bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New trends in mycosynthesis of cellulose nanocrystals promoted by gamma irradiation of sugarcane bagasse
Authors: Abdelkader R. S. , Helal G. A. , Galal Y. G. M. , Soliman S. M. , Khalil R. R. , Elsayed N. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe biological synthesis of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) involves utilizing cellulose-degrading microorganisms or their hydrolytic enzymes as catalysts for the controlled degradation of cellulose, yielding CNCs. Chemical synthesis of CNCs involves acid hydrolysis conducted for 45 min at 45 °C using sulfuric acid (64%). Neurospora intermedia (Assiut University Mycological Center (AUMC) 14,359), Fusarium verticillioides (AUMC 14360), and Rhizopus oryzae (AUMC 14361) were employed in the preparation of CNCs. Before both chemical and biological treatments, sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was irradiated with doses of 100, 200, and 300 kGy, enhancing the yield of nanocellulose from the cellulosic feedstock. The resultant nanocellulose was initially assessed using UV–Vis spectroscopy, and the characterization was further refined through Dynamic Light Scattering analysis to delineate particle size distribution within the nanoscale and to evaluate stability. CNCs and chemically purified cellulose (CPC) displayed analogous Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy but were markedly different from SCB. X-ray Diffraction patterns revealed a notably higher crystallinity of cellulose in nanocellulose, with larger crystallite dimensions compared to CPC and SCB. Transmission Electron Microscope investigations elucidated the morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles. In summary, the selection of F. verticillioides for nanocellulose production represents a promising and sustainable approach that combines effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and cost-efficiency in the synthesis of this valuable nanomaterial.
Graphical abstract
Exploration of Gas-Dependent Self-Adaptive Reconstruction Behavior of Cu2O for Electrochemical CO2 Conversion to Multi-Carbon Products
Authors: Zhang Chaoran , Gu Yichuan , Jiang Qu , Sheng Ziyang , Feng Ruohan , Wang Sihong , Zhang Haoyue , Xu Qianqing , Yuan Zijian , Song Fang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractStructural reconstruction of electrocatalysts plays a pivotal role in catalytic performances for CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), whereas the behavior is by far superficially understood. Here, we report that CO2 accessibility results in a universal self-adaptive structural reconstruction from Cu2O to Cu@CuxO composites, ending with feeding gas-dependent microstructures and catalytic performances. The CO2-rich atmosphere favors reconstruction for CO2RR, whereas the CO2-deficient one prefers that for hydrogen evolution reaction. With the assistance of spectroscopic analysis and theoretical calculations, we uncover a CO2-induced passivation behavior by identifying a reduction-resistant but catalytic active Cu(I)-rich amorphous layer stabilized by *CO intermediates. Additionally, we find extra CO production is indispensable for the robust production of C2H4. An inverse correlation between durability and FECO/FEC2H4 is disclosed, suggesting that the self-stabilization process involving the absorption of *CO intermediates on Cu(I) sites is essential for durable electrolysis. Guided by this insight, we design hollow Cu2O nanospheres for durable and selective CO2RR electrolysis in producing C2H4. Our work recognizes the previously overlooked passivation reconstruction and self-stabilizing behavior and highlights the critical role of the local atmosphere in modulating reconstruction and catalytic processes.
Wettbewerb und Wettbewerbsverzerrungen am Messestandort Deutschland
Authors: Haucap Justus , Fritz Daniel , Thorwarth Susanne 
Published: November 2024

ZusammenfassungDie Messewirtschaft ist in Deutschland durch eine Konkurrenz privater und öffentlicher Messeveranstalter gekennzeichnet. Im Gegensatz zu den privaten Veranstaltern sind die öffentlichen Messeveranstalter vertikal integriert: Sie besitzen und betreiben einerseits die lokale Messeinfrastruktur, veranstalten aber auch selbst zahlreiche Messen. Aus dieser Asymmetrie können Wettbewerbsverzerrungen entstehen wie etwa eine Selbstbevorzugung. Die Corona-Pandemie hat diese Problematik nochmals verschärft. Durch eine Selbstregulierung, etwa in Form einer Selbstverpflichtung zu einem Code of Conduct, könnte sich die Messewirtschaft verpflichten, nicht zwischen Eigen- und Fremdmessen zu diskriminieren, um eine wettbewerbsschädliche Selbstbevorzugung zu vermeiden.
Evaluation of a novel large language model (LLM)-powered chatbot for oral boards scenarios
Authors: Silvestri Caitlin , Roshal Joshua , Shah Meghal , Widmann Warren D. , Townsend Courtney , Brian Riley , L’Huillier Joseph C. , Navarro Sergio M. , Lund Sarah , Sathe Tejas S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Purpose
While previous studies have demonstrated that generative artificial intelligence (AI) can pass medical licensing exams, AI’s role as an examiner in complex, interactive assessments remains unknown. AI-powered chatbots could serve as educational tools to simulate oral examination dialogues. Here, we present initial validity evidence for an AI-powered chatbot designed for general surgery residents to prepare for the American Board of Surgery (ABS) Certifying Exam (CE).

Methods
We developed a chatbot using GPT-4 to simulate oral board scenarios. Scenarios were completed by general surgery residents from six different institutions. Two experienced surgeons evaluated the chatbot across five domains: inappropriate content, missing content, likelihood of harm, extent of harm, and hallucinations. We measured inter-rater reliability to determine evaluation consistency.

Results
Seventeen residents completed a total of 20 scenarios. Commonly tested topics included small bowel obstruction (30%), diverticulitis (20%), and breast disease (15%). Based on two independent reviewers, evaluation revealed 11–25% of chatbot simulations had no errors and an additional 11%–35% contained errors of minimal clinical significance. The chatbot limitations included incorrect management advice and critical omissions of information.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates the potential of an AI-powered chatbot in enhancing surgical education through oral board simulations. Despite challenges in accuracy and safety, the chatbot offers a novel approach to medical education, underscoring the need for further refinement and standardized evaluation frameworks. Incorporating domain-specific knowledge and expert insights is crucial for improving the efficacy of AI tools in medical education.
PharmaLLM: A Medicine Prescriber Chatbot Exploiting Open-Source Large Language Models
Authors: Azam Ayesha , Naz Zubaira , Khan Muhammad Usman Ghani 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe increasing adoption of large language models (LLMs) in healthcare presents both opportunities and challenges. While LLM-powered applications are being utilized for various medical tasks, concerns persist regarding their accuracy and reliability, particularly when not specifically trained on medical data. Using open-source models without proper fine-tuning for medical applications can lead to inaccurate or potentially harmful advice, underscoring the need for domain-specific adaptation. Therefore, this study addresses these issues by developing PharmaLLM, a fine-tuned version of the open-source Llama 2 model, designed to provide accurate medicine prescription information. PharmaLLM incorporates a multi-modal input/output mechanism, supporting both text and speech, to enhance accessibility. The fine-tuning process utilized LoRA (Low-Rank Adaptation) with a rank of 16 for parameter-efficient fine-tuning. The learning rate was maintained at 2e-4 for stable adjustments, and a batch size of 12 was chosen to balance computational efficiency and learning effectiveness. The system demonstrated strong performance metrics, achieving 87% accuracy, 92.16% F1 score, 94% sensitivity, 66% specificity, and 90% precision. A usability study involving 33 participants was conducted to evaluate the system using the Chatbot Usability Questionnaire, focusing on error handling, response generation, navigation, and personality. Results from the questionnaire indicated that participants found the system easy to navigate and the responses useful and relevant. PharmaLLM aims to facilitate improved patient-physician interactions, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources and low literacy rates. This research contributes to the advancement of medical informatics by offering a reliable, accessible web-based tool that benefits both patients and healthcare providers.
Low-cost, high-throughput quantification of microplastics released from textile wash tests: Introducing the fibre fragmentation scale
Authors: Murden Sophia , Macintyre Lisa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Microplastic fibres are found everywhere that researchers have looked for them, from remote mountains to human lungs. However, data are not yet available to facilitate the design of low-shedding textiles. Effective use of standard test methods could establish the impact of processing variables on textile’s propensity to fragment or shed fibres into the environment, allowing industry to design and select lower-polluting materials. Three new test methods are recommended using the widely accessible accelerated laundering equipment used for colour fastness to wash tests. However, the recommended gravimetric analysis of results takes over 8 h per specimen batch, in addition to specimen preparation, testing and effluent filtration, making analysing test results prohibitively time-consuming, and expensive, for many brands. Visual ‘grey scales’ are very commonly used to grade colour fastness test results, and this article proposes the use of an equivalent ‘fibre fragmentation scale’ to dramatically increase the throughput of fibre fragmentation testing and reduce its cost without compromising accuracy or reliability. Mean fibre fragmentation scale grades given by sets of three observers correlated with gravimetric results at 99% confidence. Subjective grades assigned to test specimens, and photographs of test specimens, had significantly lower variability than gravimetric methods at small, ‘more acceptable’, levels of fibre fragmentation.
Transforming Africa’s food systems: building resilience to deliver healthy diets
Authors: Lartey Anna , Guthiga Paul , Tefara Wondwosen , Badiane Ousmane , Thiam Aboubacry , Fawzi Wafaie , Madzorera Isabel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Food systems in Africa are under pressure from climate change, conflicts, health pandemics such as COVID-19 and rising food prices. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted weaknesses in global food systems and indeed Africa’s was not spared. Although COVID-19 mortality and morbidity in Africa were relatively low in comparison to other regions, the containment measures employed by countries amplified a rather dire situation. Disruptions were seen in livelihoods, food value chains, increases in food prices and loss of income. These changes affected access to nutritious foods. A resilient food system that can withstand and recover from disruption and shocks will be important for ensuring access to healthy diets for all. This review paper assesses the state of food insecurity and malnutrition situation pre-COVID-19 and the impact of COVID-19 on Africa’s food systems and access to healthy diet. To put Africa on a path to accelerated recovery, a resilient and sustainable food system will be crucial. The following recommendations are made: (i) increasing agriculture productivity, with special attention to the foods that contribute to healthy diets – fruits and vegetables, and animal source foods (ii) promoting the production and consumption of nutritious African traditional and indigenous foods (iii) transforming Africa’s food systems to be gender-sensitive (iv) investing in well-targeted social protection programmes (v) supporting food environments that protect healthy diets and (vi) employing data and information to monitor food systems transformation.
Residual weed control in cotton utilizing herbicide-coated fertilizer
Authors: Dean Brock A. , Cahoon Charles W. , Collins Guy D. , Jordan David L. , Taylor Zachary R. , Forehand Jacob C. , de Sanctis Jose S. , Lee James H. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
An experiment was conducted in 2022 and 2023 near Rocky Mount and Clayton, NC, to evaluate residual herbicide-coated fertilizer for cotton tolerance and Palmer amaranth control. Treatments included acetochlor, atrazine, dimethenamid-P, diuron, flumioxazin, fluometuron, fluridone, fomesafen, linuron, metribuzin, pendimethalin, pyroxasulfone, pyroxasulfone + carfentrazone, S-metolachlor, and sulfentrazone. Each herbicide was individually coated on granular ammonium sulfate (AMS) and top-dressed at 321 kg ha−1 (67 kg N ha−1) onto 5- to 7-leaf cotton. The check plots received the equivalent rate of nonherbicide-treated AMS. Before top-dress, all plots (including the check) were treated with glyphosate and glufosinate to control previously emerged weeds. All herbicides except metribuzin resulted in transient cotton injury. Cotton response to metribuzin varied by year and location. In 2022, metribuzin caused 11% to 39% and 8% to 17% injury at the Clayton and Rocky Mount locations, respectively. In 2023, metribuzin caused 13% to 32% injury at Clayton and 73% to 84% injury at Rocky Mount. Pyroxasulfone (91%), pyroxasulfone + carfentrazone (89%), fomesafen (87%), fluridone (86%), flumioxazin (86%), and atrazine (85%) controlled Palmer amaranth ≥85%. Pendimethalin and fluometuron were the least effective treatments, resulting in 58% and 62% control, respectively. As anticipated, early season metribuzin injury translated into yield loss; plots treated with metribuzin yielded 640 kg ha−1 and were comparable to yields after linuron (790 kg ha−1) was used. These findings suggest that with the exception of metribuzin, residual herbicides coated onto AMS may be suitable and effective in cotton production, providing growers with additional modes of action for late-season control of multiple herbicide–resistant Palmer amaranth.
Bifunctional nanoprobe for simultaneous detection of intracellular reactive oxygen species and temperature in single cells
Authors: Ma Yanmei , Hu Weikang , Hu Jian , Ruan Muyang , Hu Jie , Yang Ming , Zhang Yi , Xie Hanhan , Hu Chengzhi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractLiving cells can rapidly adjust their metabolic activities in response to external stimuli, leading to fluctuations in intracellular temperature and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Monitoring these parameters is essential for understanding cellular metabolism, particularly during dynamic biological processes. In this study, we present a bifunctional nanoprobe capable of simultaneous measurement of ROS levels and temperature within single cells. The nanoprobe features two individually addressable nanoelectrodes, with platinum (Pt) and nickel (Ni) coatings on both sides. At the tip, these two metal layers form a nano-thermocouple, enabling precise intracellular temperature measurements, while the Pt layer facilitates selective ROS detection. This dual functionality allows for real-time monitoring of cellular responses during synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy of cancer cells and zebrafish embryos subjected to mitochondrial toxic stress. Our results demonstrate that the nanoprobe effectively measures increases in temperature and ROS levels in HeLa cells undergoing chemo-photothermal therapy, as well as in chemically stimulated zebrafish embryos. By providing detailed analysis of submicrometer-scale temperature and ROS variations within living cells, this nanoprobe offers valuable insights into cellular processes and holds promise for early disease detection and drug development.
Sodium oligomannate disrupts the adherence of Ribhigh bacteria to gut epithelia to block SAA-triggered Th1 inflammation in 5XFAD transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Xinyi , Xie Zuoquan , Yuan Jie , Jin Enjing , Lian Wen , Chang Shuaishuai , Sun Guangqiang , Feng Zhengnan , Xu Hui , Du Chen , Yang Xinying , Xia Aihua , Qiu Ji , Zhang Qingli , Lin Feifei , Liu Jia , Li Liang , Du Xiaoguang , Xiao Zhongping , Yi Zhou , Luo Zhiyu , Ge Changrong , Li Rui , Zheng Mingyue , Jiang Yi , Wang Tao , Zhang Jing , Guo Qihao , Geng Meiyu 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSodium oligomannate (GV-971), an oligosaccharide drug approved in China for treating mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease (AD), was previously found to recondition the gut microbiota and limit altered peripheral Th1 immunity in AD transgenic mice. As a follow-up study, we here made advances by pinpointing a Lactobacillus murinus (L.m.) strain that highly expressed a gene encoding a putative adhesin containing Rib repeats (Ribhigh-L.m.) particularly enriched in 5XFAD transgenic mice. Mechanistically, Ribhigh-L.m. adherence to the gut epithelia upregulated fecal metabolites, among which lactate ranked as the top candidate. Excess lactate stimulated the epithelial production of serum amyloid A (SAA) in the gut via the GPR81-NFκB axis, contributing to peripheral Th1 activation. Moreover, GV-971 disrupted the adherence of Ribhigh-L.m. to gut epithelia via direct binding to Rib, which corrected the excess lactate, reduced SAA, and alleviated Th1-skewed inflammation. Together, we gained further insights into the molecular link between gut bacteria and AD progression and the mechanism of GV-971 in treating AD.
Profiling of insulin-resistant kidney models and human biopsies reveals common and cell-type-specific mechanisms underpinning Diabetic Kidney Disease
Authors: Lay Abigail C. , Tran Van Du T. , Nair Viji , Betin Virginie , Hurcombe Jennifer A. , Barrington Alexandra F. , Pope Robert JP , Burdet Frédéric , Mehl Florence , Kryvokhyzha Dmytro , Ahmad Abrar , Sinton Matthew C. , Lewis Philip , Wilson Marieangela C. , Menon Rajasree , Otto Edgar , Heesom Kate J. , Ibberson Mark , Looker Helen C. , Nelson Robert G. , Ju Wenjun , Kretzler Matthias , Satchell Simon C. , Gomez Maria F. , Coward Richard J. M. ,   BEAt-DKD consortium, Ju Wenjun , Kretzler Matthias 
Published: November 2024

AbstractDiabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end stage kidney failure worldwide, of which cellular insulin resistance is a major driver. Here, we study key human kidney cell types implicated in DKD (podocytes, glomerular endothelial, mesangial and proximal tubular cells) in insulin sensitive and resistant conditions, and perform simultaneous transcriptomics and proteomics for integrated analysis. Our data is further compared with bulk- and single-cell transcriptomic kidney biopsy data from early- and advanced-stage DKD patient cohorts. We identify several consistent changes (individual genes, proteins, and molecular pathways) occurring across all insulin-resistant kidney cell types, together with cell-line-specific changes occurring in response to insulin resistance, which are replicated in DKD biopsies. This study provides a rich data resource to direct future studies in elucidating underlying kidney signalling pathways and potential therapeutic targets in DKD.
Impact of rotavirus vaccination in Malawi from 2012 to 2022 compared to model predictions
Authors: Pitzer Virginia E. , Ndeketa Latif , Asare Ernest O. , Hungerford Daniel , Lopman Benjamin A. , Jere Khuzwayo C. , Cunliffe Nigel A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractRotarix® vaccine was introduced into the Malawi national immunization program in October 2012. We analyzed data on children <5 years old hospitalized with acute gastroenteritis from January 2012 to June 2022, and compared to pre-vaccination data from 1997 to 2009. We estimated vaccine coverage before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic using data from rotavirus-negative children. We compared the observed weekly number of rotavirus-associated gastroenteritis (RVGE) cases by age to predictions from a previously developed mathematical model to estimate overall vaccine effectiveness. The number of RVGE and rotavirus-negative acute gastroenteritis cases declined substantially following vaccine introduction. Vaccine coverage among rotavirus-negative controls was >90% with two doses by July 2014, and declined to a low of ~80% in October 2020 before returning to pre-pandemic levels by July 2021. Our models captured the post-vaccination trends in RVGE incidence. Comparing observed RVGE cases to the model-predicted incidence without vaccination, overall effectiveness was estimated to be modest at 36.0% (95% prediction interval: 33.6%, 39.9%), peaking in 2014, and was highest in infants (52.5%; 95% prediction interval: 50.1%, 54.9%). Our mathematical models provide a validated platform for assessing strategies to improve rotavirus vaccine impact in low-income settings.
Boosting neuraminidase immunity in the presence of hemagglutinin with the next generation of influenza vaccines
Authors: Cortés Guadalupe , Ustyugova Irina , Farrell Timothy , McDaniel Clint , Britain Colleen , Romano Christopher , N’Diaye Siré , Zheng Lingyi , Ferdous Mithila , Iampietro Justin , Pougatcheva Svetlana , La Rue Lauren , Han Liqun , Ma Fuqin , Stegalkina Svetlana , Ray Satyajit , Zhang Jianxin , Barro Mario 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNeuraminidase (NA), the second most abundant surface glycoprotein on the influenza virus, plays a key role in viral replication and propagation. Despite growing evidence showing that NA-specific antibodies correlate with resistance to disease in humans, current licensed vaccines focus almost entirely on the hemagglutinin (HA) antigen. Here, we demonstrate that recombinant NA (rNA) protein is highly immunogenic in both naïve mice and ferrets, as well as in pre-immune ferrets, irrespective of the level of match with preexisting immunity. Ferrets vaccinated with rNA developed mild influenza disease symptoms upon challenge with human H3N2 influenza virus, and anti-NA antibody responses appeared correlated with reduction in disease severity. The addition of rNA to a quadrivalent HA-based vaccine induced robust NA-specific humoral immunity in ferrets, while retaining the ability to induce HA-specific immunity. These results demonstrate that the addition of rNA is a viable option to increase immunogenicity and potentially efficacy versus currently licensed influenza vaccines by means of boosting NA immunity.
Goffin’s cockatoos use object mass but not balance cues when making object transport decisions
Authors: Adelmant Celestine , Osuna-Mascaró Antonio J. , Folkertsma Remco , Auersperg Alice M. I. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUtilising weight cues can improve the efficiency of foraging behaviours by providing information on nutritional value, material strength, and tool functionality. Attending to weight cues may also facilitate the optimisation of object transport. Though some animals’ ability to assess weight cues has been determined, research into whether they can apply weight assessment during practical decision making is limited. In this study, we investigate whether Goffin’s cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) account for relative weight and unequal versus equal weight distribution when making object transport decisions, and whether sensitivity to these cues varies depending on transport mode. We conducted a series of binary choice experiments in which birds could choose to transport one of two identical, non-functional, equally rewarded objects differing only in overall weight (experiment 1) or weight balance (experiment 2) over a short distance. We found that in experiment 1, Goffin’s cockatoos preferred to transport light objects over heavy objects and seemed to rely more on weight cues to inform decisions over time, whereas in experiment 2, weight balance cues were ignored. Contrary to our predictions, Goffin’s cockatoos did not show increased preference for lighter or more balanced objects when employing higher energy transport modes (flight) compared to lower energy modes (walking). We suggest that this may be due to an insufficient difference in physical effort between transport modes due to the short distance travelled. These findings provide the first evidence of weight cues being considered to optimise object transport in birds.