bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Essential, trace and toxic elements content, their distribution and risk assessment in Karaagach river, Bulgarian Black Sea region
Authors: Georgieva Velyana , Genieva Svetlana 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
In the southeastern part of the Bulgarian Black Sea coast, the Veleka River and the Burgas Lake Vaya have been studied, but there is still no comprehensive study of the Karagach River. In order to monitor changes in concentrations of essential, trace and toxic elements and their distribution in the surface waters in the Black Sea region, sampling points along the Karaagach river length were selected. Monthly surface water sampling was conducted from June 2021 to June 2022 at selected points and analyzed for 22 elements (Al, As, Cu, Cr, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb, B, Ba, Co, Na, Se, Ag, Be, Mg, K, Bi, Li, Sr, V). The annual average concentrations of Al and Mn where found at the five monitoring points were 27.5 ± 8.0 µg L–1 and 89.7 ± 40.1 µg L–1, respectively, categorize these metals as major pollutants. Exceedances above the permissible concentrations of Ni (5.2 ± 1.3 µg L–1), Cd (0.30 ± 0.08 µg L–1) and Pb (3.0 ± 0.5 µg L–1) were only recorded in urbanized sites, therefore they are classified as point contaminants. Based on Pearson's correlation statistical analysis the non-identical origin of the major pollutants and a presumed anthropogenic source of the point contaminants were identified. Heavy contamination of the Karagach River with Al and Mn was recorded in autumn at three of the monitored sites, assessed by calculating different contamination indexes.
Nighttime-specific gene expression changes in suprachiasmatic nucleus and habenula are associated with resilience to chronic social stress
Authors: Chaudhury Dipesh , Narain Priyam , Petković Aleksa , Šušićb Marko , Haniffa Salma , Anwar Mariam , Arnoux Marc , Drou Nizar , Antonio-Saldi Giuseppe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The molecular mechanisms that link stress and circadian rhythms still remain unclear. The habenula (Hb) is a key brain region involved in regulating diverse types of emotion-related behaviours while the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the body's central clock. To investigate the effects of chronic social stress on transcription patterns, we performed gene expression analysis in the Hb and SCN of stress naive and stress exposed mice. Our analysis revealed a large number of differentially expressed genes and enrichment of synaptic and cell signalling pathways between resilient and stress-naïve mice at zeitgeber 16 (ZT16) in both the Hb and SCN. This transcriptomic signature was nighttime-specific and observed only in stress-resilient mice. In contrast, there were relatively few differences between the stress-susceptible and stress-naïve groups across time points. Our results reinforce the functional link between diurnal gene expression patterns and differential responses to stress, thereby highlighting the importance of temporal expression patterns in homeostatic stress responses.
Long term outcomes of intra-carotid arterial transfusion of circulatory derived autologous CD34+ cells for acute ischemic stroke patients—A randomized, open-label, controlled phase II clinical trial
Authors: Lin Hung-Sheng , Sung Pei-Hsun , Huang Shu-Hua , Lin Wei-Che , Chiang John Y. , Ma Ming-Chun , Chen Yi-Ling , Chen Kuan-Hung , Lee Fan-Yen , Ko Sheung-Fat , Yip Hon-Kan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
This phase II randomized control trial tested whether intracarotid arterial administration of autologous CD34 + cells to the patients within 14 ± 7 days after acute ischemic stroke (IS) could be safe and further improve short- and long-term outcomes.
Methods and Results
Between January 2018 and March 2022, 28 consecutive patients were equally randomly allocated into group 1 (CD34 + cells/3.0 x 107/patient) and group 2 (received optimal-medical therapy). The CD34 + cells were transfused into the ipsilateral brain infarct zone of group 1 patients at catheterization room. The results demonstrated that safety and success of the procedure were 100% and no long-term tumorigenesis was observed in group 1 patients. In group 1 patients, the circulating EPC number/angiogenesis capacity were significantly higher at post than at prior to granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor treatment (all p < 0.001). Time courses of blood samplings from right-internal jugular vein of the group 1 displayed a significant increase in the levels of SDF-1α and EPCs in time points of 5/10/30 minutes than in that of 0 minute (all p < 0.005). The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale was similar upon presentation, whereas it showed a great response by days 30/90 and Tc-99m brain perfusion was significantly increased by 180-days after acute IS in group 1 than in group 2 (p = 0.046). The long-term (4.1 ± 1.3 years follow-up) combined end points (defined as death/recurrent stroke/or severe disability) were notably higher in group 2 than in group 1 patients (p = 0.103).
Conclusion
Intracarotid transfusion of autologous CD34 + cells was safe and might provide some benefits for acute IS patients.
Clinical trial Registration number: ISRCTN15677760 (Registration date: 23/04/2018)
Synthesis of degradable porous polymers by means of ring-opening addition reaction of tri-aziridine and thiol-carboxylic acid compounds
Authors: Naga Naofumi , Jinno Masumi , Iwasaki Kazuki , Igarashi Yu , Tajima Toshiki , Yamato Masafumi , Nakano Tamaki 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Ring-opening addition reaction between a tri-aziridine, pentaerythriyol-tris[3-(1-aziridinyl)propionate] (AZOH) or 2,2-bishydroxymethylbutanol-tris[3-(1-aziridinyl)propionate] (AZ), and a thiol-carboxylic acid, thioglycolic acid (TGA) or thiolactic acid (TLA) or 3-mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), at room temperature in ethyl acetate produced porous polymers. The polymer networks were formed by the ring-opening reactions between the aziridine group of the tri-aziridine compounds with both the carboxylic acid and thiol groups of the thiol-carboxylic acids. The morphology of the porous polymers was composed by connected particles, whose averaged diameters ranged from about 2.5 to 7.5 µm. The reaction of AZOH and MPA under a high monomer concentration (40 wt%) yielded the porous polymer with co-continuous monolithic structure, whose backbone was formed by connected small particles of diameters of less than 0.2 µm. The porous polymers formed with TLA showed higher Young’s modulus due to small particle size and high density. The porous polymers showed good thermal stability. All porous polymers were decomposed in methanol within 50 days at room temperature, suggesting that the polymers may be applicable as degradable materials.
Traffic Signal Control Using a Novel Multiagent Reinforcement Learning Considering Pedestrian Behavior
Authors: rong songsong , meng ruifeng , guo junhong , qiao zhi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Finding the optimal signal timing strategy poses a formidable challenge in traffic signal control problems. While multi-agent reinforcement learning holds promise for addressing this issue, the majority of studies prioritize vehicle-centric approaches, neglecting crucial pedestrian factors, particularly the unpredictable behavior of pedestrians during street crossings. This research aims to bridge this gap by investigating the effectiveness of a novel Double Q-learning method based on multi-agent collaboration in optimizing the traffic balance between pedestrians and vehicles at multiple intersections. In the context of urban transportation systems, where intersections act as pivotal nodes, this study adopts a macro-level perspective, treating each intersection as an agent capable of collaborative decision-making. The micro-level analysis incorporates a state representation incorporating pedestrian behavior sensitivity and a flexible action space, with the objective of optimizing traffic conditions. Results demonstrate that, under non-ideal conditions, our algorithm outperforms traditional Sarsa and Q-Learning algorithms, reducing vehicle waiting time by 32.8% and pedestrian waiting time by 70.85%. These outcomes underscore the algorithm’s effectiveness in balancing traffic efficiency for both vehicles and pedestrians.
Long-Term Meteorological Characteristics and Extreme Climate Indices over Tirupati - A Rapidly Developing Tropical City
Authors: Thandlam Venugopal , Kaagita Venkatramana , Sakirevupalli Venkatramana Reddy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Tirupati's climate has witnessed notable precipitation and temperature pattern shifts. The annual precipitation displays marked interannual variability over the past decades, notably marked by a substantial increase during the southwest monsoon (JJAS). However, a concerning long-term trend emerges, indicating a decrease in total annual precipitation over the last 30 years. The city has experienced contrasting trends in wet and dry days, with a significant long-term increase in wet days during both the southwest (JJAS) and northeast (OND) monsoons, yet a recent decrease over the past three decades. Concurrently, a noteworthy rise in the annual dry days has been observed during the same period. Heavy precipitation events, particularly during the southwest monsoon, show a positive trend, contrasting with the absence of significant changes in heavy rainfall days during the northeast monsoon. Temperature trends reveal a warming scenario, with a significant positive trend in annual maximum temperatures (Tmax) and a consistent annual rise in mean minimum temperatures (Tmin). However, the mean Tmax during the summer and southwest monsoon months shows no significant changes. A substantial decrease in cold and very cold days, especially during the last 30 years, suggests a broader warming trend impacting seasonal temperature variations in Tirupati. The findings underscore the complex interplay of monsoons, temperature variations, and changing precipitation patterns in Tirupati's climate over the years. This information is essential for planning, managing, and mitigating the city's weather extremes, planning and resources management and infrastructure projects.
Microbiome-derived antimicrobial peptides show therapeutic activity against the critically important priority pathogen, Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Huws Sharon , Alexander Peter , Oyama Linda , Olleik Hamza , Santos Fernanda , O'Brien Seamus , Cookson Alan , Cochrane Stephen , Gilmore Brendan , Maresca Marc 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Acinetobacter baumannii is recognised as a priority 1 critically important pathogen by the World Health Organisation. The cow rumen has previously yielded antimicrobial peptides namely Lynronne-1, -2 and -3 with high efficacy against bacterial pathogens, such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In this study we assessed the structure by circular dichroism and efficacy of Lynronne-1, -2 and -3 against clinical strains of A. baumannii. Lynronne-1, -2 and -3 demonstrated alpha-helical secondary structures and had antimicrobial activity towards all tested strains of A. baumannii (Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations 2-128 μg/ml). Lynronne-2 and -3 also demonstrated additive effects with amoxicillin and erythromycin, and synergy with gentamicin. The AMPs demonstrated little toxicity towards mammalian cell lines or Galleria mellonella. Antibiofilm activity was observed with all three AMPs. Lynronne-1 and -3 demonstrated higher membrane-destabilising action against A. baumannii in comparison with Lynronne-2 in a fluorescence-based assay. This was corroborated by transcriptomic analysis which highlighted several gene expression changes related to cell wall synthesis following addition of the AMPs. For the first time we demonstrate the therapeutic activity of Lynronne AMPs against A. baumannii.
Virgin Coconut Oil Protects Against Dolutegravir-induced Toxicity in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Amagon Kennedy I. , Dachin Sandra P. , Amagon Leritshimwa , Makwin Luther 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Virgin Coconut oil is known for its health and therapeutic benefits and is exploited because of its ability to scavenge free radicals. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of virgin coconut oil on dolutegravir-induced organ toxicity in Wistar albino rats. Fifteen healthy Wistar Albino rats were allotted into five groups of three animals each. Animals in the negative control group were administered normal saline, while those in group two had dolutegravir (10 mg/kg oral) daily for 28 days. Rats in groups three, four, and five received dolutegravir (10 mg/kg) plus virgin coconut oil (5, 10, and 15 ml/kg), respectively. All treatments were administered once daily for twenty-eight days. Twenty-four hours after the last dose, the animals were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for hematological, lipid profile, and biochemical analysis, while the liver of each animal was harvested and processed for histological analysis. Administration of virgin coconut oil in the presence of dolutegravir caused an initial insignificant decrease (P > 0.05) in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels compared to Dolutegravir alone. We found that White and Red blood cell counts increased in the groups receiving virgin coconut oil compared to animals in the control group (dolutegravir only). Virgin coconut oil, in the presence of dolutegravir, decreased levels of triglycerides and increased levels of high-density lipoproteins. Serum creatinine and urea were observed to decrease in the group co-administered dolutegravir and virgin coconut oil. The oil showed protective effects against dolutegravir-induced histological changes in the liver tissue of rats. It can be concluded that virgin coconut oil protected the liver as well as the kidney from dolutegravir-induced toxicity.
Evaluating Emotional Intelligence Training in High-Stress Occupations: A Behavioral and Biological Perspective
Authors: King Jemma , Li Yiqiong , Gillespie Nicole , Ashkanasy Neal 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this research, we conducted a randomized control study in a military setting, where we compared measures of stress regulation and performance following emotional intelligence (EI) based training to a control group that received non-EI training. The EI-trained group underwent fifteen hours of training, focusing on recognizing, understanding, and managing emotions. We subsequently exposed participants to intense simulated real-life stressors and found that EI-trained participants demonstrated significantly (p < .01) lower biological-stress levels than the control group. We found further that 94% of EI-trained accurately performed tasks, compared to just 51.6% of controls (p < .001). Additionally, EI-trained participants demonstrated superior memory retention for mission-critical details during stress serials (p < .001); increased speed in complex mathematical calculations under pressure (56% vs. 19% correct answers, p < .001); and greater pain tolerance during cold water immersion (trainees persisted 72% longer, p < .001). These findings highlight the potential of EI training to enhance stress regulation and mental performance under pressure, offering valuable insights for improving employee well-being, organizational resilience, and avoiding burnout in high-stress environments.
Characteristics of retinal vascularization in reactivated retinopathy of prematurity and clinical outcome after reinjection of ranibizumab
Authors: Jang Ji Hye 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to determine whether the state of retinal vascularization after anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injection can help predict the risk of recurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and whether repeated injection treatment will be effective in case of recurrence. We retrospectively reviewed 24 infants (43 eyes) who received ranibizumab monotherapy between January 2021 and December 2022. All eyes were classified as having non-reactivated ROP or reactivated ROP. The state of ROP at the time of treatment, the time required for resolution of plus disease, and the extent of vascularization at 4 and 8 weeks after treatment were analyzed. Extent of retinal vascularization was measured with serial RETCAM™ fundus images using disc-fovea distance (DF) unit. ROP reactivation occurred in six infants (25.0%) and ten eyes (23.3%) after ranibizumab treatment. The mean reactivation interval after the initial injection was 9.0 ± 3.3 weeks (range 4–16). In the reactivated ROP group, the time required for the resolution of plus disease after injection was longer compared to the control group (13.3 days vs 5.2 days), with a mean ROP regression time of 3.4 weeks. All eyes in the reactivated ROP showed retinal vascularization < 0.5 DF from the original site at 4 weeks after injection. In 90% of cases with reactivated ROP, the extent of vascularization at 8 weeks after injection was within 1 DF from the original ROP site, and all cases showed reactivation in the posterior Zone II area. After ranibizumab retreatment, only one reactivated case with vitreous traction progressed to focal retinal detachment, while all other cases regressed with peripheral vascular development. The continuation of delayed retinal blood vessel development after ≥ 8 weeks may indicate a high likelihood of ROP recurrence. In the absence of vitreous traction, ranibizumab reinjection is likely to be effective in treating ROP recurrence.
Health Professionals' Attitudes and Factors Influencing the Implementation of Electronic Medical Records: A Multicenter Cross-sectional Study in Ethiopia, 2023
Authors: Mulugeta Besufekad , Ayele Molawork , Endwenet Ermiyas 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: Electronic medical record systems are increasingly incorporated into the healthcare systems of developing countries. Despite the high expectations and interest in adopting and using electronic medical record in Ethiopia, its overall adoption rate is low. Therefore, this study aims to assess attitude and associated factors towards implementation of electronic medical record among health professionals in Ethiopian, 2023.
Methods: Multicenter cross-sectional study design was conducted. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select a total of 397 samples. Data was entered to Epi data 4.6 and analyzed by SPSS version 25. A binary logistic regression was performed, and variables with p-values <0.25 were analyzed with multivariable logistic regression. A p-value of <0.05 and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was used to declare the associated factors.
Result: In this study, favorable attitude towards implementation of electronic medical record system was 184 (48.2%). Age 29 years (AOR: 3.05; 95% CI: 1.58, 5.9), computer literacy (AOR: 2.66; 95% CI: 1.16-6.09), training on the EMR system (AOR: 2.87; 95% CI: 1.80-4.56)) and health professionals’ knowledge on EMR (AOR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.10-2.96) were significantly associated with attitude.
Conclusion: In this study, the attitude towards the implementation of electronic medical record is relatively low. Age, computer literacy, knowledge, and training access to EMR were factors significantly associated with the attitude towards electronic medical record system. Therefore, I would recommend the hospitals and ministry of health to enhance health professionals ‘attitude by improving their computer literacy and knowledge on EMR to scale up EMR use.
Phase morphology, mechanical performance, and thermal properties of fully biodegradable polylactic acid/polybutylene adipate terephthalate crosslinked network induced by UV irradiation
Authors: Bian Xueyan , Fan Suju , Xia Gang , Xin John , Jiang Shouxiang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Over the past few decades, there has been growing interest in replacing some of the fossil-derived polymers with biobased or biodegradable ones due to environmental concerns. Biobased polylactic acid (PLA) has emerged as the most practical option because of its superior mechanical and thermal qualities compared to other types of biopolymers. However, due to the inherent deficiencies of PLA, modifications to PLA have been an ongoing endeavor. In this study, samples of neat PLA, neat polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), blends of PLA and PBAT, as well as their crosslinked blends were fabricated. The morphology, mechanical and thermal transition performances, and thermal stability of the fully biodegradable samples were then measured. The results show that the flexibility and toughness of PLA were significantly enhanced. Especially, the elongation at break of ABT-UV30 (PLA/PBAT/triallyisocyanurate (TAIC) exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light for 30 minutes) was increased 37.8 times as compared to neat PLA. The compatibility of PLA and PBAT was enhanced by the development of a crosslinked network structure. The thermalgravimetric analyzer thermograms show that a moderate amount of UV radiation can improve the thermal stability of the sample while an excessive amount of UV radiation can reduce the temperature at which the sample degrades.
Bacterial-host adhesion dominated by collagen subtypes remodeled by osmotic pressures
Authors: Huang Jianyong , Xu Hongwei , Feng Yuting , Han Yiming , Duan Xiaoceng , Jiang Ying , Su Liya , Liu Xiaozhi , Qin Siying 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Environmental osmolarity plays a crucial role in regulating functions and behaviors of both host cells and pathogens. However, it remains unclear whether and how environmental osmotic stimuli modulate bacterial-host interfacial adhesion. Using single-cell force spectroscopy, we revealed that the interfacial adhesion force depended in a nonlinear manner on osmotic prestimulation of host cells but not bacteria. Quantitatively, the adhesion force increased dramatically from 25.98 nN under an isotonic condition to 112.45 or 93.10 nN after the host cells were treated with the hypotonic or hypertonic solution. There was a strong correlation between the adhesion forces and the number of host cells harboring adherent/internalized bacteria. We further uncovered that osmoregulated overexpression of collagen XV and II was responsible for the increase in the interfacial adhesion under the hypotonic and hypertonic conditions, respectively. The work provides a new idea for developing host-directed antibacterial strategies related to interfacial adhesion from a mechanobiological perspective.
WITHDRAWN: Decline in ocean net primary production coincident with the 2023 heat wave
Authors: Bowles Marshall , Joye Samantha , Schulz Michael , Zabel Matthias , Hinrichs Kai-Uwe 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Marine primary productivity is pivotal for transferring carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the ocean. Global marine net primary production (NPP) rates derived from satellite-based estimates of primary producer biomass, sea surface temperature, and light availability are estimated to be ~4 Pmol C y-1 1–3. A major outstanding question is the sensitivity of NPP to future ocean warming, both regionally and globally. Here we used chlorophyll a data from the last 21 years to estimate NPP and determined that April 2023 global NPP - when sea surface temperatures (SSTs) reflected a substantial marine heat wave - dropped to 2.76 Pmol C y-1, or 22% below the time series mean. Using a spatially integrated approach, we show that the pelagic ocean experienced the most prominent decrease in NPP during peak SSTs in September 2023. The decrease in NPP was most pronounced in equatorial regions of the Atlantic and Pacific, as well as the northern Atlantic; all of these areas exhibited positive SST anomalies. Finally, we compared optimal temperatures (Topt) of phytoplankton photosynthesis to observed SSTs and show that during the NPP decline, in 65% of the surveyed area, the Topt was exceeded, suggesting a physiological mechanism for the observed decrease in NPP.