bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of emulsification step on calcium carbonate encapsulated eicosane and incorporation into geopolymer
Authors: Boland Y. , Fontaine G. , Bourbigot S. , Pierlot C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe effect of the emulsification process of the organic n‐eicosane as a phase change material (PCM) in an aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDBS) as a surfactant has been studied regarding the properties of the CaCO3 microcapsules. Such microcapsules aim to limit interactions between the PCM and the matrix (i.e., leakage and unwanted reactions). Optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) shows that the mean size of the n‐eicosane capsule is of the order of 5 μm. However, large non‐spherical objects which could be clusters of flocculated capsules or the results of encapsulation of coalescing n‐eicosane droplets, are observed, particularly when mechanical stirring (MS) is used rather than when an ultra‐turrax (UT) or sonotrode (S) is used in the initial emulsification step. These large, partially encapsulated objects could be the cause of the poor results in leakage tests. It is possible to encapsulate n‐eicosane inside a calcium carbonate shell, with a greater than 50% encapsulation ratio. The yield of encapsulated n‐eicosane measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is similar and shows that 55% n‐eicosane core in CaCO3 shell can be produced. Up to 33 wt.% CaCO3 microcapsules (with 55% n‐eicosane content) have been successfully incorporated into fresh geopolymer paste. This incorporation of 18% (55% × 33%) of PCM does not modify the hardening conditions of the geopolymer since demolding was possible after 2 days at room temperature. DSC curves confirm that the melting reaction with n‐eicosane is conserved inside the hardened geopolymer.
Plantain flour: production processes, technological characteristics, and its potential use in traditional African dishes – a review
Authors: Mundéné‐Timothée Junior Lawrence , Nouga Bissoue Achille , Nguimbou Richard Marcel , Bissim Samuel Magloire , Bouelet Ntsama Isabelle Sandrine , Bouopda Tamo Sylvain Parfait , Fokam Leonel , Mouangue Ruben , Njintang Yanou Nicolas 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis review describes some processes for converting plantain pulp into flour and semolina and the influences that operating conditions can have on some of the technological characteristics (functional and pasting) of this flour. Some traditional African dishes that can be prepared with plantain flour are also presented. A literature review was conducted using a list of keywords and expressions on platforms such as Google, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The results show that work carried out to date has mainly focused on a few well known traditional bakery products such as bread, cakes, and biscuits. There has been relatively little research on transforming plantain pulp into flour as part of the preparation of traditional African dishes such as foutou or amala. This work has often been carried out in the laboratory, without any link to local artisanal processes or knowledge of consumer preferences. There is a need to standardize local culinary practices for processing plantain into flour or semolina. The data from this review opens the door for applied research into innovative technological procedures for processing plantain to add value to local dishes adapted to new urban lifestyles, to meet local consumer needs, and to reduce post‐harvest losses. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Hop as a phytogenic alternative to antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production
Authors: Kober Luisa , Strauch Sebastian M , Schwab Stefan , Becker Anna M , Erzinger Gilmar S , Castiglione Kathrin 
Published: October 2024

AbstractWith the rapid growth of the world's population, the demand for food is also increasing. Poultry accounts for 40% of the global meat sector and therefore represents a significant area for further growth. One starting point for increasing production is to refine the composition of feed to improve the efficiency of growth and nutrient utilization, prevent disease and at the same time reduce environmental impact. Similar considerations have led to the long‐standing sub‐therapeutic use of antibiotics as growth promoters in animal husbandry, which is associated with the threat of rising antimicrobial resistances and the resulting consequences for human and animal health. In order to circumvent these drawbacks, an increasing number of alternative feed additives are becoming more prevalent. The use of phytogenic feed additives, which includes hops (Humulus lupulus), is regarded as a viable alternative. In addition to its natural availability, hops have been demonstrated to exhibit antimicrobial effects and there is increasing evidence of growth‐promoting effects in vivo. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Implementation of a Multidisciplinary Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program for Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) With Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
Authors: Stockley Cecily , Bouchard‐Fortier Antoine , Mateshaytis Jennifer , Taqi Kadhim , Mack Lloyd , Nelson Gregg , Chong Michael , Deban Melina 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesCytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) can be associated with prolonged hospital stays. A novel Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) based on ERAS Society guidelines was designed and implemented. The primary outcome was ERAS compliance. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS) and postoperative complications.MethodsA retrospective study on patients who underwent CRS/HIPEC between 2018 and 2022, with ERAS implementation in 2022. Health records were reviewed. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon tests, Student t‐test, and χ2 and binomial negative regression. Health Ethics Research Board approval was obtained.ResultsEighty patients underwent CRS/HIPEC: 59 in the pre‐ERAS group and 21 in the post‐ERAS group. Groups were similar in age, comorbidities, and Peritoneal Carcinomatosis Index. ERAS compliance increased from 32.8% to 70.8% (p < 0.001). Median LOS decreased from 14 to 9 days (p < 0.001). Comparing pre‐ERAS to post‐ERAS showed no significant difference in the major morbidity rate (13.6% vs. 9.5%) or 30‐day readmission (9.4% vs. 4.8%) and no mortalities. Controlling for patient characteristics, the mean LOS decreased by 6.94 days (p < 0.001).ConclusionImplementation of an ERAS CRS/HIPEC program is safe and allows for improved compliance to ERAS protocols and a significant reduction in LOS.
Sequencing of Immunotherapy and Outcomes in Operable Clinical Stage III Melanoma: A National Cohort Study
Authors: Dheer Anushka , Tortorello Gabriella N. , Shafique Neha , Farooq Mohammad S. , Mitchell Tara C. , Xu Xiaowei , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTBackground and ObjectivesThe impact of neoadjuvant immunotherapy (NIT) on overall survival (OS) in patients with resectable stage III melanoma remains unknown. We sought to identify factors associated with receipt of NIT and survival outcomes in patients with clinical stage III melanoma undergoing surgery.MethodsThe National Cancer Database (2016–2020) was used to identify patients with clinical stage III melanoma who underwent surgery and received either NIT or adjuvant immunotherapy (AIT) only. Multivariable regression, Kaplan–Meier, and Cox proportional hazard methods were used to analyze variables of interest.ResultsPatients with clinical N3 disease had 2.5 times the odds of NIT compared to those with N1 disease (95% CI 1.74–3.49). There was no difference in 3‐year OS between the two cohorts: 79% (95% CI 73%–85%) for NIT patients and 75% (95% CI 73%–76%) for AIT patients (p = 0.078). Patients with N2/N3 disease had improved 3‐year OS of 79% with NIT versus 71% for AIT‐only (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.38–0.97, p = 0.037).ConclusionsNIT is given more selectively to clinical stage III patients with more advanced N category disease. Despite significant differences in N category between groups, there was no difference in OS observed at 3 years, and NIT was associated with a survival advantage among N2/N3 patients.
Dense vegetation hinders sediment transport toward saltmarsh interiors
Authors: Gourgue Olivier , Belliard Jean‐Philippe , Xu Yiyang , Kleinhans Maarten G. , Fagherazzi Sergio , Temmerman Stijn 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTo save saltmarshes and their valuable ecosystem services from sea level rise, it is crucial to understand their natural ability to gain elevation by sediment accretion. In that context, a widely accepted paradigm is that dense vegetation favors sediment accretion and hence saltmarsh resilience to sea level rise. Here, however, we reveal how dense vegetation can inhibit sediment accretion on saltmarsh platforms. Using a process‐based modeling approach to simulate biogeomorphic development of typical saltmarsh landscapes, we identify two key mechanisms by which vegetation hinders sediment transport from tidal channels toward saltmarsh interiors. First, vegetation concentrates tidal flow and sediment transport inside channels, reducing sediment supply to platforms. Second, vegetation enhances sediment deposition near channels, limiting sediment availability for platform interiors. Our findings suggest that the resilience of saltmarshes to sea level rise may be more limited than previously thought.
Disaster avoided: current state of the Baltic Sea without human intervention to reduce nutrient loads
Authors: Ehrnsten Eva , Humborg Christoph , Gustafsson Erik , Gustafsson Bo G. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractExcessive nutrient inputs have caused eutrophication of coastal ecosystems worldwide, triggering extensive algal blooms, oxygen‐depletion, and collapse of local fisheries. In the Baltic Sea, inputs of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have been significantly reduced since the 1980s, but the environmental state shows little to no signs of recovery. However, a simulation with continued high loads from the mid‐1980s demonstrates that while the state has not improved yet, it would be considerably worse today without the load reductions (e.g., 82% larger oxygen‐free bottom areas and 104% and 58% higher wintertime concentrations of inorganic N and P, respectively, in the Baltic Proper). Additional simulations with current nutrient loads continuing into the future indicate that conditions will likely improve in the coming decades. This study underscores the significance of acting on early warning signs of eutrophication, and furthermore how sustained efforts to decrease nutrient loads can mitigate the severity of eutrophication.
Cholinergic Basal Forebrain Integrity and Cognition in Parkinson's Disease: A Reappraisal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence
Authors: Slater Nicola M. , Melzer Tracy R. , Myall Daniel J. , Anderson Tim J. , Dalrymple‐Alford John C. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCognitive impairment is a well‐recognized and debilitating symptom of Parkinson's disease (PD). Degradation in the cortical cholinergic system is thought to be a key contributor. Both postmortem and in vivo cholinergic positron emission tomography (PET) studies have provided valuable evidence of cholinergic system changes in PD, which are pronounced in PD dementia (PDD). A growing body of literature has employed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive, more cost‐effective alternative to PET, to examine cholinergic system structural changes in PD. This review provides a comprehensive discussion of the methodologies and findings of studies that have focused on the relationship between cholinergic basal forebrain (cBF) integrity, based on T1‐ and diffusion‐weighted MRI, and cognitive function in PD. Nucleus basalis of Meynert (Ch4) volume has been consistently reduced in cognitively impaired PD samples and has shown potential utility as a prognostic indicator for future cognitive decline. However, the extent of structural changes in Ch4, especially in early stages of cognitive decline in PD, remains unclear. In addition, evidence for structural change in anterior cBF regions in PD has not been well established. This review underscores the importance of continued cross‐sectional and longitudinal research to elucidate the role of cholinergic dysfunction in the cognitive manifestations of PD. © 2024 The Author(s). Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Compact frequency‐reconfigurable circular patch antenna with varactor diode: Design, tuning, and compactness optimization
Authors: Cildir Abdulkadir , Gozel Mahmut Ahmet 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, a frequency‐reconfigurable circular patch antenna with a varactor diode has been presented. The proposed antenna has been designed and investigated in four steps: circular patch antenna (Antenna 1), antenna with double slots (Antenna 2), antenna with quad slots (Antenna 3), and antenna with varactor diode (Antenna 4). The proposed antenna has been made compact with rectangular slots and a hyperabrupt junction tuning varactor diode (SMV1249‐079LF). The proposed antenna has been designed and produced in 32 × 32 × 0.64 mm3 dimensions, approximately 80% minimized compared to a microstrip circular patch antenna operating at 850 MHZ resonance frequency. This frequency‐reconfigurable antenna can perform between the range of 0.85–1.3 GHz frequency with 0–3 V DC voltage tuning of the varactor diode. So, using with the varactor diode, the proposed antenna has obtained a 53% tuning range between 0.85 and 1.3 GHz frequencies. This study offers a different antenna design, compactness, and high tuning ratio compared to previous studies. This frequency reconfigurable antenna can be preferred with its wideband structure in different communications areas and wireless energy transfer systems.
The Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire: Factorial structure and measurement invariance in a psychiatric sample relative to the general population
Authors: Mijnster Teus , Wardenaar Klaas J. , Boersma Gretha J. , van Veen Maaike M. , Cath Daniëlle , Kerkhof Gerard A. , Lancel Marike 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectivesAlthough common, sleep disorders often remain undiagnosed in psychiatric patients. A screening instrument, like the Holland Sleep Disorders Questionnaire (HSDQ) could improve this. Previous work indicated a 6‐factor structure for the HSDQ, but this hasn't been investigated in psychiatric patients.MethodsHSDQ data was collected in a psychiatric‐outpatient sample (n = 1082) and general‐population sample (n = 2089). Internal reliability of the HSDQ was investigated and Confirmatory Factor Analyses (CFA) were used to compare 1‐, 6‐, and second‐order 6‐factor models in both samples. Next, multigroup‐CFA was used to investigate measurement invariance.ResultsExcept for one subscale, internal reliability was acceptable in both samples. The 6‐factor structure model fitted best in both samples and investigation of measurement invariance showed evidence for equality of the overall factor structure (configural invariance). Addition of equality constraints on factor loadings (metric invariance) and item thresholds (scalar invariance) showed good fit for all fit statistics, except for one. Exploratory analyses identified three items for metric and three different items for scalar invariance explaining this non‐invariance.ConclusionThe HSDQ has a 6‐factor structure in psychiatric patients, which is comparable to the general population. However, due to the observed non‐invariance, users should be cautious with comparing HSDQ scores between psychiatric and general populations.
Characterizing diffusion‐controlled release of small‐molecules using quantitative MRI in view of applications to orthopedic infection
Authors: Hong Greg , Khazaee Tina , Cobos Santiago F. , Christiansen Spencer D. , Liu Junmin , Drangova Maria , Holdsworth David W. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCalcium sulfate is an established carrier for localized drug delivery, but a means to non‐invasively measure drug release, which would improve our understanding of localized delivery, remains an unmet need. We aim to quantitatively estimate the diffusion‐controlled release of small molecules loaded into a calcium sulfate carrier through a gadobutrol‐based contrast agent, which acts as a surrogate small molecule. A central cylindrical core made of calcium sulfate, either alone or within a metal scaffold, is loaded with contrast agents that release into agar. Multi‐echo scans are acquired at multiple time points over 4 weeks and processed into R2* and quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) maps. Mean R2* values are fit to a known drug delivery model, which are then compared with the decrease in core QSM. Fitting R2* measurements of calcium sulfate core while constraining constants to a drug release model results in an R2‐value of 0.991, yielding a diffusion constant of 4.59 × 10−11 m2 s−1. Incorporating the carrier within a metal scaffold results in a slower release. QSM shows the resulting loss of susceptibility in the non‐metal core but is unreliable around metal. R2* characterizes the released gadobutrol, and QSM detects the resulting decrease in core susceptibility. The addition of a porous metal scaffold slows the release of gadobutrol, as expected.
Phenotypes of Velopharyngeal Tube Law in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Woodson B. Tucker , Garcia Guilherme J. M. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe biomechanics of upper airway collapse in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) remains poorly understood. The goal of this study is to compare the area‐pressure relationship (tube law) of the velopharynx at peak inspiration and peak expiration.Study DesignCross‐sectional.SettingAcademic tertiary medical center.MethodsThe velopharyngeal tube law was quantified in a convenience sample of 20 OSA patients via step reductions in nasal mask pressure during drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). The velopharyngeal airspace cross‐sectional area was estimated from endoscopy while luminal pressure was recorded with a catheter. The tube law was quantified for nasal mask pressures from 14 to 0 cmH2O at peak inspiration and at peak expiration in all patients. The tube law was also quantified during the breathing cycle at a constant nasal mask pressure of 4 cmH2O in 3 patients representing different phenotypes.ResultsVelopharyngeal compliance (the slope of the tube law) was not statistically different in the peak inspiration versus peak expiration tube laws. Three phenotypes were observed, namely inspiratory collapse (phenotype 1), expiratory collapse (phenotype 2 = palatal prolapse), and a mostly stable airway during inspiration and expiration that collapsed as CPAP was reduced (phenotype 3).ConclusionVelopharyngeal compliance is not significantly different at peak inspiration and peak expiration, which suggests that muscle tone is low when luminal pressure is above the closing pressure. Additional studies are needed to investigate how different phenotypes of velopharyngeal collapse may affect therapeutic outcomes.
Integrating genomics as clinical biomarkers in pediatric pulmonology
Authors: Forno Erick 
Published: October 2024

AbstractRespiratory diseases often result from complex interactions between an individual's genetic predisposition and their exposure to various environmental and other risk factors. Here we will briefly review how various types of “omics”, particularly epigenomics and transcriptomics, hold promise for translation into clinical biomarkers in pediatric pulmonary medicine, using asthma and cystic fibrosis as examples.
Gambogic acid and chloroquine synergistically induce cell death via increasing mitochondria damage in human NSCLC cells
Authors: Sun Yanting , Wu Xiaoliu , Zhu Ming , Zhang Yuanying , Lv Min , Dai Liling , Yu Jun 
Published: October 2024

AbstractGambogic acid is a natural bioactive compound from the brownish resin of the Garcinia hanburyi trees, which has been shown to induce cell death of cancer cells with a synergistic effect together with other compounds. In the present study, we aim to investigate whether the combination of gambogic and chloroquine, one of the inhibitor of autophagy, could increase cell death in human NSCLC cells. As a result, gambogic acid and chloroquine synergistically suppress the growth of NSCLC cells (CI <0.9). Moreover, the combination of gambogic acid and chloroquine significantly promotes apoptosis than that either alone does. Mechanistically, the results demonstrate that gambogic acid increases PINK1 expression at mRNA and protein level, accompanied with downregulation of Tom20, suggesting the mitophagy process is activated. Both silencing PINK1 and treatment of chloroquine could inhibit mitophagy, therefore disrupting the clearance of damaged mitochondria. Thus, co‐treatment of gambogic acid and chloroquine results in an elevated level of ROS, which facilitates cell death. Taken together, our finding highlights that the synergistically inhibitory effect of gambogic acid and chloroquine on NSCLC cells is associated with the accumulation of mitochondrial damage.
Coping with temporariness: Space appropriation of South Asian migrants in Muscat, Oman
Authors: Farooq Aysha , Pfaffenbach Carmella 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis article deals with the practices of South Asian migrant workers appropriating space in Muscat, Oman. Due to temporary employment contracts, low income, and long working hours, in addition to living in a fragmented car‐dependent city, their access to the city is spatially and temporally limited. This raises the question of their opportunities and limitations for space appropriation in Muscat. In this paper, we first describe the urban and political context that leads to their limitations and temporalities. We then establish a theoretical framework to define the roles of space, migration, and time. Adopting a qualitative approach combining interviews and observation, we then focus on one location as a case study and analyse how its visitors, low‐income and middle‐income migrant workers, appropriate space according to their daily needs. Highlighting the tension between rigid constraints and constant change, we conclude by presenting the social and spatial products of the process of space appropriation and respond to the discourse on the production of space through the lens of temporary migration.