bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of methylene blue by hydrochar modified from hydrothermal carbonization technique
Authors: Amer Mohammad W. , Khdeir Eman M. , Barzagli Francesco , Taha Mustafa A. , Alsalti Heba M. , Ibrahim Elias N. , Almassi Rahaf A. , Hasoneh Ahmad R. , Rasheed Mohammed Y. , Al‐Jawasrah Raid 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study explores the adsorption potential of hydrothermally treated waste derived algal biomass for removing methylene blue (MB) dye. Synthesizing a modified hydrochar through hydrothermal carbonization (150°C, 35 bar) followed by NaOH modification, we observed enhanced thermal stability and distinctive chemical changes. Optimal conditions were determined at pH 6 and 1 h contact time. Soluble salts with cations were identified as impacting adsorption efficiency, with increased interference for higher cation charges. Thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH, and ΔS) indicated a spontaneous and exothermic process, the calculated values (−5.417 to −6.907 kJ mol−1, −29.0 kJ mol−1, −73.8 J K−1 mol−1) aligned with this behavior. Adsorption isotherms favored the Freundlich model, revealing heterogeneous multilayer adsorption, with a maximum capacity of 97%. Kinetic studies supported the pseudo‐first‐order model. This detailed exploration provides insights into thermodynamics, kinetics, and the impact of adsorption parameters on MB removal, emphasizing the practicality of alkaline‐modified hydrochar as an effective, sustainable adsorbent.
Hydrogen Storage Studies of Nanocomposites Derived From O‐Ethyl‐S‐((5‐Methoxy‐1H‐Benzo[d]Imidazol‐2‐Yl)Carbonothioate (OESMBIC) With ZnO and TiO2 Nanoparticles
Authors: Alheety Nuaman F. , Raouafi Noureddine , Al‐Isawi Abdulsalam A. , Alheety Mustafa A. , Besbes Rafaâ 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT5‐Methoxy‐2‐mercaptobenzamidazole was used to synthesize O‐ethyl‐S‐(5‐methoxy‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐2‐yl) carbonothioate (OESMBIC) by the reaction with chloroacetic acid ethyl ester in a KOH solution. The reaction product (OESMBIC) was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), melting point, and 1H‐NMR. The characteristic results prove the formation of the target compound with high purity. Furthermore, the work includes the synthesis of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles via chemical methods in the high alkalinity solution. These nanoparticles were used to synthesize two novel nanocomposites named OESMBIC‐ZnO and OESMBIC‐TiO2. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, EDX, TEM, and XRD. The results prove that the prepared titanium oxide as nanotubes with diameters ranging between 20 and 35 nm decorated with OESMBIC. The results prove that ZnO in OESMBIC‐ZnO was found as nanorods with different lengths and diameters of 40–65 nm decorated with OESMBIC molecules. The as‐prepared compounds; OESMBIC, OESMBIC‐ZnO, and OESMBIC‐TiO2 were used for the hydrogen storage application using the VTI method. The results prove that the addition of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced the storage ability of OESMBIC as the OESMBIC gave only 0.50 wt% at an equilibrium pressure of 40 bar, while it reached 2.40 and 4.37 wt% at equilibrium pressures of 60 and 75 bar for OESMBIC‐ZnO and OESMBIC‐TiO2, respectively.
β‐Sitosterol—Dietary sources and role in cancer and diabetes management
Authors: Adhimoolam Karthikeyan , Sureshbabu Anjana , Smirnova Elena , Muthuramalingam Pandiyan , Do Thi Cat Tuong , Senthil Kalaiselvi , Min Taesun 
Published: September 2024

Abstractβ‐Sitosterol is a major bioactive constituent and the most abundant phytosterol in nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils. It is structurally similar to cholesterol, except for the addition of the ethyl group. The primary benefit of β‐sitosterol is that it lowers the body's absorption of low‐density lipoprotein, or “bad” cholesterol. Research efforts to date and information from the available literature have demonstrated that β‐sitosterol has many pharmacological benefits to improve human health; it effectively prevents heart diseases, cancer, and diabetes. To date, many investigations on β‐sitosterol have been conducted in in vitro and in vivo studies. There are considerable research gaps because there are almost no clinical studies to examine the safety and effectiveness of β‐sitosterol for various human diseases. This review aims to discuss the dietary sources and variations of β‐sitosterol in food crops and how it can successfully prevent cancer and diabetes, including the mechanism underlying these benefits. In addition, we also discuss the research gaps and provide our perspective on future research to propose β‐sitosterol as a nutraceutical candidate to prevent human diseases.
Language networks of normal‐hearing infants exhibit topological differences between resting and steady states: An fNIRS functional connectivity study
Authors: Paranawithana Ishara , Mao Darren , McKay Colette M. , Wong Yan T. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractTask‐related studies have consistently reported that listening to speech sounds activate the temporal and prefrontal regions of the brain. However, it is not well understood how functional organization of auditory and language networks differ when processing speech sounds from its resting state form. The knowledge of language network organization in typically developing infants could serve as an important biomarker to understand network‐level disruptions expected in infants with hearing impairment. We hypothesized that topological differences of language networks can be characterized using functional connectivity measures in two experimental conditions (1) complete silence (resting) and (2) in response to repetitive continuous speech sounds (steady). Thirty normal‐hearing infants (14 males and 16 females, age: 7.8 ± 4.8 months) were recruited in this study. Brain activity was recorded from bilateral temporal and prefrontal regions associated with speech and language processing for two experimental conditions: resting and steady states. Topological differences of functional language networks were characterized using graph theoretical analysis. The normalized global efficiency and clustering coefficient were used as measures of functional integration and segregation, respectively. We found that overall, language networks of infants demonstrate the economic small‐world organization in both resting and steady states. Moreover, language networks exhibited significantly higher functional integration and significantly lower functional segregation in resting state compared to steady state. A secondary analysis that investigated developmental effects of infants aged 6‐months or below and above 6‐months revealed that such topological differences in functional integration and segregation across resting and steady states can be reliably detected after the first 6‐months of life. The higher functional integration observed in resting state suggests that language networks of infants facilitate more efficient parallel information processing across distributed language regions in the absence of speech stimuli. Moreover, higher functional segregation in steady state indicates that the speech information processing occurs within densely interconnected specialized regions in the language network.
Human vaccine candidates for infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae: A systematic review
Authors: Motamed Hajar , Yari Farideh , Javadirad Etrat , Golmohammadi Sima , Alimoradi Saeed , Naleini Ronak , Chegene Lorestani Roya , Nemati Zargaran Fatemeh , Rostamian Mosayeb 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBackground and AimsThere are many difficulties in treating Klebsiella pneumoniae, necessitating the creation of more preventative/therapeutic measures like vaccinations. However, after numerous attempts, there is still no authorized and widely accessible vaccine. The present study aimed to systematically review published studies on K. pneumoniae vaccines in human subjects/samples.MethodsTo find published studies, several electronic databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, ClinicalKey, ClinicalTrials.gov, and Cochrane Library were searched without time limitation using the appropriate keywords. Studies were scrutinized, and the information from those that met our inclusion criteria was gathered and analyzed.ResultsIn total, 691 studies were found, of which 14 articles were included for systematic review. Bacterial lysate containing K. pneumoniae was the most studied vaccine candidate. As the main indicator of human immune responses to K. pneumoniae, antibody responses were determined by most studies. The antigen amount, the route of immunization, and the immunization schedule were varying in the studies and were chosen based on several factors such as the disease model, the vaccine type, the vaccination setting (prophylactic or therapeutic), and so on.ConclusionThe majority of studies asserted that their vaccination was efficient and safe, which was demonstrated by a decrease in the rate of infections and the induction of protective antibody, cell‐dependent, and/or cytokine responses. Altogether, the information provided here will help researchers examine the K. pneumoniae vaccine candidates more closely and take future actions that will be more consistently successful.
Early perspective taking predicts later cognitive flexibility: A longitudinal study
Authors: Kloo Daniela , Kaltefleiter Larissa J. , Sodian Beate 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPerspective taking and cognitive flexibility are important abilities for navigating our everyday lives. In this longitudinal study with 108 children (61 girls, mostly White), we investigated the developmental relation between Level 1 perspective taking at 27 months of age and Level 2 perspective taking at 52 months of age as well as relations to cognitive flexibility at 52 months of age. We found that early perspective taking was significantly related to later, more complex perspective taking abilities as well as to cognitive flexibility. This highlights the importance of early perspective taking abilities for later perspective understanding and flexible cognition.
The relationship between the tertiary lymphoid structure and immune‐infiltrating cells in gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yu Aoyang , Fan Zhixiang , Ma Luyao , Tang Juanjuan , Liu Wenlou , Han Zhengxiang , Wang Hongmei 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesThis study systematically evaluated the relationship between tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) and clinical pathological features as well as immune infiltrating cells in gastrointestinal cancers.MethodsWe searched Web of science, Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies that met the requirements as of July 1, 2023, and the odds ratio, the corresponding 95% confidence interval or mean and standard deviation, were included in the analysis.FindingsWe eventually included 20 studies, involving a total of 4856 patients. TLS were found to be significantly associated with T stage, N stage, TNM stage, and tumor size. Moreover, patients with positive TLS showed significantly elevated expression of T‐cell related markers, including CD3, CD4, CD8, CD45RO; B‐cell related markers, such as CD11c and CD20; and dendritic cell‐related marker CD103. On the other hand, positive TLS correlated significantly with low expression of FOXP3 and CD68. Additionally, there was a significant positive association between TLS and overall infiltration of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes.ConclusionThe presence of TLS is significantly correlated with the infiltration of various immune cells in gastrointestinal cancers. To determine the ideal balance between the presence of mature TLS and appropriate immune cell infiltration, further high‐quality and multicenter clinical studies need to be conducted.
Relationship between dietary inflammatory index, plant‐based dietary index, and bacterial vaginosis: A case–control study
Authors: Noormohammadi Morvarid , Eslamian Ghazaleh , Kazemi Seyyedeh Neda , Rashidkhani Bahram , Jafari Yeganeh Shirin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveBacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common inflammatory condition affecting the vaginal microbiome. In the present study we aimed to explore the relationship between dietary inflammatory index, plant‐based dietary index, and BV.MethodsIn this case–control study, 143 individuals with BV and 151 healthy participants aged 15–45 years were included. Bacterial vaginosis diagnosis was based on the Amsel criteria by a gynecologist. Participants' dietary intakes over the past year were assessed using a 168‐item food frequency questionnaire. Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the association between dietary inflammatory index, plant‐based dietary index, and BV odds.ResultsOur study revealed that elevated dietary inflammatory index scores were strongly associated with higher BV odds in the crude model (odds ratio [OR]: 2.88, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.57–5.30, P value <0.001), and even after accounting for potential confounding factors (adjusted OR: 3.52, 95% CI: 1.66–7.46, P value = 0.001). While no significant relationship was observed between total plant‐based dietary index and healthy plant‐based dietary index scores with BV odds, a clear positive association existed between unhealthy plant‐based dietary index and the odds of BV (aOR: 2.13, 95% CI: 1.09–4.15, P value = 0.018).ConclusionA positive correlation may exist between unhealthy plant‐based dietary index and the likelihood of BV. Furthermore, the dietary inflammatory index may remain linked to increased BV odds.
Psychometric analysis and validation of the SF‐34 PREG: An adaptation of the SF‐36 for assessing quality of life in pregnant women
Authors: Martín‐Vázquez Cristian , Urchaga‐Litago Jose David , García‐Fernández Rubén , Calvo‐Ayuso Natalia , Rosón‐Matilla Laura , Liébana‐Presa Cristina 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to perform a psychometric analysis of the 36‐item short form health survey (SF‐36) in a population of pregnant women and validate an adapted version of the instrument to measure health‐related quality of life specific to pregnancy.MethodsA cross‐sectional study design was carried out with data collection between 7 and 36 weeks of gestation, with a total sample of 547 pregnant women divided into two randomized subsamples. Data were collected between September 2021 and April 2023. An exploratory factor analysis was initially performed on one subsample, followed by a confirmatory factor analysis on the other. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, and correlations between factors were analyzed.ResultsResults from the exploratory factor analysis proposed a seven‐factor model explaining 56% of the variance. All proposed dimensions achieved Cronbach's alpha scores above 0.75, with a total test score of 0.92. Furthermore, all dimensions exhibited positive and statistically significant correlations. Bartlett's test of sphericity and the Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin test yielded values of 5599 (P < 0.001) and 0.871, respectively. The confirmatory factor analysis reaffirmed this model with good fit indices: χ2 792 (P < 0.001), comparative fit index (CFI) and Tucker–Lewis index (TLI) >0.90, and standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) and root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) <0.06.ConclusionThis study developed and validated the “SF‐34 PREG,” an adapted version of the SF‐36, specifically designed for pregnant women. The SF‐34 PREG demonstrated high reliability and a robust factorial structure, making it a more precise and relevant tool for assessing health‐related quality of life during pregnancy. Although it does not include the social functioning dimension of the original SF‐36, the SF‐34 PREG offers improved relevance and accuracy for this specific population. Further research and clinical use of the SF‐34 PREG are recommended.
Thiouracil and triazole conjugate induces autophagy through the downregulation of Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Yoon Bada , Basappa Basappa , Basappa Shreeja , Nagaraju Omantheswara , Madegowda Mahendra , Rangappa K. S. , Sethi Gautam , Ahn Kwang Seok 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAutophagy is vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis by breaking down unnecessary organelles and proteins within cells. Its activity varies abnormally in several diseases, including cancer, making it a potential target for therapeutic strategies. The Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway significantly impacts cancer by stabilizing β‐catenin protein and promoting the transcription of its target genes. Therefore, we aimed to identify candidate substances targeting this signaling pathway. We designed and tested a thiouracil conjugate, discovering that TTP‐8 had anti‐tumor effects on human breast cancer cell lines MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB231. Our findings showed that TTP‐8 upregulated the expression of LC3 protein, a marker of autophagy in breast cancer cells, suggesting that TTP‐8 might induce autophagy. Further analysis confirmed an increase in autophagy‐related proteins, with consistent results obtained from flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Interestingly, the induction of LC3 expression by TTP‐8 was even more pronounced in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB231 cells transfected with β‐catenin siRNA. Thus, our research supports the idea that the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway influences the regulation of autophagy‐related proteins, thereby inducing autophagy. This suggests that TTP‐8 could serve as a novel agent for treating breast cancer.
Research on the aerodynamic characteristics of dragonfly leading edge
Authors: Hu Yanjuan , Zhu Chengyu , Liu Qiang , Zhu Duanyi , Xue Jiaheng , Li Qiang , Zhou Xiaoqin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDragonflies are some of the most stable and maneuverable flying organisms. To explore the mechanism of how dragonfly leading edges enhance flight lift, this article conducts a detailed study on the leading edge veins and the microstructures on them of dragonfly wings. Observations have discovered the special leading edge vein and the regularly distributed microstructures on the leading edge vein. A biomimetic model has been established, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis has been conducted on the biomimetic model. The analysis explores the effects of microstructure characteristics, distribution patterns, and positions on the aerodynamic characteristics of dragonfly gliding. The analysis shows that the leading edge structure influences the incoming flow, simultaneously promotes the formation of the leading edge vortex (LEV), and increases the lift‐to‐drag ratio by up to 4%. A wing prototype featuring biomimetic microstructures is subsequently fabricated and tested in wind tunnel experiments. Compared with a control group without leading edge structures, the airflow passing through the biomimetic structures is influenced by the shape and arrangement of these structures. The smoother transition of the leading edge vein's shape facilitates the flow of air. The microstructures primarily filter and accelerate the airflow. The spacing of the microstructures affects the stability of the airflow, thereby influencing aerodynamic performance. Additionally, the middle‐row arrangement of microstructures is more beneficial for gliding conditions, while the upper‐row arrangement is more advantageous for flapping conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of insect wings and advance micro aerial vehicle applications.Research HighlightsThis study observed the leading‐edge veins and microstructures of dragonfly wings in detail. Using a biomimetic model and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations, it was found that these leading‐edge structures promote the formation of leading‐edge vortices (LEV), increasing the lift‐to‐drag ratio by up to 4%. Wind tunnel experiments demonstrated that wings with biomimetic microstructures significantly improved airflow smoothness and lift compared with control wings. Additionally, the arrangement of microstructures greatly affects airflow stability and aerodynamic performance, with middle‐row arrangements being more beneficial for gliding and upper‐row arrangements for flapping conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of insect wings and provide innovative guidance for designing efficient micro aerial vehicles.
Influence of earthworm population density on the performance of vermifiltration for treating liquid dairy manure
Authors: Miito Gilbert J. , Alege Femi , Harrison Joe , Ndegwa Pius 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe dairy industry has seen notable changes in the last couple of decades, including increased size of farms and regional concentrations of dairies. This has resulted in substantial manure production in small geographical areas, raising environmental concerns. Vermifiltration, an emerging low cost and eco‐friendly technology for treating wastewater, was evaluated to assess the influence of earthworm population density on the performance of a laboratory‐scale vermifilter treating liquid dairy manure. We monitored the reduction efficiencies of various components, including total nitrogen (TN), ammonium‐nitrogen (NH4+‐N), nitrate‐nitrogen (NO3−‐N), total phosphorus (TP), orthophosphate (ortho‐P), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS), and total suspended solids (TSS), in treated dairy wastewater. This evaluation was conducted at 0; 5000; 10,000; and 15,000 earthworm densities per cubic meter (m−3) of bedding. Reduction efficiencies of 41%–89% (TN), 46%–86% (NH4+‐N), 34%–74% (NO3−‐N), 3%–17% (TP), 18%–38% (ortho‐P), 35%–66% (COD), 24%–54% (TS), and 50%–87% (TSS) were observed with higher earthworm densities exhibiting greater reduction efficiencies. Notably, the densities of Eisenia fetida at 10,000 and 15,000 earthworms m−3 showed no significant difference in vermifilter performance. This suggests that increasing the Eisenia fetida density beyond 10,000 earthworms m−3 may not further improve the vermifilter's performance in treating dairy wastewater. This study's findings indicate that using vermifiltration with an earthworm population density of 10,000 earthworms m−3 could effectively mitigate the negative environmental impact of liquid dairy wastewater at a low cost and sustainably.