bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non-contact tonometry: predicting intraocular pressure using a material—corneal thickness—independent methodology
Authors: Redaelli Elena , Calvo Begoña , Rodriguez Matas Jose Felix , Luraghi Giulia , Grasa Jorge 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness worldwide, is primarily caused by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Accurate and reliable IOP measurements are the key to diagnose the pathology in time and to provide for effective treatment strategies. The currently available methods for measuring IOP include contact and non contact tonometers (NCT), which estimate IOP based on the corneal deformation caused by an external load, that in the case of NCT is an air pulse. The deformation of the cornea during the tonometry is the result of the coupling between the IOP, the mechanical properties of the corneal tissue, the corneal thickness, and the external force applied. Therefore, there is the need to decouple the four contributions to estimate the IOP more reliably.Methods: This paper aims to propose a new methodology to estimate the IOP based on the analysis of the mechanical work performed by the air jet and by the IOP during the NCT test. A numerical eye model is presented, initially deformed by the action of a falling mass to study the energy balance. Subsequently, Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) simulations are conducted to simulate the action of Corvis ST.Results and discussion: The new IOP estimation procedure is proposed based on the results of the simulations. The methodology is centred on the analysis of the time of maximum apex velocity rather than the point of first applanation leading to a new IOP estimation not influenced by the geometrical and mechanical corneal factors.
Reassessment of natural expansive materials and their impact on freeze-thaw cycles in geotechnical engineering: a review
Authors: Oppong Felix , Kolawole Oladoyin 
Published: July 2024

The stabilization and application of expansive geomaterials are critical in geotechnical engineering. These naturally expansive materials exhibit complex hydro-chemo-mechanical properties because they undergo volumetric changes in response to variations in moisture content and/or temperature. The characteristic shrink-swell behavior of these materials makes their use problematic and plays a substantial role in influencing the stability of geo-infrastructure applications. However, there is a lack of comprehensive knowledge of the mechanisms and factors impacting their behavior to ensure mechanical integrity in natural and built infrastructure and geo-engineering projects. This work provides a comprehensive review of the intrinsic and extrinsic factors contributing to the shrink-swell behavior and expansion mechanisms of frost-heaving and natural-expansive geomaterials, such as expansive clays and sulfate minerals. We reviewed and synthesized peer-reviewed published works in various databases and academic repositories in the last 100 years. The influence of shrink-swell behavior of these geomaterials and the critical role they play in engineering infrastructure were highlighted, explicitly focusing on their involvement in geotechnical-related hazards, such as the freeze-thaw cycle, and the damage and sulfate-attack of geo-infrastructure. We analyzed the interactions between clay minerals, especially how bentonite enhances grout stability and acts as a buffer material in high-level nuclear waste repositories. The findings indicate that water interaction with geomaterials and concrete can cause about a 10% volume expansion when frozen. Also, the exposure of fractured rocks to low (≤0°C) and high (&gt;0°C) temperatures can greatly change rock deformation and strength. Finally, gypsum interacting with water can theoretically increase in volume by 62% to form ice crystals. This forward-leading review presents the advantages, disadvantages, and unresolved issues of expansive natural geotechnical materials that improve the resiliency and sustainability of geological infrastructure.
Three-dimensional structural and metric characterisation of cardioids
Authors: Geyer Stefan H. , Ceci Ginistrelli Lavinia , Ilmer Tobias , Schwendt Karoline M. , Mendjan Sasha , Weninger Wolfgang J. 
Published: July 2024

Exact three-dimensional (3D) structural information of developing organoids is key for optimising organoid generation and for studying experimental outcomes in organoid models. We set up a 3D imaging technique and studied complexly arranged native and experimentally challenged cardioids of two stages of remodelling. The imaging technique we employed is S-HREM (Scanning High Resolution Episcopic Microscopy), a variant of HREM, which captures multiple images of subsequently exposed surfaces of resin blocks and automatically combines them to large sized digital volume data of voxels sizes below 1 μm3. We provide precise volumetric information of the examined specimens and their single components and comparisons between stages in terms of volume and micro- and macroanatomic structure. We describe the 3D arrangement and lining of different types of cavities and their changes between day 10 and day 14 and map the various cell types to their precise spatial and structural environment. Exemplarily, we conducted semiautomatic counts of nuclei. In cryo-injured cardioids, we examined the extension and composition of the injured areas. Our results demonstrate the high quality and the great potential of digital volume data produced with S-HREM. It also provides sound metric and structural information, which assists production of native and experimentally challenged left ventricle cardioids and interpretation of their structural remodelling.
Practical applications of copper-based enzymes: synthesis of sulfonated polyaniline through laccase-catalyzed oxidation
Authors: Fabrizi de Biani Fabrizia , Corsini Maddalena , Pogni Rebecca , Baratto Maria Camilla 
Published: July 2024

Known for its tunable conductivity and stability, Polyaniline (PANI) is a valuable polymer for electronics and sensing devices. Challenges in solubility have been addressed by creating sulfonated PANI (SPANI), enhancing its practical use. Synthesizing SPANI from sulfonated aniline is intricate, but laccase biocatalysis offers an eco-conscious solution, effective even against high redox potential obstacles. This research monitored the Trametes versicolor laccase-induced oxidation of 3-ABSa via UV-vis spectroscopy, with a notable peak at 565 nm signifying SPANI synthesis, effective even at suboptimal pH. Mediators further boost this process. Moreover, NMR and spectroelectrochemistry confirm the green synthesis of SPANI by laccase, hinting that pH fine-tuning could improve yields, alongside the concurrent creation of azobenzene derivatives.
Synthesis and characterization of gold(I) thiolate derivatives and bimetallic complexes for HIV inhibition
Authors: Adokoh Christian K. , Boadu Akwasi , Asiamah Isaac , Agoni Clement 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) remains a significant global health concern, with a reported high infection rate of 38.4 million cases globally; an estimated 2 million new infections and approximately 700,000 HIV/AIDS-related deaths were reported in 2021. Despite the advent of anti-retroviral therapy (ART), HIV/AIDS persists as a chronic disease. To combat this, several studies focus on developing inhibitors targeting various stages of the HIV infection cycle, including HIV-1 protease. This study aims to synthesize and characterize novel glyco diphenylphosphino metal complexes with potential HIV inhibitory properties.Method: A series of new gold(I) thiolate derivatives and three bimetallic complexes, incorporating amino phosphines and thiocarbohydrate as auxiliary ligands, were synthesized using procedures described by Jiang, et al. (2009) andCoetzee et al. (2007). Structural elucidation and purity assessment of the synthesized compounds (1–11) were conducted using micro-analysis, NMR, and infrared spectrometry.Results and Discussion: Using molecular modeling techniques, three of the metal complexes were identified as potential HIV protease inhibitors, exhibiting strong binding affinity interactions with binding pocket residues. These inhibitors demonstrated an ability to inhibit the flexibility of the flap regions of the HIV protease, similar to the known HIV protease inhibitor, darunavir. This study sheds light on the promising avenues for the development of novel therapeutic agents against HIV/AIDS.
Novel metabolite madeirone and neomarinone extracted from Streptomyces aculeoletus as marine antibiofilm and antifouling agents
Authors: Wissner Julian L. , Almeida Joana R. , Grilo Inês R. , Oliveira Jhenifer F. , Brízida Carolina , Escobedo-Hinojosa Wendy , Pissaridou Panayiota , Vasquez Marlen I. , Cunha Isabel , Sobral Rita G. , Vasconcelos Vítor , Gaudêncio Susana P. 
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Biofouling poses a significant economic threat to various marine industries, leading to financial losses that can reach billions of euros annually. This study highlights the urgent need for effective alternatives to traditional antifouling agents, particularly following the global ban on organotin compounds.Material and methods:Streptomyces aculeolatus PTM-346 was isolated from sediment samples on the shores of the Madeira Archipelago, Portugal. The crude extract was fractionated using silica flash chromatography and preparative HPLC, resulting in two isolated marinone compounds: madeirone (1), a novel marinone derivative discovered in this study, and neomarinone (2). The antifouling activities of these compounds were tested against five marine bacterial species and the larvae of the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis. Additionally, in silico and in vivo environmental toxicity evaluations of madeirone (1) and neomarinone (2) were conducted.Results: Madeirone (1) demonstrated significant antibiofilm efficacy, inhibiting Phaeobacter inhibens by up to 66%, Marinobacter hydrocarbonoclasticus by up to 60%, and Cobetia marina by up to 40%. Neomarinone (2) also exhibited substantial antibiofilm activity, with inhibition rates of up to 41% against P. inhibens, 40% against Pseudo-oceanicola batsensis, 56% against M. hydrocarbonoclasticus, 46% against C. marina, and 40% against Micrococcus luteus. The growth inhibition activity at the same concentrations of these compounds remained below 20% for the respective bacteria, highlighting their effectiveness as potent antibiofilm agents without significantly affecting bacterial viability. Additionally, both compounds showed potent effects against the settlement of Mytilus galloprovincialis larvae, with EC50 values of 1.76 µg/mL and 0.12 µg/mL for compounds (1) and (2), respectively, without impairing the viability of the targeted macrofouling species. In silico toxicity predictions and in vivo toxicity assays both support their potential for further development as antifouling agents.Conclusion: The newly discovered metabolite madeirone (1) and neomarinone (2) effectively inhibit both micro- and macrofouling. This distinct capability sets them apart from existing commercial antifouling agents and positions them as promising candidates for biofouling prevention. Consequently, these compounds represent a viable and environmentally friendly alternative for incorporation into paints, primers, varnishes, and sealants, offering significant advantages over traditional copper-based compounds.
Evaluation of the effect of kidney transplantation on left ventricular myocardial work by noninvasive pressure-strain loops
Authors: Han Zhengyang , Wang Lingyun , Wang Honghu , He Hongying , Song Yi , Wang Menghe , Zhao Na , Chen Zhengguang , Sun Zhenxing , Zhang Shan 
Published: July 2024

PurposeKidney transplantation (KT) has the potential to reverse the cardiac changes caused by end-stage renal disease, and it may be inaccurate to analysis the left ventricular function by conventional echocardiography due to afterload. This study aimed to investigate the utility of pressure strain loops (PSLs) in evaluating left ventricular performance in patients underwent KT.MethodsWe enrolled 60 patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent KT between January 2022 and July 2023, and 60 healthy controls with a similar distribution of gender and age to the patients. All participants underwent conventional echocardiography and three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3D-STE). Long axis, short axis, and four cavity images were collected and cardiac parameters were measured. The echocardiographic changes of cardiac structure and function of all patients before KT and about 12 months after KT were recorded. Left ventricular myocardial work parameters were acquired by PSLs, including the global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), global work efficiency (GWE) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). In addition, the correlation between PSLs and clinical data were explored.ResultsCompared with controls, the conventional echocardiographic parameters, myocardial function indicators GWI and GCW appeared no difference in post-KT group, while the GWE and GLS decreased (p &lt; 0.05), and the GWW increased (p &lt; 0.05). Compared with pre-KT, the GLS, GWI, GCW and GWE increased in post-KT group, while the GWW decreased (all p &lt; 0.05). The above indicators were correlated with left ventricular GLS and left ventricular ejection fraction.ConclusionPSLs were more sensitive than traditional echocardiographic indicators in detecting changes in myocardial work and predicting left ventricular myocardial damage. This indicator could quantitatively evaluate myocardial work and provide a new and reliable non-invasive reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment of patients underwent KT.
Seven psychiatric traits and the risk of increased carotid intima-media thickness: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: He Kewan , Ying Jiajun , Yang Fangkun , Hu Teng , Du Yuewu 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundNumerous observational studies have suggested an association between psychiatric traits and carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT). However, whether these associations have a causal relationship remains unknown, largely due to issues of reverse causality and potential confounders. This study aims to elucidate the potential causal role of psychiatric traits in the risk of arterial injury as measured by cIMT.MethodsWe utilized instrumental variables for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD, n = 226,534), bipolar disorder (n = 353,899), major depressive disorder (n = 142,646), post-traumatic stress disorder (n = 174,494), obsessive-compulsive disorder (n = 9,725), autism spectrum disorder (n = 173,773), and anxiety disease (n = 17,310), derived from the largest corresponding genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Summary statistics for cIMT associations were obtained from a meta-analysis combining GWAS data from the Cohorts for Heart and Aging Research in Genomic Epidemiology consortia (n = 71,128) and the UK Biobank study (n = 45,185). The inverse-variance weighted method served as the primary analytical tool, supplemented by additional statistical methods in the secondary analyses to corroborate the findings. Adjustments were made according to the Bonferroni correction threshold.ResultsThe Mendelian randomization analyses indicated a suggestive causal link between genetically predicted ADHD and cIMT (beta = 0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.09; p = 0.018). Sensitivity analyses largely concurred with this finding. However, no significant associations were found between other psychiatric traits and cIMT.ConclusionsThis study provides insights into the risk effect of ADHD on cIMT, suggesting that arteriopathy and potential associated complications should be considered during the treatment and monitoring of patients with ADHD.
Association between homocysteine levels and hyperlipidemia prevalence as well as all-cause mortality of hyperlipidemia patients in the US population: results from NHANES database
Authors: Wei Jia , Yang Qiang , Wang Xiaofang , He Xin , Zhu Wenjing , Lin Lin , Liu Chang , Zhu Canzhan , Zhang Mingjuan 
Published: July 2024

ObjectiveSeveral studies have investigated the correlation between blood lipids and homocysteine, but no clear conclusions have been defined yet. Therefore, we utilized data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the correlation between serum homocysteine (Hcy) levels and hyperlipidemia, which is determined by the levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG). We believe this study can provide a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of lipid abnormalities.MethodsThe data used in this study were sourced from NHANES 1999–2006, linked with National Death Index mortality data from January 1999 to December 2019. We employed logistic regression to assess the associations between Hcy levels and the presence of hyperlipidemia. Additionally, survival analysis using Kaplan-Meier estimate and Cox proportional hazards regression model was conducted to evaluate the associations between Hcy levels and all-cause mortality in the hyperlipidemia population.Results(1) A total of 13,661 subjects were included in the study. There were statistically significant differences in Hcy levels across different groups based on gender, age, race, marital status, education level, hypertension status, diabetes status, and Body Mass Index (BMI) (P &lt; 0.05). (2) In the overall population, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was associated with an increased risk of high-TC hyperlipidemia (P &lt; 0.05). Subgroup analysis by gender showed that HHcy in females was associated with an increased risk of dyslipidemia (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.07–1.59, P &lt; 0.05) and high-LDL-C hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.00–1.68, P &lt; 0.05). In addition, subgroup analysis by age revealed that HHcy in middle-aged people was associated with an increased risk of high-TC hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03–1.41, P &lt; 0.05) and high-LDL-C hyperlipidemia (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.06–1.43, P &lt; 0.05). (3) HHcy was consistently associated with an increased mortality risk in the hyperlipidemia population (HR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.35–1.65, P &lt; 0.05).ConclusionThere was positive correlation between Hcy levels and the presence of hyperlipidemia. In the overall population, HHcy was associated with an increased risk of high-TC hyperlipidemia. Among females, HHcy is linked to an increased risk of dyslipidemia and high-LDL-C hyperlipidemia. In middle-aged people, HHcy was associated with an elevated risk of high-TC hyperlipidemia and high-LDL-C hyperlipidemia. In addition, HHcy increased the all-cause mortality rate in hyperlipidemia patients.
Bitumen-based plastitar: a novel plastic form variant in terrestrial environments
Authors: Ehlers Sonja M. , Ellrich Julius A. 
Published: July 2024

Plastitar has recently been reported in marine environments worldwide. Plastitar is plastic embedded in crude oil residues. This plastic form, i.e., geochemically or -physically altered plastic, has been proposed to derive from water motion driven plastic-crude oil-interactions in pelagic and benthic habitats. In this study, we introduce bitumen-based plastitar: a novel plastic form variant that we detected in supra-intertidal marina walls, riverbank cobblestone pavements, and roads. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy identified plastic fragments, bottle cap plastic liners, and paint chips, that we had found firmly embedded in black joint sealant, as polypropylene, polyethylene, polyester epoxide, and alkyd varnish. Field observations, pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (PY-GC/MS) and FTIR indicated that the black joint sealant consisted of a bitumen-mineral-mixture that is commonly used as adhesive and filler in hydraulic engineering and road construction. Brittle plastic fragments showed signs of melting such as bubbles, holes, and melt inclusions and, therefore, constituted pyroplastics, i.e., incompletely combusted and melted plastics with rock-like appearances. Bottle caps and paint chips were deeply pressed into the joint sealant. These findings indicate that bitumen-based plastitar is formed by plastic being (un)intentionally included into heated liquid bitumen or pressed into hardened bitumen. Our field inspections detected that bitumen-based plastitar degraded by up to 66% over 608 days releasing microplastics (plastics &lt; 0.5 cm) into the environment. Overall, our study shows, for the first time, that plastitar variants can form from materials other than crude oil residues and in terrestrial environments. We hope that our study will increase the awareness for these novel plastic fixation processes, i.e., plastic agglomeration with bitumen through heat and pressure, which could help to prevent plastitar formation during future construction works.
Genetic origins and migration patterns of Xinjiang Mongolian group revealed through Y-chromosome analysis
Authors: Wang Yifan , Xie Lei , Wang Ke , Jiang Zixi , Feng Yuhang , Yu Yao , Chang Xin , Meng Hailiang , Xu Yiran , Wu Yishan , Shi Meisen , Wang Xiaoxia , Wen Shaoqing 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionThe Xinjiang Mongolians, located along the Silk Road, migrated westward from Northeast Asia in the 13th and 14th centuries. Despite its significance, genetic studies on Xinjiang Mongolians have been limited compared to other Mongolian populations.MethodsIn this study, we analyzed the non-recombining region of the Y-chromosome in 165 Xinjiang Mongolian males using 108 biallelic markers and 44 STRs.Results and discussionOur study identified prevalent haplogroups C2a1a3-F1918 (10%), C2a1a2-M48 (8%), N1a1a-M178 (5%), and R1a1a-M17 (10%) in the Xinjiang Mongolians. Additionally, our study suggested a genetic affinity between Xinjiang Mongolians and Inner Mongolia Mongolian populations, as well as other ethnic groups from northwest China, based on the PCA analysis. The Network analysis revealed distinct branching expansion patterns in haplogroups C2a1a3a-F3796, C2a1a2-M48, and N1a1a-M178, with estimated timeframes aligning with Genghis Khan's invasion of Xinjiang in the Yuan Dynasty. Notably, our analysis of the R1a1a-M17 Network highlighted the role of Xinjiang Mongolians in the expansion of Turkic-speaking populations in Xinjiang and surrounding regions. The integration of ancient DNA data suggested that the high frequency haplogroups C2a1a3a-F3796, C2a1a2-M48, and N1a1a-M178 could be traced back to their origin in Northeast Asia. Furthermore, the estimated TMRCA of haplogroup R1a1a-M17 implied cultural and genetic influences from Turkic populations during the Qagatay Khanate period. Overall, our study provided a genetic explanation for the ethnic origin of Xinjiang Mongolians, highlighting their migration from Northeast Asia and subsequent assimilation with the local populations in Xinjiang.