bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The utilization of date palm waste as an efficient adsorbent for the elimination of heavy metals from polluted water
Authors: Maitlo Amjad Ali , Jatoi Wahid Bux , Jakhrani Mushtaque Ali 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This study focuses on the removal of heavy metal ions, such as cadmium (Cd2+), lead (Pb2+), Chromium (Cr6+), and Zinc (Zn2+) from water. Metals, which are often present in water, can have various origins i.e. industrial emissions, mining, melting, corrosion, municipal and industrial waste and agrochemicals. These metals have the potential to cause adverse effects on human health. The study employed activated carbon derived from date palm waste as a means of removing heavy metals. The activated nanoparticles were characterized using various analytical techniques, including SEM, ICP, XRD, BET, Raman, and FTIR analysis. Batch studies were conducted to optimize the metal ion adsorption onto the activated carbon of date palm waste. The adsorption process was evaluated using isotherm models and reaction kinetics under various conditions, including contact time, dosage, pH, and initial concentration. The findings of this study revealed that the prepared activated carbon from date palm waste effectively removed up to 85% of Cr6+, Pb2+, Cd2+, and Zn2+ ions from water. This study highlights the potential of using agricultural waste, such as date palm waste, for the production of effective adsorbents for heavy metal removal.
SARS-CoV-2 airborne infection risk in venues with different ventilation strategies – a comparison between experimental, numerical and analytical approaches
Authors: Geisler Sophia Mareike , Lausch Kevin , Hehnen Felix , Schulz Isabell , Kertzscher Ulrich , Kriegel Martin , Paschereit Christian Oliver , Schimek Sebastian , Hasirci Ümit , Brockmann Gerrid , Moter Annette , Senftleben Karolin , Moritz Stefan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated that reliable risk assessment of venues is still challenging and resulted in the indiscriminate closure of many venues worldwide. Therefore, this study used an experimental, numerical and analytical approach to investigate the airborne transmission risk potential of differently ventilated, sized and shaped venues. The data were used to assess the effect size of different mitigation measures and to develop recommendations. In general, positions in the near field of an emission source were at high risk in all ventilation systems studied, while the risk of infection from positions in the far field varied depending on the ventilation strategy. Occupancy rate, airflow rate, residence time, SARS-CoV-2 virus variants, a high activity level and face masks affected the individual and global infection risk in all venues. The global infection risk was lowest for the displacement ventilation case and highest for the naturally ventilated venue. Therefore, in our study, a properly designed displacement ventilation system is the most effective ventilation strategy to keep airborne transmission and the number of secondary cases low, compared to mixing or natural ventilation.
Posterior corneal stability after small incision lenticule extraction with different optical zones
Authors: Yu Zhiqiang , Cheng Xueying , Zhao Yu , Fu Dan , Gao Ying , Zhou Xing-tao 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: To assess the changes in the posterior corneal surface following small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) with different optical zones.
Methods: In this retrospective study, 106 eyes of 106 patients who underwent SMILE were recruited 3 years after the procedure. Eyes were divided into two groups according to the size of the surgical optical zone: group A (52 eyes, ≤ 6.2 mm) and group B (54 eyes, ≥ 6.5 mm). Posterior central elevation (PCE) and 12 other points at 45°, 135°, 225° and 315° with distances of 1 mm, 2 mm and 3 mm from the centre were recorded from Pentacam.
Results: No iatrogenic keratectasia was identified, and eyes in the two groups showed comparable visual results. The overall trend in posterior corneal elevation changes was consistent for both groups. PCE decreased significantly from 1.33±2.32 to 0.75±2.41 in group A (P=0.024) and from 0.87±2.61 to 0.06±2.74 in group B (P=0.003). All points in the central 2 mm region in both groups were reduced postoperatively. In the 4 mm and 6 mm corneal annulus, almost all points at 225°and 315°showed backward displacement, with the most prominent change occurring at 315°in the 6 mm annulus (P<0.001), indicating no forward protrusion in the inferior area.
Conclusions: No forward protrusion in the posterior corneal surface was observed 3 years after SMILE with different optical zones. Comprehensive preoperative measurements are essential for ensuring corneal stability and avoiding iatrogenic keratectasia.
Study on reinforcement crossing in dry season and anti-floating scheme of drainage in wet season：A case study in Guiyang, southwest China
Authors: Ren Fangzhou , Liu Ning , Zhang Cong 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Karst geomorphology is widely developed in Guizhou Province. In tunnel construction, it is common to cross over karst caves. Exposed karst caves bring great difficulty to tunnel construction. Karst water developed in karst caves will have a serious impact on tunnel lining and filling during tunnel construction and service. Taking Huangchongyan Tunnel passing through Karst hall of Tongzi to Xinpu Expressway in Guizhou Province as an example, this paper systematically analyzes the risks encountered in the process of crossing large karst caves. Through the comparison and selection of various treatment schemes for karst caves at home and abroad, a tunnel construction scheme of the whole life cycle is put forward. The scheme consists of tunnel reinforcement scheme for karst hall construction in low water period and drainage scheme for tunnel filling in high water period in future. Considering the karst water scour action exceeds the expectation during the service period of the tunnel, a 'bottom to up' reverse drainage structure is proposed, which can better meet the safety and durability requirements in the whole life cycle of the tunnel. Compared with the traditional method, it has the characteristics of strong foresight, short time limit and low cost, which can provide theoretical basis and construction reference for similar projects.
Clinical Case Analysis of Iliopsoas Hematoma Causing with Femoral Nerve Compression
Authors: Li Fubo , Peng Miao , Gong Gege , Ren Changhe , Ou Cehua , Zhang Yue 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background:To investigate the clinical manifestation and prognosis of iliopsoas hematoma (IPH) associated with femoral nerve compression and enhance the current understanding of IPH.Methods:Patients diagnosed with IPH from March 2014 to January 2023 at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University were assessed. The main clinical indicator observed was visual analog scale (VAS) score before treatment as well as at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. Secondary indicators included the degree of lower limb numbness before and after treatment, muscle strength, hip flexion degree, the distribution of affected nerves, hematoma size, and hematoma distribution.Results:A total of 28 patients were included, among which 24 were men, and the average age (median [interquartile range]) was 48 (20.25, 63) years. The average duration of disease onset was 3 (1.25, 7) days, and 16 patients (57.14%) exhibited coagulation dysfunction. After 1 week of treatment, a 50% reduction in the VAS score was noted in 18 patients (64.28%). Furthermore, VAS score at 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment were significantly lower than the baseline VAS score (P< 0.05). Baseline lower limb sensation was grade I in two patients, followed by grades II, III, and IV in five, 11, and 10 patients, respectively. After 6 months, 22 patients (78.57%) recovered to grade I. Baseline muscle strength of the lower limb was grade II in one patient, while grades III, IV, and V were in 10, eight, and nine patients, respectively. After 6 months, 19 patients (67.85%) exhibited improvement to grade V. The baseline degree of hip flexion was graded I and II in 53.57% of the patients, with enhancement to grade III after 6 months in 25 (89.28%). Hematoma distribution was localized in the mid-zone in 21% of the patients; upper-mid zone, 29%; mid-lower zone, 29%; and upper-mid-lower zone, 21%. In terms of affected nerves, femoral nerve involvement was revealed in 25 patients (89.28%), whereas lateral femoral cutaneous nerve involvement in 15 (53.57%).Conclusions:IPH is mainly caused by coagulation dysfunction and is often accompanied by pain and femoral nerve involvement that result in slow neurological recovery. Furthermore, the timely detection and causal treatment of IPH may help achieve a favorable prognosis.
Antagonistic microbes isolated from fermentation broth of plant wastes against anthracnose of Camellia oleifera caused by Colletotrichum siamense
Authors: Hao Yalun , Zhou Liting , Guo Jun , Jin Chenzhong , Guo Kaifa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Camellia oleifera is an important edible oil woody plant in China. Anthracnose is a serious disease of C. oleifera, causing severe economic losses and posing a huge threat to the C. oleifera industry. The fungi Colletotrichum siamense is one of the main pathogens causing anthracnose of Camellia oleifera. In this study, antifungal activity of microorganisms isolated from fermentation broth against C. siamense were investigated for the first time. 8 strains were isolated and purified from fermentation broth. By morphological observation, gene sequence analysis, among the strains, 4 isolates were identified as Trichoderma harzianum and 4 isolates were identified as Bacillus subtilis. The result showed that 8 isolates displayed a relatively good potential on inhibiting the mycelial growth in C. siamense, but T. harzianum was more effective than B. subtilis as a biocontrol agent, with the best efficiency of 73.56%. In the vitro treatments, the combination of T. harzianum and B. subtilis were the most effective treatments in reducing the incidence and severity of anthracnose in C.oleifera, with the highest efficiency of 77.56%. It can be concluded that T. harzianum and B. subtilis are promising biocontrol agents to manage anthracnose in C.oleifera. These promising results provided valuable information on using fermentation broth of plant wastes as a new source of antagonists to control fungi disease.
Impact of Probiotic Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 on atherosclerotic plaque and its mechanism
Authors: Hassan Adil , Luqman Ameer , zhang Kun , Ullah Mehtab , Din Ahmad Ud , Xiaoling Liao , Wang Guixue 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
Atherosclerosis is viewed as not just as a problem of lipid build-up in blood vessels, but also as a chronic inflammatory disease involving both innate and acquired immunity. The most important feature of atherosclerosis is inflammation of the vessel walls, which play a vital role in both plaque instability and thrombotic blockage of arteries, which then cause stroke and acute coronary syndrome. Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when ingested in appropriate amounts, provide health benefits.
Aim:
The main goal of this research was to explore the impact of Lactobacillus plantarum ATCC 14917 (L. p ATCC 14917) on atherosclerosis plaque formation and its mechanism in Apo lipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE−/−) mice.
Methodology:
In this study ApoE−/− mice around 08-weeks old were randomly divided into three groups as; Normal group provided with normal chow, high fat diet group, gavage with PBS and Lactobacillus plantarum group provided high fat diet and gavage with L. plantarum ATCC 14917 (2 ×109 CFU/mL).
Results:
Our strain significantly reduced the plaque size of ApoE−/− mice by modulating the expression of inflammatory maker, immune cell markers and chemokine/chemokine receptors and tight junction proteins (TJP); concisely by down-regulating inflammatory marker (ICAM-1, CD-60 MCP-1, F4/80, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1) in thoracic aorta, (Ccr7, cd11c, cd4, cd80, IL-1β, TNF-α) in colon and by inducing ROS-scavenging enzymes (SOD-1 and SOD-2.), TJP's (occuldin. ZO-1, claudin-3 and MUC-3). Furthermore L. P ATCC 14917 administrations statistically lessened lipopolysaccharide (LPS) level in mesenteric adipose tissue.
Conclusion
Our results exhibited that our strain could reduce atherosclerotic plaque size by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, intestinal integrity, and intestinal immunity.
The distribution of Sarcocsytis species described by ungulates-canids life cycle in intestines of small predators of the family Mustelidae
Authors: Sneideris Donatas , Moskaliova Darija , Butkauskas Dalius , Prakas Petras 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Using molecular techniques, we have previously shown that carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae might be common definitive hosts for various protozoan Sarcocystis species. In the present study we aimed to unravel whether Sarcocystisspecies using ungulates as intermediate hosts and canids or felids as definitive hosts can be found in intestine of mustelids.
Methods
Small intestine samples of 93 individual mustelids of five different species from Lithuania were examined. Sarcocystis species were identified based on species-specific PCR and subsequent cox1 sequencing.
Results
Six Sarcocystis species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis and S. morae) defined by ungulate-canid life cycle were detected for the first time in small intestines of mustelids. By contrast, the prevalence of Sarcocystis characterised by ungulate-felid life cycle was low (3.2 %). Overall, 76 % of the examined animals were positive for at least one of the studied Sarcocystis species. Four species, S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis and S. moraewere most commonly found, with the detection rate of about 40 %.
Conclusions
Current finding, in addition to our previous studies, suggests that mustelids play an important role in the spread of various Sarcocystisspecies.
D-cysteine inhibits iron-sulfur cluster assembly and impairs tumour growth
Authors: Martinou Jean-Claude , Zangari Joséphine , Stehling Oliver , Freibert Sven-Andreas , Rouaud Florian , Beinier Veronique Serre , Maundrell Kinsey , Montessuit Sylvie , Ferre Sabrina , Vartholomaiou Evangelia , Schulz Vinzent , Zuhra Karim , González-Ruiz Víctor , Hanschke Sarah , Tsukamoto Takashi , Szabo Csaba , Rudaz Serge , Boniecki Michal , Cygler Miroslaw , Lill Roland 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Selective targeting of cancer cells is a major challenge for cancer therapy. Many cancer cells overexpress the cystine/glutamate antiporter xCT/CD98 to increase the import of L-cystine for antioxidant defense, thus supporting tumour cell survival and progression1,2. We have exploited this feature of cancer cells by transforming xCT/CD98 overexpression into a selective vulnerability. We found that the D-enantiomer of cysteine (Cys), but not other D-amino acids, impaired proliferation of numerous xCT/CD98-expressing cancer cell lines, whereas xCT/CD98-non-overexpressing (cancer) cells were unaffected. D-Cys acquired by xCT/CD98 specifically inhibited the cysteine desulfurase NFS1, the sulfur donor of cellular iron-sulfur protein biogenesis3. NFS1 was able to form the D-Cys-ketimine intermediate, but, due to steric incompatibility, failed to transfer the D-Cys sulfur to its active-site Cys381 residue, thereby blocking enzymatic activity. This led to a general defect of all cellular processes relying on iron-sulfur proteins, including mitochondrial respiration, nucleotide metabolism, and nuclear genome maintenance, resulting in reduced oxygen consumption, accumulation of DNA damage, and cell cycle arrest. In vivo D-Cys administration diminished tumour growth of human triple-negative breast cancer cells implanted orthotopically into the mouse mammary gland. Hence, D-Cys could represent a simple therapy to selectively target those forms of cancer characterized by overexpression of xCT/CD98.
A novel hybrid model for hourly streamflow and water level prediction from radar reflectivity using deep learning approaches
Authors: Dinh Thi-Linh , Phung Dai-Khanh , Kwon Hyun-Han , Bae Deg-Hyo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Urban flooding has become an important challenge for metropolitan areas; thus, reliable water level and streamflow predictive models are crucial to flood control and planning. In this study, we develop a hybrid model, namely SGGP, for hourly water level and streamflow predictions in the Jungrang urban basin, located on the Han River, South Korea. This model includes two sub-models in which the first model is established for producing three-hour mean areal precipitation (MAP) from quantitative precipitation forecasts (QPFs) based on the Spatial-scale Decomposition method (SCDM) using Gate Recurrent Units (GRU), and the second model is utilized to predict hourly-ahead water level and streamflow by integrating a GRU with a particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The radar data, rainfall, water level, and streamflow data were collected from 2008 to 2022, and are used to establish and evaluate the performance of the model. The SGGP model is evaluated using root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (CC), mean absolute error (MAE), Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE), and mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) in comparison with four other deep learning models. The results show that the proposed SGGP model achieves accurate results in multistep-ahead water level and streamflow predictions.
Exploring Strategies, Programs, and Influencing Factors for Integrating Social Accountability into Undergraduate Medical Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed Elhassan , Taha Mohamed H. , Onchonga David , Nour Nehal , Kelly Dervla , Harney Sarah , McGrath Deirdre 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background: Social accountability (SA) measures institutional responses to societal needs. For medical education to be socially accountable, institutions must be equitably accessible and commit to training physicians who can work with communities to address health disparities. This scoping review aimed to explore the integration of social accountability into undergraduate medical education and examine the various ways it is implemented.
Methods: The authors searched PubMed, OVID Medline, CINAHL, ERIC and Scopus electronic databases for articles published between January 1995 and June 2023 to explore how SA is integrated into undergraduate medical education. The enhanced version of Arksey's and O'Malley's six-stage protocol was used. Analysis was done using the thematic analysis approach.
Results: 826 articles were retrieved in the preliminary search. After the screening, 17 articles were included for final review. From the findings, three thematic areas were derived, which included strategies applied in incorporating SA into undergraduate medical education, factors influencing the adoption of SA into undergraduate medical education, and programmes used to translate SA into undergraduate medical education.
Conclusion: This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies, programs, and influencing factors related to the integration of social accountability into undergraduate medical education. The implementation of SA in undergraduate medical education is still very slow across the globe, there is an urgent need for a continued push towards making medical schools socially accountable.
Coniacian facies and environments of the Iberian basin: Evolution, and the problem of the facies mixing with implications for basin paleogeography and paleoceanography
Authors: García-Hidalgo José F. , Gil-Gil Javier , Bretones Antonio , Boix Carme 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The Coniacian carbonate sediments of the Iberian basin were deposited in a homoclinal ramp grading upwards to a distally-steepened ramp, with a major coastal siliciclastic fringe. Twenty-four facies were recognized and grouped into four main depositional environments: outer, mid, inner ramp (including shoal and lagoon subenvironments), and coastal (with carbonate tidal-flat and siliciclastic coastal subenvironments). The more outstanding biogenic components show a mixture of sunlight-dependent, phototrophic, organisms (mainly large benthic foraminifera) and nutrient-dependent, heterotrophic, organisms (mainly rudists), being remarkable the scarce presence of corals; nutrients supplied from the emerged mainland were probably a source for the development of heterozoan organisms. Three main stages of the ramp evolution were: (1) narrow homoclinal ramp with a fringe of coastal siliciclastic sedimentation; (2) drowning and outer ramp widening with siliciclastic sedimentation; and (3) distally steepened ramp with facies aggradation and progradation of the mid and inner ramp sediments. Siliciclastic distribution is problematic since the sands sourced to the basin should have been rapidly and widely redistributed along the basin considering the common storm, wave, and tidal processes shown by the sedimentary facies. The presence of a clockwise NW-flowing longshore current is necessarily assumed to originate such distribution, which was probably induced by dominant external currents around Iberia. These clockwise gyres facilitated the larval dispersion to this enclosed basin and the local presence of upwelling influences; that could have been another source of episodic nutrient-rich waters from the deep ramp, which consequently favored heterozoan development even in the more proximal and relatively shallower facies.
Bioinformatics study and experimental validation of METTL3 regulation of immune-related genes affecting placental vascular development
Authors: Zhao Jiajia , Du Zhixin , Yang Liping , Hou Junlin , Zhang Zhenqiang , Song Qi , Wu Yongye , Wang Yaohui , Guan X , Chen P 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The proper development of the placental vascular system is a crucial factor in ensuring fetal health. m6A modification is a key pathophysiological mechanism in placental vascular development. However, the specific mechanism by which m6A influences placental vascular development remains unclear. Here, we explored the role of 21 m6A regulators in placental development based on the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Following a series of machine learning techniques, METTL3 was recognized as the pivotal m6A regulator. We subsequently employed consensus clustering analysis to delineate two distinct m6A isoforms, and investigated their correlation with immune cells. Further, through weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) coupled with correlation analysis, we pinpointed METTL3-associated placental development genes. These genes were notably enriched in immune-related categories. Furthermore, we uncovered immune-related differentially expressed genes that were associated with differentially expressed m6A regulators. Additionally, we performed an immune infiltration analysis to gain a deeper understanding of how these genes interact with immune cells. Ultimately, to validate our findings, we carried out animal experiments. In conclusion, our study found that targeting METTL3 could affect placental vascular development, which may provide guidance for the clinical treatment of placental-like diseases.
Modeling and Determination of the Appropriate Cathode Material to Be Used in the Design of a High-Capacity Li-Ion Battery
Authors: MEMELA NDUMISO ADRIAN , CHETTY NAVEN 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

In this research, we study Li-NCM cathode material with an SLP50 anode. The main requirements for this work were to produce a battery model that has a faster recharging rate, loses power slower, has high capacity, and has a prolonged life span. The Battery Design Studio computer program was used to predict the behavior of the selected materials which were Li-NCM cathode and SPL50 (graphite powder) anode. We rigorously tested the model and the results demonstrated that the proposed cell design was within the target specifications and when further tested, it was found that these materials meet the Freedom-CAR global battery requirements.