bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Theoretical analysis of the power generation of pumping cycle kite power systems compared to traditional wind turbines in Aberdeen
Authors: Ye Zhihui , Chaer Issa , Hartungi Rusdy , Ross Marcus 
Published: August 2023

The United Kingdom (UK) has pledged to reduce its greenhouse-gas emissions to net zero by 2050. However, in July 2022, the High Court ruled that the government’s net zero strategy failed to outline policies that would enable it to meet the target. As a result, the government published a new plan that sets out opportunities for innovative technologies like Floating Offshore Wind Manufacturing, and hydrogen, which will not only help us reach net zero. For wind, the government’s goal is to develop up to 50 GW of offshore wind by 2030. The challenge of such an expansion is huge. It means the United Kingdom will need to install an estimated 3,200 new, and much larger, wind turbines by 2030—roughly three new turbines every 2 days. Airborne Wind Energy (AWE) systems are part of a new class of wind energy converters that is receiving considerable attention in the renewable energy generation arena. AWE systems benefit from the steadier and stronger wind streams at high altitudes to generate more energy from wind while avoiding the expense of tower construction. This paper presents a feasibility study of using AWE systems in the UK and particularly in the City of Aberdeen to generate renewable energy. The characteristics of wind energy distributions were theoretically investigated by developing a wind speed distribution model, and then the annual power production of a kite system and a turbine system with 30 kW generator were analysed by applying the annual wind profile in Aberdeen to the performance models of these two systems. It was found that the annual power production of the kite system was two times higher than that of a normal turbine system.
A novel prognostic prediction model of cuprotosis-related genes signature in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shao Ruo-Nan , Bai Kun-Hao , Huang Qian-Qian , Chen Si-Liang , Huang Xin , Dai Yu-Jun 
Published: August 2023

Background: Cuprotosis is a recently discovered copper-dependent cell death mechanism that relies on mitochondrial respiration. However, the role of cuprotosis-related genes (CRGs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and their prognostic significances remain unknown.Methods: Based on the recently published CRGs, the LASSO Cox regression analysis was applied to construct a CRGs risk model using the gene expression data from the International Cancer Genome Consortium as a training set, followed by validation with datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GSE14520). Functional enrichment analysis of the CRGs was performed by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis.Results: Five of the 13 previously published CRGs were identified to be associated with prognosis in HCC. Kaplan-Meier analysis suggested that patients with high-risk scores have a shorter overall survival time than patients with low-risk scores. ROC curves indicated that the average AUC was more than 0.7, even at 4 years, and at least 0.5 at 5 years. Moreover, addition of this CRG risk score can significantly improve the efficiency of predicting overall survival compared to using traditional factors alone. Functional analysis demonstrated increased presence of Treg cells in patients with high-risk scores, suggesting a suppressed immune state in these patients. Finally, we point to the possibility that novel immunotherapies such as inhibitors of PDCD1, TIGIT, IDO1, CD274, CTLA4, and LAG3 may have potential benefits in high-risk patients.Conclusion: We constructed a better prognostic model for liver cancer by using CRGs. The CRG risk score established in this study can serve as a potentially valuable tool for predicting clinical outcome of patients with HCC.
Molecular characterization and in silico evaluation of surfactins produced by endophytic bacteria from Phanera splendens
Authors: de Souza Eleane Monaliza de Cerqueira , de Oliveira Maycon Vinicius Damasceno , Siqueira José Edson de Sousa , Rocha Daniela Cristiane da Cruz , Marinho Anderson do Nonato Rosario , Marinho Andrey Moacir do Rosario , Marinho Patrícia Santana Barbosa , Lima Anderson H. 
Published: August 2023

The Phanera splendens (Kunth) Vaz. is a medicinal plant that is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of various diseases, such as malaria. This plant presents highly efficient endophytic bacterial isolates with biocontrol properties. Bacillus sp. is responsible for the production of a variety of non-ribosomal synthesized cyclic lipopeptides which highlight the surfactins. Surfactins have a wide range of antimicrobial activity, including antiplasmodial activity. There is scientific evidence that surfactin structure 2d-01 can be a potent inhibitor against a Plasmodium falciparum sirtuin (Sir2) by acting on the Sir2A protein as the target. The Pf genome encodes two known sirtuins, PfSir2A and PfSir2B, where PfSir2A is a regulator of asexual growth and var gene expression. Herein, we have identified six surfactins produced by endophytic bacteria and performed in silico analysis to elucidate the binding mode of surfactins at the active site of the PfSir2A enzyme. Among the characterized surfactins, 1d-02 showed the highest affinity for the PfSir2A enzyme, with binding energy values equal to −45.08 ± 6.0 and −11.95 ± 0.8 kcal/mol, using MM/GBSA and SIE methods, respectively. We hope that the information about the surfactin structures obtained in this work, as well as the potential binding affinity with an important enzyme from P. falciparum, could contribute to the design of new compounds with antimalarial activity.
Development of a microfluidic photochemical flow reactor concept by rapid prototyping
Authors: Dinter Robin , Willems Suzanne , Nissalk Thilo , Hastürk Oguz , Brunschweiger Andreas , Kockmann Norbert 
Published: August 2023

The transfer from batch to flow chemistry is often based on commercial microfluidic equipment, such as costly complete reactor systems, which cannot be easily tailored to specific requirements of technologies such as DNA-encoded library technology (DELT), in particular for increasingly important photochemical reactions. Customized photoreactor concepts using rapid prototyping technology offer a modular, flexible, and affordable design that allows for adaptation to various applications. In order to validate the prototype reactors, a photochemical pinacol coupling reaction at 368 nm was conducted to demonstrate the transfer from batch to flow chemistry. The conversion rates were optimized by adapting the design parameters of the microfluidic flow photoreactor module. Subsequently, the photoreactor module has been extended to an application with DNA-tagged substrates by switching to LEDs with a wavelength of 454 nm. The successful recovery of DNA confirmed the feasibility of the modular-designed flow photo reactor. This collaborative approach holds enormous potential to drive the development of DELT and flow equipment design.
Addressing illegal practices: intergenerational transfer and creative engagement as a way to compensate boomerang effects
Authors: Richter Isabell , Lim Voon Ching , Fadzil Kamal Solhaimi Bin , Riordan Oliver , Pahl Sabine , Goh Hong Ching 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThis study investigates the effectiveness of using an educational comic book to facilitate the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and intentions concerning dynamite fishing in Borneo, Malaysia. The aim is to explore how children can influence their parents' understanding of the issue and their willingness to address it within the community. Additionally, the research examines unintended reactions within the participant groups.MethodsThe study employed a controlled experimental design with two groups: a treatment group exposed to the educational comic book and a control group without this intervention. Participants were families residing in communities where dynamite fishing is still practiced. Data collection included pre- and post-intervention surveys and follow-up measurements to assess short-term and long-term effects on knowledge and intentions.ResultsThe findings revealed a successful intergenerational transfer of knowledge from children to parents, evident both in the short and long term. Furthermore, the intergenerational transfer of intentions demonstrated a two-fold pattern. The intention to discuss the dynamite fishing problem within the community was transferred from children to their parents at the second measurement point, highlighting the time required for the development of new intentions. A boomerang effect was observed for the intention to cease dynamite fishing among individuals reliant on fishing for their livelihood. This rebound effect was solely observed in the control group but was effectively mitigated in the treatment group, where engagement with the comic book influenced positive outcomes.DiscussionThe study's results underscore the power of intergenerational transfer of knowledge and intentions from younger to older generations, facilitated by educational comic books as a communication tool for addressing environmental issues. Moreover, a boomerang effect seen in the control group highlights the complexity of behavior change in economically motivated practices like dynamite fishing. Engaging interventions, such as educational materials, can play a crucial role in curbing these behaviors. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the necessity of carefully monitoring unintended reactions within participant groups, particularly in research related to sensitive topics.
Pancreatic steatosis and iron overload increases cardiovascular risk in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Marti-Aguado David , Ten-Esteve Amadeo , Baracaldo-Silva Carlos Manuel , Crespo Ana , Coello Elena , Merino-Murgui Víctor , Fernandez-Paton Matias , Alfaro-Cervello Clara , Sánchez-Martín Alba , Bauza Mónica , Jimenez-Pastor Ana , Perez-Girbes Alexandre , Benlloch Salvador , Pérez-Rojas Judith , Puglia Víctor , Ferrández Antonio , Aguilera Victoria , Latorre Mercedes , Monton Cristina , Escudero-García Desamparados , Bosch-Roig Ignacio , Alberich-Bayarri Ángel , Marti-Bonmati Luis 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of pancreatic steatosis and iron overload in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and their correlation with liver histology severity and the risk of cardiometabolic diseases.MethodA prospective, multicenter study including NAFLD patients with biopsy and paired Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) was performed. Liver biopsies were evaluated according to NASH Clinical Research Network, hepatic iron storages were scored, and digital pathology quantified the tissue proportionate areas of fat and iron. MRI-biomarkers of fat fraction (PDFF) and iron accumulation (R2*) were obtained from the liver and pancreas. Different metabolic traits were evaluated, cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk was estimated with the atherosclerotic CVD score, and the severity of iron metabolism alteration was determined by grading metabolic hiperferritinemia (MHF). Associations between CVD, histology and MRI were investigated.ResultsIn total, 324 patients were included. MRI-determined pancreatic iron overload and moderate-to severe steatosis were present in 45% and 25%, respectively. Liver and pancreatic MRI-biomarkers showed a weak correlation (r=0.32 for PDFF, r=0.17 for R2*). Pancreatic PDFF increased with hepatic histologic steatosis grades and NASH diagnosis (p&lt;0.001). Prevalence of pancreatic steatosis and iron overload increased with the number of metabolic traits (p&lt;0.001). Liver R2* significantly correlated with MHF (AUC=0.77 [0.72-0.82]). MRI-determined pancreatic steatosis (OR=3.15 [1.63-6.09]), and iron overload (OR=2.39 [1.32-4.37]) were independently associated with high-risk CVD. Histologic diagnosis of NASH and advanced fibrosis were also associated with high-risk CVD.ConclusionPancreatic steatosis and iron overload could be of utility in clinical decision-making and prognostication of NAFLD.
Enhancing Cushing’s disease diagnosis: exploring the impact of desmopressin on ACTH gradient during BIPSS
Authors: Almeida Tobias Skrebsky de , Rodrigues Ticiana da Costa , Costenaro Fabíola , Scaffaro Leandro Armani , Farenzena Maurício , Gastaldo Fernando , Czepielewski Mauro Antônio 
Published: August 2023

IntroductionThe differential diagnosis between Cushing’s disease (CD) and ectopic ACTH syndrome (EAS) is complex, and bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) is considered the gold-standard test. However, BIPSS with corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation is rarely available.ObjectiveThis retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the accuracy of the inferior petrosal sinus to peripheral ACTH gradient (IPS:P) before and after desmopressin stimulation for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome (CS), applying different cutoff values.MethodsA total of 50 patients (48 with CD and 2 with EAS) who underwent BIPSS were included in this study. The sensitivity and specificity of IPS:P in BIPSS before and after desmopressin stimulation were evaluated. Various cutoff values for IPS:P were examined to determine their diagnostic accuracy.ResultsUsing the traditional IPS:P cutoff, the sensitivity was 85.1% before stimulation, 89.6% after stimulation, and a combined sensitivity of 91.7%. Applying cutoff values of IPS:P &gt;1.4 before and &gt;2.8 after stimulation, the sensitivity was 87.2% and 89.6%, respectively, with a combined sensitivity of 91.7%. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined optimal cutoff values of 1.2 before stimulation and 1.57 after stimulation, resulting in a sensitivity of 93.6% and 93.8%, respectively, with a combined sensitivity of 97.9%. Specificity remained at 100% throughout all analyses. Among the 43 patients who responded positively to stimulation, 42 (97.7%) did so within the first three minutes, and all 43 (100%) did so within the first five minutes. None of the assessed clinical variables predicted the ACTH response to stimulation in BIPSS with statistical significance.DiscussionACTH stimulation with desmopressin during BIPSS improves the accuracy of IPS:P, making it a valuable tool for investigating ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Considering the low risk of complications, we recommend the use of desmopressin stimulation during BIPSS for the differential diagnosis of ACTH-dependent CS.
Unravelling the genetic framework associated with grain quality and yield-related traits in maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Sethi Mehak , Saini Dinesh Kumar , Devi Veena , Kaur Charanjeet , Singh Mohini Prabha , Singh Jasneet , Pruthi Gomsie , Kaur Amanpreet , Singh Alla , Chaudhary Dharam Paul 
Published: August 2023

Maize serves as a crucial nutrient reservoir for a significant portion of the global population. However, to effectively address the growing world population’s hidden hunger, it is essential to focus on two key aspects: biofortification of maize and improving its yield potential through advanced breeding techniques. Moreover, the coordination of multiple targets within a single breeding program poses a complex challenge. This study compiled mapping studies conducted over the past decade, identifying quantitative trait loci associated with grain quality and yield related traits in maize. Meta-QTL analysis of 2,974 QTLs for 169 component traits (associated with quality and yield related traits) revealed 68 MQTLs across different genetic backgrounds and environments. Most of these MQTLs were further validated using the data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS). Further, ten MQTLs, referred to as breeding-friendly MQTLs (BF-MQTLs), with a significant phenotypic variation explained over 10% and confidence interval less than 2 Mb, were shortlisted. BF-MQTLs were further used to identify potential candidate genes, including 59 genes encoding important proteins/products involved in essential metabolic pathways. Five BF-MQTLs associated with both quality and yield traits were also recommended to be utilized in future breeding programs. Synteny analysis with wheat and rice genomes revealed conserved regions across the genomes, indicating these hotspot regions as validated targets for developing biofortified, high-yielding maize varieties in future breeding programs. After validation, the identified candidate genes can also be utilized to effectively model the plant architecture and enhance desirable quality traits through various approaches such as marker-assisted breeding, genetic engineering, and genome editing.
Rational use of drugs to alleviate adverse outcomes caused by COVID-19 quarantine in women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy
Authors: Cai Qin-Yu , Li Xia , Yang Yin , Luo Xin , Luo Shu-Juan , Xiong Jing , He Zong-Yan , Chen Yuan , Mou Yi-Wei , Hu Ji-Yuan , Yang Shu , Lan Xia , Liu Tai-Hang 
Published: August 2023

PurposeThis study aimed to investigate the impacts of home quarantine on pregnancy outcomes of women with intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) during the COVID-19 outbreak and whether the rational use of drugs will change these impacts.MethodsThis multi-center study was conducted to compare the pregnancy outcomes in women with ICP between the home quarantine group and the non-home quarantine group in southwest China. Propensity score matching was performed to confirm the pregnancy outcomes of the medication group and the non-medication group in women with ICP during the epidemic period.ResultsA total of 3,161 women with ICP were enrolled in this study, including 816 in the home quarantine group and 2,345 in the non-home quarantine group. Women with ICP in the home quarantine group had worse pregnancy outcomes, such as a growing risk of gestational diabetes mellitus A1, fetal growth restriction, pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, and even stillbirth. Drug therapy could alleviate some adverse pregnancy outcomes caused by home quarantine, including pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, and meconium-stained amniotic fluid.ConclusionCOVID-19 quarantine would increase the incidence of ICP and lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with ICP. The rational use of drugs reduced some obstetrical complications and improved partial pregnancy outcomes. Our findings suggested that the government and hospitals should enhance their management and life guidance for women with ICP and speed up developing home quarantine guidelines.
Oral microbiome and preterm birth
Authors: Vidmar Šimic Marijana , Maver Aleš , Zimani Ana Nyasha , Hočevar Keli , Peterlin Borut , Kovanda Anja , Premru-Sršen Tanja 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe etiology of preterm birth (PTB) is heterogeneous and not yet well known. Maternal periodontal disease has been investigated for decades and is a known risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, no particular bacterial species or higher taxonomic order has been found as causative of PTB, leading to studies of the whole oral microbiome. In order to determine if and how the composition of the oral microbiome is associated with PTB, we performed a large case–control study including women with term (TB) and PTB.MethodsWe compared oral microbiomes in PTB to TB, to examine differences in the microbial richness, diversity, and differential abundance of specific taxa. We obtained oral swab samples from 152 Caucasian pregnant women who were classified as either PTB (≤36 6/7 weeks, n = 61) or TB (≥38 0/7 weeks, n = 91) in exclusion of any other major medical or obstetric conditions. The oral microbiomes of these women were characterized by 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing of the V3–V4 region on the MiSeq platform.ResultsThe dominant microorganisms at the phylum level in all pregnant women regardless of birth week outcomes as belonging to Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Fusobacteria, and Actinobacteria. The phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes were relatively more abundant in women with a PTB than in women with a TB, while Proteobacteria was less prevalent in women with a PTB. At the genus level, Veillonella, Prevotella, and Capnocytophaga were enriched in the PTB, and while many of the members of these genera could not be resolved to the species level, Veillonella massillensis was shown to be increased in the PTB group.ConclusionWe identified the genera Veillonella, Prevotella, and Capnocytophaga in the maternal oral microbiome as being associated with PTB independently of clinically apparent infection, uterine anomalies, and other pregnancy complications, including placenta previa, and placental abruption. The clarification of the role of those taxa in the etiology of PTB merits further research.
Colorectal cancer among inflammatory bowel disease patients: risk factors and prevalence compared to the general population
Authors: Abu-Freha Naim , Cohen Bracha , Gordon Michal , Weissmann Sarah , Kestenbaum Emily H. , Vosko Sergei , Abu-Tailakh Muhammad , Ben-Shoshan Liza , Cohen Daniel L. , Shirin Haim 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundColorectal cancer (CRC) is a feared complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We aimed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of CRC among a large cohort of IBD patients.MethodsData on IBD patients free of CRC at baseline was extracted using the MDClone platform of the Clalit health maintenance organization in Israel. We investigated the frequency rate of CRC among IBD patients compared to a control group without IBD. Possible risk factors, including comorbidities and IBD-related medications, were investigated in a multivariate analysis.ResultsDuring a follow-up of 139,448 years among Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and 139,533 years among ulcerative colitis (UC) patients, a frequency rate of CRC was 1.5% (191) among 12,888 CD patients and 2.1% (261) among 12,381 UC patients compared to 1.2% among 57,334 controls. In a multivariate analysis of UC patients, age at diagnosis (OR 1.030, p &lt; 0.001), primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR 2.487, p = 0.005), diabetes mellitus (OR 2.01, p &lt; 0.001), and glucocorticoids treatment (OR 1.465, p = 0.008) were found to be predictors of CRC. For CD patients, age at diagnosis (OR 1.035, p &lt; 0.001), primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR 2.25, p = 0.029), and glucocorticoids treatment (OR 2.07, p &lt; 0.001) were found to be predictors for CRC, but not diabetes mellitus.ConclusionDespite the continuously decreasing rates of CRC among IBD patients, these are still higher in IBD patients compared to the general population. IBD patients, particularly those with risk factors, require special consideration in follow-up for CRC.