bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing hexavalent chromium removal using amino-functionalized manganese oxide (birnessite) for improved adsorption efficiency
Authors: Slek Yassine , Amarray Amina , Salmi Mehdi , rharib Meryem El , Zaroual Zaina , Ghachtouli Sanae El 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the use of functionalized manganese oxide (K-MnO2-NH2) for removing Cr(VI) ions, a notably hazardous heavy metal contaminant,, from wastewater. The synthesis of K-MnO2-NH2 occurred in two steps followed by comprehensive characterization using various techniques, confirming its formation as pure-phase. The material demonstrated a high chromium removal efficiency (up to 90% at pH 2) attributed primarily to the introduction of amine groups through functionalization with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). These amine groups create active sites displaying a strong affinity towards Cr(VI) ions. Kinetic studies suggest a chemical reaction governs the adsorption process, while thermodynamic data indicate it to be exothermic. Freundlich isotherm best describes the adsorption behaviour compared to Langmuir and Temkin models. K-MnO2-NH2 effectively removed Cr(VI) from real wastewater, achieving a removal efficiency of around 41% and causing a visible discoloration. Remarkably, the material exhibits excellent reusability, maintaining over 80% removal efficiency after five cycles without any regeneration procedures. This innovative approach provides a sustainable and efficient method for removing Cr(VI) from wastewater, showcasing the considerable potential of K-MnO2-NH2 in environmental remediation and water purification efforts.
Exploring Thirst Incidence and Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia after Extubation Based on ERAS Principles
Authors: Zeng Zhihe , Lu Xinge , Sun Ye , Xiao Zhaoyang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aims to comprehend the levels of dry mouth and thirst in patients after general anesthesia, and to identify the factors influencing them.
Methods
The study included all patients transferred to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University between August 2021 and November 2021 after undergoing general anesthesia. A thirst numeric rating scale was utilized to conduct surveys, enabling the assessment of thirst incidence and intensity. Statistical analysis was performed to explore patient thirst levels and the associated factors.
Results
The study revealed a thirst incidence rate of 50.8%. Among the thirst intensity ratings, 71.4% of patients experienced mild thirst, 23.0% reported moderate thirst, and 5.6% expressed severe thirst. Single-factor statistical analysis of potential risk factors among the enrolled cases indicated that gender, history of coronary heart disease, surgical duration, intraoperative fluid volume, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative urine output, and different surgical departments were linked to post-anesthetic thirst in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Multifactorial Logistic regression analysis highlighted age, gender, history of coronary heart disease, fasting duration, and intraoperative fluid volume as independent risk factors for post-anesthetic thirst in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Moreover, age, gender, history of coronary heart disease, and intraoperative fluid volume were also identified as risk factors for varying degrees of thirst.
Conclusion
The incidence and intensity of post-anesthetic thirst after general anesthesia are relatively high. Their occurrence is closely associated with age, gender, history of coronary heart disease, fasting duration, and intraoperative fluid volume.
Oral microbiome components predict response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in triple-negative breast cancer patients
Authors: Fu Xiaoyan , Huang Ze , Liu Ziteng , Li Zongyan , Yang Qingyu , Li Haiyan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The oral microbiome, as a crucial biomarker and regulator in cancer development and response to treatment, has gradually gained attention among researchers. However, its impact on breast cancer remains poorly understood. The influence of oral microbiome on the chemotherapy sensitivity of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and its molecular mechanism are still unclear, and further confirmation is needed to determine whether it can be used as a biomarker for predicting chemotherapy sensitivity in TNBC.
Results
We observed significant differences in the composition of oral microbiome among patients with varying chemotherapy sensitivities for TNBC patients, as well as notable changes in oral microbiome after chemotherapy in patients with favorable responses to treatment. Our analysis revealed that chemotherapy sensitivity patients had higher levels of Lactobacillus and Neisseria components, while exhibiting lower levels of Clostridium components. After chemotherapy, there was an increase in Clostridium and Microbacillus components among patients with positive responses, along with a decrease in Streptococcus and Neisseria components. Conversely, no significant differences were observed in the microbiota of patients with poor responses after undergoing chemotherapy. Biomarkers were selected for the response-prediction classifier, which yielded an area under the curve value of 77.3% (95%CI: 60.5%-94.2%).
Conclusion
Oral microbiome can serve as a potential biomarker for predicting neoadjuvant chemotherapy sensitivity in triple-negative breast cancer due to its simplicity, non-invasiveness, and repeatability.
Enhancing Children’s Numeracy and Executive Function Skills via Explicit Integration: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Scerif Gaia , Sugevic Jelena , Andrews Hannah , Blakey Emma , Gattas Sylvia , Godfrey Amy , Hawes Zachary , Howard Steven , Kent Liberty , Merkley Rebecca , O'Connor Rosemary , O'Reilly Fionnuala , Simms Victoria 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Executive functions (EF) are crucial to regulating learning and are predictors of emerging mathematics. However, interventions that integrate to improve mathematics remain poorly understood. 193 four-year-olds (mean age = 3 years:11 months pre-intervention; 111 female, 69% White) were assessed 5 months apart, with 103 children randomized to an integrated EF and mathematics intervention. We hypothesized that the intervention would improve mathematics scores more than practice-as-usual. Multi-level modelling and network analyses were applied to the data. The intervention group improved more than the control group in overall numeracy, even when we controlled for differences across settings in EF and mathematics enhancing practices. EF and mathematics measures showed greater interconnectedness between EF and mathematics post-intervention. In addition, disadvantaged children in the intervention group made greater gains than in the control group. Our findings emphasize the need to consider EFs in their integration with co-developing functions, and in their educational and socio-economic context.
Cervical cancer risk stratification based on nationwide electronic health data: a retrospective modelling and validation study from Estonia
Authors: Tisler Anna , MA Andres Võrk , Tammemägi Martin , Ojavee Sven Erik , Raag Mait , Šavrova Aleksandra , Nygard Mari , Nygard Jan , Stankunas Mindaugas , Kivite-Urtane Anda , Uusküla Anneli 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Transitioning to an individualized risk-based approach can significantly enhance cervical cancer screening programs.
We aimed to derive and internally validate a prediction model for assessing the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 or higher (CIN3+) and cancer in women eligible for screening. This retrospective study utilized data from the Estonian electronic health records, including 517,884 women from the health insurance database and linked health registries. We employed Cox proportional hazard regression, incorporating reproductive and medical history variables (14 covariates), and utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) for variable selection. A 10-fold cross-validation for internal validation of the model was used. The main outcomes were the performance of discrimination and calibration.
Over the 8-year follow-up, we identified 1,326 women with cervical cancer and 5,929 with CIN3+, with absolute risks of 0.3% and 1.1%, respectively. The prediction model for CIN3+ and cervical cancer had good discriminative power and was well calibrated Harrell's C of 0.74 (0.73 - 0.74) (calibration slope 0.99 (0.94 - 1.03) and 0.67 (0.66 - 0.69) (calibration slope 0.96 (0.88 - 1.04) respectively. A developed model based on nationwide electronic health data showed potential utility for risk stratification to supplement screening efforts.
Integrated transcriptome and targeted metabolome analyses provide insights into flavonoid biosynthesis in kiwifruit (Actinidia chinensis)
Authors: Mao Jipeng , Gao Zhu , Wang Xiaoling , Yao Dongliang , Lin Mengfei , Chen Lu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

So far, a variety of metabolite components of kiwifruit have been elucidated. However, the identification and analysis of flavonoids in different tissue of kiwifruit are rarely carried out. In this study, we performed transcriptome and metabolome analyses of roots (Gkf_R), stems (Gkf_T), leaves (Gkf_L) and fruits (Gkf_F) to provide insights into the differential accumulation and regulation mechanisms of flavonoids in kiwifruit. Results showed that total of 301 flavonoids were identified, and in four tissues with the different accumulation trends, and a large proportion of flavonoids with high accumulation in Gkf_L and Gkf_R. A total of 84 genes have been identified involved in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, and the expression level of five LAR, two DFR, and one HCT were significantly correlated with the accumulation of 16 flavonoids and co-localized in the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. In addition, a total of 2,362 transcription factors were identified, mainly included MYB, bHLH, ERF, bZIP and WRKY, among which the expression level of bHLH74, RAP2.3L/4L/10L, MYB1R1 and WRKY33 were significantly correlated with 25, 56, 43 and 24 kinds of flavonoids. Our research will enrich the metabolomic data, provide useful information for the directed genetic improvement and application in the pharmaceutical industry of kiwifruit.
Relationship and factors of technical efficiency and quality of hospital care: the federal state system of Germany
Authors: Vrabková Iveta , Vaňková Ivana , Lee Sabrina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The healthcare system utilises parameters like quality, efficiency, and equality (availability), creating a flexible system in which one parameter reacts to another to a certain extent. This research reacts to these facts, often discussed by experts as well as the general public. It aims to determine the relationship between technical efficiency and quality of hospital care in the context of the federal states of Germany and approximate the influence of selected external factors on their results. The inquiry involves 64 homogeneous production units, i.e., 16 federal states, in 2018–2021. It is therefore a macroeconomic view of the technical efficiency of the units examined and the quality of hospital care within the context of external conditions. Four variables were selected for the evaluation of the DEA input-oriented model (CRS, VRS) – 2 inputs (number of patients per 1 physician, number of patients per 1 nurse) and 2 outputs (number of hospitalised patients per 1 bed, number of days of treatment per 1 bed). The quality of hospital care was analysed based on the results of the nationwide survey of satisfaction of hospital patients. The following factors were selected to investigate the influence of the factors on the results of technical efficiency and quality: number of public hospitals, number of non-profit hospitals, number of private hospitals, number of persons up to the age of 15, number of persons aged over 65. The results showed that the relationship between technical efficiency and quality is inverse in most DMUs. Different results were observed in the city states of Berlin, Bremen, and Hamburg. The results of the tobit model showed that 84% of the net technical efficiency of the hospitals depends on the proportion of limit population groups (the age groups 65 + and up to the age of 15) within the population of the state in question. The results of the influence of external factors on patient satisfaction scores can be explained at the rate of 32%.
JEL Classification E23, I10, C02
The Tale of Two Ions Na+ and Cl- : Unraveling Onion Plant Responses to Varying Salt Treatments
Authors: Romo-Pérez M. L. , Weinert C. H. , Egert B. , Kulling S. E. , Zörb C. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background Exploring the adaptive responses of onions (Allium cepa L.) to salinity reveals a critical challenge for this salt-sensitive crop. While previous studies have concentrated on the effects of sodium (Na+), this research highlights the substantial yet less-explored impact of chloride (Cl−) accumulation. Two onion varieties were subjected to treatments with different sodium and chloride containing salts to observe early metabolic responses without causing toxicity.Results The concentrations of both ions were increased; with Cl− exhibiting a more pronounced effect on metabolic profiles than Na+. Onions adapt to salinity by altering organic acid concentrations, which are critical for essential functions such as energy production and stress response. The landrace Birnförmige exhibited more effective regulation of its Na+/K+ balance and a milder response to Cl− compared to the hybrid Hytech. Metabolic alterations were analyzed using advanced techniques, revealing specific responses in leaves and bulbs to Cl− and Na+ accumulation.Conclusion The comprehensive study provides new insights into onion ion regulation and stress adaptation, emphasizing the importance of considering both ions, Na+ and Cl− when assessing plant responses to salinity.
Prognostic Value of Interstitial Lung Abnormalities in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis: a Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yuan Bo , Jia Yu , Zhu Min , Zhou Yiheng , Yi Shanye , Xu Yanlin , Shama Aga , Yang Menglei , Li Xi , Song Xiaohua , Zhang Yuchen , Liao Xiaoyang , Luo Fengming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Cirrhosis is the end-stage liver fibrosis and leads to massive death worldwide. Interstitial lung abnormalities (ILAs) have received widespread attention because of their progression to pulmonary fibrosis and mortality. This study aimed to investigate whether the presence of ILAs is associated with elevated mortality in patients with cirrhosis.
Methods: Patients diagnosed with cirrhosis between August 2011 and November 2023 were retrospectively included. Clinical data were collected from electronic records. ILAs were recorded by chest computed tomography. The proportion of ILAs and the associations between ILAs and all-cause mortality in cirrhosis were analyzed.
Results: A total of 4,022 patients with cirrhosis were included, and 749 (18.6%) subjects were diagnosed with ILAs. During the median 2.1 (1.0-5.1) years of follow-up, patients with ILAs had higher mortality than those without (48.6% vs. 38.1%; P<0.001), ILAs significantly increased all-cause mortality (hazard ratio: 1.355; 95% confidence interval: 1.202-1.527; P<0.001). These associations remain significant in patients with viral, alcoholic, and primary biliary cirrhosis. Moreover, all the imaging features of the ILAs were positively related to mortality (P<0.05). According to the subgroup analysis, these associations were consistent across age and sex but were stronger in compensated cirrhosis than decompensation (P for interaction: 0.047).
Conclusion: ILAs is high occurrence in patients with cirrhosis, is independently related to all-cause mortality in patients with cirrhosis, and strategies for risk stratification and prognosis assessment targeting ILA may yield clinical benefits.
Characterization of exo-inulinase from endophytic Rossellomorea aquimaris3.13 for inulin digestion of Jerusalem artichoke tubers
Authors: Chansoda Kanokwan , Mongkolthanaruk Wiyada 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Inulinase is widely used in the food industry as it can digest inulin derived from various sources and is effective in producing high yield fructose. Inulin from Jerusalem artichoke is the choice of substrates for food industries using inulinase. Inulinase was purified and characterized from an endophytic Rossellomorea aquimaris 3.13 isolated from Jerusalem artichoke. The purified inulinase had molecular mass of 58 kDa as assessed by SDS-PAGE. The optimum temperature and pH were 60°C and pH 5.0, respectively. Enzyme was stable at 60°C and retained 60% residual activity after 90 min. It was also stable in a pH range of 5–7 for 12 h. This inulinase showed greatest substrate specificity, to levan, inulin and raffinose in this order. Thin layer chromatography analysis of the end product revealed that inulinase hydrolyzed inulin extracted from chicory and Jerusalem artichoke, giving only fructose; therefore, the purified enzyme was verified as an exo-inulinase. This study indicated that inulinase from R. aquimaris 3.13 can be used in fructose production from inulin and levan substrates in food technology.
Preparation of D-NCCDs and its application in fluorescent/colorimetric dual-mode discrimination of glutamine enantiomers
Authors: Liao Xuan , Lu Cancan , Duan Yaning , Ren Cuiling , Chen Hongli 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The chiral recognition of glutamine (Gln) enantiomers is of great importance in medicine, disease diagnosis, drug analysis, and food analysis. Up to now, there are few reports on the detection of Gln enantiomers based on fluorescent and colorimetric dual mode. Therefore, the design of a dual-mode probe combining fluorescence and colorimetry for the detection of Gln enantiomers needs further exploration and research. In this work, a new type of CDs (D-NCCDs) was designed and synthesized. In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, the fluorescence of D-NCCDs gradually decreased as the concentration of D-glutamine increased, the ratio of fluorescence intensity (F/F0) shows a good linear relationship with the concentration of D-glutamine within the range of 0.5–10 mM, with a detection limit of 0.11 mM. Additionally, the color of the solution gradually changed from light yellow to yellow-brown. But the fluorescence and absorbance of D-NCCDs did not change significantly after different concentrations of L-glutamine were added. Thus dual-mode discrimination of glutamine enantiomers through fluorescence and colorimetry was achieved.
Biodiesel production from waste oil through efficient enzymatic synthesis using Yarrowia lipolytica lipase 2 in the presence of Glucose, β-cyclodextrin or G50
Authors: Xiao Dunchi , Li Xun , Zhang Yu , Wang Fei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this study, the liquid lipase Yarrowia lipolytica lipase 2 (YLLip2) expressed by Pichia pastoris GS115 was used to produce biodiesel from waste oil. Four signal peptides were compared to express YLLip2 in P. pastoris, among which SP23 exhibited greater secretion performance. In a 1.3-L bioreactor with FM22 medium for 7 d incubation, the maximum YLLip2 activity and 30 total protein content reached 895.44 ± 27.31 U/mL and 3.83 ± 0.31 g/L, respectively. Under the optimal reaction conditions of 30 ℃, 20% moisture content, 50 U/g oil of enzyme dosage, and distributed methanol addition, the reaction yield reached 80.99% after 12 h. In the presence of additives such as glucose or β-cyclodextrin, the yield was slightly improved. To further improve the biodiesel yield, lipase GS “Amano” 50 (G50) was used to synergize with YLLip2. The results showed that adding G50 (approximately 1/20 of YLLip2) increased the yield by approximately 90% after 6 h cultivation without changing the enzyme dosage. Compared with previous studies, the reaction time for biodiesel production from waste oil in this study was significantly shortened. This study provides a workable method for converting low-quality feedstocks containing high-free fatty acids into biodiesel using a liquid lipase as the catalyst.
Hepatic Vein Saturation in Fontan Surveillance Cardiac Catheterizations
Authors: deBettencourt Joseph B , Alnoor Mohammad , Patel Sheetal , Zdanowicz Zofia , Tannous Paul , Pelech Andrew N , O'Halloran Conor P. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Staged palliation of single ventricle congenital heart disease culminating in complete cavo-pulmonary anastomosis (“Fontan”) is life preserving but is associated with long term morbidity frequently including Fontan-associated liver disease (FALD). Markers of early FALD are lacking. We sought to measure hepatic venous oxygen saturation (ShVO2) obtained during surveillance cardiac catheterization of Fontan patients, as a potential early marker of early FALD. Fontan patients with ShVO2 measurements during catheterization between 2018 and 2023 at two institutions were included. In addition to catheterization data, exercise stress test, liver biopsy, liver elastography, and laboratory data were collected. 58 patients were included in the study. Catheterization with ShVO2 measurement occurred on average 13.6 years (range 7.3 − 25.1 years) after Fontan completion. The median ShVO2 was 59% (range 13–88%) and was on average 13% lower than the SVC saturation (ranging from 14% higher to 44% lower). ShVO2 was positively associated with SVC saturation (r = 0.267, p = 0.046) and time since Fontan completion (r = 0.303, p = 0.021). ShVO2 was not associated with fibrosis grade, liver function test, liver elastography, VO2 max, cardiac index by catheterization, or Fontan pressure. In conclusion, ShVO2 is not associated with current markers of liver dysfunction. Longitudinal study is needed to determine if decreased ShVO2 precedes the development FALD.
Medical Students as Teachers: Impact of Peer-Led Teaching Sessions on NBME Exam Performance
Authors: Aharonian Karl , Winter Victoria , Schlesinger Tal , Simanton Edward 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction/Background:
Peer-led teaching sessions (PLTS) supplement conventional medical education, allowing students to share knowledge effectively. PLTS have shown significant academic benefits for student instructors. However, the impact on attendees, especially concerning NBME-style examinations, remains underexplored.
Methods:
This study analyzed de-identified data from 67 first-year medical students at Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine, divided into PLTS attendees (study group) and non-attendees (control group) based on session participation. Data were collected before two NBME examinations, with attendees defined as those attending at least five Peer-led teaching sessions. Academic performance was measured using NBME Customized Assessment Services (CAS) exam scores. Statistical analyses, including p-tests, chi-square, and t-tests, assessed differences in performance and potential biases based on MCAT scores, first-generation status, and socioeconomic background.
Results:
The study group initially had 26 students, and the control group had 31 students. Post-first examination, the study group adjusted to 22 students, and the control group to 35 students. MCAT scores and demographics showed no significant differences between groups. The first examination revealed a significant improvement in PLTS attendees' scores (4.28% increase, p = 0.036), indicating a positive impact of PLTS on basic science knowledge. The second examination on organ systems physiology showed no significant difference (p = 0.722).
Discussion:
PLTS effectively enhance foundational science understanding but may be less impactful for advanced topics. The diminishing effect may result from increased use of diverse study resources and adaptation to medical school. Future research should explore long-term benefits, optimal implementation strategies, and the impact of instructor quality and engagement.
Therefore, the overall conclusion is that PLTS positively influence NBME-style exam performance in early medical education, but benefits decrease over time.