bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sonophotocatalysis for enhanced extraction of corn cob xylan and simultaneous production of Xylose and Xylooligosaccharides
Authors: Rohini B , Hebbar Umesh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This study aims at evaluating the synergistic effect of Sonophotocatalysis (SP) for enhanced extraction of corncob xylan. The effect of different pretreatment methods namely Sonocatalysis (US+ZnO), Photocatalysis (PC), Ultrasonication at 20 % amplitude (US 20) and Sonophotocatalysis at amplitude of 20% (SP 20) were studied. Amongst, SP 20 resulted in two folds and five folds enhanced xylan extraction compared to US 20 and PC, respectively. Further, the results from the studies performed with varying sonication amplitude and extraction about 90.1±1.8 % of CCB xylan could be extracted within 15 min with SP 90. This reaction condition resulted in 14.59±1 % of xylose and 84.5±2.01 % of total XOS relative to the initial xylan content. From our study it was evident that combination of US and PC resulted in enhanced extraction of CCB xylan with reduced time and mild reaction condition without the use of additional chemicals. Further the extracted xylan was simultaneously hydrolyzed into xylose and XOS of DP (2-4) i.e X2, X3 and X4. The present study showed that SP could be a promising method for one pot production of XOS and xylose from CCB xylan.
Understanding the Challenges and Opportunities in sustaining health interventions during the transition from external assistance: A Case study of the Output-Based Voucher Scheme in Kenya
Authors: Onyango Joseph Odhiambo , Ogira Dosila , Murunga Annette , Kokwaro Gilbert 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Kenya's economic shift has transformed donor aid in healthcare, prompting an examination of its ability to maintain health intervention coverage without donor funding. The study focuses on the Output Based Approach (OBA) Voucher Programme (2005–2015), investigating subsidized safe motherhood services for the economically disadvantaged.
Methods
Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, we used a single group Interrupted Time Series design to analyse quantitative data from the District Health Information System (DHIS2) between January 2012 and December 2018. Thematic analysis of qualitative data from key informant interviews provided additional insights.
Findings:
Post-donor funding cessation, notable declines in key indicators were observed. Committed political leadership, increased funding, and initiatives like Universal Health Coverage (Linda Mama) countered these declines. Initially marked by challenges like corruption, implementation hurdles were systematically addressed through phased strategies, bilateral agreements, and supportive policies. Stakeholder engagement, initially lacking, improved through sustained interaction with key actors and the government.
Conclusion
The study underscores the need to fortify health system capacity and highlights the critical role of supportive policy frameworks in sustaining health intervention coverage. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers aiming to enhance sustainability in Kenya and analogous contexts, especially amid declining external funding.
Associations between common genetic variants and income provide insights about the socioeconomic health gradient
Authors: Koellinger Philipp D , Kweon Hyeokmoon , Burik Casper , Ning Yuchen , Ahlskog Rafael , Xia Charley , Abner Erik , Bao Yanchun , Bhatta Laxmi , Faquih Tariq , de Feijter Maud , Fisher Paul , Gelemanović Andrea , Giannelis Alexandros , Hottenga Jouke-Jan , Khalili Bita , Lee Yunsung , Li-Gao Ruifang , Masso Jaan , Myhre Ronny , Palviainen Teemu , Rietveld Cornelius , Teumer Alexander , Verweij Resnke , Willoughby Emily , Agerbo Esben , Bergmann Sven , Boomsma D , Borglum Anders , Brumpton Ben , Davies Neil , Esko Tõnu , Gordon Scott , Homuth Georg , Ikram M. Arfan , Johannesson Magnus , Kaprio Jaakko , Kidd Michael , Kutalik Zoltán , Kwong Alex , Lee James , Luik Annemarie , Magnus Per , Marques-Vidal Pedro , Martin Nicholas , Mook-Kanamori Dennis , Mortensen Preben , Oskarsson Sven , Pedersen Emil , Polašek Ozren , Rosendaal Frits , Smart Melissa , Snieder Harold , Most Peter van der , Vollenweider Peter , Völzke Henry , Willemsen Gonneke , Beauchamp Jonathan , DiPrete Thomas , Linnér Richard Karlsson , Lu Qiongshi , Morris Tim , Okbay Aysu , Harden K , Abdellaoui Abdel , Hill William , de Vlaming Ronald , Benjamin Daniel 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) on income among individuals of European descent and leveraged the results to investigate the socio-economic health gradient (N=668,288). We found 162 genomic loci associated with a common genetic factor underlying various income measures, all with small effect sizes. Our GWAS-derived polygenic index captures 1 - 4% of income variance, with only one-fourth attributed to direct genetic effects. A phenome-wide association study using this polygenic index showed reduced risks for a broad spectrum of diseases, including hypertension, obesity, type 2 diabetes, coronary atherosclerosis, depression, asthma, and back pain. The income factor showed a substantial genetic correlation (0.92, s.e. = .006) with educational attainment (EA). Accounting for EA's genetic overlap with income revealed that the remaining genetic signal for higher income related to better mental health but reduced physical health benefits and increased participation in risky behaviours such as drinking and smoking.
MicroRNAs underlying the antidepressant effect of psilocybin – Establishing an nCounter pipeline for microRNA-quantification in the pig brain
Authors: Kaadt Erik , Søkilde Rolf , Hansen Hanne , Raval Nakul , Lundgaard Lene , Just Jesper , Knudsen Gitte , Elfving Betina 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Novel treatment strategies are needed to overcome some of the current challenges related to treatment resistance and treatment latency within the psychiatric field. Recently, psilocybin has shown promise as a novel treatment of major depressive disorder. A single dose of psilocybin is associated with lasting changes in personality and mood. In parallel, various studies have indicated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are regulated after antidepressive interventions. Here, pigs were used to study the transcriptional profiles of miRNAs in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HIP), 1 day and 1 week after a single dose of psilocybin. A streamlined process was developed to adapt the Nanostring nCounter technology, specifically the Human v3b miRNA Assay panel, for compatibility with pig tissue samples. The mirmachine tool was used to select miRNAs with complete human-pig sequence conservation to make a conservative reannotation of pig microRNAs. Furthermore, different normalization strategies were employed. Utilizing this pipeline, dysregulation of 12 miRNAs in the PFC and 2 miRNAs in the HIP was ∂identified 1 day after psilocybin administration. Seven days after psilocybin administration, only 4 dysregulated miRNAs were observed in the HIP. Among the 18 identified miRNAs, 9 have previously been linked to depression. Notably, miR-212-3p and miR-107 displayed robust acute regulation across all four normalization strategies in the PFC. The two miRNAs are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects, mirroring previously reported effects of psilocybin. These results suggest that psilocybin may exert its acute and sustained molecular effects through the regulation of specific miRNAs in core brain areas of depression.
Water scarcity mitigation through water security plan - A case study from Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Chintalapudi Padmakar , Khadse Gajanan , Pujari Paras , Ram Raghuvanshi , Labhasetwar Pawan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The Shivpuri district of Madhya Pradesh in central India faces severe scarcity of water for drinking and other purposes during summer season. This situation prevailed due to compounded hydrogeological conditions with less precipitation and over exploitation of groundwater for irrigation needs. To address the water scarcity issue, a village water security plan (WSP) is prepared at a micro-watershed level for drought prone villages in Shivpuri tehsil of Shivpuri district in Madhya Pradesh. The plan entails about water sources and their utilization in a sustainable manner to cater the water requirements in the area. The study reveals that groundwater (GW) extraction excessively exceeds the groundwater recharge and it leads to depletion of groundwater level. Out of the total available groundwater, about 98% is used for irrigation and 2% for household purposes. The groundwater stage development above 100% indicates the over exploitation of groundwater, and the study area comes under critical category. The physico-chemical parameters of the groundwater are within the permissible limits as per BIS standards. The remote sensing data were used for thematic mapping to prepare a water security plan for augmentation of groundwater in the area. The study reveals that the organized scientific surveys facilitate in improvement of existing groundwater resources which can fulfill the requirements of local people.
A Case Report of Statin-Induced Fluctuations in Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Levels in a Breast Cancer Survivor
Authors: Alizadehasl Azin , Aliabadi Azam Yalameh , Jebelli Seyedeh Fatemeh Hosseini , Forati Sarah , Zonooz Yasamin Afsari 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Introduction:This case report explores the unique fluctuations of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) levels in a breast cancer survivor following statin therapy, contributing to the body of knowledge by documenting a potential drug interaction not commonly recognized in medical literature.
Patient's Main Concerns and Clinical Findings: A 63-year-old female breast cancer survivor presented with significant CEA level elevations post-initiation of atorvastatin for cardiovascular screening, which was not explained by conventional diagnostic assessments.
Primary Diagnoses, Interventions, and Outcomes: The primary intervention was the administration of atorvastatin, which coincided with the rise in CEA levels, followed by a marked decrease upon drug cessation, suggesting a statin-induced effect.
Conclusion:The case highlights the necessity for clinicians to be aware of the potential for statins to affect tumor markers like CEA, advocating for personalized monitoring and consideration of such interactions in cancer survivorship care. Further investigation into statin-induced CEA fluctuations is recommended to understand the implications for cancer surveillance and management.
Environmental exposures associated with atopy in a rural community in Gwanda district, Zimbabwe: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndlovu Vuyelwa , Chimbari Moses , Ndarukwa Pisirai , Sibanda Elopy 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
The increasing prevalence of allergic diseases in Zimbabwe may be attributed to changing environmental exposure patterns. In this study, we sought to identify the most influential environmental and lifestyle factors that may explain the observed atopy in a rural community in Zimbabwe.
Methods
Using a cross-sectional study, information on a wide array of environmental and lifestyle exposures was self-reported by a sample of participants (children aged < 18 years and adults aged ≥ 18 years) in the Gwanda district, Zimbabwe. To consenting participants, we performed skin prick testing (SPT) at a local clinic in Gwanda district to identify atopic individuals. Variables with a p value < 0.25 from univariate analysis were included in backward-elimination multiple logistic regression analysis. Separate regression analyses were conducted for children (n = 108), adults (n = 388), and a subgroup of adults whoreported ever being employed in any potentially harmful occupation (n =153).
Results
Compared with boys, girls were more likely to be sensitised to at least one allergen (OR= 4.87, 95% CI=1.22-19.51). Among adults, the likelihood of sensitisation increased with increasing age (OR= 1.02, 95% CI=1.01-1.03) and with a history of bloody urine and/or schistosomiasis (OR=2.20, 95% CI=0.98-4.95). In the subgroup of adults whoreported ever being employed in any potentially harmful occupation, atopic sensitisation was associated with a history of tuberculosis (TB)(OR= 3.37, 95% CI=1.08-10.52) and a history of bloody urine and/or schistosomiasis (OR=4.36, 95% CI=1.40-13.65). Other notable, though not significant, factors were passive or parental smoking, alcohol consumption, indoor dampness and visible mould on walls.
Conclusion
Risk factors for atopy included age, sex, passive smoking, alcohol consumption, indoor dampness, visible mould, and history of TB, bloody urine or schistosomiasis. Exposure to harmful pollutants typically found in occupational settings coupled with a history of TB or helminth infection particularly increased the likelihood of atopy amongadults. Longitudinal studies to explore the temporal and causal relationships between these factors and allergic outcomes areessential. There is a need for early public health interventions to address environmental and lifestyle factors for the prevention and control of allergic diseases in African rural communities.
Prevalence, risk factors, and adverse perinatal outcomes in Chinese women with pre-eclampsia: a large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wu Kaiqi , Li Shuai , Yin Binin , Zhu Xiaojun , Zhu Bo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is the primary cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality. However, comprehensive studies on the related risk factors with PE and its effects on adverse perinatal outcomes are limited.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study from January 1, 2018, to December 31, 2019, which enrolled 38,496 women without pre-eclampsia (non-PE) and 1130 women with PE. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine the risk factors and adverse perinatal outcomes of PE.
Results
Multivariate logistic regression models showed that maternal age > 35 years, pp-BMI overweight/obesity, excessive gestational weight gain, multiparity, twin pregnancy, IVF, cesarean section history, times of abortion history ≥ 2, GDM, and ICP were significantly associated with the risk of PE (all P < 0.05). Women with PE in singleton pregnancies were associated with an increased risk of maternal outcomes of cesarean section, and preterm birth, and a higher risk of neonatal outcomes of stillbirth, low birth weight, fetal distress, neonatal asphyxia, and neonatal unit admission, which were also observed in women with PE in twin pregnancies, except for stillbirth and neonatal asphyxia.
Conclusions
This study identified the risk factors and associated adverse perinatal outcomes of PE, which providing comprehensive evidence for clinicians to manage women at risk of PE.
Chromosome-scale Genome Assembly of the Alloenneaploid Arundo donax
Authors: Ren Mengmeng , Han Xiaohong , Liu Fupeng , Wu Daohong , Peng Hai 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Arundo donax L (A. donax). is a promising energy crop with high biomass and wide adaptability, while lack of reference genome limiting the genetic improvement of this crop. Here, we report the first chromosome-scale assembly of A. donax genome using Pacbio SMRT sequencing and Hi-C technology. The genome size of this assembly is 1.30 Gb with contig N50 33.15 Mb. A total of 74,403 gene models were predicted, of which over 90% of genes were functionally annotated. Karyotype analysis and synteny analysis revealed that A. donaxis an alloenneaploid (3n = 9x = 108). Comparative genome analysis indicated that A. donax has undergone strong gene family expansion and two whole-genome duplication events during evolution. Based on the genome assembly, we mined numerous salinity stress related genes using public RNA-seq data. The genome assembly we provided in this study will enhance genetic understanding and promote the genetic improvement of A. donax.
Prospect of Peat as an Energy Source from Hakaluki Haor, Sylhet and Moulvibazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Masum Mohammed , Khan Mohammad Omer Faruk 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Prospect of Peat as an Energy Source from Hakaluki Haor, Moulvibazar, Bangladesh

Mohammed Masum1 and Mohammad Omer Faruk Khan1

1Geological Survey of Bangladesh, Dhaka, Bangladesh
Corresponding author’s E-mail: masum613@yahoo.com

Abstract

Peat has been found in many places of Bangladesh in numerous wetlands or beels or shallow deep water body. The Hakaluki Haor is one of the largest wetlands of Bangladesh and huge amount of peat has been discovered here. This haor belongs to the northeastern synclinal haor basin and bounded on its eastern and western sides by anticlines receiving huge amount of water in the wet period. Thus, a swampy environment is formed allowing the growth of different tree species which ultimately gave rise to peat deposits. The peat occurs in the shallow depth and found almost everywhere in the haor. A total of 59 peat samples have been analyzed for proximate properties collected from all over the haor by auger boring method. The moisture content, volatile matter and ash content of peat is very low; the mean value being 10.68 %, 34.6 %., 33.85 respectively. These values are of very good grade compared to lignite. Although the calorific value is much lower than the lignite and other low grade fuels the volume of peat is far greater than the other fuels and peat can be extracted at huge numbers. Moreover, there might be prospect of alternative methods such as peat gasification, peat gas methane which are environment friendly. Further research is much needed to evaluate the potential of peat to meet the energy demand in the future.

Keywords: Peat, Gasification, Energy, Methane.
Associations among Drug Acquisition and Use Behaviors, Psychosocial Attributes, and Opioid-Involved Overdoses: A SEM Analysis
Authors: Swartz James A. , Zhao Peipei , Jacobucci Ross , Watson Dennis , Mackesy-Amiti Mary Ellen , Franceschini Dana , Jimenez A. David 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Aims
This study sought to develop and assess an exploratory model of how demographic and psychosocial attributes, and drug use or acquisition behaviors interact to affect opioid-involved overdoses.
Methods
We conducted exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA/CFA) to identify a factor structure for ten drug acquisition and use behaviors. We then evaluated alternative structural equation models incorporating the identified factors, adding demographic and psychosocial attributes as predictors of past-year opioid overdose. We used interview data collected for two studies recruiting opioid-misusing participants receiving services from a community-based syringe service program. The first investigated current attitudes toward drug-checking (N = 150). The second was an RCT assessing a telehealth versus in-person medical appointment for opioid use disorder treatment referral (N = 270). Demographics included gender, age, race/ethnicity, education, and socioeconomic status. Psychosocial measures were homelessness, psychological distress, and trauma. Self-reported drug-related risk behaviors included using alone, having a new supplier, using opioids with benzodiazepines/alcohol, and preferring fentanyl. Past-year opioid-involved overdoses were dichotomized into experiencing none or any.
Results
The EFA/CFA revealed a two-factor structure with one factor reflecting drug acquisition and the second drug use behaviors. The selected model (CFI = .984, TLI = .981, RMSEA = .024) accounted for 13.1% of overdose probability variance. A latent variable representing psychosocial attributes was indirectly associated with an increase in past-year overdose probability (𝛽=.234, p = .001), as mediated by the EFA/CFA identified latent variables: drug acquisition (𝛽=.683, p < .001) and drug use (𝛽=.567, p = .001). Drug use behaviors (𝛽=.287, p = .04) but not drug acquisition (𝛽=.105, p = .461) also had a significant, positive direct effect on past-year overdose. No demographic attributes were significant direct or indirect overdose predictors.
Conclusions
Psychosocial attributes, particularly homelessness, increase the probability of an overdose through associations with risky drug acquisition and drug-using behaviors. To increase effectiveness, prevention efforts might address the interacting overdose risks that span multiple functional domains.
Understanding the responses of tillering to 2,4-D in Setaria viridis L
Authors: Xiong Wangdan , Jia Xinfeng , Wang Qixin , Zhong Nina , Gao Hanchi , Zhang Lingxin , Sun Juan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Green foxtail [Setaria viridis (L.)] is one of the most abundant and troublesome annual grass weeds in alfalfa fields in Northeast China. Synthetic auxin herbicide is widely used in agriculture, while how auxin herbicide affects tillering on perennial grass weeds is still unclear. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to examine the effects of auxin herbicides 2,4-D on green foxtail growth, especially on tillers.
Results
In the study, 2,4-D isooctyl ester was used and there was an inhibition of plant height and fresh weight on green foxtail after application. The photosynthetic rate was dramatically reduced and there was an accumulation of MDA content. Moreover, applicating 2,4-D isooctyl ester significantly reduced the tillering buds at rates between 2100 and 8400 ga. i. ha-1. Transcriptome results showed that applying 2,4-D on leaves can affect the phytohormone signal transduction pathways in plant tillers. Among them, there were significant effects on auxin, cytokinin, abscisic acid, gibberellin, and brassinosteroid signaling. Indeed, external ABA and GA on leaves can also limit tillering in green foxtail.
Conclusions
These data will be helpful to further understand the responses of green foxtail to 2, 4-D isooctyl ester, which may provide a unique perspective for the development and identification of new target compounds that are effective against this weed species.
Evaluation of antimicrobial and antioxidant effect of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from Sapindus mukorossi pericarp extract
Authors: sharma vivek , Thakur Sapna , sharma Sneh 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The present study is focused on the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from Sapindus mukorossi pericarp extract. In this research, silver nitrate was used as a precursor and S. mukorossi pericarp extract was used as a reducing agent for synthesis of nanoparticles. The obtained silver nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform electron microscopy (FTIR) and High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The UV-Vis spectra and visual observation showed that the color of pericarp extract of S. mukorossi turned from golden yellow to dark brown after the addition of AgNO3 precursor and showed the highest absorption peak at 410 nm. In addition, XRD pattern revealed the face-centered cubic structure of silver nanoparticles. The FTIR measurements confirmed the presence of different functional groups within the extract that were directly involved in the reduction and stability of biosynthesized silver nanoparticles. HR-TEM images revealed the particles to be nearly spherical with a few irregular shapes and particles size ranging from 5 to 50 nm. The study highlights the antimicrobial activity of silver nanoparticles that were tested against gram negative bacterium viz., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis. The results confirmed that the prepared silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial potential against all the tested microorganisms. The antioxidant potential of aqueous extract and biosynthesized silver nanoparticles was also evaluated using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method and revealed the antioxidant activity.