bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioactivity of some plant essential oils against fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda JE Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Wang Tao , Zhao Jinyu , Ren Yanling , Lei Yang , Liu Yao , Guo Xiaoyun , Li Mei , Tang Jian , Ji Xiaolei , Peng Jing 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is a widely distributed and important pest of corn crops. However, the improper use of the conventional synthetic organophosphate and neonicotinoids pesticides to control S. frugiperda has led to resistant populations. Herein, the biological activities of some plant essential oils against S. frugiperda were determined to provide theoretical basis for the biological control of S. frugiperda. Our results showed that peppermint essential oil at 4.00% concentration showed the obvious ovicidal activity (96.00%) against S. frugiperda eggs, and lemon essential oil at 1.00% concentration had the greatest antifeedant activity (99.11%) against S. frugiperda larvae. Meanwhile, patchouli essential oil and patchouli essential oil at 4.00% concentration revealed remarkable fumigation and contact activities against S. frugiperda larvae at 96 h with the inhibition rates of 93.33% and 95.67%, respectively. In addition, the combination of patchouli essential oil and indoxacarb (in a ratio of 5:1) demonstrated the most effective synergistic effect (97.67%) on S. frugiperda larvae at 96 h. Moreover, the average dwell times of rosemary essential oil at 0.50% concentration against S. frugiperda larvae as well as citronella essential oil at 0.25% and 2.00% concentrations, patchouli essential oil at 1.00% and 4.00% concentrations, and lemon essential oil at 0.50% and 1.00% concentrations against both S. frugiperda male and female adults were all 0 s, indicating that some plant essential oils revealed excellent repellent activity against S. frugiperda. These findings could help to guide the development of new insecticides for the biological control of S. frugiperda.
Population Frequency of 23 Autosomal Str Loci in 500 Nigerians
Authors: Osidipe Victoria , Akande Afeez , Onabanjo Adesola , Richards Folashade , Coble Michael , Somiari Richard 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
With a population of about 211 million, Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa and the 7th most populous in the world. Despite this large population, there is paucity in population frequency data useful in forensic investigations and human identification that is specifically relevant to the Nigerian population. The study utilized samples collected from 500 unrelated individuals self-reporting as Nigerians and residing in Lagos State, the most populated and cosmopolitan state in Nigeria, with a population of about 21 million. The frequencies of 23 autosomal STR loci and other forensic parameters were calculated including the gene diversity, polymorphic information content, random match probability, power of discrimination, observed heterozygosity, power of exclusion, typical paternity index and minimum allele frequency. The allele frequencies ranged from 0.001 to 0.493 and the values for PE, PD, Hobs and PIC ranged from 0.3663 to 0.8159, 0.8321 to 0.9862, 0.6580 to 0.9100 and 0.6095 to 0.9143 respectively. Amongst the markers tested, the highest and lowest values for all parameters were observed in SE33 and D13S317 respectively except for the random match probability where the reverse is the case. None of the markers deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium using a p = 0.05 significance level.
PRE loops constitute a topological chromatin structure that restricts and specifies enhancer promoter communication
Authors: Cavalli Giacomo , Denaud Sandrine , Bardou Marion , Papadopoulos Giorgio-Lucio , Grob Stefan , Stefano Marco Di , Nollmann Marcelo , Schuettengruber Bernd 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

3D genome folding plays a fundamental role for the regulation of developmental genes by facilitating or constraining chromatin interactions between cis-regulatory elements (CREs). Polycomb response elements (PREs) are a specific kind of CREs involved in the memory of transcriptional states in Drosophila melanogaster. PREs act as nucleation sites for Polycomb group (PcG) proteins, which deposit the repressive histone mark H3K27me3, leading to the formation of a class of topologically associating domain (TADs) called Polycomb domains. PREs can establish looping contacts that stabilize gene repression of key developmental genes during development. However, the mechanism by which PRE loops fine tune gene expression is unknown. Using CRISPR/Cas9 genome engineering, we specifically perturbed PRE contacts or enhancer function and used complementary approaches including 4C-seq, Hi-C, and Hi-M to analyze how chromatin architecture perturbation affects gene expression. Our results suggest that PRE loops constitute a landmark topological structure during Drosophila development. These loops form independently of gene expression states and have a versatile function: they restrict enhancer promoter communication and contribute to enhancer specificity.
A Survey on the Perceptions and Attitudes towards Patient-Reported Outcomes among 527 Nursing Staff in China
Authors: Zhang Lumin , Fan Weinv , Nie Liangqin , Gui Zongying 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: This study aims to understand the current status of nursing staff’s knowledge and attitudes towards patient-reported outcomes in a tertiary hospital in China, to provide a reference related to the enthusiasm of nursing staff for its comprehensive implementation.
Methods: A survey was conducted on 527 nursing staff from a tertiary hospital in China using general information, self-designed knowledge understanding and demand questionnaires, and Liu Huan’s localized Outcome Measures Questionnaire (OMQ). Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to analyze the influencing factors of the nursing staff's attitudes towards it.
Results: The preferred methods of acquiring and wanting to understand were through reading literature (223 people, 42.36%) and academic conferences (186 people, 35.27%). The content of interest included the usage of measurement tools (382 people, 72.48%) and application (424 people, 80.51%). The total OMQ score was 64.12±0.92, with an average item score of 2.96±0.21. There were significant differences in attitudes scores among different genders, educational levels, departments, understanding, and nursing capabilities. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender and educational level were influencing factors for the total OMQ score and the practice barriers section of the questionnaire (P<0.05), while understanding, age, and title were influencing factors for the negative attitudes section of the OMQ (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Nursing staff in tertiary hospitals recognize the value of patient-reported outcomes, have a strong willingness to learn related content, but also harbor some negative attitudes. Measures can be taken against these influencing factors to enhance knowledge and attitudes, thus actively applying them in clinical practice.
Achieving a Rapid Na + Migration and Highly Reversible Phase Transition of NASICON for Sodium-Ion Batteries with Suppressed Voltage Hysteresis and Ultralong Lifespan
Authors: Wu Qiao , Ma Yuanzhen , Zhang Shengqiang , Chen Xin , Bai Jinbo , Wang Hui , Liu Xiaojie 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Sodium ion batteries have attracted great attention for large scale energy storage devices to replace lithium ion batteries. As a promising polyanionic cathode material of sodium-ion batteries, Na3V2(PO4)2F3 (NVPF) belonging to NASICON exhibits large gap space and excellent structural stability, leading to a high energy density and ultralong cycle lifespan. To improve its stability and Na ion mobility, K+ cations were introduced into NVPF crystal as in situ partial substitution for Na+. The influence of K+ in situ substitution on crystal structure, electronic properties, kinetic properties and electrochemical performance of NVPF were investigated. Through ex-situ examination, it turned out that K+ occupied Na1 ion, in which the K+ did not participate in the charge-discharge process and played a pillar role in improving the mobility of Na+. Moreover, the doping of K+ cation can reduce the band gap energy and improve the electronic conductivity. Besides, the optimal K+ doping concentration in N0.92K0.08VPF/C was found so as to achieve rapid Na+ migration and reversible phase transition. The specific capacity of N0.92K0.08VPF/C was as high as 128.8 mAh g− 1 at 0.2 C, and at 10 C its rate performance was excellent, which showed a capacity of 113.3 mAh g− 1.
The effect of DDIT3 on luminal A type breast cancer
Authors: Huang Guoqing , Xue Jiaying , Cao Difei 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose: To analyze the phenotypic changes of breast cancer (BC) cell before and after DDIT3 knockdown/overexpression, and preliminarily explore the regulatory mechanism. Also, to analyze the relationship between DDIT3 and prognosis by combining with bioinformatics methods, which provide a basis for further research on DDIT3 targeted treatment of BC.
Methods: Loss- and gain-of-function studies, DDIT3 in MCF-7 (luminal A), and RNA-seq analysis were employed to investigate the functional impact of DDIT3 on BC cell proliferation and drug resistance. The relationship between DDIT3 and the prognosis of BC patients was systematically assessed using the tissue microarray technique along with qRT-PCR and publicly available data.
Results: Survival analysis showed that patients with lower DDIT3 expression in luminal A type BC or BC patient which were undergoing endocrine therapy had a poorer prognosis, and DDIT3 expression was associated with overall survival (OS) significant. Following the knockdown of DDIT3 in MCF-7 cells, the proliferation rate was significantly increased, and drug resistance ability was just reversed. On the contrary, overexpression of DDIT3 had a relative inhibitory effect on target cell proliferation. Notably, the inhibition of DDIT3 expression upregulated TP63 and downregulated PDGFR, with the results being exactly opposite after the overexpression of DDIT3.
Conclusion: These results have revealed that DDIT3 plays a critical role in luminal A type BC cell proliferation and TAM resistance, and it holds potential prognostic value in BC. Overall, DDIT3 may exert its functions in luminal A type BC by modulating the expression of TP63 and PDGFR.
Left-atrioventricular interaction and left-atrial deformation in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients with or without chronic aortic regurgitation: A 3.0T cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking study
Authors: Shen LiTing , Jiang Li , Shi Rui , Shen MengTing , Yan WeiFeng , Jiang YiNing , Yang ZhiGang , Li Yuan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and chronic aortic regurgitation (AR) increases with age and might increase cardiac morbidity and mortality; however, their comprehensive effects based on cardiac strain remain unexplored. This study aimed to use cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking to investigate the additive effects of T2DM and AR on the left heart and left-atrioventricular (LA) interaction in patients with T2DM and AR.
Methods: A total of 286 patients with T2DM (203 without AR, 83 with AR) and 105 normal controls were retrospectively included from January 2015 to October 2022. The patients with T2DM and AR were divided according to echocardiographic findings into three AR groups: mild (n = 39), moderate (n = 25), and severe (n = 19)]. The LA phasic function and left-ventricular (LV) function parameters were compared to determine the additive effects of T2DM and AR and their interaction. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent indicators of LA longitudinal strain.
Results: Compared with controls, the patients with T2DM without AR had a lower total LA emptying fraction (LAEF) and passive LAEF (all P < 0.05). The patients with T2DM and mild AR showed decreased LA reservoir strain (εs) and passive strain (εe) (P < 0.001), whereas those with moderate and severe AR showed significant increases in LA volume and LV volume but a decrease in LAEF, LA strain, and LV ejection fraction (all P < 0.05). In the patients with T2DM and AR, the εs was independently correlated with LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV) (β = −0.304), regurgitation degree (β = −0.43), and LV mass index (LVMI) (β = −0.312). The active strain (εa) was independently correlated with regurgitation degree (β = −0.478) and LVMI (β = −0.364), whereas the εe was independently correlated with age (β = −0.226) and diabetes duration (β = −0.256, all P < 0.05).
Conclusion: AR may aggravate LA and LV dysfunction in patients with T2DM. Regurgitation degree was an independent factor contributing to εs and εa. Both LVEDV and LVMI were independent determinants affecting εs, and LVMI was an independent determinant of εa in patients with T2DM and AR.
The most-economic design of a hybrid micro-grid considering different load patterns
Authors: AbdElrazek Ahmed S. , Ibrahim Khalid H. , Saleh Saber M. , Hassan Amir Y. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this paper, the effect of the load pattern on the optimal configuration of a stand-alone PV-Wind hybrid system based on minimum cost is studied. The proposed hybrid system consists mainly of PV modules and wind turbines (WT) in addition to diesel generators (DG) and batteries (BT) for supplying both peak demand and generation shortages. Three different load patterns with the same consumption of energy are proposed to find the most economical design of a stand-alone hybrid system through two optimization techniques: cuckoo search (CS) and white shark (WS). The proposed configurations of stand-alone hybrid systems are as follows: PV/WT, PV/WT/BT, and PV/WT/BT/DG. On the other hand, the load patterns proposed are as follows; daily load, all-day distributed load, and nightly load. Results show that the optimal configuration and the cost are dependent of the load pattern. Also the results show that both of WC and CS have the same steady-state solutions, the differences appear in the number of iterations needed to reach the steady-state.
Improved Photocatalytic Performance of Cobalt Doped ZnS Decorated with Graphene Nanostructures under UV-visible Light: Towards Efficient H2 Production
Authors: Kiptarus Joan J. , Korir Kiptiemoi. K. , Githinji David N. , Kiriamiti Henry K. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Highly dispersed Cobalt doped ZnS nanostructures were successfully fabricated on the surfaces of graphene sheets via a simple hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photocurrent spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to analyze the structural characteristics of the Cobalt doped ZnS decorated with graphene CoxZn1−xSrGO Nanostructures (NSs). UV-visible optical absorption (UV-vis) studies were conducted to investigate their optical properties. In laboratory studies utilizing water and visible light, the photocatalytic activity of CoxZn1−xS rGO NSs at (x = 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 atm.%) were evaluated. Graphite Oxide (GO) was successfully transformed in to sheets of graphene, according to the findings of XRD and FTIR analysis. SEM investigation showed graphene sheets enhanced with ZnS NSs possessed paper like appearance. UV-vis confirmed a noticeable rapid increase in transmittance along the UV wavelength area and confirmed a highly transparent NSs in the wavelength range of (180-800 nm). Transmittance spectra revealed a direct allowable band gap range of (1.26-5.46 eV), demonstrating band gap decrease as cobalt content increased. The Co0.04Zn0.96S rGO NSs sample had the highest photocatalytic activity, measured at 7649 μmolh−1g−1. A combination of improved dispersion properties, greater surface area, increased absorption and enhanced transfer of photogenerated electrons, CoxZn1−xS rGO NSs increased the photocatalytic hydrogen H2 generation activity.
Combination of Pregabalin and Amitriptyline in Management of Chronic Idiopathic Pain Following Penile Prosthesis Implantation: A Pilot Study
Authors: Shaker Hassan , Said Nouran El , ElSaeed Karim 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Chronic post penile prosthesis pain is de novo pain pain persisting > 2 months post-operatively. The topic is inadequately reported and poorly understood. Our purpose was to improvise a medical approach to alleviate the condition.
Methods: This pilot study enrolled 9 patients complaining of idiopathic penile, pelvic, or scrotal pain persisting > 2 months after penile prosthesis implantation. Subjects with signs of infection, malposition or inappropriate size were excluded. We took detailed history regarding duration of pain episodes, frequency, location, character, aggravation by touch, intensity, impact on Quality of Life (QoL), any prior analgesics. Consented patients were prescribed pregabalin 75mg/12h (escalated after 1 week to 150mg/12h upon demand) and Amitriptyline 25mg once daily for 3 months. Pain was reassessed after 10, 30 and 100 days. Dose of pregabalin required and side effects of medication were noted.
Results: Significant decrease in pain duration (p=0.007), frequency (p<0.001), and intensity (p<0.001); in glanular (p=0.008), shaft pain (p=0.046) but not scrotal (p=0.112); in sharp pain (p=0.003) and pain aggravated by touch (p=0.008) but not aching pain (p=0.277). Furthermore, significant improvement in QoL (p<0.001). Dose escalation of pregabalin to 150mg/12h required in 1 case (11%).
Conclusion: The combination of pregabalin and amitriptyline is very effective in management of chronic idiopathic pain following penile prosthesis implantation. However due to the ambiguity and lack of reporting of the condition, we recommend a multicentric contribution to acknowledge the condition, weigh its prevalence accurately, whilst evaluating the efficacy of our approach.
This study received ethical approval from Ain Shams University Research Ethics Committee (REC) FWA 000017585, on 04/13/2023 (REC-FMASU@med.asu.edu.eg).
Trial Registration No.: FMASU R98/2023.
The Effect of Integration on Business Strategies
Authors: Fapohunda Gbenga , Olayide Asunmo Olakunle 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The study assessed how integration affect business strategies by evaluating the impact of forward and backward vertical integration on business performance. The data used in the testing of hypotheses formulated in the study was collected using a questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale. The data of the study was analyzed using the regression technique. The result shows that forward and backward integrations have a positive and significant effect on performance. The study concluded that forward and backward integrations are the major determinants of business performance. The study recommends that management implement integration in their strategic plan to enhance their business operations in order to boost their operations and increase performance.
Atypical chest CT scan findings have higher mortality and ICU admission among older adults with COVID-19
Authors: Hasanzadeh Mehdi , Zandieh Zhale , Niksolat Maryam , Nabi Somaye , Zanjari Nasibeh , Delbari Ahmad , Yarandi Razieh Bidhendi , Jasemi Seyed Vahid 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction
: The global impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been particularly devastating among vulnerable populations, with a notably higher mortality rate observed among older adults. During this health crisis, chest computed tomography (CT) scans have emerged as a crucial diagnostic tool for identifying and assessing the severity of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). This study sought to explore the significance of chest CT scan findings in predicting mortality and admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) among older patients affected by COVID-19.
Materials and Methods
Conducted as a cross-sectional investigation, this study analyzed demographic characteristics such as age and gender, as well as severity indicators (ICU admission, hospitalization outside the ICU), and outcomes (death or recovery) in a cohort of 411 COVID-19 patients aged 60 and above. Chest CT scan findings, categorized as normal, indeterminate, or abnormal, were scrutinized using SPSS ver. 24 software, with outcome analyses conducted through Chi-Square tests.
Results
Among the enrolled older patients, 52.3% were female, and 47.7% were male, with a mean age of 73.5 ± 8.75 years. The mortality rate reached 24.8%, and the ICU admission rate was 19%. Notably, 76.1% of subjects exhibited typical chest CT scan findings indicative of COVID-19, while 15.6% were classified as indeterminate, and 8.3% as atypical. Mortality rates were 21.4% for typical findings, 28.1% for indeterminate results, and 50% for atypical findings. Furthermore, mortality among ICU-admitted patients stood at 78.2%. The incidence of atypical CT scan findings in ICU cases was 15.4%, compared to 6.6% in non-ICU cases.
Conclusion
The presence of atypical chest CT scan findings emerged as a significant predictor of heightened mortality and ICU admission among older individuals affected by COVID-19. This underscores the poor prognostic value associated with atypical findings in this specific demographic, emphasizing the importance of considering such indicators in the clinical management of older patients with COVID-19.
A Convenient Ratiometric fluorescent Probe Based on Gold Nanoclusters and Carbon Dots for Escherichia coli Determination
Authors: Liu Yongjie , Wang Jiayu , Liu Sunan , Li Jing , Xiang Qian , Yang Zaiyue , Zhu Ling 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Escherichia coli, as a prevalent foodborne pathogen, can harm people health seriously. Hence, developing the effective methods for Escherichia coli (E. coli) determination is vital. In the paper, a convenient hybridization ratiometric fluorescent probe was constructed for the prompt determination of E.coli based on red gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and blue carbon dots (bCDs). The relevant experimental conditions were systematically optimized including copper concentration, incubation temperature and time, in order to obtain the optimal results. There existed a strong linear relationship between the fluorescence intensity ratios (I630/I450) and the concentrations of E. coli for both AuNCs and bCDs. Based on the determination, it was found that the linear concentration range spanned from 103 to 107 CFU*mL− 1, with a low limit of detection (LOD) of 120 CFU*mL− 1. This method based on the mechanism of copper cocatalysis presents a sensitive and convenient strategy for E.coli determination, and has a promising future in the field of food safety.
Extremal Gourava indices of unicyclic graphs
Authors: Yuxin Jin , Zhou Shuming , Qifan Zhang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Topological indices are useful molecular descriptors to measure Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR), Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) and Quantitative Structure-Toxicity Relationship (QSTR). Recently, some novel topological indices of graphs, called the first Gourava index ($CO_1$) and the second Gourava index ($CO_2$), have been proposed to characterize the nature of chemical compounds or interconnection networks. The first and the second Gourava indices of the graph $G$ are denoted by $C{O_1}(G) =\sum\limits_{uv \in E(G)} {[{d_u}} + {d_v} + {d_u}{d_v}]$ and $C{O_2}(G) = \sum\limits_{uv \in E(G)} {[({d_u}} + {d_v}){d_u}{d_v}]$, where $d_u$ is the degree of vertex $u$. In this work, we investigate the extremal values on the first and the second Gourava indices of $n$-vertex unicyclic graphs and characterize the unicyclic graphs that achieve the extremes. We show that, for $n$-vertex unicyclic graph $G$, $8n \le C{O_1}(G) \le 2{n^2} - n + 9$ and $16n \le C{O_2}(G) \le n^3 +3n + 12$, where the lower bound is achieved by $C_n$ and the upper bound is achieved by $G_{3,1}^{(n)}$, which is obtained by attaching $n- 3$ leaves to one vertex of $C_3$. Furthermore, we investigate the applications of Gourava indices to the benzenoid hydrocarbons and show that they can predict the physico-chemical properties of molecules precisely.