bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and properties of PP/SEBS foam materials
Authors: Tian Zhao , Wu Zhiqiang , Wang Yunfei , Shen Chunhui , Gao Shanjun 
Published: May 2024

In this study, styrene-ethylene-butene-styrene block copolymer (SEBS) is blended with polypropylene (PP) to improve the melt strength of PP. Azodicarbonamide (AC) is used as a chemical foaming agent to prepare PP foaming materials with good mechanical properties by moulding foaming. The melt strength of the material, the content of the nucleating agent and the concentration of the foaming agent will affect the foaming effect of the material. Orthogonal optimization experiments are designed for these three factors to explore the best ratio of foaming materials. The results show that when PP:SEBS = 85:15, the addition amount of nano-SiO2 is 3%, and the content of AC foaming agent is 5%, the cell structure of the foaming material is the best. The cell structure is observed by SEM,the average cell diameter is reduced to 45.73 μm, and the cell density is increased to 4.12 × 106 cells cm−3. The apparent density of the material is measured to be 0.62 g cm−3, which is 32% lower than that of pure PP (0.91 g·cm−3). The tensile strength of PP/SEBS foamed composites is lower than that of pure PP and pure PP foamed materials, but its elongation at break is 124.3% higher than that of pure PP, and 238.8% higher than that of pure PP foamed materials. The bending strength of PP/SEBS foamed material is lower than that of pure PP and pure PP foamed material. The impact strength of PP/SEBS is only 8.4 % lower than that of pure PP, and 60.8 % higher than that of pure PP foamed material.
Exploring structure/property relationships to health and environmental hazards of polymeric polyisocyanate prepolymer substances-3. Aquatic exposure and hazard of aliphatic diisocyanate-based prepolymers
Authors: West Robert J , Jarrom Rebecca , Kelly Mitch , Simon Glenn S , Snyder Stephanie A 
Published: May 2024

The water extractability and acute aquatic toxicity of seven aliphatic diisocyanate-based prepolymer substances were investigated to determine if lesser reactivity of the aliphatic isocyanate groups, as well as increased ionization potential of the expected (aliphatic amine-terminated) polymeric hydrolysis products, would influence their aquatic behavior compared to that of previously investigated aromatic diisocyanate-based prepolymers. At loading rates of 100 and 1,000 mg/L, only the substances having log Kow ≤9 exhibited more than 1% extractability in water, and a maximum of 66% water extractability was determined for a prepolymer having log Kow = 2.2. For the more hydrophobic prepolymer substances (log Kow values from 18–37), water extractability was negligible. High-resolution mass spectrometric analyses were performed on the water-accommodated fractions (WAF) of the prepolymers, which indicated the occurrence of primary aliphatic amine-terminated polymer species having backbones and functional group equivalent weights aligned to those of the parent prepolymers. Measurements of reduced surface tension and presence of suspended micelles in the WAFs further supported the occurrence of these surface-active cationic polymer species as hydrolysis products of the prepolymers. Despite these characteristics, the water-extractable hydrolysis products were practically non-toxic to Daphnia magna. All of the substances tested exhibited 48-h EL50 values of >1,000 mg/L, with one exception of EL50 = 157 mg/L. The results from this investigation support a grouping of the aliphatic diisocyanate-based prepolymers as a class of water-reactive polymer substances having predictable aquatic exposure and a uniformly low hazard potential, consistent with that previously demonstrated for the aromatic diisocyanate-based prepolymers.
I married a Traveller: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the lived experiences of women marrying into the Travelling community and its impact to their identity
Authors: Johnson Kayleigh , Ncube Mvikeli , Fido Dean 
Published: May 2024

Policy developments associated with increased lifestyle-related regulations have compelled Travellers to re-assess their social worlds and adapt accordingly. Adopting a social constructionist epistemological stance, this qualitative study drew upon the Identity Process Theory, alongside Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) as a broad framework to (1) explore the way in which non-Traveller women experience a sense of community integration upon marrying into the Traveller community, (2) to explicate the extent to which their experiences of integration impact upon their own identity, and (3) to develop an understanding of how these lived experiences inform the changes within Traveller culture through the process of integration. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six women aged between 28–42 years living within the UK. Guided by the principles of IPA, three superordinate themes, each consisting of two subordinate themes emerged from the analysis: ‘Joining the culture’, ‘Cultural Clashes’, and ‘Changes to the self’. The findings highlighted that participant’s experienced interpersonal conflict and continuous negotiations between continuity and discontinuity, that had either positive or negative impacts to their individual identity. This paper has important implications for professionals who aim to provide support and enhance the overall wellbeing of individuals living between these two contrasting cultures.
Glue embolization of ruptured pseudoaneurysm secondary to reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome: An illustrative case
Authors: Tshibangu Mpuekela , McGuire Laura Stone , Theiss Peter , Alaraj Ali 
Published: May 2024

Background Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is an increasingly recognized condition characterized by thunderclap headache with or without other neurological deficits and diffuse vasoconstriction of cerebral arteries. Altered cerebrovascular tone may produce hemorrhage or stroke. Methods A retrospective review of patients with RCVS at our institution (2000–2023) yielded one case of pseudoaneurysm secondary to RCVS. Results Diagnostic cerebral angiogram demonstrated diffuse multifocal segmental narrowing consistent with RCVS and a left M4 pseudoaneurysm in proximity to the cortical hemorrhage. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with branch vessel sacrifice using nBCA glue in a 1 : 3 ratio with ethiodized oil. After securing the source of hemorrhage, the patient received an intra-arterial infusion of Verapamil. Conclusion This unique presentation of pseudoaneurysm secondary to RCVS in this patient highlights the impact of hemodynamic alteration as a possible source of bleeding and demonstrates a potential management strategy. Endovascular management with nBCA glue embolization successfully treated this lesion.
Clinical Disease Measures in Palmoplantar Pustulosis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Tan Alice J. , Archila Marjorie , Mita Carol , Edelen Maria O. , Noe Megan H. 
Published: May 2024

Background Palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP) is a rare, relapsing, disease characterized by pustules, pain, and fissuring. PPP is often combined with psoriasis, most commonly palmar plantar psoriasis, in clinical trials which further complicates our understanding of treatment response. Objective The objective of this scoping review is to describe all outcome measures (clinician-reported & patient-reported) used in previous PPP clinical trials. Methods A search was conducted in Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for clinical trials and prospective cohort studies performed in adults with PPP, with an intervention and pre-determined outcomes collected at pre specified time points. Results The initial search identified 1839 records, of which 69 met our inclusion criteria. The studies were published between 1970–2023 and included a total of 3301 patients. The most common primary study outcome was the clinician-reported Palmoplantar Pustulosis Psoriasis Area Severity Index (ppPASI) ( n = 39, 56.5%) and an endpoint of 12 weeks ( n = 23, 33.3%). Other common clinician reported outcomes identified were pustule count ( n = 26, 37.7%) and the Physician Global Assessment ( n = 16, 23.2%) The majority of studies ( n = 43, 62.3%) did not include any patient reported outcome measures. Of those that did include patient reported outcome measures, the Dermatology Life Quality Index was most utilized ( n = 17, 24.6%), followed by symptoms-specific instruments measuring pain ( n = 11, 15.9%) and itch ( n = 6, 8.7%). Conclusions While the clinician-reported ppPASI has become the standard primary outcome in PPP clinical trials, there is still considerable heterogeneity and lack of specificity in the patient reported outcomes used.
Fusion-harboring mast cells can explain molecular positivity in flow cytometric MRD-negative core-binding factor AML
Authors: Cook Jacqueline A. , Lott Loren , Perry Jenna , Eckel Ashley M. , Xu Dongbin , Hudson Chad A. , Wells Denise A. , Loken Michael R. , Menssen Andrew J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractMolecular measurable residual disease can persist in core-binding factor acute myeloid leukemia in otherwise disease-free patients. Utilizing cell sorting followed by fluorescent in situ hybridization, we show that detection is due to mast cells.
The DEP1 Mutation Improves Stem Lodging Resistance and Biomass Saccharification by Affecting Cell Wall Biosynthesis in Rice
Authors: Wang Ye , Wang Meihan , Yan Xia , Chen Kaixuan , Tian Fuhao , Yang Xiao , Cao Liyu , Ruan Nan , Dang Zhengjun , Yin Xuelin , Huang Yuwei , Li Fengcheng , Xu Quan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Plant cell walls have evolved precise plasticity in response to environmental stimuli. The plant heterotrimeric G protein complexes could sense and transmit extracellular signals to intracellular signaling systems, and activate a series of downstream responses. dep1 (Dense and Erect Panicles 1), the gain-of-function mutation of DEP1 encoding a G protein γ subunit, confers rice multiple improved agronomic traits. However, the effects of DEP1 on cell wall biosynthesis and wall-related agronomic traits remain largely unknown.

Results
In this study, we showed that the DEP1 mutation affects cell wall biosynthesis, leading to improved lodging resistance and biomass saccharification. The DEP1 is ubiquitously expressed with a relatively higher expression level in tissues rich in cell walls. The CRISPR/Cas9 editing mutants of DEP1 (dep1-cs) displayed a significant enhancement in stem mechanical properties relative to the wild-type, leading to a substantial improvement in lodging resistance. Cell wall analyses showed that the DEP1 mutation increased the contents of cellulose, hemicelluloses, and pectin, and reduced lignin content and cellulose crystallinity (CrI). Additionally, the dep1-cs seedlings exhibited higher sensitivity to cellulose biosynthesis inhibitors, 2,6-Dichlorobenzonitrile (DCB) and isoxaben, compared with the wild-type, confirming the role of DEP1 in cellulose deposition. Moreover, the DEP1 mutation-mediated alterations of cell walls lead to increased enzymatic saccharification of biomass after the alkali pretreatment. Furthermore, the comparative transcriptome analysis revealed that the DEP1 mutation substantially altered expression of genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, and cell wall biosynthesis.

Conclusions
Our findings revealed the roles of DEP1 in cell wall biosynthesis, lodging resistance, and biomass saccharification in rice and suggested genetic modification of DEP1 as a potential strategy to develop energy rice varieties with high lodging resistance.
MR-GGI: accurate inference of gene–gene interactions using Mendelian randomization
Authors: Oh Wonseok , Jung Junghyun , Joo Jong Wha J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Researchers have long studied the regulatory processes of genes to uncover their functions. Gene regulatory network analysis is one of the popular approaches for understanding these processes, requiring accurate identification of interactions among the genes to establish the gene regulatory network. Advances in genome-wide association studies and expression quantitative trait loci studies have led to a wealth of genomic data, facilitating more accurate inference of gene–gene interactions. However, unknown confounding factors may influence these interactions, making their interpretation complicated. Mendelian randomization (MR) has emerged as a valuable tool for causal inference in genetics, addressing confounding effects by estimating causal relationships using instrumental variables. In this paper, we propose a new statistical method, MR-GGI, for accurately inferring gene–gene interactions using Mendelian randomization.

Results
MR-GGI applies one gene as the exposure and another as the outcome, using causal cis-single-nucleotide polymorphisms as instrumental variables in the inverse-variance weighted MR model. Through simulations, we have demonstrated MR-GGI's ability to control type 1 error and maintain statistical power despite confounding effects. MR-GGI performed the best when compared to other methods using the F1 score on the DREAM5 dataset. Additionally, when applied to yeast genomic data, MR-GGI successfully identified six clusters. Through gene ontology analysis, we have confirmed that each cluster in our study performs distinct functional roles by gathering genes with specific functions.

Conclusion
These findings demonstrate that MR-GGI accurately inferences gene–gene interactions despite the confounding effects in real biological environments.
Exploring agro-morphological and fiber traits diversity in cotton (G. barbadense L.)
Authors: Salama Ehab A. A. , Farid Mona A. , El-Mahalawy Youssef A. , El-Akheder A. A. A. , Aboshosha Ali A. , Fayed Aysam M. , Yehia W. M. B. , Lamlom Sobhi F. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) is a leading fiber and oilseed crop globally, but genetic diversity among breeding materials is often limited. This study analyzed genetic variability in 14 cotton genotypes from Egypt and other countries, including both cultivated varieties and wild types, using agro-morphological traits and genomic SSR markers. Field experiments were conducted over two seasons to evaluate 12 key traits related to plant growth, yield components, and fiber quality. Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. The Molecular diversity analysis utilized 10 SSR primers to generate DNA profiles. Data showed wide variation for the morphological traits, with Egyptian genotypes generally exhibiting higher means for vegetative growth and yield parameters. The top-performing genotypes for yield were Giza 96, Giza 94, and Big Black Boll genotypes, while Giza 96, Giza 92, and Giza 70 ranked highest for fiber length, strength, and fineness. In contrast, molecular profiles were highly polymorphic across all genotypes, including 82.5% polymorphic bands out of 212. Polymorphism information content was high for the SSR markers, ranging from 0.76 to 0.86. Genetic similarity coefficients based on the SSR data varied extensively from 0.58 to 0.91, and cluster analysis separated genotypes into two major groups according to geographical origin. The cotton genotypes displayed high diversity in morphology and genetics, indicating sufficient variability in the germplasm. The combined use of physical traits and molecular markers gave a thorough understanding of the genetic diversity and relationships between Egyptian and global cotton varieties. The SSR markers effectively profiled the genotypes and can help select ideal parents for enhancing cotton through hybridization and marker-assisted breeding.
Epitranscriptome insights into Riccia fluitans L. (Marchantiophyta) aquatic transition using nanopore direct RNA sequencing
Authors: Maździarz Mateusz , Krawczyk Katarzyna , Kurzyński Mateusz , Paukszto Łukasz , Szablińska-Piernik Joanna , Szczecińska Monika , Sulima Paweł , Sawicki Jakub 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Riccia fluitans, an amphibious liverwort, exhibits a fascinating adaptation mechanism to transition between terrestrial and aquatic environments. Utilizing nanopore direct RNA sequencing, we try to capture the complex epitranscriptomic changes undergone in response to land-water transition.

Results
A significant finding is the identification of 45 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), with a split of 33 downregulated in terrestrial forms and 12 upregulated in aquatic forms, indicating a robust transcriptional response to environmental changes. Analysis of N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications revealed 173 m6A sites in aquatic and only 27 sites in the terrestrial forms, indicating a significant increase in methylation in the former, which could facilitate rapid adaptation to changing environments. The aquatic form showed a global elongation bias in poly(A) tails, which is associated with increased mRNA stability and efficient translation, enhancing the plant’s resilience to water stress. Significant differences in polyadenylation signals were observed between the two forms, with nine transcripts showing notable changes in tail length, suggesting an adaptive mechanism to modulate mRNA stability and translational efficiency in response to environmental conditions. This differential methylation and polyadenylation underline a sophisticated layer of post-transcriptional regulation, enabling Riccia fluitans to fine-tune gene expression in response to its living conditions.

Conclusions
These insights into transcriptome dynamics offer a deeper understanding of plant adaptation strategies at the molecular level, contributing to the broader knowledge of plant biology and evolution. These findings underscore the sophisticated post-transcriptional regulatory strategies Riccia fluitans employs to navigate the challenges of aquatic versus terrestrial living, highlighting the plant’s dynamic adaptation to environmental stresses and its utility as a model for studying adaptation mechanisms in amphibious plants.
Effect of GP visits in the compliance of preventive services: a cross-sectional study in Europe
Authors: Ares-Blanco Sara , López-Rodríguez Juan A. , Polentinos-Castro Elena , del Cura-González Isabel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Performing cardiovascular and cancer screenings in target populations can reduce mortality. Visiting a General Practitioner (GP) once a year is related to an increased likelihood of preventive care. The aim of this study was to analyse the influence of visiting a GP in the last year on the delivery of preventive services based on sex and household income.

Methods
Cross-sectional study using data collected from the European Health Interview Survey 2013–2015 of individuals aged 40–74 years from 29 European countries. The variables included: sociodemographic factors (age, sex, and household income (HHI) quintiles [HHI 1: lowest income, HHI 5: more affluent]), lifestyle factors, comorbidities, and preventive care services (cardiometabolic, influenza vaccination, and cancer screening). Descriptive statistics, bivariate analyses and multilevel models (level 1: citizen, level 2: country) were performed.

Results
242,212 subjects were included, 53.7% were female. The proportion of subjects who received any cardiometabolic screening (92.4%) was greater than cancer screening (colorectal cancer: 44.1%, gynaecologic cancer: 40.0%) and influenza vaccination. Individuals who visited a GP in the last year were more prone to receive preventive care services (cardiometabolic screening: adjusted OR (aOR): 7.78, 95% CI: 7.43–8.15; colorectal screening aOR: 1.87, 95% CI: 1.80–1.95; mammography aOR: 1.76, 95% CI: 1.69–1.83 and Pap smear test: aOR: 1.89, 95% CI:1.85–1.94). Among those who visited a GP in the last year, the highest ratios of cardiometabolic screening and cancer screening benefited those who were more affluent. Women underwent more blood pressure measurements than men regardless of the HHI. Men were more likely to undergo influenza vaccination than women regardless of the HHI. The highest differences between countries were observed for influenza vaccination, with a median odds ratio (MOR) of 6.36 (under 65 years with comorbidities) and 4.30 (over 65 years with comorbidities), followed by colorectal cancer screening with an MOR of 2.26.

Conclusions
Greater adherence to preventive services was linked to individuals who had visited a GP at least once in the past year. Disparities were evident among those with lower household incomes who visited a GP. The most significant variability among countries was observed in influenza vaccination and colorectal cancer screening.
Sex difference in the associations among risk factors with gastroesophageal reflux disease in a large Taiwanese population study
Authors: Lin Chien-Chieh , Geng Jiun-Hung , Wu Pei-Yu , Huang Jiun-Chi , Hu Huang-Ming , Chen Szu-Chia , Kuo Chao-Hung 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common global health issue. Previous studies have revealed a higher prevalence of GERD in females than in males, however few studies have investigated sex differences in the risk factors associated with GERD. Therefore, the aim of this population-based study was to examine sex differences in the risk factors for GERD in a large cohort of over 120,000 Taiwanese participants.

Methods
We enrolled 121,583 participants (male: 43,698; female: 77,885; mean age 49.9 ± 11.0 years) from the Taiwan Biobank. The presence of GERD was ascertained using self-reported questionnaires. Sex differences in the risk factors associated with GERD were examined using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results
The overall prevalence of GERD was 13.7%, including 13.0% in the male participants and 14.1% in the female participants (p < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that older age, hypertension, smoking history, alcohol history, low fasting glucose, and low uric acid were significantly associated with GERD in the male participants. In the female participants, older age, diabetes, hypertension, smoking history, alcohol history, low systolic blood pressure, low fasting glucose, high hemoglobin, high total cholesterol, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low uric acid were significantly associated with GERD. Significant interactions were found between sex and age (p < 0.001), diabetes (p < 0.001), smoking history (p < 0.001), fasting glucose (p = 0.002), triglycerides (p = 0.001), HDL-C (p = 0.001), and estimated glomerular filtration rate (p = 0.002) on GERD.

Conclusions
Our results showed a higher prevalence of GERD among females compared to males. Furthermore, sex differences were identified in the risk factors associated with GERD, and older age, diabetes, smoking history, and low HDL-C were more closely related to GERD in females than in males.