bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The prevalence of occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in the iron and steel industries: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Shabani Saumu , Bachwenkizi Jovine , Mamuya Simon Henry , Moen Bente Elisabeth 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
The iron and steel industries are among the most dangerous workplaces in the world compared to other manufacturing industries. Workers are exposed to multiple occupational hazards, which predispose them to high risks of both fatal and nonfatal injuries. Currently, the data on the global prevalence and associated risk factors for occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries are fragmented and incomplete. This study was undertaken to address this issue by pooling data relating to the prevalence of occupational injuries and associated factors among workers in iron and steel industries worldwide.
Methods
The search was conducted systematically using PubMed, HINARI, EMBASE and Google Scholar for published studies that reported on occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in the iron and steel industries. MetaXL version 5.3 software was used in the meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of occupational injuries and associated risk factors among workers in the iron and steel industries. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO (number CRD42022344258).
Results
Of the 447 articles identified, 15 studies from 9 countries met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence estimate of occupational injury was 0.55 (95% CI=0.15, 0.93). The pooled results indicated that the odds of having an occupational injury were 4.06 times greater among workers who did not use personal protective equipment (PPE) than among those who used PPE. Similarly, the odds of occupational injuries were increased by 1.65 among night shift workers compared to their counterparts.
Conclusion
The global prevalence of occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries was 55%. The results indicate that night shift work and the use of personal protective equipment have greater impacts than other factors on the occurrence of occupational injuries in the iron and steel industries. PPE use decreased the occurrence of occupational injuries, and night shiftwork increased the rate of occupational injuries in this industry.
Exploration of novel series of chalcone-phosphonates derivatives as Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, spectral characterization, in vitro anti-proliferative evaluation, molecular docking and in silico ADMET prediction
Authors: Mishra Shweta , Verma Ekta , Debnath Biplab , Chawla Amit , Khandige Prasanna Shama , Saxena Bhagawati , Sahoo Nityananda , Jana Pardeep 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Based on the wide range of pharmacological aspects related to organophosphates, a novel type of compound, containing chalcones-phosphonates derivative was synthesized by the reaction of dialkyl phosphite and substituted chalcones using anhydrous Mg(ClO4)2 at 80 °C under solvent-free conditions. All the obtained structures were confirmed by IR, 1H NMR 13C NMR, and HRMS techniques. The synthesized compounds were tested in vitro against a panel of three human cancer cell lines against MCF7, HeLa, and A549 cell lines. As compared to the reference drug Doxorubicin (IC50 = 4.17, 3.31, 6.61 µM against MCF7, HeLa, and A549 cell lines, respectively), most of the synthesized derivatives exhibited moderate to good antiproliferative activity. The structure-activity relationship of synthesized compounds is discussed. To speculate on the mechanism of anticancer activity, a molecular docking study was carried out. The molecular docking investigation indicates that all of the synthesized derivatives have good binding ability in the active site of the Vaccinia H1-related (VHR) phosphatase (PDB: 3F81), PI3- kinase (PDB: 3R7Q), androgen receptor (PDB: 3V49) and VEGFR2 kinase (PDB: 3VHE). Furthermore, all compounds were screened for in silico drug-likeness, and all were found to have drug-like properties, following the Lipinski rule of 5, with no PAINS alarms. Thus, the in vitro inhibitory activity and in silico molecular studies confirmed the potency of the chalcone-phosphonate derivatives for anti-proliferative activity.
An investigation on explicit exact non-traveling wave solutions of the (3+1)-dimensional potential Yu-Toda-Sasa-Fukuyama equation
Authors: Guo Qianqian , Peng Xiaoming 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper is devoted to investigating new non-traveling wave solutions for the (3+1)-dimensional potential Yu-Toda-Sasa-Fukuyama (YTSF) equation. By using the generalized variable separation method and extended three-wave approach, the process of solving the (3+1)-dimensional potential-YTSF equation is simplified and the interactions of multiple waves are revealed. With the aid of Maple, we derive thirty-six types new exact explicit non-traveling wave solutions with a like-parabolic tail. The main characteristic of these solutions is that they contain three arbitrary functions, which greatly enrich the diversity of solutions. This characteristic shows the novelty of our work. In particular, selecting suitable arbitrary functions, we can obtain traveling solutions, such as kink-wave solutions, solitary-wave solutions, kinky breather-wave solutions, singular solutions and periodic solutions. Then, some dynamical phenomena are exhibited by 3D representation, providing the complicated structure of the non-traveling wave solutions for the (3+1) dimensional potential-YTSF equation and their physical interpretation. In addition, our findings improve and extend the existing literature on related topics.
Molecular dynamics simulations reveal differences in the conformational stability of FtsZs derived from Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Takasawa Taichi , Matsui Takashi , Watanabe Go , Kodera Yoshio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
FtsZ is highly conserved among bacteria and plays an essential role in bacterial cell division. The tense conformation of FtsZ bound to GTP assembles into a straight filament via head-to-tail associations, and then the upper subunit of FtsZ hydrolyzes GTP bound to the lower FtsZ subunit. Curving of the filament is accompanied by a conformational change in the subunit from the tense to relaxed conformation. Although crystal structures of FtsZ derived from several bacterial species have been determined, the conformational change from the relaxed to tense conformation has only been observed in Staphylococcus aureus FtsZ (SaFtsZ). Recent cryo-electron microscopy analyses revealed the three-dimensional reconstruction of the protofilament, in which tense molecules assemble via head-to-tail associations. However, the resolution of the protofilament was worse than 3.5 Å, suggesting that the flexibility of the FtsZ protomers between the relaxed and tense conformations caused them to form in less-strict alignments. Furthermore, this flexibility may also prevent FtsZs other than SaFtsZ from crystalizing in the tense conformation, suggesting that the flexibility of bacterial FtsZs differs. In this study, molecular dynamics simulations were performed using SaFtsZ and Bacillus subtilis FtsZ in several situations, which suggested that different features of the FtsZs affect their conformational stability.
Corrosion performance of new Cu-V weathering steels in harsh industrial environments
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yin Shubiao , Zhang Huanhuan , Li Pei , Yuan Jing , Huang Jixiang , Peng Leng , Zhang Xiaosong , Xu Mingli 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The structure and properties of weathering steels have a significant impact on the safety of practical applications and are also closely linked to localised corrosion induced by external elements. In this study, the structure and properties of weathering steels and corrosion mechanisms were investigated using various microtesting techniques, with a special study of the effect of copper elements on the corrosion of weathering steels and ordinary steel bars. Experimental data showed that HRB400aE (0.3% Cu) and HRB500aE (0.6% Cu) lost less weight in corrosion in the peri-immersion experiments compared to HRB400E and HRB500E when Cu and V elements were present. In electrochemical tests, HRB400aE (0.3% Cu) and HRB500aE (0.6% Cu) showed a smaller trend of potential decrease, slower rate of decrease, smaller self-corrosion currents and lower electrochemical activity than HRB400E and HRB500E. These results confirm the protective effect of trace alloying elements such as copper and vanadium on the corrosion resistance of steel bars in industrial atmospheres.
Marine mammal mitigation through financial risk measures and probabilistic formalism of sonar exposure
Authors: Day Andrew C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Many countries use mathematical modelling and decision aids for mitigating the risk of harm to marine mammals due to active sonar tests. A model for the distribution of harm to marine mammals due to sonar exposure is developed and risk measures from financial mathematics are used to quantify worst-case scenarios. The distribution model accounts for the spatial-temporal uncertainty in marine mammal locations and abundance, transmission loss of the sound sources, and species-specific criteria for harm. Under reasonable assumptions, a closed-form solution is found for the distribution of harm for a given marine mammal species and sonar configuration. These risk assessments would be used by planners to choose times, locations, and allowed sonar configurations when conducting sonar activities that would reduce the risk of harm to marine mammals in the area. Two applicable case studies will be presented which include an application of Koch’s spatially normalized risk measures.
Marine photosynthetic microbial fuel cell for circular renewable power production
Authors: Basnayaka Charitha , Somasiri Maheshi , Ahsan Ahmed , Nazeer Zumaira , Thilini Nirath , Bandara Sampath , Fernando Eustace 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Marine photosynthetic Microbial fuel cells (mpMFCs) can utilize marine photosynthetic microorganisms to drive electrical energy generating electrochemical reactions. Due to improved ionic mobility and superior electrical conductivity of sea water, it is a suitable electrolyte for operating bio-electrochemical devices at operating elevated salinities. This study examined the use of seawater as a conducting medium in two-chambered MFCs to enhance power production in conjunction with a marine photosynthetic bio-cathode as an alternative to the abiotic chemical cathode. Using a modified BG11 seawater medium as catholyte, marine cyanobacteria were grown and maintained in the MFC cathode compartment. After a significant quantity of biomass had formed, it was harvested for use as the substrate for anode microorganisms. Isolated marine cyanobacteria from photosynthetic biocathode were identified using 16s rRNA and Sanger DNA sequencing. In electrochemical characterization, mMFC, maximum power density (Pmax) was 147.84 mW/m2 and maximum current density (Jmax) reached 1311.82 mA/m2. In mpMFC, Pmax was 104.48 mW/m2 and Jmax was 1107.27 mA/m2. Pmax was 53.14 mW/m2 and Jmax was 501.81 mA/m2 in comparable freshwater MFC employing platinum catalyst, which proves that mMFC & mpMFC worked better. Dapis pleousa & Synechococcus moorigangaii were identified as dominant marine cyanobacteria. It was demonstrated that mpMFC, operated using seawater, employing a cyanobacteria biocathode, is suitable for circularized renewable energy production. The outcomes of this study implies that, mpMFCs are good candidates for circular renewable energy production.
Exploring the use of alternative promoters for enhanced transgene and sgRNA expression in Atlantic salmon cells
Authors: Reza Mohammad Ali Noman , Harvey Thomas Nelson , Regmi Axmee , Torgersen Jacob Seilø , Sandvik Guro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study facilitates design of expression vectors and lentivirus tools for gene editing of Atlantic salmon. We have characterized widely used heterologous promoters and novel endogenous promoters in Atlantic salmon cells. We used qPCR to evaluate the activity of several U6 promoters for sgRNA expression, including human U6 (hU6), tilapia U6 (tU6), mouse U6 (mU6), zebrafish U6 (zU6), Atlantic salmon U6 (sU6), medaka U6 (medU6), and fugu U6 (fU6) promoters. We also evaluated several polymerase type II (pol II) promoters by luciferase assay. Our results showed that hU6 and tU6 promoters were the most active among all the tested U6 promoters, and heterologous promoters (CMV, hEF1α core) had higher activity compared to endogenous Atlantic salmon promoters sHSP8, sNUC3L, sEF1α. Among endogenous pol II promoters, sEF1α and sHSP8 displayed higher activity than sNUC3L, sHSP703, sHSP7C, sXRCC1L and sETF. We observed that extending the promoter sequence to include the region up to the start codon (ATG) resulted in a significant increase in expression efficiency for several promoters. We also discovered a motif, PRDM1, which significantly increased the activity of the promoter when included. This short sequence could possibly be included in other promoters to further enhance the activity. Our findings provide valuable insights into the activity of different promoters in Atlantic salmon cells and can be used to facilitate further transgenic studies and improve the efficiency of transgene expression in Atlantic salmon.
Investigation of Successful Aging, Life Satisfaction and Perceived Social Support Levels of Elderly Residents in Nursing Homes and Non-Residents
Authors: Özdemir Yazgan , ŞAHİN Ayşe Bedia , ARTAN Taner , ATAK Irmak , BOYACIOĞLU Nur Elçin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the successful aging levels of individuals between the ages of 65–99 and to examine the relationship between life satisfaction and perceived social support. In addition, it examined the mediating effect of social support on the relationship between successful aging and life satisfaction. The study was conducted with a quantitative method. The study sample consisted of 408 people living in Edirne and Istanbul. The study used the Personal Information Form, Successful Aging Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Multidimensional Perceived Social Support Scale. The data were analyzed with the "SPSS 22.0 for Windows" program. The marital status and having children had a significant effect on social support levels. Internet use increased the friend-social support and successful aging levels. The family-social support levels were higher for the elderly who did not stay in the nursing home. The reasons for staying had an effect on all variables. Boarding leave had an effect on life satisfaction, successful aging, significant other and family social support levels. Finally there was a mediating effect of the family-social support for the life satisfaction and successful aging relationship. The results supported the importance of social support for the elderly. It is important to preserve friends and social networks at old ages.
Assembly and comparative analysis of the complete mitochondrial and chloroplast genome of Cyperus stoloniferus (Cyperaceae), a coastal plant possessing saline-alkali tolerance
Authors: Miao Xiaorong , Yang Wenwen , Li Donghai , Wang Aiqin , Li Juanyun , Deng Xu , He Longfei , Niu Junqi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Cyperus stoloniferus is an important species in coastal ecosystems and possesses economic and ecological value. To elucidate the structural characteristics, variation, and evolution of the organelle genome of C. stoloniferus, we sequenced, assembled, and compared its mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes.
Results
We assembled the mitochondrial and chloroplast genomes of C. stoloniferus. The total length of the mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) was 927,413 bp, with a GC content of 40.59%. It consists of two circular DNA fragments, including 37 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 tRNAs, and five rRNAs. The length of the chloroplast genome (cpDNA) was 186, 204 bp, containing 93 PCGs, 40 tRNAs, and 8 rRNAs. The mtDNA and cpDNA contained 81 and 129 tandem repeats, respectively, and 346 and 1,170 dispersed repeats, respectively, both of which have 270 simple sequence repeats. The third high-frequency codon (RSCU > 1) in the organelle genome tended to end at A or U, whereas that of the low-frequency codon (RSCU < 1) tended to end at G or C. The RNA editing sites of the PCGs were relatively few, with only 9 and 23 sites in mtDNA and cpDNA, respectively. A total of 29 mitochondrial plastid DNAs (MTPTs) in the mtDNA were derived from cpDNA, including three complete trnT-GGU, trnH-GUG, and trnS-GCU. Phylogeny and collinearity indicated that the relationship between C. stoloniferus and C. rotundus is closest. The mitochondrial rns gene exhibited the greatest nucleotide variability, whereas the chloroplast gene with the greatest nucleotide variability was infA. Chloroplast nucleotide sequences are more conserved than are mitochondrial rRNA gene sequences. Most PCGs in the organellar genome have been negatively selected and are highly conserved during evolution. Only six mitochondrial genes and two chloroplast genes exhibited Ka/Ks > 1, and in particular, atp9, atp6, and rps7 may have undergone potential positive selection.
Conclusion
We assembled and validated C. stoloniferus mtDNA, that contained a 15,034 bp reverse complementary sequence. The organelle genome sequence of C. stoloniferus provides valuable genomic resources for species identification, evolution, and comparative genomic research in Cyperaceae.
Investigation of Crab (Portunus pelagicus) Shells in Concrete as a Potential Substitute for Fine Aggregate
Authors: Hadipramana Josef , Riza Fetra Venny , Mokhatar Shahrul Niza 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Blue crab shell (Portunus pelagicus) is a fairly abundant domestic waste in the Indo-Pacific and has the potential to be reused. This study aimed to take advantage of the benefit of crab shells, which contain a lot of calcium carbonate and can potentially help the cement hydration reaction to create concrete strength. This study analyzed the mechanical properties of concrete containing crab shell powder (CSP). The composition of crab shell powder as a substitute for fine aggregate (FA) with variations of 5%, 7%, and 8% wt. FA. Crab shells (CS) are dried and finely crushed with a diameter of 1/8 inch, or equivalent to the diameter of FA. This study uses w/c ratios of 0.4 and 0.5 and all aggregates in SSD condition. The results show that the compressive strength of concrete containing CSP is above the strength of the design concrete. The composition of 5% CSP at a w/c ratio of 0.4 is equivalent to the strength of normal concrete with a w/c of 0.5%. The result showed the potential for CSP to replace fine aggregate while helping the cement hydration process.
Towards Sustainable Seismic Design: Assessing Embodied Carbon in Concrete Moment Frames
Authors: Suwondo Riza , Keintjem Militia , Cunningham Lee 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The construction industry faces the imperative of reconciling structural integrity with environmental sustainability, urging a nuanced exploration of the material choices and design parameters. This study investigated the seismic design and embodied carbon implications of varying concrete grades and column spacing in concrete moment frames. The primary objective was to evaluate the seismic design outcomes and embodied carbon of concrete moment frames, focusing on the variations introduced by different concrete grades and column spacings. This study employs a systematic approach, conducting seismic design analyses and embodied carbon assessments for concrete moment frames with varying concrete grades (C25/30, C32/40, and C40/50) and column spacings (4, 6, and 8 m). The results highlight the intricate influence of concrete grades on beam and column design parameters, with C32/40 emerging as the optimal choice, showing a substantial reduction in total embodied carbon. Additionally, column spacing is pivotal in shaping the beam design parameters, exhibiting a positive correlation between reduced column spacing and environmentally sustainable outcomes. This study contributes valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on sustainable construction, offering a balanced perspective on the complex interplay between structural design choices and environmental implications.
Exosomal lincRNA-p21/AIF-1 promoted inflammation of human tubular epithelial cell via CMPK2/NLRP3 pathway in urate nephropathy
Authors: Hao Jianbing , Guo Xinyu , Wang Siyu , Guo Xiaojun , Yuan Kun , Chen Ruihong , Hao Lirong 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and hypothesis
Urate nephropathy, a common complication of hyperuricemia, has garnered increasing attention worldwide. However, the exact pathogenesis of this condition remains unclear. Currently, inflammation is widely accepted as the key factor in urate nephropathy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the mechanism of exosomal lincRNA-p21/AIF-1 in urate nephropathy.
Methods
This study evaluated the effects of exosomes using clinical data collected from patients with urate nephropathy and human renal tubular epithelial cells (HK2) cultured with different concentrations of urate.
Results
In the clinical research section, the level of exosomal lincRNA-p21/AIF-1 in the urine of patients with hyperuricemia or urate nephropathy was found to be increased, particularly in patients with urate nephropathy. In vitro study section, the levels of exosomes, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis were increased in HK2 cells induced by urate. Additionally, the expressions of lincRNA-p21, AIF-1, CMPK2, and NLRP3 were upregulated in exosomes and HK2 cells. Furthermore, manipulating the activity of lincRNA-p21, AIF-1, CMPK2, and NLRP3 through overexpression or interference vectors promoted inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis in HK2 cells induced by urate.
Conclusions: In conclusion, the aforementioned results suggested that exosomal lincRNA-p21/AIF-1 induces inflammation via the CMPK2/NLRP3 pathway, thereby promoting autophagy and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells induced by urate.
Anti‑Helicobacter pylori activity of Lactobacillus plantarum LZU-J-Q21, LZU-J-Q25 and LZU-J-QA85 in vitro evaluation
Authors: Yang Hui , Lin Yang , Ma Yuchan , Li Jiaru , Li Junxiang , Huo Zeqi , Yang Pingrong , Zhang Chunjiang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim was to investigate the inhibitory potential of probiotics sourced from Northwest China Plateau Region against Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), targeting the reduction of H. pylori colonization and associated inflammation.
Methods
Phenotypic assays including aggregation, cell adhesion, and hydrophobic activity were performed to characterize strains. Anti- H. pylori activity of lactobacillus was determined by the Oxford Cup diffusion method, urease assay and co-culture assay. To test immune modulation activity of lactobacillus, and TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 expression in AGS was determined by RT-qPCR.
Results
Here, we screened three well-characterized probiotic strains, Lactobacillus plantarum LZU-J-Q21 (Q21), LZU-J-Q25 (Q25) and LZU-J-QA85 (QA85). All three lactobacillus strains were tolerant to the simulated gastrointestinal conditions. Mixture of three lactobacillus strains showed the highest adhesion ability to AGS cells. All tested strains exhibited an inhibitory effect against H. pylori. The suspension and cell-free supernatant of three strains showed abilities to inhibit H. pylori urease activity. All the treatment of AGS cells with Q21, Q25, QA85, and mixture significantly decreased the TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8 expression induced by H. pylori infection.
Conclusions
Q21, Q25, QA85, and their mixture possesses potent inhibitory activity against H. pylori infection, growth, and H. pylori-induced inflammation. These results suggest that lactobacillus and its derivatives have the potential as complementary agents against H. pylori infection and alleviate inflammatory response.