bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization and Characterization of Lupin Protein Isolate Obtained Using Alkaline Solubilization-Isoelectric Precipitation
Authors: Domínguez Rubén , Bermúdez Roberto , Pateiro Mirian , Lucas-González Raquel , Lorenzo José M.
Published: October 2023

The trend in today’s society is to increase the intake of vegetable protein instead of animal protein. Therefore, there is a concern to find new sources of alternative protein. In this sense, legumes are the main protein source of vegetable origin. Of all of them, lupins are the ones with higher protein content, although they are currently undervalued as an alternative for human consumption. In this sense, it is vital to characterize and obtain protein isolates from this legume, which satisfies the growing demand. Therefore, in the present work, the procedure for obtaining a lupin (Lupinus luteus) protein isolate (LPI), based on basic solubilization followed by isoelectric precipitation, has been optimized and validated. The optimized LPI, as well as the lupin flour, were subsequently characterized. The chemical composition, physicochemical, as well as the technofunctional properties of the LPI were analyzed. The results show that the proposed procedure had a high yield (23.19 g LPI/100 g flour) and allowed to obtain high-purity protein isolates (87.7 g protein/100 g LPI). The amino acid composition and the chemical scores show high proportions of essential amino acids, being protein deficient only in methionine and valine. Therefore, it can be affirmed that it is a high-quality protein that meets the requirements proposed by the FAO. Regarding the lipid fraction, it is mainly composed of unsaturated fatty acids (C18:1n-9 and C18:2n-6), which is also advisable in order to follow a healthy diet. Finally, LPI showed interesting technofunctional properties (foaming, gelling, emulsifying, water and oil absorption, and solubility), which makes it especially attractive for use in the food industry.
The Effect of Black Garlic on the Volatile Compounds in Heat-Treated Sucuk
Authors: Yılmaz Oral Zeynep Feyza , Kaban Güzin
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to determine the influence of using black garlic (BG) at different levels on organic volatile compounds in heat-treated sucuk (HTS), a semi dry fermented sausage. Three independent batches of sausages were prepared: control: 1% white garlic (WG): WG-1%; BG-1%: 1% BG; BG-2%: 2% BG; and BG-3%: 3% BG. After stuffing, the sausages were subjected to fermentation, heat treatment (internal temperature of 64 °C), and drying, respectively. After production, the final products were analyzed for volatile compounds. A solid-phase microextraction technique was used for the extraction of volatile compounds, and identification was carried out by a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer. A total of 47 volatile compounds, including sulfur compounds, alcohols, esters, ketones, aliphatic hydrocarbons, acids, aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, and terpenes, were identified from the sausages. The use of BG in HTS had no significant effect on aliphatic hydrocarbons, acids, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons, and esters. BG increased the abundances of 2-propen-1-ol, allyl methyl sulfide, methyl 2-propenyl-disulfide, sabinene, β-pinene, and β-phellandrene regardless of the increase in the addition rate. BG-3% increased the level of hexanal. According to the PCA results, BG-containing groups showed positive correlation with esters, sulfur compounds, aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and alcohols, but these chemical groups were more closely correlated with BG-3%. In addition, diallyl disulfide, which is one of the main factors that causes the pungent and spicy smell of garlic, showed a close correlation with WG-1%.
Effects of Salt Soaking Treatment on the Deodorization of Beef Liver and the Flavor Formation of Beef Liver Steak
Authors: Duan Yufeng , Liu Ziqi , Deng Dan , Zhang Li , Yu Qunli , Ma Guoyuan , Ma Xiaotong , Guo Zhaobin , Chen Cheng , He Long
Published: October 2023

In this study, based on the evaluation of fishy value and sensory evaluation, this study determined that soaking in a 1% salt solution for 60 min had a significant impact on the deodorization of beef liver (p < 0.05). The results showed that salt infiltration promoted the release of fishy substances, improving the edible and processing performance of beef liver. The identification of flavor compounds in raw and roasted beef liver via GC–IMS implies that (E)–2–octenal–M, (E)–3–penten–2–one–M, ethyl acetate–M, ethyl acetate–D, and methanethiol are closely related to improving the flavor of beef liver; among them, (E)–2–octenal–M, (E)–3–penten–2–one–M, and methanethiol can cause beef liver odor, while nonanal–M, octanal–M, benzene acetaldehyde, n–hexanol–D, butyl propanoate–M, heptanal–D, heptanal–M, and 3–methylthiopropanal–M had significant effects on the flavor formation of beef liver steak. The determination of reducing sugars revealed that salt soaking had no significant effect on the reducing sugar content of beef liver, and the beef liver steak was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), proving that reducing sugars promoted the formation of beef liver steak flavor under roasting conditions. Fatty acid determination revealed that salt soaking significantly reduced the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in beef liver (p < 0.05), promoting the process of fat degradation and volatile flavor production in the beef liver steak. Salt plays a prominent role in salting–out and osmosis during deodorization and flavor improvement. Through controlling important biochemical and enzymatic reactions, the release of flavor substances in a food matrix was increased, and a good deodorization effect was achieved, which lays a foundation for further research on the deodorization of beef liver and the flavor of beef liver steak.
Facile Preparation of a Novel HfC Aerogel with Low Thermal Conductivity and Excellent Mechanical Properties
Authors: Wang Wei , Wu Zhanwu , Song Shicong , You Qi , Cui Sheng , Shen Weimin , Wang Guoqing , Zhang Xuanfeng , Zhu Xiaofei
Published: October 2023

Aerogels emerge as captivating contenders within the realm of high-temperature thermal resistance and thermal insulation. Nevertheless, their practical applications are usually constrained by their inherent brittleness when subjected to rigorous conditions. Herein, employing hafnium dichloride oxide octahydrate (HfOCl2·8H2O) as the hafnium source and resorcinol–formaldehyde (RF) as the carbon precursor, hafnium carbide (HfC) aerogels are fabricated via the sol-gel method complemented with carbothermal reduction reaction. Investigations are conducted into the effects of various molar ratios, duration, and temperatures of calcination on the microstructural features and physico-chemical characteristics of the as-prepared HfC aerogel. The aerogel shows a high BET-specific surface area (601.02 m2/g), which is much larger than those of previously reported aerogels. Furthermore, the HfC aerogel exhibits a low thermal conductivity of 0.053 W/(m·K) and a compressive strength of up to 6.12 MPa after carbothermal reduction at 1500 °C. These excellent thermal insulation and mechanical properties ensure it is ideal for the utilization of high-temperature thermal resistance and thermal insulation in the fields of aerospace.
Australian Selectors in the Nineteenth Century and Discrepancies in Imaginings and Realities: Critical Family History
Authors: Milne Andrew
Published: October 2023

Queensland became an independent state in 1859, separating from New South Wales. Almost immediately, an ambitious plan on migration was embarked upon in order to attract emigrants to Queensland, above all other possible colony destinations in the British Empire. Henry Jordan was instrumental as the Emigration Commissioner (1861–1866) in devising the land order scheme and Richard Daintree, as Agent-General, wooed, through modern techniques on never-before-seen photography in colour, small capitalists to the isolated outreaches of Queensland, where settlement was encouraged. Life there for those that migrated was, however, vastly different from what either they knew in Britain, or what they expected. But, ultimately, they settled, took possession of considerable stretches of lands, as selectors, or pastoral land owners, with disregard for the indigenous populations there. In this article, I examine one migration story on an ancestor in the nineteenth century, Andrew Milne, from London to Queensland, through the lens of critical settler family history theory. I take up the challenge for historians to question who their ancestors were, since the past is telling of the present, and the perceptions that are longed for in the future selves. Namely, in the construction of the future self, an individual must also confront their past, and the lives of those that preceded them. In particular, in the case of Australia, settlement, colonisation, and the possession of land are not benign, and are not isolated events, but have an impact on the present and future lives of both descendants of those that possessed the land, and those from whom it was taken away. The legacy of racial segregation (through the Stolen Generations), and despite the attempt to ‘close the gap’ since 2008, Aboriginal peoples in Australia still suffer the consequences of objectification and dehumanisation to which they were subjected. The consequences are not only financial and economic, but are visible in health, education, social status, and in their mistrust of public services.
Influence of Environmental Factors on Species Richness and Diversity in a Semi-Arid Environment, South Africa
Authors: Munyai Nthabeliseni , Ramoelo Abel , Adelabu Samuel , Bezuidenhout Hugo , Sadiq Hassan
Published: October 2023

The Nama Karoo biome is one of the least well-studied biomes in the semi-arid region of South Africa, and essential baseline biodiversity data for this region are lacking. The aim of the present study was to examine the influence of environmental factors on the species diversity and richness of Mountain Zebra National Park, South Africa, which includes this vital biome. Vegetation data were obtained using the step-point method. Both species richness and diversity were unaffected by slope, aspect, coarse fragments, and soil texture. Multiple linear regression analyses indicated that a combination of four variables (nitrogen, clay, and sand contents, and longitude) should be included in the optimal model for species richness, and the optimal model for species diversity also revealed four influencing variables: soil organic carbon, clay and sand contents, and longitude. Overall, both species richness and diversity could be predicted by a combination of climatic, topographic, and soil properties. The findings of this study can be used as a reference for the effects of environmental factors on plant species richness and diversity in semi-arid environments.
Changes in Reaction Time, Balance and Neuroplasticity after Exercise with a Face Mask in Male Adults with Mild COVID-19 Symptoms
Authors: Michalik Kamil , Smolarek Marcin , Borkowski Jacek , Tchorowski Miłosz , Korczuk Natalia , Gorczyca Piotr , Wojtarowicz Natalia , Zatoń Marek
Published: October 2023

This study compared physiological, perceptual and neuroprotective hormone and metabolite responses and changes in coordination as an effect of aerobic exercise with and without a face mask in people with mild symptoms of COVID-19. Forty men took part in this study. Half declared mild symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the 6 months before the study (Declared) and the other half did not (Non-declared). In a random order, with a 7-day interval, they performed a 30-min walk on a treadmill at a speed of 6 km/h wearing a surgical face mask (Masked) and without it (Unmasked). The heart rate, heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, lactate concentration and rate of perceived exertion were recorded. The reaction time and balance were measured before and after the exercise. The concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, testosterone, cortisol, epinephrine and antibodies in the blood serum were determined. Physiological and perceptual responses, reaction times, and balance did not differ between the tested conditions. Three-way RM-ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni analysis revealed lower post-exercise cortisol concentrations in the Masked and Unmasked conditions in both groups (p ≤ 0.001). Asymptomatic infection with this virus is prevalent, and mild COVID-19 causes similar responses to aerobic exercise with a surgical face mask and does not lead to impaired coordination.
Prognosis Discussion and Referral to Community Palliative Care Services in Patients with Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated in a Tertiary Cancer Centre
Authors: Clelland Sarah , Nuttall Christina L. , Stott Helen E. , Cope Joseph , Barratt Natalie L. , Farrell Kelly , Eyong Manyi V. , Gleeson Jack P. , Lamarca Angela , Hubner Richard A. , Valle Juan W. , McNamara Mairéad G.
Published: October 2023

Advanced pancreatic cancer is associated with a poor prognosis, often less than 1 year. Honest prognosis discussions guide early community palliative care services input, facilitating timely advance care planning and improving quality of life. The aims were to assess if patients were offered prognosis discussions and community palliative care services referral. A retrospective analysis of consecutive case-notes of new advanced pancreatic cancer patients was conducted. Chi-squared test assessed the association with prognosis discussion and community palliative care services referral. In total, 365 cases (60%) had a documented prognosis discussion at any time-point in the treatment pathway; 54.4% during the first appointment. The frequency of prognosis discussion was greater with nurse clinician review at first appointment (p < 0.001). In total, 171 patients (28.1%) were known to community palliative care services at the first appointment. Of those not known, 171 (39.1%) and 143 (32.7%) were referred at this initial time-point or later, respectively. There was a significant association between the referral to community palliative care services at first appointment and the reviewing professional (this was greatest for nurse clinicians (frequency 65.2%)) (p < 0.001), and also if reviewed by clinical nurse specialist at first visit or not (47.8% vs. 35.6%) (p < 0.01). Prognosis discussions were documented in approximately two-thirds of cases, highlighting missed opportunities. Prognosis discussion was associated with clinician review and was most frequent for nurse clinician, as was referral to community palliative care services. Clinical nurse specialist review increased referral to community palliative care services if seen at the initial visit. Multi-disciplinary review, specifically nursing, therefore, during the first consultation is imperative and additive. It should be considered best practice to offer and negotiate the content and timing of prognosis discussions with cancer patients, and revisit this offer throughout their treatment pathway. Greater attention to prognosis discussion documentation is recommended.
Patient with PSEN1 Glu318Gly and Other Possible Disease Risk Mutations, Diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Yang YoungSoon , Bagyinszky Eva , An Seong Soo A.
Published: October 2023

In this manuscript, we introduced a French EOAD patient in Korea who carried the presenilin-1 (PSEN1) Glu318Gly mutations with four possible risk variants, including sortilin-related receptor 1 (SORL1) Glu270Lys, ATP-binding cassette subfamily A member 7 (ABCA7) Val1946Met, translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 40 (TOMM40) Arg239Trp, and granulin (GRN) Ala505Gly. The patient started to present memory decline and behavioral dysfunction in his early 60s. His brain imaging presented amyloid deposits by positron emission tomography (PET-CT). The multimer detection system (MDS) screening test for plasma for amyloid oligomers was also positive, which supported the AD diagnosis. It was verified that PSEN1 Glu318Gly itself may not impact amyloid production. However, additional variants were found in other AD and non-AD risk genes, as follows: SORL1 Glu270Lys was suggested as a risk mutation for AD and could increase amyloid peptide production and impair endosome functions. ABCA7 Val1946Met was a novel variant that was predicted to be damaging. The GRN Ala505Gly was a variant with uncertain significance; however, it may reduce the granulin levels in the plasma of dementia patients. Pathway analysis revealed that PSEN1 Glu318Gly may work as a risk factor along with the SORL1 and ABCA7 variants since pathway analysis revealed that PSEN1 could directly interact with them through amyloid-related and lipid metabolism pathways. TOMM40 and PSEN1 could have common mechanisms through mitochondrial dysfunction. It may be possible that PSEN1 Glu318Gly and GRN Ala505Gly would impact disease by impairing immune-related pathways, including microglia and astrocyte development, or NFkB-related pathways. Taken together, the five risk factors may contribute to disease-related pathways, including amyloid and lipid metabolism, or impair immune mechanisms.
A Therapeutic DNA Vaccine Targeting HPV16 E7 in Combination with Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Enhanced Tumor Regression and Cytotoxic Immune Responses
Authors: Han Xuechao , Gao Zhixiao , Cheng Yeping , Wu Shuoshuo , Chen Jianxing , Zhang Weifang
Published: October 2023

Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) and the expression of E6 and E7 oncoproteins are the main causes of cervical cancer. Several prophylactic HPV vaccines are used in the clinic, but these vaccines have limited efficacy in patients already infected with HPV. Since HPV E7 is vital for tumor-specific immunity, developing a vaccine against HPV E7 is an attractive strategy for cervical cancer treatment. Here, we constructed an HPV16 E7 mutant that loses the ability to bind pRb while still eliciting a robust immune response. In order to build a therapeutic DNA vaccine, the E7 mutant was packaged in an adenovirus vector (Ad-E7) for efficient expression and enhanced immunogenicity of the vaccine. Our results showed that the Ad-E7 vaccine effectively inhibited tumor growth and increased the proportion of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)-secreting CD8+ T cells in the spleen, and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in a mouse cervical cancer model was achieved by injecting with HPV16-E6/E7-expressing TC-1 cells subcutaneously. Combining the Ad-E7 vaccine with the PD-1/PD-L1 antibody blockade significantly improved the control of TC-1 tumors. Combination therapy elicited stronger cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) responses, and IFN-γ secretion downregulated the proportion of Tregs and MDSCs significantly. The expressions of cancer-promoting factors, such as TNF-α, were also significantly down-regulated in the case of combination therapy. In addition, combination therapy inhibited the number of capillaries in tumor tissues and increased the thickness of the tumor capsule. Thus, Ad-E7 vaccination, in combination with an immune checkpoint blockade, may benefit patients with HPV16-associated cervical cancer.
Pharmacogenomic Landscape of Ivermectin and Selective Antioxidants: Exploring Gene Interplay in the Context of Long COVID
Authors: Yang Ying-Fei , Singh Sher
Published: October 2023

COVID-19 pandemic has caused widespread panic and fear among the global population. As such, repurposing drugs are being used as viable therapeutic options due to the limited effective treatments for Long COVID symptoms. Ivermectin is one of the emerging repurposed drugs that has been shown effective to have antiviral effects in clinical trials. In addition, antioxidant compounds are also gaining attention due to their capabilities of reducing inflammation and severity of symptoms. Due to the absence of knowledge in pharmacogenomics and modes of actions in the human body for these compounds, this study aims to provide a pharmacogenomic profile for the combination of ivermectin and six selected antioxidants (epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), curcumin, sesamin, anthocyanins, quercetin, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC)) as potentially effective regimens for long COVID symptoms. Results showed that there were 12 interacting genes found among the ivermectin, 6 antioxidants, and COVID-19. For network pharmacology, the 12 common interacting genes/proteins had the highest associations with Pertussis pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, and colorectal cancer in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Disease analyses also revealed that the top three relevant diseases with COVID-19 infections were diabetes mellitus, ischemia, reperfusion injury. We also identified 6 potential target microRNAs (miRNAs) of the 12 commonly curated genes used as molecular biomarkers for COVID-19 treatments. The established pharmacogenomic network, disease analyses, and identified miRNAs could facilitate developments of effective regimens for chronic sequelae of COVID-19 especially in this post-pandemic era. However, further studies and clinical trials are needed to substantiate the effectiveness and dosages for COVID-19 treatments.
Metabolic-Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease—Its Pathophysiology, Association with Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Disease, and Treatments
Authors: Yanai Hidekatsu , Adachi Hiroki , Hakoshima Mariko , Iida Sakura , Katsuyama Hisayuki
Published: October 2023

Metabolic-dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a chronic liver disease that affects more than a quarter of the global population and whose prevalence is increasing worldwide due to the pandemic of obesity. Obesity, impaired glucose metabolism, high blood pressure and atherogenic dyslipidemia are risk factors for MASLD. Therefore, insulin resistance may be closely associated with the development and progression of MASLD. Hepatic entry of increased fatty acids released from adipose tissue, increase in fatty acid synthesis and reduced fatty acid oxidation in the liver and hepatic overproduction of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins may induce the development of MASLD. Since insulin resistance also induces atherosclerosis, the leading cause for death in MASLD patients is cardiovascular disease. Considering that the development of cardiovascular diseases determines the prognosis of MASLD patients, the therapeutic interventions for MASLD should reduce body weight and improve coronary risk factors, in addition to an improving in liver function. Lifestyle modifications, such as improved diet and increased exercise, and surgical interventions, such as bariatric surgery and intragastric balloons, have shown to improve MASLD by reducing body weight. Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have been shown to improve coronary risk factors and to suppress the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. Both SGLT2i and GLP-1 have been reported to improve liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. We recently reported that the selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARα) modulator pemafibrate improved liver function. PPARα agonists have multiple anti-atherogenic properties. Here, we consider the pathophysiology of MASLD and the mechanisms of action of such drugs and whether such drugs and the combination therapy of such drugs could be the treatments for MASLD.
Recent Advances in Biomimetic Nanocarrier-Based Photothermal Therapy for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Gallo Juan , Villasante Aranzazu
Published: October 2023

Nanomedicine presents innovative solutions for cancer treatment, including photothermal therapy (PTT). PTT centers on the design of photoactivatable nanoparticles capable of absorbing non-toxic near-infrared light, generating heat within target cells to induce cell death. The successful transition from benchside to bedside application of PTT critically depends on the core properties of nanoparticles responsible for converting light into heat and the surface properties for precise cell-specific targeting. Precisely targeting the intended cells remains a primary challenge in PTT. In recent years, a groundbreaking approach has emerged to address this challenge by functionalizing nanocarriers and enhancing cell targeting. This strategy involves the creation of biomimetic nanoparticles that combine desired biocompatibility properties with the immune evasion mechanisms of natural materials. This review comprehensively outlines various strategies for designing biomimetic photoactivatable nanocarriers for PTT, with a primary focus on its application in cancer therapy. Additionally, we shed light on the hurdles involved in translating PTT from research to clinical practice, along with an overview of current clinical applications.
Cannabidiol Modulates Emotional Function and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Middle-Aged Female Rats Exposed to Social Isolation
Authors: Saad Nadya , Raviv Danielle , Mizrachi Zer-Aviv Tomer , Akirav Irit
Published: October 2023

Aging is associated with changes in cognitive and emotional function. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been reported to attenuate stress and anxiety in human and animal studies. In this study, we aimed to assess the therapeutic potential of CBD among middle-aged female rats exposed to social isolation (SI) and the potential involvement of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in these effects. Thirteen-month-old female rats were group-housed (GH) or exposed to social isolation (SI) and treated with vehicle or CBD (10 mg/kg). CBD restored the SI-induced immobility in the forced swim test and the SI-induced decrease in the expression of BDNF protein levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). CBD also increased the time that rats spent in the center in an open field, improved spatial training, and increased BDNF expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA). BDNF expression was found to be correlated with an antidepressant (in the NAc) and an anxiolytic (in the mPFC, BLA, NAc) phenotype, and with learning improvement in the PFC. Together, our results suggest that CBD may serve as a beneficial agent for wellbeing in old age and may help with age-related cognitive decline.
Synthesis, X-ray Structures and Hirshfeld Analysis of Two Novel Thiocyanate-Bridged Ag(I) Coordination Polymers
Authors: Altowyan Mezna Saleh , Fathalla Eman M. , Albering Jörg H. , Abu-Youssef Morsy A. M. , Kassem Taher S. , Barakat Assem , Haukka Matti , Badr Ahmed M. A. , Soliman Saied M.
Published: October 2023

Two novel silver(I) coordination polymers, [Ag(4BP)(SCN)]n (1) and {(4BPH)+[Ag(SCN)2]−}n (2) (4BP = 4-benzoyl pyridine), have been synthesized. The two complexes were prepared using almost the same reagents, which were AgNO3, 4BP and NH4SCN. The only difference was the presence of 1:1 (v/v) HNO3 in the synthesis of 2. In the two complexes, the Ag(I) has distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry. The structure of both complexes and the involvement of the thiocyanate anion as a linker between the Ag(I) centers were confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. 4BP participated as a monodentate ligand in the coordination sphere of complex 1, while in 2 it is found protonated (4BP-H)+ and acts as a counter ion, which balances the charge of the anionic [Ag(SCN)2]− moiety. The thiocyanate anion shows different coordination modes in the two complexes. In complex 1, the thiocyanate anion exhibits a µ1,1,3 bridging mode, which binds three Ag(I) ions to build a boat-like ten-membered ring structure leading to a two-dimensional coordination polymer. In 2, there are mixed µ1,1 and µ1,3 bridging thiocyanate groups, which form the one-dimensional polymeric chain running in the a-direction. Several interactions affected the stability of the crystal structure of the two complexes. These interactions were examined using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The coordination interactions (Ag-S and Ag-N) have a great impact on the stability of the polymeric structure of the two complexes. Additionally, the hydrogen-bonding interactions are crucial in the assembly of these coordination polymers. The O…H (10.7%) and C…H (34.2%) contacts in 1 as well as the N···H (15.3%) and S···H (14.9%) contacts in 2 are the most significant. Moreover, the argentophilic interaction (Ag…Ag = 3.378 Å) and π- π stacking play an important role in the assembly of complex 2.
Diabetes-Related Mortality in a Developing Country: An Exploration of Tertiary Hospital Data
Authors: Sankhuu Yanjmaa , Altaisaikhan Odgarig , Battsogt Munkh-Od , Byambasukh Oyuntugs , Khasag Altaisaikhan
Published: October 2023

(1) Background: Given the growing global diabetes crisis, this study examined the causes of mortality in diabetic patients at a Mongolian tertiary care hospital. (2) Between 2017 and 2021, data from 100 individuals with diabetes (53% male, mean age 58.5 years, duration of diabetes, 9.6 years, HbA1c level, 9.7%, 11.1% type 1 diabetes) were reviewed. (3) Results: The predominant cause of mortality was sepsis, accounting for 65.0% of cases and emerging as a contributing factor in 75.0% of instances. Renal failure constituted the second leading cause of death, accounting for 19.0% of mortalities. Other contributing factors included chronic liver disease (6.0%) and ARDS (3.0%). Regarding sepsis, the individuals affected were relatively younger (57.5 ± 11.2 vs. 61.7 ± 11.2, p = 0.988), with a slightly higher prevalence among female patients (77.4%) and those with T1DM (81.8%), though these differences were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Patients with sepsis exhibited lower BMI values (26.7 ± 4.1 vs. 28.5 ± 6.2, p = 0.014) and poorer glycemic control (9.8 ± 3.1 vs. 9.6 ± 5.1, p = 0.008); (4) Conclusions: This hospital-based data analysis in Mongolia highlights sepsis as the primary cause of mortality among diabetes patients in tertiary hospitals regardless of age, gender, or diabetes type while also indicating a potential association between a lower BMI, poor glycemic control, smoking, and the risk of sepsis.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteomic Changes after Nusinersen in Patients with Spinal Muscular Atrophy
Authors: Beaudin Marie , Kamali Tahereh , Tang Whitney , Hagerman Katharine A. , Dunaway Young Sally , Ghiglieri Lisa , Parker Dana M. , Lehallier Benoit , Tesi-Rocha Carolina , Sampson Jacinda B. , Duong Tina , Day John W.
Published: October 2023

Disease-modifying treatments have transformed the natural history of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), but the cellular pathways altered by SMN restoration remain undefined and biomarkers cannot yet precisely predict treatment response. We performed an exploratory cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteomic study in a diverse sample of SMA patients treated with nusinersen to elucidate therapeutic pathways and identify predictors of motor improvement. Proteomic analyses were performed on CSF samples collected before treatment (T0) and at 6 months (T6) using an Olink panel to quantify 1113 peptides. A supervised machine learning approach was used to identify proteins that discriminated patients who improved functionally from those who did not after 2 years of treatment. A total of 49 SMA patients were included (10 type 1, 18 type 2, and 21 type 3), ranging in age from 3 months to 65 years. Most proteins showed a decrease in CSF concentration at T6. The machine learning algorithm identified ARSB, ENTPD2, NEFL, and IFI30 as the proteins most predictive of improvement. The machine learning model was able to predict motor improvement at 2 years with 79.6% accuracy. The results highlight the potential application of CSF biomarkers to predict motor improvement following SMA treatment. Validation in larger datasets is needed.
Energy, Exergy and Environmental Analysis of ORC Waste Heat Recovery from Container Ship Exhaust Gases Based on Voyage Cycle
Authors: Lyu Long , Kan Ankang , Chen Wu , Zhang Yuan , Fu Bingchun
Published: October 2023

Recovering the waste heat of a marine main engine (M/E) to generate electricity was an environmental way to minimize the carbon dioxide emissions for ships, especially with organic Rankine cycle (ORC) technology. The M/E had variable loads and operating times during voyage cycle, which directly affected the ORC thermodynamic potential. In this paper, a voyage cycle-based waste heat utilization from the M/E was introduced to provide reliable evaluation for proposing and designing ORC. The effect of various M/E loads and operating times on ORC performance among three dry-type substances was analyzed. The environmental impact was presented based on the data from one voyage cycle navigation of objective container ship. The results showed that Cyclohexane was capable of net power while Benzene was more suitable for thermal efficiency. The evaporator and condenser were the main irreversible components of the ORC system and required further optimization. Taking the operational profile into consideration, the evaporation pressures were 922–1248 kPa (Cyclohexane), 932–1235 kPa (Benzene) and 592–769 kPa (Toluene), respectively. During the voyage cycle, the carbon dioxide emissions were 99.68 tons (Cyclohexane), 96.32 tons (Benzene) and 60.99 tons (Toluene), respectively. This study provided certain reference for the design and investigation of ORC application to further improve the energy efficiency for container ship.
A Simplified Approach for Predicting Bend Radius in HDPE Pipelines during Offshore Installation
Authors: Jiwa Muhammad Zahid , Kim Young Tae , Mustaffa Zahiraniza , Kim Seungjun , Kim Do Kyun
Published: October 2023

Traditionally, subsea pipelines designed for the transportation of oil, gas, and water are constructed using carbon steel due to its strength, toughness, and ability to operate at temperatures up to 427 °C. However, polyethylene (PE), especially its high-density variant (HDPE), presents advantages such as reduced installation costs, diminished water leakage, and superior corrosion resistance. As research endeavours to enhance PE properties, its adoption for subsea applications is anticipated to rise. This study first delineates the mechanical behaviour of HDPE pipelines for offshore installation, identifying pulling tension, dimension ratio, water depth, and air fill ratio as the paramount lay parameters. Subsequently, a theoretical bend radius equation was derived from pipelaying mechanics using a purely geometric approach. Within this equation, two determinants, parameter X and parameter Y, dictate the sagbend bend radius. Regression analysis elucidated the relationships of lay parameters with both X and Y, yielding a general equation for X in terms of pull tension, water depth, and air fill ratio and another for Y as a function of water depth. Together, these geometric determinants underpin the sagbend bend radius estimation model. For overbend bend radius prediction, a lay index (IL) was fashioned from the aforementioned three parameters. Correlation assessments between the lay index and overbend bend radius revealed R2 values of 0.940, 0.836, and 0.712 for pipes with diameters of 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 metres, respectively. This underscores the model’s proficiency in predicting the bend radius, albeit with decreasing precision for larger-diameter pipelines.
Emergomycosis, an Emerging Thermally Dimorphic Fungal Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Vinayagamoorthy Kalaiselvi , Gangavaram Dinesh Reddy , Skiada Anna , Prakash Hariprasath
Published: October 2023

Emergomycosis is an endemic mycosis caused by the Emergomyces species. Infections due to this agent have been reported globally. Hence, the present systematic review on Emergomyces infections was conducted to study the disease epidemiology, underlying diseases and risk factors, causative agents, and treatment and outcome. The MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases were searched systematically with appropriate keywords from January 1990 to October 2022. A total of 77 cases of emergomycosis were included in the analysis. Emergomycosis was most commonly seen in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection (n = 61, 79.2%) and HIV-uninfected patients with or without other comorbidities (n = 16, 20.8%). The underlying disease and risk factors significantly associated with emergomycosis in the HIV-infected patients were CD4+ T-cell counts less than 100 cells/mm3 (n = 55, 90.2%), anaemia (n = 30, 49.2%), and thrombocytopenia (n = 17, 27.9%), whereas in the HIV-uninfected patients, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (n = 10, 62.5%), renal disease (n = 8, 50%), transplant recipients (n = 6, 37.5%), and diabetes mellitus (n = 4, 25%) were the significant risk factors associated with emergomycosis. Emergomyces africanus (n = 55, 71.4%) is the most common causative agent, followed by E. pasteurianus (n = 9, 11.7%) and E. canadensis (n = 5, 6.5%). E. africanus was most often isolated from HIV-infected patients (n = 54, 98.2%), whereas E. pasteurianus was most common in HIV-uninfected patients (n = 5, 55.6%). The all-cause mortality rate of the total cohort is 42.9%. No significant variation in the mortality rate is observed between the HIV-infected patients (n = 28, 36.4%) and the HIV-uninfected patients (n = 5, 6.5%). In conclusion, with an increase in the immunosuppressed population across the globe in addition to HIV infection, the case burden of emergomycosis may increase in the future. Hence, clinicians and mycologists should be vigilant and clinically suspicious of emergomycosis, which helps in early diagnosis and initiation of antifungal treatment to prevent disease mortality.
An Investigation of the Predictability of Uncertainty Indices on Bitcoin Returns
Authors: Wang Jinghua , Ngene Geoffrey M. , Shi Yan , Mungai Ann Nduati
Published: October 2023

Policymakers and portfolio managers pay keen attention to sources of uncertainties that drive asset returns and volatility. The influence of uncertainty on Bitcoin has the potential to drive fluctuations in the entire cryptocurrency market. We investigate the predictability of thirteen economic policy uncertainty indices on Bitcoin returns. Using the Random Forest machine learning algorithm, we find that Singapore’s economic policy uncertainty (EPU) has the strongest predictive power on Bitcoin returns, followed by financial crisis (FC) uncertainty and world trade uncertainty (WTU). We further categorize these uncertainties into different groups. Interestingly, the predictability of uncertainty indices on Bitcoin returns within the international trade group is stronger compared to other uncertainty categories. Additionally, we observed that internet-based uncertainty measures have more predictive power of Bitcoin returns than newspaper- and report-based measures. These results are robust using various additional machine learning methods. We believe that these findings could be valuable for policymakers and portfolio managers when making decisions related to uncertainty drivers of cryptocurrency prices and returns.
Establishment of Functional PCR-Based Markers against Bacterial Leaf Blight Disease in Rice Landraces of Yunnan Province of China
Authors: Luo Hengming , Wang Qun , Dong Chao , Shi Zhufeng , He Chengxing , Guo Zhixiang , Shi Junyi , Li Chun , Gao Wei , Li Jinbin
Published: October 2023

Bacterial leaf blight is a devastating disease of rice worldwide. The resistant genes are routinely transferred from landraces to cultivated varieties through backcross breeding along with marker-assisted selection. In the present study, we use the gene-specific markers to screen the rice landraces in Yunnan Province of China. We collected 404 representative samples of 24 different rice landraces from Yunnan Province of China. The initial PCR-based screening suggested that the leaf blight resistance was not evenly distributed in Yunnan Province. Our results indicate that there is a complete loss of resistance for landraces based on xa5 and xa13 genes. On the other hand, landraces harboring Xa7 and Xa21 showed a high level of resistance. Using gene-specific PCR-based data, we were able to identify the resistant, susceptible and heterozygous populations across Yunnan Province. The widely used Xa21 gene alone showed a remarkable level of resistance throughout the province, indicating its potential to develop broad-spectrum resistance in rice germplasm. The key aspects of bacterial blight spread according to local sites in Yunnan Province and the resistance conferred by different landraces due to the presence of different resistance genes are discussed.
Multiple Primary Melanoma: A Five-Year Prospective Single-Center Follow-Up Study of Two MC1R R/R Genotype Carriers
Authors: Sortino Ana Maria Fagundes , Soares de Sá Bianca Costa , Martins Marcos Alberto , Bertolli Eduardo , de Paula Rafaela Brito , Lopes Pinto Clovis Antônio , David Filho Waldec Jorge , Tavoloni Braga Juliana Casagrande , Duprat Neto João Pedreira , Carraro Dirce Maria , Curado Maria Paula
Published: October 2023

Background: Multiple primary melanoma (MPM) is a diagnostic challenge even with ancillary imaging technologies available to dermatologists. In selected patients’ phenotypes, the use of imaging approaches can help better understand lesion characteristics, and aid in early diagnosis and management. Methods: Under a 5-year prospective single-center follow-up, 58 s primary melanomas (SPMs) were diagnosed in two first-degree relatives, with fair skin color, red hair, green eyes, and personal history of one previous melanoma each. Patients’ behavior and descriptive demographic data were collected from medical records. The information on the first two primary melanomas (PMs) were retrieved from pathology reports. The characteristics of 60 melanomas were collected from medical records, video dermoscopy software, and pathology reports. Reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) was performed prior to excision of 22 randomly selected melanomas. Results: From February 2018 to May 2023, two patients underwent a pooled total of 214 excisional biopsies of suspect lesions, resulting in a combined benign versus malignant treatment ratio (NNT) of 2.0:1.0. The number of moles excised for each melanoma diagnosed (NNE) was 1.7:1.0 and 6.9:1.0 for the female and male patient respectively. The in-situ melanoma/invasive melanoma ratio (IIR) demonstrated a higher proportion of in-situ melanomas for both patients. From June 2018 to May 2023, a total of 58 SPMs were detected by the combination of total body skin exam (TBSE), total body skin photography (TBSP), digital dermoscopy (DD), and sequential digital dermoscopy imaging (SDDI) via comparative approach. The younger patient had her PM one month prior to the second and third cutaneous melanomas (CMs), characterizing a case of synchronous primary CM. The male older relative had a total of 7 nonsynchronous melanomas. Conclusions: This CM cohort is composed of 83.3% in-situ melanoma and 16.7% invasive melanoma. Both patients had a higher percentage of SPM with clinical nevus-like morphology (84.5%), global dermoscopic pattern of asymmetric multiple component (60.3%) and located on the lower limbs (46.6%). When RCM was performed prior to excision, 81% of SPM had features suggestive of malignancy. As well, invasive melanomas were more frequent in the lower limbs (40%). In the multivariate model, for the two high-risk patients studied, the chance of a not associated with nevus (“de novo”) invasive SPM diagnosis is 25 times greater than the chance of a diagnosis of a nevus-associated invasive SPM.
RETRACTED: Zhang et al. SrFexNi1−xO3−δ Perovskites Coated on Ti Anodes and Their Electrocatalytic Properties for Cleaning Nitrogenous Wastewater. Materials 2019, 12, 511
Authors: Zhang Yuqing , Jin Zilu , Chen Lijun , Wang Jiaqi
Published: October 2023

The journal retracts the article “SrFexNi1−xO3−δ Perovskites Coated on Ti Anodes and Their Electrocatalytic Properties for Cleaning Nitrogenous Wastewater” [...]
Kinematic Models and the Performance Level Index of a Picking-and-Placing Hybrid Robot
Authors: Zou Qi , Zhang Dan , Huang Guanyu
Published: October 2023

The mobile platform of the parallel robot designed for picking and placing operations is usually equipped with one or two extra degree(s) of freedom to enable flexible grasping orientations. However, additional motors indicate extra loads for the moving platform, and the total payload performance shrinks. This paper proposes a spatial picking-and-placing manipulator, in which one actuator that is supposed to be installed on the mobile platform is placed far away from the mobile platform. The platform has a large workspace along one direction. The comprehensive analytical inverse and forward kinematic solutions of this robot are derived. The reachable workspace of the parallel manipulator module is then explored. The novel performance level index is designed to normalize the performance index and demonstrate the performance rank for any pose. A mathematical proof is provided for this novel index. The manipulability index is taken as an example to examine the level indicator. A multi-objective optimization is implemented to pursue optimal performance; then, the initial design and optimized results are compared in detail. A sample trajectory is provided to verify the correctness of the kinematic mathematical model of the parallel mechanism.
Path Planning Technique for Mobile Robots: A Review
Authors: Yang Liwei , Li Ping , Qian Song , Quan He , Miao Jinchao , Liu Mengqi , Hu Yanpei , Memetimin Erexidin
Published: October 2023

Mobile robot path planning involves designing optimal routes from starting points to destinations within specific environmental conditions. Even though there are well-established autonomous navigation solutions, it is worth noting that comprehensive, systematically differentiated examinations of the critical technologies underpinning both single-robot and multi-robot path planning are notably scarce. These technologies encompass aspects such as environmental modeling, criteria for evaluating path quality, the techniques employed in path planning and so on. This paper presents a thorough exploration of techniques within the realm of mobile robot path planning. Initially, we provide an overview of eight diverse methods for mapping, each mirroring the varying levels of abstraction that robots employ to interpret their surroundings. Furthermore, we furnish open-source map datasets suited for both Single-Agent Path Planning (SAPF) and Multi-Agent Path Planning (MAPF) scenarios, accompanied by an analysis of prevalent evaluation metrics for path planning. Subsequently, focusing on the distinctive features of SAPF algorithms, we categorize them into three classes: classical algorithms, intelligent optimization algorithms, and artificial intelligence algorithms. Within the classical algorithms category, we introduce graph search algorithms, random sampling algorithms, and potential field algorithms. In the intelligent optimization algorithms domain, we introduce ant colony optimization, particle swarm optimization, and genetic algorithms. Within the domain of artificial intelligence algorithms, we discuss neural network algorithms and fuzzy logic algorithms. Following this, we delve into the different approaches to MAPF planning, examining centralized planning which emphasizes decoupling conflicts, and distributed planning which prioritizes task execution. Based on these categorizations, we comprehensively compare the characteristics and applicability of both SAPF and MAPF algorithms, while highlighting the challenges that this field is currently grappling with.