bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utilizing Melastoma Compost (Melastoma malabatrichum L.) as a Sustainable Alternative to Synthetic Nitrogen Fertilizers in Shallot Cultivation
Authors: Khoirya Dinna , Setyowati Nanik , Muktamar Zainal , Utami Kartika , Marwanto  , Sumardi
Published: February 2025

Aims: This study explores the potential of Melastoma compost (Melastoma malabatrichum L.) as a sustainable alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in shallot (Allium ascalonicum L.) cultivation.
Study Design:  This study was conducted from July to October 2024 at the Green House of the Department of Crop Production, Faculty of Agriculture, Bengkulu University, Indonesia, at an altitude of 10 meters above sea level.
Methodology: The experimental design was a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with six treatments, each treatment was repeated 4 times. The treatments were: P0: No fertilizer; P1: 0% Melastoma compost (100% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P2: 25% Compost (75% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P3: 50% Compost (50% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P4: 75% Compost (25% N, 100% P, and 100% K); P5: 100% Compost (0% N, 100% P, and 100% K).
Results: The results indicated that plants receiving Melastoma compost exhibited improved growth characteristics, including greater plant height, greener leaves, and enhanced root dry weight. Additionally, yields were higher for plants treated with organic compost than those using synthetic fertilizers or without fertilization (control treatment). Soil analysis revealed increased nitrogen content and improved physical properties in Melastoma compost treatments. Melastoma compost significantly improved shallot growth and yield. Whether used alone or combined with synthetic fertilizers, Melastoma compost outperformed synthetic fertilizers applied without compost, which showed similar crop yield to control treatment. Melastoma compost can effectively replace or complement synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in shallot cultivation.  
Conclusion: The study's findings indicated that Melastoma compost positively impacted both the growth and yield of shallots. Using compost, either by itself or combined with synthetic fertilizers, enhanced the growth and yield of shallots. Shallots that received only synthetic fertilizer, without adding Melastoma compost, exhibited growth and yield similar to those not fertilized plants (control treatment). Melastoma compost can be applied independently, without synthetic fertilizer, or in conjunction with synthetic fertilizers for growing shallots. Therefore, Melastoma compost can serve as a substitute for synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in shallot cultivation.
Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Effects of Resveratrol in Aluminium Chloride-Induced Alzheimer-Type Neurodegeneration in Adult Male Wistar Rat
Authors: Temidayo Elemoso Tunde , Babatunde Ogunlade , Mojisola Olawale , Samuel Boboye Ayodeji
Published: February 2025

Aims: Alzheimer’s disease is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by deficiency in memory and cognition coupled with neuron loss. Previous studies reported that resveratrol is renowned for its pleiotropic effects and diverse health benefits to mankind especially in reversal of neurodegenerative disorders. The study is tailored towards investigating the ameliorative role of Resveratrol in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology.
Methodology: Forty (40) adult male Wistar rats (150±20g) were divided into four groups (n=10) and Drug administration spanned for a 45 days period. Group A served as the placebo to which normal saline only was administered, Group B served as the negative control group and received 200mg/kgbw of AlCl3 only, Group C received a combination of 200mg/kgbw of AlCl3 and 50mg/kgbw of resveratrol and Group D received 50mg/kgbw of resveratrol only. All animals were subjected to Neurobehavioral tests (Morris Water Maze and Y-Maze). At the end of the experiment, all animals were sacrificed and organs were harvested.
Results: Biochemical estimations of antioxidant levels (GSH, CAT and SOD), stress markers (MDA), Monoamine neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine) and histomorphology were done. Results showed that AlCl3 administration brought about a decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels and neurotransmitters (except norepinephrine) while resveratrol countered these effects (P=.05). Oxidative stress marker levels were however elevated by AlCl3 administration while resveratrol initiated a decrease (P=.05). Neuro-behavioural assessments such as Morris water maze and Y maze test indicated a decline in long-term and short-term memory due to AlCl3 administration while resveratrol served to improve these functions (P=.05).
Conclusion: These results confirmed that potent capacity of resveratrol in reversing neurodegeneration in a wistar rat model of Alzheimer disease due to its antioxidant properties. Given its well documented presence in dietary sources such grapes etc, and its recognized antioxidant benefits, these findings suggest its potential as a neuroprotective agent in humans. Further translational research, including clinical trials is necessary to explore its efficacy, optimal dosage and long-term effects in Alzheimer’s disease management.
Molecular Characteristics and spa-Types of Staphylococcus aureus from Food-animals in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja-Nigeria
Authors: Echioda-Ogbole Martha , Ameh James Agbo , Mailafia Samuel , Olabode Olatunde Hamza , Udo Edet E. , Adah Bridget Maria Jessica , Okoli Chinwe , Godwin Enid
Published: February 2025

Aim: This study was undertaken to investigate the molecular characteristics of S. aureus isolates from chickens, sheep and goats in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria.
Study Design: The study was designed to be a cross-sectional study. A simple random sampling method was used to collect a total of 684 nasal and tracheal swabs from chickens (n=228), sheep (228) and goats (228) in livestock markets in FCT from February to June, 2023.
Methodology: Samples were analyzed using standard bacteriological techniques. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was determined using disk diffusion, and E-test methods. S. aureus isolates were genotypically characterized using DNA microarray analysis and spa-typing.
Results: Twenty-two (3.2%), were confirmed as S. aureus. Eleven (4.8 %), six (2.6%), and five (2.2%) isolates were obtained from sheep, chickens, and goats respectively. All isolates exhibited susceptibility to vancomycin, teicoplanin, mupirocin, and tigecycline. The isolates from chickens were resistant to Penicillin G (33.0 %), Erythromycin (16.6 %), Chloramphenicol (16.6%) and Tetracycline (50.0 %) mediated by blaZ/IR, ermB, fexA tetK/M respectively, one isolate from sheep was resistant to linezolid (MIC 8 mg/L). The S. aureus clustered in three clonal complexes and five spa types. Whereas the isolates from sheep and goats belonged to the same clone, t4735-CC133, isolates from chickens belonged to different clones, t311-CC5, t448-CC88 and t786-CC88. None of the isolates was positive for genes for Panton Valentine leukocidin. The CC5 isolates from chickens harbored the egc (seg, sei, selm, seln, selo, selu), and the immune invasion genes (sak, scn and chp).
Conclusion: This study has established baseline data on the prevalence and molecular characteristics of S. aureus in food animals in the FCT.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Parent-Reported Symptomatic Child Asthma Prevalence
Authors: Davis Matthew M. , Halasyamani Lakshmi K.
Published: July 2024

This cross-sectional study evaluates the association between COVID-19 vaccination and symptomatic child asthma.
Population-Based Intraoperative Disease Severity Criteria for Pediatric Appendicitis
Authors: McKie Kerri A. , Graham Donne A. , Cramm Shannon L. , Saito Jacqueline M. , Rangel Shawn J.
Published: July 2024

Importance

A standardized severity assessment approach is needed in children with appendicitis for postoperative adverse event estimation and severity adjustment for hospital-level comparative performance reporting.

Objective

To examine the association between the presence and number of National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) Pediatric–defined intraoperative criteria for complicated appendicitis and outcomes in a population-based sample of children.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study used data from the American College of Surgeons NSQIP Pediatric Appendectomy Procedure Targeted Participant Use Data File and General Participant Use Data File for children younger than 18 years who underwent appendectomy from January 1, 2019, through December 31, 2022, at 148 hospitals participating in NSQIP Pediatric.

Exposure

The presence of NSQIP Pediatric intraoperative criteria for complicated appendicitis (ie, visible perforation, intraperitoneal abscess, extraluminal fecalith, and diffuse fibrinopurulent exudate).

Main Outcomes and Measures

Adverse event outcomes included postoperative rates of any surgical site infection (incisional or organ space), percutaneous drainage, sepsis, and reoperation. Resource use outcomes included operative duration and hospital length of stay, and rates of postoperative imaging, parenteral nutrition use, and revisits. Multivariable regression was used to explore the influence of individual and combinations of intraoperative criteria on outcomes after adjusting for patient characteristics.

Results

Of 82 950 patients included, 23 221 (27.9%) had at least 1 finding of complicated appendicitis. Compared with cases without any criteria present, the presence of each finding of complicated appendicitis was independently associated with higher rates of any adverse events; adjusted odds ratios (AORs) by finding were 5.57 (95% CI, 5.04-6.15) for visible hole, 4.83 (95% CI, 4.17-5.59) for diffuse fibrinopurulent exudate, 7.06 (95% CI, 5.77-8.63) for abscess, and 6.62 (95% CI, 4.78-9.15) for fecalith. An increasing number of criteria was associated with a stepwise increase in risk of any adverse events; AOR by number of criteria met were 5.55 (95% CI, 5.09-6.05) for 1 criterion, 8.86 (95% CI, 8.16-9.62) for 2 criteria, and 16.65 (95% CI, 15.10-18.35) for ≥3 criteria. Similar patterns in criteria-specific and cumulative implications for outcomes were observed with each individual adverse event and resource use measure.

Conclusions and Relevance

This cohort study found that postoperative complications and increased resource use are associated with the presence and number of NSQIP Pediatric criteria for complicated appendicitis. These criteria should be considered the gold standard, evidence-based severity assessment framework for estimating risk of adverse events and resource use in children with appendicitis.
Stretchable Thermoelectric Generators for Self‐Powered Wearable Health Monitoring
Authors: Zadan Mason , Wertz Anthony , Shah Dylan , Patel Dinesh K. , Zu Wuzhou , Han Youngshang , Gelorme Jeff , Mea Hing Jii , Yao Lining , Malakooti Mohammad H. , Ko Seung Hwan , Kazem Navid , Majidi Carmel
Published: July 2024

As continuous wearable physiological monitoring systems become more ubiquitous in healthcare, there is an increasing need for power sources that can sustainably power wireless sensors and electronics for long durations. Wearable energy harvesting with thermoelectric generators (TEGs), in which body heat is converted to electrical energy, presents a promising way to prolong wireless operation and address battery life concerns. In this work, high performance TEGs are introduced that combine 3D printed elastomers with liquid metal epoxy polymer composites and thermoelectric semiconductors to achieve elastic compliance and mechanical compatibility with the body. The thermoelectric properties are characterized in both energy harvesting (Seebeck) and active heating/cooling (Peltier) modes, and examine the performance of wearable energy harvesting under various conditions such as sitting, walking, and running. When worn on a user's forearm while walking outside, the TEG arrays are able to power circuitry to collect photoplethysmography (PPG) waveform data with a photonic sensor and wirelessly transmit the data to an external PC using an on‐board Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio. This represents a significant step forward on the path to sustainable body‐worn smart electronics.
Enhanced Electro‐Optical and Heat Regulation of Intelligent Dimming Films Using the Photovoltaic Effect of p–n Heterostructures
Authors: Zhang Zuowei , Yang Yihai , Ma Cong , Yu Meina , Xu Jianjun , Chen Chao , Yuan Baohua , Zou Cheng , Gao Yanzi , Wang Qian , Yang Huai
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the effect of p–n heterostructures on the electro‐optical and heat regulation performances of polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) dimming films are studied. In detail, the WO3, Ag2O, and WO3/Ag2O p–n heterostructures are successfully synthesized via the co‐precipitation method. The products are analyzed by XRD, SEM, TEM, and XPS and the results demonstrated that the WO3 nanorods successfully grew on the surface of Ag2O. Compared to the primitive sample, the incorporation of p–n heterostructures into the composite films significantly enhances the electro‐optical properties. For a 20µm‐thick film, the saturation voltage (Vsat) decreases by 38.7% from 24.8 to 15.2 V, and the threshold voltage (Vth) is reduced by 22.9% from 12.7 to 9.8 V, while the contrast ratio reaches 132. Due to the molecular structure of the polymer monomers and the micro‐network structure of the film, the film exhibits high emissivity in the mid infrared spectrum, enabling enhanced dynamic cooling management through radiative cooling around the clock. Matrix & laboratory (MATLAB) calculations show that the maximum cooling power during the day and night reached 97.63 and 136.24W m‐2 K‐1, respectively. This research has great significance for the development of highly energy‐efficient smart windows.
Advances in Directional Liquid Transport Textiles: Mechanism, Construction, and Applications
Authors: Kuang Xiaoju , Zhang Zhenfang , Ma Xiaotao , Zhu Lingfeng , Li Yitong , Li Peng , Fu Yang , Ma Tianyi , He Haijun , Ramakrishna Seeram , Ma Pibo
Published: July 2024

The seamless integration of emerging directional liquid transport (DLT) technology with traditional textile materials has ushered in the next‐generation multifunctional textiles, i.e., DLT textiles, which will play a vital role in areas such as wearable smart materials and ecological environmental protection. To further promote the combination of DLT technology and textile technology, a concise overview of the research progress in DLT textiles, including the basic transport mechanisms, various preparation strategies and diversified applications of DLT textiles is provided. In this review, the theoretical mechanisms of directional transport from the perspective of wetting and wicking is discussed. Besides, the preparation strategies of DLT textiles, and categorized them into three categories is summarized: fiber‐based DLT textiles, fabric‐based DLT textiles, and fiber/fabric hybrid‐based textiles. Subsequently, the current and potential applications of DLT textiles are classified and discussed, mainly focusing on functional clothing, oil‐water separation, fog collection, distillation, sensors, biomedicine, and so on. Finally, the challenges and prospects of DLT textile research to enhance the functionality and application performance is outlined.
Unraveling Conductive Filament Formation in High Performance Halide Perovskite Memristor
Authors: Pérez‐Martínez José Carlos , Martín‐Martín Diego , Arredondo Belén , Romero Beatriz
Published: July 2024

Halide perovskites (HPs) are promising materials for memristor devices because of their unique characteristics. In this study, nonvolatile resistive switching memory devices based on thick MAPbI3 perovskite (800 nm) films with structure FTO/MAPbI3/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)/Ag are presented. Reproducible and reliable bipolar switching characteristics are demonstrated with an ultra‐low operating voltage (−0.1 V), high ON/OFF ratio (106), endurance (>2 × 103 times) and a record retention time (>105 s). The I–V curve of the first cycle exhibits self‐formed conductive filaments. These are attributed to the presence of metallic Pb resulting from an excess of PbI2 in the perovskite film. The subsequent activation process involves the formation of conductive filaments, consisting of either iodide vacancies or migrated charged metals. Numerical simulations are then carried out to understand the nature of these conductive filaments and the role of the internal electric field in the migration of iodide ions, iodide vacancies, and Ag cations. Finally, an exhaustive model is proposed that explains the set and reset processes governing the first voltage cycle and the steady state, at different voltage ranges. In summary, this work offers a novel and thorough perspective of the complete resistive switching (RS) behavior in a MAPbI3/buffer/Ag memristor, supported by numerical simulations.
Biomimetic Regulation in Supply Chains and Production Systems
Authors: Thielen Marc , Trube Niclas , Schneider Johannes M. , von Ramin Malte
Published: July 2024

The production industry is challenged to become more flexible and efficient while coping with a variety of disruptive events, such as natural disasters, infrastructure blockages, or economic crises. From the individual station on a production line to the global supply chain, everything is connected, making regulation and control a complex task. Biological molecular processes, such as the metabolism of living organisms or the cell cycle, are also extremely complex processes that can be compared to industrial production processes, both of which involve a series of intermediate steps and products. Thanks to (self‐)regulatory mechanisms that have evolved over time, these biological mechanisms are very efficient and robust in the face of perturbations. This article proposes an explanatory representation of these complex processes, considering both biological and technical aspects. The aim is to facilitate biomimetic transfer of biological regulation mechanisms into the technical domain. It presents concepts for biomimetic regulation of production lines and sourcing strategies and introduces a workflow for generating digital twins. This workflow is inspired by the cell cycle checkpoints, which ensure that only perfect copies of DNA are passed on during cell replication. By leveraging this understanding, the production industry can potentially improve its own processes and efficiency.
Neuropsychiatric symptom burden in early‐onset and late‐onset Alzheimer's disease as a function of age
Authors: Polsinelli Angelina J. , Johnson Sierah , Crouch Adele , Lane Kathleen A. , Pena‐Garcia Alex , Hammers Dustin B. , Wang Sophia , Gao Sujuan , Apostolova Liana G.
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION

We examined the burden of neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPSs) in early‐onset (EO) and late‐onset (LO) Alzheimer's disease (AD) and adjusted for age effects via the inclusion of cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals.

METHODS

Cross‐sectional data from 2940 EOAD, 8665 LOAD, and 8775 age‐stratified CU individuals (early‐CU, n = 2433; late‐CU, n = 6342) from the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center database were included. Fisher's exact tests compared EOAD and LOAD on the presence and severity of NPSs. Multiple logistic regression models included an age*diagnosis interaction to examine age effects.

RESULTS

Presence (ps < 0.0001) and severity (ps < 0.05) of NPS were greater in EOAD than in LOAD. However, after adjusting for base rates in NPS in CU individuals (age effects), only elation and eating behaviors were more frequent in EOAD (ps < 0.05) and nighttime behaviors more frequent and severe in LOAD (ps < 0.05).

DISCUSSION

Few NPSs were specific to the EOAD versus LOAD. Previous findings of greater NPS burden in EOAD may partially reflect age effects.

Highlights

Adjusting for age effect, elation and eating problems are more frequent in EOAD.

Adjusting for age effect, sleep disturbances are more frequent and severe in LOAD.

Age effects underlie higher neuropsychiatric symptom presentation in EOAD than in LOAD.
Self‐emulsifying anionic polyester sizing agents for enhancing the interfacial and mechanical properties of carbon fiber/vinyl ester resin composites
Authors: Geng Yizhi , Wang Xin , Niu Kangmin , Yang Chuncai
Published: July 2024

With the increasing emphasis on environmental protection, there is a growing focus on the synthesis of water‐solvent self‐emulsifying sizing agents. In this study, five types of anionic polyester sizing agents with varying molecular weights were synthesized to explore the effect of molecular weight on the interfacial bonding strength of carbon fiber (CF) reinforced vinyl resin composites. The results demonstrated that the molecular weights of the synthesized sizing agents were precise; the particles in the sizing agents were nanometer‐sized, monodisperse, and exhibited high thermal stability. When the molecular weight was 8000, it exhibited optimal wettability for CF, leading to a substantial improvement in the interlaminar shear strength, reaching 71.8 MPa, which represents a significant increase of 22.7% compared with commercial CFs (CFF). Additionally, the interfacial shear strength was maximized at 13.23 MPa, which was significantly increased by 14.2% compared with CCF. These significant improvements in surface properties and mechanical performance were attributed to the excellent wettability of the CF surface, effective spreading performance of the sizing agent, the presence of double bonds in the sizing agent facilitating reactions with free radicals on the CF surface, and the residual double bonds further undergoing curing with the vinyl resin, promoting the reinforcement of interface bonding.
Thermal and rheological properties and processability of thermoplastic lignocellulose
Authors: Tsegaye Bahiru , Westerberg Kristofer , Ström Anna , Hedenqvist Mikael S.
Published: July 2024

Fossil‐free biobased materials like thermoplastic lignocellulose are gaining attention because of climate issues. However, there is a challenge to make these as thermoplastic as commonly used thermoplastics. Arboform® is one of today's commercially available thermoplastic lignocellulose materials. In this work, the processability of this material was studied in detail and the effects of plasticizers on its processability, rheological, and mechanical properties were determined. Thermal/calorimetry analysis indicated that the processing temperature window was shifted to lower temperature with the use of tributyl citrate (TBC) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG 400) plasticizers, thus enabling extrusion at lower temperature. TBC and PEG 400 decreased both the glass transition temperature and melting point of the polylactide component. Surprisingly, they also affected the lignin component, as observed by the decreasing lignin decomposition temperature. It is observed that TBC and PEG400 lowered the stiffness of the compression molded material in the temperature range investigated (−30–180°C), and tensile tests in the presence of TBC revealed a decrease in ductility. Notable is that, in contrast to most thermoplastics, the Arboform® melt increases in viscosity and elastic moduli when the processing temperature was increased (from 180 to 200°C) or when processing time was increased.
A novel saturation degree‐dependent adaptive event‐triggered control for systems with asymmetric saturation
Authors: Li Hongchao , Jiang Qiancheng , Liu Jiao
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the control problem of systems with asymmetric saturation by the formulated saturation degree‐dependent event‐triggered mechanism. The subregion partition method is adopted to represent the asymmetric saturation as the symmetric saturation in each subregion. In order to further reduce the triggering number when the system is saturated and save the communication resources of the system, this paper establishes the saturation degree‐dependent adaptive event‐triggered condition. Then, the subregion‐related control law under the presented event‐triggered scheme is designed, and the asymptotic stabilization of the underlying system is realized. Moreover, an optimization algorithm is proposed to estimate the maximal domain of attraction. Finally, simulation examples are used to validate the theoretical results.
Effects of agmatine on radial‐arm maze memory performance and autistic‐like behaviors in a male rat model of autism
Authors: Parvan Mahdieh , Nozari Masoumeh , Shabani Mohammad , Nozari Hojat , Kohlmeier Kristi Anne , Mohammadi Somayeh
Published: July 2024

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the fastest‐growing child neuropsychiatric condition. Cognitive dysfunctions such as memory impairments are experienced by patients along with social disturbances and repetitive/stereotypic movements. We have used the radial arm maze (RAM), for measurement of working and reference memory errors in an animal model of autism. In addition, the potential effects of agmatine, an endogenous NMDA antagonist, on RAM performance and autistic‐like behaviors were assessed.

Methods

Autism was modeled by valproic acid (VPA) administration at gestational Day 12.5. Autism‐associated behaviors in male offspring were examined in an open field test (OFT) and three‐chambered test (TCT) on postnatal days 50–51. Thereafter, the animals were trained in the RAM (PND 55) until they attained the criteria of 80% correct choices during five consecutive trials. Forty‐eight hours after the acquisition of criteria, agmatine was injected 30 min before subsequent behavioral testing, which included the retention phase of the RAM, OFT, and TCT.

Results

VPA‐treated and intact rats showed the same performance in RAM, and acute injection of agmatine rescued social and anxiety‐like behavior induced by VPA without the effect on RAM.

Conclusion

In a rat model of autism, spatial learning, and memory did not change. Agmatine rescued social and anxiety‐like behavior in autistic animals.
The role of light emitting diode in wound healing: A systematic review of experimental studies
Authors: da Rocha Rebeca Barbosa , Araújo Dakson Douglas , Machado Fabrício dos Santos , Cardoso Vinicius Saura , Araújo Ana Jérsia , Marinho‐Filho José Delano Barreto
Published: July 2024

Wounds represent a growing global issue demanding increased attention. To expedite wound healing, technologies are under development, and light emitting diode (LED) devices of varying wavelengths are being explored for their stimulating influence on the healing process. This article presents a systematic literature review aiming to compile, organize, and analyze the impacts of LED devices on wound healing. This review is registered on the PROSPERO platform [CRD42023403870]. Two blinded authors conducted searches in the Pubmed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and ScienceDirect databases. In vitro and in vivo experimental studies assessing LED utilization in the wound healing process were included. The search yielded 1010 studies, of which 27 were included in the review. It was identified that LED stimulates different healing pathways, promoting enhanced cell proliferation and migration, angiogenesis stimulation, increased collagen deposition, and modulation of the inflammatory response. Thus, it can be concluded that the LED stimulates cellular and molecular processes contingent on the utilized parameters. The effects depend on the standards used. Cell migration and proliferation were better influenced by green and red LED. The extracellular matrix components and angiogenesis were regulated by all wavelengths and the modulation of inflammation was mediated by green, red, and infrared LEDs.
Biosynthesis of Halogenated Tryptophans for Protein Engineering Using Genetic Code Expansion
Authors: Guo Yiming , Cheng Linqi , Hu Yu , Zhang Mengxi , Liu Rui , Wang Yixian , Jiang Shiyu , Xiao Han
Published: July 2024

Genetic Code Expansion technology offers significant potential in incorporating noncanonical amino acids into proteins at precise locations, allowing for the modulation of protein structures and functions. However, this technology is often limited by the need for costly and challenging‐to‐synthesize external noncanonical amino acid sources. In this study, we address this limitation by developing autonomous cells capable of biosynthesizing halogenated tryptophan derivatives and introducing them into proteins using Genetic Code Expansion technology. By utilizing inexpensive halide salts and different halogenases, we successfully achieve the selective biosynthesis of 6‐chloro‐tryptophan, 7‐chloro‐tryptophan, 6‐bromo‐tryptophan, and 7‐bromo‐tryptophan. These derivatives are introduced at specific positions with corresponding bioorthogonal aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetase/tRNA pairs in response to the amber codon. Following optimization, we demonstrate the robust expression of proteins containing halogenated tryptophan residues in cells with the ability to biosynthesize these tryptophan derivatives. This study establishes a versatile platform for engineering proteins with various halogenated tryptophans.
Contrast‐enhanced excimer laser stepwise approach during PCI for resistant coronary lesions
Authors: Vizzari Giampiero , Caminiti Rodolfo , Ielasi Alfonso , Vetta Giampaolo , Parlavecchio Antonio , Mazzone Paolo , Sacchetta Giorgio , Magnocavallo Michele , Della Rocca Domenico Giovanni , Siviglia Massimo , Versace Antonio Giovanni , Contarini Marco , Micari Antonio
Published: July 2024

Background

The treatment of resistant coronary lesions (RCL) is a great challenge for interventional cardiologists. The excimer laser coronary atherectomy (ELCA) is a plaque modification tool based on a main mechanism of photomechanical effect leading to mechanical disruption of the plaque. Contrast dye injection during laser delivery has demonstrated to enhance its power.

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the contrast‐enhanced ELCA by a stepwise approach in the treatment of RCLs.

Methods

We retrospectively examined consecutive patients undergoing contrast‐enhanced ELCA‐assisted PCI between 2018 and 2021 at two Italian sites. RCLs were defined as novo or in‐stent undilatable/uncrossable with conventional balloons (SC/NC balloon).

The primary endpoint was ELCA technical success defined as the laser catheter crossing the entire length of the target lesion established by angiographic evidence of the catheter tip in the artery distal to the stenosis.

Results

We enrolled 114 patients who underwent contrast‐enhanced ELCA‐assisted PCI: 58% of the patients had acute coronary syndrome while the left anterior descending artery was the target vessel in 42.1% of cases. The target lesion was most commonly in‐stent (56.2%). The 0.9 mm ELCA catheter tip was employed in 89.5% of cases. The most used frequency/fluency profile was 70/70 (39.5%). The use of contrast‐enhanced ELCA was associated with high technical, procedural, and clinical success rates (97.4%, 93.7%, and 90.1%, respectively).

Conclusions

The contrast‐enhanced ELCA seems to be a safe and effective treatment option for the management of both de novo and in‐stent‐resistant coronary lesions.
Long‐term renal survival of γ3‐heavy‐chain deposition disease complicated by heart failure: A case report
Authors: Shi Shujun , He Kaiying , Liang Yaojun , Yue Shuling
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Heavy‐chain deposition disease (HCDD), a rare monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease, involves truncated heavy‐chain deposition in kidneys. Limited long‐term data exist. We report a case of renal and cardiac failure with favorable outcomes post bortezomib‐based therapy. Stable renal function observed over 4 years suggests efficacy in HCDD with multisystem involvement.

Heavy‐chain deposition disease (HCDD) is an extremely rare form of monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease (MIDD) that involves the deposition of truncated immunoglobulin heavy chains in the kidneys. Only a few cases of HCDD with a favorable long‐term renal prognosis have been reported, resulting in limited long‐term follow‐up data for this patient population. In this report, we present the case of a 52‐year‐old patient with nephrotic syndrome who experienced renal failure and cardiac failure. Renal biopsy confirmed the presence of γ3‐HCDD and monoclonal Immunoglobulin G (IgG)κ in the serum. The patient exhibited low voltage on electrocardiogram (ECG) and unexplained left ventricular hypertrophy on cardiac ultrasound. The patient underwent eight cycles of bortezomib‐based chemotherapy, which led to hematological remission. After 4 years of follow‐up, the patient's renal function remained stable, with serum creatinine levels ranging from 0.7 to 0.9 mg/dL and proteinuria of 0.3–0.5 g/24 h. Our findings suggest that bortezomib‐based chemotherapy is equally effective in HCDD patients with combined multisystem damage.
Malignant tracheoesophageal fistula treated with septal occluder device
Authors: Siddiqui Atif Saleem
Published: July 2024

Key Clinical Message

Septal occluder devices can be used with palliative intent to close tracheoesophageal fistulas and improve the quality of life of patients.
Steric Effect and Intrinsic Electrophilicity and Nucleophilicity from a Conceptual Density Functional Theory and Information‐Theoretic Approach as Quantitative Probes of Chemical Reactions
Authors: Wang Bin , Liu Shubin , Lei Ming , De Proft Frank
Published: July 2024

Appreciating reactivity in terms of physicochemical effects for chemical processes is one of the most important undertakings in chemistry. While transition state (TS) theory provides the framework enabling the reliable calculation of the barrier height for a given elementary step, analytical tools are necessary to gain insight into key factors governing the different processes during chemical reactions. In this contribution, we partition the potential energy surface of an elementary step along the intrinsic coordinate into three segments, the so‐called Pre‐TS, TS, and Post‐TS regions, and then determine the most important factors dictating each segment. This analysis is based on the use of both reactivity descriptors from conceptual density functional theory and concepts from the information‐theoretic approach in density functional theory. We found that in both Pre‐TS and Post‐TS regions, steric effects are the dominant factors, whereas in the TS region, it is the intrinsic electrophilic and nucleophilic propensity of the transition state structure that governs the reactivity. The wide applicability of our approach is shown by a validation for a total of 37 organic and inorganic reactions. This work thus, in our view, provides a novel perspective on how chemical reactivity can be quantified at different stages of chemical reactions.
Self‐Replication Without Hydrogen‐Bonds: An Exobiotic Design
Authors: Ams Mark R. , McAuliffe Joseph R. , Semenick Raina S. , Zeller Matt
Published: July 2024

Life on Earth uses DNA as the central template for self‐replication, genetic encoding, and information transfer. However, there are no physical laws precluding life's existence elsewhere in space, and alternative life forms may not need DNA. In the search for exobiology, knowing what to look for as a biosignature remains a challenge – especially if it is not from the obvious list of biologic building blocks. Clues from chemicals recently discovered on Mars and in the Taurus Molecular Cloud 1 (TMC‐1), show that intriguing organic compounds exist beyond Earth, which could provide a starting point for unconventional exobiotic designs. Here we present a new potential self‐replicating system with structural similarities to recently discovered compounds on Mars and TMC‐1. Rather than using DNA's hydrogen‐bonding motif for reliable base‐paring, our design employs sulfur‐nitrogen interactions to selectively template unique benzothiadiazole units in sequence. We synthesized and studied two versions of this system, one reversible and the other irreversible, and found experimental evidence of self‐replication in d‐chloroform solvent. These results are part of a larger pursuit in our lab for developing a basis for a potential exobiological system using starting blocks closely related to these cosmic compounds.
Development of new correlation for the prediction of power number for closed clearance impellers using machine learning methods trained on literature data
Authors: Joshi Sumit S. , Dalvi Vishwanath H. , Vitankar Vivek S. , Joshi Jyeshtharaj B. , Joshi Aniruddha J.
Published: July 2024

The accurate estimation of the power number for closed clearance impellers holds significant importance in industries such as chemical, biochemical, paper and pulp, as well as paints, pigments, and polymers. Existing state‐of‐the‐art correlations for predicting power numbers, however, are inaccurate for impeller Reynolds number . In this study, we compiled a dataset of 1470 data points from 15 research articles in the open literature, covering five types of impellers: (i) anchor; (ii) gate; (iii) single helical ribbon; (iv) double helical ribbon; and (v) helical ribbon with screw. Six machine learning models, namely artificial neural networks (ANN), CatBoost regressor, extra tree regressor, support vector regressor, random forest, and XGBoost regressor, were developed and compared. The results revealed that ANN emerged as the most efficient model, demonstrating the highest testing R2 value of 0.99 and the lowest testing MAPE of 7.3%. Further, we used the ANN model to develop a novel set of process correlations to estimate impeller power numbers for the industrially important anchor and double helical ribbon impellers: which significantly outperform the existing state‐of‐the‐art correlations available in literature.
Simulation of flow and heat transfer in high‐temperature and high‐pressure reservoir based on multi‐physical field coupling model at pore scale
Authors: Chen Hongwei , Sun Zheng , Li Yang , Su Haoyu
Published: July 2024

The use of irregular pore‐scale models to study heavy oil reservoirs with high‐temperature, high‐pressure, and high‐stress characteristics is effective. Previous studies have typically focused on regular models and conventional environmental reservoirs, with limited exploration of irregular models and reservoirs in extreme environments. In investigating the process of water displacing heavy oil within reservoirs under high‐temperature, high‐pressure, and high‐stress conditions at the pore scale, the utilization of the four‐parameter method creates a micro‐scale irregular porous media model. The model systematically considers the variation of physical properties of rocks and heavy oil with temperature. The results indicate that an appropriate increase in water injection rate or a decrease in reservoir contact angle will increase the recovery rate, temperature, and stress of the reservoir. At a displacement time of 0.3 s, with the water injection rate increasing from 0.004 to 0.01 m ∙ s−1, the reservoir's recovery degree experiences an increase of 0.091. Simultaneously, the average temperature and average stress of the reservoir increase by 29.66 K and 1.9464 × 109 N · m−2, respectively. At a displacement time of 0.3 s and with the contact angle decreasing from 2π/3 to π/3, the reservoir's recovery degree increases by 0.44537, and the average temperature and average stress of the reservoir increase by 2.87 K and 1.86 × 108 N · m−2, respectively.
The Association Between Late Gadolinium Enhancement by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance and Ventricular Arrhythmia in Patients With Mitral Valve Prolapse: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Tang Xiaofu , Fan Weiguo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Malignant ventricular arrhythmia (VA) and sudden cardiac death (SCD) have been reported in patients with mitral valve prolapse (MVP); however, effective risk stratification methods are still lacking. Myocardial fibrosis is thought to play an important role in the development of VA; however, observational studies have produced contradictory findings regarding the relationship between VA and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in MVP patients. The aim of this meta‐analysis and systematic review of observational studies was to investigate the association between left ventricular LGE and VA in patients with MVP.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from 1993 to 2023 to identify case–control, cross‐sectional, and cohort studies that compared the incidence of VA in patients with MVP who had left ventricular LGE and those without left ventricular LGE.

Results

A total of 1464 subjects with MVP from 12 observational studies met the eligibility criteria. Among them, VA episodes were reported in 221 individuals (15.1%). Meta‐analysis demonstrated that the presence of left ventricular LGE was significantly associated with an increased risk of VA (pooled risk ratio 2.96, 95% CI: 2.26−3.88, p for heterogeneity = 0.07, I2 = 40%). However, a meta‐regression analysis of the prevalence of mitral regurgitation (MR) showed that the severity of MR did not significantly affect the association between the occurrence of LGE and VA (p = 0.079).

Conclusion

The detection of LGE could be helpful for stratifying the risk of VA in patients with MVP.
Treatment with the SQ tree sublingual immunotherapy tablet is safe and well tolerated in real‐life
Authors: Pfaar Oliver , Wolf Hendrik , Reiber Rainer , Knulst André , Sidenius Kirsten , Mäkelä Mika J. , Steinsvåg Sverre , Janson Christer , van der Zwan Leonard , Uss Elena , Arvidsson Peter , Borchert Kathrin , Himmelhaus Helena , Wüstenberg Eike
Published: July 2024

Background

The SQ tree sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT)‐tablet is authorised for treatment of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis with or without asthma in trees of the birch homologous group in 21 European countries. The primary objective of this study was to explore the safety in real‐life.

Methods

In a prospective, non‐interventional post‐authorisation safety study (EUPAS31470), adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) at first administration and follow‐up visits, symptoms, medication use, and pollen food syndrome were recorded by physicians in 6 European countries during the first 4–6 months of treatment.

Results

ADRs with the SQ tree SLIT‐tablet were reported in 57.7% of 1069 total patients (median age 36.0 years, 53.7% female) during the entire observation period (severity, mild‐to‐moderate: 70.1%, severe: 4.7%, serious: 0.7%) and in 45.9% after first administration. ADRs were not increased with pollen exposure at first administration. With coadministration of the SQ tree and grass SLIT‐tablet AEs were reported in 73.8% of patients and in 52.8% with the SQ tree SLIT‐tablet alone. Nasal and eye symptoms improved in 86.9% and 80.9% of patients and use of symptomatic medication in 76.0%. PFS with symptoms was reported in 43.0% of patients at baseline and in 4.3% at the individual last visit.

Conclusions

The results of this non‐interventional safety study with the SQ tree SLIT‐tablet confirm the safety profile from placebo‐controlled clinical trials and support effectiveness in real‐life according to the published efficacy data. Safety was not impaired by pollen exposure at first administration or co‐administration with other SLIT‐tablets.
Role of actin‐binding proteins in cataract formation
Authors: Karakosta Christina , Samiotaki Martina , Panayotou George , Papakonstantinou Dimitrios , Moschos Marilita M.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Actin has been implicated in lens opacification; however, the specific actin‐related pathways involved in cataracts remain unelucidated. In this study, actin‐related proteome changes and signaling pathways involved in the development of cataracts were evaluated.

Methods

The anterior capsule and phacoemulsification (phaco) cassette contents were collected during cataract surgery from 11 patients with diabetic cataract (DC), 12 patients with age‐related cataract (ARC), and seven patients with post‐vitrectomy cataract (PVC). Untargeted, global identification and quantification of proteins was performed through liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry with the data‐independent acquisition (DIA).

Results

In phaco cassette samples, proteins with significantly lower expression in ARC than in DC and PVC were involved in various pathways, including actin binding, actin cytoskeleton reorganization, actin filament capping, cortical actin cytoskeleton organization, and small GTPase‐mediated signal transduction pathways. In anterior capsules, proteins with significantly lower expression in ARC than in DC and PVC were involved in actin binding and actin cytoskeleton reorganization pathways.

Conclusion

Actin cytoskeleton and actin‐binding proteins are involved in lens fiber elongation and differentiation. Rho GTPases contribute to actin cytoskeletal reorganization, and their inactivation is linked to abnormal lens fiber migration. These findings link actin binding to lens fiber integrity, lens opacification, and cataracts.
Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared spectroscopy for in vitro protein digestibility measurement of pulse crops
Authors: Madurapperumage Amod , Windsor Nathan , Johnson Nathan , Thavarajah Pushparajah , Tang Leung , Thavarajah Dil
Published: July 2024

The standard method of estimating in vitro protein digestibility, the protein digestibility corrected amino acid score (PDCAAS) assay, does not support the expected workflow of a pulse breeding program. This is mainly due to its low‐throughput design and long processing time (∼16–24 h) per sample. Fourier‐transform mid‐infrared (FT‐MIR) spectroscopy has been developed as a high‐throughput phenotyping tool to estimate protein digestibility in pulses. The mid‐infrared region representing the amide I band (1756.81–1586.27 cm−1) was utilized to perform chemometric modeling with partial least squares regression (PLSR) to estimate in vitro protein digestibility in dry pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) flours. The root mean square error of predictions of the developed PLSR models for dry pea, lentil, and chickpea were 0.00039, 0.00024, and 0.00017, respectively. Phenotyping with the FT‐MIR approach is more rapid than with the PDCAAS assay and estimates protein digestibility from the flour of a single seed in a shorter time (∼1–2 min). The FT‐MIR approach is robust as the spectroscopic data are consistent and chemically fingerprint this nutritional trait. Accordingly, FT‐MIR can resolve the phenotypic bottleneck of pulse breeding related to in vitro protein digestibility measurements by enabling a high‐throughput phenotyping workflow.
Model‐Assisted Optimization of Xylose, Arabinose, Glucose, Mannose, Galactose and Real Hemicellulose Streams Dehydration To (Hydroxymethyl)Furfural and Levulinic Acid
Authors: Jakob Ana , Likozar Blaž , Grilc Miha
Published: July 2024

Conversion of hemicellulose streams and the constituent monosaccharides, xylose, arabinose, glucose, mannose, and galactose, was conducted to produce value‐added chemicals, including furfural, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), levulinic acid and anhydrosugars. The study aimed at developing a kinetic model relevant for direct post‐Organosolv hemicellulose conversion. Monosaccharides served as a tool to in detail describe the kinetic behavior and segregate contribution of hydrothermal decomposition and acid catalyzed dehydration at the temperature range of 120–190 °C. Catalyst free aqueous media demonstrated enhanced formation of furanics, while elevated temperatures led to significant saccharide isomerization. The introduction of sulfuric and formic acids maximized furfural yield and significantly reduced HMF concentration by facilitating its rehydration into levulinic acid (46 mol%). Formic acid additionally substantially enhanced formation of anhydrosaccharides. An excellent correlation between modeled and experimental data enabled process optimization to maximize furanic yield in two distinct hemicellulose streams. Sulfuric acid‐containing hemicellulose stream achieved the highest furfural yield after 30 minutes at 238 °C, primarily due to the high Ea for pentose dehydration (150–160 kJ mol−1). Contrarily, formic acid‐containing hemicellulose stream enabled maximal furfural yield at more moderate temperature and extended reaction time due to its lower Ea for the same reaction step (115–125 kJ mol−1).