bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of KCl Concentration on Physicochemical Properties of Refined Ƙ-Carrageenan from Kappaphycus alvarezii of Lemukutan Island
Authors: Setyo Adiguna Galih , Praseptiangga Danar , Purwanto Edi , Panatarani Camellia 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Carrageenan, a hydrocolloid derived from red seaweeds, is valued in various industries for its gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties. Kappaphycus alvarezii, a key source of κ-carrageenan, is grown in tropical areas like Lemukutan Island, West Kalimantan. This study examines the impact of potassium chloride (KCl) concentration on the physicochemical properties of refined κ-carrageenan extracted from Kappaphycus alvarezii. Seaweed was treated with different KCl concentrations (1.5%, 2.5%, and 3.5%), and the carrageenan was characterized for yield, moisture content, viscosity, gel strength, ash content, acid-insoluble ash, sulfate content, color, and FTIR spectra. Using De Garmo’s method, 1.5% KCl was identified as the optimal concentration, providing a balance of high gel strength, moderate viscosity, and acceptable yield. The highest gel strength was achieved at 1.5% KCl (330.15 g/cm²), while 3.5% KCl did not form a gel. Color measurements indicated variations in lightness (L*), red-green (a*), and yellow-blue (b*) values. FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of κ-carrageenan characteristic functional groups. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing carrageenan extraction processes for industrial applications, contributing to environmentally friendly food industry practices.
Agro-morphological and yield-related traits of selected Malaysian high yielding rice cultivars under silicon supplementation
Authors: Feizal Daud Mohammad , Raihan Saleh Muhamad , Nadiah Mehat Izzah , Fui Ying Tsan , Abdol Latif Pathimah , Khalid Fairuz , Nur Azwanida Zakaria Nik , Jahaya Zulkarnain , Suchitwarasan Salisa , Mohammed Abdullahi , Zaman Zarkasi Kamarul , Yusoff Ishak Mohd 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The objective of the present study was to assess the potential of silicon application on the agro-morphological and yield-related traits of selected Malaysian high yielding rice cultivars. A pot study was set up in the Greenhouse No. 5 at the Faculty Plantation & Agrotechnology, University Teknologi MARA Malacca Branch, Jasin Campus between March to August 2024. A total of 32 pots were laid out as a factorial experiment with four replications and arranged in a randomized complete block design. There were four level silicon treatments used in this study; T1 (control), T2 (250kg Si/ha), T3 (500kg Si/ha), and T4 (750 kg Si/ha). Remarkably, silicon nutrition application does not differ significantly influence rice growth attributes for IS21 and MR297 at the rice growth stages of 40 DAT, 60 DAT and 75 DAT. In term of yield related traits, panicle number, panicle length and grain yield showed an optimum at 250 kg Si/ha when compared to control and other treatments for IS21 variety. Meanwhile, silicon supplementation level at T4 (750 kg Si/ha) recorded the higher value than other treatments on panicle number, panicle length and grain yield for MR297 rice variety when compared to control and other treatments observed in this study respectively.
MoSSe-graphene hybrid material as an advanced catalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction in water splitting
Authors: Hoa Bui Thi , Lam Nguyen Duc , Tung Bui Son , Khuyen Bui Xuan , Loan Nguyen Thu , Oanh Vu Thi Kim , Mai Nguyen Thi , Linh Do Chi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Hydrogen, with its high energy density and environmentally friendly nature, holds great promise as a future energy. The development of efficient catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in water splitting is necessary. In this study, we focused on synthesizing a hybrid material MoSSe-Graphene (MoSSe-Gr) as a catalyst for HER. The MoSSe-Gr hybrid catalyst was synthesized through a solvothermal method followed by calcination under an inert atmosphere at 800 °C. Morphology and structural analysis of the catalyst was analyzed using SEM, TEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy. The MoSSe-Gr hybrid catalyst exhibited remarkable catalytic activity for HER, showing significantly lower overpotentials of 90 mV and 200 mV at current densities of 1 and 10 mA cm−2, respectively, comparable to the benchmark Pt/C catalyst. Furthermore, the MoSSe-Gr catalyst demonstrated long-term electrochemical stability during HER over a 24 h period in an acidic medium. Furthermore, the MoSSe-Gr catalyst demonstrated long-term electrochemical stability during HER in 24 h duration in an acidic medium. The MoSSe-Gr hybrid catalyst shows great potential as an efficient and stable catalyst for HER, promoting sustainable hydrogen production.
Acid-enabled carbon cloth boosts activity and durability of Au/Co3O4 catalysts for acidic water electrolysis
Authors: Tran Thi Thuy Kieu , Nguyen Nhat Khang , Tran Van Man 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The advancement of efficient and durable electrocatalysts is crucial for enhancing overall water-splitting technologies, particularly in harsh acidic environments. In this work, we treated carbon cloth (CC) with a mixture of HNO3 and H2SO4 to improve its surface properties and use it as a substrate for depositing Au/Co3O4 catalysts. The acid-treated CC (TCC) exhibited enhanced hydrophilicity due to the introduction of increased hydroxyl and carboxyl functional groups, leading to a higher loading of the Au/Co3O4 catalyst (3.36 wt% Co and 1.42 wt% Au) combined with uniform morphology compared to the untreated CC. The resulting Au/Co3O4/TCC catalyst demonstrated several desirable characteristics, including a higher specific surface area of 40.5 m2 g−1 and smaller charge transfer resistance. When employed as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting, the Au/Co3O4/TCC exhibited a low cell voltage of 1.62 V in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte and outstanding durability, maintaining its performance over 24 h at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 without significant degradation, attributed to the strong interfacial interaction between the catalyst and the substrate. The enhanced wettability, surface area, and catalyst-support interaction arising from the acid treatment of the carbon cloth substrate were the key factors enabling the superior electrochemical performance of the Au/Co3O4/TCC catalyst system.
Monsoonal climate and asymmetric heating facilitate the slope-aspect to influence landscape-scale tree structure in the Western Ghats, India
Authors: Maheshwori Devi , Managave Shreyas , Jathar Girish , Davande Sham 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
The regional variation of rainfall and length of the rainy season are identified to control the vegetation distribution in the Western Ghats (WG) of India, one of the important biodiversity hotspots. The asymmetric heating of various aspects in controlling vegetation distribution at landscape-scale, known at mid-latitudes, is not anticipated in the WG due to its lower latitudinal position. Here we demonstrate the existence and prevalence of two modes related to monsoonal climate and asymmetric solar heating that influence the vegetation structure at the landscape-scale in the WG: (i) the north-facing slopes have a higher tree cover (TC) and canopy height (CH) than the south-facing slopes and (ii) higher TC and CH on the west-facing slopes than the east-facing slopes. The asymmetry associated with these modes increases with the slope angle. Our study shows the slope-dependence of the north-south and west-east asymmetries in TC and CH is established by lower TC and CH selectively on the steeper south- and east-facing slopes. The net effect of these modes often leads northwest and southeast aspects to have the highest and lowest TC (and CH) at the landscape scale, respectively. We thus demonstrate that even in low-latitude regions, the slope-aspect plays an important role in determining the TC and CH heterogeneity at landscape-scale if the relief is higher. The role of aspect in controlling vegetation structure at landscape-scale needs to be considered while formulating and executing programs aimed at increasing tree cover and conserving biodiversity, especially in the high relief areas in the tropics having seasonal rainfall, such as in the WG.
Delivering an Inclusive Experience for Patients of All Genders in the Aesthetics Practice: A Roundtable Discussion
Authors: Rivkin Alexander , Pikoos Toni , Somenek Michael , Viscomi Bianca 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals represent a growing proportion of patients desiring minimally invasive aesthetic treatments to enhance facial appearance. Although awareness of the need for gender-affirming care is increasing and resources are available on approaches to injection in gender-diverse individuals, guidance on how to best provide this care is lacking. The objective of this manuscript is to share recommended practices for aesthetic clinicians who wish to treat transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse individuals or wish to improve gender inclusivity within their aesthetic practices. As part of a continuing medical education activity, the authors participated in a roundtable discussion on how individual practices can support inclusive care for transgender, nonbinary, and cisgender patients. The authors agreed that a thorough understanding of vocabulary in support of gender diversity can help to improve clinician confidence and the patient experience. Consideration of clinic design, including the use of gender-neutral bathrooms and the display of gender diversity in advertisements or clinic artwork, can also support a gender-inclusive and welcoming environment. The use of correct pronouns and gender-neutral language by all clinic staff and clinicians, as well as a thoughtful approach to language used on intake forms, may also help to provide an inclusive and safe space for the transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse community. Inclusive and gender-affirming healthcare improves the mental health and well-being of transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse populations. Individual aesthetic clinicians can improve inclusivity by considering their advertising, clinic design, intake forms as well as their consultation, treatment, and follow-up practices.

Level of Evidence: 5 (Therapeutic)
Self-assessed improved sun protection after diagnosis of melanoma is associated with improved survival
Authors: Müller Christoph , Wendt Judith , Okamoto Ichiro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Although ultraviolet radiation is the most important risk factor for skin cancer in general, its role in disease control after the diagnosis of melanoma remains to be elucidated.

Objectives
To analyse the association between survival and self-assessed sun protection behaviour after a melanoma diagnosis.

Methods
This was a questionnaire-based pilot study. We used patient data from the Molecular Markers of Melanoma Study programme to select patients with a histologically verified, invasive cutaneous melanoma, diagnosed at stage I or II according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer’s AJCC Cancer Staging Manual 8th edition, between 1981 and 2014. In total, 843 patients with melanoma were asked whether their diagnosis had influenced their sun protection behaviour and, if ‘Yes’, they were asked to describe, in their own words, how the diagnosis affected their behaviour. We excluded 33 patients who were unable to answer and included 810 patient responses for analysis. Reports on sun protection behaviour before and after melanoma diagnosis were recorded.

Results
We found a significant association of increased melanoma-specific survival (P = 0.001) with improved self-assessed sun protection behaviour. After adjusting for age, sex, AJCC stage, localization of the primary tumour and prior ultraviolet light exposure (outdoor occupation, solarium use and sun cream use), improved sun protecting behaviour after melanoma diagnosis resulted in a decreased hazard ratio (HR) for melanoma-specific survival (adjusted HR 0.491, 95% confidence interval 0.270–0.896; P = 0.020). Stratification showed that those who benefited from improved sun protection were, in particular, male patients, patients diagnosed with melanoma after 50 years of age, patients with stage II melanomas and those carrying an MC1R gene variant.

Conclusions
Self-assessed improved sun protection after diagnosis was significantly associated with reduced mortality due to melanoma. These results highlight the importance of improved sun awareness for patients after melanoma diagnosis, not only for preventing further melanomas but also reducing mortality risk.
A very rare phenotype of immunoglobulin G4-related disease that was manifested as constrictive pericarditis: a case report
Authors: Ono Kenshi , Nomura Tetsuya , Shoji Keisuke , Kato Yukinori , Wada Naotoshi 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) can arise from various causes, including post-operative degeneration, tuberculosis, and sequelae of pericarditis. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G4-related disease is a rare but recognized cause of CP. However, the specific mechanisms underlying these aetiologies and pathologies remain unclear.

Case summary
A 67-year-old man presented with a 6-month history of bilateral leg oedema, anorexia, and dyspnoea on exertion. Computed tomography (CT) revealed significant pericardial thickening without calcification, right pleural effusion, and ascites. Echocardiography demonstrated a reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and pericardial thickening. The early diastolic mitral annular tissue velocity (e′) was preserved as 11.7 cm/s, despite inferior vena cava dilation. Respiratory variations in mitral inflow velocities and septal bounces were unremarkable. Cardiac catheterization further showed a ‘dip and plateau’ pattern with equalization of bilateral ventricular end-diastolic pressure. A preliminary diagnosis of CP was made, and pericardiectomy was performed, increasing the cardiac index from 2.0 to 3.0 L/min/m2. Pathological examination revealed marked IgG4-positive plasma cell infiltration and tissue fibrosis. Additionally, the patient’s post-operative serum IgG4 level was 679 mg/dL. Given these findings, IgG4-related CP without involvement of other organs was determined as the definitive diagnosis. His clinical status improved without requiring corticosteroid therapy.

Discussion
Optimal therapy for IgG4-related CP remains elusive due to its rarity. Potential therapeutic options include pericardiectomy, pericardiotomy, and corticosteroid therapy. Further examination through the accumulation of similar cases is crucial to establish definitive treatment approaches for this condition.
Mechanism of syncope: role of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and cardiovascular autonomic function assessment
Authors: Groppelli Antonella , Russo Vincenzo , Parente Erika , Comune Angelo , de Lange Frederik J , Rivasi Giulia , Rafanelli Martina , Deharo Jean Claude , Francisco-Pascual Jaume , Maggi Roberto , Fedorowski Artur , Ungar Andrea , Parati Gianfranco , Brignole Michele 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Identifying the haemodynamic mechanism of autonomic syncope is the essential pre-requisite for effective and personalized therapy aimed at preventing recurrences. The present study assessed the diagnostic efficacy of a two-step assessment.

Methods
Multicentre prospective, cross-sectional, observational study. Patients affected by severe autonomic syncope underwent a two-step assessment including 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and short cardiovascular autonomic function assessment (SCAFA). SCAFA consisted of carotid sinus massage (CSM), performed in patients ≥40 years old, a passive standing test, and a ‘fast’ head-up tilt test scheduled sequentially during one session on a tilt table.

Results
The study population consisted of 333 patients, 102 ≤ 40 years old and 231 &gt; 40 years old. Any positive response was observed in 298 (89%) patients (92 [92%] in younger and 134 [89%] in older), with hypotensive phenotype accounting for 226 (68%), bradycardic phenotype for 21 (6%) and mixed phenotype for 51 (15%) of cases. The mean duration of the SCAFA procedure was 25 (IQR 20–32) min. Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, CSM, passive standing, and head-up tilt test were positive in 60%, 15%, 3%, and 71% of patients, respectively. More than one test was positive in 51% and 49% of patients ≤40 and &gt;40 years, respectively. Large inter-centre variability of CSM positivity rate, which remained significant after adjustment for demographic and clinical variables, was observed (P = .003).

Conclusions
The standardized 2STEPS protocol offers an easy-to-perform and time-saving diagnostic work-up allowing identification of the haemodynamic mechanism of loss of consciousness in most patients with autonomic syncope. This protocol provides the necessary background for a personalized mechanism-specific therapy.
Functional characterization of the DUF1127-containing small protein YjiS of Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Venturini Elisa , Maaß Sandra , Bischler Thorsten , Becher Dörte , Vogel Jörg , Westermann Alexander J 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Bacterial small proteins impact diverse physiological processes, however, technical challenges posed by small size hampered their systematic identification and biochemical characterization. In our quest to uncover small proteins relevant for Salmonella pathogenicity, we previously identified YjiS, a 54 amino acid protein, which is strongly induced during this pathogen’s intracellular infection stage. Here, we set out to further characterize the role of YjiS. Cell culture infection assays with Salmonella mutants lacking or overexpressing YjiS suggested this small protein to delay bacterial escape from macrophages. Mutant scanning of the protein’s conserved, arginine-rich DUF1127 domain excluded a major effect of single amino acid substitutions on the infection phenotype. A comparative dual RNA-seq assay uncovered the molecular footprint of YjiS in the macrophage response to infection, with host effects related to oxidative stress and the cell cortex. Bacterial cell fractionation experiments demonstrated YjiS to associate with the inner membrane and proteins interacting with YjiS in pull-down experiments were enriched for inner membrane processes. Among the YjiS interactors was the two-component system SsrA/B, the master transcriptional activator of intracellular virulence genes and a suppressor of flagellar genes. Indeed, in the absence of YjiS, we observed elevated expression of motility genes and an increased number of flagella per bacterium. Together, our study points to a role for Salmonella YjiS as a membrane-associated timer of pathogen dissemination.
The effect and application of adiponectin in hepatic fibrosis
Authors: Chen Taoran , Yang Wenjing , Dong Rongrong , Yao Han , Sun Miao , Wang Jiaxin , Zhou Qi , Xu Jiancheng 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, a degenerative liver lesion, significantly contributes to the deterioration and mortality among patients with chronic liver diseases. The condition arises from various factors including toxins, such as alcohol, infections like different types of viral hepatitis, and metabolic diseases. Currently, there are no effective treatments available for liver fibrosis. Recent research has shown that adiponectin (ADPN) exhibits inhibitory effects on hepatic fibrosis. ADPN, an adipocytokine secreted by mature adipocytes, features receptors that are widely distributed across multiple tissues, especially the liver. In the liver, direct effects of ADPN on liver fibrosis include reducing inflammation and regulating hepatic stellate cell proliferation and migration. And its indirect effects include alleviating hepatic endoplasmic reticulum stress and reducing inflammation in hepatic lobules, thereby mitigating hepatic fibrosis. This review aims to elucidate the regulatory role of ADPN in liver fibrosis, explore how ADPN and its receptors alleviate endoplasmic reticulum stress, summarize ADPN detection methods, and discuss its potential as a novel marker and therapeutic agent in combating hepatic fibrosis.
Health and health literacy from the child’s perspective: a qualitative study in 9–12-year olds
Authors: Van Boxtel Wieke , Chinapaw Mai , Jerković-Ćosić Katarina 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
To promote health literacy (HL) in children, it is crucial to recognize their unique social environment, experiences, and comprehension of health and HL. This study aims to gain insight into the perspectives of children aged 9–12 years regarding health and HL within the context of health promotion. We conducted focus group discussions with children at three primary schools in the Netherlands, covering (i) What health means to children (ii) How they engage with health information (HL), and (iii) How they respond to the items of an HL questionnaire (HLS-Child-Q15-NL). Thematic analysis was used to analyze data from nine focus groups with 46 children. We identified three themes: (i) perspectives of health and healthy living, (ii) information for healthy living, and (iii) sources of information for healthy living. Children rated being yourself, physical activity, and happiness as the most important health topics. They receive health information passively, mainly from caregivers and social media, and emphasize the need for simple language. Trustworthiness of sources and usefulness of information were also important. Responses to the HLS-Child-Q15-NL varied, with some items being unclear and leading to misunderstandings, though generally seen as easy. The findings highlight children’s broad perspective of health and HL. Health-promoting activities should focus on developing HL skills related to children’s lived experiences and health topics that they deem important. This will present an opportunity for children to engage with health information more actively and critically.
On eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the operators defining multidimensional scaling on some symmetric spaces
Authors: Ma Tianyu , Stepanov Eugene 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We study asymptotics of the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of the operators used for constructing multidimensional scaling (MDS) on closed connected symmetric spaces. They are the limits of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of squared distance matrices of an increasing sequence of finite subsets covering the space densely in the limit. We show that for products of spheres and real projective spaces, the numbers of positive and negative eigenvalues of these operators are both infinite. We also find a class of spaces (namely $\mathbb{RP}^{n}$ with odd $n&gt;1$) whose MDS defining operators are not trace class, and original distances cannot be reconstructed from the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of these operators.