bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of carbamazepine, sulfamethoxazole and aspirin at municipal wastewater treatment plant of Astana, Kazakhstan: paths to increase the efficiency of the treatment process
Authors: Kamal Arailym , Kanafin Yerkanat N , Satayeva Aliya , Kim Jong , Poulopoulos Stavros G , Arkhangelsky Elizabeth 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDMedical substances are utilized around the world, and their accumulation in nature is a global concern. This work aimed to identify three priority pharmaceuticals discharged into the domestic sewage stream of Astana city (Kazakhstan). Samples of municipal wastewater were taken before and after the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) over a period of 13 months. The performed experiments demonstrated that there are seasonal variations in the priority pharmaceuticals – carbamazepine (CBZ), sulfamethoxazole (SMX) and aspirin (ASP) – identified in the wastewaters.RESULTSThe non‐conventional WWTP of Astana city, which includes a sequence of treatment processes, showed 2–100% removal of these compounds with the following influent concentrations from the entering stream: 12.5–185.6 ppb (μg L−1) for CBZ, 2.6–51.2 ppb for SMX and 1.9–199.8 ppb for ASP. Laboratory‐scale experiments revealed that the application of the membrane separation technique, i.e. ultrafiltration, is able to provide improved removal of these pharmaceuticals. The removal of ASP, CBZ and SMX by phase inversion polyethersulfone and track etch (TE) polycarbonate membranes was investigated. Filtration with TE membrane demonstrated 39–97% removal of the primary pharmaceuticals from the wastewater.CONCLUSIONFiltration with TE membrane was recognized as an affordable and efficient supplementary treatment step. The addition of the TE separation process in the Astana WWTP could potentially improve the removal of the studied pharmaceuticals along with other medical substances. The reported results hold substantial significance, particularly for rapidly expanding urban centers and developing nations. This is especially crucial as there is a scarcity of data regarding the treatment of pharmaceuticals in municipal wastewater for these regions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Extracellular vesicle‐packaged lncRNA from cancer‐associated fibroblasts promotes immune evasion by downregulating HLA‐A in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Yao Hanming , Huang Chengzhi , Zou Jinmao , Liang Weiling , Zhao Yue , Yang Kege , Zhong Ziyi , Zhou Shurui , Li Jiajia , Li Yaqing , Xu Lishu , Huang Kaihong , Lian Guoda 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by immune evasion that contribute to poor prognosis. Cancer‐associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a pivotal role in orchestrating the PDAC tumour microenvironment. We investigated the role of CAF‐derived extracellular vesicle (EV)‐packaged long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in immune evasion and explored gene therapy using engineered EVs loading small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) as a potential therapeutic strategy. Our findings highlight the significance of EV‐packaged lncRNA RP11‐161H23.5 from CAF in promoting PDAC immune evasion by downregulating HLA‐A expression, a key component of antigen presentation. Mechanistically, RP11‐161H23.5 forms a complex with CNOT4, a subunit of the mRNA deadenylase CCR4‐NOT complex, enhancing the degradation of HLA‐A mRNA by shortening its poly(A) tail. This immune evasion mechanism compromises the anti‐tumour immune response. To combat this, we propose an innovative approach utilising engineered EVs as natural and biocompatible nanocarriers for siRNA‐based gene therapy and this strategy holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy in PDAC. Overall, our study sheds light on the critical role of CAF‐derived EV‐packaged lncRNA RP11‐161H23.5/CNOT4/HLA‐A axis in PDAC immune evasion and presents a novel avenue for therapeutic intervention.
A qualitative exploration of experiences of gender identity and gender questioning among adults with Klinefelter syndrome/XXY
Authors: Harkin Claire , Elander James 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPeople with Klinefelter syndrome (KS/XXY) may be at higher risk of gender dysphoria than the general population and gender diversity needs greater recognition and consideration in services for people affected. This study aimed to give systematic insights into experiences of gender diversity among people with KS/XXY, which could inform more person‐centered care for people with KS/XXY and contribute to practical guidance for healthcare professionals. We conducted individual, semi‐structured interviews with 11 adults with diagnosed KS/XXY. The verbatim interview transcripts were analyzed using experiential reflexive thematic analysis, which identified four themes: (1) Experience of gender, which described participants' experiences of exploring and negotiating their gender identity; (2) Navigating expectations, which described how participants' gender uncertainty was associated with confusion, isolation, and shame, and how fears about other people's reactions caused participants to keep their gender identity secret; (3) Testosterone assumptions, which described how participants needed more discussion and counseling before testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and how some benefited from treatment with alternative hormones to testosterone; and (4) A different approach, which described participants' experiences of care at gender identity clinics. The findings give new insights into the gender identity journeys of people with KS/XXY, from early attempts to understand and make sense of gender, through dealing with social pressures, the development of gender identities more congruent with feelings, and experiences with hormone replacement therapy. The practice implications include that there should be improved consideration of gender identity in care for KS/XXY, better psychological support for those affected by gender diversity, and more consideration given to alternatives to testosterone‐based therapies. Future research could explore the experiences of gender identity among different groups of people with KS/XXY, the development of gender identity over time, the effects of TRT on gender identity, and healthcare providers' knowledge and attitudes about gender identity and KS/XXY.
Genetic counselors' awareness and attitudes regarding gene therapies
Authors: Walsh Chelsey , Durst Andrea L. , Ortiz Damara , Miller Rachel G. , Alabek Michelle 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThere are 10 gene therapies (GTs) for hereditary conditions that are currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While prior research demonstrates that the majority of healthcare providers lack knowledge regarding GTs, this has not been explored within the genetic counseling profession. The authors hypothesize that the availability of GTs impacts the genetic counseling profession and that there is variable awareness on this topic among genetic counselors (GCs). We conducted a survey to assess GCs' familiarity with, comfort with, and frequency of discussing FDA‐approved GTs at the time of the survey, as well as GCs' perceived impact of and educational experiences related to GT. The survey was distributed through listservs and word of mouth from January through March 2021. One hundred of the 109 responses met eligibility criteria. Respondents were more familiar with onasemnogene abeparvovec‐xioi (ZOLGENSMA; Novartis Gene Therapies, Inc., Durham, NC, USA) than voretigene neparvovec‐rzyl (LUXTURNA; Spark Therapeutics, Inc., Philadelphia, PA, USA; p < 0.001). Familiarity with, comfort with, and frequency of discussing both GTs varied by specialty but not by years of experience. Fifty‐nine percent of respondents (58/98) reported that GTs impact their work, with differences by specialty but not by years of experience. The majority of respondents (93%; 90/97) felt that GCs should be comfortable discussing GTs with patients, and most respondents (83%; 79/95) were interested in additional GT training. Only 38% of respondents (36/95) recalled GT being included in their genetic counseling training program's curriculum, which may be skewed by recent growth of this field. Our results suggest that GCs feel that GTs impact their practice, have discrepant awareness and comfort in this area, and desire additional training on this topic. Further investigation into the actual impact and models for addressing training is warranted and will be critical as the number of approved GTs increases.
Potential synthesis of nitrated products from 2,6,8,12‐tetraacetyl‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives with linear substituents
Authors: Kulagina Daria A. , Sysolyatin Sergey V. , Balakhnin Yuri A. , Eremina Valeria V. , Alekseeva Natalia A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe compact, nitrogen‐rich structure of 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitanes calls attention among researchers worldwide. These compounds have found the greatest utility as substrates for nitration to obtain the caged polynitramine, 2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane, which possesses a high‐energy performance. All new derivatives of hexaazaisowurtzitane are nitratable. The present study examined the nitration process of 2,6,8,12‐tetraacetyl‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane derivatives obtained through the condensation reaction with aldehydes under various conditions to yield CL‐20. The yield of CL‐20, a well‐known nitration product of hexaazaisowurtzitane compounds, was found to depend on the substrate structure and the nitrating mixture composition. The revealed dependence of the synthesis of various nitrated compounds on the holding time enables the synthesis of products with different physicochemical properties in a single process.
Bee morphology: A skeletomuscular anatomy of Thyreus (Hymenoptera: Apidae)
Authors: Meira Odair M. , Beutel Rolf G. , Pohl Hans , van de Kamp Thomas , Almeida Eduardo A. B. , Boudinot Brendon E. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough the knowledge of the skeletal morphology of bees has progressed enormously, a corresponding advance has not happened for the muscular system. Most of the knowledge about bee musculature was generated over 50 years ago, well before the digital revolution for anatomical imaging, including the application of microcomputed tomography. This technique, in particular, has made it possible to dissect small insects digitally, document anatomy efficiently and in detail, and visualize these data three dimensionally. In this study, we document the skeletomuscular system of a cuckoo bee, Thyreus albomaculatus and, with that, we provide a 3D atlas of bee skeletomuscular anatomy. The results obtained for Thyreus are compared with representatives of two other bee families (Andrenidae and Halictidae), to evaluate the generality of our morphological conclusions. Besides documenting 199 specific muscles in terms of origin, insertion, and structure, we update the interpretation of complex homologies in the maxillolabial complex of bee mouthparts. We also clarify the complicated 3D structure of the cephalic endoskeleton, identifying the tentorial, hypostomal, and postgenal structures and their connecting regions. We describe the anatomy of the medial elevator muscles of the head, precisely identifying their origins and insertions as well as their homologs in other groups of Hymenoptera. We reject the hypothesis that the synapomorphic propodeal triangle of Apoidea is homologous with the metapostnotum, and instead recognize that this is a modification of the third phragma. We recognize two previously undocumented metasomal muscle groups in bees, clarifying the serial skeletomusculature of the metasoma and revealing shortcomings of Snodgrass' “internal–external” terminological system for the abdomen. Finally, we elucidate the muscular structure of the sting apparatus, resolving previously unclear interpretations. The work conducted herein not only provides new insights into bee morphology but also represents a source for future phenomic research on Hymenoptera.
Transistor modeling based onLM‐BPNNandCG‐BPNNfor theGaAs pHEMT
Authors: Lin Qian , Yang Shuyue , Yang Ruilan , Wu Haifeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn order to address the challenges of complex process and low precision in traditional device modeling, double hidden layer back propagation neural network (BPNN) are trained using the conjugate gradient (CG) algorithm and the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm, the CG‐BPNN and LM‐BPNN models of small signal for gallium arsenide (GaAs) pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) are obtained and analyzed here. At first, the scattering parameters (S‐parameters) of GaAs pHEMT are divided into training set and test set randomly. Experimental results show that the CG‐BPNN model is better than another S‐parameters when predicting ImS12with mean square error (MSE) of 7.6632e‐06, while LM‐BPNN model predicts ImS12with MSE of 2.4672e‐06. Meanwhile, the MSE of CG‐BPNN model is higher than LM‐BPNN model when predicting all the S‐parameters. In addition, it shows a smaller fluctuation range for the error curve of LM‐BPNN model, which is more stable than the CG‐BPNN model. Therefore, the double hidden layer LM‐BPNN model is the better choice to characterize the small signal of GaAs pHEMT.
Travel for health as a type of niche tourism and economic growth: A cross‐country panel data analysis
Authors: Ağazade Seymur 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAlthough the potential of the health tourism to support economic growth can be based on strong theoretical foundations, it is also argued that this tourism type may hinder economic growth by weakening labor productivity. On this basis, the present study aims to examine the effect of health tourism on economic growth. The study uses panel data fixed effects method with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors and dataset of 72 countries. The findings strongly supported that health tourism boosts economic growth. To be more precise, it was estimated that a one‐point increase in health tourism revenues, expressed as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) of personal health travel exports, causes an increase of 4.9345 in GDP growth rate and 4.2558 in per capita GDP growth rate. Furthermore, the negative growth effect of health tourism through labor productivity, which is theoretically proposed and expressed as crowding‐out effect, was not supported by the findings.
Design of a highly efficient reconfigurable C/X dual‐band 15W GaN MMIC power amplifier using amplifier‐switch fusion technique
Authors: Zhang Wei , Tao Hongqi , Tao Haiyang , Meng Hongfu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis letter introduces the design of a highly efficient reconfigurable C/X dual‐band power amplifier (PA). Conventional dual‐band designs connect two amplifier branches for each band by a switch, whose transmitting losses will limit the efficiency of the PA. In alternative to the switching solution, the authors propose a novel design method using two branches of output matching networks (OMN) which the 5–6 and 8–12 GHz branch acting as active loads for each other, respectively. The band‐pass OMNs are applied, and parts of the passive matching components are replaced by transistors for channel selection. The proposed design has been simulated, implemented, and measured. The experimental results demonstrate a power added efficiency (PAE) of 45% at a pulsed output power (Pout) of 42 dBm in 5–6 GHz while a PAE greater than 39% at 42 dBm Pout in 8–12 GHz. Moreover, the second and third harmonics of both operating bands are compressed to −35 and −40 dBc, respectively. The proposed design technique addresses the challenges of low‐efficiency and lower‐band harmonic suppression in traditional dual‐band designs, making it suitable for application in next‐generation satellite communication and remote sensing systems.
A novel iterative method for simultaneously conjugate matching of N‐port networks
Authors: Fu Mingye , Dong Ruibing 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn this paper, a novel iterative method is proposed to find the matching impedances for all‐port simultaneously conjugate matching of N‐port networks. This method takes advantages of the reciprocal and lossless features of the matching network, which leads to the unitary and symmetric properties of its S matrix. As a result, the computing complexity of this proposed method is analyzed and proved to be very efficiently reduced compared to previously reported methods. A two‐port network, two three‐port networks, a ten‐port network, and a four‐port 2 × 2 antenna array are presented to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Proteomic biomarkers related to obesity in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction and their associations with outcome
Authors: Petersen Teun B. , Suthahar Navin , Asselbergs Folkert W. , de Bakker Marie , Akkerhuis K. Martijn , Constantinescu Alina A. , van Ramshorst Jan , Katsikis Peter D. , van der Spek Peter J. , Umans Victor A. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Boersma Eric , Rizopoulos Dimitris , Kardys Isabella 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveHeart failure (HF) pathophysiology in patients with obesity may be distinct. To study these features, we identified obesity‐related biomarkers from 4210 circulating proteins in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and examined associations of these proteins with HF prognosis and biological mechanisms.MethodsIn 373 patients with trimonthly blood sampling during a median follow‐up of 2.1 (25th–75th percentile: 1.1–2.6) years, we applied an aptamer‐based multiplex approach measuring 4210 proteins in baseline samples and the last two samples before study end. Associations between obesity (BMI > 30 kg/m2) and baseline protein levels were analyzed. Subsequently, associations of serially measured obesity‐related proteins with biological mechanisms and the primary endpoint (PEP; composite of cardiovascular mortality, HF hospitalization, left ventricular assist device implantation, and heart transplantation) were examined.ResultsObesity was identified in 26% (96/373) of patients. A total of 30% (112/373) experienced a PEP (with obesity: 26% [25/96] vs. without obesity: 31% [87/277]). A total of 141/4210 proteins were linked to obesity, reflecting mechanisms of neuron projection development, cell adhesion, and muscle cell migration. A total of 50/141 proteins were associated with the PEP, of which 12 proteins related to atherosclerosis or hypertrophy provided prognostic information beyond clinical characteristics, N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide, and high‐sensitivity troponin T.ConclusionsPatients with HFrEF and obesity show distinct proteomic profiles compared to patients with HFrEF without obesity. Obesity‐related proteins are independently associated with HF outcome. These proteins carry potential to improve management of obesity‐related HF and could be leads for future research.image
Current surgical approach: Extracranial malignant germ cell tumors
Authors: Rich Barrie S. , Weil Brent R. , Thaker Hatim , Cromeens Barrett P. , Stankovic Zoran B. , Billmire Deborah F. , Dicken Bryan J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGerm cell tumors (GCT) are a complex, heterogeneous collection of tumors that may present in either gonadal or extragonadal sites. They consist of a variety of benign and malignant histologies that can occur at several locations throughout the body. An important component of treatment is surgical resection, and while the key components of resection are site specific, the universal goals of GCT resection include the complete resection of tumor without violating the tumor capsule, while preserving function of surrounding organs, minimizing morbidity, and assessing for regional spread.
Tracing the geographic origin of Atlantic cod products using stable isotope analysis
Authors: Wilson Juliet S. E. , McGill Rona A. R. , Steingrund Petur , Trueman Clive N. 
Published: July 2024

RationaleIncreasing demand for fish and seafood means that the traceability of marine products is becoming ever more important for consumers, producers and regulators. Highly complex and globalised supply networks create challenges for verifying a stated catch region. Atlantic cod is one of the most commercially important species in the northeast Atlantic. Several regional fisheries supply cod into the trade network, of which some are at greater risk of overexploitation than others. Tools allowing retrospective testing of spatial origin would significantly assist sustainable harvesting of fish, reducing incentives for illegal fishing and fraud.MethodsHere, we investigate whether stable isotope ratios of carbon, nitrogen and sulphur can be used to retrospectively identify the catch region of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua). We measured the isotopic composition of muscle tissue from 377 cod from 10 catch regions across the northeast Atlantic and then applied three different assignment methods to classify cod by region of most likely origin. The assignment method developed was subsequently tested using independently sourced, known‐origin samples.ResultsIndividual cod could be traced back to their true origin with an average assignment accuracy of 70–79% and over 90% accuracy for certain regions. Assignment success rates comparable to those using genetic techniques were achieved when assigning among restricted and pre‐selected regions. However, assignment accuracy to the fishery region estimated from independent samples across the whole geographic range of cod averaged ~25% overall, highlighting the need for careful application of isotope‐based approaches.ConclusionStable isotope techniques can provide effective tools to test for origin in Atlantic cod, but not all catch regions are isotopically distinct. Stable isotopes could be combined with genetic techniques to result in higher assignment accuracy than could be achieved using either method independently. Assignment potential can be estimated from reference datasets, but estimates of realistic assignment accuracy require independently collected data.
In vitro effects of N‐acetylcysteine in combination with antifungal agents against Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canine otitis externa
Authors: Jeon Minhae , Bae Seulgi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundMany clinicians prescribe antifungal agents to treat canine otitis externa (OE). However, studies evaluating the antifungal effects of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) and its combinations are limited.Hypothesis/objectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal effects of NAC alone and in combination with other antifungal agents against Malassezia pachydermatis isolated from canine OE.Materials and methodsM. pachydermatis samples were collected from 13 dogs with OE. The final concentration of the inoculum suspensions of M. pachydermatis was 1–5 × 106 colony forming units/mL. The concentrations of the test compounds ketoconazole (KTZ), terbinafine (TER), nystatin (NYS) and NAC were 0.02–300 µg/mL, 0.04–80 µg/mL, 0.16–40 µg/mL and 1.25–20 mg/mL, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was measured to evaluate the susceptibility of the M. pachydermatis to KTZ, TER, NYS and NAC. The checkerboard testing method and fractional inhibitory concentration index were used to evaluate the effect of NAC in combination with KTZ, TER and NYS against M. pachydermatis.ResultsThe MIC90 values of M. pachydermatis were 4.6875–9.375 µg/mL, 1.25 µg/mL, 5–10 µg/mL and 10 mg/mL for KTZ, TER, NYS and NAC, respectively. The synergistic effects of KTZ, TER and NYS with NAC were identified in 0/13, 2/13 and 0/13 isolates, respectively.Conclusions and clinical relevanceNAC had an antifungal effect against M. pachydermatis but did not exert synergistic effects when used with KTZ, TER and NYS. Thus, the use of NAC alone as a topical solution could be considered an effective treatment option for canine OE involving M. pachydermatis.