bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of biochar on heavy metal solubility and speciation in Technogenic soils around Aurubis-Pirdop copper smelter in Bulgaria
Authors: Atanassova Irena , Nenova Lyuba , Simeonova Tsetska , Benkova Maya , Harizanova Milena , Ilinkin Vladimir 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Soils from the area of Aurubis-Pirdop Cu smelter in Bulgaria were studied for the effect of biochar (BC) on the heavy metals concentrations and speciation. Maximum permissible lеvels (MPL) were exceeded for Cu, Pb, Zn, As and Mn. Total concentrations of the contaminants varied from 319–2645 mg/kg for Cu and from 92–234 mg/kg for Pb. Incubation experiments were performed with different rates of biochar (BC), 1, 5, 10 and 20% and changes in soluble forms of metals were recorded. Incubation time and increasing BC rates led to a total decrease of Cu and Pb. There was a clear pronounced effect of BC increasing rates, and especially the highest rate of 20%. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and pH increased with BC rates at the 3rd sampling period. Ion speciation, e.g. for Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Cr, etc. in the non-treated variants and those with pH 4.7-5 was represented by the free Men+ ions, while with increasing incubation time and BC rates, heavy metal species, were represented by organic fulvic acid – metal complexes, such as bidentate (FA2M) and M-FA gel fraction species, e.g. FAM + 2G; FA-Cr + 3G. The total Cu concentration decreased by ~ 70%, while Cu2+ species decreased to ~ 3,7% at the 4th month of incubation for some soils. Biochar incorporation had a positive effect both on Cu, Pb and other metals total concentrations, as well as on metal speciation in favour of increasing metal-organic complexes in soil solution, which are less mobile and bioavailable.
Reference Intervals of Complete Blood Count and Coagulation Tests in Vietnamese Pregnant Women
Authors: Pham Huan Nguyen , Huynh Nghiem Xuan , Pham Phuc Nguyen Huu , Dang Dung Ngoc Yen , Le Oanh Hoang , Beaupha Suzanne Monivong Cheanh , Thoi Hau Thi Thu , Cao Long Thang , Huynh Diem Minh 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background: Pregnancy has major effects that make hematology parameters outside normal reference ranges. Therefore, we conducted this study to establish reference intervals for Vietnamese pregnant women.
Methods: From June 2023 to Augst 2023, blood samples from 879 eligible pregnant women were run on DxH 900 hematology analyzer and ACL TOP 550 coagulation analyzer. The tested parameters are prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen (FIB), white blood cell (WBC) and its differentials (neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB), hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RBC distribution width (RDW), RBC distribution width standard deviation (RDW-SD), platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV). A non-parametric method was used to establish the 2.5th and 97.5th percentile reference intervals.
Results: PT, APTT decrease but fibrinogen increases during pregnancy. Physiological adaptations of pregnancy results in a decrease of RBC count, but an increase in WBC count and no change in platelet count. The reference intervals for PT (seconds), APTT (seconds), fibrinogen (mg/dL), in the first trimester were 10.30–12.88, 25.40–35.50, 280.28–559.00, in the second trimester were 9.80–11.66, 24.05–33.23, 347.75–593.35, in the third trimester were 9.60–11.40, 23.40–31.80, 330.28–628.56, respectively. The reference intervals for main hematology parameters which are WBC (×109/L), RBC (×1012/L), HGB (g/dL), HCT (%), PLT (×109/L) in the first trimester were 6.33-15.24, 3.73-5.32, 10.33-13.95, 32.22-42.29, 169.66-413.88, in the second trimester were 6.99-15.55, 3.33-4.98, 9.71-13.17, 30.26-40.07, 172.34-372.19, in the third trimester were 6.22-14.14, 3.54-4.98, 9.80-13.97, 31.11-42.70, 151.30-417.14, respectively.
Conclusions: Most established referenced intervals from each trimester differ from other trimesters. These trimester-specific reference ranges for Vietnamese pregnant women will aid clinicians in entepreting parameters and help other laboratories adopt these ranges after validating.
Trial registration: This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as NCT05929326.
Understanding the molecular mechanism of pathogenic variants of BIR2 domain in XIAP-deficient inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Lee Juhwan , Sim Kyoung Mi , Kang Mooseok , Oh Hyun Ju , Choi Ho Jung , Kim Yeong Eun , Pack Chan-Gi , Kim Kyunggon , Kim Kyung Mo , Oh Seak Hee , Kim Inki , Chang Iksoo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) deficiency causes refractory inflammatory bowel disease. The XIAP protein plays a pivotal role in the pro-inflammatory response through the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-containing signaling pathway that is important in mucosal homeostasis. We analyzed the molecular mechanism of non-synonymous pathogenic variants (PVs) of XIAP BIR2 domain. We generated N-terminally green fluorescent protein-tagged XIAP constructs of representative non-synonymous PVs. Co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy showed that wild-type XIAP and RIP2 preferentially interacted in live cells, whereas all non-synonymous PV XIAPs failed to interact properly with RIP2. Structural analysis showed that various structural changes by mutations, such as hydrophobic core collapse, Zn-finger loss, and spatial rearrangement, destabilized the two loop structures (174–182 and 205–215) that critically interact with RIP2. Subsequently, it caused a failure of RIP2 ubiquitination and loss of protein deficiency by the auto-ubiquitination of all XIAP mutants. These findings could enhance our understanding of the role of XIAP mutations in XIAP-deficient inflammatory bowel disease and may benefit future therapeutic strategies
Probable Novel APP Met671Leu Mutation in a Chinese Han Family with Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ma Limin , Wang Fengyu , Chen Shuai , Wang Shenghui , Wang Zhenzhen , Xia Mingrong , Li Yongli , Ma Huimin , Zhang Jiewen , Shang Junkui 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Familial Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a rare disease caused by autosomal-dominant mutations. APP (encoding amyloid precursor protein), PSEN1 (encoding presenilin 1), and PSEN2 (encoding presenilin 2) are the most common genes cause dominant inherited AD. This study aimed to demonstrate a Chinese early-onset AD pedigree presenting as progressive memory impairment, apraxia, visual-spatial disorders, psychobehavioral disorders, and personality changes with a novel APP gene mutation. The family contains four patients, three carries and three normal family members. The proband underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),18F-fludeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET), cerebrospinal fluid amyloid detection, 18F-florbetapir (AV-45) Positron Emission Computed Tomography (PET) imaging, whole-exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing. Brain MRI images showed brain atrophy, especially in the entorhinal cortex, temporal hippocampus, and lateral ventricle dilation. The FDG-PET showed hypometabolism in the frontotemporal, parietal, and hippocampal regions. 18F-florbetapir (AV-45) PET imaging showed cerebral cortex Aβ protein deposition. The cerebrospinal fluid amyloid protein test showed Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio decreases, pathological phosphor-tau level increases. Whole-exome sequencing detected a new missense mutation of codon 671 (M671L), which was a heterozygous A to T point mutation at position 2011 (c.2011A > T) in exon 16 of the amyloid precursor protein, resulting in the replacement of methionine to Leucine. The co-separation analysis was validated in this family. The mutation was found in 3 patients, 3 clinical normal members in the family, but not in the other 3 unaffected family members, 100 unrelated normal subjects, or 100 sporadic patients with AD. This mutation was probably pathogenic and novel in a Chinese Han family with early-onset AD.
Study on the salt weathering and mechanism of the Banyueshan Giant Buddha in Ziyang City
Authors: Fang Han , Zhu Shuyun , Ren Kefa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The sandstones of the Banyueshan Giant Buddha in Ziyang has been suffered different degrees of weathering damage under the influence of external geological environment factors. Through field investigation and laboratory test, the weathering damage types and weathering mechanism of sandstones were defined and analyzed. The research shows that the main weathering damage types of sandstones include exfoliation, soiling, chapping, hollowing and encrustation. The lithotype of the sandstones is confirmed to be yellowish-gray medium-fine grained lithic feldspar sandstone by microscopy. Through XRF chemical composition analysis and field investigation, it was found that SO3 and CaO contents in the surface weathered samples increased significantly. Conventional XRD results show that clay minerals and calcite increased in weathered sandstone samples compared with unweathered core samples. Due to the high detection limit of XRD, soluble salt could not be detected in the samples. The sedimentation-separation can achieve the enrichment of trace soluble salts in the samples. XRD results after sedimentation-separation show that the weathered samples contain soluble salts such as gypsum (80.3%), thenardite (1.6%), etc, but little soluble salts are detected in the unweathered core samples. In addition, the soluble salt ion test further proves that the surface weathered samples are rich in soluble salts, indicating that the existence of soluble salts has an important effect on the weathering damage of sandstones. Based on the theoretical analysis of the crystallization process and pressure of soluble salts, combined with the above experimental results, it is believed that the water absorption, dehydration and crystallization of soluble salts and the accompanying volume expansion and contraction are the internal reasons for the weathering damage of the Banyueshan Giant Buddha in Ziyang.
Polarization-Insensitive Ultra-wideband Metamaterial Absorber for C-, X- and Ku-bands
Authors: Majeed Khalid , Niazi Shahab Ahmad , Altintas Olcay , Baqir Muhammad Abuzar , Karaaslan Muharrem 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper presents design and analysis of Metasurface-based wideband Microwave Absorber Comprised of Lumped Resistors having a thickness of the order of 0.05 λ mm operating in the C-, X- and Ku-bands. Structure has been micro machined on a FR-4 sheet in a periodically arranged array of 15x15 unit cells. These unit cells have a dimension of 12x12 mm each. The proposed absorber design presents excellent broadband absorption characteristics with relative bandwidth (RBW) of 93.3% covering a bandwidth of 8.02 GHz ranging from 5.42 GHz to 13.44 GHz. The absorption mechanism has been explained with the help of characteristic impedance and surface current densities in the operating region. The designed absorber shows polarization angle independency and wide incidence angle stability for the incident microwaves. Results of the prototype when compared with the simulated results illustrate a wider compatibility with the simulation results. Absorber structure may find its potential use in camouflage applications during war times.
Future changes in extremes across China based on NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 models
Authors: Yang Baogang , Wei Linxiao , Tang Hongyu , Li Yonghua , Wang Yong , Zhang Fen , Zhou Jie , Zhang Tianyu , Lv Tananbang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In this study, we assess the performance of the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Projections’ (NEX-GDDP) CMIP6 models in simulating extreme climate indices over China and its eight subregions. Future projections of these indices for the period 2081–2100 are investigated under three scenarios. The findings suggest that the models reasonably reproduce the spatial patterns of absolute indices related to extreme temperature, except for the percentile indices. There are larger model spreads for warm days, heat wave frequency, and heat wave days. The models effectively capture the climatological distributions of most extreme precipitation indices, although limitations are observed for consecutive wet days (CWDs) and extremely heavy precipitation days (R50). Among the subregions, the multimodel ensemble performs best in simulating the spatial patterns of extreme climate indices in Northeast China. Compared to CMIP6 models, NEX-GDDP-CMIP6 exhibits enhanced capability in simulating the spatial distributions of extreme climate events, displaying higher spatial correlation coefficients and improved model consensus. Consistency among different models is high for temperature extremes, with northwest, southwest and southern regions projected to experience the most significant increase during the 21st century. Precipitation extremes are also projected to increase, except for consecutive dry days (CDDs). Inconsistencies among models are observed, particularly for the CDD and CWD indices in the whole country and for the total precipitation in the southern region. However, with higher emission scenarios, consistency improves for other precipitation indices. The extreme precipitation indices in Southwest, East and South China exhibit the most substantial and noticeable increases.
Investigating the role of CHEK2 I157T variant in shaping cytokine profiles among healthy women
Authors: Wiśniewski Oskar , Kozak Wiesław 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Breast cancer is a prevalent and life-threatening disease among women worldwide, with significant risk factors categorized as modifiable and non-modifiable. Genetic susceptibility plays a crucial role, with genes like BRCA1, BRCA2, and CHEK2 identified as contributors. CHEK2 encodes the Chk2 protein, which participates in DNA repair and cell cycle regulation. Additionally, Chk2 is implicated in senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), a phenomenon linked to tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. This study aims to investigate how the CHEK2 I157T variant, associated with increased breast cancer risk, impacts the plasma concentrations of specific cytokines in healthy women.
Materials and methods
In this study, 27 female carriers of the CHEK2 I157T variant and 32 age-matched female noncarriers from Poland were included. Participants has been retrospectively tested for mutations in the CHEK2, BRCA1, and PALB2 genes, and exclusion criteria were applied based on mutation status, infectious diseases, allergies, autoimmune diseases, and medication use affecting the immune system. Venous blood samples were collected and analyzed for the levels of 12 cytokines using a customized Human Q-Plex™ Array, and statistical comparisons between mutation carriers and noncarriers were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results
The study revealed no statistically significant correlation between the presence of the CHEK2 I157T variant and cytokine levels in ten analytes (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-10, IL-12, IL-17, TNF-α, TNF-β, IFN-γ); however, a significant association (P < 0.0001) was observed in two cases, with lower levels of IL-2 and higher levels of IL-6 among CHEK2 I157T variant carriers compared to the control group.
Conclusions
Our study suggests that carriers of the CHEK2 I157T variant exhibit altered levels of key cytokines, namely reduced IL-2 and elevated IL-6, which are known to play pivotal roles in immune response and cancer development. These findings shed light on potential immunological mechanisms underlying the increased cancer risk associated with this genetic variant and underscore the need for further investigations into the intricate genetic-immune interplay in cancer susceptibility.
Use of Modern Spacing Contraceptives among tribal non-tribal married women in Rajasthan: Evidence from NFHS-5
Authors: Kumari Nutan , Paul Samanwita , Kushwaha Divya 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background In India, Girls in Tribal communities get married traditionally immediately after attaining menarche. Deplorably most tribal women are not informed about modern spacing contraceptive use, as service providers frequently neglect to provide this information. As a result, tribal women often suffer in silence, which can lead to serious health problems. The present study aims to understand the use of modern spacing methods as well as the various socio-demographic factors affecting its usage among tribal and non-tribal women across the districts in Rajasthan.Methods We included 30,414 tribal and non-tribal married women participants aged 15 to 49 years from National Family Health Survey 5 conducted during the years 2019 to 2021. Descriptive statistics were used to compute the prevalence of modern spacing contraceptive use along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) as a measure. The association between various socio-demographic predictors and modern spacing contraceptive usage was assessed by logistic regression.Results The overall prevalence of modern spacing contraceptive practices was found low among tribal compared to non-tribal women, which was below the national average. Use of the modern spacing method is higher in Nagaur, Kota (non-tribal and tribal), and low in Jaisalmer, Tonk (non-tribal), and Karauli and Jalor (tribal) districts of Rajasthan. Age, age at first sex, education, wealth index, and place of residence were significantly associated with the use of modern spacing methods among tribal and non-tribal women in Rajasthan.Conclusion There is an immediate need to improve access to modern spacing contraceptive methods and reduce unmet needs for contraceptives among tribal women. There is a requirement for sustained and targeted efforts from healthcare workers towards the tribal communities.
Helminthic parasites of invasive alien fish hosts in Marikina River system, Philippines: Revealing new parasite hosts and species records
Authors: To Dale Anthony Leones , Gomez Geoffrey Miguel L. , Pavia Richard Thomas B. , Choudhury Anindo , Briones Jonathan Carlo A. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose.
The spread of invasive and endemic parasites in the Philippines, along with the co-introduction of invasive alien fish species (IAFS), could threaten the country’s local fauna, as well as pose socio-economic and public health concerns. However, due to the scarcity of knowledge about fish parasites in the country, this incidence remains poorly understood. Thus, this study aims to explore the parasitic diversity of the common IAFS within the Marikina River system.
Methods.
Isolated helminthic endo-parasites from IAFS samples were processed for morphological identification and were characterized using parasite and host fish population descriptors.
Results.
A total of 187 IAFS were collected from the Marikina River. From these, four parasite species and genera were identified, namely: Bovenia serialis (Cestoda: Lytocestidae), Contracaecum sp. larva (Nematoda: Anisakidae), Camallanus sonaiensis (Nematoda: Camallanidae), and Masenia cf. bangweulensis (Digenea: Cephalogonimidae). The former two represents a new host record in Clarias gariepinus. While the latter two represents its first account in the Philippines, adding to the list of the country’s current parasite species. Quantitative descriptors of parasite population showed that B. serialis infecting Clarias batrachus have the highest parasite burden in terms of their mean intensity and mean abundance. While, both B. serialis and M. cf. bangweulensis were the most prevalent parasites.
Conclusion.
This study revealed new parasite genera, species, and host records in the country, providing vital baseline information for future biological, ecological, conservation, and management studies on the Marikina River, with potential environmental, socio-economic, and public health implications.
Redefining “Connection” in par with Far-Fetched Scientific Inventions: What is linked and who remains attached?
Authors: P Kavimuhil , G Bhuvaneswari 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The advancements in science and technology are aimed at making human lives better. The impact of these innovative ideas and inventions on human life is significant. It necessitates the study to find connections between natural science and its effect on social beings. Fictional works that incorporate future expectations and enable individuals to foresee the future provide valuable contributions to studying multiple arenas related to human existence in the changing world. Kim Fu’s “Twenty Hours”, a short story published in the collection, Lesser Known Monsters of the 21st Century (2022) is chosen to study the changes in personality that could occur while embracing science without questioning the after-effects. Literature and its novelty make the fictional works to be prophetic in several instances. One of the objectives is to comprehend the relevance of studying science via the lens of humanities. In addition, the paper discusses the familiar monsters of the 21st century like dating apps, porn sites and needless scientific inventions in mundane life. It also studies the representation of natural world by making constant comments on the landscape, weather and climatic changes and how human emotions are intertwined with these environmental factors. Thus, the paper proposes that every individual encounters a similar situation in a distinct manner thereby encountering problems or solving them is also distinctive. With a post-humanist approach, the meaning of value and human connections are analyzed in an environment that is dominated by commodity fetishism, scientific developments and constantly changing perspectives of life.