bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction and bioactivity assessment of bio‐oil from Kappaphycus alvarezii biomass using the Bligh, Dyer and Soxhlet method
Authors: James Jerin , Sharma Nishesh , Joshi Harish Chandra , Kumar Sanjay , Kumar Avvaru Praveen , Hussain Afzal 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe lipid composition and algal oil content in red macroalgae play a crucial role in sustainable biofuel and bioactive compound production. In the present study, various extraction methods including biomass pretreatment through ultrasonication and conventional lipid extraction techniques such as Bligh & Dyer and Soxhlet were employed for lipid extraction from Kappaphycus alvarezii. Among these methods, pretreatment of ultrasonication combined with solvent extraction (PT + SE) resulted in highest extraction yield of 21.5% ± 0.38%, surpassing the yield achieved by the Bligh‐Dyer method (PT + BD) and the control method, which yielded 19.42% ± 0.1% and 10.7% ± 0.15%, respectively. PT + SE oil possesses lower values in molecular weight, viscosity, and density when compared to PT + BD oil. The trans‐esterified samples of PT + BD (T1) and PT + SE (T2) respectively demonstrated greater efficiency in converting methyl esters, with T2 achieving a conversion rate of 92% ± 0.21%, while T1 achieved 84.15% ± 0.15%. It was observed that T2 had a high scavenging rate of 86.42% ± 0.22% indicating its significant ability to neutralize free radicals. In contrast, T1 exhibited a slightly lower scavenging rate of 69.56% ± 0.1%, when compared to T2. T2 sample demonstrated remarkable proteinase inhibition of 79.16% ± 0.18, comparable to salicylic acid, indicating the presence of potent anti‐inflammatory salicylic acid analogues in the algal oil. Both lipid‐extracted oil (T1and T2) showcased significant antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory activities, with T2 oil demonstrating superior inhibition of free radicals and proteinase enzymes.
Structural and Performance Effects of Self‐Assembled Composite Antibacterial Additives on PP Melt‐Blown Nonwovens Based on Melt Reaction Extrusion
Authors: Ma Teng , An Yaxin , Zhang Jiaxin , Wen Zengliang , Lian Dandan , Lu Jianjun , Wang Hua 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIn this study, a hybrid microsphere structure with a polyhexamethyleneguanidine hydrochloride (PHMG) core and a nano‐zinc oxide (Nano‐ZnO) antibacterial additive shell was designed through the reaction extrusion in polypropylene (PP). The realization of this structure enabled the successful resolution of the agglomeration problem of Nano‐ZnO and achieved a synergistic antibacterial effect between Nano‐ZnO and PHMG. Special attention was paid to the interaction between Nano‐ZnO and PHMG through the organic–inorganic hybridization. In addition, the nonwoven materials with different Nano‐ZnO and PHMG contents were prepared via a melt‐blown technique in PP, and their antibacterial properties were evaluated as well. Based on the findings, the synergistic antimicrobial mechanism of Nano‐ZnO/PHMG structures was established. The results showed that the addition of 2% Nano‐ZnO and 1% PHMG in PP (PP/2%ZnO/1%PHMG) allowed for the production of a melt‐blown nonwoven material with an antibacterial efficiency of 99.99% against
Staphylococcus aureus
and
Escherichia coli
. Besides that, the material exhibited the outstanding performance and durability (the breaking strength of 2.43 N, the air permeability of 537 mm/s, the filtration efficiency of 97.25%, and the filtration resistance of 28.38 Pa).
Biodegradable Mechanically Robust PCL/Oligomeric PCL‐Diol/Laponite Antifouling Porous Membrane as a Versatile Adsorbent of Water Contaminants: A Sustainable Approach to Membrane Disposal
Authors: Upreti Divyansh , Upreti Chitransh , Patro T. Umasankar 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBiodegradable polymeric membranes can reduce the environmental impact of polymer waste from discarded membranes used in water treatment and desalination. Poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL), a promising biodegradable material, faces limitations due to its hydrophobicity, affecting salt and contaminant adsorption. To overcome this, PCL was blended with oligomeric PCL‐diol (PCL‐D) in ratios of 90:10, 80:20, and 70:30. Additionally, 12 wt% laponite (Lap), an anionic synthetic clay, was incorporated to enhance mechanical strength and functionality. The addition of PCL‐D improved porosity, hydrophilicity, and antifouling properties, while Lap enhanced mechanical strength and performance. The pure water flux (PWF) increased from ~188 Lm−2 h−1 for neat PCL to 1124 Lm−2 h−1 for the 70:30 PCL blend with 12 wt% Lap (P7D3‐L12), and the water contact angle (WCA) decreased from ~96° to ~49°. The P7D3‐L12 membrane exhibited excellent adsorption of heavy metals (Pb2+ ~84.9 and Cd2+ ~90.6 mg/g) and dyes (MB ~45 and NR ~57 mg/g). It also showed ~36%–40% salt retention after multiple cycles and a fouling recovery rate (FRR) of ~82% after five cycles. Additionally, P7D3‐L12 demonstrated 78% weight loss in compost over 54 days, indicating enhanced biodegradability. These modified membranes offer a promising solution for sustainable water treatment.
Black Liquor as a Multifunctional Additive for Enhancing Mechanical and Antioxidant Properties of Natural Rubber Latex
Authors: Zhong Kai , Jiang Guangzhen , Yan Sitong , Wang Zhifen , Fang Lin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe black liquor (B)L produced in the alkaline pulping process of the paper industry is currently mainly used as fuel, which has low utilization efficiency and causes significant environmental pollution. This study leverages the alkaline nature of BL, which easily mixes with natural rubber latex (NRL), and the antioxidant properties of its main component, lignin, to use it as an additive in NRL, enhancing the strength and antiaging properties of rubber latex products and compares it with commercial lignin. The research results indicate that BL can reduce the viscosity of NRL and enhance its mechanical and thermal stability, which is beneficial for the processing of NRL products. BL improves the mechanical and antioxidant properties of NRL films, outperforming commercial lignin in both reinforcement and antioxidant effects. With the addition of 1.25 phr BL, the tensile strength and tear strength of the vulcanized rubber latex film are enhanced by 46.74% and 36.47%, respectively, compared to NRL film and by 15.79% and 12.16% compared to commercial lignin. This paper not only provides insights into the green and high‐value utilization of BL but also offers new methods for exploring eco‐friendly additives for NRL.
Genetic Warfare: The Plant Genome's Role in Fending Off Insect Invaders
Authors: Alam Aleena , Abbas Sohail , Waheed Noman , Abbas Arzlan , Weibo Qin , Huang Jingxuan , Khan Khalid Ali , Ghramh Hamed A. , Ali Jamin , Zhao Chen Ri 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThe plant defense against insects is multiple layers of interactions. They defend through direct defense and indirect defense. Direct defenses include both physical and chemical barriers that hinder insect growth, development, and reproduction. In contrast, indirect defenses do not affect insects directly but instead suppress them by releasing volatile compounds that attract the natural enemies of herbivores. Insects overcome plant defenses by deactivating biochemical defenses, suppressing defense signaling through effectors, and altering their behavior through chemical regulation. There is always a genetic war between plants and insects. In this genetic war, plant–insect co‐evolution act as both weapons and messengers. Because plants always look for new strategies to avoid insects by developing adaptation. There are molecular processes that regulate the interaction between plants and insect. Here, we examine the genes and proteins involved in plant–insect interactions and explore how their discovery has shaped the current model of the plant genome's role. Plants detect damage‐associated and herbivore‐associated molecular patterns through receptors, which trigger early signaling pathways involving Ca2+, reactive oxygen species, and MAP kinases. The specific defense mechanisms are activated through gene signaling pathways, including phytohormones, secondary metabolites, and transcription factors. Expanding plant genome approaches to unexplored dimensions in fending off insects should be a future priority in order to develop management strategies.
Effect of the field strength on the MAS NMR spectra: Comparative study between diamagnetic and paramagnetic systems
Authors: Shin Yoonju , Min Sunghee , Ahn Sangdoo , Lee Young Joo 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSolid‐state NMR spectroscopy has gained increasing attention as a probe to investigate structures and dynamics of various solid materials, in particular, materials for rechargeable batteries. Cathodes and anodes for rechargeable batteries contain unpaired electrons (paramagnetic), which generate localized magnetic fields at molecules. Owing to this paramagnetic interaction, it is often complicated to measure and interpret the NMR spectra of the paramagnetic systems. Thus, understanding the effect of the interaction between unpaired electrons and nuclei is important. NMR spectroscopy at higher magnetic fields has been perceived as beneficial since this can provide higher sensitivity and resolution. However, the response to the magnetic field strength varies depending on the nuclei of interest and material properties because various factors affect NMR characteristics. In this work, we performed a systematic study of the effect of the field strength on the magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR characteristics by comparing diamagnetic and paramagnetic systems at two different magnetic fields. As diamagnetic materials, LiCoO2 (LCO) and Li2O are examined. As paramagnetic materials, LiFePO4(LFP) and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (LiNixMnyCo1–x–yO2) with different compositions are investigated. We have demonstrated that higher signal intensity and narrower linewidths can be obtained at higher magnetic fields for diamagnetic systems, whereas higher signal intensity and better resolution are obtained at lower magnetic fields for paramagnetic systems. Our research will provide systematic and experimental evidence about the field strength dependence of paramagnetic systems and rationalized grounds for choosing proper NMR spectrometers for each material.
Primary Amenorrhea in a 15‐Year‐Old Girl Leading to the Diagnosis of Bardet‐Biedl Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Noor Azka , Kunwar Digbijay , Tasneem Zahra , Ishaq Saad Ameer 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis case report highlights the clinical complexity of Bardet‐Biedl syndrome, a rare autosomal recessive disorder, emphasizing reproductive anomalies to aid in diagnosis and management. It underscores the importance of thorough assessment and advocates for genetic testing to optimize care, despite current financial, and laboratory constraints.
Intraperitoneal Steroid Therapy for Recurrent Malignant Ascites in Advanced Cancer Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Islam Nashid , Biswas Jheelam , Sarker Shima Rani , Khanam Salma Ahsan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntraperitoneal administration of depot corticosteroids following an initial paracentesis reduces ascitic fluid formation and extends the interval between subsequent paracentesis sessions. This approach may effectively manage recurrent malignant ascites and enhance patients' quality of life.
A young adult patient with Philadelphia positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia presenting with extreme hyperleukocytosis
Authors: Tikit Gulten , Yucesu Elif , Sarıfakıoglu Aliye Serpil , Dilek Imdat , Bakanay Sule Mine 
Published: December 2024

Key Clinical MessageExtreme hyperleukocytosis (Leukocyte count >200 × 109/L) in an adolescent young adult (AYA) patient with B‐ALL could result in mild symptoms of leukostasis. Hyperleukocytosis requires prompt initiation of therapy with adequate hydration, cytoreduction and prevention of tumor lysis. Ph + B‐ALL may present with extreme hyperleukocytosis and may be resistant to initial pre‐phase therapy. In such cases, leukocytapheresis is beneficial in reducing the leukocyte count as well as controlling the symptoms.
Direct Observation of Dioxymethylene and Formaldehyde as Hydrogenation Products of Formate Species on the Hydrogen‐Adsorbed Cu(997) Surface
Authors: Yoshioka Haruka , Osada Wataru , Mukai Kozo , Tanaka Shunsuke , Yoshinobu Jun 
Published: December 2024

AbstractTo elucidate the hydrogenation process of formate species on Cu‐based model catalysts, we investigated the thermal process of formic acid on the clean Cu(997) surface and the H‐adsorbed Cu(997) surface using temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and high‐resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (HREELS). In the TPD spectra of HCOOH/H/Cu(997), desorption of formaldehyde was observed at 260–410 K. By comparing the results for the clean Cu(997) surface with those for the H‐adsorbed Cu(997) surface, we have found that hydrogenated species are newly formed by the presence of hydrogen on Cu(997) after heating to 300 K using HREELS; the intermediate species is assigned to dioxymethylene. These results indicate that some of formate species are hydrogenated to dioxymethylene below 300 K and the dioxymethylene is decomposed and desorbed as formaldehyde between 260 and 410 K. In addition, the bidentate formate species at step sites are predominantly involved in the hydrogenation reaction. On the other hand, most of the bidentate formate species on the terrace are decomposed and desorbed as CO2 and H2; these formate species may appear as spectator species. We conclude that the Cu step site plays an important role in the hydrogenation of formate species to dioxymethylene and formaldehyde.
Identifying the Impact of Stakeholder Empowerment During the Social Innovation Journey
Authors: Salmon Jessica , Satoğlu Emine Beyza , Ogutu Vincent , Gisleson Samantha 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSocial innovation has been widely studied as an approach to mitigate wicked problems and their associated grand challenges. Even so, there are a myriad of location‐specific hurdles to successful formation, design, implementation, and scaling that require the expertise and integration of local partner knowledge. In this regard, there is a dearth of research identifying the impact of such stakeholder empowerment when potential solutions, ideas, and projects are forming—particularly in an international context. To address this gap, we used a qualitative case study approach with semi‐structured interviews to follow projects through the initial, developmental, and implementation/termination periods of the social innovation journey. Sample projects include solar power technology for off‐grid rural populations, the development of a mobile app to facilitate the movement of time‐sensitive goods, and the development of a compostable toilet to replace pit latrines. The findings indicate the stakeholder empowerment criteria of (1) collective action and (2) the reconfiguration of social relations are most impactful during the initial idea gestation component of the journey and serve as an early signal of project survival or termination. In addition, they are also most impactful during the setbacks and criteria shift components, wherein local partners signal practical constraints from institutional voids that must be addressed alternatively. This research provides a foundation for future studies on the early formation of social innovations and their likelihood of survival with stakeholder empowerment.
Taxonomic Blind Spots: A Limitation of Environmental DNA Metabarcoding‐Based Detection for Canadian Freshwater Fishes
Authors: Morey Kevin C. , Myler Erika , Hanner Robert , Tetreault Gerald 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTWith increasing utilization of eDNA metabarcoding for fish community assessment, it is critical to identify, address, and communicate its capabilities and limitations. One limitation of great concern is the reliability of taxonomic coverage. Taxonomic blind spots, defined as consistent false negatives for specific taxa despite known presence, reduce corroboration with conventional surveys and can limit the uptake of eDNA metabarcoding for biomonitoring. These blind spots result from gaps in reference sequence libraries, issues with taxonomic resolution, inefficient binding of universal primers to the DNA of certain species, and ineffective collection during the sampling of eDNA. To explore this, a multiproject empirical dataset was compiled and analyzed to evaluate the taxonomic coverage of eDNA metabarcoding for a subset of Canadian freshwater fishes using a standardized workflow for two genetic markers: 12S MiFish‐U and Vertebrate COI. The compiled dataset consists of species lists generated by eDNA surveys, paired conventional surveys, and historical records. In total, 59 fish species across 15 families were evaluated of which approximately 40% were unable to be consistently detected by either marker because of a blind spot. The 12S and COI markers also differed in which kinds of blind spots were most frequently observed, with 12S markers exhibiting more reference and resolution blind spots and the COI marker exhibiting more unclassified blind spots. Additionally, in silico primer testing exhibited inconsistent predictions for amplification when using multiple software packages, suggesting the need for further in vitro analysis to troubleshoot primer‐related blind spots. This study highlights the impact of these blind spots in taxonomic coverage on eDNA metabarcoding studies of Canadian freshwater fishes. The limitations imposed by taxonomic blind spots should be addressed in future optimization efforts as eDNA metabarcoding sees broader acceptance as an applied method for fish biomonitoring.
The transcriptional profile of iron deficiency in patients with heart failure: Heme‐sparing and reduced immune processes
Authors: Grote Beverborg Niels , Alnuwaysir Ridha I.S. , Markousis‐Mavrogenis George , Hoes Martijn F. , van der Wal Haye H. , Romaine Simon P.R. , Nath Mintu , Koekoemoer Andrea , Cleland John G.F. , Lang Chim C. , Anker Stefan D. , Dickstein Kenneth , Metra Marco , Ng Leong L. , van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Voors Adriaan A. , Samani Nilesh J. , van der Meer Peter 
Published: December 2024

AimsIron deficiency (ID) is highly prevalent in patients with heart failure (HF) and associated with morbidity and poor prognosis, but pathophysiological mechanisms are unknown. We aimed to identify novel biological pathways affected by ID.Methods and resultsWe studied 881 patients with HF from the BIOSTAT‐CHF cohort. ID was defined as a transferrin saturation <20%. Transcriptome profiling was performed in whole blood. Identified targets were validated in a human in vitro stem cell‐derived cardiomyocyte ID model utilizing deferoxamine as iron chelator. ID was identified in 554 (62.9%) patients, and 89 differentially expressed genes between ID and non‐ID were identified, of which 60 were up‐ and 29 were downregulated. Upregulated genes were overrepresented in pathways of erythrocyte development and homeostasis. Heme biosynthetic processes were confirmed as relatively upregulated in ID, while iron–sulfur cluster assembly was downregulated. Downregulated processes further included natural killer cell and lymphocyte mediated immunity. In agreement with patient data, cardiomyocyte iron depletion significantly induced the expression of two genes (SIAH2 and CLIC4), which could be normalized upon iron supplementation. Both SIAH2 and CLIC4 are associated with increased mortality in patients with HF (hazard ratio 2.40, 95% confidence interval 1.86–3.11, p < 0.001 hazard ratio 1.78, 95% confidence interval 1.53–2.07, p < 0.001, respectively).ConclusionIron deficiency is associated with the preservation of heme‐related processes at the cost of iron–sulfur clusters. Immune processes are downregulated, uncovering another high energy demand system affected. SIAH2 and CLIC4 might be modifiable factors in the relation between ID and impaired prognosis.
Monitoring Chronic Non‐Cancer Pain in Denmark Over Two Decades: Prevalence, Mental Health and Loneliness
Authors: Ekholm Ola , Herling Suzanne Forsyth , Lykke Camilla , Skurtveit Svetlana , Hamina Aleksi , Sjøgren Per , Kurita Geana Paula 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTBackgroundEpidemiological surveys have monitored chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) and investigated associated factors in Denmark for more than 20 years. This study aimed to analyse CNCP prevalence in the Danish population from 2000 to 2023 and its associations with mental health status and loneliness.MethodsPopulation‐based surveys were conducted between 2000 and 2023. In all waves, residents aged ≥ 16 years were randomly selected to complete a self‐administered questionnaire. Samples included 10,089 respondents in 2000, 5292 in 2005, 14,330 in 2010, 13,429 in 2013, 13,050 in 2017, 10,384 in 2021 and 9303 in 2023. CNCP was defined as pain lasting ≥ 6 months. Mental status was assessed by Mental Component Summary score of Short Form‐12 and severe loneliness by the Three‐Item Loneliness Scale. Calibration weighting was applied to reduce potential non‐response bias.ResultsThe prevalence of CNCP increased steadily by 9.4 percentage points from 2000 (19.5%) to 2023 (28.9%), but with a downward tick during the COVID‐19 pandemic in 2021 (25.3%). Women aged 45 years or older had the highest prevalence in all waves. Results showed a worsening of mental health over time in both individuals with and without CNCP; however, the lowest scores were reported by individuals with CNCP. Severe loneliness seemed to be a substantial problem in individuals with CNCP (17.3% in 2021).ConclusionsIn summary, CNCP was highly prevalent over the given period and associated with mental health status and severe loneliness in recent years.SignificanceThis study demonstrated alarming trend on chronic non‐cancer pain prevalence over time in Denmark. The high estimates of prevalence and related issues, such as mental health and severe loneliness deserve further investigation and prioritisation in the public health agenda.