bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constructing magneto-dielectric dual absorption performance of epoxy based nanocomposites filled with polyaniline-manganese zinc ferrite
Authors: Pratap Vivek , Chaurasia A. K. , Shukla Mani , Baskey H. B. , Dubey Ashish , Dixit A. K. , Dwivedi Mayank , Nath Ravindra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In this study, we investigate the microwave absorbing properties of epoxy based nanocomposites incorporated with polyaniline-manganese zinc ferrite (PAni-MZF) as hybrid active fillers. Carbonaceous materials due to their high conductivity and weight ratio have emerged as a potential class of electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials while ferrimagnetic materials have unique properties like; magneto crystalline anisotropic and magnetic permeability. Consequently, constructed nanocomposites capable of efficient absorption and shielding to electromagnetic radiation are of paramount importance for electronic and communication applications. Synthesized PAni and MZF nano-fillers have been dispersed with 1.9, 2.4 and 2.9 weight percentages for a series of PAni / MZF-epoxy nano-composites. Synthesized PAni has been characterized for phase and surface morphology using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Field emission electron microscope (FESEM) respectively. On the other hand, prepared nano-composites were characterized for structural, magnetic and electromagnetic (EM) absorbing properties using FESEM, Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and vector network analyzer (VNA). The combination of magneto-dielectric characteristics has shown the synergetic effect, leading to improved EM absorbing properties for the X Band frequency domains. Constructed nanocomposite’s properties have been demonstrating remarkable reflection loss. Consequently, designed absorbers hold significant application in the EMI shielding, aerospace industries and suppressing of radar signatures.
Higher fraction of inspired oxygen during anesthesia increase the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Tianzhu , Zhao Weixing , Ma Libin , Wu Jing , Ma Xiaojing , Cao Jiangbei , Lou Jingsheng , Mi Weidong , Zhang Changsheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Objective
The ideal intraoperative inspired oxygen concentration remains controversial. We aimed to investigate the association between the level of intraoperative fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and the incidence of postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery.
Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of elderly patients with non-cardiac surgery between April 2020 and January 2022. According to the intraoperative FiO2, patients were divided into low (≤ 60%) and high (> 60%) FiO2 groups. The primary outcome was the incidence of a composite pulmonary complications (PPCs) within 7 days postoperatively. Propensity score matching (PSM) and inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) were used to adjust for differences in baseline characteristics between the two groups. The odds ratio (OR) of FiO2 and PPCs was calculated using multivariate logistic regression analysis.
Results
Of the 3515 patients included, with a median age of 70 years (interquartile range: 68, 74), 492 (14%) patients experienced PPCs within the first 7 postoperative days. Elevated FiO2 was associated with an increased risk of PPCs in all logistic regression models. The OR of FiO2 > 60% group was 1.252 (95%CI 1.015–1.551, P = 0.038) in the univariate analysis. The ORs for the FiO2 > 60% group were 1.259 (model 2), 1.314 (model 3) and 1.32 (model 4) in the multivariate logistic regression models. While a balanced covariate distribution between the two groups were created after using PSM or IPTW, the correlation between an elevated FiO2 and an increased risk of PPCs remained significantly, PSM analysis (OR: 1.393; 95% CI:1.077–1.804, P = 0.012), and IPTW analysis (OR: 1.266; 95% CI: 1.086–1.476; P = 0.003).
Conclusions
High intraoperative FiO2 (> 60%) was associated with the postoperative occurrence of pulmonary complication independently of predefined risk factors in elderly non-cardiothoracic surgery patients. The application of high intraoperative FiO2 should be cautious in surgical patients vulnerable to PPCs.
"Addressing Barriers to Post-Graduate Research Training in Low Resource Settings: An Innovative Approach in an Institution of Higher Learning in Kenya"
Authors: Mwangi Eunice Muthoni , Iseme-Ondiek Rosebella Alungata , Riang’a Roselyter M. , Orwa James , Njenga Kennedy , Ngugi Anthony K 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Numerous barriers hinder health research training in Post-Graduate Medical Education Programs, especially in developing countries. These barriers include lack of structured research curriculum, insufficient research faculty, underdeveloped research culture, conflicting priorities between clinical duties and research, limited guidance and mentorship, and scarce financial resources. Research training is pivotal for medical residency, providing essential knowledge and skills for dissertation completion, fostering evidence-based medical practice, and nurturing future independent clinical researchers. Thus, a holistic approach to research education is imperative to surmount these challenges. We describe here a dissertation-centric research curriculum, delivered longitudinally, an innovative strategy undertaken by Aga Khan University’s Medical College in East Africa (AKU-MCEA) in the delivery of postgraduate research.
Methods: A review of AKU-MCEA post-graduate research methods curriculum was conducted based on implementing Departments’ experience, institutional policies, and residency program output.
Program Implementation: The Master of Medicine is a four-year program for which a well-conceived, executed, and documented dissertation research is a requisite for attaining a postgraduate degree. Residents undergo comprehensive research training under a structured curriculum comprising four modules, aligned with predefined research milestones. Interactive didactic sessions supplemented by faculty-led workshops facilitate individual, small group, and plenary engagement, aiding mentored research application. Residents benefit from dedicated time throughout the program to develop, implement, and report on their dissertation work. Faculty members receive training in dissertation supervision from seasoned experts, ensuring residents are guided by faculty with expertise in producing publication-quality research.
Outcomes: This approach has resulted in a 98% - 100% dissertation completion and graduation rates. Residents’ research topics are drawn from a range of themes. Research findings are disseminated departmentally, at university-wide Faculty Academic Rounds, peer reviewed journals, conferences and at the University’s Annual Early Career Researchers symposium.
Lessons learnt: Implementing a system-wide strategy that involves a structured research curriculum delivered longitudinally alongside predetermined research milestones, facilitated by a multidisciplinary team comprising of dedicated supervisors, provision of financial and resource support, including protected research time, ongoing faculty development in dissertation supervision, and wide dissemination of institutional research policies, is poised to expedite dissertation completion, ensuring high quality research whilst enhancing the dissemination of research outputs.
Expression profiling of galactinol synthase genes in Coffea arabica L. in response to Hemileia vastatrix infection
Authors: Santos Tiago Benedito dos , Yaguinuma Diliane Harumi , Baba Viviane Yumi , de Oliveira Fernanda Freitas , Ivamoto Suzana Tiemi , Tomaz Juarez Pires , Petkowicz Carmen Lucia Oliveira , Domingues Douglas Silva , Pereira Luiz Filipe Protasio , Braghini Masako Toma , Vieira Luiz Gonzaga Esteves 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Galactinol synthase (GolS; EC 2.4.1.123) is an enzyme that plays crucial roles in various plant species under different stress conditions. Few studies have evaluated the expression of the galactinol synthase (GolS) gene under biotic stress conditions. Here, we report the transcriptional profiles of galactinol synthase genes (CaGolS) and RFOs (Raffinose Family of Oligosaccharides) abundance in two contrasting cultivars of Coffea arabica L. (IAPAR59, resistant and Catuaí Vermelho IAC 99, susceptible) infected with Hemileia vastatrix (coffee leaf rust), one of the most destructive fungal diseases in coffee crops worldwide. RT-qPCR results showed distinct transcriptional regulation of three CaGolS genes in leaves infected with H. vastatrix race II at 0, 12, 24, and 48 h post-inoculation. CaGolS1 was upregulated (12 and 24 h) in response to the pathogen infection in the susceptible genotype, while CaGolS2 was downregulated in both genotypes at all sampling times, notably in the susceptible one. CaGolS3 showed a very weak expression level in the leaves of the susceptible genotype. The findings of this study justify further research into the association of RFOs with the response of Arabica coffee plants to H. vastatrix infection using a large panel of resistant and susceptible genotypes.
Comprehensive Analysis of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Related signature in Head and Neck Squamous Carcinoma
Authors: Miao Yu , Chen Qiaorong , Liu Xinyu , Bu Jian , Zhang Zhuoqi , Liu Tongjing , Yue Zhenjie , Huang Lizhen , Sun Shuaishuai , Li Hao , Yang Ankui , Yang Zhongyuan , Chen Cuifang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background/Aim: Head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSC) is a prevalent malignant disease, with the majority of patients being diagnosed at an advanced stage. Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) is considered to be a process that promotes tumorigenesis and impacts the tumor microenvironment (TME) in various cancers. The study aims to investigate the predictive value of ERS in HNSC and explore the correlation between ERS-related genes and TME.Materials and
Methods: A series of bioinformatics analyses were carried out based on mRNA and scRNA-seq data from the TCGA and GEO databases. We conducted RT-qPCR and western blot to validate the signature, and performed cell functional experiments to investigate the in vitro biological functions of the gene.
Results: We identified 63 ERS-related genes that were associated with outcome and stage in HNSC. A three-gene signature (ATF6, TRIB3, and UBXN6) was developed, which presents predictive value in the prognosis and immunotherapy response of HNSC patients. The high-risk group exhibited a worse prognosis but may benefit from immunotherapy. Furthermore, there was a significant correlation between the signature and immune infiltration. In the high-risk group, fibroblasts were more active in intercellular communication, and more T cells were observed at the end of the sequential phase. The genes in the ERS-related signature were overexpressed in HNSC cells, and the knockdown of TRIB3 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and migration.
Conclusion: This study established a novel ERS-related signature that has potential implications for HNSC therapy and the understanding of TME.
Functional Gene Signature Offers a Powerful Tool for Characterizing Clinicopathological Features and Depicting Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhu Ziyan , Li Jikun , Fa Zhenzhong , Xu Xuezhong , Wang Yue , Zhou Jie , Xu Yixin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Colorectal cancer, a prevalent malignancy worldwide, poses a significant challenge due to the lack of effective prognostic tools. In this study, we aimed to develop a functional gene signature to stratify colorectal cancer patients into different groups with distinct characteristics, which will greatly facilitate disease prediction.
Results: Patients could be stratified into high- and low-risk groups using the prediction model built based on the functional gene signature. This innovative approach not only predicts clinicopathological features but also reveals the tumor immune microenvironment types and responses to immunotherapy. The study reveals that patients in the high-risk group exhibit poorer pathological features, including invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis, as well as unfavorable survival outcomes in terms of overall survival and disease-free survival. The underlying mechanisms for these observations are attributed to upregulated tumor-related signaling pathways, increased infiltration of pro-tumor immune cells, decreased infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells, and a lower tumor mutation burden. Consequently, patients in the high-risk group exhibit a diminished response to immunotherapy. Furthermore, the high-risk group demonstrates enrichment in extracellular matrix-related functions and significant infiltration of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Single-cell transcriptional data analysis identifies CAFs as the primary cellular type expressing hub genes, namely ACTA2, TPM2, MYL9, and TAGLN. This finding is further validated through multiple approaches, including mIHC (multiplex immunohistochemistry), PCR (polymerase chain reaction), and western blot analysis. Notably, TPM2 emerges as a potential biomarker for identifying CAFs in colorectal cancer, distinguishing them from both colorectal cancer cell lines and normal colon epithelial cell lines. Co-culture of CAFs and colorectal cancer cells identified that CAFs could enhance the tumorigenic biofunctions of cancer cells indirectly, which could be partially inhibited by knocking down CAF original TPM2 expression.
Conclusions: This study introduces a functional gene signature that effectively and reliably predicts clinicopathological features and the tumor immune microenvironment in colorectal cancer. Moreover, the identification of TPM2 as a potential biomarker for CAFs holds promising implications for future research and clinical applications in the field of colorectal cancer.
Growth promotion and modulation of the soybean microbiome INTACTA RR PRO TM with the application of the fungi Trichoderma harzianum and Purpureocillum lilacinum
Authors: Rigobelo Everlon Cid , Carvalho Lucas Amoroso Lopes , Santos Carlos Henrique Barbosa , Frezarin Edvan Teciano , Pinheiro Daniel Guariz , Nicodemo Daniel , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti , Desoignies Nicolas 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Soybean is a crop of great economic importance for animal and human nutrition. Currently, there is a lack of information on the effects of the fungi Trichoderma harzianum and Purpureocillum lilacinum on the INTACTA RR PRO TM transgenic soybean plants. The present study evaluated the application of the fungi T. harzianum and P. lilacinum under pot and field conditions. Under pot conditions, there were no significant differences in most of the parameters evaluated or in the abundance of the microbiota in the roots. However, under field conditions, the results showed a significant increase in soybean yield at 423. kg. ha − 1 with the application of P. lilacinum compared to the control treatment. In addition, the application of P. lilacinum promoted a significant increase in phosphorus levels in the aerial part, and there were significant correlations between the increase in taxon abundance for the genus Erwinia and productivity and the average phosphorus and nitrogen contents for the aerial part, for the taxon Bacillus and nitrogen content and productivity, and for the taxon Sphingomonas and nitrogen content. The Bradyrhizobium taxon was identified in the P. lilacinum treatment as a linking taxon linking two different networks of taxon and showing itself as an important taxon in the microbiota. The results show that the application of the fungus P. lilacinum can increase the productivity of the soybean INTACTA RR PRO TM and that this increase in productivity may be a function of the modulation of the microbiota composition of the plants leaves by P. lilacinum effect.
Frailty trajectory and its associated factors in older patients after major abdominal surgery: A longitudinal study
Authors: Guo Jing , Wang Wenshuang , Zhang Xiaoxue , Wang Xinran , Zheng Yulin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Frailty is a common multifactorial clinical syndrome in older patients that seriously affects their prognosis. However, most studies to date have ignored the dynamics of frailty.The purpose of this study was to explore the frailty status and changes in older patients who underwent major abdominal surgery, identify the different categories of frailty trajectories, and analyze the factors.
Methods: We employed a three-month observational longitudinal study.155 older patients who underwent major abdominal surgery were assessed preoperatively, at discharge, and at one-month follow-up. Data collection included frailty scores, specific demographic and clinical characteristics, and scores for the influencing factors. A latent class growth model was used to explore the frailty trajectories. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify factors influencing the frailty trajectories. The STROBE checklist was used in the reporting of this study.
Results: Four frailty trajectory patterns were identified among the 155 older patients (average age: 70.38±0.55 years): No frailty (20.1%), frailty exacerbation (39.6%), frailty improvement (13.6%), and persistent frailty (26.7%). Logistic regression analysis showed that body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index score, type of surgery, intraoperative drainage tube retention time (drainage time), first time to get out of bed after surgery, the time of the first oral feed after surgery, postoperative complications, mobility, nutritional risk, and anxiety were associated with frailty trajectories.
Conclusion: We identified four frailty trajectories in older patients after major abdominal surgery and found that these were influenced by multiple factors. Focusing on individual specificity is conducive to accurately dealing with frailty-associated clinical problems and guiding relevant nursing decisions.
Drought Needs Assessment in Yabello District, Borana Zone, Oromia Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Bamedo Kedir Geda 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Ethiopia is vulnerable to a variety of risks, including drought, flooding, livestock, and disease outbreaks. Borana Zone has been experiencing disaster-related occurrences year after year and received little attention in the Oromia region. We aimed to investigate drought consequences and notify stakeholders about the Borana zone emergency in preparation for drought mitigation policy implementation.
Methods
From October 22 to 30, 2021, a multi-stage random sampling technique was used in Yabelo district, covering 20 villages in 10 kebeles administrations. A structured questionnaire was utilized to collect primary data from 210 households and the district's health and nutrition condition was assessed using a secondary record review of the malnutrition report from 2019 to 2021. The data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel.
Results
70% of respondents were males. Drought killed 74.6% of cattle, 11.7% of goats, and 13.7% of camels. Of the 205 household interviewed, 61 (29.80%), 85 (41.5%), and 53 (25.85%) were pregnant women, children under the age of two, and persons over the age of 65, respectively. Overall, 83.4% of households lack access to improved water sources. In 2019, 2020, and 2021, the number of outpatient therapeutic feeding program cases was 573, 631, and 1135, respectively, whilst the number of stabilization center cases was 228, 233, and 316. The majority of the drought-affected community, 61.5%, requires food for humans, 21.5% for livestock, and 14.1% for water immediately.
Conclusion
We discovered that the effects of repeated droughts decreased pastoralist populations' ability to respond to disasters. The drought caused an increase in animal loss and malnutrition cases in the district. The government should take a variety of approaches to reducing the damaging effects of droughts, and an immediate humanitarian response is needed.
Preparation and characterization of Ultrasound -assisted Novel Calcium-chelated peptides from Nannocholoropsis oceanica
Authors: Ding Qingzhi , Sheikh Arooj Rehman , Zhu Yongqi , Sun Nianzhen , Luo Lin , Raynaldo Fredy Agil , Ma Haile , Liu Jiaxin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Novel calcium-chelated peptides have been successfully developed using ultrasound technology from Nannochloropsis oceanica, and they have been found to be superior calcium supplements as natural bioactive peptide calcium chelates. This study has provided a thorough understanding of the interaction between Ca2 + ions and peptides or amino acids, and the optimal conditions have resulted in a calcium chelation rate of 61.89 ± 0.121%, a calcium chelation activity of 9.08 ± 0.151%, and a calcium chelation yield of 65.57 ± 0.190%. The chelates' stability was tested and found to be highly stable at higher pH levels, temperatures, and lower phosphate buffer concentrations (10 mmol/L), with a Ca-peptide retention rate of 81.93 ± 0.00761% after 30 minutes of pepsin digestion. Characterization tests have confirmed the production of new complexes as chelates and different spectral and signal analyses have indicated that metal ions combined with amino, carboxyl, and other active chelating groups in Nannochloropsis peptides form metal chelates. The dense structure of the chelated peptides was depicted through SEM and AFM images. The results of this study have highlighted the potential development of functional foods from Nannochloropsis peptides, which can be used as an alternative to conventional calcium supplements.
Preparation of multifunctional flame retardant composite wood by doping poplar cell walls with metal phytates
Authors: Shen Hao , Liu Yangguang , Wang Peiran , Qin Shenglei , Shi Xin , Chu Demiao , Liu Shengquan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Phytic acid as an efficient, green and renewable bio-based flame retardant. However, in view of the large number of toxic fumes generated during combustion and the easy loss of flame retardants, to tackle these issues, the current study employed a straightforward two-step process to generate phytate metal salt wood composites (PAN-M, M = Mg, Cu, Fe, Ai and Ni) in cell walls. Compared with natural wood (Control), PAN-M has good leaching resistance of 15 ~ 50 %, lower hygroscopicity of 15 ~ 30 % and improved mechanical strength. The total heat release and smoke emission of PAN-Cu are reduced by 34.54 % and 83.05 % respectively, the LOI of PAN-Cu is increased by 117 %, the smoke density SDR is only 8.38 and the weight gain is 16.9 %. This is mainly due to the apparent surface coke protection of metal phytates and catalytic graphitisation of solid residues by metal ions. The improved carbon layer plays an effective insulating role, limiting flue gas emissions, flame retardant loss and water contact. In addition, results show that PAN-Cu can significantly enhance the dehydration effect of carbon compared to other metal ions. Therefore, PAN-M is therefore an efficient, green and sustainable flame retardant for wood.