bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effect of tomato pomace extract encapsulated in combination with probiotics against indomethacin induced enterocolitis
Authors: Fouda Karem , Mabrouk Ahmed M. , Abdelgayed Sherein S. , Mohamed Rasha S. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractTomato pomace (TP), an antioxidant-rich byproduct, may be suitable for noble applications. The regulation of ROS generation and the anti-inflammatory response can help to prevent ulceration. The purpose of this study was to examine TP for antioxidants, in silico anti-inflammatory properties, and its potential to protect against ulceration and erosion triggered by indomethacin. Tomato pomace extract (TPE) was encapsulated either alone or with probiotics to maximize its potential effect. These microcapsules were investigated in indomethacin-treated rats. TPE demonstrated antioxidant activity as well as high levels of carotenoids (15 mg/g extract) and polyphenols. Because of their binding affinity as well as hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions with the active sites of TNF-α and IL-1β inflammatory cytokines, ellagic acid and rutin may be implicated in the anti-inflammatory effect of TPE, according to the docking study. TPE microcapsules, either alone or in combination with probiotics, demonstrated a protective effect against enterocolitis by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, as evidenced by the decrease in stomach and intestinal MDA, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels and the increase in CAT, SOD, and GSH activities. The produced microcapsules are suggested to be promising candidates for protection against gastric ulcers and erosion.
Contrast variation method applied to structural evaluation of catalysts by X-ray small-angle scattering
Authors: Mufundirwa Albert , Sakurai Yoshiharu , Arao Masazumi , Matsumoto Masashi , Imai Hideto , Iwamoto Hiroyuki 
Published: January 2024

AbstractIn the process of developing carbon-supported metal catalysts, determining the catalyst particle-size distribution is an essential step, because this parameter is directly related to the catalytic activities. The particle-size distribution is most effectively determined by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). When metal catalysts are supported by high-performance mesoporous carbon materials, however, their mesopores may lead to erroneous particle-size estimation if the sizes of the catalysts and mesopores are comparable. Here we propose a novel approach to particle-size determination by introducing contrast variation-SAXS (CV-SAXS). In CV-SAXS, a multi-component sample is immersed in an inert solvent with a density equal to that of one of the components, thereby rendering that particular component invisible to X-rays. We used a mixture of tetrabromoethane and dimethyl sulfoxide as a contrast-matching solvent for carbon. As a test sample, we prepared a mixture of a small amount of platinum (Pt) catalyst and a bulk of mesoporous carbon, and subjected it to SAXS measurement in the absence and presence of the solvent. In the absence of the solvent, the estimated Pt particle size was affected by the mesopores, but in the presence of the solvent, the Pt particle size was correctly estimated in spite of the low Pt content. The results demonstrate that the CV-SAXS technique is useful for correctly determining the particle-size distribution for low-Pt-content catalysts, for which demands are increasing to reduce the use of expensive Pt.
Validation of a two-fluid turbulence model in comsol multiphysics for the problem of flow around aerodynamic profiles
Authors: Malikov Z. M. , Madaliev M. E. , Chernyshev S. L. , Ionov A. A. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe article presents a study of a two-fluid turbulence model in the Comsol Multiphysics software package for the problem of a subsonic flow around the DSMA661 and NACA 4412 airfoils with angles of attack of 0 and 13.87 degrees, respectively. In this paper, the finite element method is used for the numerical implementation of the turbulence equations. To stabilize the discretized equations, stabilization by the Galerkin least squares method was used. The results obtained are compared with the results of other RANS, LES, DES models and experimental data. It is shown that in the case of continuous flow around the DSMA661 airfoil, the results of the two-fluid model are very close to the SST results and are in good agreement with the experimental data. When flowing around the NACA 4412 airfoil, flow separation occurs and a recirculation zone appears. It is shown that in such cases the two-fluid model gives more accurate results than other turbulence models. Implementation of the Comsol Multiphysics software package showed good convergence, stability, and high accuracy of the two-fluid turbulence model.
Airborne SARS-CoV2 virus exposure, interpersonal distance, face mask and perceived risk of infection
Authors: Svenson Ola , Isohanni Freja , Salo Ilkka , Lindholm Torun 
Published: January 2024

AbstractParticipants judged the risk of an infection during a face to face conversation at different interpersonal distances from a SARS-CoV-2 infected person who wore a face mask or not, and in the same questionnaire answered questions about Corona related issues. Keeping a distance to an infected person serves as a protective measure against an infection. When an infected person moves closer, risk of infection increases. Participants were aware of this fact, but underestimated the rate at which the risk of infection increases when getting closer to an infected person, e.g., from 1.5 to 0.5 m (perceived risk increase = 3.33 times higher, objective = 9.00 times higher). This is alarming because it means that people can take risks of infection that they are not aware of or want to take, when they approach another possibly virus infected person. Correspondingly, when an infected person moves away the speed of risk decrease was underestimated, meaning that people are not aware of how much safer they will be if they move away from an infected person. The perceived risk reducing effects of a face mask were approximately correct. Judgments of infection risk at different interpersonal distances (with or without a mask) were unrelated to how often a person used a mask, avoided others or canceled meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic. Greater worry in general and in particular over COVID-19, correlated positively with more protective behavior during the pandemic, but not with judgments of infection risk at different interpersonal distances. Participants with higher scores on a cognitive numeracy test judged mask efficiency more correctly, and women were more worried and risk avoiding than men. The results have implications for understanding behavior in a pandemic, and are relevant for risk communications about the steep increase in risk when approaching a person who may be infected with an airborne virus.
Evaluating repellence properties of catnip essential oil against the mosquito species Aedes aegypti using a Y-tube olfactometer
Authors: Batume Charles , Mulongo Ivan Mugeni , Ludlow Richard , Ssebaale John , Randerson Peter , Pickett John A. , Mukisa Ivan M. , Scofield Simon 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThe mosquito species Aedes aegypti (L.) is known to act as a vector in the transmission of various diseases, including dengue fever and yellow fever. The use of insect repellents is one of precautionary measures used to mitigate the risk of these diseases in humans by reducing mosquito biting. Nepetalactone, a potent natural insect repellent primarily found in catnip (Nepeta cataria) essential oil, has emerged as a promising candidate for mosquito repellence. Here, we evaluated the potential of catnip essential oil (> 95% nepetalactone) for use as a mosquito repellent. Using a Y-tube olfactometer and human hands as an attractant, we analysed the effectiveness of catnip oil at repelling the mosquito species Aedes aegypti. We tested a range of dilutions of catnip essential oil and found that concentrations as low as 2% were effective at repelling > 70% of mosquitoes for between one and four hours after repellent application. These findings suggest that nepetalactone could potentially be used as a natural, effective alternative to synthetic mosquito repellents, thereby offering protection against vector-borne diseases.
Video gamers demonstrate superior bronchoscopy skills among beginners
Authors: Shimoda Masafumi , Tanaka Yoshiaki , Morimoto Kozo , Yoshimori Kozo , Ohta Ken 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWhile previous research has explored the connection between video gaming and medical procedures, studies on the connection between video gaming and bronchoscopy techniques are lacking. This study aimed to investigate how video gaming experience influences bronchoscopy skills, particularly among beginners. This study was conducted at Fukujuji Hospital from January 2021 to October 2023. Twenty-three participants were assigned to the inexperienced group, and eighteen participants were assigned to the experienced group. The observational time during bronchoscopy, measured using a simulator, and the playing time of SPLATOON 2 (NINTENDO Co. Ltd., Japan) were analyzed. Video gaming skills were assessed based on game completion time, with shorter times indicating faster task completion. Participants were also divided into gamer and nongamer subgroups for further comparisons. A moderate linear relationship existed between bronchoscopic observation time and game completion time in the inexperienced group (r = 0.453, p = 0.030). However, no correlation was found in the experienced group (r = 0.268, p = 0.283). Among the inexperienced group, the gamer subgroup (n = 12) exhibited significantly shorter bronchoscopic observation times than did the nongamer subgroup (n = 11) (median [range]: 200 [129–229] s) vs. 281 [184–342] s, p = 0.005). This study demonstrated a relationship between bronchoscopy technique and video gaming skills among individuals with little bronchoscopy experience.
Cyclic loading changes the taproot's tensile properties and reinforces the soil via the shrub's taproot in semi-arid areas, China
Authors: Hu Jinghua , Zhang Xin , Yan Maolin , Bai Luyi , Wang Shusen , Wang Bo , Liu Jing , Gao Yong 
Published: January 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to reveal the soil reinforcement by shrub root systems after repeated stress from external forces, such as high winds and runoff, for extended periods in the wind-hydraulic compound erosion zone. Using the widely distributed Shandong mine area soil and water-conserving plant species, Caragana microphylla, Hippophae rhamnoides, and Artemisia ordosica, cyclic loading tests were conducted on taproots of the three plant species (1–5 mm diameter) via a TY8000 servo-type machine to investigate the taproots’ tensile properties response to repeated loading–unloading using simulated high wind pulling and runoff scouring. Our study revealed that the tensile force was positively correlated with the root diameter but the tensile strength was negatively correlated under monotonic and cyclic loading of the three plants’ taproots. However, after cyclic loading, the three plant species' taproots significantly enhanced the tensile force and strength more than monotonic loading (P < 0.05). The taproot force–displacement hysteresis curves of the three plant species revealed obvious cyclic characteristics. Structural equation modeling analysis revealed that root diameter and damage method directly affected the taproots' survival rate, reflecting their sustainable soil reinforcement capacity. The damage method significantly influenced the soil reinforcement more than the root diameter. Our findings reveal that the plant species' taproots can adapt more to the external environment and enhance their resistance to erosion after natural low perimeter erosion damage, effectively inducing soil reinforcement. Particularly, the taproots of Caragana microphylla have superior soil-fixing ability and can be used for ecological restoration.
Sulfonated magnetic spirulina nanobiomaterial as a novel and environmentally friendly catalyst for the synthesis of dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones in aqueous medium
Authors: Mashhadi Elahe , Safaei-Ghomi Javad 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSpirulina algae is an excellent candidate for catalyst preparation due to its reactive functional groups, cost-effectiveness, widespread commercial accessibility, and biodegradability. In this study, magnetized Spirulina was used for the synthesis of dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-ones (DHQZs) as catalyst. Magnetized Spirulina was produced by CoFe2O4 and sulfonation method using chlorosulfonic acid to create the catalyst [CoFe2O4-Sp-SO3H]. It was affirmed by various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and elemental mapping techniques. DHQZs synthesis was accomplished through a concise one-pot, three-component reaction involving a range of diverse aldehydes, isatoic anhydride, and primary aromatic amine, within an aqueous medium. The method offers several advantages, including using green conditions, the generation of several new 2-furan-quinazolinone derivatives, chromatography-free purification, short reaction times, appropriate yield of product (75–96%), and catalyst recyclability. The proposed catalyst and water as solvent demonstrated a strong synergistic effect, leading to the prosperous synthesis of various novel dihydroquinazolinones at 60 °C. These numerous benefits make our approach highly attractive for academic research and industrial applications.
Physical activity and nutrition in relation to resilience: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Leipold Bernhard , Klier Kristina , Dapperger Ellen , Schmidt Annette 
Published: January 2024

AbstractA healthy lifestyle is often discussed as being a characteristic of or a prerequisite for quality of life. In phases of high subjective stress (work overload, negative thoughts), however, its protective function can be limited. The two present survey studies examined two facets of a health-related lifestyle (physical activity and nutritional awareness), in particular, the correlations with general life satisfaction and their adaptive function in respect to stress (resilience). In addition, because episodes of increased stress can have a negative effect on eating, the interactions with the consumption of less healthy food were examined. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted successively with adults aged between 18 and 72 in Germany. Study 1 (N = 685) examined the research questions with correlations, moderated regression analyses, and structural equation models. Study 2 (N = 628) differentiated between sport, occupational and daily activities. Study 1 showed that the amount of physical activity and nutritional awareness are correlated with life satisfaction. The relationship between stress appraisals and general life satisfaction was moderated by physical activity and nutritional awareness (stress-buffer effect). Study 2 replicated the stress-buffer effects of nutritional awareness, daily activities, and occupational activities. Both studies showed that stress is associated with consumption of less healthy food and found interactions with physical activity and nutritional awareness. Discussed are the adaptive role of physical activity and nutritional awareness in times of stress.Trial Registration EK UniBw M 23-06, 12/16/2022.
Using millimeter-wave radar to evaluate the performance of dummy models for advanced driving assistance systems test
Authors: Lv Donghui , Yuan Lin , Bai Xue 
Published: January 2024

AbstractWith the rapid development of intelligent and connected vehicles, the experimental road test for the advanced driving assistance system (ADAS) is dramatically increasing around the world. Considering its high cost and hazardous situations, simulation test based on a dummy model is becoming a promising way for ADAS road test practice to reduce the experiment expanses. This study proposed a methodology for the evaluation of the performance of human and dummies with distinct designed materials based on the data extracted from the Doppler effect of millimeter-wave radar. Echo data of 8 different angles from 0 to 360 degrees, with the an interval of 45 degrees, at the same distance between the test object and the signal source is collected. Meanwhile, the echo energy is collected for correlation modeling and analysis among groups. By evaluating the performance of humans and dummies via statistical analysis, a close correlation was found which results verified the substitutability of the dummy for the ADAS experiment test. The correlation coefficient between human and dummies ranges from 0.75 to 0.93. The support vector machine (SVM) model was developed and fitted to predict the echo energy in diverse environments. The mean average error (MAE) is 5.42–11.42 in the training and testing datasets while root mean square error (RMSE) is 0.43–0.90. The methods developed in the study can simulate the real ADAS road test environment and support future experimental research.
Postnatal development of mouse spermatogonial stem cells as determined by immunophenotype, regenerative capacity, and long-term culture-initiating ability: a model for practical applications
Authors: Song Youngmin , Zhang Xiangfan , Desmarais Joëlle A. , Nagano Makoto 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSpermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the foundation of life-long spermatogenesis. While SSC research has advanced greatly over the past two decades, characterization of SSCs during postnatal development has not been well documented. Using the mouse as a model, in this study, we defined the immunophenotypic profiles of testis cells during the course of postnatal development using multi-parameter flow cytometry with up to five cell-surface antigens. We found that the profiles progress over time in a manner specific to developmental stages. We then isolated multiple cell fractions at different developmental stages using fluorescent-activated cell sorting (FACS) and identified specific cell populations with prominent capacities to regenerate spermatogenesis upon transplantation and to initiate long-term SSC culture. The data indicated that the cell fraction with the highest level of regeneration capacity exhibited the most prominent potential to initiate SSC culture, regardless of age. Interestingly, refinement of cell fractionation using GFRA1 and KIT did not lead to further enrichment of regenerative and culture-initiating stem cells, suggesting that when a high degree of SSC enrichment is achieved, standard markers of SSC self-renewal or commitment may lose their effectiveness to distinguish cells at the stem cell state from committed progenitors. This study provides a significant information resource for future studies and practical applications of mammalian SSCs.
Prenatal diagnosis and molecular cytogenetic characterization of fetuses with central nervous system anomalies using chromosomal microarray analysis: a seven-year single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhuang Jianlong , Zhang Na , Chen Yu’e , Jiang Yuying , Chen Xinying , Chen Wenli , Chen Chunnuan 
Published: January 2024

AbstractFew existing reports have investigated the copy number variants (CNVs) in fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) anomalies. To gain further insights into the genotype–phenotype relationship, we conducted chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) to reveal the pathogenic CNVs (pCNVs) that were associated with fetal CNS anomalies. We enrolled 5,460 pregnant women with different high-risk factors who had undergone CMA. Among them, 57 subjects with fetal CNS anomalies were recruited. Of the subjects with fetal CNS anomalies, 23 were given amniocentesis, which involved karyotype analysis and CMA to detect chromosomal abnormalities. The other 34 cases only underwent CMA detection using fetal abortive tissue. In this study, we identified five cases of chromosome aneuploid and nine cases of pCNVs in the fetuses, with a chromosomal aberration detection rate of 24.56% (14/57). In the 23 cases that were given both karyotype and CMA analysis, one case with trisomy 18 was detected by karyotyping. Moreover, CMA revealed a further three cases of pCNVs, including the 1p36.33p36.31, 7q11.23, and 1q21.1q21.2 microdeletions, with a 13.04% (3/23) increase in CMA yield over the karyotype analysis. Additionally, three cases of trisomy 13, one case of trisomy 21, and six cases of pCNVs were detected in the other 34 fetuses where only CMA was performed. Furthermore, a higher chromosomal aberration detection rate was observed in the extra CNS anomaly group than in the isolated CNS anomaly group (40.91% vs 14.29%). In conclude, several pathogenic CNVs were identified in the fetuses with CNS anomalies using CMA. Among the detected CNVs, ZIC2, GNB1, and NSUN5 may be the candidate genes that responsible for fetal CNS anomalies. Our findings provides an additional reference for genetic counseling regarding fetal CNS anomalies and offers further insight into the genotype–phenotype relationship.
M13 phage grafted with peptide motifs as a tool to detect amyloid-β oligomers in brain tissue
Authors: Martins Ivone M. , Lima Alexandre , de Graaff Wim , Cristóvão Joana S. , Brosens Niek , Aronica Eleonora , Kluskens Leon D. , Gomes Cláudio M. , Azeredo Joana , Kessels Helmut W. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractOligomeric clusters of amyloid-β (Aβ) are one of the major biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, proficient methods to detect Aβ-oligomers in brain tissue are lacking. Here we show that synthetic M13 bacteriophages displaying Aβ-derived peptides on their surface preferentially interact with Aβ-oligomers. When exposed to brain tissue isolated from APP/PS1-transgenic mice, these bacteriophages detect small-sized Aβ-aggregates in hippocampus at an early age, prior to the occurrence of Aβ-plaques. Similarly, the bacteriophages reveal the presence of such small Aβ-aggregates in post-mortem hippocampus tissue of AD-patients. These results advocate bacteriophages displaying Aβ-peptides as a convenient and low-cost tool to identify Aβ-oligomers in post-mortem brain tissue of AD-model mice and AD-patients.
Blinking characteristics of organic fluorophores for blink-based multiplexing
Authors: Seabury Amelia G. , Khodabocus Alisha J. , Kogan Isabelle M. , Hoy Grayson R. , DeSalvo Grace A. , Wustholz Kristin L. 
Published: January 2024

AbstractSingle-molecule fluorescence experiments have transformed our understanding of complex materials and biological systems. Whether single molecules are used to report on their nano-environment or provide for localization, understanding their blinking dynamics (i.e., stochastic fluctuations in emission intensity under continuous illumination) is paramount. We recently demonstrated another use for blinking dynamics called blink-based multiplexing (BBM), where individual emitters are classified using a single excitation laser based on blinking dynamics, rather than color. This study elucidates the structure-activity relationships governing BBM performance in a series of model rhodamine, BODIPY, and anthraquinone fluorophores that undergo different photo-physical and-chemical processes during blinking. Change point detection and multinomial logistic regression analyses show that BBM can leverage spectral fluctuations, electron and proton transfer kinetics, as well as photostability for molecular classification—even within the context of a shared blinking mechanism. In doing so, we demonstrate two- and three-color BBM with ≥ 93% accuracy using spectrally-overlapped fluorophores.