bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the impact of harvest time on Dioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun maturity by NMR‐based metabolomics and LC–MS/MS analysis
Authors: An Li , Liu Hao , Li Meng , Ma Jingwei , Zheng Lufei , Zhou Juan , Zhang Junfeng , Yuan Yongliang , Wu Xujin 
Published: February 2024

AbstractBACKGROUNDDioscorea opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun maturity (DM) is an important factor influencing its quality. However, there are few studies on the impact of harvest time on its maturation. In the present study, a NMR‐based metabolomics approach was applied to investigate the dynamic metabolic changes of D. opposita Thunb. cv. Tiegun at six different harvest stages: stage 1 (S1), stage 2 (S2), Stage 3 (S3), stage 4 (S4), stage 5 (S5) and stage 6 (S6).RESULTSPrincipal component analysis showed distinct segregation of samples obtained from S1, S2 and S3 compared to those derived from S4, S5 and S6. Interestingly, these samples from the two periods were obtained before and after frost, indicating that frost descent might be important for DM. Eight differential metabolites responsible for good separation of different groups were identified by the principal component analysis loading plot and partial least squares‐discriminant analysis. In addition, quantitative analysis of these metabolites using liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry determined the effects of harvest time on these metabolite contents, two of which, sucrose and allantoin, were considered as potential biomarkers to determine DM.CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrated that NMR‐based metabolomics approach could serve as a powerful tool to identify differential metabolites during harvesting processes, also offering a fresh insight into understanding the DM and the potential mechanism of quality formation. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Reshaping antibiotic delivery: Chitosan‐based polymeric hydrogel for transdermal treatment of drug resistant bacteria
Authors: Tariq Abeer , Kazim Tasbiha , Khan Muhammad Farhan Ali , Usman Muhammad , Khan Ahmad 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to formulate and assess the antibacterial efficacy of a transdermal chitosan based polymeric hydrogel for transdermal treatment of bacterial resistance strains. Utilizing the micro‐emulsion method and the Box–Behnken design model, imipenem‐cilastatin (IMI‐CIL) loaded nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) were fabricated and optimized, employing Compritol 888 ATO as the lipid core and Tween 80 as the stabilizer. The optimized nanoformulation underwent a comprehensive evaluation encompassing parameters such as particle diameter, zeta potential, surface morphology, entrapment efficiency, crystallinity, and molecular interaction. The optimized nanoparticles displayed a mean particle size of 129 nm, a zeta potential of −19.8 mV, and a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.286. Detailed investigations into crystallinity and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis did not reveal any indications of molecular interaction. Both the IMI‐CIL loaded NLCs and the hydrogel exhibited sustained in‐vitro drug release. Moreover, the hydrogel, enriched with permeation enhancers, demonstrated a remarkable 15.77‐fold increase in drug permeation. Furthermore, the IMI‐CIL loaded NLCs exhibited significantly elevated antibacterial activity when juxtaposed with IMI‐CIL solution, which demonstrated minimal activity against non‐resistant bacterial species and lacked activity against resistant isolates. In summary, the IMI‐CIL loaded NLCs hydrogel formulation assumes a pivotal role in bestowing sustained drug release and augmenting the antibacterial efficacy of carbapenem antibiotics. This holds promise as a potential solution to combat drug‐resistant bacterial infections.
No‐till cover crop effects on the hydro‐physical properties of a silt loam
Authors: Lieskamp De'Anna R. , Moseley Abigail M. , Legrain Isabelle M. R. , Kelly Cheyenne , Haque Md Ariful , Ku Seockmo , Haruna Samuel I. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSoil hydraulic and physical properties can be influenced by various land management practices, and they determine water movement and storage within the vadose zone, with both agronomic and environmental effects. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two such practices (no‐till [NT] and cover crops [CCs]) on soil hydraulic (e.g., saturated hydraulic conductivity [Ksat], and water retention) and physical (e.g., bulk density [BD], pore size distribution, air‐filled pore spaces [AFPSs], and water‐filled pore spaces [WFPSs]) properties. The CCs used included crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.), winter peas (Lathyrus hirsutus L.), oats (Avena sativa), winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), triticale (Triticale hexaploide Lart.), flax (Linum usitassimum L.), and barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Soil samples were collected and analyzed during 2021 and 2022 right before CC termination at 0‐ to 10‐cm, 10‐ to 20‐cm, and 20‐ to 30‐cm depths. Results showed that, during 2021 and 2022, BD was 18% and 14% higher, respectively, under NC compared with CC management, while Ksat was 2.2 and 1.9 times higher, respectively, under CC compared with NC management. Further, the non‐capillary pores were significantly (p ≥ 0.05) higher under CC compared with NC management during both years of study. As a result, the majority of the total pores under CCs were filled with air, while the majority of total pores under NC management were filled with water. Therefore, this CC mix may be useful in lengthening the growing period during wet seasons by increasing air‐filled pore spaces.
Labour market resilience will be tested in the near term
Authors: Tobin Steven 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThis chapter presents the state of the world's labour markets. On account of stronger than expected GDP growth, unemployment continued to fall in line with rising employment and labour force participation. Mounting fragilities, such as slowing growth and rising sovereign debt will take a toll on unemployment and the jobs gap in 2024, both of which are set to slightly deteriorate through 2025. Moreover, persistent working poverty and informality continue to present major challenges for social justice that are unlikely to improve over the medium term.
WD‐XRF technique for speciation of iron and quantification of its oxidation states in geological samples using L‐series of iron X‐ray spectrum
Authors: Maurya Ashok Kumar , Deb Barman Piyali 
Published: February 2024

AbstractWavelength dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (WD‐XRF) spectrometry is a fast and widely used technique for elemental analysis of geological samples from Na to U. However, it has seldom been applied for quantitative determination of oxidation states of elements in complex matrices. In this study, we present a method to determine the oxidation states of iron in geological samples by WD‐XRF. We used the FeLα1,2 fluorescence line as a tool for iron speciation and Fe(II)/Fetotal ratio determination. We found that the normalized intensity (peak height) of FeLα1,2 fluorescence line was linearly correlated with the spin multiplicity (2S + 1) of ferrous and ferric content in the samples. To account for the matrix effects of chemical environment (matrix and chemical bonding) on FeLα1,2 fluorescence line, we introduced a chemical index factor (μ) that enabled accurate determination of Fe(II)/Fetotal ratio in different types of geological samples. The method was validated using international certified reference materials and their mixtures and obtained promising results, with only 6 out of 55 determinations showing relative error more than 5% of the certified values.
Enhancing automatic inspection and characterization of carbon fiber composites through hyperspectral diffuse reflection analysis and k-means clustering
Authors: Mahmoud Alaaeldin , Kassem Mohammed , Elrewainy Ahmed , El-Sharkawy Yasser H. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractNumerous industries utilize carbon fiber composites (CFC) for their exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and stiffness. However, inherent manufacturing defects such as voids and delamination can undermine the material’s structural integrity and performance. This study introduces an advanced imaging technique employing hyperspectral imaging (HSI) to effectively detect and characterize flaws within CFC materials. HSI provides high-resolution spectral data, enabling precise analysis of material properties. Initial observations indicate a distinctive peak variability in dispersed reflectance spanning 440 nm to 600 nm for both pristine surfaces and defective regions of CFC sheets. The proposed methodology entails the automated characterization of CFC through a combination of HSI and an advanced clustering technique, k-means clustering (k-mc). The application of k-mc facilitates rapid and accurate categorization of defect locations. Statistical analysis reveals mean and standard deviation (SD) values of 0.34 and 0.33, respectively, for normal CFC surfaces, compared to 0.43 and 0.29 for cracked CFC sections. These discernible variations enable precise differentiation between defect-free and defective CFC specimens. By employing spectral signatures at 445 nm, 546 nm, and 585 nm as optical markers, the study accurately measures fracture penetration depths. Implementation of this approach generates 3D-resolved images, offering a comprehensive visualization of CFC imperfections. The proposed methodology presents a more automated and objective strategy for defect identification and categorization. This unique approach holds significant potential for industrial applications, particularly in scenarios necessitating efficient and precise evaluation of numerous CFC components.
Conditional survival analysis and dynamic survival prediction for intracranial solitary-fibrous tumor/hemangiopericytoma
Authors: Song Dagang , Yang Zhihao , Cai Linqiang , Huang Hua , Gu Zhiwei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
As the form of World Health Organization Central Nervous System (WHO CNS) tumor classifications is updated, there is a lack of research on outcomes for intracranial combined solitary-fibrous tumor and hemangiopericytoma (SFT/HPC). This study aimed to explore conditional survival (CS) pattern and develop a survival prediction tool for intracranial SFT/HPC patients.

Methods
Data of intracranial SFT/HPC patients was gathered from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program of the National Cancer Institute. The patients were split into training and validation groups at a 7:3 ratio for our analysis. CS is defined as the likelihood of surviving for a specified period of time (y years), given that the patient has survived x years after initial diagnosis. Then, we used this definition of CS to analyze the intracranial SFT/HPC patients. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression and best subset regression (BSR) were employed to identify predictive factors. The Multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to establish a novel CS-based nomogram, and a risk stratification system was developed using this model.

Results
From the SEER database, 401 patients who were diagnosed with intracranial SFT/HPC between 2000 and 2019 were identified. Among them, 280 were included in the training group and 121 were included in the internal validation group for analysis. Our study revealed that in intracranial SFT/HPC, 5-year survival rates saw significant improvement ranging from 78% at initial diagnosis to rates of 83%, 87%, 90%, and 95% with each successive year after surviving for 1–4 years. The LASSO regression and BSR identified patient age, tumor behavior, surgery and radiotherapy as predictors of CS-based nomogram development. A risk stratification system was also successfully constructed to facilitate the identification of high-risk patients.

Conclusion
The CS pattern of intracranial SFT/HPC patients was outlined, revealing a notable improvement in 5-year survival rates after an added period of survival. Our newly-established CS-based nomogram and risk stratification system can provide a real-time dynamic survival estimation and facilitate the identification of high-risk patients, allowing clinicians to better guide treatment decision for these patients.
Sustained Physiological Stretch Induces Abdominal Skin Growth in Pregnancy
Authors: Sachs David , Jakob Raphael , Thumm Bettina , Bajka Michael , Ehret Alexander E. , Mazza Edoardo 
Published: February 2024

AbstractSupraphysiological stretches are exploited in skin expanders to induce tissue growth for autologous implants. As pregnancy is associated with large levels of sustained stretch, we investigated whether skin growth occurs in pregnancy. Therefore, we combined a mechanical model of skin and the observations from suction experiments on several body locations of five pregnant women at different gestational ages. The measurements show a continuous increase in stiffness, with the largest change observed during the last trimester. A comparison with numerical simulations indicates that the measured increase in skin stiffness is far below the level expected for the corresponding deformation of abdominal skin. A new set of simulations accounting for growth could rationalize all observations. The predicted amount of tissue growth corresponds to approximately 40% area increase before delivery. The results of the simulations also offered the opportunity to investigate the biophysical cues present in abdominal skin along gestation and to compare them with those arising in skin expanders. Alterations of the skin mechanome were quantified, including tissue stiffness, hydrostatic and osmotic pressure of the interstitial fluid, its flow velocity and electrical potential. The comparison between pregnancy and skin expansion highlights similarities as well as differences possibly influencing growth and remodeling.
Fatigue Failure in Polymeric Materials: Insights from Experimental Testing
Authors: Naga Soheir A. R. , El-Sayed T. A. 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe investigation of fatigue failure in polymeric materials subjected to cyclic loading holds significant importance across diverse engineering applications. Numerous variables influence material behavior, encompassing material-related factors such as composition, molecular weight, orientation, and additives, as well as external factors like applied stress magnitude (stress amplitude, dynamic stress frequency and mean stress), and operating temperature. This paper presents an experimental exploration into the impact of loading parameters—mean stress, stress amplitude, and dynamic stress frequency—on the failure modes of two thermoplastic materials: high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The study begins with an assessment of the mechanical and physical properties of the materials, followed by the design and manufacturing of a specialized uniaxial fatigue test rig. Tensile–tensile fatigue tests incorporating positive mean stress are conducted, evaluating the influence of altering stress amplitude and frequency on fatigue life and failure mode. The outcomes reveal that HDPE primarily experiences thermal and creep failure modes, with a lack of observed fatigue failure. Conversely, PVC specimens manifest three distinct failure modes: ductile, creep, and fatigue, with the type of failure contingent upon loading parameters. These findings offer significant insights into the various fatigue failure modes and contribute to an enhanced comprehension of the intricate interplay between loading dynamics and failure modes in polymeric materials.
Assessing the effectiveness of Interleukin-2 therapy in experimental type 1 diabetes
Authors: Luo Zhengkang , Mejia-Cordova Mariela , Hamze Nour , Berggren Elin , Chopra Saloni , Safi Bilal , Blixt Martin , Sandler Stellan , Singh Kailash 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Aim
Much focus of immunotherapy for type 1 diabetes (T1D) has been devoted on selectively boosting regulatory T (Treg) cells using low dose IL-2 due to their constitutive expression of IL-2Rα, CD25. However, several clinical trials using a low dose of IL-2 only showed a limited improvement of metabolic control. It can therefore be hypothesized that further decreasing IL-2 dosage may increase the selective responsiveness of Treg cells.

Methods
We induced experimental T1D using multiple low dose streptozotocin (STZ) injections and treated the mice with an ultra-low dose IL-2 (uIL-2, approximately 7-fold lower than low dose). Immune response was studied using multicolor flow cytometry.

Results
We found that uIL-2 did not protect STZ mice from developing hyperglycemia. It did neither increase Treg cell proportions, nor did it correct the phenotypic shift of Treg cells seen in T1D. It only partially decreased the proportion of IFN-γ+ T cells. Likewise, uIL-2 also did not protect the dysfunction of regulatory B (Breg) cells. Strikingly, when administered in combination with an anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-35, uIL-2 abrogated IL-35’s protective effect. Low dose IL-2, on the other hand, protected half of the STZ mice from developing hyperglycemia. No difference was found in the Treg and Breg response, and it only tended to decrease CD80 expression in macrophages and dendritic cells.

Conclusion
In conclusion, further decreasing IL-2 dosage may not be a suitable approach for T1D therapy, and the limited success suggests that an alternative low dose IL-2 therapy strategy or other immunotherapies should be considered.
The Exclusion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems in Planning Open Spaces in Namibia: The Case of Havana, Windhoek
Authors: Billawer Wilson Hungiree , Nel Verna 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe lack of accessible and valuable public open spaces for socio-cultural activities is a concern in low-income urban areas. Through an indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) lens, we explored indigenous cultural open spaces (the olupale and omuvanda) of two communities in Namibia and their relevance to urban areas. This qualitative study included interviews, informal discussions, sharing circles (focus groups) storytelling, and participatory observation with the two rural communities. In the Havana low-income area in Windhoek, observations, semi-formal interviews and discussions were used. The study found, on the one hand, that planning practices excluded marginalised urban communities due to reliance on a single modernist rational problem-solving process. On the other hand, and through an indigenous knowledge paradigm, aspects such as community respect, well-being, cooperation, environmental respect, and care being taught, lived, and experienced at cultural open spaces, were mostly excluded. Planning in Windhoek overlooked these vital well-being components, to the detriment of the communities. Existing spatial IKS could help planning in addressing the well-being of low-income residential areas and their residents. This paper is therefore foregrounding IKS in planning and argues that such IKS integration will facilitate the improvement of diverse forms of living spaces, including poor and low-income spaces in urban areas.
Effetti dei nuovi farmaci incretinici sulla salute dell’osso
Authors: Sorice Gian Pio , Caporusso Mariangela , Di Gioia Ludovico , Laviola Luigi , Giorgino Francesco 
Published: February 2024

SommarioIl diabete mellito è una malattia cronica le cui complicanze correlate (specifiche e non) concorrono a ridurre la qualità e l’aspettativa di vita delle persone affette da diabete. Considerando la maggiore aspettativa di vita dei soggetti con diabete e le opzioni terapeutiche a disposizione (o disponibili nell’immediato futuro), la perdita di massa ossea e la fragilità ossea rappresentano uno degli aspetti più importanti tra le comorbidità diabete-correlate. Infatti, il diabete è una condizione fortemente predisponente lo sviluppo e il peggioramento dell’osteoporosi, interessando sia la popolazione giovane che adulta. Sia il diabete tipo 1 che quello di tipo 2, infatti, sono associati ad anomalie della massa ossea e ad aumentato rischio di fratture. Tra le recenti acquisizioni nel panorama farmacologico del trattamento del diabete mellito di tipo 2 (DM2), gli agonisti recettoriali del GLP1 (GLP1-RA) rappresentano ormai una delle opzioni maggiormente efficaci, in quanto in grado, tra gli altri effetti, di stimolare la secrezione di insulina in modo glucosio-dipendente, proteggere la funzione delle cellule $\beta $
β
e sopprimere la secrezione di glucagone. Sebbene fosse atteso un impatto negativo a carico della massa ossea (per il calo ponderale in un lasso temporale relativamente ristretto), tra gli effetti extra-glicemici è stato riportato che i GLP-1RA possono aumentare la densità minerale ossea (BMD), migliorare la qualità ossea e prevenire le fratture nelle persone con diabete, agendo favorevolmente nei quadri di osteoporosi post-menopausale, glucocorticoide-indotta e senile. Considerando l’avvento dei doppi e dei tripli agonisti, sarebbe auspicabile una declinazione delle terapie antidiabetiche annoverando, tra le diverse caratteristiche (prevenzione CV, safety renale, effetto sul peso, rischio di ipoglicemie, per esempio), il potenziale impatto sulla salute dell’osso dei nuovi farmaci incretinici.
Enhancing the durability and antibacterial activity of glass ionomer restorative material enriched by l-arginine and nano-titanium for pit and fissure sealing
Authors: Elgamily Hanaa Mahmoud , Aboalazm Emad , Safwat Engie M. , Youssef Ahmed M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Sealing teeth’ pits and fissures is of prime importance in preventing caries. Despite the evidenced bioactivity of glass-ionomer cements (GICs), they still fail to totally inhibit caries. This partially might be due to their insufficient antibacterial and strength properties. l-arginine (Arg) has superior caries-preventive potential thanks to its prebiotic-based biofilm-modulating effect. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the other hand, has well-known antibacterial characteristics, and being in nano size is supposed to improve strength. Therefore, this study aims to improve the antibacterial efficiency and the mechanical properties of conventional GICs using 1% Arg and 3% TiO2 nanoparticles for pit and fissure sealing.

Methods
Etched enamel surfaces of 100 extracted human third molars were randomly divided into two groups; a control group, where teeth were restored using glass ionomer Ionofil Plus, and an experiment group, where teeth were restored using glass ionomer Ionofil Plus incorporating Arg–TiO2. Specimens of both groups were tested for microleakage, enamel shear bond strength, and fluoride ion release using a stereo microscope, universal testing machine, and ion chromatography ICs 5000+ SP respectively. Surface analysis was conducted through scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDX) and atomic force microscope (AFM). Furthermore, specimens of both groups were incubated with Streptococcus mutans, Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus, and Actinomyces viscous for quantitative antibacterial evaluation, compared to a specimen-free control using adherent/planktonic bacterial count test.

Results
The experimental group had statistically lower microleakage percentage, higher shear bond strength, and constant fluoride release compared to the control group at P = 0.01, 0.002, and < 0.001 respectively. SEM of the experimental group revealed hybrid particles of the Arg–TiO2 incorporating GIC with clusters of uniformly distributed TiO2 nanoparticles. AFM showed lower surface roughness for the experimental group indicating its homogeneity. The adherent probiotic L. rhamnosus bacterial count had the highest count in Arg–TiO2 (IP) GIC group (P < 0.001) with lack of adherent pathogenic S. mutans bacterial count compared to planktonic/adherent S. mutans bacterial count in the control group and (IP) GIC group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Incorporating 3% TiO2 nanoparticles and 1% Arg in GICs can enhance their mechanical properties, fluoride release, and antimicrobial efficiency.