bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absorbent materials prepared from wastes derived from banana, rice, and cocoa agro-industries, intended for the capture of hydrocarbons
Authors: Vera Infante Thalía Gabriela , Ferrer Gutiérrez Juan Pedro , Gadvay Yambay Katy Alexandra , Blacio Toro Susana Elizabeth , Cuenca Mayorga Fabián Patricio 
Published: September 2024

In this study, adsorbent materials prepared from common wastes generated in agricultural industries were evaluated, particularly the adsorption capacity for hydrocarbon compounds. Wastes from banana, cocoa, and rice were collected, and subsequently dried, milled, and chemically treated with NaOH. The physical properties of the treated wastes were assessed, including buoyancy and apparent density, and their adsorption capacity was tested under dynamic and static conditions. The results were subjected to an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The dynamic adsorption tests carried out indicated that the treated waste from banana leaves with a particle size of 1400 µm exhibited a buoyancy percentage above 90 % in the hydrophilic phase, while hydrocarbon compounds were adsorbed in the oleophilic phase. However, traces of hydrocarbons were still visible in the aqueous medium. In the short-term static adsorption tests, the waste materials showed adsorption capacity values ranging from 2.17 to 8.22 g oil/g adsorbent for motor oil; the highest adsorption index was determined in wastes from banana rachis with an 850 µm particle size. Moreover, in the adsorption of diesel and gasoline, the wastes from banana rachis with an 850 µm particle size showed the highest adsorption capacity for diesel (6.61 g diesel/g adsorbent) and gasoline (6.26 g gasoline/g adsorbent). This behavior was also observed in the long-term tests for all wastes tested, except for banana rachis, as some of the adsorbent material subsided, leading to the adsorption of both water and hydrocarbon compounds.
Galectin-3 in recipients with kidney graft dysfunction: analysis of predictive significance
Authors: Velikiy D. A. , Sharapchenko S. O. , Gichkun O. E. , Stolyarevich E. S. , Saydulaev D. A. , Osoblivaya M. A. , Mamedova A. A. , Shevchenko O. P. 
Published: September 2024

One of the most pressing issues in contemporary transplantology is the ongoing search for less invasive methods that would identify potential complications that recipients of solid organ transplants may encounter. Profibrogenic factor galectin-3 (Gal-3) is a potential marker of such complications. It is presumed that it may be involved in regulatory processes in both physiological and pathological conditions; Gal-3 is of particular importance in diseases associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis.Objective: to assess the predictive significance of Gal-3, determined in the recipients’ serum, in the pathology of a transplanted kidney.Materials and methods. The study included 138 kidney recipients aged from 5 to 68 years and a group of healthy individuals (n = 11). Recipients’ serum Gal-3 levels were measured by immunoenzymatic method.Results. Among the kidney recipients, 91 patients had kidney graft dysfunction according to laboratory and clinical data, which served as an indication to perform a graft biopsy with morphologic examination of the samples. In kidney recipients, Gal-3 levels were significantly different and higher than in healthy individuals, p = 0.017; it did not correlate with most blood test parameters, but there was an inverse correlation with graft glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (r = –0.174; p = 0.043). Recipients’ Gal-3 levels were independent of their tacrolimus blood levels. Kidney recipients with graft dysfunction had considerably higher Gal-3 levels (p = 0.0003) compared to those without. Comparative analysis significantly showed higher Gal-3 concentrations in recipients with acute cellular rejection (ACR, p = 0.005), antibody-mediated rejection (AMR, p = 0.016) and сalcineurin inhibitor (CNI) nephrotoxicity (p = 0.006) compared to recipients without dysfunction. Recipients with signs of CNI nephrotoxicity tended to have higher Gal-3 levels when compared to recipients with graft dysfunction of other etiology (p = 0.08). Kidney recipients with Gal-3 levels above the calculated threshold value of 7.63 ng/mL had a 2.89-fold higher risk of developing chronic graft dysfunction and/or requiring hemodialysis compared with the rest of the kidney recipients (RR = 2.89 ± 0.46 [95% CI 1.17–7.11]), with 76.2% sensitivity and 56.1% specificity of the test.Conclusion. The threshold serum Gal-3 level in kidney recipients can be considered a predictor of an unfavorable graft outcome (chronic graft dysfunction and/or a need for renal replacement therapy).
Organ donation and transplantation in the Russian Federation in 2023. 16th Report from the Registry of the Russian Transplant Society
Authors: Gautier S. V. , Khomyakov S. M. 
Published: September 2024

Objective: to study current trends and advancements in organ donation and transplantation in the Russian Federation based on data from the year 2023.Materials and methods. Heads of organ transplant centers were surveyed through questionnaires. The Russian Ministry of Health’s information accounting system was used for data control. A comparative analysis of data collected over years from various federal subjects of the Russian Federation and transplant centers was conducted.Results. Based on data retrieved from the National Registry in 2023, there were 50 kidney, 34 liver and 22 heart transplant programs existing in the Russian Federation as of the year 2023. Organ donation activity in 2023 was 6.3 per million population (p.m.p.), with a 77.2% multi-organ procurement rate and an average of 2.9 organs procured from one effective donor. In 2023, 3,057 organ transplants were performed in the Russian Federation, which included 1,817 kidney, 829 liver and 388 heart transplants. Same year, the number of transplant surgeries performed in the Russian Federation increased by 19.6% compared to 2022. Organ donation activity in Moscow was 29.1 p.m.p. The city of Moscow and Moscow Oblast alone had a total of 12 transplant centers, which accounted for 50.2% of all kidney transplants and 63.1% of all extrarenal transplants nationwide. There are more than 143.4 p.m.p. organ recipients in the Russian Federation.Conclusion. The geographic spread of transplant centers in the Russian Federation continues to expand. In 2023, five new centers were opened. Over the past year, the country has seen an increase in the number of effective donors and organ transplants. Because medical facilities still have untapped resources, the number of organ transplants performed is expected to rise. Moscow is the powerhouse of Russian transplantology. Shumakov National Medical Research Center of Transplantology and Artificial Organs and its branch perform 27.4% of the total number of organ transplants in the country. Among the successful regional initiatives, the following should be noted: the Republic of Tatarstan, Kemerovo Oblast (Kuzbass), St. Petersburg, Tyumen Oblast, Irkutsk Oblast. In the Russian Federation, pediatric transplant care is prioritized.
Educação e envelhecimento: uma análise comparativa entre a UNATI/UEM e a Carta Brasileira para Cidades Inteligentes
Authors: Ferreira de Alvarenga João Vitor , Oliveira Terezinha , Costa do Nascimento Mariana 
Published: September 2024

Esse artigo tem por objetivo estabelecer uma análise comparativa entre a Universidade Aberta à Terceira Idade (UNATI/UEM) e a Carta Brasileira para Cidades Inteligentes. Para atender a esse objetivo, realizamos uma pesquisa qualitativa, de cunho documental. Os resultados indicam seis pontos convergentes entre os documentos: a importância sobre a qualidade de vida dos idosos; planejamento de ações sociais para atendimento dessa população; acesso a serviços culturais e educacionais; incentivo às transformações tecnológicas; formação de profissionais para atendimento à terceira idade perpassando o ensino, pesquisa e extensão e o atendimento hospitalar às pessoas idosas. Conclui-se que o desenvolvimento de políticas de envelhecimento e a formação de recursos humanos para o atendimento de pessoas idosas, possibilitam mudanças a respeito da concepção de velhice, promovendo a qualidade de vida do idoso.
Melatonin enhances salt tolerance by promoting CcCAD10-mediated lignin biosynthesis in pigeon pea
Authors: FENG PAN , Li Hongquan , Qu Ming , An Xiaoli , Yang Jie , Yujie Fu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Melatonin plays an important role in improving plant resistance to salt stress by regulating biosynthesis of specialized metabolites. Phenylpropanoids, especially lignin, contribute to all aspects of plant responses towards biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the crosstalk between melatonin and lignin is largely unknown in pigeon pea under salt stress. In this study, the cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase CcCAD10 was identified to be involved in melatonin treatment and salt stress. The content of lignin was increased substantially in CcCAD10 over-expression (OE) lines, the activities of antioxidant enzyme was increased, indicating enhanced salt resistance. As a parallel branch of the lignin synthesis pathway, the content of flavonoids was further determined. The accumulations of luteolin, genistin, genistein, biochain A, apigenin and isovitexin were down-regulated in CcCAD10-OE hairy root. The results indicate that CcCAD10-OE mediated carbon flow from the phenylalanine pathway is redirected to the lignin pathway at the expense of less carbon flow in the flavonoid pathway, enhancing the salt-tolerance. Furthermore, we found the exogenous melatonin stimulated endogenous melatonin production mainly by upregulating the expression of CcASMT2 gene. This study found a new way for melatonin to improve the salt tolerance of pigeon pea, which laid a foundation for exploring the molecular mechanism of melatonin in salt stress response.
Characteristics of GTF2I L424H Mutated Thymoma and its Prognostic Impact: A Comprehensive Study
Authors: Tan Sheng , Li Shaojie , Zhao Xiaokai , Yang Pengmin , Liu Xia , Zhou Caihong , Hu Xuejiao , Li Jieyi , Gong Ziying , Zhang Daoyun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Thymic Epithelial Tumor (TET), a rare thoracic tumor, including thymoma and thymic carcinoma, has limited research on thymoma prognostic markers compared to thymic carcinoma. Using the cBiportal database, we analyzed gene expression, methylation, and mutation data in TETs. We explored the relationship between the GTF2I L424H mutation and thymoma pathology through differential gene expression, pathway enrichment analyses, and COX regression to develop a thymoma risk score. Compared with GTF2I wild-type, patients harboring GTF2I L424H mutation displayed distinctive gene expression and methylation profiles, resembling differences between pathology low-risk and high-risk patients. Importantly, patients with the GTF2I L424H mutation demonstrated a better prognosis than wild-type patients, but no such distinction was noted between low-risk and high-risk patients. Pathway analysis suggested that the mutation potentially regulates tumor development-related pathways, including the P53, Hippo, and TGFβ signaling pathways, ECM-receptor interaction, and tumor immune cell infiltration. Additionally, ten hub genes identified by cytoHubba, FGF20, FGF10, EGF, and TWIST1 were selected by stepwise multivariate Cox regression to construct a risk score model for thymoma. These findings highlight the potential role of the GTF2I L424H mutation as a prognostic factor, advocating for genetic profiling in personalized treatment strategies.
Montmorillonite as an “accelerator” for the microbial carbonpumpduring artificial biocrust construction
Authors: Zhang Cui , Zhou Keqiang , Wang Zhen , Zhou Zhou , Meza J. Viridiana García , Song Shaoxiao , Kim H , Montes María Luciana , Benzaazoua Mostafa , Xia Ling 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims
Artificial biocrusts play a crucial role as a carbon pool in reversing desertification. However, current research has focused predominantly on the microbes, neglecting the effect of clay minerals on the biocrust carbon pump.
Methods
This study constructed clay-based artificial biocrusts and investigated the effect of clay minerals on the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation. The co-inoculation of montmorillonite (MMT) and Microcoleus vaginatus was carried out, and parameters related to SOC accumulation were determined, including microbial biomass carbon, the content of SOC, and chlorophyll a (Chl-a).
Results
The experimental results demonstrated that the SOC contents in the MMT-algae (≥ 1.4 g dm− 2) inoculation groups were over 3.45 times higher than those in the algae group on day 84, with 1.4 g dm− 2 as the optimal amount of MMT added. Furthermore, MMT played a crucial role in microbial growth and SOC stability, with microbial proliferation being the primary driver of SOC accumulation. Moreover, MMT favored microorganisms with strong photosynthetic capabilities.
Conclusion
MMT can serve as an accelerator for the microbial carbon pump during the construction of artificial biocrusts. This study provided a feasible solution and a reliable theoretical foundation for the accelerated restoration of desertification areas.
Search for the elusive haplotype of the APOE polymorphism associated with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Cheema Asma Naseer , Lawrence Elizabeth , Zafari Narges , Fan Kang-Hsien , Shi Ruyu , Aslam Muhammad Muaaz , Acharya Vibha , Holderman Alayna Jean , Bedison Annie , Feingold Eleanor , Kamboh M. Ilyas 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The common APOE2/E3/E4 polymorphism is determined by two-site haplotypes: C112R and R158C. Due to strong linkage disequilibrium between the two sites, three of the four expected haplotypes/alleles (E2, E3, E4) have been observed. Compared to the most common haplotype of E3 (C112 – R158), the E4 (R112 – R158) and E2 (C112 – C158) haplotypes are determined by a single-point mutation at codons 112 and 158, respectively. The fourth haplotype (E5) having mutations at both sites (R112–C158) has been reported only as an incidental finding in three kindreds. To our knowledge, no systematic search has been done to determine its distribution in the general population. The objective of this study was to search for the elusive haplotype in 355 APOE 2/4 subjects derived from 14,819 genotyped subjects. A DNA fragment of 177bp from APOE 2/4 subjects was subcloned into competent bacterial cells to construct the phased haplotype clones followed by Sanger sequencing. We also used Whole-genome sequencing and RFLP assay to search for the fourth haplotype. All three strategies confirmed that the E4 and E2 alleles are present on opposite chromosomes, with no example having both alleles on the same chromosome, suggesting E5 might have minimum effect, if any, on disease risk.
Leveraging Transferable Multimodal Deep Learning for the Rational Design and Functional Application of Perovskite Materials
Authors: Shao Shaofeng , Yan Liangwei , Li Jiale , Zhang Yizhou , Zhang Jun , Kim Hyoun Woo , Kim Sang Sub 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Perovskite materials have emerged as a focal point in materials science due to their compositional diversity and structural uniqueness. However, the vast combinatorial possibilities of these materials pose challenges for traditional experimental and computational methods in identifying the optimal compounds. This study aims to systematically explore their application potential through a transferable multimodal deep learning approach. By formatting and standardizing one million abstracts from materials science literature using predefined rules and functions, the processed data becomes suitable for further analysis or machine learning tasks such as text classification and entity recognition. Compound vector representations were constructed and designed, followed by training lanthanide metal ions, transition metal ions, and ligand word vectors using the Word2Vec model. The correlations between compounds and keywords such as gas sensors, perovskites, heterojunctions, and crystal structures were computed. These correlation rankings provided foundational predictions for the crystal graph convolutional neural network (CGCNN) model. A dataset of 110,000 crystallographic information files (CIF) was loaded using predefined rules and functions to train and evaluate the CGCNN model. The processed data was used to predict the properties and characteristics of materials identified by the Word2Vec model. By loading the CIF files of the predicted materials, structural objects were created, surfaces generated, and adsorption model diagrams plotted to assess the optimal adsorption surfaces and sites, thereby achieving transferable multimodal deep learning. Experimental validation of the predicted results demonstrated excellent sensing performance. Our findings indicate a high correlation between the predicted properties and experimental results, validating the robustness of our approach.
Predicting Progression-free Survival in Primary Liver Cancer Patients via Radiomics from DSA during TACE
Authors: Liu Yong-fa , Cui Cheng , Gao Ben-jian , Luo Bin , Peng Fang-yi , Hu Shuai , Liu Lin-xin , Bai Xue-cheng , Li Yaling , Yang Xiaoli , Li Bo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aimed to establish a radiomics model based on DSA during TACE to predict transcatheter arterial chemoembolization in patients with PLC who have undergone TACE treatment.
Methods: A retrospective cohort of 133 TACE patients split into training (79) and validation (54) sets extracted radiomics features from DSA images, followed by consistency assessment, feature dimension reduction, and computation of the radiomics score (Radscore). Radiomics models, clinical models, and combined radiomics and clinical models were established on the basis of the Radscore and independent clinical risk factors. Goodness-of-fit assessments were performed for all the models, and calibration and decision curves were used to evaluated their calibration ability and clinical utility.
Results: After applying multiple feature reduction methods, 15 radiomics features were ultimately selected to calculate the Radscore. The mPFS in the low-risk group was significantly longer than that in the high-risk group (training: 15.7 vs. 5.5 months, P < 0.001; validation: 9.3 vs. 2.4 months, P = 0.0012). The combined model outperformed both radiomics and clinical models with higher AUCs, better AIC and BIC values, and a higher log-likelihood. Calibration curves and decision curves confirmed its superior predictive accuracy and clinical utility.
Conclusion: The Radscore based on DSA radiomics features can be used to stratify patients into risk groups, and nomograms based on intraoperative DSA radiomics and clinical indicators during TACE constitute a novel strategy to predict PFS in PLC patients receiving TACE treatment.
“Developing and testing the Effectiveness of integrated skills laboratory practical demonstration frame work in a 5-step Afrocentric pedagogy on instructors and nursing student’s knowledge, attitude and utilization in Tanzania: Mixed Method study”
Authors: Haddy Khadija Aboud , Millanzi Walter C. , Moshi Fabiola V. 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

BackgroundNurses and midwives competencies can be strengthened through proper skills lab utilization when schooling. So as to ensure safe and quality care provision. The aim of this study is to develop and test the effectiveness of the integrated skills lab practical demonstration (ISLPD) frame work for improving skills lab utilization among instructors and nursing students in a learner-centered approach, that’s focusing on active student participation and assessmentMethodsExplorative mixed method study will use descriptive qualitative research to assess the feasibility and acceptability of an ISLPD framework, followed by a longitudinal controlled quasi-experimental design to measure instructors' and students' knowledge, attitude and skills lab utilization.DiscussionThe study aims to address SDG 3 and 4 by producing skilled nurses. It develops a pedagogical approach to motivate clinical instructors and students to use skills labs effectively. The findings will inform universities, professional bodies, and policymakers about the effectiveness of the pedagogy as well as identify gaps for future research on strengthening nursing education in Tanzania.
URMAP: Ultralightweight Resilient Mutual Authentication Protocol
Authors: Khalid Madiha , Najam-ul-Islam Muhammad , Mujahid Umar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

IoT devices collect and process information from remote locations and have significantly increased the productivity of ubiquitous networks. Smart sensing devices spanning the IoT ecosystem do not have powerful processors and the amount of memory is usually measured in kilobytes, so the traditional mechanisms can not be installed on the sensing layer resource constraint devices. The ultrahigh-frequency passive RFID tags are the most adopted resource constraint IoT devices that use ultralightweight mutual authentication protocols for the authenticated encryption of the tag/reader communication. This paper introduces the Ultralightweight Resilient Mutual Authentication Protocol (URMAP), which uses quantum computing-inspired ultralightweight primitives, performs its security analysis, and validates its ultralightweight nature by proposing the hardware design.
Influences of light-dark cycle and water temperature on in vitro egg laying, hatching and survival rate of the monopisthocotyla Thaparocleidus vistulensis (Siwak, 1932)
Authors: SAJIRI Wan Muhammad Hazim WAN , SZÉKELY Csaba , SELLYEI Boglárka 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The European catfish (Silurus glanis) is an important species with high economic value, and its growing demand has led to intensive farming practices for it. However, this species is increasingly challenged by parasitic infections, particularly from a specific gill monopisthocotylan parasite called Thaparocleidus vistulensis. To establish effective management strategies, it is crucial to comprehend the fundamental environmental variables that could influence the reproductive and survival behaviour of T. vistulensis. The present study conducted controlled in vitro experiments to observe the fecundity, hatching rate, and survival ability of T. vistulensis under varying light-dark conditions, as well as across a range of water temperatures from 5°C to 35°C. Interestingly, light exposure led to a threefold increase in egg production by adult T. vistulensis compared to constant darkness. While light or dark conditions did not significantly affect the hatching and survival rate of adults, they did significantly affect the survival rate of oncomiracidia. The parasite’s fecundity was optimal at 15°C. Eggs hatched fastest at 30°C, whereas no hatching occurred at 5°C and 35°C. The survival rate for both oncomiracidia and adults showed a negative correlation with increasing water temperatures. These findings provide fundamental insights into how varying environmental variables impact the life cycle of the parasite. The improved understanding of these findings provides a valuable basis for the management of T. vistulensis in cultured European catfish stocks in fish farms.