bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the potential of the Tachigali vulgaris wood from an experimental planting for producing charcoal in the Eastern Amazonia
Authors: Junior Udson de Oliveira Barros , Lima Michael Douglas Roque , de Assis Maíra Reis , Santos Elvis Vieira dos , Marques Jonathan Dias , Silveira Edgar A. , Bufalino Lina , Gonçalves Delman de Almeida , Tomazello-Filho Mario , Trugilho Paulo Fernando , Protásio Thiago de Paula 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Eastern Amazonia faces a shortage of plantations to fulfill both industrial and domestic energy needs, particularly in remote and isolated areas. The uniqueness of this study lies in assessing for the first time the impact of planting spacing (4.5, 6.0, 7.5, 9.0, 10.5, and 12.0 m2 plant− 1) and forking of Tachigali vulgaris on charcoal productivity and quality. Wood samples from 54 trees were pyrolyzed at 450°C for 30 min and comprehensively characterized (apparent density, specific firewood consumption, mass balance, proximate composition, heating value, and charcoal productivity). Charcoal’s apparent density increased in the wider spacings (except for 4.5 m2), ranging from 0.294 g cm–3 (4.5 m2) to 0.338 g cm–3 (10.5 m2). Less dense charcoals (0.316 g cm–3) were found for forked trees in opposite to non-forked trees (0.338 g cm–3). The specific consumption of firewood decreased in wider spacings (6.7 to 5.5 m3 of wood ton–1 of charcoal) and increased for forked trees (6.0 m3 of wood ton–1 of charcoal) compared to non-forked trees (5.5 m3 of wood ton–1 of charcoal). Spacings had no significant impact on charcoal gravimetric yields (35–36% based on dry mass - db), pyroligneous liquid (45–48% db), non-condensable gases (17–19% db), volatile matter (26% db), ashes (1.22% db), fixed carbon (73% db), higher heating value (30 MJ kg–1), and charcoal productivity (26 t ha–1 and 3.4 t ha–1 year–1). Results revealed that Tachigali vulgaris wood from experimental planting is promising for sustainable charcoal production in Eastern Amazonia.
Fabrication and Properties of Biodegradable Poly (butylene succinate) Composites by Regulating the Dispersed Oyster Shell Powder with the Silane Coupling Agent
Authors: Shen Yunda , Ren Liang , Ma Hui , Liu Xiangpeng , Song Tao , Liu Qiang , Xue Mingxin , Li Chonghua , Shao Mingliang , Zhang Mingyao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This work aims to evaluate the influence of the incorporation of oyster shell powder (OSP) on the mechanical properties, thermal performance and crystallization behavior of green poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) composites by regulating the dispersed oyster shell power with the silane coupling agent. In the present study, fully biodegradable PBS composites have been successfully prepared by virtue of the melt blending with γ-Glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH560) grafted oyster shell power namely OSP@KH560, enhancing the mechanical properties and thermal performance of the result materials. The incorporation of 20wt% OSP@KH560 into the composite promotes a dramatic increase of 48.1% in modulus of PBS composite. The results from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) show that thermal stabilities of PBS composites gradually increase with increasing the amount of OSF@KH560. By adding 30wt% OSP@KH560, the initial decomposition temperature of the PBS composite increase by 15℃. The DSC results demonstrate that the addition of OSP@KH560 at 30% leads to a crystallinity of 45.78% in the composites, which is 35.65% lower than that of PBS, indicating that OSP@KH560 promotes heterogeneous nucleation and accelerates the crystallization rate of PBS, thus reducing its crystallinity. This work provides a new option to prepare PBS composites with good performance and high-cost competitiveness, and further utilizes marine resources while breaking away from dependence on oil resources.
Mesoscale cortical mechanisms of perceptual conflict resolution in binocular rivalry
Authors: Zhang Peng , Qian Chencan , Chen Zhiqiang , Hollander Gilles , Knapen Tomas , Zhang Zihao , He Sheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

How does our brain resolve conflicts in sensory input to generate conscious perception? Using high-resolution 7T fMRI, we addressed this question by investigating column- and layer-specific activity in cortical and subcortical regions in humans during binocular rivalry. Results showed that eye-specific rivalry modulation arises from lateral inhibition between adjacent ocular dominance columns in the superficial layers of the primary visual cortex (V1), but not in the ocular layers of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) of the thalamus. Furthermore, our data support an active role of feedback signals from the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) in biasing and synchronizing local competitions in V1 into perceptually coherent representations, even in the absence of awareness of eye-of-origin information. These findings revealed the mesoscale neural circuitry of perceptual conflict resolution in humans: local conflict in sensory input is resolved by inhibitory microcircuits in the early sensory cortex, while feedback signals from parietal attention network bias and integrate local competitions into a unified conscious perception.
Effect of Zika virus on the osteogenic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells via the Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Li Shanglin , Gao Jie , Shi Shanshan , Mei Jiayi , Wu Sha , Zhou Junmei , Jiang Lifang , Yan Huijun , Huang Lihua , Jiang Zhenyou 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Zika virus is a small enveloped flavivirus transmitted through the bite of the aedes mosquitos. Epidemiologic survey has shown that diseases caused by Zika virus mainly include microcephaly and malformation of cranial bones.In 2016, nucleic acid screening for the zika virus was conducted in Puerto Rico, and the results indicated that the seasonal incidence rate of zika virus could reach 21.1%.
Research Purpose: To investigate the effect of zika virus on the osteogenic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells.
Method: We induced the zika virus-infected human mesenchymal stem cells into osteoblasts. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western Blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of the osteogenic markers, as well as notch signaling pathway molecules. A γ-secretase inhibitor was used to explore whether the osteogenic ability of Zika virus-infected mesenchymal stem cells is restored after inhibiting the notch signaling pathway. Establish a mouse model to verify the results in vivo.
Result: We found that zika virus activated the Notch signaling pathway in mesenchymal stem cells,hindering the formation of osteoblasts. After treating mesenchymal stem cells with the gamma-secretase inhibitor,the osteogenic ability of mesenchymal stem cells can be restored. The same results were observed in the mouse model.
Conclusion: Zika virus suppresses the osteogenic capacity of mesenchymal stem cells via notch signaling pathway.
Aridity and soil properties drive the shrub-herb interactions along drought gradient in desert grassland in Inner Mongolia
Authors: Hou Huiyang , Zhang Yuzhen , Zhou Jianwei , Liu Huijuan , Li Yuanheng , Gao Shaobo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Environmental conditions can control the structure and composition of plant communities by changing the direction and intensity of plant-plant interactions. However, how drought and soil properties drive the change of shrub-herb interaction in the shrub-encroachment desert steppe in Inner Mongolia remains unclear.
Methods
We explored the changes of shrub-herb interaction along the aridity gradient, and analyzed how the aridity index and soil properties affect the shrub-herb interaction. Field collection of plant samples and soils from northeast to southwest desert steppe in Inner Mongolia was undertaken and the samples were analyzed for biomass, diversity, soil PH, soil organic matter and other elements.
Results
The results show that the positive shrub-herb interaction (RII > 0) increased at first and then decreased in the range of aridity index 0.54 to 1.85 (drought degree decreased gradually). Aridity index (AI), soil organic matter (SOM) and soil total phosphorus (TP) were the main factors driving shrub-herb interaction. AI indirectly affected shrub-herb interaction through TP, and the facilitation of shrubs on herbs coverage and biomass increased with the increase of TP. The SOM can directly affect the shrub-herbs interaction, and the facilitation of shrubs on herb diversity decreases with the increase of SOM.
Conclusion
Overall, although shrub-herb interactions respond differently to environmental factors. This study underscores the positive effects of shrubs on vegetation restoration in desert steppe, and changing environmental conditions by increasing precipitation, increasing TP content, and reducing SOM content can enhance facilitation of shrub on herbs to accelerate the ecological restoration of degraded desert steppe.
Interpreting change on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5th Edition (SCAT5) in National Rugby League Women’s players
Authors: McLeod Shreya , Terry Douglas P , Gardner Andrew J , Iverson Grant L 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background The SCAT is a multimodal, evidence-based tool designed for repeat administration at baseline, pre-season and/ or for post-injury assessments, following a sport related concussion. Repeat administration of concussion assessment tools requires clinicians to understand the instrument’s stability and test-retest reliability. Typically, clinicians compare post-injury scores with baseline test results in order to determine whether a clinically significant change has occurred. The National Rugby League Women’s (NRLW) Premiership was created in 2018, with a concussion management process requiring annual pre-season baseline medical assessments of players using the Sport Concussion Assessment Concussion Tool-5th Edition (SCAT5). Although baseline normative data has been published for the SCAT5, reliability data is limited in women. The purpose of this study was to examine the one-year test-retest reliability of the SCAT5 component scores, and to develop reliable change indices, for the women’s league. Results Participants were 63 NRLW players (mean age = 26.9, SD = 5.5) from the 2018–2019 and 2019–2020 seasons. Team medical staff conducted the baseline SCAT5 assessments each year. Test-retest reliability estimates for each of the SCAT5 components were low to moderate (ICCs = 0.28–0.57). The following change scores, reflecting worsening, occurred in 20% or fewer of the sample: +3 symptom number, + 4 symptom severity, and − 2 on the Standardized Assessment of Concussion total score. A change of + 2 total modified Balance Error Scoring System errors occurred in fewer than 10% of the NRLW players between the test and retest. Conclusion SCAT5 scores had low to moderate test-retest reliability across a one-year period. When evaluating the likelihood that a change in a SCAT5 score is reliable and clinically meaningful it is important for clinicians working with professional women’s rugby league players to consider what a change in score means compared to normative reference values and individual baseline scores. Reliable change cutoff scores could be used to determine the magnitude of change after a suspected concussion.
Efficacy and Safety of Cytoreductive Surgery Combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer Peritoneal Metastasis
Authors: Yan Guojun , Zhang Kai , Yan Lijun , Zhang Yanbin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Pancreatic cancer with peritoneal metastasis presents a challenging prognosis, with limited effective treatment options available. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) as a treatment strategy for this patient group.
Methods
A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with peritoneal metastasis of pancreatic cancer who underwent CRS + HIPEC treatment at Beijing Shijitan Hospital from March 2017 to December 2023. The study focused on assessing clinical features, the incidence of sever adverse events (SAEs), and overall survival (OS).
Results
A total of 10 patients were enrolled in this study. The median OS was 24.2 months, suggesting an improvement over traditional therapies. While SAEs were noted, including two cases of severe complications necessitating additional surgical interventions, no perioperative fatalities were recorded. The overall survival time for patients with CC0/1 was not significantly different from that of patients with CC2/3, and no prognostic predictors were identified.
Conclusions
The combination of CRS and HIPEC appears to be a viable and promising treatment modality for patients with peritoneal metastasis of pancreatic cancer, offering an improved survival rate with manageable safety concerns. Further research is needed to refine patient selection criteria and to explore the long-term benefits of this approach.
Variation of all-cause mortality with Fat-free Mass Index（FFMI）and Fat Mass Index（FMI）in individuals with Asthma: results from the NHANES database prospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Jing , Cheng Zihe , Yao Yang , Wang Shengyu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background The relationship between FFMI, FMI, and mortality in patients with asthma remains unknown. This study aimed to examine the associations between FFMI and FMI and all-cause mortality in a cohort of American adults diagnosed with asthma.
Methods This study included 15200 adults from NHANES. To assess mortality, we linked participant records to the National Death Index. Survival differences across quintiles of FFMI and FMI were explored using Kaplan-Meier plots and log-rank tests. The study investigated the nonlinear relationships between FFMI, FMI, and mortality. Additionally, stratified analyses were undertaken to pinpoint subgroups of individuals who exhibited an elevated risk of mortality.
Results After a median follow-up, 13360 were presumed alive and 1840 had deceased. Kaplan-Meier plots revealed significant differences in all-cause mortality in patients with asthma among the FFMI quintiles and FMI quintiles. Specifically, individuals in the lowest FFMI quintile (Q1, 10.4-16.0) exhibited a markedly increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 4.63; 95% CI: 1.59,13.5; p< 0.01). Similarly, increased all-cause mortality risks were observed in the upper three quintiles of FMI-Q3 (4.8-6.1) with HR: 2.9 (1.20,7.00, p<0.05), Q4 (6.2-8.3) with HR: 3.37 (1.41,8.03, p<0.01), and Q5 (8.4-22.8) with HR: 4.6 (1.31,16.2, p<0.05). Moreover, the risk of all-cause mortality increased with increasing FMI and decreasing FFMI (p for non-linearity<0.001 in both cases) respectively. Subgroup analyses further elucidated these associations across different categories.
Conclusions All-cause mortality is decreased in patients with asthma when FMI is less than 5.4 kg/m2, and increased when FFMI is less than 18.6 kg/m2.
Cancer/testis antigen expression and co-expression patterns in Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kalvapudi Sukumar , Pachimatla Akhil Goud , Seager R. J. , Conroy Jeffrey , Pabla Sarabjot , Mukherjee Sarbajit 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Gastroesophageal adenocarcinoma (GEAC) poses a significant challenge due to its poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Recently, Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) have emerged as potential therapy targets due to their high expression in tumor cells and their immunogenic nature. We aimed to explore the expression and co-expression of CTAs in GEAC. We analyzed 63 GEAC patients initially and validated our findings in 329 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. CTA expression was measured after RNA sequencing, while clinical information, including survival outcomes and treatment details, was collected from an institutional database. Co-expression patterns among CTAs were determined using Pearson correlation analysis. The majority of the study cohort were male (87%), Caucasian (94%), and had stage IV disease (64%). CTAs were highly prevalent, ranging from 58–19%. The MAGE gene family showed the highest expression, consistent across both cohorts. The correlation matrix revealed a distinct cluster of significantly co-expressed genes, including MAGEA3, NY-ESO-1, and others (0.27 ≤ r ≤ 0.73). Survival analysis revealed that individual CTAs were associated with poorer survival outcomes in patients not receiving immunotherapy while showing potential for improved survival in those undergoing immunotherapy, although these findings lacked robust reliability. Our study provides a comprehensive characterization of CTA expression and co-expression in GEAC. The strong correlation among CTAs like MAGE, NY-ESO-1, and GAGE suggests a potential for therapies targeting multiple CTAs simultaneously. Further research, including prospective trials, is warranted to assess the prognostic value of CTAs and their suitability as therapeutic targets.
Exploring Biopsychosocial Health Outcomes in Endometriosis and Endometriosis with Co-occurring Irritable Bowel Syndrome – A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Cheah Suiyin , Skvarc David , Evans Subhadra , Niekerk Leesa Van , Mikocka-Walus Antonina 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Endometriosis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) share common pathophysiological and risk factors, often leading to misdiagnosis, diagnostic delays, and treatment implications. Further, both conditions are associated with biopsychosocial comorbidities, resulting in compromised wellbeing and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This longitudinal prospective study consisting of 610 adult women with endometriosis (EndoOnly; n = 352), and with endometriosis and co-occurring IBS-type symptoms (Endo + IBS; n = 258) aimed to investigate the differences in biopsychosocial factors, specifically HRQoL, psychological distress, pain, fatigue and menstrual symptoms over a three-year period. Using linear mixed models, results demonstrated that individuals with Endo + IBS were more likely to experience lower HRQoL and higher functional pain disability, fatigue, and menstrual symptoms compared to individuals with EndoOnly over three years. Results showed significant linear declines in rumination, total pain catastrophising, pain severity and helplessness for both groups; however, the rate of change for the Endo + IBS group tended to diminish and change direction over time. Further individuals with Endo + IBS were inclined to exhibit more complex change trajectories in psychological distress, magnification, and fatigue over time, with a trend towards worse outcomes overall. The onset of the COVID-19 during the study appeared to produce unexpected and inconsistent patterns of change for both groups. Findings highlight important implications for the implementation of multidisciplinary psychosocial healthcare, to help improve diagnosis, clinical management and overall health outcomes for individuals living with endometriosis and co-occurring IBS-type symptoms.
The role of albumin-corrected anion gap as a predictor of all-cause mortality in patients with Sepsis-AKI: a propensity score-matched cohort study
Authors: Liao Jian , Xiao Xiao , Lu Dingyu , Huang Wei , Wang Maojuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background The potential association between albumin-corrected anion gap at admission and prognosis in patients with sepsis-induced AKI remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to explore the prognostic value of ACAG on mortality in patients with Sepsis-AKI. Methods Data for this retrospective study were obtained from the MIMIC IV2.2 database. We used propensity score matching (PSM) and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to evaluate the correlation between the ACAG and clinical outcomes in patients with Sepsis-AKI. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was conducted to minimize bias. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated for albumin, AG, and ACAG, and comparisons of the areas under the ROC curves were made. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was carried out to assess the net benefit of ACAG. Results According to the screening criteria, we identified a cohort of 2387 patients diagnosed with Sepsis-AKI. When comparing the normal-ACAG group(12-20mmol/L) to the high-ACAG group(> 20mmol/L)), it was found that the high-ACAG group exhibited longer stays in the ICU( 5 days vs.4 days, P = 0.023) and higher hospital mortality rate( 48.5% vs. 20.2%, P < 0.001). After matching, Cox regression analysis results showed that the high-ACAG group exhibited higher risk of hospital mortality (HR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.27–2.56, P < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) values of ACAG was 0.697 (after PSM), which was significantly higher than those of albumin or AG. ACAG also had the highest Youden’s index and the largest net benefit range according to the decision curve analysis (DCA). Conclusion Elevated serum ACAG (> 20 mmol/L) is an independent risk factor for all-cause hospital mortality in patients with Sepsis-AKI. ACAG can be a new and easily acquired indicator that can provide new ideas for clinical practice.
Geospatial delineation of groundwater potential zones in the lower Okavango Delta, Botswana
Authors: Gondo Reniko 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Integration of remote sensing and geographical information systems (GIS) is crucial in groundwater resource management, particularly in regions like the Okavango Delta in Northern Botswana, characterized by erratic rainfall ranging annually and spatially from 300 to 600 millimetres. This variability, coupled with occasional droughts, poses significant risks to water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods. To tackle these challenges, this study employed remote sensing and GIS techniques to delineate groundwater potential zones (GWPZs) in the lower Okavango Delta. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was utilized to analyse eight thematic factors—geology, rainfall, slope, lineament density, soil, drainage density and land use, and land cover—and integrate them into the groundwater potential zone map. The study identified five distinct GWPZs: very poor (2.8%), poor (44.5%), moderate (45.0%), good (7.6%), and very good (0.1%), indicating varying degrees of groundwater availability and suitability for sustainable use. Integrating this potential zone map into broader water resource management plans is recommended to promote sustainable groundwater management practices. Additionally, enhancing climate resilience through cross-sectoral collaboration and stakeholder engagement is crucial. These efforts are necessary for developing integrated strategies to address water resource planning and adapt to climate change impacts, fostering sustainable development and resilience in water-stressed regions.