bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A melamine‐based covalent organic framework nanomaterial as a nanofiller in polyethersulfone mixed matrix membranes to improve separation and antifouling performance
Authors: Vatanpour Vahid , Paziresh Shadi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis research reported developing a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane using covalent organic frameworks (COFs) nanoparticle with a mean dimension of 30 nm. The SNW‐1 (Schiff‐based network) COF was synthesized using precursors of melamine and terephthalic acid and then characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, and FTIR analyses. The influence of different loadings of the COF was evaluated on the permeability, antifouling behavior and dye/salt rejection. The addition of SNW‐1 caused a reduction in surface roughness and an improvement in hydrophilicity of the nanocomposite membranes, which improved their flux and fouling resistance considerably. The improvement of water flux, 2.6 times, was observed by adding 0.5 wt% COF to the membrane matrix. The 0.5 wt% COF membrane presented the best water permeability, 38.9 L/m2 h bar BSA solution flux, dye rejection of 98.7% for Reactive Green 19 and 62.6% for Reactive yellow 39, 52.9% Na2SO4 and 24.5% NaCl salt rejections. Zeta potential and salt rejection trend indicated a negative surface charge on the nanocomposite membrane. Fouling experiments by BSA protein solution exhibited that the FRR reached 88.9% for 2 wt% COF membrane. Thus, employing SNW‐1 into PES matrix resulted in a promising nanofiltration membrane for dye separation and moderate salt separation with suitable antifouling properties.
Labour law reform and labour market outcomes in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Kieu‐Dung , Nguyen Duc‐Thanh , Nguyen Duy‐Dat , Tran Van‐Anh Thi 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlthough there has been substantial literature on the economic impact of labour legislation in the world, the number of studies related to Vietnam is, surprisingly, very small. Our article provides the first evidence on the link between labour law and various labour market outcomes using the Vietnamese context. We examine how labour supply, earnings and social protection outcomes adjusted to labour contract reform under the 2012 Labour Code. The study uses three waves of the Vietnam Labour Force Survey to examine both medium‐term and short‐term impacts of the reform. Difference‐in‐differences and fixed‐effect techniques are utilised. Overall, we find that the law change significantly affected hours worked, work absenteeism, monthly allowance and incidence of bonuses among contracted workers. However, the effects on workers’ monthly wages, overtime remuneration and other allowances, and the social protection‐related outcomes were not clear in the short run.
Knowledge gaps and challenges for conservation of Mediterranean wetlands: Evidence from a comprehensive inventory and literature analysis for Sardinia
Authors: Fois Mauro , Cuena‐Lombraña Alba , Bacchetta Gianluigi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Wetlands are some of the most important ecosystems on Earth. They play a key role in mitigating climate change‐related events and filtering polluted water, and provide habitats for a wide range of species. Despite their importance, and numerous regulations that support their conservation, wetlands continue to be destroyed. Recent reports have indicated a progressive decline in ecological character of remaining wetlands.
This research reviews and extends the present status of wetland knowledge in Sardinia, the second largest Mediterranean island. For the first time, Sardinian wetlands were comprehensively mapped using satellite images and field validation. Impacts were also assessed. Trends in literature published about Sardinian wetlands since 1900 were then analysed, mainly according to the location(s) and topic(s) studied.
In total, 2,501 Sardinian wetland sites were identified. The most common impacts observed in the field were vegetative degradation and water pollution. Of these wetlands, 2,274 have never been the subject of a research paper. Despite recent increases in publication rates, there was a lack of even basic knowledge about many wetlands, especially smaller ones. Larger wetlands have been studied from a range of viewpoints.
In the light of these results, suggestions for improved awareness, effective management and conservation of Mediterranean wetlands were established. Future work should be directed to filling gaps in basic information, and to improvements in research and conservation, which might include multidisciplinary approaches in support of more comprehensive conservation management plans.
Enhanced ammonia detoxification to urea in hepatocytes transduced with human aquaporin‐8 gene
Authors: Capiglioni Alejo M. , Müller Gabriela L. , Marrone Julieta , Alvarez Maria L. , Marinelli Raúl A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHepatic ammonia detoxification to urea is critical for the prevention of hyperammonemia and neurological damage. Hepatocyte mitochondrial aquaporin‐8 (AQP8) channels have been involved in ammonia‐derived ureagenesis. Herein, we studied whether the adenoviral gene transfer of human AQP8 (hAQP8) to hepatocyte mitochondria enhances ammonia conversion to urea. Using primary cultured rat hepatocytes, we first confirmed the mitochondrial expression of hAQP8 and then, using unlabeled or 15N‐labeled ammonia, we demonstrated that the urea synthesis was significantly enhanced in hAQP8‐transduced hepatocytes. Studies using isolated hAQP8‐expressing mitochondria also showed an increased ammonia metabolism. hAQP8 transduction was able to recover the impaired ammonia‐derived ureagenesis in hepatotoxin‐treated hepatocytes. Our data suggest that mitochondrially‐expressed hAQP8 enhances and improves hepatocyte ammonia conversion to urea, a finding with potential therapeutic implications for liver disease with impaired ammonia detoxification.
miR‐485's anti‐drug resistant epilepsy effects by regulating SV2A/PSD‐95 and targeting ABCC1 and neuronal signaling‐transduction proteins in hippocampus of rats
Authors: Wang Kaixuan , Wu Jing , Wang Jiangping , Jiang Kewen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimDrug‐resistant epilepsy (DRE), most subsequently developing refractory epilepsy, causes a significant burden to the society. microRNAs have been demonstrated as key regulators and therapeutic targets in epilepsy. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to test whether miR‐485 could be a potential target for DRE.Methods and resultsAn in vivo DRE model was developed in Sprague–Dawley rats by lithium chloride‐pilocarpine and screened by antiepileptic drugs. We found that miR‐485‐5p in hippocampus was significant downregulated at early stage and recovered to normal level at late stage of DRE. Overexpression of miR‐485‐5p in dentate gyrus (DG) of hippocampus in DRE rats could significantly decrease the frequency of seizures and the numbers of epileptiform spikes of hippocampal DG neuron, and could specifically decrease SV2A expression without affecting PSD‐95 expression in DG. Furthermore, miR‐485‐5p overexpression could significantly downregulate the expression of efflux transporter related to multidrug resistance (ABCC1) in hippocampus at late stage of DRE. Finally, a specific expression pattern of neuronal signaling‐transduction proteins (LRP4, MDM4, p53, and TMBIM1) for DRE was observed, and miR‐485‐5p overexpression could modulate these proteins’ expression levels toward normal in hippocampus both at early and late stage of DRE.ConclusionCollectively, these results suggest that miR‐485 was a potential target for anti‐DRE, and this effects might be partially via miR‐485‐5p/homeostatic‐synaptic plasticity‐molecule axis and/or targeting efflux transporter (ABCC1) and other neuronal signaling‐transduction proteins (LRP4, MDM4, p53, and TMBIM1).
Cognition and transcranial sonography in Parkinson's disease patients with or without orthostatic hypotension
Authors: Wu Jia‐jing , Jin Hong , Shao Ying‐qi , Mao Cheng‐jie , Chen Jing , Liu Chun‐feng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundOrthostatic hypotension (OH) is a common nonmotor symptom in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), with an incidence ranging from 14% to 54%.AimsThis study explored changes in cognition and transcranial sonography (TCS) findings in patients with PD and OH.MethodsWe enrolled PD patients who visited the outpatient or inpatient department from 2017 to 2020. Blood pressure was measured in different positions, and demographic data were collected. Motor and nonmotor symptoms were evaluated using standard scales. A subset of 107 patients underwent TCS.ResultsWe enrolled 66 PD‐OH patients and 92 PD‐no orthostatic hypotension (NOH) patients. There were no significant differences in gender, age, disease duration, or Hoehn and Yahr stage between groups. Binary logistic regression revealed age as an independent risk factor for OH in PD patients. There were statistically significant group differences in visuospatial and executive function and Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) I and II scores (p < .05). Among PD‐OH patients, there was a statistically significant difference in UPDRS II and III scores between patients with or without clinical symptoms (p < .05). The substantia nigra (SN) area was significantly larger in PD‐NOH patients (0.45 ± 0.18 cm2) than PD‐OH patients (0.34 ± 0.16 cm2) (p < .05).ConclusionsPD‐OH patients had poorer visuospatial and executive function and lower UPDRS I and II scores compared with PD‐NOH patients. Within the PD‐OH group, there was no significant difference in cognition between patients with or without clinical symptoms. The difference in the SN area may indicate different subtypes of PD or a tendency to develop parkinsonism syndrome.
Migraine and gastrointestinal disorders in middle and old age: A UK Biobank study
Authors: Welander Nike Zoe , Olivo Gaia , Pisanu Claudia , Rukh Gull , Schiöth Helgi Birgir , Mwinyi Jessica 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionMigraine is a prevalent condition causing a substantial level of disability worldwide. Despite this, the pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood. Migraine often co‐occurs with gastrointestinal disorders, but the direction of a potential causal link is unclear. The aim of this project was to investigate the associations between migraine and several gastrointestinal disorders in the same cohort in order to determine the relative strengths of these associations.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study examined whether migraine is associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), peptic ulcers, Helicobacter pylori (HP) infections, celiac disease, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Baseline data covering 489,753 UK Biobank participants (migraine group: n = 14,180) were analyzed using Pearson's chi‐square tests and adjusted binary logistic regression models.ResultsMigraine was significantly associated with IBS (odds ratio [OR] 2.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08–2.40, p <.001) and peptic ulcers (OR 1.55, 95% CI 1.35–1.77, p <.001). Migraine was not associated with HP infection (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.04–1.73, p = .024), celiac disease (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.04–1.60, p = .023), Crohn's disease (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.80–1.45, p = .617) or ulcerative colitis (OR 1.00, 95% CI 0.79–1.27, p = .979) after adjusting for multiple testing.ConclusionsMigraine was associated with IBS and peptic ulcers in this large population‐based cohort. The associations with HP infection, celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis did not reach significance, suggesting a weaker link between migraine and autoimmune gastrointestinal conditions or HP infection.
Type O blood group associates with higher anti‐JC polyomavirus antibody levels
Authors: Frenken Pia , Hartung Hans‐Peter , Olsson Tomas , Adams Ortwin , Warnke Clemens 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients with multiple sclerosis (MS) and high anti‐JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) antibodies in blood have an increased risk for the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) when treated for MS. To test the hypothesis that type O blood group associates with anti‐JCPyV antibody levels and the risk of developing PML, we characterized ABO blood group antigen on blood samples of 62 patients with PML, and 64 MS controls without PML.MethodsMonocentric retrospective cohort study. Anti‐JCPyV antibody levels in arbitrary units (AU) were determined in sera using an ELISA‐based method, and blood group specific antibodies using standardised test erythrocytes.ResultsAnti‐JCPyV antibody levels were higher in individuals with blood group O compared with all other blood groups (O: median AU: 129; not O: median AU: 53; p = .005). This association was not observed for the closely related BK virus. Of the 62 patients with PML, 29 (47%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 35%–59%) were of blood group O, which showed a nonsignificant trend to differ from the expected distribution in the German population (41%), and the MS controls studied (36%, 95% CI 25%–48%).ConclusionThe ABO blood group O antigen associates with higher anti‐JCPyV antibody levels and may impact the risk of the later development of PML. The overrepresentation of blood group O in cases with PML was in line with a previous publication. Larger studies are warranted to assess a potential value of host genetic markers, such as the ABO status, for PML risk prediction during immunotherapy.
Clinical and etiological profile of epilepsy at the regional hospital center of Tahoua (Niger): A 4‐year retrospective study
Authors: Toudou‐Daouda Moussa , Ibrahim‐Mamadou Abdoul Kadir 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to evaluate epilepsy management at the regional hospital center (RHC) of Tahoua (Niger) to determine the intrahospital deficiencies to optimize to improve the management of people with epilepsy.MethodsA descriptive retrospective study was carried out at the Psychiatric Unit of the RHC of Tahoua between January 1, 2016 and December 31, 2019. We collected from the registers of consultation all patients followed by nurse technicians in mental health for epilepsy whose diagnosis was made by nonspecialist physicians or internists. The study included patients with epilepsy who had a medical follow‐up at least 6 months.ResultsOf the 2022 patients seen during the period of the study, 246 patients were consulted for epilepsy with a hospital frequency of 12.2%. The mean age was 22.38 years, with a slight predominance of men (57.7%). Only generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (95.1%) and focal‐aware seizures (4.9%) were reported. The main etiologies were cerebral malaria (18.7%), bacterial meningitis (8.1%), and head trauma (4.9%). In 60.2% of cases, the etiology was undetermined, but the etiological diagnosis investigation was incomplete (CT scan not done). Only the first‐generation antiepileptic drugs were used. Only 2.8% of the patients had drug‐resistant epilepsy, and 97.2% of the patients had controlled seizures.ConclusionThe study shows a predominance of infectious causes, particularly cerebral malaria. We found a high proportion of epilepsies with unknown etiologies with incomplete workup. The RHC of Tahoua should facilitate access to the CT scan for people with epilepsy to improve etiological diagnosis investigation.
Early detection of metastatic uveal melanoma by the analysis of tumor‐specific mutations in cell‐free plasma DNA
Authors: Le Guin Claudia H. D. , Bornfeld Norbert , Bechrakis Nikolaos E. , Jabbarli Leyla , Richly Heike , Lohmann Dietmar R. , Zeschnigk Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundEye salvaging therapy of malignant melanomas of the uvea can preserve the eye in most cases, but still about half of patients die from metastatic disease. Previous analyses of cell‐free DNA from plasma had shown detectable levels of tumor‐specific GNAQ/GNA11 mutations in patients with the clinical diagnosis of progressive disease. However, data on the time span that elapses from the detection of ctDNA in plasma to the clinical detection of metastases (diagnostic lead time) are missing.MethodsWe examined 135 patients with uveal melanoma. Cell‐free DNA was isolated from a total of 807 blood samples which were taken over a period of up to 41 months and analyzed for the presence of GNAQ/GNA11 mutations by deep amplicon sequencing.ResultsTwenty‐one of the 135 patients developed metastases or recurrence. A ctDNA signal was identified in the plasma of 17 of the 21 patients. In 10 patients, this ctDNA signal preceded the clinical diagnosis of metastasis by 2–10 months. In 10 other patients, a ctDNA signal was only detected in samples obtained shortly before or after radiotherapy. The presence of a ctDNA signal in 16 of the remaining 125 patients was linked to clinical manifestation of metastases (n = 14) or tumor recurrence (n = 2) with a sensitivity and specificity of 80% and 96%, respectively.ConclusionDetection of ctDNA in plasma can provide a diagnostic lead time over the clinical diagnosis of metastases or tumor recurrence. Longer lead times are to be expected if intervals between sampling are shortened.
Moderately Concentrated Acetonitrile‐containing Electrolytes with High Ionic Conductivity for Durability‐oriented Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Matsuoka Naoki , Kamine Hirokazu , Natsume Yutaka , Yoshino Akira 
Published: July 2021

AbstractElectrode protection additives for acetonitrile (AN)‐containing electrolytes play an important role for the usability of such electrolytes since it is decomposed reductively and electrochemically on the negative electrode of lithium‐ion batteries. The durability of electrolytes containing AN with low concentration of lithium salt was investigated by electrochemical measurements to achieve the desired battery performance derived from high ionic conductivity. The reductive decomposition of AN was suppressed by adding vinylene carbonate and ethylene sulfite as solid electrolyte interface formation additives. The high temperature durability performance with various positive electrode chemistries was improved by applying pyridine as a stabilizer for LiPF6. The AN‐containing electrolyte enhances low temperature performance and long‐term performance at high temperatures due to higher molecular mobility and a low electrode interface barrier. This electrolyte not only increases the capacity by enabling the usage of thicker electrodes, but also reduces the total cost of battery production.
Research progress on methane conversion coupling photocatalysis and thermocatalysis
Authors: Zhu Zengzan , Guo Wenyi , Zhang Ying , Pan Chengsi , Xu Jing , Zhu Yongfa , Lou Yang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractConversion of methane into value‐added chemicals is of significance for methane utilization and industrial demand of primary chemical products. The barrier associated with the nonpolar structure of methane and the high bond energy C–H bond (4.57 eV) makes it difficult to realize methane conversion and activation under mild conditions. The photothermal synergetic strategy by combining photon energy and thermo energy provides an advanced philosophy to achieve efficient methane conversion. In this review, we overview the current pioneering studies of photothermal methane indirect conversion and present the methane direct conversion by the way of photocatalysis and thermocatalysis to provide a fundamental understanding of methane activation. Finally, we end this review with a discussion on the remaining challenges and perspectives of methane direct conversion over single‐atom catalysts via photothermal synergetic strategy.
Shaking Lithium‐Ion Cells on a Rocker – Temperature‐Dependent Influence of Mechanical Movement on Lithium‐Ion Battery Lifetime
Authors: Boerger Elisabeth Maria , Gottschalk Felix , Drescher Laura , Boerger Alexander 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical influence of motion on the aging behavior of automotive lithium‐ion battery cells. The battery cells were aged by galvanostatic cycling at different temperatures and currents. During the galvanostatic cycling, the cells were shaken on a rocker to simulate the movement of a vehicle. Over lifetime, changes were measured in capacity, temperature, and internal resistance.
Greenhouse gases emissions in liquified natural gas as a marine fuel: Life cycle analysis and reduction potential
Authors: Al‐Douri Ahmad , Alsuhaibani Abdulrahman S. , Moore Margaux , Nielsen Rasmus B. , El‐Baz Amro A. , El‐Halwagi Mahmoud M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSubstantial increases in shale gas production due to advances in hydraulic fracturing have created tremendous monetization and sustainable development opportunities, one of which is liquified natural gas (LNG). The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has targeted reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from shipping by 50% by 2050. Conventional shipping fuels currently used are heavy fuel oil (HFO) and marine gas/diesel oil (MGO/MDO). There has been growing interest in using LNG as a shipping fuel because of its competitive cost, availability, and the presence of bunkering infrastructure. A thorough literature review of LNG life cycle GHG emissions shows variation depending on the following factors: shale gas extraction, pretreatment, pipeline transportation distance, liquefaction plant capacity/technology, and ship propulsion system. Compared to conventional fuels, LNG can reduce life cycle emissions up to 18%. Incorporating renewables‐based power generation in liquefaction can reduce emissions by a further 5%–10% (renewable‐assisted LNG). The reduction potential and economic effects of this modification on LNG cost are examined and it is shown that low wind‐based electricity prices can make renewable‐assisted LNG competitive. A comprehensive understanding of the factors impacting LNG emissions help identify the current and future potential of LNG in reducing shipping industry emissions and providing a short‐term transitional fuel until it is supplanted with decarbonized fuels. This paper also uses water‐energy nexus to examine the impact of responsible water management on the carbon footprint of LNG.
Molecular cancer cell responses to solid compressive stress and interstitial fluid pressure
Authors: Purkayastha Purboja , Jaiswal Manish K. , Lele Tanmay P. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAlterations to the mechanical properties of the microenvironment are a hallmark of cancer. Elevated mechanical stresses exist in many solid tumors and elicit responses from cancer cells. Uncontrolled growth in confined environments gives rise to elevated solid compressive stress on cancer cells. Recruitment of leaky blood vessels and an absence of functioning lymphatic vessels causes a rise in the interstitial fluid pressure. Here we review the role of the cancer cell cytoskeleton and the nucleus in mediating both the initial and adaptive cancer cell response to these two types of mechanical stresses. We review how these mechanical stresses alter cancer cell functions such as proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.