bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Natural resource-derived NiO nanoparticles via aloe vera for high-performance symmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Bulla Mamta , Kumar Vinay , Devi Raman , Kumar Sunil , Sisodiya Avnish Kumar , Dahiya Rita , Mishra Ajay Kumar 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThis investigation reported a one-step green synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) using aloe vera leaves extract solution for their application in a supercapacitor. This method used aloe vera leaves as a reducing agent, which is very simple and cost-effective. The synthesized NPs were thoroughly characterized using various techniques. The X-ray diffraction analysis unequivocally confirmed the crystalline nature; field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images showed different shapes and forms of an agglomerated cluster of synthesized NPs. The absorption spectra were recorded from UV visible spectroscopy, while Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy provided insights into the functional groups present. Electrochemical assessments were carried out via cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charging-discharging and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These experiments were performed using a 2 M KOH electrolyte within a 1.0 V potential window. Impressively, the single electrode displayed a remarkable specific capacitance of 462 F g−1 at a scan rate of 1 mV s−1 and 336 F g−1 at a current density of 0.76 A g−1. Further, a symmetric two-electrode device (NiO||NiO) has been successfully fabricated by employing a separator between the electrodes. The device exhibited an exceptional specific capacitance of approximately 239 F g−1, along with an energy density of 47.8 Wh kg−1 and a power density of 545 W kg−1 at 1 A g−1 current density within a 1.2 V potential window. The fabricated device also shows a retention capacity of 89% at 10 A g−1 after 2000 cycles with 114% of columbic efficiency. The present study underscores the effectiveness of the green synthesis approach in producing NiO NPs and establishes their potential as highly promising candidates for supercapacitor applications, showcasing both excellent electrochemical performance in a three-electrode system and remarkable stability in a practical two-electrode device. The results collectively highlight the efficacy of the green approach in producing NiO NPs, establishing its potential as a highly promising candidate for supercapacitor application.
Exploring the utility of circulating miRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers of fasciolosis
Authors: Chowdhury Sumaiya , Ricafrente Alison , Cwiklinski Krystyna , Sais Dayna , Dalton John P. , Tran Nham , Donnelly Sheila 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEffective management and control of parasitic infections on farms depends on their early detection. Traditional serological diagnostic methods for Fasciola hepatica infection in livestock are specific and sensitive, but currently the earliest detection of the parasite only occurs at approximately three weeks post-infection. At this timepoint, parasites have already entered the liver and caused the tissue damage and immunopathology that results in reduced body weight and loss in productivity. Here, we investigated whether the differential abundance of micro(mi)miRNAs in sera of F. hepatica-infected sheep has potential as a tool for the early diagnosis of infection. Using miRNA sequencing analysis, we discovered specific profiles of sheep miRNAs at both the pre-hepatic and hepatic infection phases in comparison to non-infected sheep. In addition, six F. hepatica-derived miRNAs were specifically identified in sera from infected sheep. Thus, a panel of differentially expressed miRNAs comprising four sheep (miR-3231-3p; miR133-5p; 3957-5p; 1197-3p) and two parasite miRNAs (miR-124-3p; miR-Novel-11-5p) were selected as potential biomarkers. The expression of these candidates in sera samples from longitudinal sheep infection studies collected between 7 days and 23 weeks was quantified using RT-qPCR and compared to samples from age-matched non-infected sheep. We identified oar-miR-133-5p and oar-miR-3957-5p as promising biomarkers of fasciolosis, detecting infection as early as 7 days. The differential expression of the other selected miRNAs was not sufficient to diagnose infection; however, our analysis found that the most abundant forms of fhe-miR-124-3p in sera were sequence variants (IsomiRs) of the canonical miRNA, highlighting the critical importance of primer design for accurate diagnostic RT-qPCR. Accordingly, this investigative study suggests that certain miRNAs are biomarkers of F. hepatica infection and validates miRNA-based diagnostics for the detection of fasciolosis in sheep.
Dynamics of Mpox infection in Nigeria: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cadmus Simeon , Akinseye Victor , Besong Matthias , Olanipekun Tobi , Fadele John , Cadmus Eniola , Ansumana Rashid , Oluwayelu Daniel , Odemuyiwa Solomon O. , Tomori Oyewale 
Published: March 2024

AbstractThe seasonal outbreaks of Mpox continue in most parts of West and Central Africa. In the past year, Nigeria had the highest number of reported cases. Here, we used the PRISMA guidelines to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of available evidence on Mpox in Nigeria to assess the prevalence, transmission pattern, diagnostic approach, and other associated factors useful for mitigating the transmission of the disease. All relevant observational studies in PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, AJOL, Web of Science, Scopus and Google Scholar on Mpox in Nigeria were assessed within the last fifty years (1972 to 2022). In all, 92 relevant articles were retrieved, out of which 23 were included in the final qualitative analysis. Notably, most of the cases of Mpox in Nigeria were from the southern part of the country. Our findings showed a progressive spread from the southern to the northern region of the country. We identified the following factors as important in the transmission of Mpox in Nigeria; poverty, lack of basic healthcare facilities, and risk of exposure through unsafe sexual practices. Our findings reiterate the need to strengthen and expand existing efforts as well as establish robust multi-sectoral collaboration to understand the dynamics of Mpox Nigeria.
Frequency of drug-resistant bacterial isolates among pregnant women with UTI in maternity and children’s hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Shahrani Ghady S. , Belali Tareg M. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractUrinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most prevalent bacterial infections affecting humans, with a higher incidence among women. Pregnant women are at an increased risk of developing UTIs, which can have detrimental consequences for both the mother and fetus. UTIs can be caused by various bacteria, and the prevalence of drug-resistant UTIs in maternity and children’s hospitals is a cause for concern due to the potential for severe complications if left untreated. The primary objective of the current study was to determine the distribution of UTI-causing bacteria and investigate the antibiotic sensitivity patterns of isolated cultures obtained from pregnant women with UTIs at the Maternity and Children’s Hospital, Bisha, Saudi Arabia. This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 2021 to October 2023, involving the analysis of urine samples collected from 321 participants who acquired UTIs during pregnancy. Using biochemical tests and standard cultures, the urine samples were examined for pathogenic bacteria and their anti-microbial sensitivity patterns. The study analyzed susceptibility results according to the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines (M100, 28th Edition, 2018). Bacterial strains demonstrating resistance to three or more antibiotics were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). This study revealed the distribution of UTI-causing bacteria to be as follows: Escherichia coli, 57.01%; Klebsiella pneumoniae, 24.61%; Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 4.36%; Proteus mirabilis and Enterobacter cloacae, 3.74%; Streptococcus agalactiae, 3.11%; Enterococcus faecalis, 2.18%; and Staphylococcus aureus, 1.24%. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing varied among gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gentamicin demonstrated the highest sensitivity among both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria; piperacillin-tazobactam was the second most effective drug against gram-negative bacteria. The bacterial isolates showed varying susceptibility to different antibiotics, with Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa being mainly sensitive to gentamicin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ciprofloxacin, respectively. The strategies for reducing the risk of UTIs need to be improved to limit the spread of MDR bacteria. These strategies may include promoting hygienic practices and administering appropriate antibiotics to prevent the emergence and spread of drug-resistant bacteria. Further research is required to monitor the trends in antibiotic resistance among UTI-causing bacteria and develop effective strategies for managing this public health menace.
Natural warming differentiates communities and increases diversity in deep-sea Ridge Flank Hydrothermal Systems
Authors: Hartwell Anne M. , Wheat Anna E. , Dijkstra Jennifer A. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractRidge Flank Hydrothermal Systems have discrete pockets of fluid discharge that mimic climate-induced ocean warming. Unlike traditional hydrothermal fluids, those discharged by Ridge Flank Hydrothermal Systems have a chemical composition indistinguishable from background water, enabling evaluation of the effect of warming temperature. Here we link temperature and terrain variables to community composition and biodiversity by combining remotely operated vehicle images of vent and non-vent zone communities with associated environmental variables. We show overall differences in composition, family richness, and biodiversity between zones, though richness and diversity were only significantly greater in vent zones at one location. Temperature was a contributing factor to observed greater biodiversity near vent zones. Overall, our results suggest that warming in the deep sea will affect species composition and diversity. However, due to the diverse outcomes projected for ocean warming, additional research is necessary to forecast the impacts of ocean warming on deep-sea ecosystems.
The protein methyltransferase TrSAM inhibits cellulase gene expression by interacting with the negative regulator ACE1 in Trichoderma reesei
Authors: Zhu Zhihua , Zou Gen , Chai Shunxing , Xiao Meili , Wang Yinmei , Wang Pingping , Zhou Zhihua 
Published: March 2024

AbstractProtein methylation is a commonly posttranslational modification of transcriptional regulators to fine-tune protein function, however, whether this regulation strategy participates in the regulation of lignocellulase synthesis and secretion in Trichoderma reesei remains unexplored. Here, a putative protein methyltransferase (TrSAM) is screened from a T. reesei mutant with the ability to express heterologous β-glucosidase efficiently even under glucose repression. The deletion of its encoding gene trsam causes a significant increase of cellulase activities in all tested T. reesei strains, including transformants of expressing heterologous genes using cbh1 promotor. Further investigation confirms that TrSAM interacts with the cellulase negative regulator ACE1 via its amino acid residue Arg383, which causes a decrease in the ACE1-DNA binding affinity. The enzyme activity of a T. reesei strain harboring ACE1R383Q increases by 85.8%, whereas that of the strains with trsam or ace1 deletion increases by more than 100%. By contrast, the strain with ACE1R383K shows no difference to the parent strain. Taken together, our results demonstrate that TrSAM plays an important role in regulating the expression of cellulase and heterologous proteins initiated by cbh1 promotor through interacting with ACE1R383. Elimination and mutation of TrSAM and its downstream ACE1 alleviate the carbon catabolite repression (CCR) in expressing cellulase and heterologous protein in varying degrees. This provides a new solution for the exquisite modification of T. reesei chassis.
Chemoenzymatic tandem cyclization for the facile synthesis of bicyclic peptides
Authors: Kobayashi Masakazu , Onozawa Naho , Matsuda Kenichi , Wakimoto Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBicyclic peptides exhibit improved metabolic stabilities and target specificities when compared to their linear or mono-cyclic counterparts; however, efficient and straightforward synthesis remains challenging due to their intricate architectures. Here, we present a highly selective and operationally simple one-pot chemoenzymatic tandem cyclization approach to synthesize bicyclic peptides with small to medium ring sizes. Penicillin-binding protein-type thioesterases (PBP-type TEs) efficiently cyclized azide/alkyne-containing peptides in a head-to-tail manner. Successive copper (I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition generated bicyclic peptides in one-pot, thus omitting the purification of monocyclic intermediates. This chemoenzymatic strategy enabled the facile synthesis of bicyclic peptides bearing hexa-, octa-, and undecapeptidyl head-to-tail cyclic scaffolds.
Exceptional classifications of non-Hermitian systems
Authors: Ryu Jung-Wan , Han Jae-Ho , Yi Chang-Hwan , Park Moon Jip , Park Hee Chul 
Published: March 2024

AbstractEigenstate coalescence in non-Hermitian systems is widely observed in diverse scientific domains encompassing optics and open quantum systems. Recent investigations have revealed that adiabatic encircling of exceptional points (EPs) leads to a nontrivial Berry phase in addition to an exchange of eigenstates. Based on these phenomena, we propose in this work an exhaustive classification framework for EPs in non-Hermitian physical systems. In contrast to previous classifications that only incorporate the eigenstate exchange effect, our proposed classification gives rise to finer $${{\mathbb{Z}}}_{2}$$

Z

2

classifications depending on the presence of a π Berry phase after the encircling of the EPs. Moreover, by mapping arbitrary one-dimensional systems to the adiabatic encircling of EPs, we can classify one-dimensional non-Hermitian systems characterized by topological phase transitions involving EPs. Applying our exceptional classification to various multiband systems, we expect to enhance the understanding of topological phases in non-Hermitian systems.
Oxysterol sulfates in fluids, cells and tissues: how much do we know about their clinical significance, biological relevance and biophysical implications?
Authors: Reis Ana , H.K. Dias Irundika 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Oxysterol sulfates are emerging as key players in lipid homeostasis, inflammation and immunity. Despite this, knowledge on their basal levels in fluids, cells and tissues and any changes associated with age, gender and diet in health and disease; as well as their spatio-temporal distribution in cell membranes and organelles have been greatly hampered by the lack of commercially available pure synthetic standards. Expansion of the panel of pure oxysterol sulfates standards is pivotal to improve our understanding on the impact of oxysterol sulfates at the membrane level and their role in cellular events. While the clinical significance, biophysical implications and biological relevance of oxysterol sulfates in fluids, cells and tissues remains largely unknown, knowledge already gathered on the precursors of oxysterol sulfates (e.g. oxysterols and cholesterol sulfate) can be used to guide researchers on the most relevant aspects to search for when screening for oxysterol sulfates bioavailability in (patho)physiological conditions which are crucial in the design of biophysical and of cell-based assays. Herein, we provide a review on the brief knowledge involving oxysterol sulfate and an overview on the biophysical implications and biological relevance of oxysterols and cholesterol sulfate useful to redirect further investigations on the role of oxysterol sulfates in health and disease.
MacCAT-T zwischen Anspruch und Praxis – Herausforderungen bei der
Beurteilung von Einwilligungsfähigkeit bei Demenz
Authors: Rolfes Vasilija , Hinz Uta , Fangerau Heiner , Voßberg Dilara , Haupt Martin 
Published: March 2024

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Die Einwilligung ist Voraussetzung für ärztliches
diagnostisches und therapeutisches Handeln. Ein einheitliches Vorgehen bei der
Überprüfung von Einwilligungsfähigkeit gibt es nicht. Für eine strukturierte
Erfassung am weitesten verbreitet ist das MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool
for Treatment (MacCAT-T).
Fragestellung Bei Menschen mit Demenz ist aufgrund der
Erkrankung die Einwilligungsfähigkeit beeinträchtigt. Für die Frage, inwieweit
sich strukturierte Erhebungsverfahren bei Menschen mit Demenz sinnvoll einsetzen
lassen, stellen wir mit einem Schwerpunkt auf das MacCAT-T die Funktion, Stärken
und Schwächen strukturierter Erhebungsverfahren vor und diskutieren Vorschläge
zur Modifizierung und Weiterentwicklung des Tools.
Material und Methode Mittels
der Literaturdatenbank PubMed wurde unter Berücksichtigung der PRISMA
Richtlinien eine systematische Literaturrecherche und -analyse zu Arbeiten
durchgeführt, die seit dem Jahr 2010 veröffentlicht wurden.
Ergebnisse Das
MacCAT-T ist zwar bei verschiedenen Diagnosen valide und reliabel anwendbar,
kann aber die Gedächtnisproblematik bei Menschen mit Demenz nicht umfassend
berücksichtigen. Es erfasst vornehmlich kognitive Funktionen. Entscheidungen
beruhen jedoch auch auf Emotionen, Intuitionen und Werten, die durch das
MacCAT-T nicht erfasst werden. Kommunikative Einschränkungen bei Demenzkranken
werden ausgeblendet.
Schlussfolgerungen Es wird empfohlen, bei Menschen mit
Demenz Informationen in einfacher Sprache zu vermitteln, zu verschriftlichen und
zu visualisieren. Die Entwicklung und Ausarbeitung eines abgestuften Vorgehens
bei der Prüfung von Einwilligungsfähigkeit sind angezeigt. Die dabei zu
bestimmenden Abstufungen des Umfangs und der Tiefe der Prüfung sollten sich am
Schweregrad der kognitiven Störungen, dem Nutzen/Risiko-Verhältnis der
vorgeschlagenen ärztlichen Maßnahme und dem individuellen Profil von affektiven
Funktionen und wertebasierten Prägungen orientieren.
Prenatal Exposure to Acid Suppressor Medications and Development of Ductus Arteriosus in Term Newborns
Authors: Segal Ella , Landau Daniella , Hassan Lior , Israeli Adir , Gorodischer Rafael 
Published: March 2024

Objective The ductus arteriosus normally closes after birth. Histamine 2 receptor antagonist (H2RA) has been associated with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). We aimed to study the characteristics of term infants with PDA and their possible association with prenatal exposure to antacids—proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2RA.
Study Design This was a population-based matched case–control study of mothers registered at “Clalit” Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) and their infants born at “Soroka” University Medical Center (SUMC) between 2001 and 2018. Cases are defined as term infants born with PDA diagnosed by echocardiography and registered in the postdelivery discharge form. Each case was matched with four term newborns without PDA diagnosis. Exposure window was defined by the timing of first purchase of H2RA or PPI during pregnancy and based on information from a computerized medication database (Clalit HMO, SUMC).
Results PDA was diagnosed in 1,884 term infants (4.9%). Characteristics included a significantly higher percentage of lack of prenatal care, cesarean section, in vitro fertilization, polyhydramnios, oligohydramnios, Apgar 1 minute <5, and prenatal exposure to H2RA (odds ratio [OR] 4.18) and PPIs (OR 3.50; all p < 0.001). PDA association with exposure window was similar in each trimester (1.5–2%) for both H2RA and PPI.
Conclusion PDA incidence in term infants in our population was greater than previously reported. PPI and H2RA are both antiacids with different mechanisms of action. The similar OR for exposure to one as well as the other, and the lack of influence of the initial exposure period, are compatible with bias.
Key Points
Reevaluating Associations between Prenatal Care Utilization and Current Trends in Preterm Birth
Authors: Champion Macie L. , Bushman Elisa T. , Martin Kimberly D. , Battarbee Ashley N. , Robbins Lindsay S. , Andrews William W. , Tita Alan T. 
Published: March 2024

Objective Studies have suggested an association between prenatal care (PNC) and preterm birth (PTB). We evaluated trends in PTB and association of PNC and PTB.
Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of singleton, viable nonanomalous deliveries from 1991 to 2018. PNC utilization was defined by World Health Organization using number of visits: adequate (≥8), suboptimal (5–7), and inadequate (<5). Primary outcome was PTB. Tests of trend were used to assess changes in PTB over time. Baseline characteristics and outcomes were compared. Logistic regression estimated the association of PNC and PTB. We evaluated for effect modification by year of birth.
Results Of 92,294 patients, 14,057 (15%) had PTB. Inadequate and suboptimal PNC were associated with higher odds of PTB compared to adequate PNC (adjusted odds ratios = [aOR 6.21], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.84–6.60; aOR = 3.57, 95% CI: 3.36–3.79). Inadequate PNC was associated with higher odds of PTB over time (effect modification p < 0.0001). Inadequate PNC was associated with 5.4 times higher odds of PTB in 1998, 7.0 times in 2008, and 9.1 times in 2018.
Conclusion Despite an increase in adequate PNC, there was a rise in PTB associated with inadequate and suboptimal PNC. PNC utilization was a stronger risk factor in recent years with higher PTB in patients who attended more than five PNC visits.
Key Points
Boosting Sulfonylation Reactions between Vinyl Triflates and Alkenes toward β-Ketosulfones Using Aqueous Sulfurous Acid
Authors: Kawamoto Takuji , Takeda Yuki , Kawabata Takahiro , Kamimura Akio 
Published: March 2024

AbstractWe successfully synthesized trifluoromethylated β-ketosulfones via the reaction of vinyl triflates with alkenes employing aqueous sulfurous acid as an external source of SO2. The PhSSPh/photoinitiated reaction with vinyl triflates that contain electron-deficient groups or halogens did not show any base-related effects, whereas the radical reaction was impeded in the absence of a base in the case of vinyl triflates generated from phenylacetylenes.