bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate suitability analyses compare the distributions of invasive knotweeds in Europe and North America with the source localities of their introduced biological control agents
Authors: Andersen Jeremy C. , Elkinton Joseph S.
Published: September 2023

Climate suitability analyses based on ecological niche modeling provide a powerful tool for biological control practitioners to assess the likelihood of establishment of different candidate agents prior to their introduction in the field. These same analyses could also be performed to understand why some agents establish more easily than others. The release of three strains of Aphalara itadori (Shinji) (Hemiptera: Pysllidae), each from a different source locality in Japan, for the biological control of invasive knotweed species, Reynoutria spp. Houtt. (Caryophyllales: Polygonaceae), provides an important opportunity to compare the utility of climate suitability analyses for identifying potential climate‐based limitations for successful biological control introductions. Here, we predict climate suitability envelopes for three target species of knotweed in Europe and two target species of knotweed in North America and compare these suitability estimates for each of these species to the source localities of each A. itadori strain. We find that source locality of one strain, the Kyushu strain, has little‐to‐no suitability compared to other locations in Japan based on knotweed records from Europe, supporting an earlier study based on North American Japanese knotweed records. The source locality of a second strain, the Murakami strain, was predicted to have medium‐to‐high suitability based on records of knotweeds from North America. In contrast, European records of Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková and Reynoutria sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai predicted no suitability for this locality compared to other locations in Japan, while European records for Reynoutria japonica Houtt. predicted low suitability. The source locality of the final strain, the Hokkaido strain, was predicted as having medium‐to‐high suitability based on knotweed records of all examined species from both North America and Europe.
Field sampling of fig pollinator wasps across host species and host developmental phase: Implications for host recognition and specificity
Authors: Oldenbeuving Aafke , Gómez‐Zúniga Adalberto , Florez‐Buitrago Ximena , Gutiérrez‐Zuluaga Ana M. , Machado Carlos A. , Van Dooren Tom J. M. , van Alphen Jacques , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , Herre Edward Allen
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Previous genetic studies of pollinator wasps associated with a community of strangler figs (Ficus subgenus Urostigma, section Americana) in Central Panama suggest that the wasp species exhibit a range in host specificity across their host figs. To better understand factors that might contribute to this observed range of specificity, we used sticky traps to capture fig‐pollinating wasp individuals at 13 Ficus species, sampling at different phases of the reproductive cycle of the host figs (e.g., trees with receptive inflorescences, or vegetative trees, bearing only leaves). We also sampled at other tree species, using them as non‐Ficus controls. DNA barcoding allowed us to identify the wasps to species and therefore assign their presence and abundance to host fig species and the developmental phase of that individual tree. We found: (1) wasps were only very rarely captured at non‐Ficus trees; (2) nonetheless, pollinators were captured often at vegetative individuals of some host species; (3) overwhelmingly, wasp individuals were captured at receptive host fig trees representing the fig species from which they usually emerge. Our results indicate that wasp occurrence is not random either spatially or temporally within the forest and across these hosts, and that wasp specificity is generally high, both at receptive and vegetative host trees. Therefore, in addition to studies that show chemicals produced by receptive fig inflorescences attract pollinator wasps, we suggest that other cues (e.g., chemicals produced by the leaves) can also play a role in host recognition. We discuss our results in the context of recent findings on the role of host shifts in diversification processes in the Ficus genus.
The potential predictive value of cardiac mechanics for left ventricular reverse remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kan Ao , Fang Qimin , Li Shuhao , Liu Wenying , Tao Xinwei , Huang Kaiyao , Hu Mengyao , Feng Zhaofeng , Gong Lianggeng
Published: September 2023

Aims

Left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) is an important objective of optimal medical management for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients, as it is associated with favourable long‐term outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can comprehensively assess cardiac structure and function. We aimed to assess the CMR parameters at baseline and investigate independent variables to predict LVRR in DCM patients.

Methods and results

Nighty‐eight initially diagnosed DCM patients who underwent CMR and echocardiography examinations at baseline were included. CMR parameters and feature tracking (FT) based left ventricular (LV) global strain (nStrain) and nStrain indexed to LV cardiac mass index (rStrain) were measured. The predictors of LVRR were determined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CMR parameters and were compared by the DeLong test. At a median follow‐up time of 9 [interquartile range, 7–12] months, 35 DCM patients (36%) achieved LVRR. The patients with LVRR had lower LV volume, mass, LGE extent and stroke volume index (LVSVi) and higher left ventricular remodelling index (LVRI), nStrains, rStrains, and peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) in the longitudinal direction and rStrains in the circumferential direction at baseline (all P < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, LVRI [per SD, odds ratio (OR) 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–2.98; P = 0.024] and the ratio of global longitudinal peak strain (rGLPS) (per SD, OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.18–3.01; P = 0.008) were independent predictors of LVRR. The combination of LVSVi, LVRI, and rGLPS had a greater area under the curve (AUC) than the combination of LVSVi and LVRI (0.75 vs. 0.68), but not significantly (P = 0.09).

Conclusions

Patients with LVRR had a lower LV volume index, lower LVSV index, lower LGE extent, higher LVRI, and preserved myocardial deformation in the longitudinal direction at baseline. LVRI and rGLPS at baseline were independent determinants of LVRR.
Lewis Acid Catalysed Chemoselective Amination of Alcohols Using Heterocyclic Thiones: An Avenue to Thiotetrazole Derivatives
Authors: Kataky Sudhamoyee , Boruah Pikumoni , Thakur Ashim J.
Published: September 2023

Herein,a protocol for the chemoselective formation of C−N bond using Cu(OTf)2 as catalyst has been described using heterocyclic thiones. The reaction occurs preferentially at the nitrogen centre over the sulphur atom leading to C−N bond formation. Water being the only by‐product, the reaction is environmentally friendly. The reaction proceeds without any additive, ligand or inert atmosphere and shows good tolerance towards variety of alcohols and thiotetrazole derivatives. Our developed protocol could be scaled up to gram scale efficiently, which highlights the efficacy of this method and might offer potential application in synthetic industry.
Synthesis of a N‐heterocyclic Olefin‐Ligated Pd Complex [(NHO)Pd{[2‐(CH3O)C6H4]3P}Cl2] as a Catalyst for Suzuki−Miyaura Coupling
Authors: Ando Shin , Tanaka Ayako , Ishizuka Tadao
Published: September 2023

N‐heterocyclic olefin (NHO) is known as a highly electron‐donative ligand, but its application to metal catalysts has rarely been studied. In this study, we synthesized 2‐methyleneimidazolidine ligands equipped with a bicyclic frameworks with the goal of developing a NHO‐ligated Pd catalyst. These synthesized [(NHO)PdCl(μ‐Cl)]2 complexes had a phosphine co‐ligand that proved effective as a catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling at ambient temperature. By optimizing the N‐substituents of NHO ligands and a phosphine co‐ligand, we developed a [(NHO)Pd{[2‐(CH3O)C6H4]3P}Cl2] complex as a catalyst that shows good catalytic activity.
Handling heat‐stable salts in post‐combustion CO2 capture: A detailed survey
Authors: Emori Wilfred , Udoh Inime I. , Ekerenam Okpo O. , Ikeuba Alexander I. , Etim IniIbehe N. , Njoku Chigoziri N. , Daniel Enobong F. , Njoku Demian I. , Uzoma Paul C. , Kolawole Sharafadeen K. , Olanrele Olajire S.
Published: September 2023

The generation of heat‐stable salts (HSSs) in alkanolamine solutions for CO2 capture processes, which is adapted for power plant technologies, exists irrespective of the class of amine solution used for the capture process. Their presence do not only trigger decrements in the CO2 absorption capacities of the solvents and contribute to further alkanolamine degradation, but also result in foaming and loss of solvents, which impacts system economics and threatens the environment. HSSs also promote the corrosiveness of the metallic structures of capture systems by lowering the pH and increasing the conductivity of the absorbent solutions. Overall, these effects substantially subvert the reliability and integrity of CO2 capture units. This survey affords sufficient background on the existence of HSSs by unraveling the flow process in a typical alkanolamine‐based CO2 capture unit with respect to their formation points and potential threats. Furthermore, the major HSSs removal and alkanolamine reclamation methodologies (electrodialysis, distillation, ion exchange, electromagnetic separation, and solvent extraction) were comprehensively explored. We believe that this review paper will benefit researchers across disciplines as we continue to explore new and complex solvent formulations to minimize the cost of CO2 capture while maximizing efficiency. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rural postsecondary encouragement through a land grant university county extension office
Authors: Musoba Glenda Droogsma , Lopez Juan
Published: September 2023

Rural students graduate from high school at higher rates but go to college at lower rate than their urban and suburban peers. To take on the educational attainment challenge for rural students, we need to know more about postsecondary encouragement programs. This study examined a pilot postsecondary encouragement program in 11 rural high schools with two questions: How do high school counselors support students’ plans for life after high school through a land‐grant outreach program? How is a university outreach program utilized in these schools? This qualitative case study used 17 individual interviews with school counselors and county extension agents. According to school counselors, the postsecondary encouragement program increased financial aid applications and student interest in college going. County extension agents were a trusted bridge between the program and the local high schools. Tracking student milestones helped school counselors serve all students, and program experts provided workshops for students and parents. Campus visits helped students visualize themselves as college students, yet financial concerns dominated the students’ college choices.

Practical Takeaways

Postsecondary encouragement through information from experts combined with local support can be a cost‐effective intervention to increase rural students’ college going.

Counselors tracking all students for college and career readiness milestones ensure all students are given the message that they are college material, a predictor of enrollment.

Counselors and students lack clear information about costs and financial aid availability, but these are important to rural families’ decisions.

Local county extension agents can serve as the bridge between the rural student population and the 4‐year universities. Extension agents and school counselors gave credibility to outside experts.
Impact of propofol versus sevoflurane anesthesia on molecular subtypes and immune checkpoints of glioma during surgery
Authors: Cen Shenghua , Yang Guocai , Bao Hongyan , Yu Ze , Liang Lei
Published: September 2023

Background

Sevoflurane and propofol are two popular anesthetics used during glioblastoma (GBM) surgery. This investigation compared the molecular subtypes and immune checkpoints of cancer cells following GBM surgery under sevoflurane and propofol anesthesia.

Method

The expression profile data and clinical information of glioma samples of different grades were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis was used to identify hub modules and key genes related to glioma grades (G2 and G3). The GEO database (GSE179004) was used to retrieve glioma surgical specimens with different anesthetic gene expression profiles. The differential expression of immune checkpoint genes under various anesthetic settings was examined using the R‐ggplot2.

Results

Compared to sevoflurane, propofol significantly downregulated SERPINI1 and CAMK2A expression. These are also important factors in glioma grading. Simultaneously, SERPINI1 and CAMK2A were also significantly related to the prognosis of GBM and lower‐grade glioma patients and acted as potential tumor suppressors. In addition, propofol increases the expression of the immune checkpoint molecule, PD‐L1.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that sevoflurane can more effectively prevent the development of glioma after surgery than propofol, and SERPINI1 can be used as a new independent prognostic factor for glioma.
Identifying suicide documentation in clinical notes through zero‐shot learning
Authors: Workman Terri Elizabeth , Goulet Joseph L. , Brandt Cynthia A. , Warren Allison R. , Eleazer Jacob , Skanderson Melissa , Lindemann Luke , Blosnich John R. , O'Leary John , Zeng‐Treitler Qing
Published: September 2023

Background and Aims

In deep learning, a major difficulty in identifying suicidality and its risk factors in clinical notes is the lack of training samples given the small number of true positive instances among the number of patients screened. This paper describes a novel methodology that identifies suicidality in clinical notes by addressing this data sparsity issue through zero‐shot learning. Our general aim was to develop a tool that leveraged zero‐shot learning to effectively identify suicidality documentation in all types of clinical notes.

Methods

US Veterans Affairs clinical notes served as data. The training data set label was determined using diagnostic codes of suicide attempt and self‐harm. We used a base string associated with the target label of suicidality to provide auxiliary information by narrowing the positive training cases to those containing the base string. We trained a deep neural network by mapping the training documents’ contents to a semantic space. For comparison, we trained another deep neural network using the identical training data set labels, and bag‐of‐words features.

Results

The zero‐shot learning model outperformed the baseline model in terms of area under the curve, sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value at multiple probability thresholds. In applying a 0.90 probability threshold, the methodology identified notes documenting suicidality but not associated with a relevant ICD‐10‐CM code, with 94% accuracy.

Conclusion

This method can effectively identify suicidality without manual annotation.
Maternal diabetes following gestational diabetes: Does multiple gestation multiply the risk?
Authors: Wainstock Tamar , Yoles Israel , Sergienko Ruslan , Sheiner Eyal
Published: September 2023

Objective

To assess whether the risk for future diabetes is higher among women diagnosed with gestational diabetes (GD) during twin versus singleton gestations.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was performed including all women who delivered at a tertiary medical center between the years 1991 and 2021 and had at least one GD diagnosis. The first GD diagnosis per women was defined as the index pregnancy. Women diagnosed with GD during multiple gestations were compared with women diagnosed with GD during singleton gestations. The outcomes included first hemoglobin A1C (Hba1C) level > 6.4 mg/dL post partum, and the highest level measured during the follow‐up period of up to 30 years. Multivariable logistic and Cox proportional analysis were used to compare the risk between the two groups while adjusting for confounding variables.

Results

The current study included 13 770 mothers, with 458 patients (3.3%) diagnosed with GD during twin gestations and 13 312 (96.7%) during singleton gestations. The mean follow‐up was 12.25 ± 9.3 years. Mothers of both groups did not differ in age at index pregnancy; however, mothers of twins were more likely to conceive following fertility treatments. Incidence of diabetes and prediabetes (defined as Hba1C > 6.4 and >5.7, respectively) were lower among the twin‐gestation group, both during the 6‐month postpartum period (for diabetes: 15.5% vs 22.1%; odds ratio [OR], 0.65 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.46–0.91]) and during the long‐term follow‐up (for diabetes: 31.8% vs 40.7%; OR, 0.68 [95% CI, 0.52–0.88]). These results remained significant in the multivariable analysis, while accounting for age, ethnicity, and fertility treatments.

Conclusion

GD diagnosis during multiple versus singleton gestations is associated with a lower risk for future diabetes.
Biosynthesis and characterization of selenium nanoparticles from Andrographis alata: Assessment of their potential antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti‐Alzheimer's and wound healing properties
Authors: Gong Wei , Li Xiaoyun
Published: September 2023

Recently, there has been a lot of focus on the environmentally friendly, specifically plant‐based, synthesis of nanoparticles. The extract of leaves from Andrographis alata (A. alata) was used in the current work as a reducing agent to create selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs), which will be used in biological applications (antibacterial, antioxidant and antidiabetic, anti‐Alzheimer's and wound healing properties). As part of detailed characterization, the UV–Vis spectra showed an absorption peak at 274 nm with a size in the range of 55–75 nm were shown in morphological investigations using EDS, DLS and SEM analysis to have crystalline spherical‐shaped structures. Against several harmful bacterial strains, SeNPs demonstrated a remarkable antibacterial effectiveness. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of synthesized SeNPs completely prevented the development of various pathogens. Furthermore, bio‐reduced SeNPs showed high cholinesterase inhibition efficacy and good antipotential Alzheimer's. According to the current research, treatment with biosynthesized SeNPs stimulates faster wound healing in NIH3T3 murine fibroblast cell lines without cytotoxicity. Different in vitro biological experiments also showed that, when compared with the extract of A. alata, bio‐reduced SeNPs had considerable antibacterial, antioxidant effects, antidiabetic, anti‐Alzheimer's and wound healing. In general, the findings demonstrate the efficacy and prospective therapeutic uses of SeNPs.
Facile synthesis of neodymium vanadate nanoribbons and its application to highly efficient determination of cadmium ions
Authors: Cong Qianmin , Wang Xiaoyu , Feng Chenxu , Sun Zizhan , Cai Chenxi , Fan Chuangang , Pei Lizhai
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Cadmium ions may be discarded to the environment with living organisms from fossil fuel combustion, phosphate fertilizer and battery industries. It is urgent and essential to develop a sensitive and rapid method for monitoring Cd2+ level in aquatic environments and biological systems. Neodymium vanadate possesses good catalytic performance for the electrocatalysis of heavy metal ions. Single crystalline Nd vanadate nanoribbons were obtained by a facile approach and used as electrode materials for electrochemical detection of Cd2+.

RESULTS

The Nd nanoribbons with tetragonal NdVO4 phase possess length, width and thickness of longer than 10 μm, 200 nm to 1.5 μm and 50 nm, respectively. Nd vanadate nanoribbons can serve as a good electron transfer interface. An anodic peak is located at +0.56 V at the Nd vanadate nanoribbon‐modified electrode in 0.1 mol L−1 KCl electrolyte containing 1 mmol L−1 Cd2+ by square wave voltammetry technique. The Nd vanadate nanoribbon‐modified electrode exhibits a linear range of 0.01–1000 μmol L−1 and a detection limit of 0.29 nmol L−1, with good stability, reproducibility and selectivity for Cd2+ detection.

CONCLUSION

The optimal measurement conditions including the pH value of the KCl solution, deposition time, deposition potential and standing time, which are pH 1, 180 s, −1.0 V and 60 s, respectively. The Nd vanadate nanoribbon‐modified electrode shows great application potential for detecting heavy metal ions in liquid environments. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Daratumumab‐based induction and autologous transplantation in concomitant multiple myeloma and chronic myeloid leukemia
Authors: Liberatore Carmine , Fioritoni Francesca , Natale Annalisa , Montanaro Guido , La Barba Gaetano , Passeri Cecilia , Iuliani Ornella , Fabi Bianca , Baldoni Stefano , Fantasia Donatella , Calabrese Giuseppe , Accorsi Patrizia , Santarone Stella , Pulini Stefano , Di Ianni Mauro
Published: September 2023

The coexistence of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and multiple myeloma (MM) is a rare clinical condition. By means of FISH and molecular analysis on both sorted CD138 plasma cells and cryopreserved CD34 stem cells, a distinct clonal origin of the hematological malignancies was demonstrated in our case. We report on the first patient diagnosed with CML and MM treated with daratumumab, bortezomib, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (Dara‐VTd) induction, stem‐cell collection, and autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). The co‐administration of Dara‐VTd and imatinib proved feasible and highly effective in the management of both CML and MM. Despite concerns with stem cell mobilization and collection in patients exposed to daratumumab, in our experience the use of higher cyclophosphamide dose 4 g/m2 together with plerixafor granted optimal stem cell mobilization and collection, irrespective of daratumumab, concomitant myeloid neoplasm, and imatinib. Moreover, ASCT was easily performed with a rapid hematological reconstitution.
Patients with primary carnitine deficiency treated with L‐carnitine are alive and doing well—A 10‐year follow‐up in the Faroe Islands
Authors: Abrahamsen Rannvá K. , Lund Allan M. , Rasmussen Jan
Published: September 2023

Primary carnitine deficiency (PCD) can be lethal. Carnitine is essential for the transfer of long‐chain fatty acids across the inner mitochondrial membrane for β‐oxidation. The reported prevalence of PCD in the Faroe Islands of 1:300 is the highest in the world. The Faroese PCD patient cohort has been closely monitored and we now report results from a 10‐year follow‐up study of 139 PCD patients. Four patients have died of natural causes since diagnosis. There were no signs of cardiac complications related to PCD. 70.5% reported an effect of L‐carnitine treatment. 33.7% reported current symptoms with fatigue and low stamina being the most common. 65.1% had experienced side effects during L‐carnitine treatment. Most common side effects were fish odor, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. The overall mean L‐carnitine dosage was 66.3 mg/kg/day. Free p‐carnitine was similar between male and female patients on L‐carnitine—18.6 and 18.8 μmol/L, respectively. L‐carnitine supplementation seems to be a safe and effective treatment when suffering from PCD. PCD patients in the Faroe Islands are alive and doing well more than 10 years after diagnosis.
Spectroscopic, quantum chemical investigation and molecular docking studies on N‐(2‐benzoylamino) phenyl benzamide: A novel SARS‐CoV‐2 drug
Authors: Pushpam S. , Christopher Jeyaseelan S. , Jesintha Rani R. , Hussain Shamima , Milton Franklin Benial A.
Published: September 2023

The present work describes the structural and spectral properties of N‐(2‐benzoylamino) phenyl benzamide (NBPB). The geometrical parameters of NBPB molecule such as bond lengths, bond angles and dihedral angles are calculated and compared with experimental values. The assigned vibrational wave numbers are in good agreement with the experimental FTIR and FT Raman spectra. The vibrational frequency of C=O stretching was downshifted to a lower wave number (red shift) due to mesomeric effect. The UV–Vis spectrum of the title compound was simulated and validated experimentally. The energy gap and charge transfer interaction of the title molecule were studied using frontier molecular orbital analysis. The electrophilic and nucleophilic reactivity sites of NBPB were investigated through the analysis of the molecular electrostatic potential surface and the Fukui function. An assessment of the intramolecular stabilization interactions of the molecule was performed using natural bond orbital analysis. The drug‐likeness parameter was calculated. To investigate the inhibitory potential of the molecule, molecular docking analysis was conducted against SARS‐CoV‐2 proteins, revealing its capability to serve as a novel inhibitor against SARS‐CoV‐2. The high binding affinity of NBPB molecule was due to the presence of hydrogen bonds along with different hydrophobic interactions between the drug and the SARS‐CoV‐2 protein receptor. Hence, the title molecule is identified to be a potential candidate for SARS‐CoV‐2.
Metarhizium pingshaense photolyase expression and virulence to Rhipicephalus microplus after UV‐B exposure
Authors: de Lima Pamella Pryscila de A. B. M. , Fiorotti Jessica , Paulino Patrícia G. , Corval Amanda R. da C. , Mesquita Emily , Corrêa Thaís A. , Lopes Adriani da S. C. , Oliveira Rafael José V. de , Santos Huarrisson A. , Bittencourt Vânia R. E. P. , Angelo Isabele da C. , Golo Patrícia S.
Published: September 2023

The current study examined the impact of ultraviolet (UV)‐B radiation in Metarhizium pingshaense blastospores' photolyase expression and their virulence against Rhipicephalus microplus. Blastospores were exposed to UV under laboratory and field conditions. Ticks were treated topically with fungal suspension and exposed to UV‐B in the laboratory for three consecutive days. The expression of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimmers (CPDs)‐photolyase gene maphr1‐2 in blastospores after UV exposure followed by white light exposure was accessed after 0, 8, 12, 24, 36, and 48 h. Average relative germination of blastospores 24 h after in vitro UV exposure was 8.4% lower than 48 h. Despite this, the relative germination of blastospores exposed to UV in the field 18 h (95.7 ± 0.3%) and 28 h (97.3 ± 0.8%) after exposure were not different (p > 0.05). Ticks treated with fungus and not exposed to UV exhibited 0% survival 10 days after the treatment, while fungus‐treated ticks exposed to UV exhibited 50 ± 11.2% survival. Expression levels of maphr1‐2 8, 12, and 24 h after UV‐B exposure were not different from time zero. Maphr1‐2 expression peak in M. pingshaense blastospores occurred 36 h after UV‐B exposure, in the proposed conditions and times analyzed, suggesting repair mechanisms other than CPD‐mediated‐photoreactivation might be leading blastospores' germination from 0 to 24 h.
Selection of yeast strains in naturally fermented cured meat as promising starter cultures for fermented cured beef, a traditional fermented meat product of northern China
Authors: Zhang Qiuhui , Shen Jialong , Meng Gaoge , Wang Han , Liu Chang , Zhu Chaozhi , Zhao Gaiming , Tong Lin
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND

Fermented meat products are meat products with a unique flavor, color, and texture as well as an extended shelf life under natural or artificially controlled conditions. Microorganisms or enzymes are used to ferment the raw meat so that it undergoes a series of biochemical and physical changes. Common fermentation strains are lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, staphylococci, molds, and so forth. Studies on the inhibitory effect of yeast fermentation strain on N‐nitrosamines in fermented meat products have not been reported. Two excellent yeast starters were identified to solve the problem of nitrosamines in fermented meat products.

RESULTS

Meyerozyma guilliermondii and Debaryomyces hansenii led to weak acid production, strong resistance to NaCl and NaNO2, and high tolerance to low acidic conditions. The inoculated fermented beef exhibited decreased lightness, moisture content, water activity, pH, protein content, nitrite content, and N‐nitrosamine content in comparison with the control group fermented bacon. M. guilliermondii had a better effect, reducing pH from 5.69 to 5.41, protein content from 254.24 to 221.92 g·kg−1, nitrite content from 28.61 to 25.33 mg·kg−1 and N‐nitrosamine by 18.97%, and giving the fermented beef the desired meat color, mouthfeel, odor, taste, and tissue quality.

CONCLUSION

In this study, two strains of yeast fermenters that can degrade N‐nitrosamine precursors were identified, which to some extent solves the problem of the high risk of generating nitrosamines such as N‐nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) by processing fermented meat products with nitrites as precursors. These two strains are likely to be used as starter cultures for fermented meat products. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Determination of ticagrelol in rat plasma and tablets by micellar electrokinetic chromatography coupled with large volume sample stacking: Application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Zayed Sahar , Belal Fathalla
Published: September 2023

A method using micellar electrokinetic chromatography coupled with large‐volume sample stacking for the determination of ticagrelol was developed and validated. The analysis was performed in a fused silica capillary (41.5 cm effective length, 50 μm diameter) with ultraviolet detection at 195 nm. The background electrolytes were 30 mM phosphate buffer of pH 3.0 with 120 mM sodium dodecylsulfate and 10 % (v/v) acetonitrile (120 s X 50 mbar; 20°C; ‐18 kV) and 30 mM borate buffer of pH 8.5 with 75 mM sodium dodecylsulfate (120 s X 50 mbar; 20°C; 25 kV); under acidic and alkaline conditions, respectively. The method was found to be reliable with respect to specificity, linearity of the calibration line (R2 > 0.99), repeatability (relative standard deviation 2.56%–3.34%), and accuracy (recovery in the range 101.21%–102.67%). The limits of detection and quantitation were 0.032, 0.071, and 0.087, 0.188 μg/mL, respectively. The method was successfully applied for the determination of ticagrelol concentrations in rat plasma and tablets with good recoveries and reproducibility. The presented method proved to be suitable for monitoring ticagrelor in rat plasma.
Risk factors and management strategies of inadvertent facial nerve stimulation in cochlear implant recipients: A systematic review
Authors: Alahmadi Asma , Abdelsamad Yassin , Yousef Medhat , Alhabib Salman F , Alshalan Afrah , Hamed Nezar , Alzhrani Farid
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To systematically review the prevalence and risk factors of inadvertent facial nerve stimulation (FNS) after cochlear implant (CI) surgery. And to report the different management strategies used for reducing and resolving FNS.

Data Source

Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Virtual Health Library (VHL) of the World Health Organization (WHO).

Review Methods

A systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) on studies that reported FNS as a complication after CI. A comprehensive electronic search strategy was used to identify the relevant articles. We extracted the data on the prevalence of FNS after CI activation, the reported grades, and the management strategies. The number of associated electrodes; cause of deafness; co‐anomalies; and duration of hearing loss and their relationships with FNS were also studied.

Results

Twenty‐one relevant articles were included in this review. The prevalence of FNS among the CI populations was 5.29% (175/3306 patients). Among those whose ages were reported, 58.3% (95/163) were adults, and 41.7% (68/163) were pediatrics. Modifying the different fitting parameters was the most used strategy, as it successfully resolved FNS in 85.5% of the patients (142/166). The second commonly used management strategy was surgical intervention (reimplantation or explantation), which was reported in seven studies for 23 patients.

Conclusion

FNS after CI activation could be controlled and resolved with many advances that range from readjusting the fitting parameters to surgical intervention. However, further studies are required to validate the efficacy of each management strategy and its impact on patients' performance. Our findings demonstrate that CI recipients with FNS could still benefit from the CI devices and their FNS could be controlled.
Use of tree‐based machine learning methods to screen affinitive peptides based on docking data
Authors: Feng Hua , Wang Fangyu , Li Ning , Xu Qian , Zheng Guanming , Sun Xuefeng , Hu Man , Li Xuewu , Xing Guangxu , Zhang Gaiping
Published: September 2023

Screening peptides with good affinity is an important step in peptide‐drug discovery. Recent advancement in computer and data science have made machine learning a useful tool in accurately affinitive‐peptide screening. In current study, four different tree‐based algorithms, including Classification and regression trees (CART), C5.0 decision tree (C50), Bagged CART (BAG) and Random Forest (RF), were employed to explore the relationship between experimental peptide affinities and virtual docking data, and the performance of each model was also compared in parallel. All four algorithms showed better performances on dataset pre‐scaled, ‐centered and ‐PCA than other pre‐processed dataset. After model re‐built and hyperparameter optimization, the optimal C50 model (C50O) showed the best performances in terms of Accuracy, Kappa, Sensitivity, Specificity, F1, MCC and AUC when validated on test data and an unknown PEDV datasets evaluation (Accuracy=80.4 %). BAG and RFO (the optimal RF), as two best models during training process, did not performed as expecting during in testing and unknown dataset validations. Furthermore, the high correlation of the predictions of RFO and BAG to C50O implied the high stability and robustness of their prediction. Whereas although the good performance on unknown dataset, the poor performance in test data validation and correlation analysis indicated CARTO could not be used for future data prediction. To accurately evaluate the peptide affinity, the current study firstly gave a tree‐model competition on affinitive peptide prediction by using virtual docking data, which would expand the application of machine learning algorithms in studying PepPIs and benefit the development of peptide therapeutics.
Assessing mechanisms for microbial taxa and community dynamics using process models
Authors: Wu Linwei , Yang Yunfeng , Ning Daliang , Gao Qun , Yin Huaqun , Xiao Naija , Zhou Benjamin Y. , Chen Si , He Qiang , Zhou Jizhong
Published: September 2023

Disentangling the assembly mechanisms controlling community composition, structure, distribution, functions, and dynamics is a central issue in ecology. Although various approaches have been proposed to examine community assembly mechanisms, quantitative characterization is challenging, particularly in microbial ecology. Here, we present a novel approach for quantitatively delineating community assembly mechanisms by combining the consumer–resource model with a neutral model in stochastic differential equations. Using time‐series data from anaerobic bioreactors that target microbial 16S rRNA genes, we tested the applicability of three ecological models: the consumer–resource model, the neutral model, and the combined model. Our results revealed that model performances varied substantially as a function of population abundance and/or process conditions. The combined model performed best for abundant taxa in the treatment bioreactors where process conditions were manipulated. In contrast, the neutral model showed the best performance for rare taxa. Our analysis further indicated that immigration rates decreased with taxa abundance and competitions between taxa were strongly correlated with phylogeny, but within a certain phylogenetic distance only. The determinism underlying taxa and community dynamics were quantitatively assessed, showing greater determinism in the treatment bioreactors that aligned with the subsequent abnormal system functioning. Given its mechanistic basis, the framework developed here is expected to be potentially applicable beyond microbial ecology.
A novel application of recovered stresses in stress intensity factors extraction methods for the generalized/extended finite element method
Authors: Lins Rafael M. , Fonseca Gabriela M. , Barros Felício B.
Published: September 2023

An efficient improvement to compute Stress Intensity Factors (SIFs) in two‐dimensional fracture mechanics problems solved by Generalized/eXtended Finite Element Method and Stable Generalized Finite Element Method is proposed. A stress field obtained by a recovery procedure based on a locally weighted projection of the approximate stresses, is used in the formulation of two energy‐based SIFs extraction methods: the Contour Integral Method (CIM) and the Interaction Integral strategy. The accuracy and the path independence feature of the proposed approach are investigated in three numerical examples, considering crack opening modes I and II, different crack orientations and the presence of holes. The results demonstrate that the recovered stresses significantly improve the accuracy of the CIM and ensure a notable decrease in SIFs variation for different integration paths. On the other hand, an equivalent impact is not observed for the Interaction Integral strategy.
Towards a benchmark framework for model order reduction in the Mathematical Research Data Initiative (MaRDI)
Authors: Benner Peter , Lund Kathryn , Saak Jens
Published: September 2023

The race for the most efficient, accurate, and universal algorithm in scientific computing drives innovation. At the same time, this healthy competition is only beneficial if the research output is actually comparable to prior results. Fairly comparing algorithms can be a complex endeavor, as the implementation, configuration, compute environment, and test problems need to be well‐defined. Due to the increase in computer‐based experiments, new infrastructure for facilitating the exchange and comparison of new algorithms is also needed. To this end, we propose a benchmark framework as a set of generic specifications for comparing implementations of algorithms using test cases native to a community. Its value lies in its ability to fairly compare and validate existing methods for new applications, as well as compare newly developed methods with existing ones. As a prototype for a more general framework, we have begun building a benchmark tool for the model order reduction (MOR) community. The data basis of the tool is the collection of the Model Order Reduction Wiki (MORWiki). The wiki features three main categories: benchmarks, methods, and software. An editorial board curates submissions and patrols edited entries. Data sets for linear and parametric‐linear models are already well represented in the existing collection. Data sets for non‐linear or procedural models, for which only evaluation data, or codes/algorithmic descriptions, rather than equations, are available, are being added and extended. Properties and interesting characteristics used for benchmark selection and later assessments are recorded in the model metadata. Our tool, the Model Order Reduction Benchmarker (MORB), is under active development for linear time‐invariant systems and solvers. An ontology (MORBO) and knowledge graph are being developed in parallel. They catalog benchmark problem sets and their metadata and will also be integrated into the Mathematical Research Data Initiative (MaRDI) Portal to help improve the findability of such data sets. MORB faces a number of technical and field‐specific challenges, and we hope to recruit community input and feedback while presenting some initial results.
Friction and wear characteristics of Furcraea foetida fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites
Authors: Hussain Haja Syed , Mohd Jamir Mohd Ridzuan , Abdul Majid Mohd Shukry , Sapuan S. M. , Yudhanto Ferriawan , Nugroho Aris Widyo , Rani Muhammad Faiz Hilmi
Published: September 2023

In the current study, the friction and wear properties of Furcraea foetida fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites were investigated. This study evaluated the effect of Furcraea foetida fiber content on the tribological behavior of composites. A water‐retting method was employed to extract the fibers, and resin transfer molding was used to fabricate the composites. The frictional force, coefficient of friction (COF), and wear rate were measured under dry test conditions and various applied loads (80, 100, 120, and 140 N). Microstructural analysis was conducted using scanning electron microscopy to investigate the surface morphology and wear mechanisms of the composites. The results revealed that the composite with 50 vol% of fibers exhibits the lowest frictional force and COF in both normal and parallel orientations with overall average COF of 0.43 in normal orientation and 0.42 in parallel orientation. Moreover, the composite with 60 vol% demonstrates the best wear resistance with an overall average specific wear rate of 2.1982 ×  in normal orientation and 4.3478 × () in parallel orientation. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the tribological behavior of Furcraea foetida fiber‐reinforced epoxy composites and identifies the optimal volume fractions for improved friction and wear performance.

Highlights

Higher vol% yields denser composites with minimized voids.

Normal fiber orientation shows maximum SWR of 10.0614 × () .

Optimal frictional force and COF in 50 vol% composite.

Enhanced wear resistance observed in 60 vol% composite.

Higher vol% increases interfacial bonding and wear resistance in composites.
Enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties of polymer composite using a novel milled bamboo filler
Authors: Dutta Hrishikesh , Gurusamy P. , Halder Sudipta
Published: September 2023

This work presents the thermal and mechanical characterization of epoxy composites reinforced with different fillers developed by modifying thermo‐mechanically extracted bamboo micron fibers. The modification of bamboo fibers was done by adding carbon nanoparticles to their surface and also by making powdered fillers using the process of ball milling. A decrease in water absorption in case of surface coated bamboo fibers was observed. The glass transition behavior was enhanced for composites filled with milled bamboo fillers as compared to neat epoxy. Better mechanical properties were observed for composites reinforced with milled bamboo fillers compared to that of composites filled with bamboo fibers. The highest tensile strength (90.258 MPa) was observed for composites reinforced with 5 wt% of milled bamboo fillers depicting an increase of 93.01% compared to that of neat epoxy (46.762 MPa).

Highlights

Bamboo fibers were modified with a sizing agent and carbon nanoparticles.

A novel “milled bamboo filler” was produced and incorporated in composites.

Thermal properties of epoxy composite were enhanced by the novel filler.

Tensile strength of the composite was significantly enhanced.

The novel filler has the future scope of application in various composite products.
Quantitative determination of specialised metabolites in different parts of Juglans regia Linn. and Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch by using UHPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS/MS
Authors: Devidas Shinde Bhagatsing , Bhandari Pamita
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Juglans regia Linn. and Carya illinoinensis (Wangenh.) K. Koch are nut‐producing plant species of the Juglandaceae family. Bioactive compounds like naphthoquinones, tetralones, and diarylheptanoids are dominant in these species.

Objective

The study aimed to develop and validate a fast and sensitive analytical method by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detection mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐DAD‐MS) for quantification and identification of bioactive compounds in fruit pericarps and leaves of J. regia and C. illinoinensis collected from two different states of north India.

Methodology

The dried pericarps of J. regia and C. illinoinensis (500 mg) were extracted with ethyl acetate–methanol (50:50 v/v, 20 mL, 50°C, 30 min) by ultrasonication and analysed by ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detection quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS/MS) for qualitative and quantitative examination of phytoconstituents. The method was validated according to International Council for Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human use (ICH) guidelines for linearity, precision, accuracy, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantification (LOQ).

Results

Here, we report the quantification of dihydrophaseic acid (1), 4,5‐dihydroxytetralone (2), 4,8‐dihydroxytetralone (3), 5,8‐dihydroxy‐3‐methoxytetralone (4), and juglanin A (5) in the pericarps and leaves of J. regia and C. illinoinensis. Furthermore, using the hyphenated analytical method, a total of 62 compounds were tentatively characterised in different samples. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed diversity between the analysed sample's composition. Also, the study evaluated the variation of bioactive compounds among different parts of J. regia and C. illinoinensis collected from different regions of northern India by UHPLC‐DAD‐QTOF‐MS/MS.

Conclusion

The developed method is simple, rapid, and selective for the identification and characterisation of bioactive molecules.
Crucial differential diagnosis of rapidly progressive dementia: A case of leptomeningeal metastasis
Authors: Mimura Yu , Oi Hiroki , Takata Taketo , Mimura Masaru , Funayama Michitaka
Published: September 2023

Background

Dementia that advances subacutely without accompanying neurological symptoms can often be misdiagnosed as a psychiatric condition. Leptomeningeal metastasis (LM), caused by the spread of malignant cells to the leptomeninges and the subarachnoid space, is a relatively unfamiliar condition to psychiatrists in this context. The diagnosis of LM remains challenging due to the scarcity of diagnostic tools possessing high sensitivity and specificity.

Case Presentation

We present the clinical presentation of a male in his seventies with LM secondary to gastric ring cell carcinoma. The patient exhibited an acute confusional state, visual hallucinations, irritability, and cognitive impairments over a 3‐week period. Initially, the patient was misdiagnosed with several conditions, including alcohol withdrawal syndrome, psychosis, and delirium associated with dementia, as there were no noteworthy findings on neurological examination or the head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Given the rapidly progressive cognitive decline, we maintained vigilance for potential neurological conditions, and a repeat investigation using head MRI and cerebrospinal fluid analysis led to the diagnosis of LM.

Conclusion

This critical case report underscores the rarity of psychiatric‐onset LM originating from gastric cancer and highlights the importance of comprehensive neurological evaluations.