bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile Design of Continuous Periodic Countercurrent, dual‐flow, and capture SMB adsorptive processes
Authors: Carta Giorgio 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDChromatographic capture is a critical step in the manufacture of protein‐based therapeutics and often dominates the overall downstream processing cost. Multicolumn systems as well as systems where the load flow rate varies over time can be employed to improve productivity and reduce the consumption of buffers and other process chemicals by enhancing utilization of the binding capacity. This work addresses the design of such systems under mass transfer control conditions using a mechanistic model.RESULTSGeneralized, dimensionless charts and interpolating functions developed based on a mechanistic model are provided to predict the operating conditions and performance attributes of periodic countercurrent, dual‐flow, and Capture SMB systems for continuous capture with adsorption columns. The underlying model is based on the Langmuir isotherm and on the assumption that mass transfer is controlling. The results cover the ranges typically encountered in the capture of biopharmaceuticals with selective adsorbent particles and can be conveniently used for practical estimations without having to resort to the numerical solution of the model equations. Illustrative examples are provided and compare favorably with previously published results.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this work provide the means to rapidly design periodic countercurrent, dual‐flow capture systems, and capture SMB units and to assess their relative advantages under varying operating conditions circumventing the need to perform computationally intensive simulations. © 2024 The Author(s). Journal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Recent advances in measuring the effects of diet on gastrointestinal physiology: Sniffing luminal gases and fecal volatile organic compounds
Authors: Thwaites Phoebe A , Slater Rachael , Probert Christopher , Gibson Peter R 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDespite the huge pool of ideas on how diet can be manipulated to ameliorate or prevent illnesses, our understanding of how specific changes in diet influence the gastrointestinal tract is limited. This review aims to describe two innovative investigative techniques that are helping lift the veil of mystery about the workings of the gut. First, the gas‐sensing capsule is a telemetric swallowable device that provides unique information on gastric physiology, small intestinal microbial activity, and fermentative patterns in the colon. Its ability to accurately measure regional and whole‐gut transit times in ambulant humans has been confirmed. Luminal concentrations of hydrogen and carbon dioxide are measured by sampling through the gastrointestinal tract, and such application has enabled mapping of the relative amounts of fermentation of carbohydrates in proximal‐versus‐distal colon after manipulation of the types and amounts of dietary fiber. Second, changes in the smell of feces, via analysis of volatile organic compounds, occur in response to the diet, and by the presence and therapy of irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Such information is likely to aid our understanding of what dietary change can do to the colonic luminal microenvironment, and may value‐add to diagnosis and therapeutic design. In conclusion, such methodologies enable a more complete physiological profile of the gastrointestinal tract to be created. Systematic description in various cohorts and effects of dietary interventions, particularly when co‐ordinated with the analysis of microbiome, are needed.
Urinary NGAL in gastrointestinal diseases can be used as an indicator of early infection in addition to acute kidney injury marker
Authors: Kojima Yuichi , Tsuchiya Atsunori , Mito Masaki , Watanabe Yusuke , Kawata Yuzo , Tominaga Kentaro , Terai Shuji 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackground and AimNeutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL) is characterized by increased expression before the rise in serum creatinine and has been used as a biomarker for the early prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI). However, there have been no comprehensive analyses of its significance in gastrointestinal diseases. This study aimed to analyze the usefulness of measuring urinary NGAL levels in patients with gastrointestinal diseases.MethodsThis study included 171 patients with a wide range of gastrointestinal diseases. Urinary NGAL levels were measured in all patients within 24 h of admission and 72 h later.ResultsUrinary NGAL levels were higher in patients with acute pancreatitis and acute cholangitis/cholecystitis than in those with other diseases. Although lower than in these diseases, urinary NGAL tends to be higher in inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, as well as in acute and chronic liver diseases, and is higher in liver cirrhosis as the Child–Pugh grade increases. Furthermore, we found that the group with higher urinary NGAL levels, which continued to increase over time, had worse hospital stays and prognosis.ConclusionUrinary NGAL could be used as an indicator of infectious diseases rather than an indicator of AKI in inflammatory bowel diseases and cirrhosis, and could predict the prognosis of patients with gastrointestinal diseases.
DNA damage response and inflammatory response: Two traffic lights for HPVs on the road to transformation
Authors: Liu Yanfei , Niu Mengda , Luo Ying , Pan Min , Hong Shiyuan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHuman papillomaviruses (HPVs) are non‐enveloped double‐stranded DNA viruses. When HPV infection persists, infected tissues can develop many HPV‐related diseases such as cervical cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. To establish their persistent infection, HPVs have evolved mechanisms to manipulate the host cellular processes such as DNA damage response (DDR), which includes homologous recombination, nonhomologous end joining, and microhomology‐mediated end joining. Additionally, HPVs utilize host inflammatory processes to facilitate their life cycles. Here, we bridge the concepts of DDR and inflammatory response, and discuss how HPV proteins orchestrate a sophisticated manipulation of DDR and inflammation to promote their viral replication, ultimately fostering the progression of infected cells towards oncogenic transformation to malignancy.
Influence of the transverse tarsal arch on radiological components of progressive collapsing foot deformity
Authors: Krüger Lara , Hedar Ali , Simon Alexander , Spethmann Tanja , Heinemann Axel , Viezens Lennart , Lenz Amy L. , Amling Michael , Beil Frank Timo , Hahn Michael , Rolvien Tim 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe importance of the transverse tarsal arch (TTA) has recently been extensively reevaluated and has even been considered to play a greater role in foot stability than the medial longitudinal arch (MLA). However, the relevance of this observation in the context of common clinical foot disorders, such as progressive collapsing foot deformity (PCFD), has not yet been fully clarified. In this biomechanical study, we examined ten pairs of human cadaveric feet by serial weight‐bearing cone‐beam computed tomography under controlled loading using a custom‐designed testing machine. The MLA and TTA were transected separately, alternating the order in two study groups. A semiautomated three‐dimensional evaluation of their influence on three components of PCFD, namely collapse of the longitudinal arch (sagittal Meary's angle), hindfoot alignment (sagittal talocalcaneal angle), and forefoot abduction (axial Meary's angle), was performed. Both arches had a relevant effect on collapse of the longitudinal arch, however the effect of transecting the MLA was stronger compared to the TTA (sagittal Meary's angle, 7.4° (95%CI 3.8° to 11.0°) vs. 3.2° (95%CI 0.5° to 5.9°); p = 0.021). Both arches had an equally pronounced effect on forefoot abduction (axial Meary's angle, 4.6° (95%CI 2.0° to 7.1°) vs. 3.0° (95%CI 0.6° to 5.3°); p = 0.239). Neither arch showed a consistent effect on hindfoot alignment. In conclusion, weakness of the TTA has a decisive influence on radiological components of PCFD, but not greater than that of the MLA. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding and further development of treatment concepts for flatfoot disorders.
Exploring the potential of transitioning Malawians from corn to quinoa‐based thick porridge (nsima): insights from sensory and emotions profiles
Authors: Gama Aggrey Pemba , Maliro Moses , Matumba Limbikani 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDConsidering the nutritional value and adaptability of quinoa, integrating it into African diets could enhance food and nutrition security, contingent on the acceptability of quinoa‐based foods. This study therefore determined consumer acceptability of six stiff porridge (nsima) samples, their sensory profiles, and their emotion profiles. The samples comprised controls made from whole corn flour, dehulled corn flour, and soaked, dehulled corn flour and from 1:1 blends of quinoa and each corn flour type.RESULTSDespite quinoa being unfamiliar, none of the stiff porridge samples prepared using 1:1 blend of quinoa and corn flour was disliked (liking score of ≤4 on a 9‐point hedonic scale). Sensory properties and emotions both had significant (P < 0.05) effects on consumer acceptability. When samples were perceived to be bitter, sticky, and thick, there was an overall mean reduction in liking of 2.3, 1.0, and 0.3, respectively. With regard to emotions, the highest positive mean impact of 1.6 was associated with feeling satisfied followed by being happy and nostalgic (1.4). The sensory and emotion profiles of nsima prepared using whole corn flour were like those of quinoa‐based nsima samples. However, profiles of nsima samples from dehulled corn, and soaked dehulled corn flour, respectively, were considered ideal.CONCLUSIONQuinoa‐based nsima can be adopted easily by the current consumers of whole corn flour nsima in Malawi and possibly in other African countries with similar dietary inclinations. However, there is a need to find effective and feasible methods of removing saponin from quinoa to maximize acceptability of the resulting quinoa‐based nsima. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
UV‐A treatment of phenolic extracts impacts colour, bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity
Authors: Ebrahimi Peyman , Hoxha Luziana , Mihaylova Dasha , Nicoletto Marino , Lante Anna 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe unintended co‐extraction of chlorophylls during the recovery of polyphenols from plant sources yields green‐coloured phenolic extracts with limited use in colour‐sensitive foods. This study aimed at decolourizing the ethanolic extracts of sugar beet leaves using a UV‐A treatment (390 nm).RESULTSExposure of the phenolic extracts to 30 UV‐A LEDs at 8.64 J m−2 radiation dose decreased the total chlorophyll content by 69.23% and reduced the greenness parameter (−a*) significantly (P < 0.05) from 27.33 ± 0.32 to 8.64 ± 0.16. Additionally, UV‐A treatment increased the content of most individual phenolic compounds (e.g. gallic acid, ferulic acid, etc.) significantly, resulting in an increase in the overall phenolic content in the extracts from 900.56 ± 14.11 μg g−1 fresh weight (FW) to a maximum of 975.09 ± 9.62 μg g−1 FW at 0.67 J m−2. However, rutin content had a significant decrease at the highest radiation dose (8.64 J m−2). The soluble sugar content (i.e. glucose and fructose) increased simultaneously with phenolic compounds after the UV‐A treatment. Although the UV treatment reduced the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity, it had no significant effect on the ferrous chelating activity and the extract's ability to delay lipid oxidation in corn oil. The antioxidant activity index of the treated extract was comparable to that of butylated hydroxytoluene, a synthetic antioxidant.CONCLUSIONKey findings of this study include successful decolourization of the extract, decomposition of bound polyphenols to their free form, and maintaining the antioxidant activity of the extract in the oil system after UV‐A exposure. © 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.
The Influence of Impedance on the Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Benign Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Dueñas Juan Pablo , Buitrago‐Gómez Nathalia , Arias‐Botero José Hugo , Randolph Gregory , Russell Marika , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr , Valcavi Roberto , Duque Carlos Simón , Tufano Ralph P. 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveRadiofrequency ablation (RFA) uses the heat generated by a high‐frequency alternating electric current, and according to Ohm's and Joule's law, the delivered current is inversely proportional to the circuit impedance. The primary objective of this study was to investigate whether tissue impedance during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for benign thyroid nodules is related to the degree of volume reduction.MethodsThis observational study included consecutive patients treated with RFA for benign thyroid nodules from February 2020 to August 2023. Technical effectiveness was defined as a volume reduction percentage (VRP) >75% at 6 months after the treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the potential role of clinical factors and changes in tissue impedance on technique effectiveness.ResultsTotally 72 patients were included with 73 benign thyroid nodules. Maximal impedance peaks reached <18 times, and mean procedural impedance ≤300 Ω were significantly associated with a volume decrease of >75% at bivariate analysis. These cutoff points were exploratory, as no existing literature suggests these variables are related to the degree of volume reduction. After adjusting for age, volume, and composition, significant associations were found for mean electrical impedance in the multivariate analysis (OR = 4.86 [confidence interval [CI] 1.29–18.26], p = 0.019). The energy adjusted by volume (delivered energy) was not associated with a VRP >75% (p = 0.7746).ConclusionsThis study suggests that a mean procedural impedance </= 300 Ω is related to the effectiveness of RFA as measured by VRP. Additional prospective and randomized studies are needed to compare electrical parameters with VRP.Level of Evidence3 Laryngoscope, 134:5231–5238, 2024
Evaluation of Gelatin‐Based Poly(Ester Urethane Urea) Electrospun Fibers Using Human Mesenchymal and Neural Stem Cells
Authors: Vieira Tânia , Silva Jorge Carvalho , Kubinova Sarka , Borges João P. , Henriques Célia 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPreviously, a new biodegradable poly(ester urethane urea) was synthesized based on polycaprolactone‐diol and fish gelatin (PU‐Gel). In this work, the potential of this new material for neural tissue engineering is evaluated. Membranes with randomly oriented fibers and with aligned fibers are produced using electrospinning and characterized regarding their mechanical behavior under both dry and wet conditions. Wet samples exhibit a lower Young's modulus than dry ones and aligned membranes are stiffer and more brittle than those randomly oriented. Cyclic tensile tests are conducted and high values for recovery ratio and resilience are obtained. Both membranes exhibited a hydrophobic surface, measured by the water contact angle (WCA). Human mesenchymal stem cells from umbilical cord tissue (UC‐MSCs) and human neural stem cells (NSCs) are seeded on both types of membranes, which support their adhesion and proliferation. Cells stained for the cytoskeleton and nucleus in membranes with aligned fibers display an elongated morphology following the alignment direction. As the culture time increased, higher cell viability is obtained on randomfibers for UC‐MSCs while no differences are observed for NSCs. The membranes support neuronal differentiation of NSCs, as evidenced by markers for a neuronal filament protein (NF70) and for a microtubule‐associated protein (MAP2).
Mechanically Stable and Biocompatible Polymer Brush Coated Dental Materials with Lubricious and Antifouling Properties
Authors: Mu Rong , Yang Ling , Wang Xinyue , Yang Binrui , Li Jia , Wang Aijun , Zhang Guorui , Sun Chufeng , Wu Yang , Yu Bo , Li Bin 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSurface modification plays a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of implanted interventional medical devices, offering added advantages to patients, particularly in terms of lubrication and prevention of undesired adsorption of biomolecules and microorganisms, such as proteins and bacteria, on the material surfaces. Utilizing polymer brushes for surface modification is currently a promising approach to maintaining the inherent properties of materials while introducing new functionalities to surfaces. Here, surface‐initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (SI‐ATRP) technology to effectively graft anionic, cationic, and neutral polymer brushes from a mixed silane initiating layer is employed. The presence of a polymer brush layer significantly enhances the lubrication performance of the substrates and ensures a consistently low coefficient of friction over thousands of friction cycles in aqueous environments. The antimicrobial efficacy of polymer brushes is evaluated against gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and gram‐negative Escherichia coli (E. coli). It is observed that polym er brushes grafted to diverse substrate surfaces displays notable antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting bacterial attachment. Furthermore, the polymer brush layer shows favorable biocompatibility and anti‐inflammatory characteristics, which shows potential applications in dental materials, and other fields such as catheters and food packaging.
The Synthesis and Assembly of Mikto 8‐Shaped Cyclic Diblock Polymers
Authors: Wang Jinghang , Zhao Yu , Liu Hewen 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSelf‐assembly behaviors of special topological polymers such as 8‐figure shaped cyclic polymer are interesting, but are rarely reported so far due to the limited availability. In this work, mikto 8‐figure shaped cyclic copolymers are synthesized with cinnamic acid dimer junctions, in which both rings possess diblock PSx‐b‐PEGy structures. Their self‐assembly in water is investigated in comparison with their corresponding linear precursors. According to scanning electron microscopic (SEM) and transmission electron microscopic (TEM) observation, both of the mikto 8‐figure shaped cyclic polymers and their corresponding linear precursors can form vesicles. But those formed from the former have very smooth surfaces, while those from the linear precursors have rugous surfaces. TEM observation shows that the linear precursors form loose vesicles. The size of micelles formed from 8‐shaped cyclic copolymers is much smaller than that formed from the linear precursors. The topological structure exerts a significant influence on the solution aggregation behavior and provides broad ideas for the construction of precision solution aggregates.
Self‐Crosslinking AuNPs Composite Hydrogel Bolus for Radiophotothermal Therapy
Authors: Shi Xudong , Lei Lei , Xia Yuzheng , Chen Xiaonong , Shi Shuxian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractRadiophotothermal therapy is a promising treatment for superficial tumors. Traditional radiotherapy requires tissue boluses on the patient's skin to increase therapeutic effectiveness due to the dose‐buildup effect of high‐energy radiation. However, combining radiotherapy with photothermal therapy leads to uncertainties as the low‐penetration near‐infrared light dose is reduced after penetrating the bolus. To enhance precision and effectiveness, this study introduces a novel bolus made of AuNPs@poly(AM‐THMA‐DMAEMA) composite hydrogel. This hydrogel is prepared through a one‐pot method involving the reduction of trihydrate chloroauric acid (HAuCl4·3H2O) and copolymerization of acrylamide (AM) and N‐[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]acrylamide (THMA) in a redox system with dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and potassium persulfate (KPS). The gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) improve the mechanical strength (tensile strength of 320.84 kPa, elongation at break of 830%) and antibacterial properties (>99% against Staphylococcus aureus). The local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of AuNPs enables the hydrogel to absorb near‐infrared light for precise monitoring of the infrared radiation dose. The hydrogel's biocompatibility is enhanced by the absence of additional crosslinking agents, and its excellent surface adhesion strength is due to numerous hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions. This study offers new possibilities for nanoparticle composite hydrogels as tissue boluses, achieving high precision and efficiency in radiophotothermal therapy.
Iridium(III)‐Incorporating Self‐Healing Polysiloxanes as Materials for Light‐Emitting Oxygen Sensors
Authors: Parshina Elizaveta K. , Deriabin Konstantin V. , Kolesnikov Ilya E. , Novikov Alexander S. , Kocheva Anastasia N. , Golovenko Ekaterina A. , Islamova Regina M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPolymer‐metal complexes (PMCs) based on poly(2,2′‐bipyridine‐4,4′‐dicarboxamide‐co‐polydimethylsiloxanes) with cyclometalated di(2‐phenylpyridinato‐C2,N')iridium(III) fragments and cross‐linked by Zn2+ (Zn[Ir]‐BipyPDMSs) or Ir3+ (Ir[Ir]‐BipyPDMSs) represent flexible, stretchable, phosphorescent, and self‐healing molecular oxygen sensors. PMCs provide strong phosphorescence at λem = 595–605 nm. Zn[Ir]‐BipyPDMS with PDMS chain length of Mn = 5000 has the highest quantum yield of 9.3% and is a molecular oxygen sensor at different O2 concentrations (0–100 vol%) compared to Ir[Ir]‐BipyPDMSs. A Stern−Volmer constant is determined for Zn[Ir]‐BipyPDMS as KSV = 0.014%−1, which is similar to the reported oxygen‐sensitive iridium(III) complexes. All synthesized PMCs exhibit high elongation at break (up to 1100%) and self‐healing efficiency (up to 99%).
Temporal and spatial patterns in population demography of Tilefish in the Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Helmueller Greta J. , Stallings Christopher D. , Murawski Steven A. , Lombardi‐Carlson Linda A. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to compare population dynamics of Tilefish Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps before and after the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill in the north‐central Gulf of Mexico (GoM) as well as inside and outside the spill area in the western and southwestern GoM (off Mexico).MethodsDue to the availability of prespill samples of Tilefish, we were able to evaluate growth, mortality, and condition factors during two time periods (2000–2009 versus 2011–2017). Samples were derived from commercial landings and research vessel surveys using demersal longline fishing gear.ResultAlthough some von Bertalanffy growth parameters differed for fish caught before and after the spill within the spill area, confidence limits for predicted growth curves overlapped for ages >10, while predicted growth for ages <10 declined somewhat after the spill. Tilefish grew faster off Mexico than in the northern GoM. Total instantaneous mortality rates (Z), estimated from aggregate multi‐year catch curves, were highest off Mexico (0.39 ± 0.05 SE), lowest in the western GoM outside the spill area (0.21 ± 0.03), and similar before and after the DWH spill within the spill zone (0.32 ± 0.02).ConclusionAlthough Z on the stock within the spill area apparently did not change, differences in fishing mortality may have compensated for changes in natural mortality. Because 90% of the fish that were aged after the spill were alive prior to the spill, their accumulated growth history may have masked postspill growth changes. As we are now 14+ years past the 2010 spill, comparisons of population dynamics from samples collected now and in the future may provide a clearer picture of the strength of incoming year‐classes and the long‐term implications of the spill on Tilefish populations.