bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of a Wheat Protein-based Magnesium Silicate Hydrogel Loaded with a Glucosamine Composite on the Regeneration of Cartilage
Authors: Zhang Haochen , Yang Lanqing , Ma Susu , Yao Bin , Cai Zhuyun , Xu Min , Wei Jie , Wei Qiang , Li Di , Niu Yunfei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
How to treat cartilage defects effectively in the clinic has become a great challenge. Due to the lack of blood vessels, nerves and the lymphatic system, self-repair of cartilage usually cannot be achieved when damaged. Therefore, identifying a potential therapeutic method for cartilage regeneration is necessary. In the present study, wheat protein (WP)-based hydrogels loaded with magnesium silicate (MS) and glucosamine (GA) were fabricated via the sol-gel method, and the restorative effect of the resulting hydrogel composite (MSWG) on cartilage defects was also evaluated. The mechanical strength, biodegradability and hydrophilicity of MSW have been largely improved. Moreover, the porous structure of MSWG promotes cell adhesion, proliferation and migration. MSWG promotes the expression of genes and proteins related to chondrogenic differentiation in vitro To evaluate the effect of MSWG on cartilage regeneration in vivo, rabbit knee cartilage defects were established in this study, and MSWG composites were implanted into the defects. More cartilage and subchondral bone appeared around the defect in the MSWG group, and the chondrocytes seemed to mature. In conclusion, the addition of GA to MSW improved its physicochemical properties and biocompatibility. The synergistic effect of hydrogel composites has been proven to promote the expression of chondrogenic biomarkers and accelerate the repair of cartilage defects. MSWG hydrogel composites, as potential candidates, are promising for application in cartilage regeneration.
Verification of Tetrodotoxin Utilization Against Predators in Japanese Blue-lined Octopus Hapalochlaena Cf. Fasciata
Authors: Yamate Yuta , Takatani Tomohiro , Takegaki Takeshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Many taxa secrete chemicals to avoid predation. The Japanese blue-lined octopus Hapalochlaena cf. fasciata has high levels of potent lethal tetrodotoxin (TTX) in the muscles and skin; thus, it has been hypothesized that TTX is a defense mechanism. However, this hypothesis is based on the relationship between the location and level of TTX possession, and it has not been verified whether TTX is actually secreted in response to predators. In determining whether the external secretion of chemicals is a predator avoidance behavior, TTX must be verified as targeted to predators. In this study, TTX concentrations in the arms (muscle and skin) of octopus decreased after 3 days of predator (moray eel) presentation. In addition, TTX was only secreted in the mucus on the body surface of the octopus in the presence of a predator. Our findings showed that octopuses secrete TTX in the muscle and skin for defense, indicating that H. cf. fasciata does not necessarily require a physical contact attack by the predator to stimulate TTX secretion and can recognize predators by visual or olfactory stimuli, secreting TTX in response.
Method for estimation of compressive strength by in-situ cutting mortar sheet
Authors: Yang Suhang , Cao Xiaoyun , Xu Zhifeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
To accurately estimate the compressive strength of in-situ cutting mortar sheets, a partially nondestructive testing (PDT) method, namely the innovative shear testing method (STM) is suggested. The mortar sheet from the horizontal masonry joint was removed by drilling a core. Load was applied through the designated STM apparatus to generate approximately pure shear stress and obtain the shear strength of the mortar sheet. The mortar board to withstand pressure from two opposite cone heads was tested and the peak load was recorded when the mortar board fails. The correctness of the test results can be demonstrated by the visible shear failure mode of the mortar sheets. Scattering characteristics were reviewed to check the reliability and repeatability of STM results. The compressive strength measured by STM is closely related to the cube compressive strength, ranging from M2.0 to M16.0. Comparative testing of STM with other available test methods confirmed that STM offers an alternative to in-situ testing of mortar compressive strength. The accuracy of STM is high, and samples extracted from masonry joints can be directly, repetitively, and quickly tested in-situ.
Multivariate physical activity signatures of physical well-being in children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Stai Mari , Aadland Eivind , Andersen John Roger 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Physical activity is advocated to promote well-being among children. However, our understanding of the association between the full spectrum of physical activity intensity and physical well-being is limited.
Methods
A cross-sectional study design was applied to explore the associations between physical well-being and physical activity signatures in 10-year-olds. We also conducted stratified analyses for girls and boys without and with overweight/obesity. Kidscreen-27 was used to assess physical well-being, and accelerometers (ActiGraph GT3X+) were used to measure physical activity by deriving 23 intensity levels ranging from 0–99 to ≥ 10,000 counts per minute (cpm). Associations between physical well-being and physical activity were examined using partial least square regression analysis, adjusted for covariates.
Results
We included 722 fifth graders (10.2 ± 0.3 years, waist circumference 61.8 ± 7.4 cm, 51% boys). In the total sample, the physical activity signature explained 5.23% of the variance in physical well-being, 2.03% for girls and 9.06% for boys. The explained variance for boys without overweight/obesity was 8.63%, compared to 20.03% for those with overweight/obesity. There was no association for girls without overweight/obesity compared to an explained variance of 8.93% in those with overweight/obesity. The strongest associations were found for high-intensity physical activity (6000–7000 cpm).
Conclusion
Signatures displaying high-intensity physical activity were associated with better physical well-being in children, particularly in those with overweight/obesity.
Trial registration:
This study presents a cross-sectional secondary analysis of a cluster-randomised controlled trial: The Active Smarter Kids (ASK) study (Clinicaltrials.gov ID number, NCT02132494).
A needs assessment for enhancing workplace-based assessment: a grounded theory study
Authors: Andreou Vasiliki , Peters Sanne , Eggermont Jan , Schoenmakers Birgitte 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Workplace-based assessment (WBA) has been vigorously criticized for not fulfilling its educational purpose by medical educators. A comprehensive exploration of stakeholders’ needs regarding WBA is essential to optimize its implementation in clinical practice.
Method
Three homogeneous focus groups were conducted with three groups of stakeholders: General Practitioner (GP) trainees, GP trainers, and GP tutors. Due to COVID-19 measures, we opted for an online asynchronous form to enable participation. An constructivist grounded theory approach was used to employ this study and allow the identification of stakeholders’ needs for using WBA.
Results
Three core needs for WBA were identified in the analysis. Within GP Training, stakeholders found WBA essential, primarily, for establishing learning goals, secondarily, for assessment purposes, and, lastly, for providing or receiving feedback.
Conclusion
All stakeholders perceive WBA as valuable when it fosters learning. The identified needs were notably influenced by agency, trust, availability, and mutual understanding were factors influencing needs for WBA. Embracing these insights can significantly illuminate the landscape of workplace learning culture for clinical educators and guide a successful implementation of WBA.
Effects of global change on streamflow, water demand and supply: a case study from the Pyrenees
Authors: Domènech Marta , Travesset-Baro Oriol , Pesado-Pons Cristina , López-Moreno Juan Ignacio , Pons Marc 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Water resources have a fundamental value for both ecosystems and society. However, changes in climate, population, consumption patterns, land use and urbanization are affecting its quality and future availability. In Andorra, a country located in the middle of the Pyrenees, the confluence of climate change and a socioeconomic model with an important weight of the tourism industry based on an intensive use of water could threaten the future sustainability of water resources. This paper analyses the water resources of Andorra and its future sustainability using the Water Evaluation and Planning system (WEAP) modelling tool. The WEAP-Andorra model presents an initial estimate of the national water demand segregated into the main water consumers in the country (i.e. tourism, residential, primary sector, snowmaking, and hydro power production). It explores the future evolution of water resources combining climatic, including an extreme drought scenario, and socioeconomic variables (i.e. demography, tourism, irrigation, and snowmaking trends). The model includes an Adaptation scenario to assess the impact of some strategic adaptation measures. The results indicate a significant decrease in annual streamflow across all simulated scenarios by 2050. In the global change scenarios, yearly streamflow is projected to decrease between 5.3% and 8.5%, while in an extreme drought scenario, the loss reaches 65.4%. The impact of global change on future water demand at the country scale is not expected to be compromised. However, in an extreme drought scenario, it could be affected. The sectors most affected by the combination of global change and drought could be ski resorts, especially to ensure snowmaking and hydropower production. The future frequency and duration of droughts will determine the severity of the unmet demand.
A Comprehensive Metagenomic Analysis of Bacterial and Fungal Microbiome Responses to Leaf-Based Compost Amendment in Soil, Unveiling the Bio-Fertilizing Potential
Authors: Mahongnao Sophayo , Sharma Pooja , Ahamad Arif , Nanda Sarita 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

A comprehensive understanding of soil microbiome dynamics is imperative for bolstering sustainable agricultural productivity and devising effective soil management strategies. This study investigates the impact of leaf and other compost amendments on soil microbial richness and diversity. Metagenomic profiling techniques targeting 16S rRNA genes and Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) region were employed to examine the bacterial and fungal microbiome structure in both pre-plantation and post-harvest soils. The findings reveal a notable increase in beneficial bacterial and fungal genera in the soil amended with compost, including Bacillus, Nitrospira, Planctomyces, Myxococcus, Agromyces, Wallemia, Pichia, and Microascus. Conversely, pathogenic genera such as Corynebacterium, Burkholderia, Nocardia, Olpidium, Penicillium, Acremonium, and Alternaria exhibited higher abundance in soil amended with chemical fertilizers, highlighting the potential of bio-compost amendments in bioremediation and pathogen control. The post-harvest soil samples amended with leaf-based compost showed an increase of 116% in beneficial bacterial genera and a 21% increase in beneficial fungal genera, accompanied by a 59% and 60% decrease in pathogenic bacterial and fungal genera, respectively. In contrast, the chemical fertilizer amendment reduced beneficial bacterial and fungal genera by approximately 49% and 2%, respectively, while increasing pathogenic bacterial genera by about 132% in the post-harvest soil. The study underscores the significant impact of leaf-based bio-compost amendments on soil microbial richness, diversity, and overall soil health. Leaf-based bio-compost enhanced microbial diversity and functionality, fostering beneficial microorganisms that play pivotal roles in nutrient cycling, plant growth promotion, and strengthening soil ecosystem resilience.
Enhancing Photocatalytic Activity and Stability of Zeolite-Based Catalysts through Synergistic Effect of Doped Cations for Efficient Removal of Dye Contamination Enhancing catalytic activity using double- metal doped on zeolite structure
Authors: Moosavifar Maryam , Azarmehr Marzieh , Fathyunes Leila 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The cationic interaction of binary metals in zeolite frameworks is a motivating field. Isomorphous substitution of Ti and Ce in the framework of NaY zeolite has been performed using post-synthesis treatment. Dealumination of the zeolite was performed by EDTA treatment, followed by the incorporation of Ce and Ti to decorate the metals in the zeolite framework. It was achieved in two steps based on their solubility in the corresponding solvents. The stability of the zeolite framework was studied using metal loading. It has been observed that as the amount of metals increased in the zeolite, the d spacing of the crystal lattice changed. Besides, at higher loading, certain metals are introduced into the framework, and others as exchangeable cations extra-framework in the zeolite network. The spectroscopic studies were used to characterize the modified zeolite, and the catalysts were studied for their catalytic activity in the photodegradation of 4-NP. Various parameters such as temperature, reaction time, pH, catalyst amount, and 4-NP concentration were studied to optimize the process. The synthesized catalysts show good activity for the photodegradation process. The study investigated the synergetic effect of Ce and Ti on the yield of photodegradation. The mineralization of 4-NP was confirmed by COD experiments with a removal efficiency of 68.76%. The catalyst was recoverable and maintained its catalytic activity after six runs. This finding is particularly significant as it suggests that the catalyst has the potential for industrial application and cost-effectiveness.
Clinical, Endoscopic, Pathological Characteristics and Managements of Cap Polyposis: A Real-world Study from China
Authors: Huang Lingyu , Lou Xiaoying , Chen Chunyu , Lu Yi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and aims:
Cap polyposis (CP) is a rare kind of benign disease, and the majority of previously published articles on it involve a small number of patients. Hence, we summarized our experience to add more data, hoping to raise awareness of this disease.
Methods
From January, 1st, 2017 to November, 1st, 2021, consecutive patients diagnosed with CP were retrospectively reviewed. Their medical histories, and laboratory, imaging, endoscopic, and pathology results were analyzed. We made telephone calls to the patients and searched for the information in our electronic medical records to obtain the follow-up results.
Results
Forty-one patients were chosen for analysis. The median age of the patients was 20 years old, and 90.24% (37 patients) of the patients were male. There were multiple and combined treatments for these patients. These treatments can be mainly divided into 3 categories: medical therapy, endotherapy and surgery. Medical therapy could help to diminish the size of the polyps but was difficult to resolve; however, the patients’ symptoms could be diminished. Twenty-three patients received surgical resection, and 12 patients received endotherapy. We further compared the two methods of polyp resection. Both endotherapy and surgery were safe, and the recurrence risk was not significantly different between the two kinds of therapy (P = 0.321).
Conclusions
The clinical improvement of medical treatments was not satisfactory, and endotherapy or surgical resection could remove the polyposis and provide temporary relief, but the recurrence rates were high.
Development of 225 Ac-doped Biocompatible Nanoparticles for Targeted Alpha Therapy
Authors: Toro-González Miguel , Akingbesote Ngozi , Bible Amber , Sanders Brian , Ivanov Alexander S. , Jansone-Popova Santa , Popovs Ilja , Benny Paul , Perry Rachel , Davern Sandra 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) relies on chemical affinity or active targeting using radioimmunoconjugates as strategies to deliver α-emitting radionuclides to cancerous tissue. These strategies can be affected by transmetalation of the parent radionuclide by competing ions in vivo and the bond-breaking recoil energy of decay daughters. The retention of α-emitting radionuclides and the dose delivered to cancer cells are influenced by these processes. Encapsulating α-emitting radionuclides within nanoparticles can help overcome many of these challenges. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles are a biodegradable and biocompatible delivery platform that has been used for drug delivery. In this study, PLGA nanoparticles are utilized for encapsulation and retention of actinium-225 (225Ac). Encapsulation of 225Ac within PLGA nanoparticles (Zave = 155.3 nm) was achieved by adapting a double-emulsion solvent evaporation method. The encapsulation efficiency was affected by both the solvent conditions and the chelation of 225Ac. Chelation of 225Ac to a lipophilic 2,9-bis-lactam-1,10-phenanthroline ligand (225Ac-BLPhen) significantly decreased its release (< 2%) and that of its decay daughters (< 50%) from PLGA nanoparticles. PLGA nanoparticles encapsulating 225Ac-BLPhen significantly increased the delivery of 225Ac to murine (E0771) and human (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) breast cancer cells with a concomitant increase in cell death over free 225Ac in solution. These results demonstrate that PLGA nanoparticles have potential as radionuclide delivery platforms for TAT to advance precision radiotherapy for cancer. In addition, this technology offers an alternative use for ligands with poor aqueous solubility, low stability, or low affinity, allowing them to be repurposed for TAT by encapsulation within PLGA nanoparticles.
Phenotypic and functional characterization of bovine adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells
Authors: Powell Jeremy G. , Pokharel Sriya , Maldonado Vitali V. , Samsonraj Rebekah Margaret 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objective: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are increasingly trialed in cellular therapy applications in humans to treat several degenerative and inflammatory disorders. Not only are MSCs useful as a therapeutic for human diseases, but they can also be applied to treat a range of diseases in animals. Particularly, larger animals such as cattle can benefit from MSC therapies to combat inflammatory conditions and aging-associated degenerative disorders. Given that MSCs have multilineage differentiation and immunomodulatory properties, we sought to demonstrate the feasibility of obtaining MSCs from adipose tissue and characterizing cells using established phenotypic and functional assays.
Animals: Adipose tissue from three individual healthy cows was obtained from the tail head area and processed for MSC isolation.
Procedures: MSCs were isolated using in-house optimized tissue digestion protocols and characterized by performing colony formation assay, cell growth assessments, cell-surface marker analysis by immunocytochemistry, osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation, and secretion of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO).
Results: MSCs were successfully isolated from bovine adipose (bv-Ad) tissue and demonstrated the ability for prolonged culture expansion, colony formation, and differentiation into osteogenic and adipogenic lineages. Bv-AdMSCs secreted significant amounts of IDO with or without interferon-gamma stimulation, indicating the ability for immunomodulation.
Clinical Relevance: Research outcomes point toward the feasibility of achieving autologous bv-AdMSC cellular preparations that can be applied in the cattle industry as a cell therapy. Our methodology can be utilized by veterinary cell therapy labs for preparing autologous or allogeneic MSCs for disease management in cattle.
FDH knockout and TsFDH transformation led to enhance growth rate of Escherichia coli
Authors: Razavipour Roya , Ashtiani Saman Hosseini , Sepahy Abbas Akhavan , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein , Bambai Bijan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this study, we sought to reduce the released CO2 into the atmosphere from bacterial growth by reducing formic acid conversion into CO2. Since E. coli is the biotechnological workhorse and its higher growth rate is desirable, another goal was to monitor the bacterial biomass after the metabolic engineering. The conversion of formic acid to CO2 is a crucial reaction. Therefore, we compared the growth of control strains, alongside two strains in which two different genes coding two formate dehydrogenase (FDH) subunits were deleted. The knockout bacteria grew better than the controls. Thiobacillus FDH (TsFDH) transformation increased the growth of both knockouts of E.coli compared with the controls and the knockouts strain without TsFDH. Through a transcriptomics-level analysis of the strain knockout genes, the genes negatively correlated with the target genes were shown to belong to tRNA-related pathways. Observing higher cell biomass for the knockout and transformed strains indicates possible underlying mechanisms leading to reduced carbon leakage and increased carbon assimilation, which need more detailed investigations. Gene expression correlations and pathway analysis outcomes suggested possible over-expression of the genes involved in tRNA processing and charging pathways.
Fuzzy risk analysis based on ranking generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers with different left-right heights by defuzzification using the volume of the solid of revolution about the axis
Authors: Palepu Sasikala , Peddi Phani Bushan Rao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Fuzzy numbers (FNs) are used to handle incomplete or unclear data. Ranking FNs is mainly used in decision-making to select the best alternative among the given alternatives and has applications in data analysis, artificial intelligence, and other fields of operations research. This paper introduces a novel technique for ranking generalized trapezoidal fuzzy numbers (GTrFNs) with varying left and right heights using a defuzzification technique based on the volume of the solid of revolution about an axis. For finding the defuzzified value of a fuzzy number (FN), we derive the positive and negative side volumes of the GTrFN with varying left and right heights along with its centroid. A score function is proposed on these volumes and centroid to get the defuzzified value of the FN, and using this value the best alternative is identified among the given. The suggested approach overcomes some of the limitations of existing techniques. As an application, the proposed method is applied to fuzzy risk analysis problems related to identifying the risk of being affected by type 2 diabetes in five persons with different risk-prone parameters.