bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of Dredging on Diagenesis and Nutrient Release in a Restored Mediterranean Lagoon (Lake of Tunis, Tunisia)
Authors: Mna Haifa Ben , Oueslati Walid , Helali Mohamed Amine , Added Ayed 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Three sediment cores from dredged and undredged areas of Northern lake of Tunis, a mediterranean lagoon in northern of Tunisia, were used to investigate behavior of nutrients related to diagenetic reactions in sediment and assess the release of reduced nitrogen and phosphorus from surface sediment to the water, 30 years after dredging. The results show diffusion from the sediment towards the water column. Expecting from the results that the degradation of organic matter and the resulting N and P fluxes would be greater in the dredged area due to the oxygenation of the environment, this process was more significant in the undredged area. A comparison with the pre-dredging sediments show that the influence of dredging is very remarkable over time. It has effectively reduced organic matter contents (TOC levels after dredging were 2 to 9,5 times lower) and consequently the fluxes of reduced nitrogen and phosphorus species across the sediment-water interface. Fluxes of ammonium decreased 153 times and those of phosphorus about 8 104 times. This explains the improvement in the quality of water and sediment in the northern lake of Tunis.
Strong Protection by Bazedoxifene Against Chemically-Induced Ferroptotic Neuronal DeathIn Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Hao Xiangyu , Zhu Bao-Ting , Wang Yifan , Hou Mingjie , Yang Yongxiao , Liao Lixi , Chen Tongxiang , Wang Pan , Chen Xiaojun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death associated with iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, can be induced in cultured cells by chemicals (e.g., erastin and RSL3). It has been shown that protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) is a mediator of chemically-induced ferroptosis and also a crucial target for ferroptosis protection. The present study reports that bazedoxifene (BAZ), a selective estrogen receptor modulator, is an inhibitor of PDI and can strongly protect against chemically-induced ferroptosis in neuronal cells. We find that BAZ can directly bind to PDI and inhibit its catalytic activity. Computational modeling analysis reveals that BAZ forms a hydrogen bond with PDI’s His256 residue. Inhibition of PDI by BAZ markedly reduces iNOS and nNOS dimerization and NO accumulation, and these effects of BAZ are associated with reductions in cellular ROS and lipid-ROS and protection against chemically-induced ferroptosis. In addition, the direct antioxidant activity of BAZ may also partially contribute to its protective effect against chemically-induced ferroptosis. In vivo animal experiments have shown that mice treated with BAZ are strongly protected against kainic acid-induced memory deficits and hippocampal neuronal damage. Together, these results demonstrate that BAZ is a potent inhibitor of PDI and can strongly protect against chemically-induced ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons both in vitro and in vivo. This work also provides evidence for an estrogen receptor-independent, PDI-mediated mechanism of neuroprotection by BAZ.
Population genomics of Macrophomina spp. reveals cryptic host specialization and evidence for meiotic recombination
Authors: Pennerman Kayla , Goldman Polly , Dilla-Ermita C. Jade , Ramos Gerardo , Jaime Jose , Lopez-Hernandez Javier , Ramos Jacqueline , Aviles Manuel , Borrero Celia , Gomez Apollo , Neal Jodi , Chilvers Martin , Ortiz Vivana , Stukenbrock Eva , Goldman Gustavo , Mengistu Alemu , Lopez-Nicora Horacio , Sacher Gabriel , Vaghefi Niloofar , Kiss Levente , Benz J. , Machado Alexandre , Seijo Teresa , Peres Natalia , Martin Frank , Broome Janet , Ivors Kelly , Cole Glenn , Knapp Steven , McFarlane Dylan , Mattner Scott , Gambardella Marina , Henry Peter 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Knowledge of the factors structuring populations of pathogenic fungi is fundamental to disease management efforts and basic biology. High-quality short-read sequence data were obtained for 463 Macrophomina spp. isolates collected from 91 host plant species and soil in 23 countries. Analyses revealed high diversity, admixture, and equal mating type ratios suggesting on-going recombination. Although most tested isolates could asymptomatically colonize strawberry, only isolates from a single phylogroup caused disease. In addition to strawberry, evidence for host specialization was discovered for soybean, demonstrating this broad host range pathogen contains phylogroups with cryptic specialization. Geography × isolate genotype associations were weak, suggesting these species were frequently trafficked between regions. Re-analysis using genomic data supported current species boundaries, and new molecular markers were designed to specifically identify each species. Contrary to expectations, M. phaseolina should be considered a species with both specialist and generalist populations for which meiosis can increase genetic diversity.
Blood and cerebrospinal fluid differences between Parkinson's disease and related diseases
Authors: Ma Jie , Tang Zhijian , Wu Yaqi , Zhang Jun , Wu Zitao , Huang Lulu , Liu Shengwen , Wang Yu 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Accurately diagnosing Parkinson’s disease (PD) in its early stages is difficult due to its symptoms overlapping with those of various disorders, including atypical Parkinsonian syndromes, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and even essential tremor. This complicates the diagnostic process for PD, which traditionally heavily relies on symptomatic assessment and treatment response. Recent advances have identified several biomarkers in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including α-synuclein, lysosomal enzymes, fatty acid-binding proteins, and neurofilament light chain, that may potentially be used to diagnosed PD. However, not all can effectively distinguish PD from related disorders or identify its subtypes. This review advocates for a paradigm shift towards biomarker-based diagnosis to effectively distinguish between PD and similar conditions and to categorize PD into its subtypes. These biomarkers may reflect the differences that exist among different diseases and provide an effective way to accurately understand their mechanisms. This review focused on blood and CSF biomarkers of PD that may have differential diagnostic value and the related molecular measurement methods with high diagnostic performance due to emerging technologies.
Exploring the Potential of Tb and Bi Doped LaF3 as a UV Absorber
Authors: Deshmukh Pratik , Sharma Bhumika , Sahu Khageswar , Satapathy Srinibas , Majumder Shovan kumar 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Lanthanide-based nanophosphors are finding significant applicability in various fields such as LED, solar spectral convertors, lasers, biological sensors etc, owing to their superior stability and luminescence properties. However, their function as a UV protector hasn't evolved, possibly because of their limited absorption cross-section in the UV spectral region. Hence, to overcome this limitation, in this work, a strategy to utilize Bi3+ ion as a co-dopant in LaF3:Tb3+ nanophosphor has been devised. These nanophosphors with uniform morphology and narrow particle size distribution were synthesized using hydrothermal method. Luminescence mechanism involving energy transfer from Bi3+ to Tb3+ were investigated. Excitation spectrum of LaF3 nanophosphor, co-doped with Bi and Tb, reveals distinct absorption bands. Absorption ascribed to Bi3+ characterizes the UV range between 220–275 nm, whereas Tb3+ is associated with absorption in another UV range spanning 280 to 380 nm. This shows the potential applicability of the Bi and Tb co-doped LaF3 nanophosphor as UV absorber. The cytotoxicity of these nanophosphors was tested on HaCaT cells, which indicates their potential applicability in health care field.
Effect of stereocomplexation on the microcellular foaming behaviour at high temperature, compressive property and heat resistance of branched poly(L-lactide)/poly(D-lactide)
Authors: Zhong Mingxuan , Liu Shao , Chen Shihong , Wang Xiangdong , Wang Yaqiao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

To improve the melt strength and crystallisation property of polylactic acid (PLA) for achieving a good foaming performance at high temperatures, linear poly(l-lactide) (PLLA) was mixed with an epoxy chain extender to obtain branched PLLA (bPLLA), which was then blended with poly(d-lactide) (PDLA) to prepare a bPLLA/PDLA blend. The bPLLA/PDLA blend produced stereocomplex (SC) crystals, which increased the melt strength and viscosity of the blend. The synergistic effect of the SC crystals and the branched structure endowed bPLLA/PDLA with high melt strength and processability. In contrast, the nucleation effect of the SC crystals on bPLLA reduced the cell size, resulting in excellent microcellular foamability at the melting temperature. The formation of SC crystals in the blending process increased the crystallinity and enhanced the cell structure. As a result, the compressive strength of bPLLA/PDLA is increased from 0.44 MPa to 0.72 MPa. At 150°C, the dimensional deformation rate decreased from 42.59–13.13%, whereas the heat resistance increased by > 300%. This research provides a facile method for preparing PLA microcellular foams with high performance at high temperatures, which is essential for practical applications.
Ionic liquid-modified magnetic graphene oxide nanocomposite as a powerful adsorbent for the removal of lead ions and brilliant blue dye
Authors: Dadvar Farkhondeh , Elhamifar Dawood 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this research, a magnetic graphene oxide modified with ionic liquid has been synthesized and used as a powerful nanocomposite for the removal of lead (Pb2+) ions and brilliant blue (BB) dye from a water sample. This nanocomposite was characterized by using EDS, FTIR, SEM, and VSM techniques, which confirmed the successful formation of the desired nanocomposite and good immobilization of the ionic liquid. The ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) and atomic absorption (AA) spectroscopy techniques were employed to quantify the extent of removal of Pb2+ ions and BB dye. The removal percentages of Pb2+ ions and BB dye by the prepared nanocomposite were 94% and 96%, respectively, demonstrating its excellent performance. According to the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacities of the nanocomposite toward Pb2+ ions and BB dye were achieved to be 83.34 and 84.76 mg g− 1, respectively. Also, this nanocomposite was recoverable and reusable at least three times.
Threat Categorization and Conservation Prioritization of Floristic Diversity in Pangi Valley of Himachal Pradesh, North Western Himalaya
Authors: RANA OM , Samant SS Samant , Kumar Vijay 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Extinction is the most irreversible phenomenon of all the major environmental calamities happened on earth crust. Biodiversity extinction rate is faster than the natural extinction with the results of changes land use pattern, unsustainable use of natural resources, pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, invasion of alien species, conversion of forest land for cultivation and residential as well as commercial purposes resulting in natural habitat degradation and is a direct cause of extinction and loss of biodiversity. In the present investigation, an approach has been developed to prioritize species at local level in Pangi valley, District Chamba by using six conservation attributes i.e., population size, habitat preference, distribution range, anthropogenic pressures, extraction trend, use pattern, endemism and nativity. Threat categories of floristic diversity were identified on the basis of Conservation Priority Index. Of the total 780 species of vascular plants recorded, 95 species were fallen under different threat categoriesi.e.,14 species Critically Endangered,18 Endangered,25 Vulnerable,38 Near Threatened and other species were under Least Concern category. As per IUCN threatened list, out of total, 02 species were reported under Critically Endangered, 07 Endangered, 05 Vulnerable, 02 Near Threatened and remaining species under Least Concern categories. Out of total, 08 species were reported under Critically Endangered,09 Endangered 08 Vulnerable by many researchers in Himachal Pradesh. Maximum 75 threatened species were identified between 2801-3800m; 31 were recorded in Cedrus deodara community, followed by 24 in Betula utilis community. The overexploitations and unsustainable use of natural resources and destruction of habitats contribute to the major loss of biodiversity. Therefore, regular monitoring of populations and habitats, development of conventional protocols, establishment of species in-situ conditions and habitats and replication of this approach in other parts of Indian Himalayan Region have been suggested.
Comparative Analysis of Cardiovascular Disease risk in a local population of Sri Lankans using risk predictors: WHO ISH charts, Original and recalibrated Framingham Equation
Authors: Ranasinghe Sameera Upashantha , Rathnadivakara O B S K , Ranasinghe Lakshitha Iroshan , Tennakoon Sampath U 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) accounted for 32% of global deaths in 2019, mostly in lower and middle-income countries and ischemic heart diseases and stroke were leading causes. Prevention relies on individual CVD risk prediction using methods like the Framingham Risk Equation, SCORE, and WHO ISH charts for effective screening and management.This study focuses on assessing and comparing CVD risk using different WHO ISH charts and both traditional and recalibrated Framingham equations and calculating the agreement between specific risk predictors.
Methods:CVD risk was assessed using WHO ISH Chart with cholesterol levels of 5mmol/dl and 4mmol/dl, and individual cholesterol levels. Additionally, the non-cholesterol WHO ISH Chart was used. The four values were compared using the Cohen Kappa statistic. CVD risk was calculated using the traditional Framingham Equation and a recalibrated version with local data. These were compared with WHO ISH Chart results using Cohen Kappa statistic. The Framingham scores were categorized per WHO ISH categories. Multivariate analysis was performed using SPSS 25 to find out the association between risk factors not used for risk calculation with the predicted cardiovascular disease risk.
Results:WHO ISH methods indicated a 10-year CVD risk below 10% for over 90% of the population. Original and recalibrated Framingham scores predicted 55.5% and 62.3% with less than 10% risk, respectively. Significant gender differences were noted in high CVD risk category between the original Framingham (13.8% females vs. 21.3% males) and recalibrated Framingham (9% females vs. 13.4% males) risk equation. WHO ISH cholesterol method showed substantial agreement (k=0.716, p<0.001) with WHO ISH assume 5 method, while the non-cholesterol method had slight agreement (k=0.124, p<0.01) with WHO ISH assume 4 method. Substantial agreement (k=0.613, p<0.01) was found between original and recalibrated Framingham scores. The original Framingham score had poor agreement with WHO ISH methods, but recalibration improved the values, with the highest being fair agreement (k=0.365, p<0.01) with the WHO ISH cholesterol method.
Conclusion:Different CVD risk prediction methods yielded varying 10-year risk distributions. Significant differences were observed between original and recalibrated Framingham scores. Varying levels of agreement were observed between risk predictors. Associations were also found between non-calculated risk factors and predicted CVD risk.
Macro-financial transition risks along mitigation pathways: evidence from a hybrid agent-based integrated assessment model
Authors: Fierro Luca Eduardo , Reissl Severin , Lamperti Francesco , Campiglio Emanuele , Drouet Laurent , Emmerling Johannes , Kremer Elise , Tavoni Massimo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Although the case for a swift climate transition is clear, its macro-financial viability remains uncertain. To shed light on the macroeconomic and financial response to deep mitigation trajectories controlled by carbon pricing, we integrate a process-based integrated assessment model into a macroeconomic agent-based model. The hybrid framework allows translating energy systems transformations into macro-financial outcomes at business cycle frequency and volatility. The results reveal that rapid transitions induced by fast-growing carbon prices significantly impact unemployment, inflation, and income distribution. Stabilization policies reduce these economic fluctuations, though not completely so in 1.5°C compatible scenarios. Our paper emphasizes the need for coordinating climate and macroeconomic policy during decarbonization. Additionally, it showcases how model integration can lead to a better understanding of the economic implications of low-carbon futures.
Diabetes mellitus impairs the bone regeneration capacity of mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy
Authors: Souza Alann Thaffarell Portilho , Freitas Gileade Pereira , Lopes Helena Bacha , Weffort Denise , Adolpho Leticia Faustino , Gomes Maria Paula Oliveira , Oliveira Fabiola Singaretti , Almeida Adriana Luisa Gonçalves , Beloti Marcio Mateus , Rosa Adalberto Luiz 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Diabetes mellitus (DM) negatively impacts bone tissue, leading to bone loss and increased fracture risk with many in need of additional treatments, and therapy based on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represents a promising treatment for bone defects in patients with diabetes. The present investigation explored the interactions between MSCs from normoglycemic (NG-MSCs) and diabetic (DM-MSCs) donors on osteoblast differentiation and the effects of NG-MSCs on bone regeneration in defects created in diabetic rats.
METHODS
After DM induction with streptozotocin, we evaluated the morphometric parameters of femurs and MSC osteoblast differentiation, as well as the effects of the interactions between NG-MSCs and DM-MSCs on osteoblast differentiation. The efficacy of cell therapy was measured by evaluating bone regeneration in the calvarial defects of diabetic rats treated with local injection of either NG-MSCs or vehicle.
RESULTS
DM induced bone loss and impaired osteoblast differentiation of MSCs, which was partially restored by NG-MSCs, and the bone formation observed in defects treated with either NG-MSCs or vehicle was similar.
CONCLUSION
These findings indicate that the beneficial effect of NG-MSCs on DM-MSCs did not translate to enhanced bone repair, mostly due to the hostile environment created by hyperglycemia, which compromises the capacity of MSCs to induce bone formation.
Adsorption dynamics of chloride removal with activated vetiver root powder: dynamic modeling perspectives and ANN predictions
Authors: Dhumal Riddhi Chandrakant , Sadgir Parag 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACT

This study evaluates activated vetiver root powder as chloride ion adsorbent for saline water treatment. Experimental results demonstrate that activated vetiver root effectively removes chloride ions from saline solutions. Higher bed heights and lower flow rates improve efficiency by providing more adsorption sites and a longer contact time. However, higher concentrations lead to rapid bed exhaustion, highlighting the need for parameter optimization. Dynamic adsorption modeling using Thomas, Yoon–Nelson, and Clark models assesses the impact of bed height, flow rates, and initial concentration on chloride removal efficiency. Breakthrough equations closely fitted experimental data in the following order: Thomas model (R2 = 0.999) &gt; Clark (R2 = 0.996) &gt; Yoon–Nelson (R2 = 0.994). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis identifies pores and pockets as main surface components. Insights into adsorption mechanisms were gained through infrared and X-ray spectroscopies. A novel predictive algorithm for chloride removal in a continuous mode was developed using neural networks. Artificial neural network (ANN) prediction ability was assessed using MSE and R2 values. Future commercial applications of activated vetiver powder can be investigated using real salinity-induced wastewater. Additionally, assessing the adsorbent's regeneration and reusability is vital for confirming its cost-effectiveness and sustainability in longstanding use. This study offers perceptions for developing efficient water treatment strategies by understanding adsorption dynamics and surface characteristics for optimizing chloride removal processes.
Hepatocentric approach to achieving compensation of diabetes mellitus in people with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Protas N.M. , Kostitska I.O. , Bielinskyi M.V. 
Published: September 2024

Background. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a comorbid condition with an unfavorable prognosis and a signifi­cant economic burden on the global healthcare system. Despite patient-centered treatment goals and the coordinated efforts of a multidisciplinary team of physicians, a significant proportion of patients fail to achieve glycemic control, indicating the complex and multifactorial pathogenesis of T2DM. Achieving glycemic targets with a hepatocentric approach should be considered an alternative way to improve the treatment algorithm for patients with T2DM and NASH. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of dapagliflozin on achieving glycemic control in individuals with T2DM and NASH. Materials and methods. Sixty patients with T2DM and NASH were examined and divided into two groups based on antidiabetic therapy: group I (n = 30) received basic medi­cal therapy (BMT) which included metformin (2000 mg/day), alpha-lipoic acid (600 mg/day), and rosuvastatin (10 mg/day) in combination with insulin therapy; group II (n = 30) received BMT in combination with dapagliflozin at a daily dose of 10 mg. All patients underwent comprehensive laboratory tests, including calculations of non-invasive screening biomarkers (HEPAmet fibrosis score) and liver fibrosis severity (Fibrosis-4 index, FIB-4), as well as clinical and instrumental diagnostics using liver shear wave elastography (METAVIR, kPa). The study period lasted 12 weeks. Results. After 3 months of treatment, group I showed a tendency toward norma­lization of glycemic control parameters, while the level of glycated hemoglobin significantly decreased (∆ –22.92 %, p < 0.001) in group II. Throughout the study period, no episodes of hypoglycemia or adverse events were reported. The effectiveness of the additional administration of dapagliflozin supports the hepatocentric approach to achieving glycemic control with normalization of fibrosis markers (HEPAmet: AUC 0.828 (95% CI: 0.712–0.943, p < 0.001); FIB-4: AUC 0.765 (95% CI: 0.643–0.887, p < 0.001)) and a significant reduction of METAVIR scores (AUC 0.996 (95% CI: 0.986–1.005, p < 0.001)) according to liver shear wave elastography. Conclusions. The study results indicate that administration of dapagliflozin at a dose of 10 mg/day with BMT effectively impacts glycemic control and activates additional hepatoprotective mechanisms in patients with T2DM and NASH. A hepatocentric approach to the safe and effective management of T2DM in individuals with NASH is justified by the timely use of an updated treatment algorithm with an emphasis on sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors.