bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urban vegetation benefits in mediterranean cities for climate change adaptation and water usage efficiency – a case study in Algarve, Portugal
Authors: Matias Pedro , Moreira da Silva Manuela , Teigão João , Duarte Amílcar 
Published: February 2025

In the current climate change scenario, Mediterranean cities face heatwaves and reduced availability of freshwater alternated with intense precipitation events in short periods. The demand for water, especially for urban and tourism purposes, is rising, particularly in coastal cities. The importance of integrating nature into cities, particularly trees, has been studied for its benefits in adapting to climate change and improving quality of life. However, water scarcity in cities remains a limiting factor for ensuring the water needs of urban trees and, consequently, the ecosystem services they provide. In this study, we quantified the ecosystem services (CO2 sequestration and storage, O2 production, air pollutants removal, and hydrological effects as transpiration, water intercepted and avoided runoff) provided by urban vegetation in Faro (Algarve, Portugal), with a detailed analysis of three green spaces. We analyzed the importance given to green spaces and the community preferences. Rainwater harvesting was studied as an alternative water source for irrigation and its advantages for the urban water cycle. We found that urban vegetation across the city sequesters 1.09 × 103 t. yr−1 CO2, stores 4.01 × 103 t C, contributes to air pollutant removal (CO = 114; O3 = 3.56 × 103; NO2 = 313; SO2 = 224; PM10 = 872; PM2.5 = 70) kg. yr−1, and prevents 861 m3. yr−1 of surface runoff. In general, people inquired use to visit and value the city’s green spaces, enjoy activities in nature, have definite preferences regarding green spaces, and are available to suggest actions to improve these spaces. It was confirmed that in order to maintain urban green spaces and the ecosystem services that their vegetation provides to the community, rainwater harvesting is of utmost relevance representing a reduction in drinking water for irrigation of 4.20 × 103 m3. yr−1 in the three studied green spaces.
Negative frequency-dependent selection through variations in seedling fitness due to genetic differentiation of parents’ pair in a tropical rainforest tree, Rubroshorea curtisii (Dipterocarpaceae)
Authors: Tani Naoki , Ng Chin Hong , Lee Soon Leong , Lee Chai Ting , Muhammad Norwati , Kondo Toshiaki , Tsumura Yoshihiko , Sugiyama Saori , Niiyama Kaoru , Ripin Azizi , Kassim Abdul Rahman , Musa Samsudin 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionThe role of syngameons in adaption to microgeographical environmental heterogeneity is important and could be one of the sources of rich species diversity in tropical forests. In addition, negative frequency- or density-dependent selection is one of the major processes contributing to the maintenance of genetic diversity.MethodsTo assess genetic factors that affect the fitness of seedlings of Rubroshorea curtisii, a dominant canopy tree species in hill dipterocarp forests, the inter- and intra-population genetic structure of individuals from natural populations and individuals at two permanent plots in a hill dipterocarp forest with reproductive stage was studied. Further, a total of 460 seedlings derived from six mother trees in the plot were raised in a nursery, and their pollen donors were identified using genetic marker based paternity assignment. Seed weight, bi-parental genetic relatedness, and bi-parental genetic heterogeneity based on the clustering analysis were used to analyze their effects on seedling fitness.ResultsA Bayesian based clustering analysis revealed that three genetically distinct clusters were observed in almost all populations throughout the distributional range of the species in Malay Peninsula and provided the optimum explanation for the genetic structure of 182 mature individuals in the plots. The two clusters showed larger genetic differentiation from the ancestral admixture population, but the other one was not differentiated. The bi-parental larger genetic heterogeneity was associated with a significantly higher probability of seedling survivorship, and likewise, higher performance of vertical growth of the seedlings; but the seed weight and genetic relatedness did not significantly affect those.DiscussionThis evidence suggests that fitter seedlings derived from mating between parents with different genetic clusters contribute to maintaining genetic diversity through negative frequency-dependent selection and may have an important role in adaptation in the tropical forest plant community.
Empowering rural communities: the role of financial literacy and management in sustainable development
Authors: Kyeyune Gorrettie Nakyeyune , Ntayi Joseph Mpeera 
Published: February 2025

Research problemIn the face of global efforts to combat poverty and enhance the well-being of vulnerable populations, aiming for inclusive growth, the 2024 UNDP trend report casts a shadow with its findings that the world remains off-course for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 1 (SDG1) “No Poverty.” Specifically, in Uganda, despite the integration of poverty eradication measures within national development agendas, the efficacy of such initiatives is critically contingent upon the financial literacy levels among the impoverished targets.AimThis study underscores the pivotal role of financial literacy in fostering the empowerment of underserved communities, directing them toward paths of inclusive growth.Research methodsAdopting a qualitative framework, this investigation spanned 7 parishes across five districts within Uganda’s Busoga region, selected via purposive sampling. Participants included a cross-section of community members—ranging from household heads and local entrepreneurs to SACCO (Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization) members and parish chiefs—all of whom engage with government-led poverty alleviation programs. A semi-structured interview guide facilitated the collection of nuanced data, which was subsequently transcribed and subjected to content analysis to distill key thematic insights.Results and discussionThe findings illuminate a stark reality: inadequate financial management and literacy significantly thwart the sustainable development of rural communities. Such deficiencies not only hamper economic progress but also stifle the potential for holistic community empowerment.ConclusionInvestment in financial literacy emerges as a crucial strategy, underscoring the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary for economic participation and personal growth. This approach aligns with the principles of Amartya Sen’s Capability Approach and the Human Capital Theory, advocating for the prioritization of financial literacy initiatives within rural development strategies. The study accentuates the need for comprehensive financial literacy training, aimed at fulfilling broader policy objectives and catalyzing economic development and poverty reduction efforts.
Candidate approaches for predicting vitiligo recurrence: an effective model and biomarkers
Authors: Liu Binhao , Shen Jiacheng , Li Jiayu , Tian Bowen , Zhou Bin , Gui Jiachen , Li Zhimin , Zhang Yue , Hu Wenzhi , Li Qiang 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundVitiligo is a challenging chronic condition with unpredictable disease course and high propensity for relapse post-treatment. Recent studies have reported the biomarkers for disease activity, severity, and therapeutic response of vitiligo, yet very few have investigated cytokines as predictive biomarkers for disease recurrence in vitiligo. This study aims to explore cytokines that serve as biomarkers for disease recurrence and extend research on factors related to the disease’s activity.Methods92 patients and 40 healthy controls were recruited at the Air Force Medical Center from September 20, 2023, to November 30, 2023. Ultrasensitive multiplex cytokine array was used to measure plasma concentrations of cytokines, including IFN-γ, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, IL-6, and IL-15.ResultsIFN-γ, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, IL-6, and IL-15 were expressed at higher levels in the circulation of patients with both segmental and non-segmental vitiligo compared to healthy controls (p &lt; 0.001). There were no significant differences in these cytokine levels between the two types of vitiligo. CXCL9 was associated with the activity of vitiligo (p = 0.027). Correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between IFN-γ, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, IL-6, and IL-15 in the plasma of patients with recurrent vitiligo. The expression of IFN-γ, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and IL-6 was significantly higher in recurrent vitiligo than in cases of persistent stable vitiligo (p = 0.001, p = 0.003, p &lt; 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.026, respectively), with ROC analysis demonstrating their predictive capability for vitiligo recurrence, with AUC values of 0.806, 0.773, 0.896, 0.785, and 0.709, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression model showed IFN-γ is an independent predictor for vitiligo recurrence [OR (95%CI) =1.051 (1.012~1.116)], with a prediction accuracy of 90.5% (38/42) on the training dataset and 88.9% (16/18) on the testing dataset.ConclusionPlasma IFN-γ, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 and IL-6 might be potential biomarkers for vitiligo recurrence, with CXCL9 also associated with disease activity. Additionally, multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that IFN-γ is an independent predictor of vitiligo recurrence and the model could be a candidate approach for predicting vitiligo recurrence.
Probiotic properties of Bacillus licheniformis HN318 and comparison of the effects of its bacterial cells and cultures on growth, immunity and disease resistance of hybrid grouper (Epinephelus polyphekadion♂ × Epinephelus fuscoguttatus♀)
Authors: Cao Zhenjie , Yang Qiaoli , Kang Aie , Wang Guotao , Li Pengshuo , Qiu Guiping , Wang Jinge , Liu Chunsheng , Sun Yun 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionBacillus species are probiotics commonly utilized in aquaculture to enhance aquatic animal growth, inhibit pathogens, and strengthen immunity. However, research comparing the effects of probiotic bacterial cells and cultures is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the probiotic potential of Bacillus licheniformis strain HN318 and compare its impact on growth, immunity, and disease resistance in hybrid grouper when administered as bacterial cells or cultures.MethodsThe study involved assessing the auto-aggregation capability, gastrointestinal stress resistance, and safety of HN318. Enzymatic activities and antibacterial properties of HN318 cultures and bacterial cells were also compared. Hybrid grouper were fed with HN318 cultures and bacterial cells for 8 weeks, and their growth, feed utilization, immune responses, and survival rates upon challenge with Vibrio harveyi were evaluated. Additionally, the expression of immune-related genes was analyzed.ResultsHN318 exhibited high auto-aggregation and gastrointestinal stress resistance, and was found to be safe for use in aquaculture. Cultures of HN318 displayed higher protease, amylase, and antibacterial activities compared to bacterial cells. Both forms significantly improved growth and feed utilization in hybrid grouper. Notably, HN318 cultures induced higher levels of immune enzymes and activities, and provided better protection against V. harveyi challenge, with a higher relative percent survival compared to bacterial cells. Furthermore, HN318 cultures upregulated the expression of immune-related genes more than bacterial cells.DiscussionThis study highlights the potential of both HN318 cultures and bacterial cells as immune enhancers for hybrid grouper. However, HN318 cultures demonstrated superior probiotic properties, including higher enzymatic activities, antibacterial properties, and immunomodulatory effects. These findings provide new insights and references for the diverse application forms of probiotics in aquaculture, suggesting that cultures may be more effective than bacterial cells in enhancing the health and performance of aquatic animals.
Study of thermal management system for battery box for formula student electric racing car
Authors: Han Yawen , Bai Yuxing , Zhang Weixin , Cui Song , Zang Liguo , Ding Hongshan 
Published: February 2025

In Formula Student Electric (FSE) racing competitions, battery overheating is a common challenge due to inadequate thermal dissipation at high discharge rates, negatively impacting the performance of the racing vehicle. This study introduces an innovative and optimized battery box cooling system designed to mitigate overheating by reducing the maximum battery temperature and the temperature gradient.The cooling system is developed using a combined approach of simulation analysis and orthogonal experiments. The design optimization focuses on improving airflow distribution by increasing the number of inlet and outlet vents and adjusting the airflow velocity, which enhances the heat dissipation capacity. Experimental tests show that, under a 5C discharge rate for 60 s, the maximum temperature within the optimized cooling system is reduced to 27.4°C. The temperature difference decreases from 3.5°C to 2.4°C, resulting in a 31.4% improvement in optimization efficiency. Additionally, the optimized system achieves a more uniform temperature distribution across the battery pack, outperforming the pre-optimization design in all evaluated metrics. The optimized cooling system demonstrates a significant improvement in thermal performance compared to the original design. The findings highlight the effectiveness of the proposed optimization in enhancing the thermal management of the battery box and offer a practical, applicable strategy for improving thermal efficiency in electric vehicle applications.
Ursodeoxycholic acid relieves clinical severity of COVID-19 in patients with chronic liver diseases
Authors: Hu Tiantian , Tong Jie , Yang Yunhui , Yuan Changrong , Zhang Jiming , Wang Jinyu 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe potential effect of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) on the clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 in patients with chronic liver diseases has been a subject of ongoing debate since the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2019. This study aims to investigate the effect of UDCA on the prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with chronic liver diseases.MethodsA total of 926 patients with chronic liver diseases who contracted their first SARS-CoV-2 infection during December 2022 to January 2023, were included in this study. Participants were divided into two groups based on the use of UDCA: the UDCA cohort (n = 329) and the non-UDCA cohort (n = 597). After performing a 1:1 age-and sex-matching, the analysis proceeded with 309 patients from each group for further evaluation.ResultsIn the UDCA-treated cohort, the incidence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections was significantly higher, with 30.1% of patients affected, compared to 6.47% in the non-UDCA group (p &lt; 0.0001). Multivariable analysis identified UDCA as a protective factor against symptomatic infections, yielding an odds ratio (OR) of 4.77 (95% CI: 2.70–8.44, p &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, age over 50 was found to be a risk factor for asymptomatic infections in the UDCA cohort, with an adjusted OR of 1.51 (95% CI: 1.01–2.24, p = 0.05).ConclusionThe study suggests that UDCA therapy may improve clinical outcomes in patients with chronic liver diseases patients who are infected with SARS-CoV-2, highlighting its potential role in improving prognosis within this vulnerable population. However, further research is required to validate these findings and to elucidate the mechanisms underlying UDCA’s protective effect.
Development and validation of a deep learning-enhanced prediction model for the likelihood of pulmonary embolism
Authors: Tian Yu , Liu Jingjie , Wu Shan , Zheng Yucong , Han Rongye , Bao Qianhui , Li Lei , Yang Tao 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundPulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially fatal condition. Timely and accurate risk assessment in patients with acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is crucial. This study aims to develop a deep learning-based, precise, and efficient PE risk prediction model (PE-Mind) to overcome the limitations of current clinical tools and provide a more targeted risk evaluation solution.MethodsWe analyzed clinical data from patients by first simplifying and organizing the collected features. From these, 37 key clinical features were selected based on their importance. These features were categorized and analyzed to identify potential relationships. Our prediction model uses a convolutional neural network (CNN), enhanced with three custom-designed modules for better performance. To validate its effectiveness, we compared this model with five commonly used prediction models.ResultsPE-Mind demonstrated the highest accuracy and reliability, achieving 0.7826 accuracy and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.8641 on the prospective test set, surpassing other models. Based on this, we have also developed a Web server, PulmoRiskAI, for real-time clinician operation.ConclusionThe PE-Mind model improves prediction accuracy and reliability for assessing PE risk in acute DVT patients. Its convolutional architecture and residual modules substantially enhance predictive performance.
Comparison of the risk of obesity in the FTO rs9939609 genotype in a multiethnic group in Asia systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pratiwi Donna , Sidartha Miko , Wiyarta Elvan , Agustinus Harimawan I Wayan , Lestari Ni Made Dwi Asti , Kim Bonglee , Taslim Nurpudji Astuti , Tallei Trina Ekawati , Nurkolis Fahrul , Syahputra Rony Abdi 
Published: February 2025

AimThis study aims to examine the comparative risk of obesity in the FTO rs9939609 genotype in multiethnic groups in Asia, considering that obesity has become a global disease.Data synthesisData searches were carried out in several electronic databases: PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, ClinicalTrials.gov and NCBI. The search involved a combination of keywords related to genetics and obesity risk. Pooled Odds Ratio (POR) with 95% CI was calculated based on the pooled data. Review Manager (RevMan) 5.4.1 were used to analyze the data.ResultsFrom 18 studies, the results of the dominant genetic model AA vs. TT showed POR 95%Cl = 1.95 (1.36–2.80); p &lt; 0.00001, in AA vs. TA genetic recessive model, POR 95%Cl =1.31 (1.07–1.60); p = 0.002, then the final model of TA vs. TT codominance genetic model obtained POR 95%Cl = 1.52 (1.04–2.23); p &lt; 0.00001. The overall risk of bias was low.ConclusionFrom this research, it was found that there was a comparison of the genotype that had a higher risk of obesity, namely the AA genotype in multiethnic groups in Asia.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=546434.
Bioanalytical method development, in-vivo pharmacokinetic evaluation, ex-vivo platelet aggregation inhibition activity of a novel solid dispersion formulation of ticagrelor
Authors: Srivastava Abhishek , Bedi Simrata , Mehata Abhishesh Kumar , Pawde Datta Maroti , Hatware Ketan Vinayakrao , Khan Mohammad Ahmad , Muthu M. S. , Bhandari Uma 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundTicagrelor, a potential antithrombotic drug indicated for cardiovascular events with acute coronary syndrome, has been restricted from its oral use due to poor aqueous solubility. The present investigation aimed to develop validated bioanalytical method for the analysis of plasma samples for improving the oral bioavailability of Ticagrelor. Additionally, evaluation of the improved antiplatelet activity of the Ticagrelor formulation compared to the marketed formulation.MethodsA bioanalytical method was developed in rat plasma samples using the isocratic separation mode. Plasma samples were processed by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by using reverse phase HPLC. A validated method was used for evaluating the pharmacokinetic profile of the developed formulation and marketed formulation in Sprague Dawley rats. Additionally, the ex-vivo antiplatelet aggregation activity was evaluated.ResultsThe developed method was accurate and linear (100 ng−800 ng) to quantify the drug in plasma. An in-vivo pharmacokinetic study was conducted for formulation at 10 mg/kg and different pharmacokinetic parameters were evaluated. From the results, we observed∼64% enhancements in the oral bioavailability of the Ticagrelor relative to the marketed formulation. The developed formulation (SD1) showed more significant inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation compared to the marketed ticagrelor (RLD) formulation.ConclusionIn conclusion, we have successfully developed a validated analytical method for estimating Ticagrelor plasma concentration. Additionally, our study successfully enhanced Ticagrelor's oral bioavailability, and the developed formulation has more significant inhibition of ADP-induced platelet aggregation relative to the marketed formulation, indicating its substantial therapeutic potential.
Dietary and environmental factors affecting the dynamics of the gut bacteria in Tibetan Awang sheep (Ovis aries) across divergent breeding models
Authors: Wang Yuhao , Wang Xinping , Wang Yirong , Liao Songyu , Pubu Zhaxi , Silang Jiangcuo , Chai Lixu , Zhao Siyue 
Published: February 2025

IntroductionTibetan Awang sheep (Ovis aries), indigenous to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, are highly adapted to high-altitude environment. However, knowledge regarding their gut bacterial composition remains limited.MethodsA comprehensive 16S rRNA highthroughput sequencing was performed on fecal samples from 15 Awang sheep under pure grazing, semi-captivity, and full captivity breeding models.ResultsOur results revealed that Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were the most abundant bacterial phyla, while Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Romboutsia, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Ruminococcus, and Bacteroides were prevalent genera in the gut microbiota of Awang sheep. Meanwhile, the predominant presence of Bacteroides with increasing altitude of breeding locations indirectly demonstrates its crucial role in mediating energy acquisition among Awang sheep at high altitudes. Furthermore, PCoA and ANOSIM analysis exhibited significant differences in bacterial composition across all breeding models (r &gt; 0.6, p &lt; 0.001). Christensenellaceae_R-7_group, Romboutsia, and Ruminococcus were significantly abundant in the pure grazing breeding model, while Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group and Bacteroides were more abundant in the semi-captivity breeding model. An abnormally high abundance of Acinetobacter indicated a potential risk of Acinetobacter infection in the fully captive group. The environmental association analysis exhibited that meadows diet (R2 = 0.938, Pr[&gt;r] = 0.001) and altitude (R2 = 0.892, Pr[&gt;r] = 0.001) had significant effects on the dominant genera, explaining a substantial proportion of the total variation in community composition.DiscussionOur study indicated that breeding conditions significantly impact the gut microbiota of Awang sheep. The environmental association analysis underscores the importance of diet and altitude in shaping the gut microbiota of Awang sheep. The present findings provide insights into the microbiota dynamics of Awang sheep and offer guidance for their scientific husbandry management.