bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide loading on thermal, mechanical and ion conducting properties of specialty interlayer films derived from scrap Polyvinyl butyral
Authors: Wootthikanokkhan Jatuphorn , Areerug Piyada , Azarian Mohammad Hossein , Laungchaisri Chumphon 
Published: July 2024

This work investigates the feasibility of using scrap poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) film derived from laminated glass factories as an ion-conductive interlayer film for producing electrochromic glass. The process uses PVB films made from masterbatches containing 10 to 60 wt% lithium bis(trifluoromethane sulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI). The investigation focused on how LiTFSI loading affected both the PVB masterbatches and the final PVB films. Higher LiTFSI loading correlated with increased ionic conductivity. The best electrochromic devices are obtained when the PVB films are directly prepared from the masterbatch without additional PVB flakes dilution during extrusion. The highest ionic conductivity 2.72 × 10−4 S/cm, is achieved from a masterbatch containing neat PVB and scrap PVB flakes with 60 wt% LiTFSI. Additionally, LiTFSI acted as a plasticizer for PVB, lowering the glass transition temperature and increasing the PVB film percent elongation.
Chemical fractionation of heavy metals and zinc isotope source identification in sediments of the Huangpu River, Shanghai, China
Authors: Li Yalong , Tu Yaojen , Li Gaojun , Pu Yali , Chien Meichuan , Duan Yanping 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The Huangpu River serves as a vital water source for around 24 million individuals residing in the metropolitan area of Shanghai. Despite this, elevated levels of heavy metals persist in the sediments of the river, with their chemical fractionation and sources remaining inadequately understood.

Results
To improve the management of heavy metal contamination, sequential extractions and zinc (Zn) isotopic compositions were utilized to evaluate pollution levels in the Huangpu River. The findings reveal that the majority of heavy metals in the river sediments are present in residual fractions, constituting an average of 67.5% for Cd, 57.6% for Cu, 60.6% for Ni, 56.2% for Pb, and 74.4% for Cr, with the exception of Zn (33.8%). Furthermore, a substantial portion of Zn, exceeding 66%, was found in acid-exchangeable, reducible, and oxidizable fractions, indicating a high potential for Zn release into aquatic ecosystems.

Conclusion
Further analysis of Zn isotopes pinpointed traffic emissions, including exhaust fumes and tire wear particles (account for ~ 34.0%), along with anthropogenic emissions and fertilizer (~ 31.7%), as the major culprits behind this contamination. These findings highlight the critical need for stricter regulations to control heavy metal contamination from traffic and domestic sources within the Huangpu River basin.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals the impact of daily temperature difference on male sterility in photo-thermo-sensitive male sterile wheat
Authors: Niu Fuqiang , Liu Zihan , Liu Yongjie , Bai Jianfang , Zhang Tianbao , Yuan Shaohua , Bai Xiucheng , Zhao Changping , Zhang Fengting , Sun Hui , Zhang Liping , Song Xiyue 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Photo-thermo-sensitive male sterility (PTMS), which refers to the male sterility triggered by variations in photoperiod and temperature, is a crucial element in the wheat two-line hybrid system. The development of safe production and efficient propagation for male sterile lines holds utmost importance in two-line hybrid wheat. Under the stable photoperiod condition, PTMS is mainly induced by high or low temperatures in wheat, but the effect of daily temperature difference (DTD) on the fertility conversion of PTMS lines has not been reported. Here, three BS type PTMS lines including BS108, BS138, and BS366, as well as a control wheat variety J411 were used to analyze the correlation between fertility and DTD using differentially sowing tests, photo-thermo-control experiments, and transcriptome sequencing.

Results
The differentially sowing tests suggested that the optimal sowing time for safe seed production of the three PTMS lines was from October 5th to 25th in Dengzhou, China. Under the condition of 12 h 12 °C, the PTMS lines were greatly affected by DTD and exhibited complete male sterility at a temperature difference of 15 °C. Furthermore, under different temperature difference conditions, a total of 20,677 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained using RNA sequencing. Moreover, through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and KEGG enrichment analysis, the identified DEGs had a close association with “starch and sucrose metabolism”, “phenylpropanoid biosynthesis”, “MAPK signaling pathway-plant”, “flavonoid biosynthesis”, and “cutin, and suberine and wax biosynthesis”. qRT-PCR analysis showed the expression levels of core genes related to KEGG pathways significantly decreased at a temperature difference of 15 ° C. Finally, we constructed a transcriptome mediated network of temperature difference affecting male sterility.

Conclusions
The findings provide important theoretical insights into the correlation between temperature difference and male sterility, providing guidance for the identification and selection of more secure and effective PTMS lines.
Assessing different metrics of pedigree and genomic inbreeding and inbreeding effect on growth, fertility, and feed efficiency traits in a closed-herd Nellore cattle population
Authors: Bem Ricardo D. , Benfica Lorena F. , Silva Delvan A. , Carrara Eula R. , Brito Luiz F. , Mulim Henrique A. , Borges Marcelo S. , Cyrillo Joslaine N. S. G. , Canesin Roberta C. , Bonilha Sarah F. M. , Mercadante Maria E. Z. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
The selection of individuals based on their predicted breeding values and mating of related individuals can increase the proportion of identical-by-descent alleles. In this context, the objectives of this study were to estimate inbreeding coefficients based on alternative metrics and data sources such as pedigree (FPED), hybrid genomic relationship matrix H (FH), and ROH of different length (FROH); and calculate Pearson correlations between the different metrics in a closed Nellore cattle population selected for body weight adjusted to 378 days of age (W378). In addition to total FROH (all classes) coefficients were also estimated based on the size class of the ROH segments: FROH1 (1–2 Mb), FROH2 (2–4 Mb), FROH3 (4–8 Mb), FROH4 (8–16 Mb), and FROH5 (> 16 Mb), and for each chromosome (FROH_CHR). Furthermore, we assessed the effect of each inbreeding metric on birth weight (BW), body weights adjusted to 210 (W210) and W378, scrotal circumference (SC), and residual feed intake (RFI). We also evaluated the chromosome-specific effects of inbreeding on growth traits.

Results
The correlation between FPED and FROH was 0.60 while between FH and FROH and FH and FPED were 0.69 and 0.61, respectively. The annual rate of inbreeding was 0.16% for FPED, 0.02% for FH, and 0.16% for FROH. A 1% increase in FROH5 resulted in a reduction of up to -1.327 ± 0.495 kg in W210 and W378. Four inbreeding coefficients (FPED, FH, FROH2, and FROH5) had a significant effect on W378, with reductions of up to -3.810 ± 1.753 kg per 1% increase in FROH2. There was an unfavorable effect of FPED on RFI (0.01 ± 0.0002 kg dry matter/day) and of FROH on SC (-0.056 ± 0.022 cm). The FROH_CHR coefficients calculated for BTA3, BTA5, and BTA8 significantly affected the growth traits.

Conclusions
Inbreeding depression was observed for all traits evaluated. However, these effects were greater for the criterion used for selection of the animals (i.e., W378). The increase in the genomic inbreeding was associated with a higher inbreeding depression on the traits evaluated when compared to pedigree-based inbreeding. Genomic information should be used as a tool during mating to optimize control of inbreeding and, consequently, minimize inbreeding depression in Nellore cattle.
Unearthing Lactococcus lactis and Scheffersomyeces symbionts from edible wood-boring beetle larvae as a bio-resource for industrial applications
Authors: Kibet Shadrack , Mudalungu Cynthia M. , Kimani Njogu M. , Makwatta JohnMark O. , Kabii James , Sevgan Subramanian , Kelemu Segenet , Tanga Chrysantus M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Gut microbiota have several advantages in influencing the host nutrition, metabolism, immunity and growth. However, the understanding of the gut microbiota in key edible wood-boring beetle larvae remain largely undefined. In the present study, the characteristics of the gut microbiota of two edible wood-boring species (Titocerus jaspideus and Passalus punctiger) from two indigenous forested areas were investigated.

Results
Over 50% of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) constituted of Firmicutes in T. jaspideus. The dominant phyla in both beetle species were Bacteroidota (4.20–19.79%) and Proteobacteria (15.10–23.90%). Lactococcus lactis was the most abundant and core prokaryote in the guts of T. jaspideus. The fungi identified in the gut of both insects belong to the phylum Obazoa (66%) and Ascomycota (> 15%). Scheffersomyeces sp. was the core eukaryote recorded. The diversity of gut microbiota in both insect species did not vary significantly. Most of the prokaryotic genes expressed were predominantly associated with biosynthesis and metabolism.

Conclusion
Our findings demonstrated that Lactococcus lactis and Scheffersomyeces are core gut microbes of wood boring beetle larvae with desirable probiotic properties and promising use in food product fermentation for improved growth performance, gut barrier health, intestinal flora balance and immune protection for human and animals. Further studies to highlight the latest medical-based applications of L. lactis as live-delivery vector for the administration of therapeutics against both communicable and non-communicable diseases are warranted.
Pathogen elicitor peptide (pep), systemin, and their receptors in tomato: sequence analysis sheds light on standing disagreements about biotic stress signaling components
Authors: Zelman Alice Kira , Ma Yi , Berkowitz Gerald Alan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPeps are endogenous damage-associated polypeptides that evoke defense responses in plants. Like other damage-associated molecular patterns, Pep signals are transduced by receptors. PEPRs are the receptors that transduce Pep danger signals. This paper identifies new putative Peps in the Solanaceae (including Solanum spp., Nicotiana spp., and Petunia spp.) and Coffea and explores their properties. Using these newly identified Peps we derive sequence logos that present a refinement of the current understanding of the importance of specific residues in the Pep signaling molecules in Solanaceae, including several arginines, prolines that restrict peptide’s conformations, and C-terminal asparagine. We examine the degree of disorder in Pep, which is likely important to the mechanism of Pep perception. This work also calls into question some of the evolutionary relationships between Peps in Solanaceae and specific Arabidopsis Peps published in previous literature, culminating in a conclusion that SlPep should not be named SlPep6 due to the lack of conservation of protein sequences in AtPROPEP6 and SlPROPEP, and that SlPep probably does not have two receptors in tomato, based on phylogenetic analysis. Our analyses advance understanding of the Pep signaling system in Solanaceae.
Methodology of clinical trials on sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Šaler Fran , Viđak Marin , Puljak Livia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background/Objective
The research on sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors has been increasing rapidly in the last decade, as well as indications for their use. This study aimed to analyze the methodological characteristics of clinical trials on SGLT2 inhibitors registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Design
We conducted a cross-sectional study of trials on SGLT2 inhibitors registered on ClinicalTrials.gov up to November 11, 2022. We included clinical trials that tested SGLT2 inhibitors for any clinical condition, as a single or combined SGLT2 therapy, compared to any other medication or placebo and mapped their characteristics.

Results
We identified 1102 eligible trials on 14 different SGLT2 inhibitors. The first trial registration was in 2005. There were 993 (90%) interventional and 109 (10%) observational trials. Most trials were in Phase 1 (29%), Phase 3 (23%), or Phase 4 (24%). Interventional trials were mostly randomized (85%); almost half of them did not use masking (44%). Trials on empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, and canagliflozin accounted for 75% of all trials. More than 60% of trials included patients with diabetes mellitus, 13% included only healthy subjects, and 12% included patients with heart diseases. Overall, these trials included more than 9.5 million participants (~ 312,000 of which in interventional studies). Almost 65% of all clinical trials were industry-funded. Most trials were completed (60%) and 35% of those reported results. For trials that are obligated to report results by the Food and Drugs Administration (FDA), 88% of them did so. Trials fully or partially funded by industry more frequently published results compared to non-industry funded trials (46.1% vs. 11.2%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions
The number of registered trials on SGLT2 inhibitors is increasing progressively along with expanding indications for its use, shifting from diabetes mellitus to cardiovascular and renal diseases. Public reporting of trial results improved with time but remains suboptimal.
An analysis of protective health behavior and polypharmacy among older patients: a nationwide cohort study
Authors: Piao Zhaoyan , Oh Kyung sun , Han Euna 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
This study analyzed the relationship between protective health behaviors and polypharmacy in individuals aged 65 years and older.

Methods
We used data from a nationwide survey (KNHANES) from 2012 to 2016 in conjunction with the health insurance claims databases. A total of 3297 adults aged 65 or older were included in the study. Polypharmacy was defined as more than 30 prescription days in 6 months with five or more different drugs. Health-related behaviors (BMI, smoking, drinking, regular walking, and living alone) were extracted for 6 months before measuring polypharmacy. We used multivariable logistic regression on polypharmacy for each protective health behavior, as well as a composite score of protective health behavior. Subgroup analysis was also conducted by age and sex.

Results
Among protective health behaviors, BMI < 25 (OR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66–0.88) and never smoking (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.62–0.98) were associated with a lower risk of polypharmacy. Polypharmacy was significantly associated with BMI < 25 in both sex subgroups (male: OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.56–0.88; female: OR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67–0.99) and 65–79 subgroup (OR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.63–0.86). The association between never smoking and polypharmacy was only significant in the 65–79 subgroup (OR, 0.71; 95% CI, 0.55–0.91). Participants with five protective health behaviors had a lower risk of polypharmacy than participants with zero or one health behavior, which was only statistically significant in the subgroup analysis of participants aged 65–79 years (OR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29–0.94).

Conclusions
This study finds that health behaviors such as obesity and smoking are associated with a higher risk of polypharmacy. Furthermore, we confirm that a high score of protective health behaviors is associated with a lower risk of polypharmacy. Our findings indicate the need for geriatric-centered management of protective health behaviors to prevent polypharmacy.
An efficient multi-level thresholding method for breast thermograms analysis based on an improved BWO algorithm
Authors: Singh Simrandeep , Singh Harbinder , Mittal Nitin , Singh Supreet , Askar S. S. , Alshamrani Ahmad M. , Abouhawwash Mohamed 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBreast cancer is a prevalent disease and the second leading cause of death in women globally. Various imaging techniques, including mammography, ultrasonography, X-ray, and magnetic resonance, are employed for detection. Thermography shows significant promise for early breast disease detection, offering advantages such as being non-ionizing, non-invasive, cost-effective, and providing real-time results. Medical image segmentation is crucial in image analysis, and this study introduces a thermographic image segmentation algorithm using the improved Black Widow Optimization Algorithm (IBWOA). While the standard BWOA is effective for complex optimization problems, it has issues with stagnation and balancing exploration and exploitation. The proposed method enhances exploration with Levy flights and improves exploitation with quasi-opposition-based learning. Comparing IBWOA with other algorithms like Harris Hawks Optimization (HHO), Linear Success-History based Adaptive Differential Evolution (LSHADE), and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA), sine cosine algorithm (SCA), and black widow optimization (BWO) using otsu and Kapur's entropy method. Results show IBWOA delivers superior performance in both qualitative and quantitative analyses including visual inspection and metrics such as fitness value, threshold values, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measure (SSIM), and feature similarity index (FSIM). Experimental results demonstrate the outperformance of the proposed IBWOA, validating its effectiveness and superiority.
Acute and chronic complication profiles among patients with chronic kidney disease in Alberta, Canada: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Lau David C. W. , Shaw Eileen , McMullen Suzanne , Cowling Tara , Witges Kelcie , Amitay Efrat L. , Steubl Dominik , Girard Louis P. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses a substantial burden to individuals, caregivers, and healthcare systems. CKD is associated with higher risk for adverse events, including renal failure, cardiovascular disease, and death. This study aims to describe comorbidities and complications in patients with CKD.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study linking administrative health databases in Alberta, Canada. Adults with CKD were identified (April 1, 2010 and March 31, 2019) and indexed on the first diagnostic code or laboratory test date meeting the CKD algorithm criteria. Cardiovascular, renal, diabetic, and other comorbidities were described in the two years before index; complications were described for events after index date. Complications were stratified by CKD stage, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) status at index.

Results
The cohort included 588,170 patients. Common chronic comorbidities were hypertension (36.9%) and T2DM (24.1%), while 11.4% and 2.6% had ASCVD and chronic heart failure, respectively. Common acute complications were infection (58.2%) and cardiovascular hospitalization (24.4%), with rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) of 29.4 (29.3–29.5) and 8.37 (8.32–8.42) per 100 person-years, respectively. Common chronic complications were dyslipidemia (17.3%), anemia (14.7%), and hypertension (11.1%), with rates (95% CI) of 11.9 (11.7–12.1), 4.76 (4.69–4.83), and 13.0 (12.8–13.3) per 100 person-years, respectively. Patients with more advanced CKD, ASCVD, and T2DM at index exhibited higher complication rates.

Conclusions
Over two-thirds of patients with CKD experienced complications, with higher rates observed in those with cardio-renal-metabolic comorbidities. Strategies to mitigate risk factors and complications can reduce patient burden.
Bacterial stroke-associated pneumonia: microbiological analysis and mortality outcome
Authors: Aboulfotooh Alshaimaa M. , Aziz Heba Sherif Abdel , Zein Marwa M. , Sayed Mohamed , Ibrahim Ahmed R. N. , Abdelaty Lamiaa N. , Magdy Rehab 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) considerably burden healthcare systems. This study aimed to identify predictors of developing SAP in acute ischemic stroke patients admitted to the Stroke Unit at Manial Specialized Hospital factors with microbiological causality and impact on 30-day mortality.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study. All patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to the Stroke Unit at Manial Specialized Hospital (from February 2021 to August 2023) were divided into the SAP and non-SAP groups. Detailed clinical characteristics and microbiological results were recorded.

Results
Five hundred twenty-two patients diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke (mean age of 55 ± 10) were included. One hundred sixty-nine (32.4%) of stroke patients developed SAP; Klebsiella pneumoniae was the most commonly detected pathogen (40.2%), followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (20.7%). Bacteremia was identified in nine cases (5.3%). The number of deaths was 11, all of whom were diagnosed with SAP, whereas none from the non-SAP group died (P < 0.001). The binary logistic regression model identified three independent predictors of the occurrence of SAP: previous history of TIA/stroke (OR = 3.014, 95%CI = 1.281–7.092), mechanical ventilation (OR = 4.883, 95%CI = 1.544–15.436), and bulbar dysfunction (OR = 200.460, 95%CI = 80.831-497.143).

Conclusions
Stroke-associated pneumonia was reported in one-third of patients with acute ischemic stroke, adversely affecting mortality outcomes. Findings showed that the main predictors of SAP were bulbar dysfunction, the use of mechanical ventilation and previous history of TIA/stroke. More attention to these vulnerable patients is necessary to reduce mortality.
Vaping habits and respiratory symptoms using a smartphone app platform
Authors: Lee Mi-Sun S. , Eum Ki-Do , Allen Joseph G. , Onnela Jukka-Pekka , Christiani David C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
Widespread use of e-cigarette (EC) or vaping products causes respiratory disorders including the nationwide outbreak of e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) in 2019. Chronic adverse health effects are now being reported as well. To address this important public health issue, an innovative approach of epidemic control and epidemiologic study is required. We aimed to assess the association between short-term and long-term use of EC products and respiratory health in adults using smartphone app data.

Methods
A population-based, repeated measures, longitudinal smartphone app study that performed 8-day survey participation over 60 days for each participant from August 2020 to March 2021, including 306 participants aged 21 years and older in the US. The participants were asked to complete the respiratory health questionnaire daily, weekly, and monthly on their smartphone app. We analyzed the association between vaping habits and respiratory health using generalized linear mixed models (GLMMs).

Results
EC use in the previous 7 days was associated with frequent cough (OR: 5.15, 95% CI: 2.18, 12.21), chronic cough (OR: 3.92, 95% CI: 1.62, 9.45), frequent phlegm (OR: 3.99, 95% CI: 1.44, 11.10), chronic phlegm (OR: 3.55, 95% CI: 1.41, 8.96), episodes of cough and phlegm (OR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.94, 11.28), mMRC grade 3–4 dyspnea (OR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.35 to 8.13), chest cold (OR: 3.07, 95% CI: 1.29, 7.33), eye irritation (OR: 2.94, 95% CI: 1.34, 6.47) and nose irritation (OR : 2.02, 95% CI: 0.95, 4.30). Relatively long-term effects of the past 90 days EC use was associated with an increased risk of wheeze (OR: 3.04, 95% CI: 1.31, 7.03), wheeze attack (OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.07, 7.24), mMRC grade 3–4 dyspnea (OR: 2.54, 9% CI: 1.05 to 6.18), eye irritation (OR: 3.16, 95% CI: 1.49, 6.68), and eye irritation during the past month (OR: 3.50, 95% CI: 1.52, 8.04).

Conclusions
In this smartphone app-based repeated measures study, short-term and relatively long-term use of EC increased the risk of respiratory symptoms.