bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
No causal associations of genetically predicted birth weight and life course BMI with thyroid function and diseases
Authors: Zhou Xiaoqin , Ruan Weiqiang , Li Jing , Wang Ting , Liu Huizhen , Zhang Guiying 
Published: July 2024

AbstractObjectiveObservational studies have suggested associations of birth weight, childhood BMI, and adulthood BMI with thyroid function or diseases. However, the causal relationships remain unclear due to residual confounding inherent in conventional epidemiological studies.MethodsWe performed a two‐sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study to investigate causal relationships of genetically predicted birth weight, childhood BMI, and adulthood BMI with a range of clinically relevant thyroid outcomes. Additionally, we conducted a reverse MR analysis on adulthood BMI. Data on exposures and outcomes were obtained from large‐scale genome‐wide association study meta‐analyses predominantly composed of individuals of European ancestry.ResultsThe MR analysis revealed no evidence of causal associations of birth weight or BMI at different life stages with thyrotropin (TSH) levels, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, autoimmune thyroid disorders, or thyroid cancer. Contrarily, thyroid cancer demonstrated a significant causal relationship with increased adulthood BMI (β = 0.010, 95% CI: 0.006–0.015; p = 5.21 × 10−6).ConclusionsOur comprehensive MR did not find causal links of birth weight, childhood BMI, or adulthood BMI with thyroid diseases but provided evidence that thyroid cancer may play a role in weight gain. Our research findings offer valuable insights into the intricate relationship between body weight and thyroid health throughout an individual's life.
Preparation, characterization, and antistatic applications of high‐density polyethylene/polyaniline blends
Authors: Ozkan Ayse Nur , Sirin Kamil 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTo obtain electrostatic charge dissipative (ESD) materials, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyaniline (PANI) blends are synthesized by the solution blending method. To prepare the blends, 0.5, 1.0, and 3.0 wt% of PANI are introduced into the HDPE matrix. The prepared blends are investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Additionally, stress–strain curves are used to examine the blends' mechanical properties. Polyaniline additions indicated an increase in thermal stability by approximately 1°C in the blends but decrease in mechanical properties. The four‐probe technique is used to determine the electrical conductivity of blends, which is found to be between 10−7 and 10−10 S/cm. The results of the conductivity values have indicated that all blends have great potential to be used as antistatic materials. For antistatic applications, the ESD performance of the blends is determined at different corona voltages. Blends achieved the antistatic requirements with a 10% cutoff decay time of approximately 2.0 s and a 1/e time of approximately 1.0 s, demonstrating quick dissipation of static charges. According to antistatic decay times, it has been shown that all blends obtained in this study can be used as antistatic material at 3 kV corona voltage.
Effect of synthesized copper oxide nanorods on electrical and thermal properties of compatibilized high‐density polyethylene/carbon nanofiber nanocomposite films
Authors: Ahmad Sameer , Tyagi Shivani , Joshi Mangala , Ali Syed Wazed 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHigh‐density polyethylene (HDPE) nanocomposites containing different optimized fractions of carbon nanofiber (CNF) at 6 wt.%, polyethylene glycol (PEG) at 4 wt.%, and copper oxide (CuO) nanorods in concentration ranges of 0.15, 0.5, and 2 wt.% were successfully melt processed using corotating twin extrusion and compression molding technique. The effect of PEG and CuO nanofiller on the HDPE matrix were studied, particularly for the percolation threshold for electrical conductivity, structural morphology, and other properties including thermal stability, thermal conductivity (TC), dielectric, and UV protection properties. It is observed that PEG acts as a good compatibilizer, facilitating better interfacial connection between CNF and HDPE matrix. The optimized composite with 0.15 wt.% CuO nanorods (H/C6/P4/Cu0.15) shows a fine morphology and strong interfacial connections between fillers and the matrix, as observed in FE‐SEM micrographs. This optimized composite exhibits improved thermal stability, higher thermal conductivity (0.0404 W.K−1.m−1), increased dielectric constant, reduced electrical volume resistivity (from 2.1 × 1015 to 2.1 × 106 Ω.cm), and lower optical band gap value (2.74 eV). Additionally, all prepared nanocomposites offer approximately 100% Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating for UV protection.Highlights
The transformation of insulating HDPE into conducting HDPE composites.
The effect of CuO nanorods was investigated in compatibilized HDPE composites.
A percolation is achieved in the HDPE composite at 0.15 wt.% of CuO nanorods.
PEG and CuO nanorods improved the multifunctional properties of the composite.
Quaternity method for integrated screening, separation, extraction optimization, and bioactivity evaluation of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors from Sophora flavescens Aiton
Authors: Zhang Yutong , Zhang Yuchi , Li Sainan , Liu Chunming , Liang Jiaqi , Nong Yuyu , Chen Ming , Sun Ruijun 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIntroductionSophora flavescens Aiton (Fabaceae), a ubiquitous plant species in Asia, contains a wide range of pharmacologically active compounds, such as flavonoids, with potential anti‐Alzheimer's disease (anti‐AD) effects.ObjectivesThe objective of the study is to develop a quaternity method for the screening, isolation, extraction optimization, and activity evaluation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)‐inhibiting compounds from S. flavescens to realize high‐throughput screening of active substances in traditional Chinese medicine and to provide experimental data for the development of anti‐AD drugs.MethodsWith AChE as the target molecule, affinity ultrafiltration and liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry were applied to screen for potential inhibitors of the enzyme in S. flavescens. Orthogonal array experiments combined with the multi‐objective Non‐Dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm III was used for the first time to optimize the process for extracting the active substances. Enzyme inhibition kinetics and molecular docking studies were performed to verify the potential anti‐AD effects of the active compounds.ResultsFive AChE‐inhibiting compounds were identified: kushenol I, kurarinone, sophoraflavanone G, isokurarinone, and kushenol E. These were successfully separated at purities of 72.88%, 98.55%, 96.86%, 96.74%, and 95.84%, respectively, using the n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (4.0/5.0/4.0/5.0, v/v/v/v), n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (5.0/5.0/6.0/4.0, v/v/v/v), and n‐hexane/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (4.9/5.1/5.7/4.3, v/v/v/v) mobile phase systems. Enzyme inhibition kinetics revealed that kushenol E had the best inhibitory effect.ConclusionThis study elucidates the mechanism of action of five active AChE inhibitors in S. flavescens and provides a theoretical basis for the screening and development of anti‐AD and other therapeutic drugs.
Effectiveness of edaravone in preventing contrast‐induced nephropathy in high‐risk patients undergoing coronary angiography: A randomized, double‐blind trial
Authors: Esmailnejad Azam , Zununi Vahed Sepideh , Hejazian Seyyedeh Mina , Aslanabadi Naser , Lotfollahhi Gharakhanlu Hassanali , Saraei Majid , Ahmadzadehpournaky Ahmad , Ardalan Kasra , Ardalan Mohammadreza , Ghaffari Bavil Samad 
Published: July 2024

AbstractContrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) is a serious complication that occurs subsequent to the administration of contrast media for therapeutic angiographic interventions. As of present, no effective therapy exists to prevent its occurrence. This single‐center double‐blind randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of edaravone, an antioxidant, in a group of high‐risk patients undergoing coronary angiography. Ninety eligible patients with chronic kidney disease Stages 3–4 were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 45) or the intervention group (n = 45). In the intervention group, one dosage of edaravone (60 mg) in 1 L of normal saline was infused via a peripheral vein 1 h prior to femoral artery‐directed coronary angiography. Patients in the control group received an equal amount of infusion in their last hour before angiography. Both groups received intravenous hydration with 0.9% sodium 1 mL/kg/h starting 12 h before and continuing for 24 h after angiography. The primary outcome measure was the onset of CIN, defined as a 25% increase in serum creatinine levels 120 h after administration of contrast media. The occurrence of CIN was observed in 5.5% (n = 5) of the studied population: 2.2% of patients in the intervention group (n = 1) and 8.9% of controls (n = 4). However, this difference was not statistically significant. Administration of a single dosage of edaravone 1 h prior to infusion of contrast media led to a reduction in the incidence of CIN. Further investigations, employing larger sample sizes, are warranted to gain a comprehensive understanding of its efficacy.
Application of a Gallic Acid–Based Oxygen Scavenger Label for the Preservation of L‐Ascorbic Acid in Orange Juice
Authors: Coray Nastasia M. , Yildirim Selçuk 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTCitrus juices are rich sources of antioxidants, including vitamin C, but are prone to oxidation during storage. We investigated the application of gallic acid (GA), an environmentally friendly reducing agent, as active packaging to mitigate this issue. Orange juice was packaged in airtight glass containers both with and without GA‐based oxygen scavenger (GA‐OS) label and stored at 20°C and 4°C. During the storage, we monitored oxygen levels in the headspace and dissolved oxygen concentration in the orange juice, vitamin C content and browning. In the presence of GA‐OS, oxygen levels in the headspace were reduced by half in under 1 h at 21°C and within 2 h at 4°C. Dissolved oxygen concentration decreased 50% after 8 h at 21°C and after 1.2 days at 4°C. In the absence of GA‐OS, vitamin C degraded completely within 30 days at 21°C and 45 days at 4°C. In contrast, GA‐OS nearly fully preserved vitamin C for 105 days at both temperatures. Browning, quantified by delta E, escalated in GA‐OS‐absent samples to 16.79 ± 0.16 at 21°C to 12.19 ± 0.10 at 4°C, whereas GA‐OS samples exhibited no significant browning. Our results underscore GA‐OS's efficacy in preserving the quality of liquid foodstuffs, exemplified by orange juice, suggesting its broad range applicability as active packaging.
Human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells respond to DAMPs from injured renal tubular cells
Authors: DeWolf Sean E. , Hawkes Alana A. , Kurian Sunil M. , Gorial Diana E. , Hepokoski Mark L. , Almeida Stephanie S. , Posner Isabella R. , McKay Dianne B. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAcute kidney injury (AKI) causes distant organ dysfunction through yet unknown mechanisms, leading to multiorgan failure and death. The lungs are one of the most common extrarenal organs affected by AKI, and combined lung and kidney injury has a mortality as high as 60%–80%. One mechanism that has been implicated in lung injury after AKI involves molecules released from injured kidney cells (DAMPs, or damage‐associated molecular patterns) that promote a noninfectious inflammatory response by binding to pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) constitutively expressed on the pulmonary endothelium. To date there are limited data investigating the role of PRRs and DAMPs in the pulmonary endothelial response to AKI. Understanding these mechanisms holds great promise for therapeutics aimed at ameliorating the devastating effects of AKI. In this study, we stimulate primary human microvascular endothelial cells with DAMPs derived from injured primary renal tubular epithelial cells (RTECs) as an ex‐vivo model of lung injury following AKI. We show that DAMPs derived from injured RTECs cause activation of Toll‐Like Receptor and NOD‐Like Receptor signaling pathways as well as increase human primary pulmonary microvascular endothelial cell (HMVEC) cytokine production, cell signaling activation, and permeability. We further show that cytokine production in HMVECs in response to DAMPs derived from RTECs is reduced by the inhibition of NOD1 and NOD2, which may have implications for future therapeutics. This paper adds to our understanding of PRR expression and function in pulmonary HMVECs and provides a foundation for future work aimed at developing therapeutic strategies to prevent lung injury following AKI.
Stabilization of CsPbBr3 Nanowires Through SU‐8 Encapsulation for the Fabrication of Bilayer Microswimmers with Magnetic and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Wang Haoying , Xiong Junfeng , Cai Yuzhen , Fu Wei , Zhong Yukun , Jiang Teng , Cheang U Kei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAll‐inorganic cesium lead halide (CsPbX3, X = Cl, Br, I) perovskite nanocrystals have drawn great interest because of their excellent photophysical properties and potential applications. However, their poor stability in water greatly limited their use in applications that require stable structures. In this work, a facile approach to stabilize CsPbBr3 nanowires is developed by using SU‐8 as a protection medium; thereby creating stable CsPbBr3/SU‐8 microstructures. Through photolithography and layer‐by‐layer deposition, CsPbBr3/SU‐8 is used to fabricate bilayer achiral microswimmers (BAMs), which consist of a top CsPbBr3/SU‐8 layer and a bottom Fe3O4 magnetic layer. Compared to pure CsPbBr3 nanowires, the CsPbBr3/SU‐8 shows long‐term structural and fluorescence stability in water against ultrasonication treatment. Due to the magnetic layer, the motion of the microswimmers can be controlled precisely under a rotating magnetic field, allowing them to swim at low Reynolds number and tumble or roll on surfaces. Furthermore, CsPbBr3/SU‐8 can be used to fabricate various types of planar microstructures with high throughput, high consistency, and fluorescence properties. This work provides a method for the stabilization of CsPbBr3 and demonstrates the potential to mass fabricate planar microstructures with various shapes, which can be used in different applications such as microrobotics.
High‐Performance 2D Ambipolar MoTe2 Lateral Memristors by Mild Oxidation
Authors: Zhao Bochen , Xu Longlong , Peng Ruixuan , Xin Zeqin , Shi Run , Wu Yonghuang , Wang Bolun , Chen Jiayuan , Pan Ting , Liu Kai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have been intensively explored in memristors for brain‐inspired computing. Oxidation, which is usually unavoidable and harmful in 2D TMDCs, could also be used to enhance their memristive performances. However, it is still unclear how oxidation affects the resistive switching behaviors of 2D ambipolar TMDCs. In this work, a mild oxidation strategy is developed to greatly enhance the resistive switching ratio of ambipolar 2H‐MoTe2 lateral memristors by more than 10 times. Such an enhancement results from the amplified doping due to O2 and H2O adsorption and the optimization of effective gate voltage distribution by mild oxidation. Moreover, the ambipolarity of 2H‐MoTe2 also enables a change of resistive switching direction, which is uncommon in 2D memristors. Consequently, as an artificial synapse, the MoTe2 device exhibits a large dynamic range (≈200) and a good linearity (1.01) in long‐term potentiation and depression, as well as a high‐accuracy handwritten digit recognition (>96%). This work not only provides a feasible and effective way to enhance the memristive performance of 2D ambipolar materials, but also deepens the understanding of hidden mechanisms for RS behaviors in oxidized 2D materials.
An Active Strategy to Reduce Residual Alkali for High‐Performance Layered Oxide Cathode Materials of Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Feng Lihua , Guo Jinze , Sun Chujun , Xiao Xin , Feng Lijie , Hao Youchen , Sun Guojie , Tian Ziqi , Li Tingting , Li Yong , Jiang Yinzhu 
Published: July 2024

AbstractResidual alkali is one of the biggest challenges for the commercialization of sodium‐based layered transition metal oxide cathode materials since it can even inevitably appear during the production process. Herein, taking O3‐type Na0.9Ni0.25Mn0.4Fe0.2Mg0.1Ti0.05O2 as an example, an active strategy is proposed to reduce residual alkali by slowing the cooling rate, which can be achieved in one‐step preparation method. It is suggested that slow cooling can significantly enhance the internal uniformity of the material, facilitating the reintegration of Na+ into the bulk material during the calcination cooling phase, therefore substantially reducing residual alkali. The strategy can remarkably suppress the slurry gelation and gas evolution and enhance the structural stability. Compared to naturally cooled cathode materials, the capacity retention of the slowly cooled electrode material increases from 76.2% to 85.7% after 300 cycles at 1 C. This work offers a versatile approach to the development of advanced cathode materials toward practical applications.
Graphene via Microwave Expansion of Graphite Followed by Cryo‐Quenching and its Application in Electrostatic Droplet Switching
Authors: Chahal Sumit , Sahay Trisha , Li Zhixuan , Sharma Raju Kumar , Kumari Ekta , Bandyopadhyay Arkamita , Kumari Puja , Jyoti Ray Soumya , Vinu Ajayan , Kumar Prashant 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMonoelemental atomic sheets (Xenes) and other 2D materials offer record electronic mobility, high thermal conductivity, excellent Young's moduli, optical transparency, and flexural capability, revolutionizing ultrasensitive devices and enhancing performance. The ideal synthesis of these quantum materials should be facile, fast, scalable, reproducible, and green. Microwave expansion followed by cryoquenching (MECQ) leverages thermal stress in graphite to produce high‐purity graphene within minutes. MECQ synthesis of graphene is reported at 640 and 800 W for 10 min, followed by liquid nitrogen quenching for 5 and 90 min of sonication. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses confirmed the chemical identity and phase purity of monolayers and few‐layered graphene sheets (200–12 µm). Higher microwave power yields thinner layers with enhanced purity. Molecular dynamics simulations and DFT calculations support the exfoliation under these conditions. Electrostatic droplet switching is demonstrated using MECQ‐synthesized graphene, observing electrorolling of a mercury droplet on a BN/graphene interface at voltages above 20 V. This technique can inspire the synthesis of other 2D materials with high purity and enable new applications.
The role of achievement goals in productive collaborative argumentation
Authors: Li Xiaoshan , Peng Chong 
Published: July 2024

AbstractCollaborative argumentation has been recognized as a powerful means to facilitate conceptual change of scientific concepts for which students have robust misconceptions. However, eliciting and maintaining collaborative argumentation that yields such productive outcomes is known to be difficult. Specifically, social‐motivational antecedents have not yet been explored. Over 13 weeks, we conducted a controlled experiment to examine the role of achievement goals in productive collaborative argumentation in the context of scientific concept learning while fully considering the effects on conceptual change, argumentative discourse, and perceptions of conflicts. Three types of achievement goals were identified among 94 undergraduates: mastery goal‐dominant (a focus on developing competence and task mastery), two goals‐balanced (pursuing mastery and performance goals simultaneously) and performance goal‐dominant (a focus on demonstrating competence relative to others). Eighteen homogeneous groups participated in four collaborative argumentation activities concerning four scientific topics of varying controversy levels. The results showed that for highly controversial topics, mastery goal‐dominant students and two goals‐balanced students exhibited greater conceptual change than performance goal‐dominant students over a longer period. Dialogue protocol analysis further revealed a combined pattern of argumentative discourse (i.e., both deliberative argumentation and co‐consensual construction frequently occurred, while disputative argumentation rarely occurred) among mastery goal‐dominant students and two goals‐balanced students concerning highly controversial topics. Responses to stimulated recall interviews also indicated that perceptions of conflicts among the three types of students differed in terms of five aspects: their first impression of disagreements, their feelings in response to peer disagreement, their reasons for changing or maintaining to their original ideas, the meaning of group consensus, and the degrees to which they accepted group consensus. This study sheds light on the role of social‐motivational antecedents, deepening our understanding of whether different achievement goals might orient students to different perceptions of conflicts, triggering different argumentative discourse, producing different conceptual change.
First identification of canine parvovirus ‐2a/2b variant in unvaccinated domestic dogs with gastrointestinal signs in Türkiye
Authors: SALTIK Hasbi Sait , KOÇ B Taylan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundCanine parvovirus type 2 (CPV‐2) is the most common enteric virus that infects canids. CPV is the causative agent of a contagious disease defined mostly by clinical gastrointestinal signs in dogs. During the late 1970s, CPV‐2 emerged as a new virus capable of infecting domestic dogs and growing across the world. The VP2 gene stands out as a key determinant in the pathogenicity, antigenicity, and host interactions of CPV‐2.AimsThe molecular characterization of the VP2 gene is crucial for understanding CPV evolution and epidemiology.Materials & MethodsGenes encoding the VP2 protein were sequenced and compared to reference strains worldwide. The maximum likelihood method was used to build a phylogenetic tree using CPV VP2 gene nucleotide sequences.ResultsOur phylogenetic analysis of the VP2 gene revealed that five strains were very similar and clustered together, and three strains were in the 2b clade, whereas the other two were in the 2a/2b clade.DiscussionThis paper reports the molecular characterization of two novel CPV‐2a/2b subtypes in dogs with gastrointestinal symptoms. Genetic analysis was conducted on a CPV genomic region encompassing one of the open reading frames (ORFs) encoding the structural protein VP2. Sequence analysis indicates new and unreported sequence changes, mainly affecting the VP2 gene, which includes the mutations Ser297Ala and Leu87Met. This study represents the first evidence of a new CPV‐2a/2b subtype in Türkiye. Due to VP2's crucial role in encoding the capsid protein of CPV‐2 and its significant involvement in the host‐virus interaction, it is critical to closely monitor its evolutionary changes and be cautious while searching for novel or pre‐existing subtypes.ConclusionThis study highlights the significance of continuous molecular research for acquiring more insights on the circulation of novel CPV mutants.