, focusing on SL findings and cytology results. Results: The cohort comprised 75 males (78.9%) and 20 females (21.1%), with a mean age of 57.4 ± 10.1 years. The tumor location distribution was predominant in the corpus (31.1%) and cardia. Tumor staging revealed that 48.1% were classified as T3 and 28.8% as T4, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy analysis showed that SL outperformed CT and PET-CT in detecting peritoneal metastasis across all stages. Specifically, SL demonstrated a sensitivity and specificity of 85% and 95% for local disease, 92% and 80% for locally advanced disease, and 95% and 99% for metastatic disease, significantly exceeding those of CT and PET-CT. Patients with SL findings had a median overall survival (OS) of 30 months compared with 20 months for those assessed only with CT and PET-CT (p < 0.05). The stage-specific median OS for SL patients was 40 months in the local, 25 months in the locally advanced (p < 0.05), and 15 months in the metastatic disease (p < 0.01) groups, indicating significant survival benefits. Multivariable Cox regression identified SL findings as an independent factor associated with reduced mortality risk (HR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.50–0.90, p < 0.01), while positive cytology findings predicted poorer survival (HR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.25–2.60, p < 0.01). Interaction terms revealed that SL yielded greater survival benefits in patients with metastatic disease (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.60, p < 0.01) and those undergoing systemic therapy (HR: 0.75, p = 0.04). Conclusions: SL provides superior diagnostic accuracy and prognostic information for advanced gastric cancer staging compared with CT and PET-CT. By accurately detecting peritoneal metastasis, SL aids in optimizing treatment plans, particularly in advanced stages, thus potentially improving patient outcomes.
A Rare Diagnosis of Parotid Gland Follicular Lymphoma Arising in Warthin Tumor: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Vaknin Ido , Allon Irit , Zafrir-Haver Shirley , Abramson Alex
Published: December 2024

Introduction: A Warthin tumor is a benign salivary gland neoplasm, mostly found in the parotid gland. The number of reported Warthin tumors has increased over the years due to better diagnostic modalities and health system modernization. Warthin tumor rarely transforms into a malignant tumor; in this work, we present all cases reported in the English literature of different types of lymphomas within Warthin tumors. In this case, we present a low-grade follicular lymphoma arising within a Warthin tumor. Clinical report: A 64-year-old man presented to an oral and maxillofacial surgery clinic with a growing right facial mass. The medical history was significant for stable angina pectoris, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and a 20-pack-year smoking history. Fine needle aspiration suggested a diagnosis of Warthin tumor. A contrast CT scan of the parotid gland demonstrated a 2.9 × 2.7 × 4.1 cm diameter mass. The patient underwent right superficial parotidectomy. Histological examination of the mass revealed a low-grade follicular lymphoma arising in a pre-existing Warthin tumor. The postoperative PET CT showed no distant disease, and bone marrow biopsy during hematologic evaluation confirmed Stage 1 low-grade follicular lymphoma. The patient received 24 Gy of VMAT radiation therapy to the right parotid gland and continued hematologic follow-up. Conclusions: Based on a literature review, this is one of the few well-documented cases reported of low-grade follicular lymphoma within a Warthin tumor. This case highlights the importance of the thorough evaluation and diagnosis of parotid masses. Furthermore, this case reopens the debate on the “wait and see” approach regarding Warthin tumors. Fine needle aspiration-based diagnosis should not be considered final, as some malignant characteristics can be missed if declining surgery.
Could Fibrin Sealants (TISSEELTM) Be Effective in the Management of Burn Injuries? A Histopathological Study in Rats
Authors: Nikolaou Christina , Frountzas Maximos , Schizas Dimitrios , Pergialiotis Vasilios , Kapetanakis Emmanouil I. , Kontzoglou Konstantinos , Perrea Despina N. , Koniaris Efthymios , Kykalos Stylianos , Iliopoulos Dimitrios
Published: December 2024

Background: Burn injuries remain a major clinical problem worldwide, which require special management by experienced plastic surgeons. However, they cannot be available in every healthcare unit; consequently, there is a need for effective treatment options that could be utilized by a wide range of non-expert healthcare professionals. The aim of the present experimental study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of using a fibrin sealant (TISSEELTM) compared to the conventional treatment with sulfadiazine on partial-thickness burn in a rat animal model. Methods: A cohort of Sprague Dawley rats underwent partial-thickness contact thermal burn wounds and were divided into three study groups: control group (no treatment), silver sulfadiazine cream group and TISSEELTM group. Following animal sacrifice, a blinded histopathologic analysis was conducted regarding inflammatory response, healing and tissue regeneration. Results: In total, 30 animals were included with a median weight of 236 ± 10 g. Two animals from the control group died on the first postoperative day. Animals in the TISSEELTM group presented dominant collagen expression compared to animals in the control and silver sulfadiazine cream group (p = 0.000). Histopathologic analysis also demonstrated marked leukocyte infiltration (p = 0.009), increased neovascularization (p = 0.000) and higher fibroblast expression (p = 0.002) in the TISSEELTM group compared to the other two groups. Conclusions: TISSEELTM seems to be a safe alternative (or even principal) option for the initial therapeutic approach of partial-thickness burn injuries. Moreover, it seems to be superior to silver sulfadiazine in terms of tissue healing and regeneration. However, additional experimental as well as clinical research is necessary prior to implementation in clinical practice.
Saliva Proteome, Metabolome and Microbiome Signatures for Detection of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: François Maxime , Pascovici Dana , Wang Yanan , Vu Toan , Liu Jian-Wei , Beale David , Hor Maryam , Hecker Jane , Faunt Jeff , Maddison John , Johns Sally , Leifert Wayne
Published: December 2024

Background: As the burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) escalates with an ageing population, the demand for early and accessible diagnostic methods becomes increasingly urgent. Saliva, with its non-invasive and cost-effective nature, presents a promising alternative to cerebrospinal fluid and plasma for biomarker discovery. Methods: In this study, we conducted a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of saliva samples (n = 20 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), n = 20 Alzheimer’s disease and age- and n = 40 gender-matched cognitively normal individuals), from the South Australian Neurodegenerative Disease (SAND) cohort, integrating proteomics, metabolomics, and microbiome data with plasma measurements, including pTau181. Results: Among the most promising findings, the protein Stratifin emerged as a top candidate, showing a strong negative correlation with plasma pTau181 (r = −0.49, p < 0.001) and achieving an AUC of 0.95 in distinguishing AD and MCI combined from controls. In the metabolomics analysis, 3-chlorotyrosine and L-tyrosine exhibited high correlations with disease severity progression, with AUCs of 0.93 and 0.96, respectively. Pathway analysis revealed significant alterations in vitamin B12 metabolism, with Transcobalamin-1 levels decreasing in saliva as AD progressed despite an increase in serum vitamin B12 levels (p = 0.008). Microbiome analysis identified shifts in bacterial composition, with a microbiome cluster containing species such as Lautropia mirabilis showing a significant decrease in abundance in MCI and AD samples. The overall findings were reinforced by weighted correlation network analysis, which identified key hubs and enriched pathways associated with AD. Conclusions: Collectively, these data highlight the potential of saliva as a powerful medium for early AD diagnosis, offering a practical solution for large-scale screening and monitoring.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Norathyriol Prolongs the Lifespan via Regulating Metabolism in C. elegans
Authors: Zhang Hong-Jia , Lan Hai-Quan , Wang Meng-Ying , Wang Cai-Feng , Wei Lu-Gang , Xu Chen
Published: December 2024

Background: Aging and age-related diseases are closely linked to an imbalance in energy supply and demand, a condition that can potentially be mitigated through various interventions, including the use of naturally occurring molecules. Norathyriol (NL), a tetrahydroxyxanthone compound, is prevalent in mango fruit and medicinal plants. While studies have indicated that NL may influence metabolism, its effects on aging have not been extensively explored. Methods: We conducted lifespan analysis and measured lipofuscin accumulation in C. elegans model to evaluate the effects of NL on aging. Additionally, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) through comprehensive RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis and performed gene ontology (GO) and kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGGs) pathway analyses to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying NL’s effects. Results: Our study demonstrated that NL at 50 μM extends the lifespan by 15.9% and reduces lipofuscin accumulation in C. elegans without impacting their feeding capabilities. A total of 928 DEGs were identified in NL-treated worms. The analysis of DEGs indicated that NL’s longevity-promoting effects might be due to its regulation of gene expression in lipid metabolism and immune response pathways. Furthermore, the insulin/insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-1 and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathways were implicated in the lifespan-extending effect of NL. Conclusions: These findings broaden the bioactivity profile of polyphenols and highlight the need for further investigation into the therapeutic potential of NL in combating age-related diseases.
Genomic and Phenotypic Characterization of Streptomyces sirii sp. nov., Amicetin-Producing Actinobacteria Isolated from Bamboo Rhizospheric Soil
Authors: Zakalyukina Yuliya V. , Alferova Vera A. , Nikandrova Arina A. , Kiriy Albina R. , Chernyshova Alisa P. , Kabilov Marsel R. , Baturina Olga A. , Biryukov Mikhail V. , Sergiev Petr V. , Lukianov Dmitrii A.
Published: December 2024

In our large-scale search for antimicrobial-producing bacteria, we isolated an actinomycete strain from rhizospheric soil of Bambusa vulgaris. The strain designated BP-8 showed noticeable antibacterial activity. BP-8 was subjected to a whole-genome analysis via a polyphasic taxonomy approach, and its antibacterial metabolite was identified by HRLS-MS. The results of the physiological and morphological analyses indicated that BP-8 is an aerobic, neutrophilic, mesophilic organism that is tolerant to 8% NaCl and can use a wide range of carbohydrates. It forms curly sporophores with a warty surface. The results of the phylogenetic and average nucleotide identity analyses and in silico DNA–DNA hybridization calculation indicated that BP-8 represents the type strain of a novel Streptomyces species. A comparative in silico analysis of the genome sequences of BP-8 and its closest related strains revealed the presence of genes encoding chemotaxonomic markers characteristic of Streptomyces. The antibacterial compound was identified as amicetin. Genomic mining also revealed more than 10 biosynthetic gene clusters that have not been described previously and may lead to the discovery of new valuable compounds. On the basis of these results, strain BP-8T (=VKM Ac-3066T = CCTCC AA 2024094T) is proposed as the type strain of the novel species Streptomyces sirii sp. nov.
Quantification of Viable Salmonella by Propidium Monoazide Real-Time PCR After Long-Term Storage of Peanut Products
Authors: von Hertwig Aline M. , Pereira André A. , Amorim Neto Dionisio Pedro , Nascimento Maristela S.
Published: December 2024

In this study, the performance of quantitative PCR, combined or not with propidium monoazide (PMA), to recover Salmonella from peanut products after different storage times was evaluated. The samples were inoculated with 5–6 log cfu g−1 of Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and stored at 28 °C for up to 540 d. The correlation between the threshold cycle number (Ct) and the colony-forming units (cfu) was obtained by a standard curve, which showed a linear correlation (R2 = 0.97). The highest counts were recovered by qPCR (p < 0.05); however, it quantified both viable and non-viable cells. For roasted peanuts, a significant difference (p < 0.05) between qPCR-PMA and the culture method was verified only for samples stored for 30 d, i.e., 2.8 versus 4.0 log cfu g−1. Further, there was no VBNC status in the roasted peanuts, even after long-term exposure to desiccation stress. For peanut-based products, after 540 d, only paçoca showed a significant difference (p < 0.05) among the three methods evaluated. In peanut brittle, qPCR-PMA detected 1.5 log cfu g−1, while, in the culture method, Salmonella was recovered in 1 g. The pathogen was below the detection limit in pé-de-moça either by plate count or qPCR-PMA. Therefore, qPCR-PMA shows potential for use in quantifying Salmonella in peanut products.
Detrital Zircon Dating, Deformation Stages, and Tectonics of the Pane Chaung Formation and Surrounding Units in the Western Indo-Burma Range, Southeast Asia
Authors: Zhang Ji’en , Xiao Wenjiao , Wakabayashi John , Cai Fulong , Sein Kyaing
Published: December 2024

The Indo-Burma Range (IBR), as one of the youngest accreted units in the Eastern Neotethys, plays a crucial role in understanding the interactive relationships between the Gondwana supercontinent and its rifted microcontinents in SE Asia. However, its basement nature and tectonic evolution remain debated. Here, we conducted a comprehensive structural analysis across six sections within the IBR and correlated Late Triassic flysch units between the Western IBR (Pane Chaung Formation) and the Tethyan Himalaya. Within the Mindat section, the eastern segment of the Pane Chaung Formation unit displays top-to-east vergent overturned folds, indicating eastward backthrusting, in contrast to the prevailing top-to-west vergence structures in Kalemyo, Natchaung, Magwe and the western segment of the Mindat flysch unit. By reconstruction of this backthrust sheet, a megathrust separates the Pane Chaung Formation unit in the footwall to the west from schist units in the hanging wall to the east. The Pane Chaung Formation unit in the Western IBR and its counterparts in the Tethyan Himalaya share common characteristics, including herringbone cross-beddings, Carnian–Norian Halobia fossils, and dominant detrital zircons of 220–280, 500–620, 900–1000, and 1100–1140 Ma. Alongside the Paleozoic strata and Precambrian one-stage model ages of Mesozoic dikes, as evidenced by ɛNd (t) (−13.4 to −0.1) and ɛHf (t) (−24.2 to −0.1) in the Tethyan Himalaya, these facts suggest that the major tectonic units of the Western IBR–Tethyan Himalaya are the result of the amalgamation of a microcontinent with the West Burma Block. The transition from OIB to E-MORB and N-MORB, the rapid deepening of sedimentary waters, and the presence of the 155–152 Ma Indian ocean crust collectively indicate that the microcontinent rifted from the host East Gondwana as a fragment of the Argoland archipelago in the Late Jurassic. This identification sheds light on the orogenic processes of the doublet subduction zones in the Indo-Myanmar orogenic belt.
Hybrid Systems of Oleogels and Probiotic-Loaded Alginate Carriers for Potential Application in Cosmetics
Authors: Łętocha Anna , Miastkowska Małgorzata , Sikora Elżbieta , Michalczyk Alicja , Liszka-Skoczylas Marta , Witczak Mariusz
Published: December 2024

Oleogels (organogels) are systems resembling a solid substance based on the gelation of organic solvents (oil or non-polar liquid) through components of low molecular weight or oil-soluble polymers. Such compounds are organogelators that produce a thermoreversible three-dimensional gel network that captures liquid organic solvents. Oleogels based on natural oils are attracting more attention due to their numerous advantages, such as their unsaturated fatty acid contents, ease of preparation, and safety of use. As a result of the research, two oleogels were developed, into which freeze-dried alginate carriers with a probiotic, L. casei, were incorporated. Two techniques were used to produce probiotic-loaded capsules—extrusion and emulsification. Alginate beads obtained by the extrusion process have a size of approximately 1.2 mm, while much smaller microspheres were obtained using the emulsification technique, ranging in size from 8 to 17 µm. The trehalose was added as a cryoprotectant to improve the survival rate of probiotics in freeze-dried alginate carriers. The encapsulation efficiency for both of the methods applied, the emulsification and the extrusion technique, was high, with levels of 90% and 87%, respectively. The obtained results showed that the production method of probiotic-loaded microspheres influence the bacterial viability. The better strain survival in the developed systems was achieved in the case of microspheres produced by the emulsification (reduction in bacterial cell viability in the range of 1.98–3.97 log in silica oleogel and 2.15–3.81 log in sucragel oleogel after 7 and 30 days of storage) than by the extrusion technique (after a week and a month of oleogel storage, the decrease in cell viability was 2.52–4.52 log in silica oleogel and 2.48–4.44 log in sucragel oleogel).
Phosphine Oxide Indenoquinoline Derivatives: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation as Topoisomerase I Inhibitors and Antiproliferative Agents
Authors: Rodriguez-Paniagua Alba , Tesauro Cinzia , Knudsen Birgitta R. , Fuertes Maria , Alonso Concepción
Published: December 2024

The synthesis of phosphorous indenoquinolines and their biological evaluation as topoisomerase 1 (TOP1) inhibitors and antiproliferative agents were performed. First, the preparation of new hybrid 5H-indeno[2,1-c]quinolines with a phosphine oxide group was performed by a two-step Povarov-type [4+2]-cycloaddition reaction between the corresponding phosphorated aldimines with indene in the presence of BF3·Et2O. Subsequent oxidation of the methylene present in the structure resulted in the corresponding indeno[2,1-c]quinolin-7-one phosphine oxides 10. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated as TOP1 inhibitors showing higher inhibition values than CPT at prolonged incubation times (5 min). Inhibition of TOP1 was even observed after 30 min of incubation. The cytotoxic activities of these compounds were also studied against different cancer cell lines and a non-cancerous cell line. While some compounds showed cytotoxicity against some cancerous cells, none of the compounds showed any cytotoxicity against the non-cancerous cell line, MRC-5, in contrast to CPT, which exhibits high toxicity against this cell line. These results represent a very interesting advance since the heterocyclic phosphine oxide derivatives have important properties as TOP1 inhibitors and show an interesting cytotoxicity against different cell lines.
Analysis Profiling of 48 Endogenous Amino Acids and Related Compounds in Human Plasma Using Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Yin Xiongwei , Baldoni Irene , Adams Erwin , Van Schepdael Ann
Published: December 2024

Analyzing and detecting endogenous amino acids in blood is of crucial importance for the diagnosis of medical conditions and scientific research. Considering the lack of UV chromophores in most of these analytes and the presence of several interfering substances in plasma, the quantification of quite a few amino acids and related compounds presents certain technical challenges. As a blank plasma matrix lacking these endogenous substances does not exist, the surrogate matrix method is used, as well as isotopic internal standards for calibration, to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the study. Method validation was conducted for 48 target analytes, giving the following results: linearity (R2 at least 0.99), limit of quantification (from 0.65 to 173.44 μM), precision (intra-day and inter-day RSD for LQC ranged from 3.2% to 14.2%, for MQC from 2.0% to 13.6%, and for HQC from 1.6% to 11.3%), accuracy, recovery, and stability of the method (all complied with the guidelines). To further investigate the applicability of this method to large-scale sample analysis, the method was successfully applied to the analysis of amino acids in plasma samples collected from 20 control individuals, demonstrating its wide application scope for clinical diagnosis and metabolic research.
Electrostatic Spray Drying of a Milk Protein Matrix—Impact on Maillard Reactions
Authors: Chutani Doll , Vasiljevic Todor , Huppertz Thom , Murphy Eoin
Published: December 2024

Electrostatic spray drying (ESD) of a milk protein matrix comprising whey protein isolate (WPI), skim milk powder (SMP), and lactose was compared to conventional spray drying (CSD) and freeze-drying (FD). ESD and CSD were used to produce powders at low (0.12–0.14), medium (0.16–0.17), and high (0.31–0.36) levels of water activity (aw), while FD powders targeted low aw (0.12). Maillard reaction indicators were studied after drying and during storage for up to 28 days at 20, 40, or 60 °C by measuring free -NH2 groups, as an indicator of available lysine, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF). After drying, levels of residual free -NH2 groups were ~15% higher in ESD and FD powders than in their CSD counterparts. CSD powders also had ~14% higher HMF concentrations compared to their ESD and FD counterparts. Storage led to reductions in free -NH2 groups and increases in HMF content in all powders, the extent of which increased with increasing storage temperature. Reductions in free -NH2 groups followed first-order reaction kinetics at 20 and 40 °C but second-order reaction kinetics at 60 °C. Lactose crystallization was detected in high-aw CSD powders after 14 d at 40 °C and in both CSD and ESD powders after 7 d at 60 °C. Overall, we found that ESD is a gentle drying technology which enables production of powders with lower Maillard reaction markers.