bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioplastics Made From Starch as Conventional Plastic Substitutes: Evaluation of Physical Properties and Biodegradation
Authors: Porras-Saavedra Josefina , Palacios-González Eduardo , Tovar-Benítez Tomas , Contreras-Lavida Heriberto , Houbron Eric Pascal , Canul-Chan Michel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This work studies the biodegradability of bioplastics (BPs) generated from the combination of starch from the fruit of Sechium edule (SSE) and the starch of Phaseolus vulgaris (SPV) with a plasticizing agent. BPs were obtained using the casting method from filmogenic solutions formed with dispersions of SSE and SPV in concentrations of 1, 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9% w/v individually and in binary combinations at a (1:1) ratio. Those with the best physical properties were chosen to evaluate the biodegradation of BPs in vitro, over-soil (OS), and soil burial (UG) conditions. The results indicated that BPs are transparent and have a high hydrophilic capacity; they also presented high manageability, continuity, and uniformity aspects starting from a concentration of 6% (w/v). The BPs formulated with the starch mixtures (SSE-SPV) show hardness values between 455.20 and 1972.00 gf and an elasticity index greater than 0.86. Under storage conditions of 11.30 and 57.60% RH, the maximum elongation value was reached from the concentration of 6% SSE-SPV, and this property is reduced when the relative humidity of the BPs increases. Under UG conditions, the percentage of biodegradation was 91.02%, with a degradation rate of 7.6854 mg BP/day, the experimental data of the biodegradation process were adjusted to a first-order kinetic model, the biodegradation rate coefficients of BP were 0.1143, 0.0905, 0.6873 days-1 in in vitro, over-soil and soil burial conditions, respectively.
Influence of biochar amendment on removal of heavy metal from soils using phytoremediation by C. roseus and Chrysopogon zizanioides
Authors: Deka Dhritilekha , Patwa Deepak , Nair Archana M , Ravi Karangat 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Advances in sustainable toxic heavy metal treatment technologies are crucial to meet our needs for safer land to develop an urban resilient future. The heavy metals bioaccumulate in the food chain due to its persistence in the soil, which poses a serious challenge to its removal and control. Utilisation of hyperaccumulators to reduce the mobility, accumulation, and toxic impact of heavy metals is a promising and ecologically safe technique. Amendments such as biochar, compost and chelates have shown to enhance the phytoremediation efficiency. The potential soil improvement is influenced by the properties of the amendment, plant and metal heterogeneities. In this study, an organic biochar amendment for the 60-day pot experiment using C. roseus, Chrysopogon zizanioides in a heavy metal contaminated soil was applied. The influence of biochar prepared from sugarcane bagasse biochar on phytoremediation of Pb, Zn and Cd from the soil was explored. Biochar amendment rate of 2% had significant effect on the improvement of the morphological characteristics of the plants in comparison to the control. The soil potassium concentrations increased with amendment rates, while the ammonia and phosphorous reduced beyond an optimum biochar content. Heavy metal concentrations in the soil were consistently lower in the amended soil for both plants. The translocation factor (TF) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) exhibited the phytoextraction and phytostabilisation potential of the plants. However, it remains specific to each contaminant, plant and amendment rate. The insights from this study establishes that the synergy between biochar amendment and the selected medicinal plants improved the phytoremediation efficiency.
Low-temperature photocatalytic dry reforming of methane over porous cylindrical, gyroidal, and asymmetric catalyst structures
Authors: Moore William , Shoji Shusaku , Tsaur Lieihn , Yu Fei , Thedford R. Paxton , Tait William , Raisi M. , Saha Aniruddha , Reese Austin , Gruner Sol , Yeghiazarian Lilit , Sobhani Sadaf , Suntivich Jin , Wiesner Ulrich 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Recent advances in the photocatalytic activation of dry reforming of methane (DRM: CO2 + CH4 → 2CO + 2H2) at low temperature and ambient pressure have generated considerable interest as a promising route to convert greenhouse gases into valuable synthetic gas (syngas). While detailed studies have revealed the mechanisms involved in photocatalytic DRM at metal-semiconductor interfaces, less attention has been devoted to how high surface area semiconductor supports may enhance such conversions. Here we structure triblock terpolymer self-assembly directed sol-gel derived transition metal oxide (Ta2O5 or TiO2) supports of Rh-decorated photocatalysts into various equilibrium and non-equilibrium derived porous morphologies and show how they modulate single-pass conversion, total production rate, and material efficiency. Supported by in-depth materials characterization and flow simulations rationalizing observed trends, results reveal record catalyst performance. Our work suggests that asymmetric pore structures simultaneously optimizing mass transport and surface area may be well-suited to maximize photocatalyst performance.
Can long-past human-modified landscapes maintain biodiversity to any degree? A case of medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammals in an Atlantic Forest-Cerrado agroecosystem
Authors: Martins Juliana Ávila , Lemos Frederico Gemesio , de Freitas-Junior Mozart Caetano , de Azevedo Fernanda Cavalcanti 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Although up to 20% of Brazilian endemic species threatened with extinction lie outside designated protected areas, the mammalian community composition within private lands remains overlooked. This research aims to determine the composition of medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammals in Pontal Farm, a livestock production farm in southeastern Goiás with a high percentage of native vegetation. The intent was to contrast this private agroecosystem's biodiversity richness with that of its proximate protected area counterpart, the Atlantic Forest State Park (PEMA). Through camera trapping and records from direct and indirect signs, we recorded 25 native mammalian species distributed in eight orders, with an estimated richness of 26 species. Six of these are categorized as vulnerable to extinction by the Brazilian Red List (ICMBio 2022). Notably, Pontal Farm presented a relatively higher mammalian richness when compared to other unprotected areas of Cerrado and surpassed that documented at PEMA. Furthermore, species differences between Pontal and PEMA indicate that some species absent from Pontal are highly sensitive to human-induced changes. Conversely, certain species found in Pontal and not in PEMA may reflect specific habitat preferences. Our findings highlight the biodiversity conservation potential of agroecosystems preserving patches of native vegetation, emphasizing their capacity to sustain certain mammalian diversity, when combining economic production with good management practices.
Multiple biotic factors mediate the invasion success of Chromolaena odorata
Authors: Chen Mingbo , Li Weitao , Zheng Yulong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Community resistance plays a crucial role in the successful invasion of alien plants. However, our understanding of how the soil legacy effects of native species richness, parasitic plants, competition and soil microbes contribute to shaping community resistance has not been achieved. In this study, we grewChromolaena odorataand two co-occurring native plants from three soil sources (native richness gradient, i.e., heavily invaded moderately invaded and lightly invaded). We then implemented treatments containing parasitism (Cuscuta chinensis), competition and sterilization. Overall, our research indicated thatC. odorataoutperformed two other native species (in terms of height and biomass). However, our findings also revealed that both the soil legacy effects of native plant richness and competition negatively impact the growth ofC. odorata, and native plants tend to produce more biomass in soils with greater diversity and under competitive conditions (5.0%). Interestingly,C. chinensisparasitism had asymmetric negative effects on alien (-11.1%) and native plants (-39.9%). Furthermore,C. odoratadid not experience limitations from parasitism in sterilized soil, as indicated by a slight increase in biomass of 2.3%. This study underscores that community resistance toC. odoratais governed by an interplay of multiple biotic factors, both individually and in combination.
Exploring Factors Influencing Mode of Delivery in Qazvin, Iran: A Cross- Sectional Observational Study
Authors: Mohammadamin Rahimianghohroodi , javadi amir , pakniat hamideh , leila amini , HOSSEINI amir 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Increasing rates of worldwide have raised concerns regarding potential overuse of this herb and its implications for maternal and neonatal health.
Method
To address these concerns, this study was conducted in Qazvin Province, Iran, to investigate the prevalence of cesarean section and identify the factors influencing the mode of delivery. Data from 2398 births spanning three years were collected, encompassing various maternal and neonatal characteristics, as well as causes leading to cesarean section. The key factors explored included maternal height, age, hypertension, diabetes, and location of residence.
Results
Advanced maternal age and shorter stature were associated with an elevated risk of cesarean section. Moreover, urban areas exhibited higher cesarean section rates than did rural areas. Maternal complications such as diabetes, preeclampsia, and eclampsia were more prevalent in the CS group. Prominent causes of cesarean section include prelabor rupture of membranes, meconium disposal, and labor progression failure. These findings shed light on the factors influencing cesarean section rates, empowering healthcare professionals to make informed decisions and promote successful vaginal births. However, it is important to acknowledge the study's limitations, such as its focus on a specific province and potential confounding variables.
Conclusion
Further research is warranted to validate these findings and explore additional factors contributing to cesarean section incidence and outcomes.
Using Alternative Definitions of Controls to Increase Statistical Power in GWAS
Authors: Benstock Sarah E. , Weaver Katherine , Hettema John , Verhulst Brad 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are underpowered due to small effect sizes of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on phenotypes and extreme multiple testing thresholds. The most common approach for increasing statistical power is to increase sample size. We propose an alternative strategy of redefining case-control outcomes into ordinal case-subthreshold-asymptomatic variables. While maintaining the clinical case threshold, we subdivide controls into two groups: individuals who are symptomatic but do not meet the clinical criteria for diagnosis (subthreshold) and individuals who are effectively asymptomatic. We conducted a simulation study to examine the impact of effect size, minor allele frequency, population prevalence, and the prevalence of the subthreshold group on statistical power to detect genetic associations in three scenarios: a standard case-control, an ordinal, and a case-asymptomatic control analysis. Our results suggest the ordinal model consistently provides the most statistical power while the case-control model the least. Power in the case-asymptomatic control model reflects the case-control or ordinal model depending on the population prevalence and size of the subthreshold category. We then analyzed a major depression phenotype from the UK Biobank to corroborate our simulation results. Overall, the ordinal model improves statistical power in GWAS consistent with increasing the sample size by approximately 10%.
Psychological resilience in deaf or hard-of-hearing students and associated factors: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Tian , Huang Shan , Liu Yuanfei , Bao Guanjun , Luo Ye 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Aim
Mental health in deaf and hard-of-hearing (D/HH) students is a severe issue. The level of psychological resilience would buffer the negative effect of mental illness. We aimed to examine the current situation of psychological resilience in D/HH students and identify the associated factors in China.
Design
A cross-sectional study.
Methods
Using multi-stage sampling, we conveniently selected two special education colleges tailored for D/HH students and randomly selected three classrooms from each grade in each college with clustering sampling. Psychological resilience was measured by the Connor - Davidson Resilience Scale. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were applied to identify multiple levels of associated factors including individual, family, peer and social environmental factors.
Results
D/HH students had a middle level of psychological resilience. The results in multivariate linear regression model showed that D/HH students with leadership experience, acquired deafness, very good lip-reading ability, family annual income 120000 RMB or above, more D/HH friends or both D/HH and hearing friends, more social support demonstrated better psychological resilience.
Conclusions
Our study has important implications for disability nursing. The findings would inform practice and policy to identify the D/HH students who are at greater risk and develop effective intervention strategies to improve the psychological resilience and mental health in this marginal population.
Patient or Public Contribution
There is no patient or public contribution.
Interplay between Two Paralogous Human Silencing Hub (HuSH) Complexes in Regulating LINE-1 Element Silencing
Authors: Lewis Peter , Jensvold Zena , Christenson Anna , Flood Julia 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The Human Silencing Hub (HuSH) complex is composed of TASOR, MPP8, and PPHLN1 subunits and serves as a conserved protein complex responsible for silencing transposable elements in vertebrate animals. Despite its importance, the regulatory mechanisms and recruitment dynamics governing this complex remain poorly understood. In this study, we have identified a second HuSH complex, termed HuSH2, centered around TASOR2, a paralog of the core TASOR protein in HuSH. Our findings indicate that every subunit in both HuSH and HuSH2 has an important role in achieving precise genomic localization to distinct, non-overlapping genomic loci. We utilized in silico protein structure prediction to simulate the interactions between MPP8 and both TASOR paralogs. Drawing on the insights gained from these predictions, we implemented amino acid substitutions that interfered with the binding of MPP8 to each HuSH complex. Leveraging these MPP8 transgenes and other constructs, we identified an important role played by the relative quantities of HuSH complexes in controlling the activity of LINE-1 elements. Furthermore, our results suggest that dynamic changes in TASOR and TASOR2 expression enable cells to finely tune the extent of HuSH-mediated silencing. Our study provides insights into the intricate interplay between HuSH complexes, illuminating their important role in the regulation of retrotransposon silencing.
Correlation Between Objective Variables in Multi-objective Optimization Problems
Authors: shahsavanpor sahar 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The problems of multi-objective optimization, due to the obligation of checking the multiplicity of objectives and the competition and trade-offs between objective benefits, have received much attention and motivation from researchers in real-world decision-makings. In this research,we want to compute the covariance between all objective functions to find out which objectives are directly affected by each other. In fact, how optimizing an spacial objective function will improve other objective's benefit or conversily will deteriorate other objective's benefit.
Modulatory effect of α-Bisabolol on induced apoptosis via mitochondrial and NF-κB/Akt/PI3K Signaling pathways in MCF-7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Arjunan Sundaresan , Balaraman Deivasigamani , Alquraishi Mohammed Ibrahim 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Breast cancer is a highly feared form of cancer that predominantly affects women. In pursuing effective treatments, herbal medicine has garnered attention as a viable resource. It holds promise as an alternative approach for managing and combating breast cancer. The primary objective of the research was to explore how α-Bisabolol hinders the growth of MCF-7 human breast cancer cells and decipher its molecular mechanisms of reducing cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis. In the experiment, cultured MCF-7 cells were divided into four distinct groups: The first group functioned as the control, whereas the second, third, and fourth groups received separate treatments of α-Bisabolol at varying concentrations. After allowing the cells to incubate for a 24-hour, we examined them to assess any alterations in their morphology after applying α-Bisabolol. This treatment led to the suppression of cell growth, an elevation in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the initiation of apoptosis. Furthermore, examination through western blot and real-time PCR unveiled that cell treated with α-Bisabolol exhibited reduced levels of the cell survival gene Bcl-2, alongside elevated levels of the pro-apoptotic genes Bax, Bad, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and cytochrome c. Meanwhile, NF-κB, p-PI3K, and p-Akt proteins were downregulated in α-Bisabolol treated cells. These results suggest that α-Bisabolol diminishes the cell viability of MCF-7 cells and triggers cellular apoptosis through both the mitochondrial pathway and the NF-κB/Akt/PI3K signaling pathways.
A clinical study on spinal anaesthesia with an equal dose and different concentrations of ropivacaine combined with epidural anaesthesia during caesarean section
Authors: Li Xiu-Qin , Liu Yang , Zhao Di , Chen Chun-Jiang , Xu Jian-Hong 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: Patients who undergo spinal anaesthesia combined with epidural block during caesarean section often have prolonged dyskinesia and leg numbness after the operation. This study explored whether small-dose and low-concentration local anaesthetics can meet the needs of surgery while helping relieve motor blocks earlier, reduce discomfort during leg numbness, and promote early maternal activity to provide additional options for women undergoing caesarean section.
Methods: One hundred and twenty patients who underwent elective caesarean section were randomly divided into three groups according to the local anaesthetic concentration: 0.6%, 0.5%, and 0.4% ropivacaine. In all the groups, the puncture point, total dose and injection speed were the same, and an epidural catheter was inserted. Additionally, 2% lidocaine was added to the epidural catheter when the effect of spinal anaesthesia decreased during the operation. The primary outcome was the duration of lidocaine supplementation. Other secondary outcomes were the onset time, duration, highest sensory and motor block levels, use of additional epidural drugs, vital signs, adverse reactions, satisfaction and so on.
Results: The sensory and motor block levels decreased faster and were shorter in the 0.4% ropivacaine group than in the other two groups, but additional epidural drugs were needed. Intraoperative circulation was more stable. There were no significant differences in adverse reactions or satisfaction among the groups.
Conclusions: A small dose of 0.4% ropivacaine can meet the needs of surgery during combined spinal-epidural anaesthesia for caesarean section, and parturients can recover lower limb sensation and motor function faster after surgery; however, it is necessary to determine the operation time and administer epidural drugs in a timely manner.
Trial registration: ChiCTR-2000030968 (Chictr.org.cn); registered on 20/03/2020.
Placental Histopathological Abnormalities in Adverse Obstetric Outcomes: A retrospective Cross-sectional Study at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital
Authors: Fahdi Maryam Al , Riyami Nihal Al , Ahmed Bushra 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the placental histopathological abnormality results in adverse obstetric outcomes and determine if there is a relationship between a specific adverse obstetric outcome and a placental histopathological finding.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2017 to January 2020 including women who were admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital with an adverse obstetric outcome, where the placenta was sent for histopathological examination. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), version 28 and Microsoft Excel. Fisher Exact test was used for measuring the statistically significant relationship between a placenta histopathological abnormality and adverse obstetric outcome. A p value of <0.05 was determined to be statistically significant.
Results: 191 women were included in the study. The most common adverse obstetric outcomes included preterm labor (25.1%), fetal growth restriction (FGR) (19.4%), preeclampsia and related complications (15%), placental abruption (14.1%), and chorioamnionitis (14%). Seventy-four percent of cases were reported with placental abnormality. In preterm labor, inflammatory lesions were present in 50.0% (p = 0.002). In FGR, fetal thrombotic vasculopathy lesions were present in 5.4% (p = 0.037). In preeclampsia, half of the cases had maternal under perfusion lesions (p = 0.001).
Conclusions: Placental histopathological examination is an important tool when assessing perinatal outcomes. The placental histopathological results must be correlated with various obstetrical conditions and adverse outcomes. In addition, the results can yield to valuable information that will help the obstetricians in formulating an appropriate management plan in future pregnancies.
Central Precocious Puberty in a Chinese Girl with cblC-Type Methylmalonic Acidemia: a case report
Authors: Liu Xiaoxiao , Ma Shifeng , Zheng Rongxiu 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Cobalamin C-type methylmalonic acidemia (cblC-type MMA) is an autosomal-recessive genetic disease characterized by intracellular cobalamin (vitamin B12) metabolic disorder caused by MMACHC mutations. cblC-type MMA has diverse clinical manifestations due to the dysfunction of multiple organs. Central precocious puberty (CPP) is caused by early activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonad axis before 8 years of age for girls and 9 years of age for boys.
Case presentation:
A Chinese girl was diagnosed with cblC-type MMA at 33 days old with elevated serum levels of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. Genetic screening revealed compound heterozygous mutations in exon 4 of the MMACHC gene, the variants were c.445_446insA (p.C149XfsX1) inherited from father and c.609G > A (p.W203X) inherited from the mother. She was treated with special formula powder (isoleucine, methionine, threonine and proline removed) and an intramuscular injection of hydroxycobalt ammonium, oral L-carnitine and betaine after diagnosis. She showed breast development, elevated baseline levels of sex hormones and increased uterine volume at 7 years and 9 months of age, and CPP was definitively diagnosed. Gonadotrophin releasing hormone analogue (GnRHa) and rhGH were used to protect growth for the patient without obvious side effects up to date.
Conclusions
Abnormal metabolites of methionine due to MMACHC gene mutations, may lead to CPP in children with MMA. For patients diagnosed with both MMA and CPP, combined treatment with GnRHa and rhGH may be safe and sufficient to improve adult height.