bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of short-term particulate air pollution and nitrogen dioxide on blood pressure in older women: Longitudinal data from the Women’s Health Initiative
Authors: Wen Tong , Liao Duanping , Wellenius Gregory A. , Whitsel Eric A. , Margolis Helene G. , Tinker Leslie F. , Stewart James D. , Yanosky Jeff D. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundShort-term variations in particulate matter (PM) and traffic-related air pollutants (e.g., nitrogen dioxide, NO2) have been associated with daily mortality and cardiovascular health outcomes in previous studies. We aimed to evaluate whether short-term changes in PM in three size fractions (PM2.5 , PM2.5-10 , and PM10) and NO2 were associated with systolic and diastolic arterial blood pressure (SBP and DBP, respectively) in the Women’s Health Initiative Observational Study (OS) and Clinical Trials (CT). MethodsWe used linear mixed-effect models to estimate the association between short-term air pollution concentrations and repeated measures of arterial blood pressure. ResultsWe found statistically significant positive associations between short-term measures (lag days 3-5) of PM2.5 as well as NO2 for both SBP and DBP in fully adjusted models when not controlling for calendar time. Also, in only the CT, PM10 and PM2.5-10 were associated with DBP but not SBP. In fully adjusted models controlling for calendar time, associations with PM2.5-10 and NO2 remained statistically significant for DBP (except for PM2.5-10 in the OS). Specifically, in the CT group, each IQR increase in lag 3-5 NO2 exposure (9.88 ppb) was associated with a 0.13 mm Hg increase in DBP. Also, each IQR increase in lag 3-5 PM2.5-10 exposure (8.46 µg m -3) was associated with a 0.05 mm Hg increase in DBP. Effect modification was found for body mass index (BMI), socioeconomic position (SEP), diabetes, dietary sodium intake, combined fruit and vegetable consumption, and long-term PM2.5 for PM2.5 , PM10 , and NO2 . Shorter lag periods (lag 0 through lag 2) typically exhibited lesser and, especially for SBP, sometimes negative associations. In two-pollutant models of exposures lagged over 3-5 days, NO2 associations with DBP were stronger (0.20 mm Hg per IQR), but those for PM2.5-10 were attenuated to null, as compared to single-pollutant models. ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with short-term (lag days 3-5) PM2.5-10 and NO2 levels as risk factors for acute cardiovascular outcomes and cardiovascular disease, though two-pollutant model results suggest NO2 is more likely responsible for the observed effects.
Translating Qualitative Data into Intervention Content Using the Theoretical Domains Framework and Stakeholder Co-Design: A Worked Example from a Study of Cervical Screening Attendance in Older Women
Authors: Bravington Alison , Chen Hong , Dyson Judith , Jones Lesley , Dalgleish Christopher , Bryan Amée , Patnick Julietta , Macleod Una 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Previous screening interventions have demonstrated a series of features related to social determinants which have increased uptake in targeted populations, including the assessment of health beliefs and barriers to screening attendance as part of intervention development. Many studies cite the use of theory to identify methods of behaviour change, but fail to describe in detail how theoretical constructs are transformed into intervention content. The aim of this study was to use data from qualitative exploration of cervical screening in women over fifty in the UK as the basis of intervention co-design with stakeholders using behavioural change frameworks. We describe the identification of behavioural mechanisms from qualitative data, and how these were used to develop content for a service user leaflet and a short video animation for practitioner training. The interventions aimed to encourage sustained commitment to cervical screening among women over fifty, and to increase sensitivity to age-related problems in cervical screening among primary care practitioners.Methods: We translated qualitative data into barriers and facilitators by recoding a primary data set, and subsequently applied the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to identify relevant behaviour change techniques (BCTs) based on the data set. Key TDF domains and associated BCTs were presented in stakeholder focus groups to guide intervention content and mode of delivery.Results: Behavioural determinants relating to attendance clustered under three domains: beliefs about consequences, emotion and social influences, which mapped to three BCTs respectively: (1) persuasive communication/information provision; (2) stress management; (3) role modelling and encouragement. Service-user stakeholders translated these into three pragmatic intervention components: (i) addressing unanswered questions, (ii) problem-solving practitioner challenges and (iii) peer group communication. Based on (ii), practitioner stakeholders developed a call to action in three areas – clinical networking, history-taking, and flexibility in screening processes. APEASE informed modes of delivery (a service-user leaflet and a cartoon animation for practitioners).Conclusion: The application of the TDF to qualitative data can provide an auditable protocol for the translation of qualitative data into intervention content.
Metabolomic impacts of branched-chain amino acid supplementation during endurance exercise: a crossover study
Authors: Peach Jesse T. , Funk Dakota , Frothingham Lizzi , Fausset Hunter , Rowland Isaac , Bothner Brian , Miles Mary P. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSerotonin syntheses in the brain requires a steady supply of tryptophan. Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) and tryptophan are transported across the blood-brain barrier by the amino acid transporter LAT1. BCAA supplementation is predicted to decrease serotonin biosynthesis through LAT1 competition and reduce central fatigue during exercise. Despite a strong theoretical basis for BCAA to attenuate serotonin production and fatigue during exercise, a number of human clinical trials have failed to demonstrate these benefits. To shed light on this discrepancy, we measured the impact of BCAA supplementation on serotonin and associated metabolites during exercise.MethodsA cohort of endurance runners (n=10) participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial to determine impact of BCAA supplementation during a 60-minute run at 65% of VO2 max. Metabolomic analysis targeted for serotonin and untargeted analysis for biomarkers of BCAA supplementation using LCMS were performed on serum samples collected immediately before and after exercise.ResultsSerum BCAA levels were greater in the supplement group compared to placebo (p<0.05). Serum serotonin was lower immediately after BCAA supplementation and before exercise (p<0.05) but not after exercise. L-ornithine increased during exercise with BCAA treatment compared to placebo. Ratings of perceived exertion were no different in BCAA and placebo groups.ConclusionsBCAA supplementation led to a rapid decrease in serum serotonin concentration relative to placebo, which may be indicative of a central nervous system (CNS) mediated process. After exercise with BCAA supplementation, endurance athletes did not show lower serum serotonin concentration, but did present an almost three-fold increase in L-ornithine which has metabolic connections to cortisol and central fatigue.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04969536, retrospectively registered 20 July 2021, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04969536
A Synthesis and Future Research Directions for Tropical Mountain Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Christmann Tina , Menor Imma Oliveras 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Many tropical mountain ecosystems (TME) are severely disturbed, requiring ecological restoration to recover biodiversity and ecosystem functions. However, the extent of restoration efforts across TMEs is not known due to the lack of syntheses on ecological restoration research. Here, based on a systematic review, we identify geographical and thematic research gaps, compare restoration interventions, and consolidate enabling factors and barriers of restoration success. We find that restoration research outside Latin-America, in non-forested ecosystems, and on socio-ecological questions is scarce. For most restoration interventions success is mixed and generally limited by dispersal and microhabitat conditions. Finally, we propose five directions for future research on tropical mountain restoration in the UN decade of restoration, ranging from scaling up restoration across mountain ranges, investigating restoration in mountain grasslands, to incorporating socio-economic and technological dimensions.
IL-17A Contributes to the Angiotensin II-induced Neurovascular Coupling impairment through Oxidative Stress
Authors: Youwakim Jessica , Vallerand Diane , Girouard Helene 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Hypertension, a multifactorial chronic inflammatory condition, is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases including stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. These diseases have been associated with higher concentration of blood interleukin (IL)-17A. However, the role that IL-17A plays in the relationship between hypertension and brain remains misunderstood. Cerebral blood flow regulation may be the crossroads of these conditions. Hypertension alters cerebral blood flow regulation including neurovascular coupling (NVC). In the present study, the effects of IL-17A on NVC in the context of hypertension induced by angiotensin (Ang) II will be examined. Our results show that the neutralization of IL-17A or the specific inhibition of its receptor prevent the Ang II- induced NVC impairment. These treatments reduce the Ang II-induced cerebral oxidative stress. Tempol and NOX-2 depletion prevent NVC impairment induced by IL-17A. These findings suggest that IL-17A, through superoxide anion production, is an important mediator of cerebrovascular dysregulation induced by Ang II.
Comparative Genomic Analysis of Bifidobacterium Catenulatum Reveal the Genetic Divergence of its Two Subspecies from Infant and Adult Gut
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Li Weicheng , Yao Caiqing , Yu Jie , Zhang Heping 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Bifidobacterium catenulatum, which includes two subspecies that B. catenulatum subsp. kashiwanohense and B. catenulatum subsp. catenulatum are usually from infant and adult gut respectively, while the genomic studies of functional difference and genetic divergence in them have been rarely reported. In this study, we analyzed 16 B. catenulatum strains through comparative genomics, including two novel sequenced strains. Results: A phylogenetic tree based on 785 core genes indicated that the two subspecies of B. catenulatum were significantly separated and confirmed their colonizing bias in infants and adults. Comparison of general genomic characteristics revealed that the two subspecies had significantly different genomic sizes but similar GC content. Functional annotations found that they peculiarly differ in utilization of carbohydrates and amino acid. Among them, we found that carbohydrate metabolism seems to play an important role in the divergence because of their carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZyme) present two different clustering patterns. B. catenulatum subsp. kashiwanohense have functional genes that specifically adapted to the infant gut for glycoside hydrolases 95 (GH95) and carbohydrate-binding modules 51 (CBM51), which specifically participated in the metabolism of Human Milk Oligosaccharides (HMOs), and specific genes fuc that related to HMOs were also detected. While B. catenulatum subsp. catenulatum rich in GH3 and glycosyltransferases 4 (GT4) tended to metabolize plant-derived glycan that may help it metabolize more complex carbohydrates (eg. xylan) in the adult intestine. Conclusions: Our findings revealed genomic evidence of carbohydrate utilization bias which may be a key leading to the genetic divergence of two subspecies of B. catenulatum.
Sensitivity analysis of conformal CCs for injection molds: 2D Transient Heat Transfer Analysis
Authors: Silva Hugo Miguel , Noversa Tiago , Fernandes Leandro , Rodrigues Hugo , Pontes António 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Conformal Cooling Channels (CCCs) have gotten easier and more economical to manufacture in recent years. This was largely due to recent developments in additive manufacturing. The usage of CCCs in engineering applications involving injection molding provides for superior cooling performance than straight drilled channels, which have traditionally been utilized in injection molding. The fundamental reason for this is that CCCs are able to follow the molded geometry's trajectories. With the use of CCC’s, the cooling time, total injection time, thermal stresses, and warpage can all be considerably reduced. Nonetheless, the CCC design process is more difficult than that of traditional channels. The integration of computer-aided engineering (CAE) simulations is critical for achieving an effective, cost-effective design. This paper focuses the sensitivity analysis of design variables, with the intention of implementing a design optimization methodology in the future. The ultimate goal is to optimize the placement of Cooling Channels (CCs) to minimize the ejection time and maximize the uniformity of temperature distribution. It can be concluded that the parametrization done in ANSYS Parametric Design Language (APDL), as well as the selected design variables are feasible and might be useful for future optimization methodologies.
Potential Biomarkers for Predicting the Overall Survival of Lung squamous cell carcinoma: A analysis of Ferroptosis-Related lncRNAs
Authors: Wu zixuan , Huang Xuyan , Cai Min-jie , Huang Peidong , Guan Zunhui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background

In 502 Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) datasets, the predictive significance of ferroptosis-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) was investigated. In LUSC, we meant to express how ferroptosis-associated lncRNAs interact with immune cell infiltration.
Methods

Gene expression enrichment was investigated using gene set enrichment analysis in the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes. The prognostic model was constructed using Lasso regression. To better understand immune cell infiltration in different risk groups and its relationship to clinical outcome, researchers analyzed by modifications in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and immunological association. The expression of lncRNA was intimately connected to that of ferroptosis, according to co-expression analyses. Ferroptosis-related lncRNAs were shown to be partially overexpressed in high-risk patients in the absence of additional clinical signs, suggesting that they may be incorporated into a prediction model to predict LUSC prognosis. GSEA revealed the immunological and tumor-related pathways in the low-risk group.
Results

According to TCGA, CCR and inflammation-promoting genes were considered to be significantly different between the low-risk and high-risk groups. The expression of C10orf55, AC016924.1, AL161431.1, LUCAT1, AC104248.1, and MIR3945HG were likewise different in the two risk groups.
Conclusion

LncRNAs linked to ferroptosis are connected to the occurrence and development of LUSC. With the use of matching prognostic models, the prognosis of LUSC patients can be predicted. In LUSC, ferroptosis-related lncRNAs and immune cell infiltration in the TME might be novel therapeutic targets that should be investigated further.
Reproductive Health Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Among Adolescents Attending Secondary Schools in Asmara, Eritrea
Authors: Andemeskel Yonatan Mehari , Weldegiorgis Ghidey Gebreyohannes , Bekit Bekit Zere , Gebresilassie Ermias Gebregziabiher , Gebreab Goitom Hagos , Gebresilassie Tedros Yemane , Abraha Yonas Haile 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Background: Adolescent reproductive health problems are a great threat to adolescent’s warfare and such problems are associated with inadequate knowledge. In Eritrea, as adolescent reproductive health is not given much attention the knowledge is expected to be poor, which could lead adolescents to become victims of adolescence related reproductive health problems and limit their opportunity to build a better future. Therefore, this study was carried out with the aim of investigating the reproductive health knowledge, attitude and practice among secondary school students in Asmara, the capital of Eritrea. Methods: A cross sectional study design was conducted on 428 adolescent high school students with the age range of 14 to 19 years. Sample size was determined by using a single population proportion formula. Initially, population size of each school and each grade was taken and proportional sample size was determined from each school and then from each grade. The list of students was used and participants were selected using simple random sampling. Data was collected through a structured self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential analysis were made using SPSS (version 22). Statistical significance level was set at P<0.005.Results: The median age of the study participants was 15 (IQR=2), in which 88.8% were between age of 14 to 16 years with 53% of them being females. The level of knowledge of the students regarding RH was low, with moderate to good attitude. Sexual practice was very low (3.5%) with usage of 86.7% of contraceptive use. Meanwhile, the usage of sexually explicit material was relatively higher (53%). Conclusions: Reproductive health knowledge was low almost in all variables. Meanwhile, significant number of students are already engaged in heterosexual romantic relationships and use of sexually explicit material. Adolescents need to be knowledgeable about themselves and the people they relate to, need sound information about the physical, psychological and social changes that take place through childhood to adolescence.
Influence Mechanism of Nitrogen Injection Into Closed Fire Zone On the Re-Ignition For Residual Coal in Goaf
Authors: XU Yong-liang , LIU Ze-jian , WEN Xing-lin , Wang Lan-yun , LV Zhi-guang , WU Jin-dong , LI Min-jie 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Coal is the foundation of Chinese energy and economic structure, and the unsealing of coal mine fires would cause a great risk of coal re-ignition. The uniaxial compression equipped with a temperature-programmed (UCTP) device was built to explore the influence of pressure-bearing state on the re-ignition characteristics of residual coal. The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Synchronous Thermal Analyzer (STA) and Fourier Transform Infrared Absorption Spectrometer (FTIR) was applied to investigate the microscopic structure and thermal effect of the coal samples. Moreover, the microscopic effect of uniaxial stress on coal re-ignition was revealed, and the re-ignition mechanism was also obtained. As the uniaxial stress increases, the number, depth and length of the fractures in the pretreated coal increase, and the filling material increases. The application of uniaxial stress causes the thermal conductivity to change periodically, which enhances the heat transfer inhibition effect of nitrogen and prolongs the oxidation exothermic stage. The content of oxygen-containing functional groups has a high correlation with apparent activation energy, and coal samples at 6 MPa are more likely to re-ignition when the fire zone is unsealed. Uniaxial stress controls the re-ignition mechanism by changing the structure of fractures and pores. The side chains and functional groups in the coal structure are easier to break under thermal-stress coupling. The higher the ·OH content, the more difficult it is to re-ignition. The research results have laid a solid theoretical foundation for the safe unsealing of coal field fire areas, tightened the common bond between the actual industry and the experimental theory in the closed fire area, and provided theoretical guidance for preventing coal re-ignition.
Phytochemical Analysis Reveals an Antioxidant Defense Response in Lonicera Japonica To Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress
Authors: Li Chengcheng , Tang Yi , Gu Fengwu , Wang Xiaoqian , Yang Wei , Han Yang , Ruan Yanan 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), though potentially beneficial at lower levels to some plant species, at higher levels is a toxic metal that is detrimental to plant growth and development. Cadmium is also a carcinogen to humans and other contaminated plant consumers, affecting the kidneys and reducing bone strength. In this study we investigated responses of growth, chlorophyll content, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and antioxidant responses to Cd2+ in honeysuckle leaves (Lonicera japonica Thunb.), a potential cadmium hyperaccumulator. Results indicated that plant height, dry weight, leaf area, and chlorophyll content increased when honeysuckle was exposed to 10 or 30 mg/kg Cd2+ (low concentration). However, in response to 150 or 200 mg/kg Cd2+ (high concentration) these growth parameters and chlorophyll content significantly decreased relative to untreated control plant groups. Higher levels of superoxide radical (O2.−) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) were observed in high concentration Cd2+ groups. The activities of ascorbate peroxidase (APX), monodehydroascorbate reductase (MDAR), dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR), and glutathione reductase (GR) were enhanced with exposure to increasing levels of Cd2+. Additionally, the AsA-GSH cycle was activated for the removal of H2O2 in honeysuckle in response to elevated Cd2+. The Pearson correlation analysis, a redundancy analysis (RDA), and a permutation test indicated that proline and APX were dominant antioxidants for removing O2.− and H2O2. The antioxidants GSH and NPTs also increased as the concentration of Cd2+ increased.
An Inter-loop Approach on Hydrothermal Carbonization of Sewage Sludge for the Production of Biochar and Its Application as an Adsorbent for Lead-acid Battery Recycling
Authors: Martins Vinícius Mateus Silveira , Sante Luiz Guilherme Giannina , Giona Renata Mello , Possetti Gustavo Rafael Collere , Bail Alesandro 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
This work presents an inter-loop approach in which the hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) of sewage sludge allows the production of biochars capable of removing iron ions, which usually harm the lead-acid batteries performance, from spent sulfuric acid without any activation step. The HTC process was performed at three different water/biomass ratios under 180 ºC by 24 h, and except for water, no additional chemical input was used. The moisture content of the sludges ranged from 76 to 91 wt.%. Biochars were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, TGA and N2 adsorption-desorption. Results suggest a high dependence of their textural and surface properties on the water amount inside the reactor vessel. The expressive presence of multiple mineral phases in the sewage sludge allowed the formation of a hydrophilic surface, which was fundamental for the iron ions adsorption at strong acidic conditions. Porosity was strongly influenced by the water/biomass ratio, with biochar’s surface displaying pore dimensions in nano and micro domains. Furthermore, the non-activated biochar presented an adsorption capacity up to 148 mgFe g-1, whereas the commercial activated carbon “as received” achieved 178 mgFe g-1. Results show the potential of the HTC technique for sewage sludge conversion into biochar without pre-drying, and the possibility of interconnecting two or more industrial processes in order to make them cleaner and more sustainable, matching the principles of circular economy.