bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-age correlations and prediction of early selection age for diameter growth in a 35-years old Pinus brutia Ten. Genetic experiment
Authors: Kurt Yusuf , Isik Kani 
Published: August 2021

Aim of study: Forest geneticists developed various methods to predict an early selection age for forest tree species in order to shorten the breeding cycles. This study aims to estimate age-age correlations among diameter growth of trees at different ages and predict early selection age for Pinus brutia Ten. Area of study: P. brutia populations in the study were sampled from the most productive distribution range of the species, which is an important forest tree in the eastern Mediterranean Basin. To understand genetic variation and determine early selection age for the species, a common garden experiment was established in two test sites near Antalya city, Turkey, in 1979. Material and methods: Wood increment cores at breast height were collected at age 30 years, and diameters (dbh) were measured for the ages 13, 15, 19, 21, 23, 25, and 27 years on the cores. Diameters at ground level (dgl) and dbh were also measured on live trees at age 35. Variance components, age-age correlations, heritability and selection efficiency were estimated for the diameters. Main results: Age-age genetic correlations for diameters were high (mostly > 0.90). Genetic correlations between dgl (at age 35) and dbh (at all measurement ages) ranged from 0.84 to 0.99. Regressions of genetic correlation on natural log of age ratio (LAR) of juvenile age to older age were significant (P < 0.0001). Selection efficiencies estimated by employing the prediction equation indicated that for rotation age 40, the optimum selection age would be between 3 to 5 years, and for rotation age 100 it would be between 5 to 9 years. Research highlights: The results of this study provide information that can be used to find early selection ages in P. brutia. On relatively poor test sites most trees may not attain enough height growth to have measurable dbh trait. In such cases, dgl and/or tree height traits (both of which are highly correlated with dbh traits of all ages) can be measured and used instead of dbh trait for evaluations. Keywords: Correlated response; selection efficiency; trait-trait correlations; brutian pine.
Evaluation of a strawberry fermented beverage with potential health benefits
Authors: Zhao Zhiqiao , Wu Xulong , Chen Hong , Liu Yuntao , Xiao Yirong , Chen Hui , Tang Zizhong , Li Qingfeng , Yao Huipeng 
Published: August 2021

Background
Functional fermented beverages are popular worldwide due to their potential to promote health. Starter culture is the main determinant of the final quality and flavor of fermented beverages. The co-cultivation of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast makes a significant contribution to the safe flavor of fermented beverages. However, the research on the potential of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-biofilm formation of strawberry fermented beverage obtained by combining the LAB and yeast as starter cultures has not been well explored.

Methods
In this study, LAB and yeast were combined as starter culture to obtain strawberry fermented beverage. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR ) spectroscopy was used for the qualitative analysis of the fresh strawberry juice and fermented beverage. From the changes in antioxidant content, free radical scavenging ability, total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) activity and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) to evaluate the antioxidant capacity of fermented beverage in vitro. The antibacterial ability was tested by the Oxford cup method. The biofilms of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 under fermented beverages treatment was observed by Fluorescence microscope. In addition, sensory analysis was conducted in this study.

Results
In this study, the absorption peaks of Fourier transform infrared between 1,542 cm−1 and 976 cm−1, suggest the existence of organic acids, sugars and ethanol. The total phenols and total flavonoids content decreased by 91.1% and 97.5%, respectively. T-SOD activity increased by 33.33%.The scavenging ability of fermented beverage on superoxide anion free radicals was enhanced, and the scavenging ability on DPPH free radicals, hydroxyl free radicals, and ABTS free radicals was weakened. However, the T-AOC increased from 4.15 ± 0.81 to 8.43 ± 0.27 U/mL. Fermented beverage shows antibacterial activity against four pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 were 0.05 mL/mL and 0.025 mL/mL, respectively, and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were both 0.2 mL/mL. It was observed by fluorescence microscope that the green fluorescence area of the two biofilms is greatly reduced after being treated with fermented beverage. Sensory analysis results show that the average scores of fermented beverage in color, appearance and taste were increased. The overall impression and flavor were decreased.

Conclusion
These results demonstrated that strawberry fermented beverage has potential benefits such as an antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-biofilm formation, providing the potential for the fermented beverage to become promising candidates for natural antioxidants, antibacterial agents and anti-biofilm agents.
A Study of Cardiac Autonomic Neuropathy among Type-II Diabetic Patients
Authors: Surendra B.V. , Muthiah N. S. , Sailaja M. V. , Prabhu K. 
Published: August 2021

Background: Though very common, CAN is a least understood complication of diabetes which is often under diagnosed. In diabetes mellitus patients, CAN leads to silent myocardial infarction and sudden death. So by identifying CAN early, which is asymptomatic will help to delay or arrest its progression.
AIM: To find out the prevalence and the associated risk factors of Cardiac autonomic neuropathy (CAN) among type-II Diabetes Mellitus patients in a tertiary care hospital.
Materials & Methods: A total of 273 type-II diabetic participants were selected after taking into consideration of inclusion & exclusion criteria. The prevalence of CAN was assessed by ewings and clarkesnon invasive cardiac autonomic neuropathy reflex tests. The association of risk factors with the presence of CAN was analysed by using Pearson’s chi square test. Data were analysed by using SPSS 16. The accepted level of significance was set below 0.05 (P<0.05).
Results: The prevalence of CAN among type-II diabetic patients in this study was found to be 34%. Prevalence of CAN increased in the participants with male gender, increased age, and increased BMI, increased duration of diabetes, poor glycaemic control,dyslipidimea, smokers and hypertension and it is statistically significant.
Conclusion: In this study it is observed that the prevalence of CAN increased with old age, male gender, poor glycemic control, increased duration of diabetes, Dyslipidemia, higher BMI, Hypertension & smoking. So risk factors associated with the CAN be detected and treated at an early stage to further reduce morbidity and mortality.
Correlation of Streptococcus Mutans by 16SrRNA Gene Sequencing in Children with Different Caries Experience- A PCR Based Study
Authors: Ravikumar Dhanalakshmi , Ramani Pratibha , Gayathri R. , Jayaraman Selvaraj 
Published: August 2021

Background and Objectives: Early Childhood Caries is considered as a common chronic disease in children. Since some research had concluded that children with higher levels of Streptococcus mutans are associated with a higher incidence of decayed, missing, and filled teeth, the present study was undertaken to analyze the salivary Streptococcus mutans of children with different caries status using species specific 16S rRNA gene sequencing technology to evaluate the quantity of Streptococcus mutans with respect to different caries status.
Materials and Methods: Children between 3-6 years were selected and divided into 3 groups, Group I- Caries free, Group II-Early Childhood caries and Group III- Severe Early childhood caries. The caries status was assessed using dmfs and the severity of caries was assessed using pufa index. Salivary samples were collected to isolate DNA and Real time PCR was done with 16SrRNA primer specific to Streptococcus mutans to estimate the quantity of Streptococcus mutans in children with different caries status.
Results: There was a significant difference in the mean CT values among the study groups (p < 0.001). Post hoc Tukey test revealed that, Group I had a significantly higher mean CT values than that of Groups II and III. Pearson's correlation analysis was carried out to correlate dmfs value with CT values and to correlate the pufa value with the fold change. There was a negative correlation between dmfs score and CT values and positive correlation between pufa score and fold change.
Conclusion: There was a higher expression of 16SrRNA gene in Severe Early childhood caries group, followed by Early childhood caries and caries free group, indicating a high level of Streptococcus mutans in Severe Early childhood caries group and there was a negative correlation between dmfs score and CT values and a positive correlation between pufa score and fold change.
Impact of Supply Chain Information Integration on Operational Performance of Pharmaceutical Firms: Mediating Role of Information Leakage
Authors: Mughal Yasir Hayat 
Published: August 2021

Aims: The aim of the current study is to investigate the mediating role of information leakage on the relationship between supply chain information integration and operational performance of pharmaceutical firms.
Study Design: Survey approach was used. Primary cross-sectional data was collected from 151 firms.
Place and Duration of Study: Unit of analysis was organizations; population of the study was managerial staff, territory managers, field managers, area managers of firms. Total 200 questionnaires were distributed and 150 completed questionnaires were used in the analysis. Data was collected from Pfizer, Abbot, GSK, Mark, and Sanofi Aventis in 2020-2021.
Methodology: Partial Least Square Structural Modeling Equation (PLS-SEM) was used for analysis. Measurement model and structural model were developed and tested. Majority of the respondents were male followed by female staff members. All the respondents belong to managerial and administration side/positions.
Results: results of measurement model consist of loadings >0.7, Cronbach alpha >0.7, AVE>0.5, CR>0.7, revealed that scales used in the current study are reliable and valid. Results of structural model revealed that there is direct impact of supply chain information integration on information leakage and operational performance as well as indirect effect of information leakage upon supply chain information integration and operational performance of pharmaceutical firms.
Conclusion: it is concluded that in pharmaceutical firms there is leakage of information. Accidental information leakage has some consequences as well as intentional leak of information is more harmful. Firms have to strengthen their network in order to attain competitive advantage over their competitors and sustainable operational performance.
A Shearless Microfluidic Device Detects a Role in Mechanosensitivity for AWCON Neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Caprini Davide , Schwartz Silvia , Lanza Enrico , Milanetti Edoardo , Lucente Valeria , Ferrarese Giuseppe , Chiodo Letizia , Nicoletti Martina , Folli Viola 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAWC olfactory neurons are fundamental for chemotaxis toward volatile attractants in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, it is shown that AWCON responds not only to chemicals but also to mechanical stimuli caused by fluid flow changes in a microfluidic device. The dynamics of calcium events are correlated with the stimulus amplitude. It is further shown that the mechanosensitivity of AWCON neurons has an intrinsic nature rather than a synaptic origin, and the calcium transient response is mediated by TAX‐4 cGMP‐gated cation channel, suggesting the involvement of one or more “odorant” receptors in AWCON mechano‐transduction. In many cases, the responses show plateau properties resembling bistable calcium dynamics where neurons can switch from one stable state to the other. To investigate the unprecedentedly observed mechanosensitivity of AWCON neurons, a novel microfluidic device is designed to minimize the fluid shear flow in the arena hosting the nematodes. Animals in this device show reduced neuronal activation of AWCON neurons. The results observed indicate that the tangential component of the mechanical stress is the main contributor to the mechanosensitivity of AWCON. Furthermore, the microfluidic platform, integrating shearless perfusion and calcium imaging, provides a novel and more controlled solution for in vivo analysis both in micro‐organisms and cultured cells.
Biomaterial Wettability Affects Fibrin Clot Structure and Fibrinolysis
Authors: Ruhoff Alexander M. , Hong Jun Ki , Gao Lingzi , Singh Jasneil , Tran Clara , Mackie Grace , Waterhouse Anna 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThrombosis on blood‐contacting medical devices can cause patient fatalities through device failure and unstable thrombi causing embolism. The effect of material wettability on fibrin network formation, structure, and stability is poorly understood. Under static conditions, fibrin fiber network volume and density increase in clots formed on hydrophilic compared to hydrophobic polystyrene surfaces. This correlates with reduced plasma clotting time and increased factor XIIa (FXIIa) activity. These structural differences are consistent up to 50 µm away from the material surface and are FXIIa dependent. Fibrin forms fibers immediately at the material interface on hydrophilic surfaces but are incompletely formed in the first 5 µm above hydrophobic surfaces. Additionally, fibrin clots on hydrophobic surfaces have increased susceptibility to fibrinolysis compared to clots formed on hydrophilic surfaces. Under low‐flow conditions, clots are still denser on hydrophilic surfaces, but only 5 µm above the surface, showing the combined effect of the surface wettability and coagulation factor dilution with low flow. Overall, wettability affects fibrin fiber formation at material interfaces, which leads to differences in bulk fibrin clot density and susceptibility to fibrinolysis. These findings have implications for thrombus formed in stagnant or low‐flow regions of medical devices and the design of nonthrombogenic materials.
A Self‐Powered Piezo‐Bioelectric Device Regulates Tendon Repair‐Associated Signaling Pathways through Modulation of Mechanosensitive Ion Channels
Authors: Fernandez‐Yague Marc A. , Trotier Alexandre , Demir Secil , Abbah Sunny Akogwu , Larrañaga Aitor , Thirumaran Arun , Stapleton Aimee , Tofail Syed A. M. , Palma Matteo , Kilcoyne Michelle , Pandit Abhay , Biggs Manus J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTendon disease constitutes an unmet clinical need and remains a critical challenge in the field of orthopaedic surgery. Innovative solutions are required to overcome the limitations of current tendon grafting approaches, and bioelectronic therapies show promise in treating musculoskeletal diseases, accelerating functional recovery through the activation of tissue regeneration‐specific signaling pathways. Self‐powered bioelectronic devices, particularly piezoelectric materials, represent a paradigm shift in biomedicine, negating the need for battery or external powering and complementing existing mechanotherapy to accelerate the repair processes. Here, the dynamic response of tendon cells to a piezoelectric collagen‐analogue scaffold comprised of aligned nanoscale fibers made of the ferroelectric material poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) is shown. It is demonstrated that motion‐powered electromechanical stimulation of tendon tissue through piezo‐bioelectric device results in ion channel modulation in vitro and regulates specific tissue regeneration signaling pathways. Finally, the potential of the piezo‐bioelectronic device in modulating the progression of tendinopathy‐associated processes in vivo, using a rat Achilles acute injury model is shown. This study indicates that electromechanical stimulation regulates mechanosensitive ion channel sensitivity and promotes tendon‐specific over non‐tenogenic tissue repair processes.
Advances in the Synthesis of 2D MXenes
Authors: Wei Yi , Zhang Peng , Soomro Razium A. , Zhu Qizhen , Xu Bin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, also known as MXenes, are versatile materials due to their adjustable structure and rich surface chemistry. The physical and chemical diversity has recognized MXenes as a potential 2D material with a wide spectrum of application domains. Since the discovery of MXenes in 2011, a wide variety of synthetic routes has been proposed with advancement toward large‐scale preparing methods for MXene nanosheets and derivative products. Herein, the critical synthesis aspects and the operating conditions that influence the physical and chemical characteristics of MXenes are discussed in detail. The emerging etching methods including HF etching methods, in situ HF‐forming etching methods, electrochemical etching methods, alkali etching methods, and molten salt etching methods, as well as delamination strategies are discussed. Considering the future developments and practical applications, the large‐scale synthesis routes and the antioxidation strategies of MXenes are also summarized. In summary, a generalized overview of MXenes synthesis protocols with an outlook for the current challenges and promising technologies for large‐scale preparation and stable storage is provided.
Serum apelin‐13 levels and total oxidant/antioxidant status of patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yildiz Zeynep , Eren Nezaket , Orcun Asuman , Münevver Gokyigit Fatma , Turgay Fatma , Gündogdu Celebi Lale 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate apelin‐13 levels, total oxidant/antioxidant status in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to investigate the relationship between these parameters.MethodsPatients newly diagnosed with AD were enrolled in the study. The control group consisted of age‐ and gender‐matched healthy individuals. Serum levels of apelin‐13, total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) were measured. Oxidative stress index was calculated (TOS/TAS) for each participant.ResultsWe reported that serum apelin‐13 and TAS values were significantly lower in the AD group compared with controls, and they found a fair but insignificant relationship between Apelin‐13 and TAS values.ConclusionAccording to our results, we suggested that insufficient apelin‐13 and TAS levels may contribute to the pathogenesis of AD.
Base‐promoted Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated (1,3‐dioxolan‐4‐ylidene)methylphosphonates from Trifluoromethylketones and Ethynylphosphonates
Authors: Mitrofanov Alexander Yu. , Nefedov Sergey E. , Beletskaya Irina P. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractEfficient synthesis of CF3‐functionalized 1,3‐dioxolane phosphonates via base‐catalyzed nucleophilic addition/cyclization of diethyl ethynylphosphonate or diethyl 3‐hydroxyprop‐1‐yn‐1‐ylphosphonates with trifluoromethylketones is described. Synthesis of various CF3‐substituted 1,3‐dioxolane derivatives in good to excellent yields with a broad range of substrates is described.
Effect of degree of hydrolysis of polyacrylamide on the micromorphology of its solution
Authors: Chen Cancan , Sun Linghui , Liu Xiangui 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe properties of polyacrylamide for oil displacement are determined by the microstructure. Optimizing the method of studying the microstructure of polyacrylamide is convenient to screen out the oil displacement polymer with better performance in practice. In this paper, the effects of the degree of hydrolysis on the macroscopic viscosity and micromolecular morphology of polyacrylamide were investigated by using a new method of laser scanning fluorescence microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and cryo‐etching transmission electron microscopy. In the experiment, the influence of alkali content on the dynamic viscosity and micromorphology of the solution was eliminated by the innovative method of dialysis and alkali removal, which ensured the degree of hydrolysis as a single variable. The results show that the dynamic viscosity is less affected by the degree of hydrolysis macroscopically. With the increase of the degree of hydrolysis, the streamline structure of the molecule changed from coarse branched cluster to fluffy line. The chances of intermolecular entanglement are increased during the transformation process, which makes the microstructure characteristics agree with the results that the viscosity changes slightly with the degree of hydrolysis after alkali removal.
The future of marine citizenship is now: Cetacean conservation in the eyes of young Spanish citizens
Authors: García‐Gallego Alicia , Borrell Yaisel J. , Miralles Laura 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe number of young conservationist movements is increasing worldwide, as new generations become more aware of the environmental problems that are having an impact on the planet. Consequently, young people appear to play a fundamental role in developing successful conservation strategies.This research examines young citizens’ knowledge, attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation in coastal and non‐coastal regions of Spain, and assesses the influence of whaling tradition.A total of 902 anonymous surveys were conducted with students between 14 and 16 years old at 10 high schools located in nine different study areas, six located along the Cantabrian coast (Southern Bay of Biscay) and three located in inland regions of Spain.In general, results showed low levels of knowledge about cetaceans and whaling among young people, but high concern about cetacean conservation. As it was expected, knowledge about the history of whaling was higher in participants from areas with than without a whaling tradition. However, no statistically significant differences were found regarding attitudes towards cetaceans between these two groups.Significant differences were detected between genders with respect to cetacean conservation and engagement. Females showed more positive attitudes towards cetaceans when compared with their male counterparts.A correlation between knowledge and positive attitudes regarding whales and dolphins was found in areas located along the Cantabrian coast, and a correlation between positive attitudes and engagement in cetacean conservation was observed in all study areas.Although the majority of participants showed strong support for the protection of whales and dolphins, less than two‐thirds stated that they were willing to engage in cetacean conservation.The results of this study may contribute to the implementation of improved marine education programmes. These programmes should not only raise awareness of the marine environment, but also promote pro‐environmental behaviour and engagement in the protection of the ocean.