bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating alpha‐synuclein co‐pathology in Alzheimer's disease by means of cerebrospinal fluid alpha‐synuclein seed amplification assay
Authors: Bellomo Giovanni , Toja Andrea , Paolini Paoletti Federico , Ma Yihua , Farris Carly M. , Gaetani Lorenzo , Salvadori Nicola , Chiasserini Davide , Wojdaƚa Anna Lidia , Concha‐Marambio Luis , Parnetti Lucilla 
Published: February 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONLewy body disease, a frequently observed co‐pathology in Alzheimer's disease (AD), can be identified antemortem in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by α‐synuclein seed amplification assay (αS‐SAA). The prevalence and clinical impact of CSF αS‐SAA positivity in AD are still unknown.METHODSαS‐SAA was performed on CSF samples from 240 AD patients (preclinical, prodromal, and dementia stages), 85 controls, 84 patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and 21 patients with PD with dementia or dementia with Lewy bodies. In AD patients, associations between αS‐SAA positivity and cognitive changes were also evaluated.RESULTSIn agreement with available neuropathological studies, αS‐SAA positivity was observed in 30% of AD patients (vs 9% in controls), and was associated with cognitive decline, visuospatial impairment, and behavioral disturbances.DISCUSSIONαS‐SAA positivity in AD patients reflects the prevalence observed in neuropathological series and is associated with a worse clinical outcome. These data confirm the validity of CSF αS‐SAA positivity as biomarker of synucleinopathy.
Study on thermodynamic response in liquefied natural gas storage tanks under static pressurization and sloshing conditions
Authors: Sun Xinshan , Liu Zhan , Xue Wenlong , Yang Yunfan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractLiquefied natural gas (LNG) is becoming a potential power fuel in ocean transport and will be widely utilized in the near future. However, severe thermodynamic imbalance issues, caused by environmental heat leakage and external sloshing disturbances, must to be efficiently addressed to improve the operation reliability and safety storage of LNG fuel tanks. In this paper, a comprehensive theoretical model is developed to investigate the thermal response in a type C LNG storage tank, with consideration of composition migration, heat penetration, liquid evaporation, fluid sloshing, and vapor pressure rise. The prediction accuracy of the theoretical model is validated by comparing with selected tank pressurization experiments, with deviation limited within 5.0%. Based on the theoretical model, the aging process of LNG is first involved. The variations of composition migration in vapor and liquid regions are specially considered and discussed. During static pressurization, the thermal physical performance, including tank pressure rise, vapor temperature change, and boil‐off gas (BOG) generation, is detailedly researched under heat penetration. Finally, the effect of external sloshing excitation on thermal behavior in LNG fuel tanks is explored. Compared to static pressurization, external sloshing excitation causes obvious influences on thermodynamic performance of LNG tanks, including promotion on tank pressure and enhancement of heat and mass transfer. With some valuable conclusions achieved, this work is significant to comprehensive understanding on the thermal response of LNG storage tanks under different operation conditions.
Enhancing attraction and aggregation of desert locusts for efficient harvesting: Push–pull approach
Authors: Aguk Joseph Odhiambo , Mweresa Collins Kalwale , Ayieko Monica Awuor 
Published: February 2024

AbstractDesert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) pose a significant threat to food security. However, they also serve as a nutrient‐rich delicacy in many African and Arabic communities where they are traditionally harvested for food and feed. Traditional harvesting methods are inefficient, laborious, and time‐consuming; hence, there is a need to explore more convenient and efficient techniques. This study assessed preferential selection and feeding behavior of desert locusts to identify trap plants that could attract and aggregate them for easy harvesting. Four trap plants (cowpea, finger millet, sorghum, and amaranth) and four repellent plants (neem, pencil cactus, garlic, and cayenne red pepper) were evaluated through multiple‐choice experiments. A randomized complete block design involving mature adult, immature adult, and hopper stages of desert locusts was used. Analysis of variance was used to determine the effects of repellent and trap plants on feeding preferences of desert locusts. Mean differences between treatments at p < 0.05 were separated using post hoc Tukey's honestly significant difference. Cowpea as the most preferred trap plant attracted 62.7%, 70.7%, and 76.9% of mature adult, immature adult, and hopper locust stages, respectively. Neem exhibited the most potent repellent effect and attracted no desert locusts for feeding. Neem repelled locusts, thereby reducing infestation and damage of cowpea as a pull plant when both plants were grown in the same pot in a “push–pull” system. The push–pull attracted 3.7%, 24.3%, and 7.8% of mature adult, immature adult, and hopper locust stages, respectively. However, cowpea attracted large numbers of locusts (96.3% mature adults, 75.7% immature adults, and 92.2% hoppers) when grown separately from neem. These findings provide valuable insights on the potential of exploiting traps and repellents to enhance aggregation and harvesting of desert locusts as food and feed.
Exploring reliable photogrammetry techniques for 3D modeling in anatomical research and education
Authors: Van Vlasselaer Nicolas , Keelson Benyameen , Scafoglieri Aldo , Cattrysse Erik 
Published: February 2024

AbstractIn anatomical research and education, three‐dimensional visualization of anatomical structures is crucial for understanding spatial relationships in diagnostics, surgical planning, and teaching. While computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offer valuable insights, they are often expensive and require specialized resources. This study explores photogrammetry as an affordable and accessible approach for 3D modeling in anatomical contexts. Two photogrammetry methods were compared: conventional open‐source software (Colmap) and Apple's RealityKit Object Capture. Human C3 vertebrae were imaged with a 24 MP camera, with and without a cross‐polarization filter. Reconstruction times, vertex distances, surface area, and volume measurements were compared to CT scans. Results revealed that the Object Capture method surpassed the conventional approach in reconstruction speed and user‐friendliness. Both methods exhibited similar vertex distance from reference mesh and volume measurements, although the conventional approach produced larger surface areas compared to CT‐based models. Cross‐polarization filters eliminated the need for pre‐processing and improved outcomes in challenging lighting conditions. This study demonstrates that photogrammetry, especially Object Capture, as a reliable and time‐efficient tool for 3D modeling in anatomical research and education. It offers accessible alternatives to traditional techniques with advantages in texture mapping. While further validation of various anatomical structures is required, the accessibility and cost‐effectiveness of photogrammetry make it a valuable asset for the field. In summary, photogrammetry would have the potential to revolutionize anatomical research and education by providing cost‐effective, accessible, and accurate 3D modeling. The study underscores the promise of advancing anatomical research and education through the integration of photogrammetry with ongoing improvements in user‐friendliness and accessibility.
Evaluating the regulatory function of non‐coding autism‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms on gene expression in human brain tissue
Authors: Pugsley Kealan , Namipashaki Atefeh , Bellgrove Mark A. , Hawi Ziarih 
Published: February 2024

AbstractCommon variants account for most of the estimated heritability associated with autism spectrum disorder (autism). Although several replicable single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the condition have been detected using genome‐wide association study (GWAS) methodologies, their pathophysiological relevance remains elusive. Examining this is complicated, however, as all detected loci are situated within non‐coding regions of the genome. It is therefore likely that they possess roles of regulatory function as opposed to directly affecting gene coding sequences. To bridge the gap between SNP discovery and mechanistic insight, we applied a comprehensive bioinformatic pipeline to functionally annotate autism‐associated polymorphisms and their non‐coding linkage disequilibrium (i.e., non‐randomly associated) partners. We identified 82 DNA variants of probable regulatory function that may contribute to autism pathogenesis. To validate these predictions, we measured the impact of 11 high‐confidence candidates and their GWAS linkage disequilibrium partners on gene expression in human brain tissue from Autistic and non‐Autistic donors. Although a small number of the surveyed variants exhibited measurable influence on gene expression as determined via quantitative polymerase chain reaction, these did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Additionally, no significant genotype‐by‐diagnosis effects were observed for any of the SNP‐gene associations. We contend that this may reflect an inability to effectively capture the modest, neurodevelopmental‐specific impact of individual variants on biological dysregulation in available post‐mortem tissue samples, as well as limitations in the existing autism GWAS data.
Valorization of coffee silverskin by cascade extraction of valuable biomolecules: preparation of eco‐friendly composites as the ultimate step
Authors: Bianchi Stefano , Vannini Micaela , Sisti Laura , Marchese Paola , Mallegni Norma , Rodríguez Óscar , Kohnen Stéphan , Tchoumtchoua Job , Cinelli Patrizia , Celli Annamaria 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis study presents a multidisciplinary approach for dealing with the environmental problems related to agro‐industrial coffee residues. The exploitation of these residues allows biomolecules to be obtained from renewable sources and enables the preparation of CO2‐neutral biocomposites, with the advantages of reducing fossil depletion, avoiding climate‐altering emissions, and limiting plastic pollution. Coffee silverskin (CSS), a by‐product deriving from coffee bean roasting, was subjected to different eco‐friendly extraction processes, such as ultrasound‐assisted, CO2‐supercritical, and water‐subcritical extractions to recover caffeine, phytosterols, and polyphenols. The residues remaining after the extractions were further valorized as fillers into biocomposites based on poly(1,4‐butylene succinate) (PBS). Biocomposites (filler content up to 30 wt%) were prepared by melt mixing, and they were characterized in terms of their thermal, mechanical, and morphological performance. The effect of the presence of residues derived from different extraction procedures on the resulting properties of biocomposites was assessed and discussed, and the ultrasound‐assisted treatment was found to leave the CSS residue as the most compatible with the PBS matrix. The results of this study indicate that the proposed bio‐refinery could successfully and fully valorize the CSS agro‐industrial residues, even in its ultimate step, producing biocomposites characterized by low economic and environmental impact; these new materials will be a possible bio‐alternative to the traditional polymers commonly used by the packaging industry.
‘You work, I copy’. Images, narratives and metaphors around academic plagiarism through Fotovoz
Authors: Sierra‐Martínez Silvia , Martínez‐Figueira María‐Esther , Castro Pais María Dolores , Pessoa Teresa 
Published: February 2024

AbstractAcademic integrity is part of the process that explains the communication of information in an ethical manner. Although the prevalence of dishonest acts at university has been noted, it is an aim of the educational system to analyse what motivates them from an age prior to their incorporation into university studies. The aim of this work is to collect the visual‐narrative representation of academic plagiarism made by secondary school and university students, as well as to analyse their perception of it and discover the keys that explain this malpractice. A participatory study was carried out, in which two high school students took on the role of co‐researchers in training. Information is collected from 178 students from three schools in Spain and Portugal through participatory photography or Photovoice. It is analysed with Maxqda22 software in two stages: (1) deductive analysis of the narratives, identifying categories and thematic codes, in a participatory way with the trainee researchers; and (2) inductive analysis of images and metaphorical expressions. The results allow us to outline three representations of the action of copying: as a punishable act, as a picaresque act and as a quick and easy opportunity for the student. This classification reveals the issues that dominate the discourse of the participants, suggesting the effects and causes that aggravate the commission of plagiarism: the simplicity of the process and the possibility of not being detected.
An idea to explore: Introduction of “biochemical tales” in medical education—Learning made fun
Authors: Surapaneni Krishna Mohan 
Published: February 2024

AbstractInnovations in medical education, including the integration of narrative‐based tales, are transforming the way complex biochemical concepts are taught and understood. In this “Idea to Explore”, the essence of integrating tales that personify molecules and depict biochemical processes as engaging stories to enhance student engagement, promote active learning, and improve knowledge retention is discussed. It also explores the effectiveness of scientific discovery games and traditional scientific stories in deepening students' interest in biochemistry. Highlighting the potential of narrative methods to make biochemistry more accessible and engaging, educators are encouraged to adopt creative teaching tools that promote critical thinking, problem‐solving, and communication skills, thereby inspiring active participation, and lifelong learning in biochemistry.
A comprehensive quality evaluation strategy of Shensong Yangxin capsules based on qualitative, fingerprint and quantitative analyses
Authors: Fu Zixuan , Zhang Yumeng , Jin Tong , Wang Zheyong , Zhao Chunjie , Zhao Min 
Published: February 2024

AbstractShensong Yangxin capsule (SSYXC), an effective Chinese patent medicine, has been recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopeia, mainly for the treatment of coronary heart disease and ventricular premature beat. To further complete the quality evaluation of SSYXC, a comprehensive analysis strategy was established. Firstly, the components of SSYXC were qualitatively analysed using ultra‐high‐ performance liquid chromatography–Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry. A total of 134 compounds were identified or tentatively characterized. Additionally, the fingerprint of SSYXC was established by HPLC, and the similarity of 10 batches of SSYXC was elucidated by similarity analysis. The result indicated that the consistency of chemical composition is good. Finally, to enhance the quality control of SSYXC, according to the results of the fingerprint analysis, the contents of the seven active components was determined, comprising morroniside, loganin, paeoniflorin, salvianolic acid B, palmatine hydrochloride, berberine hydrochloride and tanshinone IIA. In conclusion, the established method, comprising identification of components, fingerprint analysis and quantification of multicomponents, can be sensitively and comprehensively applied to the quality evaluation of SSYXC, which can provide chemical ingredients bases for quality control and the pharmacodynamic mechanism of SSYXC, which could serve as a benchmark for controlling the quality of other Chinese patent medicines.
M2 tumor–associated macrophages and CXCL2 induce lipid remodeling in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines
Authors: Chen Yongling , Zhong Ziqing , Deng Yan , Lu Yu , Qin Xue 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPrimary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors, but its pathogenesis remains incompletely elucidated. Recently, many studies indicated that lipid remodeling plays an important role in the occurrence and development of HCC. Furthermore, lipids have been proven to be indispensable mediators in promoting communication between tumor cells and extracellular matrix in the tumor microenvironment. Thus, this study aims to comprehensively investigate the process of lipid remodeling during HCC metastasis based on the LC–electrospray ionization–MS (LC–ESI–MS) combined with multiple reaction monitoring technology. M2 tumor–associated macrophages and the recombinant human protein CXCL2 were used to simulate the tumor microenvironment. After co‐incubating SMMC7721 and MHCC97‐H cell lines with M2 tumor‐associated macrophages or the recombinant human protein CXCL2 for 48 h, LC–ESI–MS was used to quantify the levels of two major classes of lipid molecules, namely, glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids. Our results suggest that lipid remodeling in the tumor microenvironment may promote the migration and invasion of HCC cell lines.
Biochar for supercapacitor electrodes: Mechanisms in aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Ma Caiyu , Tang Longnian , Cheng Haiyun , Li Zhuangnan , Li Wenyao , He Guanjie 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe utilization of biomass materials that contain abundant carbon–oxygen/nitrogen functional groups as precursors for the synthesis of carbon materials presents a promising approach for energy storage and conversion applications. Porous carbon materials derived from biomass are commonly employed as electric‐double‐layer capacitors in aqueous electrolytes. However, there is a lack of detailed discussion and clarification regarding the kinetics analysis and energy storage mechanisms associated with these materials. This study focuses on the modification of starch powders through the KOH activation process, resulting in the production of porous carbon with tunable nitrogen/oxygen functional groups. The kinetics and energy storage mechanism of this particular material in both acid and alkaline aqueous electrolytes are investigated using in situ attenuated total reflectance‐infrared in a three‐electrode configuration.
Sustainable Opportunities in the Downstream Processing of the Intracellular Biopolymer Polyhydroxyalkanoate
Authors: Bhat Sohani G. , Thivaharan V. , Divyashree M. S. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBiopolymers have gained popularity as an alternative product to traditional plastics due to environmental concerns. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), one of the most well‐known forms of biopolymers, are among the many that have been discovered so far. PHA has a wide range of applications, is biodegradable and compatible with living things, but its expensive extraction and production make it difficult to compete with traditional plastics. Solvents are the most popular extraction technique but have serious economic and environmental downsides. The “green method of extraction” has become a cutting‐edge remedy for addressing the shortcomings of downstream processing. However, developing the extraction technique for affordable and environmentally friendly biopolymer production is a difficult study topic. To make it easier to choose green recovery techniques for future study, this review combines the benefits and drawbacks of the numerous PHA recovery methods that are already in use. Also, advanced green downstream methods are scrutinized that undoubtedly makes PHA replace conventional plastics and reach a market globally promoting sustainability.
Cardiovascular disease mortality and air pollution in countries with different socioeconomic status
Authors: Khaltaev Nikolai , Axelrod Svetlana 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBackgroundCardiovascular diseases (CVDs) account for 17.9 million deaths annually. Behavioral risk factors increase the risk of dying from CVD. Air pollution is not included in this risk calculation since the appreciation of air pollution as a modifiable risk factor is still limited. The purpose of this study was to analyze CVD mortality attributed to air pollution in all World Health Organization WHO member states and demonstrate the association of CVD mortality with air pollution depending on countries' income level.MethodsThe CVD death rate was calculated by dividing the number of deaths by the total population. The proportion of the population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technologies for cooking was calculated as an indicator of household air pollution. The annual mean concentration of fine particulate matter ≤2.5 µg/m3 and ≤10.0 µg/m3 to which the population is exposed was used as an indicator of ambient air pollution.ResultsThere is a gradual increase in CVD mortality attributed to air pollution from high‐income countries (HICs) to low‐income countries (LICs). Household air pollution is the major cause of CVD mortality in LICs. Ischemic heart disease mortality attributed to ambient air pollution in all countries is higher than stroke mortality attributed to ambient air pollution. In LIC, mortality from stroke is attributed to household air pollution of 39.27 ± 14.47, which is more than twice the stroke mortality attributed to ambient air pollution at 18.60 ± 5.64, t = 7.17, p < 0.01.ConclusionAir pollution control should be an essential component of the CVD preventive strategy, along with lifestyle modifications and effective disease management.
Introducing Iodide Ligands on IrAu12 Cluster Enhances Phosphorescence Efficiency and Photoredox Activity
Authors: Hirai Haru , Takano Shinjiro , Masuda Shinya , Tsukuda Tatsuya 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe effects of halide ligands on the photoluminescence (PL) and photoredox properties were examined on [IrAu12(dppe)5X2]+ (1X; X=Cl, Br, I; dppe=1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane). The PL quantum yield was enhanced in the order of 1Cl (67 %)<1Br (75 %)<1I (77 %). The lifetime of the photoexcited state was shortened in the order of 1Cl>1Br>1I due to the acceleration of radiative relaxation by the heavy atom effect in 1I. Despite the shortest PL lifetime, cluster 1I exhibited the highest conversion in the photocatalytic [2+2] cycloaddition of bisenone. The PL from 1Cl and 1Br was quenched by adding Lewis acid Li+, required for activation of bisenone, whereas that from 1I remained unaffected. Theoretical calculations showed that the Au−Cl and Au−Br bonds of 1Cl and 1Br were weakened by interaction with Li+, while the Au−I bond of 1I was not. Clusters 1Cl and 1Br underwent halide exchange with isocyanide in the presence of Li+, whereas 1I did not. These results suggested that the photoredox activity of 1Cl and 1Br was suppressed by the Li+‐induced nonradiative quenching of the photoexcited state. This study highlights the unexpected importance of halide ligands in the design of efficient cluster photocatalysts.
Remarkably High Separation of Neodymium from Praseodymium by Selective Dissolution from their Oxide Mixture using an Ionic Liquid Containing aβ‐Diketone
Authors: Sengupta Arijit , Goyal Priya , Prava Mantry Swarna , Sundararajan Mahesh , Kumar Verma Parveen , Kumar Mohapatra Prasanta 
Published: February 2024

AbstractA simple, efficient, direct and economical method for the mutual separation of Nd and Pr was developed by the selective dissolution of Nd2O3 from their oxide mixtures in an ionic liquid containing 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone (HTTA) resulting in an unprecedented separation factor (βNd/Pr)>500, which is 277 times more than the thus far reported βNd/Pr values. The proposed mechanism was supported by DFT computations.