bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impairments in personality functioning in adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Schumacher Andrea M. , Tschitsaz Armita , Lerch Stefan , Wyssen Andrea , Schlensog‐Schuster Franziska , Mürner‐Lavanchy Ines , Koenig Julian , Cavelti Marialuisa , Kaess Michael 
Published: October 2024

AbstractObjectiveImpairments in personality functioning (PF) according to the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) may affect anorexia nervosa (AN) and its treatment. However, PF impairments in adolescents with AN have not been studied. This case‐control study analysed PF impairments in adolescent inpatients suffering from AN compared to a clinical control group (CC) and investigated the relationship of PF with AN severity.MethodAdolescent patients with AN (n = 43) and CC (n = 127) were matched by age, sex, and global functioning. Validated interviews were applied to assess impairments in PF (Semi‐Structured Interview for Personality Functioning, STiP‐5.1) and severity of AN (Eating Disorder Examination, EDE), as well as weight measures. Group comparisons of PF impairment and the relationship between PF impairment and AN severity were analysed using multiple linear regression.ResultsAN patients showed greater impairment in the facet ‘self‐esteem’ (p = 0.033, Cohen's f2 = 0.036) than CC. In AN patients, impairments in the domain ‘self‐functioning’ (p = 0.003, Cohen's f2 = 0.254) and its underlying element ‘identity’ (p = 0.016, Cohen's f2 = 0.172) were associated with AN severity (EDE). Additionally, higher impairments in two facets of ‘empathy’ (p = 0.019, Cohen's f2 = 0.223) and ‘intimacy’ (p = 0.026, Cohen's f2 = 0.199) were associated with higher AN severity (lower BMI percentiles).ConclusionsThese results support theoretical frameworks of AN and highlight the importance of PF impairments in understanding and treating AN. Future research should investigate how impairments in PF affect AN development and treatment response through longitudinal studies.
A study of staff pre‐evacuation behaviors in a Malaysian hotel
Authors: Noumeur Abdelmoutaleb , Lovreglio Ruggiero , Md Said Mohamad Syazarudin , Baharudin Mohd Rafee , Mohamed Yusoff Hamdan , Mohd Tohir Mohd Zahirasri 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSimulating fire and evacuation scenarios is crucial for engineers to assess building safety during fire incidents. Accurate simulations require data on occupants' behaviors, particularly during the pre‐evacuation phase as these decisions significantly impact evacuation duration. Gathering comprehensive data from diverse regions while considering cultural and regional variations is necessary to understand how occupants' behavior is influenced. Thus, this study focuses on examining the behavior of Malaysian hotel staff during unannounced fire drill to gain insights into factors affecting their behavior during pre‐evacuation stage, such as fire experience, fire alarm, drill participation, fire training, and awareness. The study categorizes the actions performed by the hotel staff into sequences and analyses them based on influencing factors. The findings indicate that instead of immediately evacuating in response to emergency notification, the hotel staff engage in various actions. Most staff members initially investigate or ignore the emergency, resulting in longer pre‐evacuation times. Moreover, the results suggest that previous drill participation and high awareness levels contribute to shorter pre‐evacuation times. Conversely, previous fire experience, fire training, and fire alarm familiarity have no effect on pre‐evacuation time.
Prevalence of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease in people living with HIV and on antiretroviral treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis protocol
Authors: Sedibe Amogelang , Maswanganyi Khanyisa , Mzimela Nomusa C. , Gamede Mlindeli 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIntroductionMetabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has become the most common hepatic condition globally. The prevalence of MASLD continues to increase, paralleling the consistent rising rates of risk factors such as obesity and type 2 diabetes. Literature suggests that human immunodeficiency virus‐infected (HIV‐infected) individuals may have an increased risk of developing MASLD due to a complex interplay of factors including antiretroviral therapy. Since the development and widespread use of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV‐induced liver disease has continued to be the predominant cause of liver‐related morbidity and mortality. This protocol serves to narrate the methods that will be employed in conducting the published literature search for the systematic review and meta‐analysis which will report on the global prevalence of MASLD on people living with HIV and on ARV treatment.MethodsThe search of literature will be done using search engines or electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, African Journal Online, and ResearchGate. Specific keywords will be used to search literature that has reported on the prevalence of MASLD among HIV patients receiving antiretroviral treatment, this will ensure the reproducibility of the study. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal observational studies, retrospective cohort studies, clinical trial studies, meta‐analyses, and systematic reviews that were published in the English language from 1990 to 2024 will be included. Animal studies will be excluded. Three independent reviewers will conduct the selection process and select studies that meet the eligibility criteria. A quality assessment tool, Downs and Blacks will be used to assess the risk of bias of the selected studies. A review manager will be used for meta‐analysis of collected data and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation tool will assess the strength of evidence.Ethics, dissemination, and registrationThe review will not require ethical clearance as it will only include data that is publicly available in published reports. The results of this review will be disseminated through publications. This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024516814).
Modelling the cost‐effectiveness of a chloramine gel in treating infected, non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Guest Julian F. , Eliasson Björn 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and aimsOrganic chloramines have been developed as a topical wound bed preparation gel. This study aimed to estimate whether the addition of chloramine gel (Chlorasolv, RLS Global AB, Sweden) to standard care compared with standard care alone would afford a cost‑effective technology to the UK's health services for treating infected, non‐healing diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs).MethodsA Markov model was developed to simulate the management of infected, non‐healing DFUs. The model utilised data from a randomised controlled trial and was used to estimate the cost‐effectiveness of chloramine plus standard care compared with standard care alone over a period of 24 weeks, expressed as the incremental cost per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained at 2021/22 prices.ResultsUsing adjunctive chloramine to treat infected, non‐healing DFUs was found to shorten the time to healing by 36% (from a mean of 17.1 weeks per ulcer to a mean of 11.0 weeks per ulcer). This translated into a 6% improvement in the probability of being healed by 24 weeks and a corresponding 3% improvement in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Also, use of adjunctive chloramine was found to reduce the total cost of ulcer management by 13%. Sensitivity analysis found that adjunctive chloramine remained a cost‐effective treatment, even when the value of the model inputs was varied by ±20%.ConclusionWithin the limitations of the study, treatment with adjunctive chloramine instead of standard care alone could potentially afford the UK's health services a cost‐effective debridement strategy for infected, non‐healing DFUs, due to its ability to accelerate the time to healing.
Protective role of SIRT1 (rs3758391 T > C) polymorphism against T2DM and its complications: Influence on GPx activity
Authors: Naseri Rozita , Khalili Farnaz , Rahimi Zohreh , Yari Kheirolah , Rezaei Mansour 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsSirtuin‐1 (SIRT1) has antidiabetic effects through the regulation of insulin secretion and modulation of inflammation. The SIRT1 rs3758391 gene polymorphism affects the level of SIRT1. The current study aimed to investigate the possible influence of SIRT1 gene variants in relation to oxidative stress parameters on the susceptibility to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its microvascular complications.MethodsIn this case‐control study 398 individuals including 300 patients with T2DM (100 T2DM without complication, 100 diabetic neuropathy patients and 100 patients with diabetic retinopathy) and 98 healthy subjects were studied for SIRT1 rs3758391 T > C variants. Also, the glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and the levels of glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidative status (TOS) were determined by colorimetric methods. SIRT1 genotypes were detected using the polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method.ResultsThe C allele of SIRT1 reduced the risk of T2DM, diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy. Significantly lower levels of GSH, GPx, and TAC were found in diabetic patients compared to control group. However, the level of MDA was significantly higher in patients compared to healthy individuals. Considering all individuals, the GPx activity increased in the presence of the SIRT1 CC, and TC genotypes compared to the TT genotype. Among all studied individuals the activity of GPx was significantly higher in normal body mass index (BMI) subjects than overweight, and obese individuals. However, among overweight and obese diabetic, diabetic retinopathy and diabetic neuropathy patients the mean level of TOS was significantly higher compared to patients with normal BMI.ConclusionsOur findings suggest a protective role for SIRT1 C allele against T2DM and diabetic neuropathy and diabetic retinopathy. We found in the presence of this allele the GPx activity increased. Also, we detected an enhanced oxidative stress level among overweight and obese patients with diabetes and its complications that could be involved in the pathogenesis of the disease.
The Candida auris Infection After the COVID‐19 Pandemic Seems to be an Urgent Public Health Emergency: A Call to Attention
Authors: Rahman Md. Ashrafur , Victoros Evangelos , Shanjana Yeasna , Thomas Marie Roke , Islam Md. Rabiul 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsInconsequential diseases can sometimes become extremely dangerous through mutation. Antifungal resistance has increased by 24%, and resistance only due to Candida auris (C. auris) species have increased by 60%. Here, we aimed to assess the knowledge of antifungal treatment and preventative measures to mitigate the consequences of infections caused by C. auris.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive literature search and gathered information for this review from publicly available published articles. We used C. auris, C. auris infection, mycoses, and antifungal resistance as search terms in Google Scholar, PubMed, and Scopus. We extracted the relevant information from the available article after careful evaluation.ResultsThe genus C. auris was especially difficult to diagnose, as it was often mistaken for other types of yeast and led to incorrect treatment. The only effective method for diagnosing C. auris is through blood culture testing in laboratories and PCR tests. Because of its mutation, C. auris has grown increasingly resistant to all three classes of antifungals, with almost all strains resistant to fluconazole. These resistances were traced back to multiple‐point mutations in certain genes, such as ERG11 in the case of fluconazole and amphotericin B. In addition, C. auris is phylogenetically related to C. haemulonii, an emerging pathogen notably resistant to antifungals. So, it may be an evolutionary resistance that occurred earlier but has only begun to spread now. Echinoderm, a reliable treatment for C. auris infections showed ineffectively against FKS1 and ERG3 gene mutated Candida strains. Newly developed antifungal agents, like Ibrexafungerp, showed promising results against echinocandin‐resistant strains in clinical trials.ConclusionWithout vaccines and effective treatment, its capacity to mutate and spread has detrimental effects on humans. Therefore, extensive research on drug development, quick, reliable diagnosis, and effective strategies for disease prevention and treatment are required to mitigate the health impact of C. auris.
Anion‐repulsive polyoxometalate@MOF‐modified separators for dendrite‐free and high‐rate lithium batteries
Authors: Liu Yi , Hou Tianyi , Zhang Wei , Gou Bin , Li Faqiang , Wang Haonan , Deng Xin , Li Dinggen , Xu Henghui , Huang Yunhui 
Published: October 2024

AbstractCommercial polyolefin separators in lithium batteries encounter issues of uncontrolled lithium‐dendrite growth and safety incidents due to their low Li+ transference numbers () and low melting points. To address these challenges, this study proposes an innovative approach by upgrading conventional separators through the incorporation of metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐confined polyoxometalate (POM). The presence of POM restricts anion diffusion through electrostatic repulsion while facilitating Li+ transport within MOF nanochannels through their affinity for lithium ions. Moreover, MOF confinement effectively mitigates the acidification of electrolytes induced by POM. As a proof‐of‐concept, the polypropylene separators decorated with phosphotungstic acid@UIO66 (denoted as PW12@UIO66‐PP) exhibit remarkable lithium‐ion conductivity of 0.78 mS cm−1 with a high of 0.75 at room temperature. The modified separators also display excellent thermal stability, preventing significant shrinkage even at 150°C. Furthermore, Li symmetric cells employing PW12@UIO66‐PP separators exhibit stable cycling for 1000 h, benefiting from rapid Li‐ion transport and uniform deposition. Additionally, the modified separator shows promising adaptability to industrial manufacturing of lithium‐ion batteries, as evidenced by the assembly of a 4 Ah NCM811/graphite pouch cell that retains 97% capacity after 350 cycles at C/3, thus highlighting its potential for practical applications.
Triazine derivative as volatile solid additive for non‐halogenated solvent and thermal annealing‐free processed organic solar cells with over 18% efficiency
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Xu Xiang , Shi Changzhou , Chen Weikun , Fu Yuang , Liu Wei , He Siqing , Lu Xinhui , Yuan Jun , Zou Yingping 
Published: October 2024

AbstractVolatile solid additive (VSA) has been demonstrated to be an effective strategy to optimize the morphology of the active layer for high‐performance organic solar cells (OSCs). Most of the reported OSCs with VSA are processed by chloroform (CF) and relies on thermal annealing (TA) posttreatment. However, the CF solvent problems of low boiling point, toxicity, and environmental‐unfriendly as well as increasing cost from TA restricted the large‐scale production. Here, a simple‐structured and low‐cost triazine derivative 2,4,6‐trichloro‐1,3,5‐triazine (TCT) as a VSA was introduced into PM6:BTP‐eC9‐based OSCs. Employing the TCT additive, the nonhalogenated solvent (o‐xylene) processed OSCs without TA treatment and delivered higher power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) in comparison to the TA‐treated counterpart. Benefiting from the intermolecular interactions between TCT and the active layer materials, the TCT‐treated blend films exhibited optimized morphology and enhanced crystallinity. As a result, the PM6:BTP‐eC9 OSCs achieved a champion PCE of 18.18% and fill factor (78.5%), which is among one of the most advanced nonhalogenated solvent‐processed and annealing‐free OSCs. Meanwhile, the TCT‐treated blend films also demonstrated the better photo‐stability compared to the control device. This work provides a guideline of triazine derivatives as VSA for high‐performance OSCs with TA‐free and nonhalogenated solvent‐processing treatment.
Surveys on tokay gecko trade as traditional Chinese medicine in Hong Kong put spotlight on imports from Indonesia and Vietnam
Authors: Chan Jovy Y. S. , Dingle Caroline , Nijman Vincent , Shepherd Chris R. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractTokay geckos are traded in large volumes in Hong Kong, though the sustainability and legality of this trade are unclear. Two studies have been published on Hong Kong's tokay gecko trade. We examine the findings of both and make consolidated recommendations to ensure trade is not detrimental to this species.
Ferulic Acid Protects Human Lens Epithelial Cells Against UVA‐Induced Oxidative Damage by Downregulating the DNA Demethylation of the Keap1 Promoter
Authors: Ling Xinru , Zhu Lei , Yan Yuling , Qian Haocheng , Kang Zhen , Ye Wei , Xie Zhenggao , Xue Chunyan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTUltraviolet (UV) radiation‐triggered production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is a primary contributor to apoptosis in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs), which can ultimately result in cataract formation. The nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2)‐Kelch ECH associating protein 1 (Keap1) pathway, a fundamental oxidative stress regulation mechanism, plays a crucial role in the development of cataracts. Ferulic acid (FA), recognized for its potent antioxidant properties can activate the Nrf2 signaling pathway to mitigate oxidative damage and cell apoptosis. In this study, we have demonstrated the protective effects of FA in reducing UVA‐induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in HLECs through the modulation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, as evidenced by both cellular and animal experiments. HLECs and Lens were exposed to 10 J/cm2 UVA radiation with or without prior treatment with FA. We found that UVA radiation increased oxidative damage and cell apoptosis in HLECs, ultimately leading to opacification of rat lenses, while FA was able to attenuate both oxidative damage and cell apoptosis in HLECs and reduce the degree of lens opacification. FA upregulated the expression of antioxidant response factors of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway and downregulated the expression of apoptosis‐related genes in HLECs, as demonstrated by Western blot and RT‐qPCR analyses. We also found that UVA radiation increased the degree of demethylation of the Keap1 promoter in HLECs, whereas FA reduced the level of Keap1 promoter demethylation as determined by DNA sequencing. Additionally, UVA upregulated the expression of DNA active demethylase of the Keap1 promoter in HLECs, Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, and Dnmt3b, as shown by immunofluorescence, Western blot, and RT‐qPCR, however, FA attenuated the activity of the passive demethylase TET1 in addition to the active demethylases. These results demonstrated that UVA radiation can cause oxidative damage, cell apoptosis, and rat lens opacification by increasing the demethylation of the Keap1 promoter in lens epithelial cells. Conversely, FA was shown to reduce oxidative damage, inhibit cell apoptosis, and decrease rat lens opacification by increasing the methylation of the Keap1 promoter. These findings suggest that FA could be therapeutically beneficial in preventing and mitigating cataracts induced by UVA radiation.
Taurine Reverses Arsenic‐Induced Inhibition of Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Depression‐Like Behavior in Mice
Authors: Liu Shuang , Lei Tengteng , Wang Longjuan , Chen Feng , Hu Xin , Song Guirong , Tang Xiao , Wu Guokai , Chen Haibo , Sun Xiance , Sun Wenchang 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTArsenic exposure results in damage to the neurological system. We previously demonstrated the arsenic‐induced inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis and its reversibility after exposure is terminated. The present study aimed to reveal whether arsenic‐induced inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis was ameliorated when taurine was co‐administered, and we also investigated depression‐like behavioral changes using the forced swim test. Mice were randomly divided into four groups. The first group received distilled water only for 4 months (control group), the second group received 4.0 mg/L As2O3 via drinking water for 4 months (arsenic group), the third group received 4.0 mg/L As2O3 and taurine (150 mg/kg body weight, by gavage, twice a week) for 4 months (arsenic + taurine group), and the fourth group received taurine only by gavage for 4 months (taurine group). The percentage of new mature neurons decreased in the arsenic group compared with the control group (64% ± 0.90% vs. 76% ± 1.9%, p < 0.01); however, this percentage was reversed to control levels in the arsenic + taurine group (76% ± 1.4%, p > 0.05). In the forced swim test, the immobility time during the last 4 min was significantly increased in the arsenic group, but restored to control levels in the arsenic + taurine group. The possible mechanisms of this taurine amelioration of hippocampal damage were further investigated, and included a reduction in oxidative stress as indicated by carbonyl content, inflammation, and aquaporin1, 4, and 8 expressions, as well as an increase in Wnt3a and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor expression in western blot analyses.
Dual‐functional UiO‐66/g‐C3N4 composites for photocatalytic pesticide removal and in situ adsorption of phosphate byproducts in water
Authors: Song Jinyun , Bai Runying , Wu Bo , Zhang Ruzhuang , Yang Yuchao , Ding Yi , Zhu Hexin , Yang Haoxiang , Zhao Siyu 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the increasing global demand for food, a significant amount of organophosphorus pesticides is applied to farmland, leading to pollution as they are discharged into natural water bodies with agricultural runoff. This study employed a coupling approach, utilizing a 6:4 mass ratio of zirconium‐based metal–organic framework UiO‐66 and g‐C3N4 through a grinding and annealing method to construct a Z‐type heterojunction composite material named UG 6:4.RESULTSThis material is employed for photocatalytic removal of the representative organophosphorus pesticide, dichlorvos (DDVP), from water and simultaneous in situ adsorption of its inorganic phosphorus byproducts. Results demonstrate that for initial DDVP concentrations below 5 mg L−1 (calculated as total phosphorus), both the mineralization rate under ultraviolet light irradiation with a wavelength of 365 nm and a power of 125 W and the adsorption rate of phosphorus were 100% when the pH was 6 and the UG 6:4 dosage was 0.2 g L−1. The sheet‐like g‐C3N4 tightly envelops the surface of UiO‐66, forming a Z‐scheme heterojunction. This structure imparts UG 6:4 with enhanced light absorption, faster generation and separation of photogenerated electron–hole pairs compared to individual UiO‐66 or g‐C3N4, and the establishment of an internal electric field suppresses the recombination of photogenerated charge carriers.CONCLUSIONConsequently, UG 6:4 exhibits outstanding photocatalytic pesticide removal capabilities. Furthermore, UG 6:4 demonstrates specific adsorption of inorganic phosphorus through electrostatic attraction and ligand exchange. This study indicates that UG 6:4 is a promising dual‐functional photocatalytic adsorbent with excellent application prospects. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).