bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Er:YAG Laser Irradiation with Different Frequencies on Surface Decontamination of Used Healing Abutments
Authors: Ehsani Sarah Sadat , Ghasemi Mahmood , Etemadi Ardavan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the cleaning potential of Er:YAG laser at different frequencies. Reusing healing abutments is common practice among clinicians; however, ensuring complete surface decontamination is crucial to avoid further complications.
Methods
Forty contaminated healing abutments were divided into five groups. Negative control mechanical wiping and ultrasonic bath, Er:YAG laser (50 mJ/pulse, 100 µsec, water 30%, air 70%) at 20 Hz, 30 Hz, and 40 Hz with the powers of 1 W, 1.5 W, and 2 W respectively. Three unused healing abutments were used as the negative control group. Samples were stained with phloxine B and then photographed using a light microscope. The proportion of stained and contaminated areas on each healing abutment was then quantified using ImageJ.
Results
Statistical analysis showed significant differences in the amount of remaining debris among the groups (P < 0.05). The group treated with the Er:YAG laser at 40 Hz demonstrated the most effective decontamination, with the least residual debris observed across all HA surfaces. Higher laser frequencies correlated with reduced contamination, particularly in the body and top areas of the HAs.
Conclusion
The Er:YAG laser, particularly at 50 mJ/pulse and 40 Hz, proved to be an effective method for decontaminating used HAs. This laser treatment may offer a reliable protocol for reusing HAs, enhancing the safety and success of implant therapy.
Brewing Sustainability: Unveiling the Potential of Coffee Ground as Green Roof Medium
Authors: Yalçınalp Emrah , Demirci Özgür , Meral Alperen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The rapid depletion of the world's natural resources and the growing concerns about sustainability underscore the importance of environmentally friendly solutions more than ever. One such solution is green roofs, which offer numerous ecological benefits, particularly in urban areas, such as creating natural habitats, enhancing energy efficiency, and improving air quality. Recently, as access to safe food has become more challenging and economic conditions periodically worsen, the significance of green roofs as alternative urban agricultural spaces has also increased. In this context, using coffee grounds as a green roof plant growth medium and a waste product holds significant potential for waste management and sustainable agriculture. Coffee grounds support plant growth due to their high organic matter content and nutrient values. This article examines the environmental benefits that can be achieved by using coffee grounds on green roofs and the impacts of this practice on sustainable urbanization, focusing on plant development. The study found that increasing the coffee ground level in the growth medium increased plant height for Sedum spurium while enhancing fruit yield for Fragaria ananassa. Additionally, this practice contributes to the utilization of coffee waste, supporting the circular economy and helping to reduce waste. In this manner, using coffee grounds as a growth medium on green roofs promises an innovative and feasible solution promoting environmental sustainability.
In vivo targeted delivery of extracellular vesicle‒gold nanorod hybrids to metastatic melanoma lung tumors
Authors: Bolaños Karen , León Daniela , Jara Pedro , Contreras Pamela , Silva David , Riveros Ana , Montano Yanay , Pérez Damián , Araya Eyleen , Kogan Marcelo J. , Quest Andrew F. G. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer characterized by rapid progression, resistance to chemotherapy, and metastasis to the lung. Conventional chemotherapy andradiotherapy are the principal approaches for treating metastasizing tumors, but the lack of targeting results in severe side effects and low treatment efficacy. Nanoparticles reportedly increase selectivity, given that they can accumulate at specific locations owing to the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect. In this respect, plasmonic nanoparticles, such as gold nanorods (AuNRs), are interesting because of their photothermal and optical properties, making them suitable for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, tumor ablation and theranostics. To increase the tumor accumulation of AuNRs, extracellular vesicles (with sizes ranging from 40–150 nm) have attracted attention because of their remarkable biocompatibility and natural cell-accumulation selectivity. To further increase the targeting properties of the nanosystem, we functionalized the AuNRs with methotrexate (MTX), which is known to interact with the overexpressed folate receptors in cancer cells. We combined the inherent homing properties of exosomes from B16F10 cells with the active targeting properties of MTX to increase the accumulation of AuNRs in metastatic lung melanoma tumors.
Results
We obtained and exhaustively characterized B16F10 exosomes loaded with MTX-functionalized AuNRs (EXOS-AuNR-MTX). The safety of the complete nanosystem, as well as its specific and time-dependent accumulation in B16F10 cells, was determined using the mitochondrial MTS assay and fluorescence analysis, respectively. Surface functionalization with MTX in combination with B16F10 EXOS was used to promote the accumulation of AuNRs in metastatic lung nodules, with significantly greater amounts of gold in the tumors following EXOS-AuNR-MTX treatment than following only AuNR-MTX treatment, as was determined in vivo and ex vivo by quantitative gold measurements. Remarkably, 5.5% of the injected dose of the AuNRs was recovered at the tumor sites, whereas only 1% of the injected dose normally accumulated in tumors due to the EPR effect, as reported. We further confirmed the preferential accumulation of AuNRs from EXOS-AuNR-MTX rather than from AuNR-MTX in tumor vessels and tumor nodules rather than healthy tissues by histological analysis.
Conclusions
Our approach provides a valuable tool to improve the accumulation of gold nanoparticles in metastatic tumor nodules by combining the natural properties of exosomes to drive the targeting of AuNR-MTX.
Etiological patterns and risk factors for poor outcomes following lower limb amputation in Uganda: A multicenter study
Authors: Arab Abdikadar Mohamud , Weldemichael Demoz Abraha , Udosen Anthony M. , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Francis Mamadi Owera , Ibrahim Numan Omar , sharif Farhan Yusuf , Molen Selamo Fabrice , Zake Derick , Muhumuza Joshua 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Lower limb amputations are a common procedure performed. The etiological patterns, outcomes of the amputation surgeries as well as the risk factors for these outcomes are not well documented in Uganda, with the only recent study available being a single centre retrospective study, with no report on risk factors. This study aimed to assess the etiological patterns and risk factors for poor outcomes following lower limb amputation at five referral hospitals in Uganda.
Methods
This was a multicenter prospective observational study conducted at five regional referral hospitals in Uganda (Mubende, Kayunga, Lira, Jinja, and Fortportal). Adult patients who underwent major lower limb amputation were assessed to determine the etiological patterns and followed up for 30 days to determine the outcomes including morbidity and mortality. The risk factors for both morbidity and mortality were determined using Poisson regression in SPSS version 26. A p value of < 0.05 was considered significant.
Results
Of the 160 participants enrolled, 51.3% were older than 50 years. Majority of the participants were male (75.0%). The most common underlying causes for amputations was diabetic foot (56.3%) peripheral arterial disease (17.5%) and trauma (13.8%). About one third (30.0%) had poor outcomes, with an overall incidence of morbidity and mortality of 30.0% and 11.3% respectively. The commonest complication seen was stump infection. The independent risk factors for morbidity were: a positive history of smoking, having diabetes mellitus, being overweight/obese, and not closing the amputation stump primarily. The independent risk factors for mortality were: a history of smoking and being overweight/obese (P < 0.05 for all).
Conclusion
Morbidity and mortality were high. There is need to improve the care of non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and peripheral arterial disease which may reduce the rate of amputations. In order to improve outcomes following amputation, elective procedures should be delayed in smokers and the overweight/obese in order to allow them to stop smoking and lose weight respectively.
A spatial and social equity assessment of subway accessibility for vulnerable groups: A block level GIS approach
Authors: Baghestani Amirhossein , Delkhak Maryam , Mahpour Alireza , Vafaeinejad Alireza 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Public transportation systems are essential for advancing social equity and sustainable urban growth. This study examines the spatial accessibility of Tehran’s subway network, focusing on vulnerable groups including the elderly and individuals under 18. Using a combination of the gravity-based accessibility index, Gini index, and Lorenz curve, the research quantifies disparities in subway access across Tehran’s statistical blocks. Data from the city’s subway network, statistical blocks, and street networks were integrated into Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to accurately assess proximity and access levels. The analysis measured the distance from the centroid of each block to the nearest subway station within an 833-meter threshold, using train frequency data to calculate the gravity index. Population data from the Iranian Statistical Center was then used to compute the Gini index and Lorenz curves, assessing equity in access across different population groups. The findings reveal significant inequalities in subway accessibility, particularly in the peripheral neighborhoods where a large portion of the population resides. There are pronounced challenges for vulnerable groups in accessing the subway system, making it difficult for them to get to their destinations. The study underscores the need for expanding subway coverage to suburban areas and improving feeder services to enhance accessibility. Additionally, improving connectivity between subway lines, upgrading pedestrian infrastructure, and offering reduced or free fares for vulnerable groups are recommended to foster a more inclusive and equitable transport system. Future research should incorporate more detailed socio-economic data and explore multiple accessibility metrics for a deeper understanding of transportation equity.
SDrecall: A Scalable Approach for Sensitive Variant Detection in Segmental Duplications
Authors: Yang Xing Tian , She Chun Hing , Zhang CaiCai , Leung Daniel , Yang Jing , Chan Koon-Wing , Duque Jaime S Rosa , Lau Yu Lung , Yang Wanling 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Next-generation sequencing is a formidable tool for molecular diagnosis. However, variant calling in segmental duplication regions remains a challenge for short-read sequencing, and no effective tools are available for these regions. We introduce SDrecall, a scalable method designed specifically for sensitive variant detection in segmental duplications using short reads. To enhance sensitivity, SDrecall initially constructs a comprehensive catalog of segmental duplications, identifying homologous sequence groups and mapping their intricate relationships. Within each group, SDrecall identifies segmental duplications overlapping functional coding regions and realigns all reads underlying the entire group to them. To mitigate false positives introduced by realignment, it subsequently phases and assembles the realigned reads into multiple haplotypes via an in-house graph-based algorithm, eliminating likely misaligned haplotypes for more accurate variant calling. When tested against long-read sequencing data benchmarks, SDrecall demonstrated a 95% sensitivity and maintained a low false-positive level. As such, SDrecall promises to be an indispensable tool for detecting causal mutations in homologous regions of the human genome.
Leveraging ONOS for Real-World Windfarm Process Automation Architecture: A Framework for Efficiency and Scalability
Authors: Kulkarni Raghavendra , Goswami Bhargavi , Kulkarni Sameer G , Kulkarni Manasa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The primary aim of this research is to leverage the Open Network Operating System (ONOS) to develop an efficient and scalable process automation architecture for real-world windfarm operations. The study focuses on enhancing network management, data processing, and operational optimization within the windfarm infrastructure. This research utilizes ONOS as the centralized control platform for managing the windfarm's network infrastructure. The proposed system integrates network virtualization, real-time data processing, predictive analytics using LSTM networks, and optimization algorithms to improve wind turbine efficiency and fault management. MATLAB simulations are conducted to evaluate the performance and reliability of the system. The simulation results demonstrate significant improvements in network performance, including reduced latency and increased throughput. The fault detection and recovery mechanisms show enhanced system reliability. Real-time data processing and predictive analytics lead to optimized turbine settings and increased operational efficiency. The system also exhibits robust security measures and compliance with regulatory standards. The implementation of ONOS in windfarm process automation presents a viable solution for efficient and scalable network management. The findings highlight the potential for improved operational performance, reliability, and security in windfarm operations, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies. The study's results offer valuable insights for future research and practical applications in the field of windfarm automation.
The Interaction of Healthy and Unhealthy Provegetarian Food Patterns with Melanocortin 4 Receptor Gene on Cardiovascular Diseases Risk Factors among Women with Overweight or Obesity
Authors: Khosravinia Darya , Mirzaei Khadijeh , Djazayery Abolghassem 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of mortality, influenced by genetics and diet. Provegetarian food patterns (PVG) and melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) gene polymorphisms are linked to CVD risk factors. This study aimed to determine the interaction of PVG with MC4R gene on CVD risk factors.
Methods
This study was conducted on 284 healthy overweight or obese women. Participants were assessed for PVG scores using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric measures, body composition, biochemical assessments, DNA extraction, and blood pressure measurements were assessed using standard methods.
Results
There was a negative interaction between healthy PVG and CC genotype with body fat (BF) (%) (β=-0.155; 95% CI=-0.440, 0.129; P = 0.074), trunk fat (TF) (kg) (β=-0.087; 95% CI=-0.280, 0.106; P = 0.075), and TF (%) (β=-1.624; 95% CI=-5.230, 0.082; P = 0.057) and positive interaction with high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) (β = 0.222; 95% CI=-0.041, 0.485; P = 0.098). There was a positive interaction between unhealthy PVG and CC genotype with total cholesterol (T Chol) (β = 1.885; 95% CI=-0.178, 3.948; P = 0.073), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (β = 1.542; 95% CI = 0.114, 2.971; P = 0.034), and body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.203; 95% CI=-0.054, 0.459; P = 0.071).
Conclusions
CC genotypes showed significant negative interactions with hPVG on BF and TF, whereas positive interactions with uPVG on T Chol, LDL, and BMI.
Ibuprofen reduces inflammation, necroptosis and protects photoreceptors from light-induced retinal degeneration
Authors: Zhang Ping-Wu , Wan Zi-He , Li Weifeng , Vats Abhishek , Mehta Kunal , Fan Laura , Zhou Lingli , Li Sean , Li Gloria , Keuthan Casey J. , Berlinicke Cynthia , Qian Cheng , Esumi Noriko , Duh Elia J , Zack Donald J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The retinal degenerative diseases retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and atrophic age- related macular degeneration (AMD) are characterized by vision loss from photoreceptor (PR) degeneration. Unfortunately, current treatments for these diseases are limited at best. Genetic and other preclinical evidence suggest a relationship between retinal degeneration and inflammation. To further explore this relationship, we tested whether Ibuprofen (IBU), an FDA-approved non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), could promote PR survival and function in a mouse model of light damage (LD)-induced PR degeneration.
Methods
LD was induced by exposing mice to 4000 lux of light for 2–4 hrs. IBU (100 or 200 mg/kg) or vehicle was administered by daily intraperitoneal injection. Retinal structure and function were evaluated by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) and electroretinography (ERG). The cell death genes were analyzed at 24 and 72 hours (hrs) after LD by the Mouse Pan-Cell Death Pathway PCR Array (88 genes). The cellular location and protein expression of the key necroptosis gene was assessed by immunohistochemistry.
Results
Retinal outer nuclear layer (ONL) thickness in the vehicle-injected animals was 8.7 ± 0.6% of retinas without LD (p < 0.0001). In IBU 200mg/kg treated mice, central ONL thickness was 74.9 ± 7.7% of untreated retinas (p < 0.001). A-wave and b-wave ERG amplitudes were significantly preserved in IBU-treated animals. IBU significantly inhibited retinal inflammation. Twenty-four hrs after LD, retinal mRNA expression for the inflammatory-factors tumor necrosis factor (Tnf), interleukin-1 beta (Il1b), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (Ccl2) increased by 10, 17 and 533-fold, respectively; in IBU-treated animals, the expression levels of these inflammatory factors were not significantly different from no-LD controls. Expression of key necroptosis genes, including Ripk3 and Mlkl, were upregulated in LD vehicle-treated mice, but dramatically reduced to near the no LD levels in LD IBU-treated mice. Microglia activation and MLKL protein upregulation were observed primarily in photoreceptors 12 hrs after LD, as assessed by immunohistochemistry. IBU reduced the upregulation of MLKL protein and microglia migration in the ONL and outer plexiform layer (OPL) of treated retinas.
Conclusions
Systemic administration of the anti-inflammatory drug IBU partially protected mouse retinas from light-induced photochemical damage and inhibited both inflammation and the necroptosis cell death pathways. Our results suggest that NSAIDs may provide a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of the human retinal degenerative diseases.
Examining the Impact of Permitless Firearm Legislation and COVID-19 on Crime and Arrests in Urban Areas
Authors: Corsaro Nicholas , Engel Robin S , Cherkauskas Jennifer M. , Motz Ryan T 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

While the number of state legislative changes to relaxed concealed firearm carrying laws continues to increase, research examining the impact of these laws on changes in criminal behavior, particularly in urban contexts, has not kept pace. To enhance our understanding of the potential impact of permitless carry legislative changes, we examined the temporal association between legislative changes and changes in illegal and dangerous behavior most likely to be associated with firearms violence and arrests in Lexington (KY), Oklahoma City (OK), and Tulsa (OK). We use statistical controls to account for a major temporal confounder: the disruption of social order that occurred during and after the global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Our findings show violent criminal offenses did not shift in the post-permitless carry period. However, there were consistent and robust statistically significant increases in arrests of felons in possession of a firearm, as well as an upward shift in threatening firearm behavior (i.e., brandishing a gun/pointing a firearm), net of controls and confounders. We also find significant and sizeable increases in stolen and recovered firearms in Lexington (KY), the lone setting that collected this outcome measure during our study period. We conclude by discussing how the findings can inform policy, forthcoming legislative initiatives, and future research.
The effects of single and combined pollution of PE microplastics and antibiotics in soil on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings
Authors: Li Linjing , Chen Su , Song Yuting , Xie Anqi , Liang Xiao , Lv Meng , Liang Fangfang , Chao Lei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Both PE and antibiotics accumulate in agricultural soil systems over time and can affect plant growth and development. However, the single and combined contamination of PE with antibiotics (OTC, SM2) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedlings growth is not well studied. In this study, we evaluated the phytotoxic effects of PE (0.2%, 1%, 2%, 5% w/w) alone and in combination with OTC and SM2 (1 mg·kg− 1、10mg·kg− 1) for 28d on the growth of wheat seedlings, chlorophyll, N and C contents, and antioxidant status through a pot experiment. toxicity effects. The results showed that biomass, plant height and root length exhibited dose-dependent toxicity under PE exposure alone and in combination with antibiotics (OTC or SM2). Malondialdehyde (MDA) content as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities in the aboveground increased with increasing concentrations of PE, OTC and SM2, with SOD activity decreasing at 5% PE and PE + OTC compliance treatments. These results suggest that single and combined contamination pairs of PE and antibiotics (OTC, SM2) inhibit wheat growth, reduce chlorophyll production, exacerbate lipid peroxidation, and affect or even destroy the antioxidant system. Moreover, wheat seedlings were generally more sensitive to SM2 than OTC.
Machine learning corrects climate model biases in global flood projections
Authors: Zhang Boen , Slater Louise , Moulds Simon , Wortmann Michel , Hart Neil , Liu Yinxue , Yin Jiabo , Gu Xihui , Nearing Grey , Brunner Manuela , Roberts Stephen 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Reliable river flood projections are crucial for the development of effective adaptation and mitigation strategies, but the conventional hydroclimatic modelling chain introduces a ‘cascade of uncertainty’ arising from climate model outputs and hydrologic model structures. Here, we assess the potential for machine learning (ML) models to overcome this cascade of uncertainty. We develop data-driven projections of 10-year flood magnitudes by training global ML models directly on the uncorrected historical simulation statistics of 19 CMIP6 global climate models alongside geophysical river basin attributes. We find that ML models driven with uncorrected climate model outputs outperform physics-based hydrologic models driven with bias-corrected climate model outputs, with average error rates reduced by 40%. The ML models learn to correct spatially variable biases in the climate model outputs by adjusting the contribution of basin attributes based on the magnitude of each attribute. For example, they compensate for the underestimation of extreme precipitation intensity in the wettest river basins by increasing the contribution of the aridity predictor to flood magnitude. Our global ML projections in 1.66 million river segments (4,697,400 km) suggest that by 2100, over 34% of rivers may experience larger floods, with comparatively little change in the largest rivers in tropical and dry regions.