bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation on Cardiac Mechanics in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Chen Chen , Nishtala Arvind , Li Emily , Schultz William , Baldridge Abigail , Groenendyk Jacob , Lee Daniel , Shah Sanjiv , Burt Richard , Freed Benjamin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and fibrosis. Cardiac involvement in SSc is often subclinical and portends a worse prognosis. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) improves survival in SSc but its effect on cardiac function is unknown. This study aimed to assess HSCT’s effect on cardiac mechanics in SSc.
Methods
Participants with SSc were identified from a prospective registry, and grouped according to the receipt of HSCT between 2009 and 2018. The HSCT cohort underwent comprehensive conventional and speckle-tracking echocardiography (STE) pre- and post-HSCT. The non-HSCT cohort received echocardiograms within a similar time frame. Baseline and follow-up clinical and echocardiographic variables were compared within and between groups.
Results
The HSCT cohort (n = 88) was older (59±6 versus 51±11 years, p = 0.002) and more female-predominant (95% vs 75%, p = 0.049) compared to the non-HSCT cohort (n = 20). HSCT recipients showed improved right ventricular (RV) strain globally (18.1±3.9% versus 20.0±4.5%, p < 0.001) and within the RV free wall (20.7±5.3% versus 23.2±5.6%, p < 0.001). While left ventricular (LV) strain did not change, left atrial (LA) reservoir strain improved (35.9±8.7% versus 47.8±11.4%, p < 0.001) and LA stiffness index (0.24±0.12 versus 0.18±0.08, p < 0.001) decreased post-HSCT. No longitudinal changes in STE measures were observed among the non-HSCT cohort. Between-group analysis demonstrated a significant association between HSCT and change in LA reservoir strain (p = 0.002) at follow-up.
Conclusions
RV and LA mechanics significantly improve after HSCT among patients with SSc. This suggests a favorable effect of HSCT on the underlying myocardial pathology caused by SSc.
Selective attention function impairment in HIV-negative patients with early forms of neurosyphilis
Authors: He Caifeng , Yuan Tao , Yuan Lili , Wang Jun , Lu Xiaohong , Hu Wenlong , Qiang Di , Cui Yong , Ci Chao , Shang Xianjin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Attentional Network Test (ANT), was widely used to evaluate the performance of three attentional networks, i.e., alerting, orienting and executive attention networks. This study aimed to explore the characteristics of attention functions in HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS and their association with brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abnormalities.
Methods: 31 HIV-negative patients without NS, 30 HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS, and 35healthy controls enrolled from September 2020 to November 2022 were evaluated with the ANT and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Brain MRI was performed in patients with and without NS.
Results: There were no significant difference in the MMSE scores between the three groups. Patients with early forms of NS showed poorer performance in orienting and alerting functions than those without NS (F = 6.952, P = 0.011 and F = 8.794, P = 0.004, respectively); however, no difference was observed in executive function between the two groups (F = 0.001, P = 0.980). Multivariate analysis of variance using the Bonferroni post-hoc test indicated that patients with NS exhibited less efficient orienting function (P = 0.023), alerting function (P = 0.003) but not executive function (P = 0.99) than those without NS. Moreover, compared with contemporary healthy controls, a significant difference in orienting function was observed in patients with NS (P < 0.001). The NS group comprised more patients with MRI abnormalities in the frontal lobes and/or the temporoparietal junction than the non-NS group (24/25 vs. 13/19, P = 0.032).
Conclusions: HIV-negative patients with early forms of NS demonstrated obvious orientation and alerting function impairment. Brain MRI abnormalities in the frontal and/or parietal lobes and/or the temporoparietal junction indicated the presence of potential neural structure and network priority barriers pertaining to selective attention deficit.
Q2Ketogenic diets alter the Gut Microbiome resulting in decreased susceptibility and cognitive impairment of Pilocarpine-Induced status epilepticus
Authors: Li Bianli , Ma Yue , Wang Xuhui , Zhao Di , Wang Ziqin , Wang Guoyang , Li Chunyi , Ji Hui , Liu Kunmei , Chen Qiuyuan , Yang Yong , Ma Wenqian , Du Jianbin , Ma Lei , Zhang Lianxiang , Qiang Yuanyuan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The ketogenic diet (KD) is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate, and low-protein dietary approach that exerts antiepileptogenic effects by attenuating spontaneous recurrent seizures, ameliorating learning and memory impairments, and modulating the gut microbiota composition. However, the role of gut microbiome in antiepileptic effects of KD on temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) induced by lithium-pilocarpine in adult rats are still unknown. Our study provides evidence demonstrating that the KD effectively mitigates seizure behavior and reduces acute-phase epileptic brain activity, KD treatment alleviates hippocampal neuronal damage and improves cognitive impairment induced by TLE. We also observed that the beneficial effects of the KD are compromised when gut microbiota is disrupted through antibiotic administration. Components of gut microbiota analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequencing in fecal samples collected from TLE rats fed either KD or normal diet. Chao, ACE index showed a decrease species variety in KD treatment rats compared to TLE rats with normal diet. KD increased the level of Actinobacteriota, Verrucomicrobiota and Proteobacteria and decreased the level of Bacteroidetes. Interestingly, the abundance of Actinobacteriota and Verrucomicrobiota indicate a positive correlation with the learning and memory ability, the abundance of Proteobacteria showed a positive correlation with the seizure susceptibility. In conclusion, our study unveils the significant antiepileptic and neuroprotective effect of the KD in pilocarpine-induced epileptic rats, primarily mediated through the modulation of gut microbiota. However, gut microbiota mediates the anti-seizure effects of the KD still needs to be better elucidated.
Mechanism and Process of Recycling Copper and Cyanide from a Hazardous Cyanide Waste Slag
Authors: Zhang Qunli , Xie Haiyun , Qi Lei , Jin Yanling , Chen Haijun , Song Zixin , Liu Dianwen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

China's gold mining enterprises produce a large amount of cyanide slag containing copper ions and cyanide every year, which causes serious environmental pollution if deposited directly. Aiming at hazardous waste cyanide slag, a new process of "cyanide slag washing, copper ion precipitation in washing solution and gaseous membrane recovery of CN−" was developed by combining theoretical analysis with experimental research, which realized the comprehensive utilization of copper ions and cyanide in the slag. Firstly, the washing test of cyanide waste slag was carried out. The results showed that when the pH of washing water was 3.0 and the water amount was 0.8m3/t, the total cyanide concentration in the leaching toxicity of cyanide residue was less than the limit value of 5mg/L stipulated by the national standard. Secondly, the thermodynamics and chemical analysis results show that Cu2+/Cu(CN)n(n−1)− in the washing solution can be removed by CuCN and CuS precipitation, and cyanide is converted into HCN and absorbed by NaOH solution to form NaCN. Further experimental studies showed that the precipitation rate of Cu2+/Cu(CN)n(n−1)− reached 98.99% under the condition of pH 3.5 and NaHS dosage of 200mg/L. The total cyanide removal rate was 99.02% when the flow rate of washing liquid was 0.4m3/h and the two-stage membrane was used. The feasibility and stability of the new method were verified by the cycle test, which can not only solve the problem of toxic and harmful substances leakage in the tailings dam but also maximize the utilization of mineral resources.
Market structure or agent rationality: How efficiency trades with belief updating?
Authors: Giachini Daniele , Mousavi Shabnam , Ottaviani Matteo 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

For the Bayesian learner, updating priors based on observation is the path that improves the beliefs and this, in turn, affects the efficiency of prices. Or so was believed until agents with no learning advantage, that is zero-intelligence, produced near-optimal levels of efficiency. We design a market environment characterized by model misspecification in which agents update their initial probabilistic guesses with increasing sophistication in incorporating observations. In this designed environment, the market penalizes divergence from the truth, measured in relative entropy. We show that a non-linear U-shaped relation brings together individual rationality in learning and quality of pricing (i.e. informative efficiency). Efficiency first takes a dip with learning sophistication, then converges toward the full information limit (i.e. Bayesian learning). We argue that the results emerge from the particular interaction of two evolutionary forces operating at different levels: learning (individual level) and selection (market level).
JEL Classification: C60, D53, D81, D83, G11, G12
Genomic basis of divergence of modern cultivated potatoes
Authors: Li Hongbo , Oortwijn Marian , Brouwer Matthijs , Pup Elena Del , Kaauwen Martijn van , Esselink Danny , Lieshout Natascha van , Hutten Ronald C. B. , Eck Herman J. van , Finkers Richard ,   Christian W. B. Bachem1, Visser Richard G. F. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Modern cultivated potatoes have been bred for distinct market usages such as fresh eating, chip processing and starch manufacturing; however, genomic insights into this differentiation are limited.
Results
Here, we report a map of genomic variation encompassing ~79 million variants, constructed by genome-wide resequencing of 137 autotetraploid commercial potato varieties or accessions collected worldwide. Population genomic analysis provides evidence for divergence among modern commercial potato varieties and reveal distinct genomic composition in those bred for starch manufacturing industry, which may have been caused by continuous selection of yield-related traits and intensive exploitation of potato wild relatives. We characterize how alien introgression has reshaped the genomes of starch industry potato varieties, implicating an important role of potato wild relatives in genetic determination of yield-related traits as well as possible linkage drag. We further identify previously undiscovered genomic regions underlying agronomically important traits such as tuber bruising, maturity and tuber flesh and skin color.
Conclusions
These results shed light on the divergence history of modern cultivated potato and provide useful resources for genomics-guided breeding of this globally important staple crop.
Natural hazard risk analysis in the framework of water safety plans
Authors: Amadio Jessica , Kanakoudis Vasilis , Dimkić Dejan , Matić Branislava , Banovec Primoz , Boljat Ivana , Campione Emanuela , Čenčur Curk Barbara , Duro Andrea , Kovac Darko , Papadopoulou Anastasia , Papakonstantinou Argiris , Lukač Reberski Jasmina , Srša Matjaž , Tsitsifli Stavroula , Romano Emanuele 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The available literature on natural hazard risk analysis focused on the implementation of water safety plans (WSPs) is surprisingly quite poor, despite the significant increase in the number and severity of disasters and adverse effects on drinking water supply systems generated by natural hazards. At the same time, WSPs that conveniently account for natural hazards with a comprehensive approach ‘from source to tap’ are still scarce as they typically occur at larger spatial scales and adequate prevention, mitigation and adaptation require efficient inter-institutional collaborations. The aim of this paper is to highlight the main bottlenecks for water utilities to include natural hazards in the development of their WSPs. The research adopted a stakeholders-oriented approach, involving a considerable number of water utilities (168), water sectoral agencies (15) and institutions (68) across the Adriatic-Ionian Region through a stepwise process that generated joint SWOT analysis, the development of a decision support system (DSS) focused on WSPs procedures and tabletop exercises. The final outcomes generated strategic documents (REWAS – Adrion Road map for resilient water supply) that highlighted the necessity for efficient cross-sectoral and inter-institutional cooperation in the development of well-founded and robust WSPs to address natural hazard risk analysis for water supply systems (DWSS).
Recent Advances in Biomedical Applications of Mannans and Xylans
Authors: Teli Shriya , Deshmukh Kajal , Khan Tabassum , Suvarna Vasanti 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:
Plant-based phytochemicals, including flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and
other metabolites, have attracted considerable attention due to their central role in synthesizing
nanomaterials with various biomedical applications. Hemicelluloses are the second most abundant
among naturally occurring heteropolymers, accounting for one-third of all plant constituents. In
particular, xylans, mannans, and arabinoxylans are structured polysaccharides derived from hemicellulose.
Mannans and xylans are characterized by their linear configuration of β-1,4-linked mannose
and xylose units, respectively. At the same time, arabinoxylan is a copolymer of arabinose
and xylose found predominantly in secondary cell walls of seeds, dicotyledons, grasses, and cereal
tissues. Their widespread use in tissue engineering, drug delivery, and gene delivery is based on
their properties, such as cell adhesiveness, cost-effectiveness, high biocompatibility, biodegradability,
and low immunogenicity. Moreover, it can be easily functionalized, which expands their potential
applications and provides them with structural diversity. This review comprehensively addresses
recent advances in the field of biomedical applications. It explores the potential prospects for
exploiting the capabilities of mannans and xylans in drug delivery, gene delivery, and tissue engineering.
Identifying Preferred Features of Weight Loss Programs for Adults With or at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: A Discrete Choice Experiment With 3,960 Adults in the U.K.
Authors: Buckell John , Mitchell Caroline A. , Fryer Kate , Newbert Carolyn , Brennan Alan , Joyce Jack , Jebb Susan A. , Aveyard Paul , Guess Nicola , Morris Elizabeth 
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE
To understand preferences for features of weight loss programs among adults with or at risk of type 2 diabetes in the U.K.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
We conducted a discrete choice experiment with 3,960 U.K. adults living with overweight (n = 675 with type 2 diabetes). Preferences for seven characteristics of weight loss programs were analyzed. Simulations from choice models using the experimental data predicted uptake of available weight loss programs. Patient groups comprising those who have experience with weight loss programs, including from minority communities, informed the experimental design.

RESULTS
Preferences did not differ between individuals with and without type 2 diabetes. Preferences were strongest for type of diet. Healthy eating was most preferred relative to total diet replacement (odds ratio [OR] 2.24; 95% CI 2.04–2.44). Individual interventions were more popular than group interventions (OR 1.40; 95% CI 1.34–1.47). Participants preferred programs offering weight loss of 10–15 kg (OR 1.37; 95% CI 1.28–1.47) to those offering loss of 2–4 kg. Online content was preferred over in-person contact (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.18–1.30). There were few differences in preferences by gender or ethnicity, although weight loss was more important to women than to men, and individuals from ethnic minority populations identified more with programs where others shared their characteristics. Modeling suggested that tailoring programs to individual preferences could increase participation by ∼17 percentage points (68% in relative terms).

CONCLUSIONS
Offering a range of weight loss programs targeting the preferred attributes of different patient groups could potentially encourage more people to participate in weight loss programs and support those living with overweight to reduce their weight.
METÁFORAS E A CONSTITUIÇÃO DISCURSIVA- UMA ANÁLISE CRÍTICA
Authors: Machado Soares Neiva Maria , Antunes Vieira Josenia 
Published: February 2024

Este artigo visa recuperar metáforas associadas ao contexto de guerra ou bélico utilizadas neste período de pandemia, a fim de verificar se esse emprego constrói representações coletivas da realidade ou se constitui em uma dissimulação de práticas. Toma como referencial teórico basilar a literatura de Lakoff e Johnson (2002) denominada de Metáforas da vida cotidiana, inclusive da área médica com Susan Contag com seu livro A doença como uma metáfora, 1984, entre outros pesquisadores que discutem o tema atualmente. O corpus compõe-se de nove manchetes e seus lides de notícias divulgadas em sites, jornalísticos, médicos e governamentais, no ano de 2020 e 2021, que versem sobre o tema “vencer a guerra contra Covid”. Justifica-se esta pesquisa em função de que as metáforas estão presentes no nosso dia a dia e seu uso vai além de uma figura estilística como muitos apregoam, podendo orientar dadas práticas e comportamentos em diferentes segmentos. A análise revelou que o emprego da metáfora de guerra construiu representações coletivas para as pessoas como se de fato estivessem em uma guerra e dissimulou situações em termos de outras, levando até mesmo a um falso entendimento dos fatos, o que pode ter resultado em certas ações, embora não fossem as mais adequadas. Retoma-se, por fim, Sontag (1984) para quem a metáfora no contexto da saúde não poderia ser utilizada por trazer conceitos pejorativos e preconceituosos em relação a certas doenças como o câncer, por exemplo, gerando com isso distorções.
Hubungan Kecepatan dan Kelincahan dengan Kemampuan Dribbling Bola Pemain Futsal SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang
Authors: Putra Rio Evanka , Wulandari Indri 
Published: February 2024

Permasalahan dalam penelitian ini adalah rendahnya kemampuan dribbling, hal ini disebabkan oleh banyak faktor, tetapi peniliti hanya melihat dari Kecepatan dan Kelincahan pada pemain futsal SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang. Jenis penilitian ini adalah kuantitatif dengan menggunakan tenik analisis korelasi. Populasi dalam penlitian ini yaitu seluruh pemain futsal SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang 15 pemain. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan purposive sampling. dengan demikian sampel dalam penelitian ini berjumlah sebanyak 15 orang. Data analisis dengan uji normalitas data pada data signifikan 0,5, kemudian baru dapat dilakukan uji korelasi dengan korelasi product moment untuk mengetahui seberapa besar hubungan variabel bebas. Berdasarkan hasil penilitian dan pembahasan ditemukan bahwa; Terdapat hubungan Kecepatan (X₁) dengan kemampuan Dribbling (Y) pemain futsal SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang.Tidak terdapat hubungan Kelincahan (X₂) dengan kemampuan Dribbling (Y) pemain futsal SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang, dan Terdapat hubungan Kecepatan (X₁) dan Kelincahan (X₂) dengan kemampuan Dribbling (Y) pemain futsal SMA Pertiwi 1 Padang
Pemanfaatan Babadotan Sebagai Sumber Pestisida Nabati Yang Berpotensi Untuk Mengendalikan Hama dan Penyakit pada Tanaman Padi Di Desa Cileungsir dan Cisontrol
Authors: Meliansyah Rika , Kurniawan Wawan , Hartati Sri , Puspasari Lindung Tri 
Published: February 2024

Pemanfaatan tumbuhan sebagai bahan pestisida nabati merupakan salah satu alternatif pengendalian hama dan penyebab penyakit tanaman yang ramah lingkungan. Babadotan yang memiliki nama ilmiah Ageratum conyzoides adalah salah satu tumbuhan yang banyak ditemukan di desa Cileungsir dan Cisontrol, Kecamatan Rancah, Kabupaten Ciamis. Babadotan memiliki potensi untuk digunakan sebagai bahan pestisida nabati. Kegiatan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (PKM) dalam bentuk pelatihan pemanfaatan babadotan sebagai sumber pestisida nabati telah dilaksanakan di desa Cileungsir dan Cisontrol, Kecamatan Rancah, Kabupaten Ciamis. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengenalan, pemahaman, pengetahuan dan keterampilan tentang gulma babadotan yang berpotensi sebagai sumber pestisida nabati yang dapat dimanfaatkan petani secara sederhana dalam budidaya tanaman untuk mengurangi penggunaan pestisida sintetik. Metode yang digunakan untuk mencapai tujuan tersebut adalah pendekatan partisipasif berupa penyuluhan mengenai jenis hama dan penyakit pada padi, dampak penggunaan pestisida sintetik secara tidak bijaksana, pemanfaatan babadotan sebagai pestisida nabati serta mempraktekkan pembuatan pestisida nabati berbahan dasar babadotan. Peserta yang mengikuti kegiatan terdiri dari petani, tokoh masyarakat dan aparat desa. Kesimpulan hasil PKM ini adalah kegiatan pengabdian kepada Masyarakat telah dilaksanakan di Desa Cileungsir dan Cisontrol dengan peserta masing-masing desa sebanyak 50 orang yang terdiri dari petani, tokoh masyarakat dan aparat desa melalui kegiatan penyuluhan, pelatihan dan pendampingan serta evalusi. Hasil evalusi proses, respon peserta cukup baik dalam mengikuti kegiatan, materi yang disampaikan dapat dipahami oleh peserta. Pengabdian ini dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan petani dalam pemanfaatan gulma babadotan sebagai sumber pestisida nabati yang berpotensi untuk mengendalikan hama dan penyakit pada tanaman padi dengan nilai meningkat dari 2%-60% menjadi 88%-100% di Desa Cileungsir dan 8%-68% menjadi 92%-100%. Peserta pelatihan diharapkan juga dapat menjadi penyampai pengetahuan tentang pemanfaatan gulma babadotan sebagai sumber pestisida nabati kepada anggota komunitas lainnya, sehingga informasi ini dapat menyebar lebih luas.
Pendampingan Petani dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Strategi Pengelolaan Hama Ramah Lingkungan dengan Menggunakan Pestisida Hayati (Bio-Pestisida) di Desa Sukamukti dan Mekarmukti Kecamatan Cilawu Kabupaten Garut
Authors: Puspasari Lindung Tri , Meliansyah Rika , Hartati Sri , Kurniawan Wawan 
Published: February 2024

Dalam kegiatan budidaya tanaman di Desa Sukamukti dan Mekarmukti Kecamatan Cilawu kerap kali menghadapi kendala yaitu adanya serangan hama tanaman. Petani umumnya masih mengandalkan penggunaan pestisida sintetis yang harganya lebih mahal dan berdampak negatif bagi manusia seerta mencemari lingkungan. Alternatif lain untuk mengendalikan hama tanaman adalah dengan menggunakan mikroorganisme/pathogen sebagai pestisida hayati (bio-pestisida) yang lebih aman bagi manusia dan lingkungan. Kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat (PKM) ini bertujuan untuk mengenalkan kepada masyarakat (petani) mengenai pemanfaatan pestisida hayati (bio-pestisida) untuk pengendalian hama tanaman, mempraktekkan cara pembuatan pestisida hayati dan cara aplikasinya di lapangan, serta mengurangi ketergantungan petani terhadap penggunaan pestisida kimiawi/sintetis. Dari hasil kegiatan PKM ini, petani dapat mengembangkan dan menerapkan teknologi pengendalian hama tanaman dengan memaanfaatkan pestisida hayati (bio-pestisida) untuk pengendalian hama, serta dapat terampil membuat sendiri pestisida hayati dan dapat mengaplikasikannya pada tanaman serta memasyaratkan penggunaan pestisida hayati agar kerusakan lingkungan oleh pestisida kimia sintetis dapat diminimalisasi.