bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Enzyme for Biodiesel Production and Food Applications: Lipase of Bacillus megateriumF25 Isolated From an Aquatic Insect Rhantus suturalis
Authors: Karaman Fatima , Incekara Umit , Arslan Nazli Pinar , Albayrak Seyda , Ortucu Serkan , Taskin Mesut 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aimed to isolate, purify, and characterize a lipase from the gut symbiont Bacillus megaterium F25 (GenBank accession: MF597792) of the aquatic insect Rhantus suturalis, with a focus on its potential applications in biodiesel and food industries. Under optimized culture conditions, B. megaterium F25 could produce 583 U/L of lipase in shaking flask culture. The purified lipase (PL) exhibited a specific activity with 113.89 U/mg, and its molecular weight was determined as 34 kDa. The activity of PL was enhanced by methanol, ethanol, Tween‐80, Triton X‐100, Ca2+, and Mg2+, while β‐mercaptoethanol, EDTA, SDS, Fe2+, Mn2+, and Cu2+ were inhibitory. PL showed optimal activity and stability at neutral and slightly acidic pHs, as well as in a temperature range of 20°C–30°C. PL displayed strong hydrolytic activity toward plant oils and animal fats, indicating its potency for both the food industry and the remediation of oil‐contaminated environments. When tested as a catalyst, PL provided biodiesel production with a transesterification yield of 86.8% under optimized conditions (36 h reaction time, 4 mL enzyme solution, 30°C, pH 7.0, and waste cooking oil:methanol ratio of 10 mL/40 mL). This is the first report on the lipase‐producing potential of gut microbial symbionts of aquatic insects. Furthermore, B. megaterium lipase was tested for the first time as a biocatalyst for biodiesel production.
GGR Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis [Chapter 13] Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)
Authors: Harmon Russell S. , Senesi Giorgio S. 
Published: November 2024

This chapter (Laser‐Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)) is a contribution to the Geostandards and Geoanalytical Research Handbook of Rock and Mineral Analysis – an online textbook that is a fully revised and updated edition of A Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis (P. J. Potts, 1987, Blackie, Glasgow).Chapter 13 (from Section 3 of the handbook dealing with microbeam techniques) provides first a history of the development of laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy, and of the LIBS process, followed by an examination of the fundamental principles of LIBS and its instrumentation. Discussion is then provided on the preparation of sample material, LIBS matrix effects and signal processing. Different modes of compositional analysis that can be tackled by LIBS are described, including quantitative measurement (covering isotope measurements), compositional mapping, depth profiling and the determination of physical properties of geological materials. The recent tandem coupling of LIBS with laser ablation ICP‐MS instrumentation is explored. Finally, a suite of examples of LIBS analyses of silicate rocks and minerals is provided, demonstrating the utility of this measurement principle in rapid compositional assessment, detailed petrological studies and microgeochemical mapping.
Efficacy and safety of prostatic urethral lift according to preoperative urinary retention and prostate volume: A Japanese real‐world multicenter data
Authors: Anan Go , Minami Hidero , Fujishima Yosuke , Kaga Kanya 
Published: November 2024

ObjectivesProstatic urethral lift (PUL) for benign prostatic hyperplasia has recently been initiated in Asia; therefore, few studies with real‐world data have been reported. This study evaluated the efficacy and safety of PUL using Japanese real‐world multicenter data.MethodsIndications for PUL were based on relevant guidelines in Japan. The preoperative patient status, postoperative progress at 1 and 3 months, and perioperative complications were evaluated. Also, we compared preoperative urinary retention and nonurinary retention patients, and prostate volumes <30, 30 to <50, and ≥50 mL.ResultsA total of 160 patients were included in the study. The mean age was 75 years and the mean prostate volume was 44 mL. The International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, maximum flow rate, and postvoid residual volume significantly improved 1 and 3 months postoperatively compared to preoperatively. The catheter‐free rates in the preoperative urinary retention group were 58.1%, 72.1%, 83.7%, and 88.4% on postoperative days 1, 7, 30, and 90, respectively. The catheter‐free rates in the nonurinary retention group were 94.9%, 98.3%, and 100% on postoperative days 1, 7, and 14, respectively. The group with a prostate volume ≥50 mL had a longer operation time and used significantly more implants; however, no difference was observed in the postoperative urinary status among the three groups.ConclusionsPUL can be considered a safe and effective procedure for both preoperative urinary retention and nonurinary retention patients with prostate volumes <100 mL in older patients with comorbidities.
Uptake of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone agonists for prevention of premature ovarian insufficiency in women undergoing chemotherapy: an Australian single‐centre study
Authors: Martin Felicity C. , Phillips Kelly‐Anne , Lee Nora , Paul Dimity , Price Sarah , Rozen Genia , Stern Catharyn , Xie Jing (Sophia) , Cui Wanda 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundTreatment‐related premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) can result in early‐onset menopause and infertility.AimsTo assess the prevalence of goserelin use for POI prevention in women with cancer since it was listed by the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme in 2018 for this indication.MethodsThis retrospective study included women aged 18–45 years who received curative‐intent alkylating chemotherapy for a malignancy between August 2020 and December 2022 at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. The co‐primary end‐points were (i) documentation of a discussion with the patient regarding goserelin for POI prevention and (ii) prescription of goserelin for POI prevention prior to chemotherapy commencement.ResultsSixty‐six patients were eligible. Fifty patients (76%) had a documented discussion regarding goserelin for POI prevention and 53 patients (80%) were prescribed goserelin for POI prevention. Nulliparous women were more likely to have a discussion regarding goserelin (P = 0.004). Younger women, nulliparous women and those referred to a fertility service were more likely to have been prescribed goserelin for POI prevention (P = 0.003, P = 0.001 and P = 0.002 respectively). Twenty‐one of 53 patients (40%) who received goserelin had the first dose administered ≥7 days before chemotherapy commencement.ConclusionOne‐quarter of eligible patients did not have a documented discussion regarding goserelin, despite the negative consequences of POI. Efforts are needed to increase the discussion and use of goserelin in all premenopausal women regardless of their fertility interests and to ensure timely administration in those who choose to receive it.
Nucleic acid sensing in the central nervous system: Implications for neural circuit development, function, and degeneration
Authors: Stillman Jacob M. , Kiniwa Tsuyoshi , Schafer Dorothy P. 
Published: November 2024

SummaryNucleic acids are a critical trigger for the innate immune response to infection, wherein pathogen‐derived RNA and DNA are sensed by nucleic acid sensing receptors. This subsequently drives the production of type I interferon and other inflammatory cytokines to combat infection. While the system is designed such that these receptors should specifically recognize pathogen‐derived nucleic acids, it is now clear that self‐derived RNA and DNA can also stimulate these receptors to cause aberrant inflammation and autoimmune disease. Intriguingly, similar pathways are now emerging in the central nervous system in neurons and glial cells. As in the periphery, these signaling pathways are active in neurons and glia to present the spread of pathogens in the CNS. They further appear to be active even under steady conditions to regulate neuronal development and function, and they can become activated aberrantly during disease to propagate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Here, we review the emerging new roles for nucleic acid sensing mechanisms in the CNS and raise open questions that we are poised to explore in the future.
Significance of the local largest bipolar voltage for the optimized ablation strategy using very high‐power short duration mode
Authors: Takigawa Masateru , Miyazaki Shinsuke , Yamamoto Tasuku , Martin Claire A. , Nozaki Sayumi , Yamaguchi Junji , Kawamura Iwanari , Ikenouchi Takashi , Negishi Miho , Goto Kentaro , Shigeta Takatoshi , Nishimura Takuro , Takamiya Tomomasa , Tao Susumu , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPurposeVery high‐power short‐duration (vHPSD) ablation creates shallower lesions, potentially reducing efficacy. This study aims to identify factors leading to insufficient lesions during pulmonary vein antral isolation (PVAI) with vHPSD‐ablation and to develop an optimized PVAI strategy using this technology.MethodsPVAI was performed on 41 atrial fibrillation patients using vHPSD‐ablation (90 W/4 s). Lesion parameters were recorded and analyzed to identify predictors of insufficient lesions. An optimized PVAI strategy, based on these predictors, was tested in subsequent 42 patients.ResultsIn total, 3099 RF‐applications, including 103(3.3%) insufficient lesions, were analyzed. First‐pass PVAI was achieved in 19/40(47.5%) right PVs and 24/41(58.5%) left PVs. Multivariate analysis identified significant predictors of insufficient lesions: local largest bipolar voltage (Bi‐V), average contact force, baseline impedance, impedance drop, temperature rise, inter‐lesion distance (ILD), and anatomical location (carina or not). An ILD:4‐6 mm increased the risk of insufficient lesions 2.2‐fold, and lesions at the carina increased it 3.6‐fold for both ILD < 4 mm and ILD:4‐6 mm. Local largest Bi‐V was the strongest predictor for insufficient lesions. The optimized PVAI approach, utilizing vHPSD‐ablation with an ILD < 4 mm in non‐carinal areas with Bi‐V < 4 mV, and high‐power ablation‐index guided ablation (HPAI, 50 W, ablation‐index:450–550) in remaining areas, achieved first‐pass PVAI in 92.7% of right PVs and 88.1% of left PVs, using vHPSD‐ablation in approximately 65% of total RF‐applications. The optimized PVAI achieved significantly higher first‐pass PVI rate (p < .0001) with shorter ablation time (p = .04).ConclusionAppropriate use of vHPSD and HPAI, based on local largest Bi‐V and anatomical information, may achieve high first‐pass PVAI rates in shorter ablation time with minimal energy delivery.
Medical Lysenkoism
Authors: Baker Steven K. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractMedicine is a compound field composed of science and art. The (necessary) degree to which the latter is involved opens medicine, in particular, to the introduction of ideas which do not, by their very nature, submit to confirmation or confutation as do the various methods of traditional science. This paper explores several ways in which a Lysenkoistic ideology can be interjected into medicine changing the manner in which it interacts with both patients and society. Simply, when ideology supersedes evidence the edifice of Western Medicine comes under direct threat. The exploration of this emerging ideological transition in medicine, and science more broadly, is of critical importance to determine the most salutary path forward.
Characterisation of a Mesophilic Aeromonas salmonicida and the Development of a PCR to Differentiate Atypical and Typical Strains
Authors: Wilson Teresa , Green Mark , Dunn Vivianne , Cummins David , Neave Matthew 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study describes the identification and characterisation of a new mesophilic Aeromonas salmonicida strain, named HMes1 isolated from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in Tasmania. Isolates were identified as Aeromonas salmonicida through phenotypic, phylogenetic and genetic characterisation. After characterisation, the diagnostic phenotypic identification system MicroSys A24 was updated and a new multiplex conventional PCR was developed to enable rapid and inexpensive identification of atypical A. salmonicida, and exclusion of the exotic strain, A. salmonicida ssp. salmonicida.
Are Boards Sensitive to CEO Masculinity? The Effect of CEO Facial and Vocal Masculinity on CEO Dismissal
Authors: Mount Matthew P. , Sharpe Wen Hua , Lai Karen M. Y. , Gul Ferdinand A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDrawing on evolutionary psychology theorizing, this paper examines how chief executive officer (CEO) facial and vocal masculinity – as evolved biases shaping peoples' perceptions of an individual's leadership ability – influence boards' dismissal decisions. Specifically, we theorize that boards are likely to perceive CEO facial and vocal masculinity as costly to the firm, as they signal aggression, dominance, and risk‐taking – traits that are only valued in the narrow context of conflict. Based on this reasoning, we argue that CEO facial and vocal masculinity will be positively related to CEO dismissal. Further, we develop contingency arguments which suggest that CEO facial and vocal masculinity will interact with analysts' evaluation of firm performance to jointly influence CEO dismissal. We test and find support for our predictions using a panel dataset of CEOs from S&P 1500 firms.
Use of toe systolic blood pressures and toe brachial pressure indices in people receiving dialysis: A scoping review
Authors: Carle Rachel , Tehan Peta E. , Stewart Sarah , Carroll Matthew R. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionCurrent guidelines for noninvasive lower limb vascular testing specify a preference for toe brachial pressure measurement to aid in the diagnosis of peripheral arterial disease populations with high suspicion of peripheral vessel calcification, such as those with kidney failure with replacement therapy.ObjectivesThe aim was to identify the current literature on toe systolic blood pressure and toe brachial pressure index for individuals with kidney failure who are receiving replacement therapy.DesignA scoping review.MethodsMEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED and SPORTDiscus were systematically searched between July 15 and July 30, 2023. The scoping review followed the Arksey and O'Malley framework, with data reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses extension for scoping reviews.ResultsSixteen studies were included in the review. There was limited data examining the significance of toe systolic blood pressure and toe brachial pressure index during a dialysis session. There were differences in the normative values for toe brachial pressure index values used in the studies and limited reporting on the measurement protocols used to determine toe systolic blood pressure and toe brachial pressure index.ConclusionThe review found limited data examining the clinical utility of toe systolic blood pressure and toe brachial pressure index in populations receiving dialysis. The use of toe systolic blood pressure and toe‐brachial index to identify peripheral artery disease in this population is important. However, there is limited evidence and conflicting information on measurement protocols, reliability, diagnostic accuracy, and prognostic capacity.
Carrots and Sticks: Collaboration of Taxation and Subsidies in Contests
Authors: Minchuk Yizhaq , Sela Aner 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTWe study all‐pay auctions under incomplete information in which the designer can impose taxes or subsidies, and his expected payoff is the contestants' expected total effort minus the cost of subsidies, or, alternatively, plus the tax payment. When contestants have linear effort cost functions, we show that taxing the winner's payoff is profitable for the contest designer, and particularly more profitable than the same model with no taxation or the same model with contestants' effort taxation. When the contestants' effort cost functions are convex and the taxation rate is relatively low, we show that the designer should tax the winner's payoff while subsidizing all of the other contestants' effort costs. As a result, contest organizers should think about combining taxation and subsidies in their contests because they complement rather than substitute each other.
Updated Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Hepatitis B—World Health Organization 2024 Compared With China 2022 HBV Guidelines
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe year 2024 is the year of new clinical practice and management guidelines for chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. World Health Organization (WHO) published the updated HBV guidelines in March 2024. In contrast, two key international societies for liver diseases, including the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the European Association for the Study of the Liver (EASL), are currently in the process of updating their clinical practice guidelines for HBV. In 2022, China published their HBV guidelines, regarded as one of the most uncompromising ones as the threshold to start antiviral treatment is set at detectable HBV DNA above 10–20 IU/mL. In this chapter, the latest developments in the HBV guidelines with a specific focus on the Chinese & WHO guidelines are discussed. Specifically, the pros and cons of lowering treatment thresholds and the benefits of treating more people to avoid the complications of chronic hepatitis B, specifically HCC, are reviewed.
Peer Interaction Dynamics and Second Language Learning Trajectories During Study Abroad: A Longitudinal Investigation Using Dynamic Computational Social Network Analysis
Authors: Paradowski Michał B. , Whitby Nicole , Czuba Michał , Bródka Piotr 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUsing computational Social Network Analysis (SNA), this longitudinal study investigates the development of the interaction network and its influence on the second language (L2) gains of a complete cohort of 41 U.S. sojourners enrolled in a 3‐month intensive study‐abroad Arabic program in Jordan. Unlike extant research, our study focuses on students’ interactions with alma mater classmates, reconstructing their complete network, tracing the impact of individual students’ positions in the social graph using centrality metrics, and incorporating a developmental perspective with three measurement points. Objective proficiency gains were influenced by predeparture proficiency (negatively), multilingualism, perceived integration of the peer learner group (negatively), and the number of fellow learners speaking to the student. Analyses reveal relatively stable same‐gender cliques, but with changes in the patterns and strength of interaction. We also discuss interesting divergent trajectories of centrality metrics, L2 use, and progress; predictors of self‐perceived progress across skills; and the interplay of context and gender.
Canned complementary porridges for infants and young children (6–23 months) based on African indigenous crops; nutritional content, consistency, sensory, and affordability compared to traditional porridges based on maize and finger millet
Authors: Løvdal Trond , Skaret Josefine , Drobac Gorana , Okole Blessed , Sone Izumi , Rosa‐Sibakov Natalia , Varela Paula 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChild malnutrition is a major health problem in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Complementary foods made from African indigenous and locally available raw materials are often low in protein and nutrients. It is, therefore, important to supply complementary foods that are nutritious and affordable, and with an acceptable consistency and taste. The objective of this study was to develop, on a pilot scale, food‐to‐food fortified, convenient, canned complementary porridges based on blends of African indigenous crops, i.e., orange fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) flour, and leguminous (i.e., cowpea, and Bambara groundnut) and cereal flours (i.e., teff, finger millet, maize, and amaranth), and milk powder. Plant‐based, African complementary foods are often lacking in vitamin A, zinc, iron, and energy. Porridge with OFSP on a 32% dry weight (dw) basis achieved recommended levels of vitamin A (530 µg per 100 g dw). Satisfactory energy (431 Kcal per 100 g dw) was obtained by supplementation of vegetable oil. A nutritious, low‐cost porridge (costing 0.15 € per 100 g can) that fulfills consistency constraints was obtained by including supplements of zinc and iron salts as ingredients. The solids content and thus protein/energy could be significantly increased using protein fractionated or germinated cowpea flours without compromising on viscosity. The sensory profile was characterised by more intense vegetable, leguminous, and malty flavours as compared to traditional reference porridges.
Quantification of persistent organic pollutants in breastmilk and estimated infant intake, Norway
Authors: Nermo Kristina R. , Lyche Jan L. , Haddad‐Weiser Gabrielle , Aarsland Tonje E. , Kaldenbach Siri , Solvik Beate , Polder Anuschka , Strand Tor A. , Bakken Kjersti S. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPersistent organic pollutants (POPs) are environmental contaminants that can accumulate in human tissues and pose potential health risks. Despite global efforts to reduce their prevalence, follow‐up studies are needed to see if the measures are successful. Since most infants in Norway are breastfed for the first 6 months of life, monitoring POP contamination in breastmilk is important for children's health and development. This study aims to evaluate the current levels of various POPs in women's breastmilk in Innlandet County, Norway. A cross‐sectional study was conducted measuring concentrations of 35 different POPs, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlordanes (ChlDs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), Mirex, and brominated flame retardants in 120 breastmilk samples. The study analysed the impact of maternal age, parity, pre‐pregnancy BMI, and infant age on POPs levels and compared the estimated daily intake per body weight of infants to existing health guidelines. The detected percentages for PCBs were 100%, for DDTs 98.3%, and for ChlDs 98.3%. The highest median concentration was found for ΣPCBs (26.9 ng/g lw). Maternal age, parity, and infant age were significant determinants of POP concentrations. Most infants exceeded the health‐based guidance values for ΣPCB, and 6.4% percent did so for ΣHCHs. Despite lower POPs concentrations in breastmilk than in earlier studies, many breastfed infants are still exposed to levels exceeding health‐based guidance values. Although the study's design had limitations, the study provides updated population‐based data on POPs in breastmilk. Continued monitoring and research are necessary to understand and mitigate potential health risks associated with POPs.