bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strength and morphological behavior of glass-carbon/epoxy hybrid composite plates aging in seawater, engine oil and diesel fuel degradation environment
Authors: Saylık Ahmet , Temiz Şemsettin 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

In this study, glass/epoxy (GFRP), carbon/epoxy (CFRP) and glass-carbon/epoxy hybrid (GCFRP) composites were aged in seawater, engine oil and diesel fuel degradation environments for 30, 60 and 90 days. The effect of aging environment and time on the structural strength of the composite was examined by applying tensile, three-point bending and low-velocity impact tests to aged composites. SEM analyzes were compared to detect fracture damage occurring in the internal structure of the composites. It was concluded that the degradation environment that most affects the mechanical strength of composites is seawater. Degradation resistance is improved due to the glass/carbon hybridization effect. It has been determined that the glass-carbon hybridization effect in GCFRP composites significantly changes their mechanical strength compared to GFRP and CFRP composites stacked alone. By comparing the glass-carbon hybridization effect in CFRP composites with GFRP and CFRP composites stacked alone, their advantages under different tests are clearly emphasized.
Effect of subfractions of Allium mongolicum Regel methanolic extract on the proliferation of HepG2 and MCF-7 cells
Authors: Sandagsuren Enkh-Undraa , Enkhtsetseg Enkhtuya , Tsolmon Soninkhishig 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The aerial part of Allium mongolicum Regel (AMR) which is abundant in the southeastern regions of Mongolia, is used as a food spice. When the crude extracts of this plant were prepared and used for the experiments different biological activities were observed because the extracts contained many polar to nonpolar compounds. This study aimed to prepare subfractions from the crude methanolic extract of AMR and to compare their antiproliferative effects on human cancer cells (HepG2, and MCF-7 cells). The methanolic extracts of AMR were fractionated into six subfractions (methanol, hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, butanol, and water residue) by solvent-solvent partitioning. The total phenolic content (TPC) was measured by the Folin-Ciocalteu assay. The antioxidant activity of the sub-fractions was determined via DPPH• and ABTS•+ assays. Subfraction antiproliferative activity on human cancer cells, HepG2 and MCF-7 cells, was determined by MTT assay. Subfractions showed completely distinct antioxidant and antiproliferative activities (p < 0.001). The highest TPC was in the ethyl acetate fraction (165.4 ± 0.5 mg GAE/g), and the TPC following the addition of dichloromethane, butanol, and methanol. The lowest two were in the n-hexane and water residue fractions. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest free radical scavenging activity in both the DPPH• and ABTS•+ assays (660.0 ± 5.24 µM TE/g dw the DPPH• assay; 312.7 ± 5.6 µM TE/g dw the ABTS•+ assay). The dichloromethane subfraction affected HepG2 cell proliferation and reduced viable cancer cells. Additionally, the dichloromethane and hexane subfractions affects MCF-7 cell proliferation by reducing the number of viable cancer cells. Subfraction methanolic extract by solvent partitioning is helpful for identifying biologically active compounds that show antiproliferative activity.
Progesterone level in assisted reproductive technology - a Systematic Review and Meta- analysis
Authors: Lim Yee Cherng , Hamdan Mukhri , Maheshwari Abha , Cheong Ying 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Currently, many measure progesterone in ART cycles as part of cycle monitoring. Elevated or inadequate progesterone levels during ART cycle monitoring may lead to cycle cancellations or further progesterone supplementation, but practice varies. It remains controversial if measuring progesterone improves clinical outcomes. This review aims to investigate if progesterone levels at different phases of fresh and frozen ART cycles influence pregnancy outcomes, in particular, that pertaining day 3 versus day 5 embryo transfers. A systematic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, CINAHL and PubMed identified studies between 2000 and 2022. We included studies with women undergoing fresh and frozen IVF/ICSI cycles; with extractable per woman data on pregnancy outcomes where serum progesterone measurement was performed. We excluded studies with intervention or donor cycles. The primary outcome was LBR and the secondary outcomes were OPR, CPR and MR. Eligible studies were included after the initial screen of the titles and abstracts. PICOS study protocol was used. Analysis was done using RevMan5. The study was registered with PROSPERO (registration ID CRD42022382423). 64 studies (N = 57,988 women) were included. In fresh cycles, there is no evidence that elevated progesterone (EP) impacts live birth rate (LBR) at baseline (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.39–1.49). EP at ovulation trigger is associated with a lower LBR for D3 (P > 1.0ng/ml, OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.38–0.55; P > 1.5ng/ml, OR 0.68, 95% CI 0.47–0.98) but not D5 embryo transfer (P > 1.5ng/ml, OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.81–1.14). In FET cycles, we were unable to meaningfully meta-analyse studies due to significant study heterogeneity. In controlled ovarian stimulation, EP at baseline did not impact on LBR; EP at ovulation trigger is associated with a lower LBR for D3 but not for D5 embryo transfer. In FET cycles, as the studies were heterogeneous, we were unable to combine the data in a meaningful way.
Rapid ice-age warming events amplified by strong vegetation-albedo feedback
Authors: Liu Mengmeng , Prentice Iain , Menviel Laurie , Cai Wenjia , Harrison Sandy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The last glacial period was punctuated by >20 Dansgaard-Oeschger (D-O) cycles each manifested as a large, rapid (decadal-scale) warming in Greenland followed by slower cooling. D-O warming events have been identified as instances of a global climate-tipping point being crossed repeatedly. The mechanisms are not fully resolved. A role for the interaction of ice-sheet dynamics with the ocean circulation is widely accepted. Less attention has been paid to land-surface changes, although both decreasing snow and increasing tree cover in high latitudes could amplify warming. Here we use a global dataset of pollen records spanning multiple D-O cycles during Marine Isotope Stage 3 to reconstruct changes in land temperature, vegetation cover and vegetation height, and combine these with snow cover changes generated by the LOVECLIM climate model, using a 3D-variational data assimilation technique to estimate global patterns of change in land-surface albedo and temperature. We find a large (1.94 ± 0.65 W m–2 K–1) positive feedback from the combined effect of vegetation and snow, which is about 40 % larger than the pure snow-albedo feedback. This may be large enough to have destabilized the climate system, helping to explain the abruptness of D-O warming events.
Waiting for it: Anorexia Risk, Future Orientation, and Intertemporal Discounting
Authors: Schuman Isabel , Wang Jingyi , Ballard Ian C. , Lapate Regina C. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Anorexia Nervosa is a severe eating disorder characterized by food restriction in service of a future goal: thinness and weight loss. Prior work suggests abnormal intertemporal decision-making in anorexia, with more farsighted decisions observed in patients with acute anorexia. Prospective future thinking in daily life, or temporal orientation, promotes more farsighted delay discounting. However, whether temporal orientation is altered in anorexia, and underlies reduced delay discounting in this population, remains unclear. Further, because changes in delay discounting could reflect cognitive effects of an acute clinical state, it is important to determine whether reduced delay discounting is observed in subclinical, at-risk samples. We measured delay discounting behavior and temporal orientation in a large sample of never-diagnosed individuals at risk of anorexia nervosa. We found that farsighted delay discounting was associated with elevated risk for anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa risk was also associated with increased future-oriented cognition. Future-oriented cognition mediated the difference in delay-discounting behavior between high and low-risk groups. These results were unrelated to subjective time perception and were independent of mood and anxiety symptomatology. These findings establish future-oriented cognition as a cognitive mechanism underlying altered intertemporal decision-making in individuals at risk of developing anorexia nervosa.
Universality of ecological memory for local and global net ecosystem exchange, atmospheric CO2, and sea surface temperature
Authors: ELNAR ALLAN ROY , Bernido Christopher 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Modeling global net ecosystem exchange is essential to understanding and quantifying the complex interactions between the Earth’s terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere. Emphasizing the interrelatedness between the global net ecosystem exchange, global sea surface temperature, and atmospheric CO2 levels, intuitively suggests that all three systems may exhibit collective environmental memory. Motivated by this, we explicitly identified a collective memory function and showed a similar non-Markovian stochastic behavior for these systems exhibiting superdiffusive behavior in short time intervals. These results were consistent with our previous analyses at the ecosystem level suggesting scale invariance for these phenomena. Thus, the observed superdif fusive behavior operating at different scales suggests the universality of the collective memory function for these systems.
Extracting Thermodynamic, Kinetic, and Transport Properties from Batteries Using a Simple Analytical Pulsing Protocol
Authors: Wood Kevin , Hawley William , Less Gregory , Gallegos Joseph 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Gaining insights into the fundamental properties of lithium-ion batteries through an electrochemical testing protocol is challenging for commercial cell formats. In this work, a simple Analytical Pulsing Protocol (APP) is performed on a commercial cell to understand its thermodynamic, kinetic, and mass transport properties. For thermodynamics, a static-differential capacity analysis is performed that removes the effects of kinetic and transport overpotentials and allows for the calculation of Gibbs free energy. For kinetics, the exchange current density of the cell is calculated according to the Butler-Volmer model. For transport, a whole-cell lithium-ion diffusion coefficient is calculated from a derivation of Fick’s second law and the generalized flux equation. Mechanistic insight into battery performance was uncovered by comparing the results from these three properties. This APP is a Scalable And Non-Destructive (SAND) technique that requires no additional equipment. Therefore, this is useful for R&D, manufacturing, quality assurance, and second-life applications.
A retrospective cross-sectional study ： comparison of the clinicopathological features with schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China
Authors: Zhu Yuanting , Wu Xiaoxue , Ran Xiaoshan , Rao Chun , Gong Ping 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Aim
To analyze the clinicopathological features of schistosomal and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer in Central China and compare them with other areas of the Yangtze River Basin.
Method
The 501 cases of CRC were retrospectively analyzed from 2020 to 2022. They were divided into two groups: 406 cases of colorectal cancer without schistosomiasis (CRC-NS) and 95 cases of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis (CRC-S). The clinicopathological characteristics included the distribution of schistosomiasis eggs, patient age, sex, tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and clinical stage, etc. By retrieving the database, we compared the clinicopathological differences of colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis in other areas of the Yangtze River basin.
Results
Colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis infection accounted for 18.9%. CRC-S patients were significantly older than CRC-NS patients (P < 0.05). There was a statistical difference in the location of occurrence (P < 0.05) between the two groups. There were no significant differences between CRC-S and CRC-NS patients in other clinicopathological features (P > 0.05). In other areas of the Yangtze River Basin, there were statistical differences in the age of occurrence and T stage (P < 0.05) between colorectal cancer with schistosomiasis and non-schistosomal colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
In Central China, colorectal cancer with chronic schistosomiasis infection occurs more in the rectum and sigmoid colon. It is more common in individuals over 60 years old, consistent with the findings in the Yangtze River Basin. Additionally, schistosomal colorectal cancer had a higher TNM stage in the Yangtze River Basin. This may be related to the malignant biological behavior of colorectal cancer and could result in a relatively poor prognosis. Therefore, the elderly population in schistosomiasis endemic areas should pay more attention to early screening and tumor prevention.
Epigenetic modifications of inflammation in pancreas cells of rats with alcoholic pancreatitis and the protective effect of cooked rhubarb
Authors: Zhao Xianlin , Zhu Shifeng , Wan Meihua , Tang Wenfu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Alcohol abuse is known to be a precipitating risk factor for pancreatic cell injury in pancreatitis,but the exact mechanism of action is far from clear. In this study, a 2x2 factorial design was used to determine whether chronic alcohol exposure affect epigenetics modifications of inflammatory genes in pancreatic cells and the potential protective effects of cooked rhubarb in rats with alcoholic pancreatitis. First, two intervention pairs (chronic alcohol exposure and/or acute pancreatitis stimulation) will be compared in rats. Further analysis of two other intervention pairs (cooked rhubarb treatment and/or acute pancreatitis stimulation) will be performed in alcohol-exposed rats. We found that the combination of acute pancreatitis and chronic alcohol intake resulted in changes to DNA methylation levels, protein expression of IL-1αand IL-10, and induced pathological alterations in the pancreas(P<0.05). Furthermore, Additionally, alcohol-experienced rats treated with cooked rhubarb displayed some effectiveness in reversing these effects (P<0.05). From these experimental results, it can be justified that chronic ethanol exposure could induce epigenetic changes of inflammatory factors and exacerbate inflammatory damage in pancreatic cells,and cooked rhubarb may prevent the progression of alcoholic pancreatitis in rats.
Modeling and Analysis of Hate speech Propagation in a Community using Fractional Order Derivatives
Authors: Hailu Gizachew Kefelew , Teklu Shewafera Wondimagegnhu 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The propagation of hate speech directed toward local public sector administrations in a community has become an issue of great concern. Hate speech not only undermines social harmony but also poses significant challenges to the smooth functioning of the public sector and the well-being of the community members. In this study, we formulated and analyzed a Caputo fractional order model with optimal control strategies on the propagation of hate speech, as an evolutionary system. The non-negativity and boundedness of the solutions of the fractional order model have been shown with the objective of making the evolutionary system meaningful. Both hate speech-free and hate speech-persistent equilibrium points were determined. Conditions for the backward bifurcation of the fractional order model were analyzed when the hate speech effective reproduction number is less than unity. The global asymptotic stability of hate speech-persistent equilibrium point has also been shown. Furthermore, we employed optimal control strategies and numerical simulations to examine the memory effect of the fractional order and the behavior of responses of the model. Protection and treatment of individuals engaged in propagating hate speech in the community has a significant impact in reducing and possibly exterminating hate speech propagation in the community.
Optimizing SGLT2 inhibitor and GLP-1 RA Prescribing in High-Risk Patients with Diabetes: A Department of Veterans Affairs Quality Improvement Intervention
Authors: Yun Shira , Hurren Kathryn , Holleman Rob , Klamerus Mandi , Tremblay Adam , Sussman Jeremy 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and sodium glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors have dramatic clinical benefits, but uptake has been slow. We developed a quality improvement (QI) intervention to increase the adoption of these drugs in patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2D) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and/or heart failure (HF). Methods: The intervention included: 1) education, academic detailing (1:1 pharmacist to clinician coaching), and audit and feedback directed at providers and allied health professionals at the Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System (VAAAHS); 2) outreach and inreach to patients with T2D and ASCVD, CKD, and/or HF who were not on GLP-1 RA or SGLT2 inhibitors at baseline. Patients were identified and outcomes evaluated using existing VA national reports. We performed a difference-in-difference analysis of the change in GLP-1 RA and SGLT2 prescribing rates before, during, and after the intervention, comparing rates in VAAAHS to rates in the same VA region (called a Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN)) and the VA nationally to determine whether the rates of prescribing increased faster in VAAAHS than the VISN or VA nationally. Results: Home telehealth nurses and clinical pharmacy practitioners (CPPs) provided outreach to 445 patients; 48% (n = 215) of whom initiated SGLT2 inhibitor or GLP-1 RAs. Four CPPs provided 101 academic detailing sessions to 72 providers. Prior to the intervention, the prescribing rate was 22.7% in VAAAHS, 20.3% in the VISN 10 region, and 18.7% in VA nationally. At the end of the 12-month intervention, the prescribing rate had increased to 37.9% in VAAAHS, 28.4% in the VISN 10 region, and 26.5% in VA nationally. Six-months post-intervention, the prescribing rate continued to increase to 42.4% in VAAAHS, 32.2% in the VISN 10 region, and 30.2% in VA nationally. The rate of prescribing growth in VAAAHS was significantly faster than in the VISN or VA nationally (p < 0.001). Conclusion: We developed a multidisciplinary QI intervention using existing VA data that increased SGLT2 inhibitor and GLP-1 RA prescribing substantially.
Draining malignant ascites: perspectives of tunneled peritoneal drainage catheters
Authors: Bourgouin Marie , Mauriès-Saffon Valérie , Boden Antoine , Aziza Richard , Notrel Carole , Lepoix Cécile , Richard Laurence , Caunes-Hilary Nathalie 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Recurrent malignant ascites, and the resulting need for repeated drainage are frequent problems in oncology. A source of discomfort for the patient, unscheduled hospitalizations and emergency room visits, recurrent ascites generate multiple constraints for patients and complications in their care pathway. Repeated ascites paracenteses become all the more restrictive when patients no longer receive treatment requiring hospitalization and as their general condition deteriorates. In this context, our cancer center decided to offer patients the option of a peritoneal drain, enabling fluid removal at home. These devices have been available in our establishment since 2017, in collaboration with the interventional radiology department using an ultrasound-guided approach.
Methods
The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and complications associated with placing a tunneled catheter to drain recurrent malignant ascites. Its secondary objective is to evaluate patients’ care pathways following catheter placement. A retrospective approach included 54 patients with refractory ascites who were offered a tunneled ascites drainage catheter between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2021.
Results
56 patients were included in this study; 46 underwent the implantation of a peritoneal drain. The average duration of use for this drain was 58 days. Eight patients experienced complications following the placement of this device, with 2 requiring hospitalization. One of the complications led to the death of a patient. Our study did not identify factors predisposing the occurrence of complications. The implementation of this device facilitated the return home for 80.4% of our population, increasing the likelihood of home deaths compared to the general population of cancer patients.
Conclusion
Results of this preliminary study should lead to a larger-scale prospective study, as well as to the development of professional recommendations for placing a peritoneal drain in patients with refractory malignant ascites.
Association of lipids and lipid-lowering drug target genes with Osteomyelitis : A mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Zhou Zhi-Yi , Yang Zhe-Han , Chen Jun-Pan , Wen Ming-Hao , Lei Jia-Yuan , Liao Wan-Zhe , Li Ya-Han , Liu Ling-Hui , Lu Zi-Yuan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:
Studies have shown that lipid metabolism is a key regulator of inflammation in acute and chronic conditions. However, it is currently unclear whether dyslipidemia is related to the process of osteomyelitis. To explore the link between lipid characteristics and osteomyelitis, our study used MR analysis to explore the link between triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), total cholesterol (TC), and osteomyelitis. Besides, the link between the gene targets corresponding to these traits and osteomyelitis was further explored.
Method:
Genetic variants associated with TG and TC are selected from the Global Lipids Genetics Consortium, while LDL-C datasets were extracted from UK Biobank. Osteomyelitis was identified in FinnGen consortium (R10). The lipid-lowering drug targets showing significance were additionally assessed using the inflammatory response marker C-reactive protein (CRP). Furthermore, mediation analyses were performed to validate the reliability of the findings and explore potential mediating factors.
Result:
No association was found between LDL-C, TG, or TC and osteomyelitis. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9) was significantly associated with lower osteomyelitis risk in the dataset(OR [95%Cl] = 0.49[0.32 to 0.76], p = 1.60×10 − 3). PCSK9 was significantly associated with lower CRP risk(OR [95%Cl] = 0.94[0.92 to 0.97], p = 3.16×10 − 4). Our results support waist circumference as an intermediate variable between PCSK9 and osteomyelitis.
Conclusion:
This study does not support the relationship between dyslipidemia and osteomyelitis. PCSK9 was found to be significantly associated with a lower risk of osteomyelitis. Our study supports that waist circumference may be a potential mediator between osteomyelitis and PCSK9. In addition, we found that PCSK9 showed a reduction in CRP levels.
Source-independent quantum random number generators with integrated silicon photonics
Authors: Wei Kejin , Du Yongqiang , Hua Xin , Zhao Zhengeng , Sun Xiaoran , Zhang Zhenrong , Xiao Xi 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Random numbers play a crucial role in numerous scientific applications. Source-independent quantum random number generators (SI-QRNGs) can offer true randomness by leveraging the fundamental principles of quantum mechanics, eliminating the need for a trusted source. Silicon photonics shows great promise for QRNG due to its benefits in miniaturization, cost-effective device manufacturing, and compatibility with CMOS
microelectronics. In this study, we experimentally demonstrate a silicon-based discrete variable SI-QRNG. Using a well-calibrated chip and an optimized parameter strategy, we have achieved the highest quantum random number generation rate of 7.9 Mbits/s. Our research paves the way for integrated SI-QRNGs.