bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Space without Time and Time without Space in Education
Authors: Koutsopoulos Kostis C. , Kotsanis Yannis K.
Published: December 2023

Aims: The objectives of the article are three-fold: first, to show that space and time are interrelated when teaching and learning is considered, creating the need to examine space and time in an integrated and inter-dimensional framework; second, to propose an integrated approach to the concept of space-time as a useful teaching and learning issue, allowing us to unmask the true time-space consideration in education; and third, to argue for the relevance of analyzing the concept of space-time (S-T) as a paramount issue in the research on teaching and        learning.
Study Design: Due to the ongoing societal and technological changes, the S-T is changing extremely fast and new conceptualizations are required in order to examine how such evolving space-time approaches can operate as a tool for teaching and learning. This paper provides such a conceptualization.
Methodology: This article should be considered as a theoretical contribution to how the existing conceptualization of space-time in education should be redefined to address emerging teaching and learning paradigm shifts, which have an impact on its consideration and use. As a theoretical paper it does not follow the traditional approaches of research papers (i.e., provide: exact methodology, collection of data, analysis and conclusions based on the analysis).
Results: It has been established: first, that in education the spatial domain is not defined by the classroom, while the temporal domain is not defined by the lessons’ timing; second, space and time are multi-dimensional, which have an impact on how space-time should be considered; and third, the S-T has evolved from a four-dimension (space: x, y, z; time: t) consideration to a multi-dimensional and later on to an inter-dimensional concept, demanding an integrated approach to teaching and learning.
Effect of soy isoflavones on bone health among female university students: a pilot study
Authors: Goja Arafat , Al-Otaishan Sara , Al-Awami Layla , Ali Nirjes , Al-Faraj Zainab , Al-Kulayf Eman , Al-Sukairi Zahraa , Abuzaid Omar , Sebastian Tunny , Khattab Rabie
Published: December 2023

Low bone mineral density (BMD) has become more common in young women. In postmenopausal women, soy isoflavones have been demonstrated to have a powerful influence on bone health when taken as a food supplement. It is unclear how soy isoflavones affect premenopausal women, though. This study looked at how soy isoflavones affected female university students’ BMD. Thirty female students, aged 18 to 25, were introduced to a Quasi-experimental design, where only 28 could complete the study. Participants received soy isoflavone at 60 mg/day for 28 days. BMD was assessed using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) before and after supplementation. In addition, twenty-four hours food recall and food frequency questioners (FFQ) were used to evaluate the dietary intake of participants. The prevalence of osteoporosis among participants was 18% osteoporosis, 61% osteopenia and 21% normal. After 4 weeks of intervention, a slight improvement in the BMD was recorded. This improvement was noticed in 33, 59, and 40% of normal,osteopenia, and osteoporosis participants, respectively. Soy isoflavone supplementation can be useful in decreasing the risk of osteopenia among premenopausal women. These promising results ensure the viability of conducting full-scale clinical trials to thoroughly look at the relationship between soy isoflavones and bone health among pre-menopausal women.
Keywords: Osteoporosis; Bone mineral density; Soy isoflavone; Saudi Arabia
Isolation and identification of phosphate solubilizing microbes in the rhizosphere of maize by sound exposure
Authors: Munar Asritanarni , Sembiring Mariani , Sabrina Tengku , Rafiqi Tantawi Ahmad
Published: December 2023

Phosphorus (P) is a macronutrient requirement by plants. P elements applied to the soil are quickly deposited into an insoluble form. Insoluble P in the soil can be converted into available P by phosphate solubilizing microbes. One of the factors that affect the activity and growth of phosphate solubilizing microbes is sound. This study aims to isolate and identify phosphate solubilizing soil microbes in the rhizosphere of maize by sound exposure. The research was conducted by sound treatment and without sound of Al-Quran recitation in the rhizosphere of maize, then isolated and identified the phosphate solubilizing microbes. The research results obtained 11 isolates consisting of three isolates of fungi and eight isolates of bacteria. Fungi isolates found on sound-exposure soil. Subsequently, the highest microbes of phosphate dissolution index and growth curve after the sound exposure will be identified. The results of identification using the PCR-16S rRNA sequencing method showed the phosphate solubilizing bacteria isolate TSB1 was Burkholderia contaminants, TSB4 was B. latens, SMB2 was B. cepacia, and SMB4 was Burkholderia sp. Phosphate solubilizing fungi SMJ3 isolate was Talaromyces muroii and SMJ6 was Talaromyces sp. The growth curve of the phosphate solubilizing bacteria showed a different pattern, likewise phosphate solubilizing fungi.

Keywords: Isolation; Identification; Phosphate Solubilizing Microbes; Sound
Effects of adding isolated Lactobacillus plantarum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, and their mixtures on the quality indices of pickled Chinese cabbage
Authors: Liu Yan , Yang Meng , Li Dalong , Zhang Yaowei
Published: December 2023

Pickled Chinese cabbage traditional fermented vegetables is popular in China, especially the northeast, owing to their special flavors. Spontaneous fermented Chinese cabbage usually has rich and mellow flavor because of abundant microorganism in the fermentation broth. In our study, LAB were screened from spontaneous Chinese cabbage and identified including morphology, physiology and biochemistry, and molecular levels. 11 of these were used as a single inocula to ferment Chinese cabbage, and acid contents, soluble sugar contents, Vc contents, cellulose contents and nitrite contents of these pickled Chinese cabbage were measured. Overall, three superior strains mixture(X1, M2, and D2) were inoculated to improve the fermentation characteristics of pickled Chinese cabbage. Furthermore, pickled Chinese cabbage with the mixture had the highest acid and Vc contents, the lowest nitrite content, and medium fiber content. The sensory quality mixed inocula was also the best compared with products prepared with single strain and spontaneous fermentation.

Keywords: Lactobacillus plantarum; Leuconostoc mesenteroides; pickled Chinese cabbage, mixed LAB
Physicochemical, morphological and functional characteristics of starch isolated from Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera
Authors: Lassoued Rabeb , Abderrabba Manef , Mejri Jamel , Benahmed Wafa Najar , Benhmed Aymen , Ferhi Mounir
Published: December 2023

The present research work examined and compared the morphological, physicochemical and functional characteristics extracted from two oak varietiesgrowing inTunisia. Among the findings, it was observed that Quercus ilex's starch granules had the the hightest value of lipid and phosphor content. When observed under scanning electron microscopy, both Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera starch granules exhibited various shapes such as ovoid, spherical, elliptical and irregular, with diameters ranging from 4 to 25 µm. As for the X-ray diffraction patterns, acorn starch from both varieties displayed an A-type pattern. Comparing the properties, Quercus coccifera acorn starch exhibited higher values for the light transmittance values, the solubility, the swelling power and the gelatinization temperatures than Quercus ilex acorn starch. However, the transition enthalpy of Quercus coccifera acorn starch was the lowest among the studied parameters. These results indicate that these properties are significantly (p<0.05) different depending on the oak variety. Thus, the starches of Quercus ilex and Quercus coccifera could play different roles in various industrial applications. 

Keywords: acorn, functional properties starch,Quercus,physicochemical properties
The impact on shelf life of Tulum cheese of modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: DEMİR Pelin , İLHAK Osman İrfan , ÖKSÜZTEPE Gülsüm
Published: December 2023

Tulum cheese is one of the most important conventional fermented dairy products produced in Türkiye. In this study, the effects of modified atmosphere packaging on the microbiological, physicochemical, sensory properties, and shelf life of Tulum cheese were investigated. For this aim, Tulum cheese samples were divided into four groups (B=100% CO2, C =100% N2, D=70% N2+30% CO2, E=75% N2+25% CO2), and the control samples were packaged in the air (A). These samples stored at 4±1°C were analyzed for the microbiological, chemical, and sensory on days 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, 180, 210, and 240. TMAB, LLP, lactic streptococcus, lipolytic microorganisms, proteolytic microorganisms, and yeast-mold counts increased while the counts of coliform group bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, and Staphylococcus aureus continually decreased in all groups during the storage. During the storage period, the E. coli and sulfate-reducing anaerobic bacteria counts were detected below detectable levels (<1.0 log10 CFU/g) in all groups. Other chemical parameter values increased continuously while pH values continually decreased during the storage in all the groups. It was observed that the total sensory scores of the samples decreased continually during the storage period. However, when the scores of the E group were evaluated within themselves, significant differences were obtained.  In conclusion, Tulum cheese samples packaged in MAP showed significant changes in quality, and their shelf life was extended.

Keywords: Modified atmosphere packaging; Quality characteristics; Sensory evaluation; Shelf-life extension; Tulum cheese
Evaluation of Accuracy of Aeolian Velocity Measurement Using Image Analysis
Authors: Kim Young-Min , Rhew Hosahng , Yoon Hyun-Doug
Published: December 2023

Study on Aeolian transport began in 1941 when Bagnold first conducted a study on aeolian transport in desert conditions. Aeolian transport study was mainly conducted on deserts, and the field of coastal engineering began with the application of Bagnold’s equation to the coast after 1980. However, many studies have shown that using the Bagnold equation on the coast overestimates the amount of aeolian transport. Currently, aeolian trap using various sensors ranging from simple forms have been developed and are being used in study. However, these aeolian traps have the disadvantage that there is a large difference in performance for each trap. In addition, in the case of existing traps, analysis is performed only on the amount of sand collected, and quantitative analysis of sand transport velocity or concentration is difficult. Therefore, in this study, we use image analysis techniques to evaluate the accuracy of aeolian transport velocity measurement and suggest a method that can be used in the study.
Generalization of an Evaluation Formula for Bearing Pressures on the Rubble Mound of Gravity-Based Harbor Structures
Authors: Park Woo-Sun
Published: December 2023

In this study, the bearing pressure on the rubble mound of a gravity-based harbor structure with an arbitrarily shaped bottom was targeted. Assuming that the bottom of the structure is a rigid body, the rubble mound was modeled as a linear spring uniformly distributed on the bottom that resists compression only, and the bearing pressure evaluation formula was derived. It was confirmed that there were no errors in the derivation process by showing that when the bottom was square, the derived equation was converted to the equation used in the design. In addition, the validity of the derived equation was proven by examining the behavior and convergence value of the bearing pressure when an arbitrarily shaped bottom converges into a square one. In order to examine the adequacy of the method used in the current design, the end bearing pressure for the pre-designed breakwater cross-section was calculated and compared with the values in the design document. As a result, it was shown that the method used for design was not appropriate as it gave unsafe results. In particular, the difference was larger when the eccentricity of the vertical load was large, such as in the case of extreme design conditions.
Lifting of Embargoes to Data Sharing in Clinical Trials Published in Top Medical Journals
Authors: Siebert Maximilian , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: December 2023

This study assesses data sharing status and lifting of embargoes in randomized clinical trials from top medical journals 3 to 5 years after publication.
Augmented Reality as a Pedagogical Technique
Authors: Godwin‐Jones Robert
Published: December 2023

Augmented reality (AR) enhances the user's view of an object, image, or a printed page through the overlaid display of a textual annotation, image, audiovisual clip, animation, or online resource. That typically occurs through the use of an AR app and a camera on a smartphone. As a way to enhance pedagogical texts or to add explanatory or supplementary digital information to a site of interest, AR has been used in a variety of ways, including in education at all levels and in most academic fields. Studies of AR use have shown generally positive learning gains, with in particular increases in learner motivation and engagement. The use of AR aligns with a variety of educational learning theories, including constructivism and embodied cognition. For language learning, AR offers contextualized learning in authentic, real‐world environments. In that way, it can bring together formal, in‐class instruction with informal, incidental learning. In the classroom, AR is most frequently used to work with learning vocabulary. Location‐based AR leverages built‐in GPS and camera functionalities to enable place‐based information to be displayed. This has been widely used to create digital guides or learning trails as well as mobile games. AR is likely to become more widely used with the advent of more AR‐capable devices, such as smart glasses.
Clinicopathological features of graft versus host disease‐associated myositis
Authors: Kazuta Tomoyuki , Murakami Ayuka , Noda Seiya , Hirano Satoko , Kito Hiroshi , Tsujikawa Koyo , Nakanishi Hirotaka , Kimura Seigo , Sahashi Kentaro , Koike Haruki , Katsuno Masahisa
Published: December 2023

Background and Objective

Chronic graft versus host disease (GVHD)‐associated myositis targeting skeletal muscle is a relatively rare but potentially debilitating complication following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We reviewed the clinicopathological features of GVHD‐associated myositis among patients receiving allogeneic HSCT to elucidate the cellular pathogenesis.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical data and muscle biopsy results from 17 consecutive patients diagnosed with GVHD‐associated myositis at our institution between 1995 and 2019. Immunostaining findings of GVHD‐associated myositis were compared to those of patients with anti‐tRNA‐synthetase antibody‐associated myopathy (ASM) (n = 13) and dermatomyositis (DM) (n = 12).

Results

The majority of patients with GVHD‐associated myositis showed subacute or chronic progression of mild to moderate limb weakness together with elevated serum creatine kinase. These patients also exhibited mild C‐reactive protein elevation but were negative for myositis‐related autoantibodies. Programmed death‐1 (PD‐1)‐positive cells were observed in muscle interstitium adjacent to myofibers expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐DR. The interstitium was also HLA‐DR‐positive, similar to biopsy samples from ASM patients but not DM patients. The proportions of HLA‐DR‐positive muscle fibers and PD‐1‐positive interstitial cells were significantly higher in GVHD and ASM samples than DM samples. The PD‐1‐positive cells were mostly CD‐8‐positive lymphocytes.

Discussion

GVHD‐associated myositis is characterized by HLA‐DR‐positive myofibers and infiltration of PD‐1‐positive lymphocytes. These features distinguish GVHD‐associated myositis from DM but not from ASM.
Suppression of Hydrogen Evolution Reaction by Modulating the Surface Redox Potential Toward Long‐Life Zinc Metal Anodes
Authors: Chen Jiajun , Xiong Jiaming , Ye Minghui , Wen Zhipeng , Zhang Yufei , Tang Yongchao , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Cheng Chao
Published: December 2023

Aqueous Zn metal batteries hold significant promise for large‐scale energy storage owing to their high safety and low cost. Nevertheless, severe corrosion and uncontrollable dendrite growth hinder the cyclic stability of Zn metal anodes. Herein, a porphyrin‐Zn(II) (ZnTBPP) based multifunctional artificial layer to stabilize Zn anodes by suppression of hydrogen evolution reactions is designed. This hydrophobic interfacial layer repels active water molecules and facilitates the electron transfer from Zn interface to the ZnTBPP layer, thereby increasing the inherent hydrogen evolution potential of Zn anodes. Differential charge density maps reveal that the electron cloud density of the charge transfer layer within the ZnTBPP layer is delocalized due to the electron‐withdrawing effect of Br‐containing functional groups in the ZnTBPP ligands, depleting the interfacial electrons of Zn metal anodes. As a result, H* exhibits a higher Gibbs free energy (∆GH*) of 0.75 eV on Zn with a ZnTBPP coating layer in contrast to bare Zn (0.55 eV), effectively suppressing H2 production. Specifically, the H2 evolution rate of ZnTBPP@Zn (4.06 µmol h−1 cm−2) is ≈2.2 times lower than that of bare Zn. The ZnTBPP@Zn//NaV3O8·1.5H2O full cells exhibit an ultra‐long cycling life of 10 000 cycles at 10 A g−1.
Versatile Photoluminescence Polymers for Printed Transparent Self‐Healing Optical Devices
Authors: Yao Weijing , Sui Xiaoqing , Yang Dai , Hu Xiaoguang , Huang Jun , Tian Qingyong , Liu Xuying
Published: December 2023

The development of comprehensive optical self‐healing polyurethane polymers for smart optical devices presents a significant challenge due to the trade‐off between intrinsic self‐healing capability and mechanical strength. This study focuses on the synthesis of versatile photoluminescence supramolecular polymers that integrate self‐healing ability, mechanical strength, and fluorescence responsiveness. The incorporation of hydrogen bonds and disulfide bonds into the dynamic hard domain results in the optimal polymer exhibiting impressive mechanical properties (strength, 27.0 MPa; toughness, 132.1 MJ m−3; elongation at break, 1450%), as well as a conspicuous self‐healing efficiency (surface scratches disappear within just 1 min). Furthermore, the transparent (transparency >97%) and colorless polymers demonstrate aggregation‐induced emission, characterized by intense cyan fluorescence that transitions to subdued blue fluorescence upon stretching under 365 nm irradiation. Proof‐of‐concept experiments demonstrate that screen‐printed fluorescent patterns, based on as‐prepared fluorescence ink associated with dual‐mode upconversion emission, are able to successfully encode fluorescence information, and can be integrated into the self‐healable 3D optical devices. The self‐healing optical devices designed with versatile polymers and featuring diversified patterns offer a promising direction for the advancement and application of future self‐healing materials.
Effect of the filler morphology on the crystallization behavior and dielectric properties of the polyvinylidene fluoride‐based composite
Authors: Filipović Suzana , Obradović Nina , Corlett Cole , Fahrenholtz William G. , Rosenschon Martin , Füglein Ekkehard , Dojčilović Radovan , Tošić Dragana , Petrović Jovana , Đorđević Antonije , Vlahović Branislav , Pavlović Vladimir B.
Published: December 2023

Ceramic/polymer composites can be chemically stable, mechanically strong, and flexible, which make them candidates for electric devices, such as pressure or temperature sensors, energy storage or harvesting devices, actuators, and so forth. Depending on the application, various electrical properties are of importance. Polymers usually have low dielectric permittivity, but increased dielectric permittivity can be achieved by the addition of the ceramic fillers with high dielectric constant. With the aim to enhance dielectric properties of the composite without loss of flexibility, 5 wt% of BaTiO3‐Fe2O3 powder was added into a polyvinylidene fluoride matrix. The powder was prepared by different synthesis conditions to produce core/shell structures. The effect of the phase composition and morphology of the BaTiO3‐Fe2O3 core/shell filler on the structure and lattice dynamics of the polymer composites was investigated. Based on the results of the thermal analysis, various parameters of ceramic/polymer composites were determined. Differences in the phase composition and morphology of the filler have an influence on the formation of various polyvinylidene fluoride allomorphs and the degree of crystallinity. Furthermore, the dielectric performances of pure polyvinylidene fluoride and the polymer/ceramic composites were measured.
Quantitative evaluation of asphalt blending characteristics in epoxy‐modified hot recycled asphalt mixtures based on 3D confocal fluorescence technology
Authors: Zhang Lei , Cheng Long , Lu Qing , Zhang Zijian
Published: December 2023

This study proposes a novel method to quantitatively evaluate the blending effect between aged asphalt and epoxy asphalt in epoxy asphalt‐modified hot recycled asphalt mixture, based on three‐dimensional confocal fluorescence microscopy technology. Samples of epoxy asphalt‐modified hot recycled asphalt mixtures were prepared in a laboratory using new aggregates, epoxy asphalt, and reclaimed asphalt pavement materials that were simulated in the laboratory by subjecting new asphalt mixtures to a short‐term and long‐term aging process. Cube‐shaped stone aggregates were designed to distinguish between new aggregates and reclaimed aggregates. The distribution of epoxy resin in the epoxy asphalt‐modified hot recycled mixtures was tracked using a laser scanning confocal microscope. To address the depth attenuation issue caused by light absorption and scattering, as well as the overall intensity differences resulting from field depth differences and attenuation morphology, a depth compensation function and a feature weight allocation method were proposed. Results from the above method indicated that the degree of blending (DoB) ranged from 65% to 75% on the surface of new aggregates but from 45% to 70% on the surface of reclaimed aggregates. Most of the old asphalt still adhered to the surface of reclaimed aggregates after migration. The proportion of epoxy asphalt in the outer layer of asphalt film on new aggregates is higher than that on reclaimed aggregates. The DoB between the asphalt binders significantly decreased as the aging degree increased. Increasing the epoxy content reduced the viscosity of the epoxy asphalt and effectively improved the DoB between the new and old asphalt binders.
Preparation and properties of a simple super‐hydrophobic carbon fiber composite surface
Authors: Xu Yuan , He Qiang , Zhang Fangyuan , Ning Mengyao , Shi Binghong , Li Peiwen , Jia Yangyang , Zhang Fengwei
Published: December 2023

Super‐hydrophobic surface is widely used in waterproof, antifouling, and anticorrosion fields because of its unique wetting characteristics. However, the rough structure of super‐hydrophobic surface is easily damaged in service, which leads to the loss of various properties, making it difficult to apply super‐hydrophobic surface on a large scale in actual production. In this paper, epoxy resin was used as adhesive, mixed with hydrophobic silica particles and sprayed on the surface of carbon fiber composites. After curing, the surface of super‐hydrophobic carbon fiber composites with contact angle of 158 ± 2° and sliding angle of 1 ± 0.5° was formed. The surface had excellent dynamic water repellent performance, and the droplets could bounce more than three times on the surface. Furthermore, the super‐hydrophobic surface had excellent wear resistance and mechanical stability. After the friction damage test, the surface structure of the sample was slightly damaged. The amount of wear was small, and the surface was still in super‐hydrophobic state. Through soaked in solutions with different pH values, the microstructure of the surface was not obviously damaged by corrosion, the contact angle of water droplets was greater than 155°. The preparation method of super‐hydrophobic surface of carbon fiber composite proposed in this study is simple and rapid, and the prepared surface has excellent performance, the practical application of super‐hydrophobic surface is promoted.
Growth factors and growth factor gene therapies for treating chronic wounds
Authors: Mullin James A. , Rahmani Erfan , Kiick Kristi L. , Sullivan Millicent O.
Published: December 2023

Chronic wounds are an unmet clinical need affecting millions of patients globally, and current standards of care fail to consistently promote complete wound closure and prevent recurrence. Disruptions in growth factor signaling, a hallmark of chronic wounds, have led researchers to pursue growth factor therapies as potential supplements to standards of care. Initial studies delivering growth factors in protein form showed promise, with a few formulations reaching clinical trials and one obtaining clinical approval. However, protein‐form growth factors are limited by instability and off‐target effects. Gene therapy offers an alternative approach to deliver growth factors to the chronic wound environment, but safety concerns surrounding gene therapy as well as efficacy challenges in the gene delivery process have prevented clinical translation. Current growth factor delivery and gene therapy approaches have primarily used single growth factor formulations, but recent efforts have aimed to develop multi‐growth factor approaches that are better suited to address growth factor insufficiencies in the chronic wound environment, and these strategies have demonstrated improved efficacy in preclinical studies. This review provides an overview of chronic wound healing, emphasizing the need and potential for growth factor therapies. It includes a summary of current standards of care, recent advances in growth factor, cell‐based, and gene therapy approaches, and future perspectives for multi‐growth factor therapeutics.
NHE7 upregulation potentiates the uptake of small extracellular vesicles by enhancing maturation of macropinosomes in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yao Yue , Xu Yi , Yu Liang , Xue Ting‐Mao , Xiao Zhi‐Jie , Tin Pui‐Chi , Fung Hiu‐Ling , Ma Hoi‐Tang , Yun Jing‐Ping , Yam Judy Wai Ping
Published: December 2023

Background

Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) mediate intercellular communication that contributes to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression via multifaceted pathways. The success of cell entry determines the effect of sEV on recipient cells. Here, we aimed to delineate the mechanisms underlying the uptake of sEV in HCC.

Methods

Macropinocytosis was examined by the ability of cells to internalize dextran and sEV. Macropinocytosis was analyzed in Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 7 (NHE7)‐knockdown and ‐overexpressing cells. The properties of cells were studied using functional assays. pH biosensor was used to evaluate the intracellular and endosomal pH. The expression of NHE7 in patients’ liver tissues was examined by immunofluorescent staining. Inducible silencing of NHE7 in established tumors was performed to reveal the therapeutic potential of targeting NHE7.

Results

The data revealed that macropinocytosis controlled the internalization of sEVs and their oncogenic effect on recipient cells. It was found that metastatic HCC cells exhibited the highest efficiency of sEV uptake relative to normal liver cells and non‐metastatic HCC cells. Attenuation of macropinocytic activity by 5‐(N‐ethyl‐N‐isopropyl)‐amiloride (EIPA) limited the entry of sEVs and compromised cell aggressiveness. Mechanistically, we delineated that high level of NHE7, a sodium‐hydrogen exchanger, alkalized intracellular pH and acidized endosomal pH, leading to the maturation of macropinosomes. Inducible inhibition of NHE7 in established tumors developed in mice delayed tumor development and suppressed lung metastasis. Clinically, NHE7 expression was upregulated and linked to dismal prognosis of HCC.

Conclusions

This study advances the understanding that NHE7 enhances sEV uptake by macropinocytosis to promote the malignant properties of HCC cells. Inhibition of sEV uptake via macropinocytosis can be exploited as a treatment alone or in combination with conventional therapeutic approaches for HCC.
Toxicity Evaluation of Anti‐cholinesterasic Amphibian Extracts by MTT and an Optimized Artemia salina Test
Authors: Spinelli Roque , Rietmann Álvaro , Sanchis Iván , Goicoechea Héctor , Siano Álvaro
Published: December 2023

The amphibian skin is an important source of bioactive compounds. Recently, our workgroup reported the bioactivity of new extracts from the Hylidae, Microhylidae and Leptodactylidae families against several pathways involved in Alzheimer's disease. However, since cytotoxicity can be a limiting factor for their applicability, we evaluated the toxicity of nine amphibian skin extracts with reported anticholinesterase activity, using the traditional MTT assay and an optimized Artemia salina test. The proposed improvement, guided by experimental design, aims to reduce the amount of biological sample needed. Overall, we proved that the active extracts were non‐toxic at effective concentration against cholinesterases (AChE/BChE), positioning the amphibian skin as a promising and preliminary safe source of bioactive compounds in the anti‐Alzheimer's treatment. Interestingly, we demonstrated that both toxicity assays can discriminate between toxic and non‐toxic samples. We propose the A. salina bioassay as a reliable and cost‐effective alternative for early toxicity screening.
A rare case: IgG4‐related chronic inflammatory disease with kidney involvement
Authors: Mete Fatos , Mengeneci Tuba , Albayrak Emre , Ayar Yavuz , Nalbant Melike , Ozudeniz Mutlucan Ilknur , Fusun Baba Zeliha
Published: December 2023

IgG4‐related disease is an inflammatory, multisystemic disease that affects the immune system. The disease progresses to fibrosis due to inflammation. Retroperitoneal fibrosis is a serious complication. Pancreas, biliary tract, glands, thyroid, lymph nodes, etc. may be involved. Prognosis is usually subacute, and seen in middle age and advanced men. It is characterized histopathologically by IgG4 positive plasma cells, lymphoplasmocytic cell infiltration, and storiform fibrosis. In our case, we evaluated a patient who referred to our clinic from an external center with the complaints of generalized pain, itching, tearing and redness in eyes, involvement of bilateral large joints, and impaired renal function. Diagnosis, treatment and management of the disease are important. Response to glucocorticoid therapy is good.
En bloc resection of an extremely giant mediastinal immature teratoma with somatic‐type malignancy: A case report with a brief review of the literature
Authors: Huang Kai‐li , Li Pengfei , Deng Han‐Yu , Tang Xiaojun , Zhou Qinghua
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

Primary mediastinum immature teratoma with somatic‐type malignant transformation (SM) is extremely rare, and the clinical prognosis is poor. Immature teratoma with SM is difficult to eradicate by chemotherapy due to poor sensitivity; therefore, surgical resection is recommended whenever possible because it may offer better survival.
Combined use of veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation and asynchronous independent lung ventilation after thoracic surgery for lung abscess
Authors: Yoneda Ryuhei , Matsuyoshi Takeo , Yogi Tatsuro , Sato Yuichi , Hamaguchi Jun , Shimizu Keiki
Published: December 2023

Key Clinical Message

We used independent lung ventilation (ILV) during veno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐V ECMO) after lung abscess surgery in a patient with severe hypoxia and air leak. ILV can be effective in V‐V ECMO as unilateral lung air leak.
Assessing the sensitivity of modelled water partitioning to global precipitation datasets in a data‐scarce dryland region
Authors: Quichimbo E. A. , Singer M. B. , Michaelides K. , Rosolem R. , MacLeod D. A. , Asfaw D.T. , Cuthbert M. O.
Published: December 2023

Precipitation is the primary driver of hydrological models, and its spatial and temporal variability have a great impact on water partitioning. However, in data‐sparse regions, uncertainty in precipitation estimates is high and the sensitivity of water partitioning to this uncertainty is unknown. This is a particular challenge in drylands (semi‐arid and arid regions) where the water balance is highly sensitive to rainfall, yet there is commonly a lack of in situ rain gauge data. To understand the impact of precipitation uncertainty on the water balance in drylands, here we have performed simulations with a process‐based hydrological model developed to characterize the water balance in arid and semi‐arid regions (DRYP: DRYland water Partitioning model). We performed a series of numerical analyses in the Upper Ewaso Ng'iro basin, Kenya driven by three gridded precipitation datasets with different spatio‐temporal resolutions (IMERG, MSWEP, and ERA5), evaluating simulations against streamflow observations and remotely sensed data products of soil moisture, actual evapotranspiration, and total water storage. We found that despite the great differences in the spatial distribution of rainfall across a climatic gradient within the basin, DRYP shows good performance for representing streamflow (KGE >0.6), soil moisture, actual evapotranspiration, and total water storage (r >0.5). However, the choice of precipitation datasets greatly influences surface (infiltration, runoff, and transmission losses) and subsurface fluxes (groundwater recharge and discharge) across different climatic zones of the Ewaso Ng'iro basin. Within humid areas, evapotranspiration does not show sensitivity to the choice of precipitation dataset, however, in dry lowland areas it becomes more sensitive to precipitation rates as water‐limited conditions develop. The analysis shows that the highest rates of precipitation produce high rates of diffuse recharge in Ewaso uplands and also propagate into runoff, transmission losses and, ultimately focused recharge, with the latter acting as the main mechanism of groundwater recharge in low dry areas. The results from this modelling exercise suggest that care must be taken in selecting forcing precipitation data to drive hydrological modelling efforts, especially in basins that span a climatic gradient. These results also suggest that more effort is required to reduce uncertainty between different precipitation datasets, which will in turn result in more consistent quantification of the water balance.
A Comprehensive Review on Antibacterial, Anti‐Inflammatory and Analgesic Properties of Noble Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Aswathy Waliaveettil Felicia , Anila Edathottiyil Issac
Published: December 2023

Their health industry is facing challenges due to a rise in mortality rates brought on by various multi‐drug‐resistant bacterial strains. As a result, new and improvedantibacterial drugs are urgently needed. Similarly, when some unwanted foreign pathogensenter the cellular premises to disturb its homeostasis, inflammation develops as an immune reaction. However, these immune responses also become a double‐edged sword when the inflammatory reaction lasts for a long time, and pain is also linked to inflammatory responses. Inflammation and pain are both signs of tissue injury. Pain is,by definition, an unpleasant experience that ultimately interferes with their normalwell‐being. Hence, bacterial infection, inflammation, and pain need medical assistance to maintain homeostasis. Conventional medicines possess so many repercussive effects, which then demand a replacement with a less toxic and more efficient modern drug. In their review article, for the first time, they present recent advancements in biomedical applications such as the antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and analgesic properties of noble metal nanoparticles. Noble metals have limited availability in the earth's crust. Hence, their physicochemical characterizations and applications are greatly limited. Still, there are some interesting research findings that offer a significant ray of hope for the health sector all over the world.
Investigating lysozyme amyloid fibril formation and structural variability dependence on its initial folding state under different pH conditions
Authors: Ziaunys Mantas , Mikalauskaite Kamile , Sakalauskas Andrius , Smirnovas Vytautas
Published: December 2023

Protein fibril formation and accumulation are associated with dozens of amyloidoses, including the widespread and yet‐incurable Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Currently, there are still several aspects of amyloid aggregation that are not fully understood, which negatively contributes to the development of disease‐altering drugs and treatments. One factor which requires a more in‐depth analysis is the effect of the environment on both the initial state of amyloidogenic proteins and their aggregation process and resulting fibril characteristics. In this work, we examine how lysozyme's folding state influences its amyloid formation kinetics and resulting aggregate structural characteristics under several different pH conditions, ranging from acidic to neutral. We demonstrate that both the initial state of the protein and the solution's pH value have a significant combined effect on the variability of the resulting aggregate secondary structures, as well as their stabilities, interactions with amyloid‐specific dye molecules, and self‐replication properties.
Large‐Scale Vertically Interconnected Complementary Field‐Effect Transistors Based on Thermal Evaporation
Authors: Ran Yuqia , Song Yiwen , Jia Xionghui , Gu Pingfan , Cheng Zhixuan , Zhu Yunke , Wang Qi , Pan Yu , Li Yanping , Gao Yunan , Ye Yu
Published: December 2023

With the rapid development of integrated circuits, there is an increasing need to boost transistor density. In addition to shrinking the device size to the atomic scale, vertically stacked interlayer interconnection technology is also an effective solution. However, realizing large‐scale vertically interconnected complementary field‐effect transistors (CFETs) has never been easy. Currently‐used semiconductor channel synthesis and doping technologies often suffer from complex fabrication processes, poor vertical integration, low device yield, and inability to large‐scale production. Here, a method to prepare large‐scale vertically interconnected CFETs based on a thermal evaporation process is reported. Thermally‐evaporated etching‐free Te and Bi2S3 serve as p‐type and n‐type semiconductor channels and exhibit FET on‐off ratios of 103 and 105, respectively. The vertically interconnected CFET inverter exhibits a clear switching behavior with a voltage gain of 17 at a 4 V supply voltage and a device yield of 100%. Based on the ability of thermal evaporation to prepare large‐scale uniform semiconductor channels on arbitrary surfaces, repeated upward manufacturing can realize multi‐level interlayer interconnection integrated circuits.
Association of Visfatin gene polymorphism with obesity related metabolic disorders among Pakistani population: a case control study
Authors: Masood Sayyada Humaira , Khan Taseer Ahmed , Baloch Akhter Ali , Hasan Syed Muhammad , Naqvi Ali Muntazir , Iqbal Mehir un Nisa
Published: December 2023

In recent years, the global prevalence of obesity and its associated metabolic disorders has reached alarming levels, presenting a significant challenge to public health worldwide. Visfatin, also known as pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) or nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), is an adipokine that has been implicated in various physiological processes, including glucose homeostasis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation. The main objective of this proposed study is to find out the association between visfatin genetic variants and metabolic syndrome. The sample size of the study consisted of 300 blood samples (150 control and 150 cases). This study found that the genotypic frequency of visfatin SNPs, including rs2302559 (OD: 18.222; 95% CI 10.228–32.466; p-value < 0.001) and rs1215113036 (OD: 129.40; 95% CI 44.576–375.693; p-value < 0.001) were significantly associated with metabolic syndrome. Moreover, the frequency of the mutant alleles of both visfatin SNPs was found to be higher in patients with metabolic syndrome as compared to controls. Results of the current study indicate that people with any genetic variation of Visfatin, such as rs2302559 and rs1215113036, are more likely to develop metabolic syndrome. Visfatin genetic variants are linked to an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, implying it’s role in disease pathophysiology.
The relationship between nest location selection of Barn swallows (Hirundo rustica) and human activity and residence
Authors: Kim Minyoung , Chung Ok-Sik , Lee Jong Koo
Published: December 2023

We found that barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) breeding occurs within close proximity to humans. An evaluation of barn swallow breeding frequency and the breeding success rate of swallows at research sites, which were buildings inhabited by humans and buildings where humans had previously resided, was conducted in order to establish a relationship between the location of barn swallow nests and human habitation and activity frequency. The results demonstrated that barn swallows often breed in human-inhabited buildings. No significant relationship was observed between the wall material and the direction of the wall and the type of building, whereas a much higher proportion of the nests were located near doors with a high level of human movement. In addition, no significant correlation was observed between the location of the nest and the distance from potential resources (food, water etc.), however, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the frequency of human activity measured through the video camera and the number of nests located at a certain distance. The average number of offspring and the reproductive success rate were higher in nests located within close proximity to human activity compared to nests not located within close proximity to human activity, suggesting that the presence of humans had a positive effect on reproduction. This study show that barn swallow nesting occurs in locations where there is a human influence and humans provide implicit protection of swallows from predation, which has a significant impact on breeding.
The association between dietary approaches to stop hypertension diet and bone mineral density in US adults: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2011–2018)
Authors: Zhai Xiang-Long , Tan Mo-Yao , Wang Gao-Peng , Zhu Si-Xuan , Shu Qi-Chen
Published: December 2023

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) dietary patterns and bone mineral density (BMD) in adults residing in the United States. To achieve this, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database for 2011–2018 were utilized. This study utilized the NHANES database from 2011 to 2018, with a sample size of 8,486 US adults, to investigate the relationship between the DASH diet and BMD. The DASH diet was assessed based on nine target nutrients: total fat, saturated fat, protein, fiber, cholesterol, calcium, magnesium, sodium and potassium. The primary outcome measures were BMD values at the total BMD, thoracic spine, lumbar spine, and pelvis. Multivariable linear models were employed to analyze the association between the DASH diet and BMD. Interaction tests, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were also followed. A negative correlation was observed between the DASH diet and total BMD (OR: − 0.003 [95%CI: − 0.005, − 0.001), pelvic (OR: − 0.005 [95%CI: − 0.007, − 0.002]), and thoracic BMD (OR: − 0.003 [95%CI: − 0.005, − 0.001]). However, the DASH diet does not appear to have a particular effect on lumbar spine BMD (OR: − 0.002 [95%CI: − 0.004, 0.001]). Similarly, when the DASH diet was categorized into tertiles groups, the relationship with total BMD, pelvic BMD, thoracic BMD, and lumbar spine BMD remained consistent. Furthermore, we performed a sensitivity analysis by converting BMD to Z-scores, and the results remained unchanged. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests indicated no significant dependence of BMI, gender, smoking, hypertension, and diabetes on the observed association (all p for interactions > 0.05). The DASH diet has been identified as potentially reducing total BMD, while specifically impacting thoracic and pelvic BMD. However, it appears to have no significant effect on lumbar spine BMD.
Study on Professor Diangui Li's Medication Experience in Treating Atrophic Gastritis Concomitant with Helicobacter Pylori Infection Based on Data Mining
Authors: Zhang Huijie , Li Diangui , Tao Yulei , Wu Jiaxin , Sun Zhongqiang , Zhai Fuping , Liu Xiaofa
Published: December 2023

Objective Our objective was to explore the national traditional Chinese medicine by studying master Diangui Li's medication experience in treating atrophic gastritis (AG) concomitant with Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection based on data mining, and to provide the reference for the clinical treatment of relevant diseases.

Methods The Chinese medicine prescriptions of the patients' first visits to the Famous Doctors' Consultation Room in Hebei Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from May 2019 to December 2022 were collected and frequency analysis of the Chinese herbs, association rules analysis of the Chinese herbs, and cluster analysis were conducted using the Famous Doctor Inheritance Assistance Platform.

Results A total of 188 prescriptions were collected, with 136 kinds of Chinese herbs. The highest use frequency of Chinese herbs was 185 and the lowest was 1. There were 28 kinds of Chinese herbs with high use frequency. The top 10 herbs with the high use frequency include Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis Diffusae Herba), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), Jigucao (Abriherba), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Banzhilian (Scutellariae Barbatae Herba), Baihe (Lilii Bulbus), Zhishi (Aurantii Immaturus Fructus), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma). Chinese herbs with high frequency use are mostly heat-clearing herbs and qi-regulating herbs; the flavors of the herbs are mainly pungent, bitter, and sweet; the properties are mainly warm, cold, and neutral; the meridian tropism is mainly the spleen, liver, and stomach meridians. The core herbal medicines are Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), etc.; the results of association rules: Jigucao (Abriherba)-Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix), Jiaogulan (Gynostemmatis Pentaphylli Rhizoma seu Herba)-Banlangen (Isatidis Radix), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix)-Banlangen (Isatidis Radix), etc.; the results of cluster analysis showed that there were 10 clusters: (1) Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Baihuasheshecao (Hedyotis Diffusae Herba), Banzhilian (Scutellariae Barbatae Herba), Jigucao (Abriherba); (2) Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Wuyao (Linderae Radix); (3) Yuanhu (Corydalis Rhizoma), Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix).

Conclusions For the treatment of AG concomitant with Hp infection, Professor Diangui Li mainly adopts the method of clearing heat and removing the toxin, regulating qi and resolving phlegm, combining disease differentiation with syndrome differentiation, performing reinforcing method, and reducing method simultaneously to regulate the mechanism of the human body.