bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous microfluidic platform combining cell lysis and protein extraction for screening overall process conditions
Authors: Fradique Ricardo , Jardim Andreia , Azevedo Ana M , Chu Virginia , Conde João P , Raquel Aires‐Barros M 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicrofluidic devices have been increasingly used as tools to accelerate the development of new biomanufacturing methods, given their ability to test a large set of variables in a short amount of time with minimal reagent consumption. However, while being able to expedite a bioprocess design, the modular aspect of these devices has not been systematically explored, with most applications focusing on single unitary operations. This paper explores the modular design of these devices through the development of an integrated microfluidic chip.RESULTSTwo separate unitary operations were included into a single device for continuous operation: product release by chemical cell lysis and product concentration by aqueous two‐phase system. In this way, it is possible to screen multiple conditions for each operation and evaluate their combined effect on the final product, making this a great tool in the development and optimization of a process. A recombinant Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain producing green fluorescent protein (GFP) was used as model system, which allows for lysis efficiency and partition coefficient to be evaluated by fluorescence microscopy. A chemical lysis solutions was used in the lysis step, presenting lysis efficiencies of about 100%, while a polyethylene glycol (PEG)/phosphate system was screened for the separation stage, presenting partition coefficients of about 4.CONCLUSIONSThe integrated device allowed for the continuous screening of multiple combinations of operation conditions, highlighting, for example, conditions where improvements on the lysis efficiency subsequently impaired the separation, decreasing the partition of the target product, thus demonstrating the need for the evaluation of a process in its entirety. In this way, the microfluidic device delivered a rapid process screening and optimization, with very low reagent consumption, and using a simple fluorescence microscope for data collection. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Transitioning from a research protocol to a scalable applied pathway for Xenopus laevis sperm cryopreservation at a national stock center: The effect of cryoprotectants
Authors: Arregui Lucía , Koch Jack C. , Tiersch Terrence R. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractSperm cryopreservation is a critical tool for safeguarding and managing valuable genetic resources. Protocols for cryopreservation of Xenopus laevis sperm were available but lacking sperm quality evaluation and scalability and the outcomes were inconsistent. The goal of this study was to begin developing a center‐level cryopreservation pathway for this species by integrating French straws as containers that would facilitate germplasm repository development. The objectives were to analyze the effect of: (1) three sperm concentrations (33, 50, and 100 × 106 sperm/mL) on post‐thaw fertilization, (2) three final concentrations (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) of dimethyl sulfoxide, methanol, and dimethylformamide (DMFA) on sperm membrane integrity of fresh and frozen samples, (3) two concentrations (5% and 10%) of DMFA with and without 5% sucrose at four cooling rates (5, 10, 20, and 40°C/min) on sperm membrane integrity and motility, and (4) egg exposure to different concentrations of DMFA on fertilization. Few differences in sperm viability were found among fresh samples incubated in cryoprotectants, but thawed samples frozen in methanol or DMFA presented higher membrane integrity. Samples frozen in 10% DMFA at 20°C/min showed higher membrane integrity (60 ± 7%) than other DMFA concentrations and cooling rates, and the same total motility (30 ± 7%) as at 10°C/min. Higher DMFA concentrations (10%–13%) were detrimental for embryo development compared to lower concentrations (<6%). This study provided a reliable protocol for sperm cryopreservation in Xenopus laevis to yield an application pathway with potential for high throughput that can be used as a roadmap for work with other species.
Is the anterior approach recommended for liver resection of hepatocellular carcinoma? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ishii Takamichi , Iwaki Kentaro , Nakakura Akiyoshi , Uchida Yoichiro , Ito Takashi , Hatano Etsuro 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBackground/PurposeThe anterior approach (AA) in liver resection has proven more effective with regard to short‐term outcomes than the conventional approach (CA). However, its superiority over the CA concerning long‐term outcomes remains unclear. This meta‐analysis compared the short‐ and long‐term outcomes of the AA and CA.MethodsDatabases, including MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, were searched to identify studies comparing the AA and CA for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) liver resection. The primary outcomes were the in‐hospital mortality, in‐hospital morbidity, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS). Secondary outcomes were operative time, blood loss, blood transfusion, R0 rate, and length of hospital stay.ResultsTen studies involving 1369 patients were included (AA, n = 595; CA, n = 774). Despite no significant differences in the in‐hospital mortality or morbidity, the AA demonstrated a superior DFS (hazard ratio [HR], 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.77) and OS (HR, 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48–0.65) and was associated with a longer operative time, less blood loss, and less transfusion than the CA. No marked differences in other outcomes were noted.ConclusionsThe AA for HCC liver resection helped reduce blood loss and need for transfusion, improving the DFS and OS.
Comparative oil extraction from mutt (Myliobatis goodei) liver by enzymatic hydrolysis: free versus immobilized biocatalyst
Authors: Morales Andrés H , Pisa José H , Gómez María I , Romero Cintia M , Vittone Marina , Massa Agueda E , Lamas Daniela L 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe development and fine‐tuning of biotechnological processes for fish oil extraction constitute a very important focus to contribute to the development of a food industry based on fish consumption. This work lies in a comparative analysis of the oil extraction yield of Myliobatis goodei livers using free and immobilized enzymes.RESULTSAn immobilized biocatalyst was designed from the cell‐free extract of a Bacillus sp. Mcn4. A complete factorial design was used to study the components of the bacterial culture medium and select the condition with the highest titers of extracellular enzymatic activities. Wheat bran had a significant effect on the culture medium composition for enzymatic production. The immobilized biocatalyst was designed by covalent binding of the proteins present in the cocktail retaining a percentage of different types of enzymatic activities (Mult.Enz@MgFe2O4). Among the biocatalyst used, Alcalase® 2.4 L and Purazyme® AS 60 L (free commercial proteases) showed extraction yields of 87.39% and 84.25%, respectively, while Mult.Enz@MgFe2O4 achieved a better one of 89.97%. The oils obtained did not show significant differences in their physical–chemical properties while regarding the fatty acid content, the oil extracted with Purazyme® AS 60 L showed a comparatively lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids.CONCLUSIONSOur results suggest that the use of by‐products of M. goodei is a valid alternative and encourages the use of immobilized multienzyme biocatalysts for the treatment of complex substrates in the fishing industry. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Investigating the mechanism of antioxidants as egg white powder flavor modifiers
Authors: Zhang Weijian , Yang Yanjun , Su Yujie , Gu Luping , Chang Cuihua , Li Junhua 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe uses of egg white powder (EWP) are restricted because of its odor. It is necessary to find a method to improve its flavor. In this paper, three different antioxidants – green tea extract (GTE), sodium ascorbate (SA), and glutathione (GSH) – were selected to modify the flavor. The physicochemical and structural properties of EWP were investigated to study the mechanism of the formation and release of volatile compounds.RESULTSAntioxidants can modify the overall flavor of EWP significantly, inhibiting the generation or release of nonanal, 3‐methylbutanal, heptanal, decanal, geranyl acetone, and 2‐pemtylfuran. A SA‐EWP combination showed the lowest concentration of ‘off’ flavor compounds; GTE‐EWP and GSH‐EWP could reduce several ‘off’ flavor compounds but increased the formation of geranyl acetone and furans. The changes in the carbonyl content and the amino acid composition confirmed the inhibition of antioxidants with the oxidative degradation of proteins or characteristic amino acids. The results of fluorescence spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy provided structural information regarding EWP, which showed the release of volatile compounds decreased due to structural changes. For example, the surface hydrophobicity increased and the protein aggregation state changed.CONCLUSIONSAntioxidants reduce the ‘off’ flavor of EWP in two ways: they inhibit protein oxidation and Maillard reactions (they inhibit formation of 3‐methylbutanal and 2‐pemtylfuran) and they enhance the binding ability of heat‐denatured proteins (reducing the release of nonanal, decanal, and similar compounds). © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Quantifying the effect of non‐ionic surfactant alkylphenol ethoxylates on the persistence of thiabendazole on fresh produce surface
Authors: Du Xinyi , Gao Zili , He Lili 
Published: November 2023

AbstractBACKGROUNDUnderstanding the role of adjuvants in pesticide persistence is crucial to develop effective pesticide formulations and manage pesticide residues in fresh produce. This study investigated the impact of a commercial non‐ionic surfactant product containing alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs) on the persistence of thiabendazole on apple and spinach surfaces against the 30 kg m−3 baking soda (sodium bicarbonate, NaHCO3) soaking, which was used to remove the active ingredient (AI) in the cuticular wax layer of fresh produce through alkaline hydrolysis. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) mapping method was used to quantify the residue levels on fresh produce surfaces at different experimental scenarios. Four standard curves were established to quantify surface thiabendazole in the absence and presence of APEOs, on apple and spinach leaf surfaces, respectively.RESULTSOverall, the result showed that APEOs enhanced the persistence of thiabendazole over time. After 3 days of exposure, APEOs increased thiabendazole surface residue against NaHCO3 hydrolysis on apple and spinach surfaces by 5.39% and 10.47%, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe study suggests that APEOs led to more pesticide residues on fresh produce and greater difficulty in washing them off from the surfaces using baking soda, posing food safety concerns. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.
Daily exposure to combat‐related cues and posttraumatic stress symptoms among veterans: Moderating effects of peri‐ and postdeployment experiences
Authors: Mojallal Mahsa , Simons Raluca M. , Simons Jeffrey S. , Swaminath Surabhi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractOne of the central symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a heightened reactivity to trauma cues. The current study used experience sampling to investigate the associations between exposure to combat‐related cues and PTSD symptoms in 93 U.S. veterans who served in support of recent military operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. We also examined the effects of peri‐ and postdeployment factors, including exposure to combat, unit support during deployment, and postdeployment social support on PTSD. Participants completed eight brief random surveys daily for 2 weeks using palmtop computers. The results indicated that more daytime exposure to trauma cues was associated with experiencing more PTSD symptoms at the within‐person level, B = 3.18. At the between‐person level, combat exposure, B = 4.20, was associated with more PTSD symptoms, whereas unit support, B = –0.89, was associated with experiencing fewer symptoms. At the cross‐level interaction, unit support, B = –0.80, moderated the association between trauma cue exposure and PTSD symptom count. Contrary to our hypothesis, postdeployment social support, B = –0.59, was not associated with PTSD symptoms. These findings suggest a functional association between exposure to trauma cues and PTSD symptoms among recent‐era U.S. veterans and underscore the importance of unit support during deployment.
Orientation of the Scapula in the Standing Position
Authors: Andro Christophe , Garraud Charles , Deransart Pierrick , Stindel Eric , Letissier Hoel , Dardenne Guillaume 
Published: November 2023

ObjectivesA new ultrasound‐based device is proposed to non‐invasively measure the orientation of the scapula in the standing position to consider this parameter for Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of this device.MethodsAccuracy was assessed by comparing measurements made with the ultrasound device to those acquired with a three‐dimensional (3D) optical localization system (Northern Digital, Canada) on a dedicated mechanical phantom. Three users performed 10 measurements on three healthy volunteers with different body mass (BMI) indices to analyze the reliability of the device by measuring the intra and interobserver variabilities.ResultsThe mean accuracy of the device was 0.9°± 0.7 (0.01–3.03), 1.3°± 0.8 (0.03–4.55), 1.9°± 1.5 (0.05–5.76), respectively, in the axial, coronal, and sagittal planes. The interobserver and intraobserver variabilities were excellent whatever the BMI and the users experience.ConclusionsThe device is accurate and reliable enough for the measurement of the scapula orientation in the standing position.
OUR GREATEST OPPOSITION IS OUR DIVISION
Authors: McArthur Sarah 
Published: November 2023

AbstractThe author connects her work of 2001 as a writer and managing editor for a research project about the “global leader of the future,” which grew into the book Global Leadership: the Next Generation; with her current work as editor‐in‐chief of Leader to Leader. It is also connected with her earlier partnership and collaboration with Frances Hesselbein, Leader to Leader’s founder and longtime editor‐in‐chief. This is further tied to the author’s collaborations with former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes and Ford Motor Company, Alan Mulally. The latter was the first recipient of the Leader to Leader Institute’s Leader of the Future award, presented by Hesselbein in 2006. The author shares remarks she “made recently at a 100 Coaches event in Nashville that describe why Frances Hesselbein, Marshall Goldsmith, I, and many more, want Alan’s ’Working Together’ to reach as broad an audience as possible.” Within she includes comments made by Frances in 2006 for the award presented to Mulally: “Alan is the leader in Marshall’s vision of the stakeholder centered leader whose leadership and management system includes all of the stakeholders and helps successful leaders, their teams and organizations become even more successful using stakeholder centered coaching.”
Oral Administration of Sargassum horneri Suppresses Particulate Matter‐Induced Oxidative DNA Damage in Alveolar Macrophages of Allergic Airway Inflammation: Relevance to PM‐Mediated M1/M2 AM Polarization
Authors: Kim Hyo Jin , Yang Jiwon , Herath Kalahe Hewage Iresha Nadeeka Madushani , Jeon You‐Jin , Son Young‐Ok , Kwon Doyoung , Kim Hyun Jung , Jee Youngheun 
Published: November 2023

ScopeParticulate matter (PM) can cause cellular oxidative damage and promote respiratory diseases. It has recently shown that Sargassum horneri ethanol extract (SHE) containing sterols and gallic acid reduces PM‐induced oxidative stress in mice lung cells through ROS scavenging and metal chelating. In this study, the role of alveolar macrophages (AMs) is identified that are particularly susceptible to DNA damage due to PM‐triggered oxidative stress in lungs of OVA‐sensitized mice exposed to PM.Methods and resultsThe study scrutinizes if PM exposure causes oxidative DNA damage to AMs differentially depending on their type of polarization. Further, SHE's potential is investigated in reducing oxidative DNA damage in polarized AMs and restoring AM polarization in PM‐induced allergic airway inflammation. The study discovers that PM triggers prolonged oxidative stress to AMs, leading to lipid peroxidation in them and alveolar epithelial cells. Particularly, AMs are polarized to M2 phenotype (F4/80+CD206+) with enhanced oxidative DNA damage when subject to PM‐induced oxidative stress. However, SHE repairs oxidative DNA damage in M1‐ and M2‐polarized AMs and reduces AMs polarization imbalance due to PM exposure.ConclusionThese results suggest the possibility of SHE as beneficial foods against PM‐induced allergic airway inflammation via suppression of AM dysfunction.
Permethylation as a strategy for high‐molecular‐weight polysaccharide structure analysis by nuclear magnetic resonance—Case study of Xylella fastidiosa extracellular polysaccharide
Authors: Ndukwe Ikenna E. , Black Ian , Castro Claudia A. , Vlach Jiri , Heiss Christian , Roper Caroline , Azadi Parastoo 
Published: November 2023

AbstractCurrent practices for structural analysis of extremely large‐molecular‐weight polysaccharides via solution‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy incorporate partial depolymerization protocols that enable polysaccharide solubilization in suitable solvents. Non‐specific depolymerization techniques utilized for glycosidic bond cleavage, such as chemical degradation or ultrasonication, potentially generate structural fragments that can complicate complete and accurate characterization of polysaccharide structures. Utilization of appropriate enzymes for polysaccharide degradation, on the other hand, requires prior structural knowledge and optimal enzyme activity conditions that are not available to an analyst working with novel or unknown compounds. Herein, we describe an application of a permethylation strategy that allows the complete dissolution of intact polysaccharides for NMR structural characterization. This approach is utilized for NMR analysis of Xylella fastidiosa extracellular polysaccharide (EPS), which is essential for the virulence of the plant pathogen that affects multiple commercial crops and is responsible for multibillion dollar losses each year.
Attenuation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis via stem cell and extracellular vesicle therapy: An updated review
Authors: Lockard Gavin , Gordon Jonah , Schimmel Samantha , El Sayed Bassel , Monsour Molly , Garbuzova‐Davis Svitlana , Borlongan Cesar V. 
Published: November 2023

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly fatal neurological disease characterized by upper and lower motor neuron degeneration. Though typically idiopathic, familial forms of ALS are commonly composed of a superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutation. Basic science frequently utilizes SOD1 models in vitro and in vivo to replicate ALS conditions. Therapies are sparse; those that exist in the market extend life minimally, thus driving the demand for research to identify novel therapeutics. Transplantation of stem cells is a promising approach for many diseases and has shown efficacy in SOD1 models and clinical trials. The underlying mechanism for stem cell therapy presents an exciting venue for research investigations. Most notably, the paracrine actions of stem cell‐derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been suggested as a potent mitigating factor. This literature review focuses on the most recent preclinical research investigating cell‐free methods for treating ALS. Various avenues are being explored, differing on the EV contents (protein, microRNA, etc.) and on the cell target (astrocyte, endothelial cell, motor neuron‐like cells, etc.), and both molecular and behavioral outcomes are being examined. Unfortunately, EVs may also play a role in propagating ALS pathology. Nonetheless, the overarching goal remains clear: to identify efficient cell‐free techniques to attenuate the deadly consequences of ALS.
Reduced order modeling of structural problems with damage and plasticity
Authors: Kehls Jannick , Kastian Steffen , Brepols Tim , Reese Stefanie 
Published: November 2023

AbstractModel order reduction (MOR) techniques are used across the engineering sciences to reduce the computational complexity of high‐fidelity simulations. MOR methods reduce the computation time by representing the problem using a lower number of degrees of freedom (DOF). The use of reduced order models (ROM) in the analysis of structural problems with damage and plasticity has the potential to significantly reduce computational time and increase efficiency. Of course, the approximation of a problem in a lower dimensional space introduces an approximation error that needs to be kept small enough so that the results of the ROM maintain their validity. One well‐known reduced order modeling approach is the proper orthogonal decomposition (POD). POD is used to extract the dominant modes of the structure, which are then used to solve a problem in the smaller dimensional subspace. To overcome the limitations of the POD regarding nonlinear problems, the discrete empirical interpolation method (DEIM) is employed. An exemplary uncertainty quantification application is used to investigate the methodology. The investigation shows that the POD‐based DEIM can significantly reduce the computational effort of highly nonlinear structural simulations incorporating damage while maintaining a high approximation accuracy.
Diagonally‐Addressed Matrix Nicknack: How to improve SpMV performance
Authors: Saak Jens , Schulze Jonas 
Published: November 2023

AbstractWe suggest a technique to reduce the storage size of sparse matrices at no loss of information. We call this technique Diagonally‐Addressed (DA) storage. It exploits the typically low matrix bandwidth of matrices arising in applications. For memory‐bound algorithms, this traffic reduction has direct benefits for both uni‐precision and multi‐precision algorithms. In particular, we demonstrate how to apply DA storage to the Compressed Sparse Rows (CSR) format and compare the performance in computing the Sparse Matrix Vector (SpMV) product, which is a basic building block of many iterative algorithms. We investigate 1367 matrices from the SuiteSparse Matrix Collection fitting into the CSR format using signed 32 bit indices. More than 95% of these matrices fit into the DA‐CSR format using 16 bit column indices, potentially after Reverse Cuthill‐McKee (RCM) reordering. Using IEEE 754 precision scalars, we observe a performance uplift of 11% (single‐threaded) or 17.5% (multithreaded) on average when the traffic exceeds the size of the last‐level CPU cache. The predicted uplift in this scenario is 20%. For traffic within the CPU's combined level 2 and level 3 caches, the multithreaded performance uplift is over 40% for a few test matrices.