bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc Recovery from Alkaline Batteries Using Cyanex 272 Impregnated on Polyurethane Foam
Authors: Adebayo Matthew , Adebayo Albert , Otunla Oluwaseun 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In this study, zinc which is an important industrial metal and the major component of alkaline battery was recovered from spent alkaline batteries using a Cyanex 272 (solvent) impregnated on polyurethane foam (PUF). The impregnation of Cyanex 272 on PUF was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The relevant factors affecting recovery of zinc such as pH, concentration of the solvent, dosage of the absorbent, temperature, and flow rate were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra showed that Cyanex 272 can be easily impregnated on polyurethane foam. The optimum conditions for this Zn recovery are: pH of 4, extractant concentration of 0.4 M, adsorbent dosage of 5 g, temperature of about 338 K and extraction time of 60 min. Avrami fractional-order kinetic model is the best model for kinetic study while Bohart-Adams model is the best model for the data of the columnar study. The result showed that solvent impregnation method is an effective technique of zinc recovery from spent alkaline batteries; about 95.7% Zn was recovered from the sample after elution with 6 M HCl. Hence, Zn can be effectively recovered from solution (spent batteries) using PUF impregnated with Cyanex 272.
Prevalence of pathogenic bacteria in wild rodents near natural water bodies from Sarawak, Borneo
Authors: Azmi Muhammad Amin Iman , William-Dee Julius , Morni Muhd Amsyari , Khan Faisal Ali Anwarali 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The gut microbiota of wild rodents is characterised by high bacterial diversity that could be influenced by the surrounding environment. However, specific environmental features that directly influence the gut bacterial diversity of rodents remain relatively unknown. Natural water bodies could play a role in shaping the gut microbiota as rodents could act as a reservoir for the bacterial community that is present in water surfaces. Characterising the gut microbiome of wild rodents is essential as the transmission of pathogenic bacteria to human settlements could occur due to the synanthropic nature of the rodents. Rodent trappings and water quality assessments of nearby natural bodies were carried out in forested areas adjacent to human settlements across Sarawak, Borneo. Nanopore sequencing was performed on the extracted DNA from the collected faecal samples (n=16). 51 pathogenic bacterial genera, representing approximately 11% of the overall bacterial abundance, were detected from sequencing 16 rodent individuals from five distinct species. These bacteria could cause zoonotic diseases and includes the genera Clostridium, Klebsiella, and Helicobacter. Some bacterial species were also found to be commonly shared between study sites (e.g. Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus). Correlation analysis revealed that only one genus (Enterococcus) had significant correlation with water quality (BOD). This study highlights the potential public health risks that could be caused by the transmission of pathogenic bacteria to nearby human settlements by rodents as the host.
Reassessing Estrogen Receptor Expression Thresholds for Breast Cancer Prognosis in HER2-negative Patients Using Shape Restricted Modeling
Authors: Dong Wenli , Fujii Takeo , Ning Jing , Iwase Toshiaki , Qin Jing , Ueno Naoto T , Shen Yu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To assess the dynamic link between continuous estrogen receptor (ER) expression and long-term clinical outcomes in non-metastatic breast cancer and to identify the ideal cutoff value for ER expression to optimize endocrine therapy use.
Methods
The study included 3055 female patients with stage II or III HER2-negative breast cancer. The primary outcomes were time to recurrence or death (TTR) and overall survival (OS). We used a novel shape-restricted Cox model to determine the desirable ER expression cutoff to predict breast cancer prognoses. Our novel model allows ER as a continuous variable, utilizing a flexible monotone-shaped Cox regression to assess its association with survival outcomes holistically.
Results
The shape-restricted Cox model identified 10% ER as the preferred cutoff to predict TTR. The finding was confirmed by the log-rank test and standard Cox model that patients with ER ≥ 10% had TTR benefit over ER < 10% (log-rank p < 0.001). No OS or TTR benefit of adjuvant endocrine therapy was observed in patients with 1% ≤ ER < 10% (HR 0.877, 95% CI 0.481–1.600, p = 0.668 for TTR and HR 0.698, 95% CI 0.337–1.446, p = 0.333 for OS).
Conclusions
Using the shape-restricted Cox model, this study suggests a potential preferred threshold of 10% for predicting TTR. The findings could assist physicians in effectively weighing the benefits and risks of adjuvant endocrine therapy for patients with ER < 10% disease, particularly in cases involving severe adverse events. Further prospective studies are warranted to validate the recommended cutoff value.
STAP-2 facilitates insulin signaling through binding to CAP/c-Cbl and regulates adipocyte differentiation
Authors: Sekine Yuichi , Kikkawa Kazuna , Honda Sachie , Sasaki Yuto , Kawahara Shoya , Mizushima Akihiro , Fujimuro Masahiro , Oritani Kenji , Matsuda Tadashi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Signal-transducing adaptor protein-2 (STAP-2) is an adaptor molecule involved in several cellular signaling cascades. Here, we attempted to identify novel STAP-2 interacting molecules, and identified c-Cbl associated protein (CAP) as a binding protein through the C-terminal proline-rich region of STAP-2. Expression of STAP-2 increased the interaction between CAP and c-Cbl, suggesting that STAP-2 bridges these proteins and enhances complex formation. CAP/c-Cbl complex is known to regulate GLUT4 translocation in insulin signaling. STAP-2 overexpressed human hepatocyte Hep3B cells showed enhanced GLUT4 translocation after insulin treatment. Elevated levels of Stap2 mRNA have been observed in 3T3-L1 cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) during adipocyte differentiation. The differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes was highly promoted by retroviral overexpression of STAP-2. In contrast, STAP-2 knockout (KO) MEFs exhibited suppressed adipogenesis. The increase in body weight with high-fat diet feeding was significantly decreased in STAP-2 KO mice compared to WT animals. These data suggest that the expression of STAP-2 correlates with adipogenesis. Thus, STAP-2 is a novel regulatory molecule that controls insulin signal transduction by forming a c-Cbl/STAP-2/CAP ternary complex.
Superior Primary Stability of a Knotless Double-Row Construct Compared to Mason-Allen Repair for Anatomical Refixation of Gluteal Tendons – Biomechanical Human Cadaver Study
Authors: Twardy Vanessa , Warnecke Daniela , Banke Ingo Jörg , Scheele Christian , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Harrasser Norbert , Prodinger Peter M. , Roth Martina , Wijdicks Coen 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background
Hip abductor tendon tears are still an underrated diagnosis. This may lead to inefficient conservative therapy with only temporary pain relief and potential permanent disability. In clinical settings surgical treatments especially double-row repair techniques show good short-term results. However, sufficient biomechanical data are still lacking. Therefore, the aim of this study was to prove the superiority of knotless double-row (Hip Bridge) repair over still frequently used standard Mason-Allen technique in a cadaver study.
Methods
Gluteus minimus and medius were released in 12 fresh-frozen human cadaveric specimens and reattached to their footprints either with transosseous Mason-Allen (MA) or knotless double-row Hip Bridge (HB) technique. HB consisted of two proximal PEEK anchors, each preloaded with double-V shaped tapes, crossed, and distally fixated with two additional anchors. Femurs were fixated in a custom-made sample holder and gluteal muscles were clamped using a cryo-jaw. The construct underwent a cyclic loading test between 10 and 125 N for 150 cycles at 2.5 Hz (preload 10 N), followed by a pull-to-failure test. Failure mode and elongation were determined, the latter by a 3D optical measurement system. Statistical analysis was performed using a one-tailed t-test with a significance level set to p ≤0.05.
Results
HB resulted in significantly higher ultimate failure loads (339.1 ± 144.4 N) than MA (209.6 ± 62.1 N, p = 0.0381). HB failed ultimately only due to tendon failure, while MA showed different failure modes: tendon failure (1/6), bone cutting (4/6), and muscle rupture (1/6). During prior cyclic loading, the calculated final plastic elongation was 4.4 ± 0.5 mm for MA and 3.4 ± 1.4 mm for HB (p = 0.0731). During pull-to-failure testing, stiffness of 59.7 ± 12.5 N/mm and 66.8 ± 18.4 N/mm were observed for MA and HB (p = 0.247).
Conclusion
Hip Bridge technique provides a biomechanical stability superior to the standard Mason-Allen repair technique showing significantly higher ultimate failure loads and a trend of less elongation. A reason for this might be greater contact restoration of the anatomical footprint, a crucial advantage in the treatment of the typically weakened tendons and bones of elderly patients.
Level of Evidence
Laboratory study.
Novel Solution Proposal for Internet of Things (IoT) Security-Based Cooperative Radio Resources System
Authors: Hamrouni Chafaa 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The deployment technologies are expected to spread more widely to support the long-term evolution of advanced (LTE-A) small-cells. Small-cell users indoors can take advantage of robust connections. This study focuses on maintaining the performance control systems to enable effective monitoring and administration of intelligent building operations since security services and access control have grown in importance in systems for smart buildings. It used a cooperative Radio Resource allocation approach for LTE-A systems. Within smart buildings, the goal is to improve Quality of Service (QoS) and reduce interference from users and small cells. This paper proposed an approach to effectively accommodating active mobile users within small cells. This study used an innovative approach for selecting and allocating physical resource blocks to enhance resource use. The efficacy of this technique was substantiated by research findings, which were based on simulation results. These results highlight the achievement of optimal system throughput while maintaining the QoS for users.
Subcuticular and biofilm microbiomes in Holothuria tubulosa and its potential for denitrification
Authors: Martínez-Moreno Silke , León-Palmero Elizabeth , Pula Héctor , Cabello Ana María , Ferrera Isabel , Reche Isabel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Holothurians, as benthic invertebrates inhabiting the marine ecosystems, play a crucial function by actively processing organic detritus in the sediments. Previous works have provided evidence of holothurians capability to reduce nitrate and ammonium concentrations in aquaculture tanks. However, the mechanisms underlying this nitrogen decrease still needs to be elucidated and might be related to bacterial symbionts in the holothurians. Here we characterize the community of bacterial symbionts in the biofilm and subcuticle of Holothuria tubulosa and explored the presence of nitrification and denitrification genes. To characterize these bacterial symbionts, we extracted DNA and amplified the V3-V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene. We obtained a notable contribution of Bacteroidota, Alphaproteobacteria (mostly Rhodobacterales), and Gammaproteobacteria (mostly Pseudomonadales) both within the biofilm and subcuticle of H. tubulosa. Subsequently, we tested the presence of specific genes encoding enzymes involved in nitrification (i.e., archaeal amoA and bacterial amoA) and denitrification processes (i.e., nirS and nosZ). Our results confirm the presence of denitrification genes in the holothurian biofilms. These findings indicate that the holothurians house a diverse community of bacterial symbionts, which includes species with the potential for nitrogen removal. Therefore, holothurian holobionts may play a multifaceted ecological role, both processing organic detritus and reducing nitrogen levels in coastal areas. These roles could be extended to sustainable aquaculture, making them valuable ecosystem engineers with significant implications for ecosystem and aquaculture health.
Squalene Recovery from Uzen Oil Field Wastewater: a Novel Non-Biological Resource Potential
Authors: Suleimen Yerlan M. , Trofimov Alexander N. , Suleimen Raigul N. , Ashimbayeva Meruyert D. , Akbay Burkitkan , Baibekov Seidikasym N. , Tkenbayev Sultan M. , Talipbekov Abilseit D. , Tokay Tursonjan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Squalene (2,3-oxidosqualene), a critical precursor in the biosynthesis of cell membrane steroids, is enzymatically derived via squalene synthase in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic organisms. Its remarkable physicochemical properties and potent antioxidant characteristics underlie its extensive application across multifarious sectors including nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fragrance industries. Historically, squalene has been predominantly sourced from shark liver oil and select plant oils. However, contemporary sustainable considerations have spurred pioneering investigations into unconventional reservoirs. This study presents a pioneering endeavor wherein squalene is extracted from the wastewater of Kazakhstan's Uzen oil field, showcasing a distinctive non-biological resource that holds profound implications across scientific and industrial domains. In this study, wastewater samples from the Uzen oil field were collected, extracted, and the composition of volatile dissolved compounds in the extract was investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Notably, the predominant constituents were hydrocarbons, which is expected. Intriguingly, the analysis also revealed substantial quantities of squalene—a natural biomarker of oil. This unexpected discovery underscores the remarkable potential of this unconventional source.
MXene-based pressure sensor with ultrahigh sensitivity in a small pressure range for voiceless speaking and abnormal writing recognition
Authors: Du Yuzhang , Lu Wenxuan , Liu Yichen , Yu Rui , Wu Panzhen , Kong Jie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Language and characters contain rich information and play an important role in daily communication. Although flexible pressure sensors have aroused extensive attention in information interaction, the application in the special groups who characterized with “voiceless” and/or “dysgraphia” cannot normally speak and/or write is usually ignored. Herein, a high-performance flexible pressure sensor was proposed to learn the expression content from special groups through recognizing the voiceless speaking and abnormal writing. Thanks for the enhanced interfacial interactions and air gaps constructed in device, the as-prepared sensor possesses ultrahigh sensitivity in a small pressure range (S = 45.95 kPa− 1, P < 1 kPa) and exhibits an outstanding sensitivity to the slight pressure resulted from voice and writing. In addition, high stability, good flexibility, short response time of 123 ms, and excellent durability over 2000 cycles are also achieved. As the voice and writing detector, it can accurately recognize different voice signals and characters stroke order. Importantly, by comparing with the electrical signals obtained under normal speaking and writing conditions, the real expression content from the special groups can be well acquired. This high-performance pressure sensor, along with its unique structure designing, is expected to be widely used in human − computer interaction, health monitoring, and soft robotics.
Identification of candidate genes for adult plant stripe rust resistance transferred from Aegilops ventricosa 2NvS into wheat via fine mapping and transcriptome analysis
Authors: Wang Yuqi , Gao Mengru , Jiang Yunfeng , Huang Wuzhou , Zhao Xin , Zhu Wei , Li Hao , Wang Yi , Zeng Jian , Wu Dandan , Wei Yuming , Zhou Yonghong , Zheng Youliang , Zhang Peng , Chen Guoyue , kang Houyang 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The 2NvS translocation from Aegilops ventricosa, known for its resistance to various diseases, has been pivotal in global wheat breeding for more than three decades. Here we identified an adult plant resistance (APR) gene in the 2NvS segment in wheat line K13-868. Through fine mapping in a segregating near-isogenic line (NIL) derived population of 6,389 plants, the candidate region for the APR gene was narrowed down to between 19.36 Mb and 33 Mb in the Jagger v1.1 genome. Transcriptome analysis in NILs strongly suggested that this APR gene conferred resistance to stripe rust by triggering plant innate immune responses. Two disease resistance-associated genes within the candidate region, TraesJAG2A01G041000 and TraesJAG2A01G046200, exhibited a stronger response to Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) infection at the adult plant stage than at the seedling stage, indicating that they could be potential candidates for the resistance gene. Additionally, we developed a co-dominant InDel marker, InDel_31.05, for detecting this APR gene. Applying this marker showed that over one-half of the wheat varieties approved in 2021 and 2022 in Sichuan province, China, carry this gene. Agronomic trait evaluation of NILs indicated that the 2NvS segment effectively mitigated the negative effects of stripe rust on yield without affecting other important agronomic traits. This study provided valuable insights for cloning and breeding through the utilization of the APR gene present in the 2NvS segment.
Nano-superhydrophilic and bioactive surface in poor bone environment. Part 1: transition from primary to secondary stability. A controlled clinical trial.
Authors: Luigi Canullo , Roberta Iacono , Maria Menini , Paolo Pesce , Sculean Anton , Fabbro Massimo Del 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objectives Bioactive surfaces were designed to increase the interaction between the surface and the cells. This may speed the biological stability and loading protocols.Materials and Methods 36 patients with D3-D4 bone density were recruited and allocated into two groups. 30 bioactive (test group) and 30 traditional (control group) surfaced implants were placed. Insertion torque value (ITV) insertion torque curve integral, ISQ measured at three timepoints (baseline-T0, 30 (T30) and 45 (T45) days after surgery), time of loading, and marginal bone loss (MBL) at 6 months were assessed.Results The mean ISQ at T0, T30, T45 were respectively 74.57 ± 7.85, 74.78 ± 7.31, 74.97 ± 6.34 in test group, and 77.12 ± 5.83, 73.33 ± 6.13, 73.44 ± 7.89 in control group, respectively. Data analysis showed significant differences between groups in ΔISQ at T0-T30 (p = 0.005) and T30-T45 (p = 0.012). Control group showed a significant decrease in ISQ at T30 (p = 0.01) and T45 (p = 0.03) compared to baseline, while no significant change was observed in test group. Due to the stability of the ISQ curve, 26 test group and 23 control group implants were functionally loaded after 45 days. Conversely, due to the ISQ < 70 at T45, 4 test group implants and 1 control group implant were loaded after 90 days, and 6 control group implants were loaded after 180 days.Conclusions The bioactive surface showed better behavior in terms of implant stability in D3-D4 bone quality in the early stages of bone healing.
Risk of incidence and mortality of site-specific cancers in 3.8 million adults with periodontal disease and tooth loss
Authors: Lee Seung Yeon , Kim Kyae Hyung 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Although studies have begun to suggest that periodontal disease is associated with an increased risk of cancer, its association with site-specific cancer incidence and mortality has not been thoroughly investigated. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study of a population of 3,845,280 using data from the National Health Examination in the Korean National Health Insurance Database from 2006 to 2019 and National Statistics Data from 2010 to 2019. Cox proportional hazards models were applied to estimate the association between periodontal disease and site-specific cancer risk of incidence and mortality with adjustment of multiple confounders. After 39,540,029 person-years of follow-up, we identified 181,754 new cancer cases and 37,135 cancer deaths. Tooth loss was significantly associated with stomach cancer [adjusted hazard ratios (aHR): 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05-1.11], colorectal cancer (1.13, 1.09-1.16), liver cancer (1.09, 1.04-1.14), and lung cancer (1.04, 1.01-1.08) incidence. Tooth loss was significantly associated with mortality for total cancer (1.12, 1.09-1.14), stomach cancer (1.21, 1.12-1.31), colorectal cancer (1.14, 1.05-1.23), liver cancer (1.16, 1.09-1.23), lung cancer (1.08, 1.03-1.13), and prostate cancer (1.24, 1.04-1.47) mortality. Our data suggest that periodontal disease could increase cancer risk of incidence and mortality, especially gastrointestinal cancers.
Mismatch repair genes as prognosis biomarkers for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Chen , Li Xiaoqiang , Zhuang Chiyue , Du Jiahui , Wang XinQi , Deng Bicheng , Lu Sihan , Wang Weijie , Xu Ping , Liu Song-Bai 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Great progress was made in early diagnosis and in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in most countries, but the mortality rate is still very high. The outcome for HCC patients is influenced not just by the traits of the tumor, but also by its cause, liver functionality, and individual variations, leading to past models not yielding optimal outcomes. Mismatch repair is highly related to the prognosis and progression of liver cancer. However, the prediction model of liver cancer progression by mismatch repair pathway-related genes has not been established. Methods: In this study, mismatch repair pathway-related genes were screened from the TCGA and ICGC databases. We employed both univariate analysis and lasso Cox regression analysis to pinpoint eight genes and formulate a risk score. The model's clinical utility was subsequently confirmed through Cox regression analyses. Results: We chose eight genes (YBX1, PSMD14, NOP58, RUVBL1, HMMR, KPNA2, BSG, and IRAK1) from the set of mismatch repair genes and utilized them to create a prognostic risk factor, which was subsequently validated by using TCGA database. The results indicated a big difference in prognosis between risk groups, categorized based on median risk coefficient. Additionally, we employed a nomogram to predict overall survival. Furthermore, when we conducted functional enrichment analysis, it revealed a connection between the high-risk group and cell cycle process and DNA replication synthesis. Further analysis also suggested that differences in prognosis between various risk groups could be attributed to an immunosuppressed tumor microenvironment. Discussion: The prognostic model composed of 8 mismatch repair pathway-related genes has potential application value and good predictive performance. The related genes may be biomarkers for HCC treatment, which can provide new strategy in guiding the clinical prediction of prognosis.