bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preserving Quality of Button Mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) Using Nano-chitosan-Aloe Vera Coating with Tomato Seed Protein Hydrolyzate
Authors: Falahati Mahsa , Ariaii Peiman , Khoshkhoo Zhaleh , Asadi Gholamhassan , Hosseini Seyed Ebrahim 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) is a widely consumed edible mushroom, but its quality deteriorates rapidly after harvest. Therefore, the use of edible coatings with natural preservative compounds is essential to delay and reduce microbial growth and maintain mushroom quality. This study examined the effects of a nano-chitosan (NC)-aloe vera (AV) edible coating combined with tomato seed protein hydrolyzate (TPH) as a natural preservative on the chemical, microbial, and organoleptic properties of button mushrooms. TPH was initially prepared using the enzyme Alcalase. Five edible films containing NC, NC-AV, and varying concentrations of TPH (0%, 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%) were then produced. The shelf lives of coated mushrooms were evaluated during 16 days of refrigerated storage (4 ± 1°C). Results showed that the TPH had high levels of protein (90.16%), hydrophobic amino acids (31.78%), and aromatic amino acids (11.74%). The produced films exhibited high antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with improved results observed at increased concentrations of TPH. Compared to uncoated mushrooms, the nanocomposite coatings significantly reduced physicochemical changes, quality degradation, and microbial spoilage. Increased concentrations of TPH further enhanced browning inhibition, free radical scavenging, and microbial spoilage reduction (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation indicated that the sample containing 1.5% TPH had the highest overall acceptance. The use of a NC-AV composite coating containing TPH can be an effective method for extending the shelf life of white button mushrooms.
Systemic sclerosis associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension: Focus on the visceral form of the disease
Authors: Yudkina N. N. , Nevretdinov T. I. , Volkov A. V. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction. Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disease with the development of obliterating arteriolopathy and active fibrosis formation both in internal organs and in the skin. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a life-threatening manifestation of systemic sclerosis, leading to death if diagnosed late. The search for predictors, as well as associated disease phenotypes, can facilitate early diagnosis and improve prognosis.Aim. To characterize the features of the visceral form in comparison with the limited variant in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic sclerosis.Materials and methods. 14 patients with visceral and 63 with a limited variant of systemic sclerosis associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension were studied. The diagnosis of systemic sclerosis was established based on the 2013 ACR-EULAR criteria; pulmonary arterial hypertension was verified by right heart catheterization. In all patients, other causes of pulmonary hypertension – heart disease, lung disease, thrombophilia were excluded.Results. At the time of inclusion in the study, patients with visceral systemic sclerosis were younger (48 (35; 56) years) than those with limited systemic sclerosis (54 (49; 63) years, but the differences only approached significant (p = 0.057). All patients had the Raynaud’s syndrome, with limited systemic sclerosis, digital ischemic disorders were more often observed (41% compared to 14%, p = 0.11). Anticentromere antibodies caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension predominated; antibodies to topoisomerase-I were detected only in two patients with limited systemic sclerosis. The severity index was significantly higher in patients with limited systemic sclerosis (p < 0.05). The clinical manifestations of pulmonary arterial hypertension in both groups were also the same. When studying central hemodynamics, no significant differences were found. The median follow-up of patients was 68 (39; 111) months. Survival also did not differ: with visceral systemic sclerosis it was 63 (40; 99) months, with limited systemic sclerosis – 69 (36; 116) months.Conclusion. A comparative analysis demonstrated the similarity of the two systemic sclerosis phenotypes, which suggests the universality of approaches to the early diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension.
A mycorrhizal inoculation strategy that improves the morphology of biofilter plants
Authors: Tian Kanglin , Lintern Anna , Palacios Yussi M. , Winfrey Brandon 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Mycorrhizal inoculation is widely used to promote plant growth and establishment in the horticultural sector. However, there is no recommended guidance or experiment that shows how often these plants should be inoculated with mycorrhizal fungi to support growth and drought resilience of streetside stormwater biofilter plants. Hence, we evaluated the effect of re-inoculation on three Australian biofilter species by exposing 45 pots inoculated at three levels (control, inoculated, and re-inoculated) to an extended period of drought for 4 weeks. We monitored the water-use indicators during the dry period until evapotranspiration dropped significantly when plants were drought-stressed. This was followed by three weeks of re-watering. We found re-inoculation improved the mycorrhizal colonization, average root diameter, and root surface area. The response to re-inoculation was species-specific; for example, re-inoculated Juncus pallidus developed six times longer thick root lengths compared to the control, but root traits were not affected by re-inoculation in Ficinia nodosa and Gahnia sieberiana. Increasing root density and thickness, facilitated by higher inoculation frequency, may improve pollutant removal and hydraulic conductivity and evapotranspiration in biofilter systems. A direct increase in evapotranspiration can also facilitate reduction in stormwater runoff following a wet season.
Assessment of flash flood risks in the desert cities: a case study on Sabah Al-Ahmad, Kuwait
Authors: Hassan Ahmed , Albanai Jasem A. , Al-Ali Jasem , Fayad Mahmoud , A. Atalla Mohamed , Abdelkarim Ashraf , Badawy Hesham 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT
Flash floods from rainstorms pose a severe natural hazard, especially dangerous in arid regions. This has occurred multiple times in Kuwait: in 1967, 1997, 2009, 2013, 2018, and 2020. For example, about 300 mm of rain beset the State of Kuwait on the 14th and 15th of November 2018. Subsequently, Sabah Al-Ahmad City was declared an environmental disaster zone, grappling with extensive water accumulation in its roads, urban zones, and surrounding valleys. This study focuses on (i) monitoring the hydro-geomorphological impacts of the floods on Sabah Al-Ahmad City and (ii) assessing the strategic plan to diminish flood risks, aiming to prevent a recurrence akin to the catastrophic events during rainstorms. (iii) proposing a protection plan for the city. The research employs various methodologies, including drones (UAV), field surveys, hydrological modelling, digital elevation model analysis, and spatial analysis of multi-spectral satellite imagery. These methods are instrumental in comprehending how flash floods impact the sustainable development of urban areas in Kuwait. Our approach is designed to support decision-makers and urban planners, enabling them to proactively identify flood-prone zones before future urban development initiatives in Kuwait.
Preparation, Characterization and Quantification of Mangiferin in Mangiferin-loaded Microspheres
Authors: Yadav Swati , Harwansh Ranjit K. 
Published: September 2024

Introduction:
Mangiferin shows great promise as a potent drug for a wide variety of
diseases. Its low bioavailability and poor water solubility, however, restrict its therapeutic use.

Methods:
The aim of the study goal was to systematically design a UV-spectroscopy method for
mangiferin quantification in analytical samples that is quick, easy, and very sensitive. In order to
validate the method, UV spectroscopy was used to check for specificity, accuracy, precision, and
linearity. The models were constructed with Design ExpertⓇ V.10 and optimised using Box-
Behnken Design (BBD), a three-factor and three-level procedure.

Results:
The devised method demonstrated good levels of sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and
precision, according to the results. The absorbance and concentration showed a strong linear relationship
in the given 5-25 μg/ml range for several wavelengths, with correlation coefficients of
0.989, 0.982, 0.905, and 0.896 at 364.5, 370, 378, and 265nm, respectively. The intraday precision
was 0.788 at 364.5 nm, 0.801 at 370 nm, 0.739 at 378 nm, and 0.721 at 256 nm for the concentration
of 20 μg/ml. Particle size and entrapment efficiency, two dependent variables in the microspheres
formulation, were best suited by the models derived when the observed responses were fitted
to the design. Microspheres had a high entrapment efficiency and were microsized. Interestingly,
drug-encapsulated microspheres containing mangiferin maintained the spherical shape.

Conclusion:
The existence of well-resolved peaks and good recovery of mangiferin in the analytical
method for analysis makes it ideal and acceptable for further use.
Preparation and Characterization of Silver Sulfide Nanoparticle (Ag2S)-Coated Chitosan for the Delivery Of Methotrexate
Authors: Maghami Nazaninzahra , Mokhtary Masoud 
Published: September 2024

Background:
The preparation of nanoparticles with the efficiency of treatment and diagnosis
at the same time has received more and more attention in recent years. Metal nanoparticles
are one of the best candidates for this purpose.

Methods:
Silver sulfide nanoparticle (Ag2S) coated with chitosan was synthesized and then
methotrexate was loaded, and then the anticancer property of the synthesized nanoparticles was examined
on the cancer cells. Synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using DLS, TEM, FTIR,
XRD and UV-Vis techniques. Then, the hemolytic activity of synthesized nanoparticles was evaluated
using human red blood cells. Finally, the anticancer effect of synthesized nanoparticles on
4T1 cancer cells was investigated. In this study, Ag2S@CS nanoparticles were synthesized using
the mineralization method. Next, methotrexate was loaded in the synthesized nanoparticles.
Ag2S@CS-MTX nanoparticles have an average size of approximately 24.02 ± 6.5 nm, with a
spherical shape.

Results:
The synthesized nanoparticles showed a hydrodynamic size of 119.9 nm. The size obtained
from DLS analysis is slightly larger than the size obtained from TEM analysis for Ag2S@CS-
MTX nanoparticles. Ag2S@CS-MTX nanoparticles have a negative surface charge and tend to
repel each other, so they do not show a tendency to aggregate, for this reason it can provide colloidal
stability.

Conclusion:
Examining the toxicity effect of synthesized nanoparticles on 4T1 cell line showed
that Ag2S@CS nanoparticles had no significant toxicity effect on 4T1 cell line, but Ag2S@CS-
MTX system showed significant toxicity with increasing concentration.
Maximizing the IRS’s Gains in NLOS Communication through Optimal Positioning
Authors: Munira Anne N. , Muguro Joseph , Njeri Waweru 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Recently, an IRS has been proposed as a low-cost and effective solution
for performance improvement in wireless communication. However, the configuration and setup
necessary to derive optimal results have not been identified yet.

Objective:
The paper seeks to build the knowledge by investigating the effects of IRS in the LOS
and NLOS environment to verify the achievable gains from each and examine how different IRS
positions impact the BER.

Methods:
An IRS model was simulated in MATLAB to investigate the channel capacity gain of
an IRS in LOS and NLOS scenarios for the verification of performance gains. Further, the effects
of the IRS positioning (with respect to transmitter and end-user) on the BER were investigated.

Results:
The channel capacity of an IRS system was found to be lower by 12Mbps compared to
that of a direct link in a LOS scenario. This demonstrates that a passive IRS is only beneficial in
the absence of a line of sight. In the case of a NLOS, for an SNR of 50, MIMO transmitter diversity
and receiver diversity had channel capacities of 1.0 Mbps and 4.5 Mbps, respectively while the
IRS system achieved 22 Mbps. As such, it is more beneficial to create an alternative path via the
IRS than to increase the number of transmit or receive antennas. The positioning of the IRS had a
significant impact on the BER. From the results, positioning the IRS mid-way between the AP and
STA led to up to 57.69% improvements in BER compared to close to STA or close to AP arrangements.

Conclusion:
The results prove that an IRS is a cost-effective, low-power consumption solution for
overcoming challenges associated with NLOS communication. The work also identified the ideal
positioning of the IRS to be the midpoint between AP and STA, for the WLAN system. Further
research will be needed to verify performance in other systems.
Review on Intrinsic Shape of Elliptical Galaxies
Authors: Singh Arun Kumar , Tripathi Mukta 
Published: September 2024

:
Elliptical galaxies, as one of the fundamental types of galaxies, have attracted astronomers
due to their intriguing properties. In this review, we explore the intrinsic shape of elliptical
galaxies, a field that plays a pivotal role in understanding their formation, evolution, and interactions
within the cosmos. Methods for intrinsic shape determination using photometric and kinematic
methods are extensively discussed. The use of photometric data and surface brightness profiles
to derive the intrinsic shapes of elliptical galaxies is examined and triaxial models are reviewed.
Constraining the intrinsic shapes of elliptical galaxies is crucial to understanding their
formation histories. Elliptical galaxies are characterized by their ellipsoidal, rather than disk-like,
shapes, and understanding the underlying factors and their intrinsic shapes of elliptical galaxies
determination provides valuable insights into their formation, evolution, and the broader context
of galaxy morphology. One key aspect of studying the intrinsic shape of elliptical galaxies involves
the analysis of their axial ratios, which describe the flattening of the galaxy along different
axes. The axial ratio is defined as the ratio of the semi-minor axis to the semi-major axis of the
ellipse representing the galaxy's cross-section. The intrinsic shape can vary from nearly spherical
(axial ratio close to 1) to highly elongated (axial ratio significantly different from 1).
Associations Among Cardiometabolic Risk Factors, Sleep Duration, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in a Southeastern US Rural Community: Cross-Sectional Analysis From the SLUMBRx-PONS Study
Authors: Knowlden Adam P , Winchester Lee J , MacDonald Hayley V , Geyer James D , Higginbotham John C 
Published: September 2024

Background
Short sleep and obstructive sleep apnea are underrecognized strains on the public health infrastructure. In the United States, over 35% of adults report short sleep and more than 80% of individuals with obstructive sleep apnea remain undiagnosed. The associations between inadequate sleep and cardiometabolic disease risk factors have garnered increased attention. However, challenges persist in modeling sleep-associated cardiometabolic disease risk factors.

Objective
This study aimed to report early findings from the Short Sleep Undermines Cardiometabolic Health-Public Health Observational study (SLUMBRx-PONS).

Methods
Data for the SLUMBRx-PONS study were collected cross-sectionally and longitudinally from a nonclinical, rural community sample (n=47) in the southeast United States. Measures included 7 consecutive nights of wrist-based actigraphy (eg, mean of 7 consecutive nights of total sleep time [TST7N]), 1 night of sleep apnea home testing (eg, apnea-hypopnea index [AHI]), and a cross-sectional clinical sample of anthropometric (eg, BMI), cardiovascular (eg, blood pressure), and blood-based biomarkers (eg, triglycerides and glucose). Correlational analyses and regression models assessed the relationships between the cardiometabolic disease risk factors and the sleep indices (eg, TST7N and AHI). Linear regression models were constructed to examine associations between significant cardiometabolic indices of TST7N (model 1) and AHI (model 2).

Results
Correlational assessment in model 1 identified significant associations between TST7N and AHI (r=–0.45, P=.004), BMI (r=–0.38, P=.02), systolic blood pressure (r=0.40, P=.01), and diastolic blood pressure (r=0.32, P=.049). Pertaining to model 1, composite measures of AHI, BMI, systolic blood pressure, and diastolic blood pressure accounted for 25.1% of the variance in TST7N (R2adjusted=0.25; F2,38=7.37; P=.002). Correlational analyses in model 2 revealed significant relationships between AHI and TST7N (r=–0.45, P<.001), BMI (r=0.71, P<.001), triglycerides (r=0.36, P=.03), and glucose (r=0.34, P=.04). Results from model 2 found that TST7N, triglycerides, and glucose accounted for 37.6% of the variance in the composite measure of AHI and BMI (R2adjusted=0.38; F3,38=8.63; P<.001).

Conclusions
Results from the SLUMBRx-PONS study highlight the complex interplay between sleep-associated risk factors for cardiometabolic disease. Early findings underscore the need for further investigations incorporating the collection of clinical, epidemiological, and ambulatory measures to inform public health, health promotion, and health education interventions addressing the cardiometabolic consequences of inadequate sleep.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
RR2-10.2196/27139
Clinical epidemiology of metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in overweight and obese children
Authors: Starets O.O. , Khimenko T.M. , Shapovalenko I.Y. 
Published: September 2024

Background. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver diseases in overweight/obese children. The aim was to study the frequency of MAFLD and to identify the risk factors that are potentially associated with this disease in overweight/obese children. Materials and methods. The study was conducted in 2020–2023. Inclusion criteria were body mass index > 85th percentile for age/gender, child’s age from 6 to 18 years. We used screening criteria to diagnose MAFLD: an increased level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 80 U/L at the first visit, or a persistently elevated (> 3 months) ALT level to twice the upper limit of normal (in girls, ALT ≥ 44 U/L, in boys, ALT ≥ 52 U/L). At the second stage of the study, we analysed factors potentially associated with MAFLD. All stages of the work were carried out taking into account the bioethical norms of the Declaration of Helsinki. Results. MAFLD is a common metabolic condition in overweight/obese children and its frequency in the studied cohort was 22 %. The development of MAFLD in overweight/obese children is associated with the following factors: male gender (odds ratio (OR) = 2.06), intrauterine growth restriction (OR = 4.09), formula feeding (OR = 2.54), family history of type 2 diabetes (OR = 2.55), high consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates (OR = 3.31), sedentary lifestyle (OR = 10.16), obesity (OR = 48.15), prehypertension (OR = 4.41), prediabetes/type 2 diabetes (OR = 2.37), vitamin D deficiency (OR = 2.40). Conclusions. The inclusion of the above-mentioned risk factors in the screening algorithm for overweight/obese children will help in early detection, treatment and prevention of MAFLD in this age cohort.
Risk factors associated with the incidence of asthma among adolescents in Ukraine
Authors: Mozyrska O.V. , Iemets O.V. 
Published: September 2024

Background. Asthma is a common disease among children and adolescents. The purpose of this study was to describe the detailed characteristics of adolescents with asthma, identify risk factors associated with the development of asthma and to evaluate medical care for patients with asthma. Materials and methods. Asthma patients (n = 80) aged 12 to 18 years from the Allergology Department of the Kyiv City Children’s Clinical Hospital 2, the clinical base of the Department of Pediatrics 2 of the Bogomolets National Medical University, were included in the study. The control group consisted of 120 children without asthma. In the group of interviewed children, asthma was diagnosed based on clinical data and objective measurement of lung function. All children underwent spirometry and skin prick test with aeroallergens. During the clinical examination, weight and height were measured, and body mass index was calculated. The survey was conducted by a research doctor using a Google form. Results. Parents of 80 children with asthma were involved in our survey between September 2023 and May 2024. Asthma occurred more often in boys than in girls: odds ratio (OR) = 7.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.84–14.16, P < 0.0001). 31.25 % respondents reported a history of atopic dermatitis, 26.25 % had atopic dermatitis at the time of the study. Food allergy was detected in 25 % children. 48.75 % children had concomitant allergic rhinitis, of which 33.75 % had seasonal, 15 % had perennial. We found that children living in the city had asthma more often: OR = 7.3 (95% CI 3.26–16.62, P < 0.0001). Having an older sibling was associated with a lower risk of asthma: OR = 3.6 (95% CI 1.86–6.92, P < 0.0001). Also, we found that cat owners were significantly more likely not to have asthma: OR = 7.7 (95% CI 3.96–14.99, P < 0.0001). Such data are most likely related to the refusal to own a cat due to the prevalence of cat allergy among children with asthma or at risk of cat allergy. We have not found a statistically significant difference in the group of children with asthma and in the control group in relation to the exposure to tobacco smoke in the atmosphere (passive smoking): OR = 1.4 (95% CI 0.79–2.59, P > 0.05). Conclusions. Treatment of allergies and atopic conditions should be considered an important component of asthma treatment, which may affect the frequency and severity of the disease. In adolescents and adults, smoking cessation, in particular, as a factor in the impact of passive smoking on a sick child can also significantly reduce the number of hospitalizations. Confirming the diagnosis of asthma, demonstrating good inhaler technique, and emphasizing adherence to preventive therapies such as inhaled glucocorticosteroids can improve asthma control and reduce overreliance on short-acting bronchodilators.