bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological modification of coastal pH depends on community composition and time
Authors: Sorte Cascade J. B. , Kroeker Kristy J. , Miller Luke P. , Bracken Matthew E. S. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBiological processes play important roles in determining how global changes manifest at local scales. Primary producers can absorb increased CO2 via daytime photosynthesis, modifying pH in aquatic ecosystems. Yet producers and consumers also increase CO2 via respiration. It is unclear whether biological modification of pH differs across the year, and, if so, what biotic and abiotic drivers underlie temporal differences. We addressed these questions using the intensive study of tide pool ecosystems in Alaska, USA, including quarterly surveys of 34 pools over 1 year and monthly surveys of five pools from spring to fall in a second year. We measured physical conditions, community composition, and changes in pH and dissolved oxygen during the day and night. We detected strong temporal patterns in pH dynamics. Our measurements indicate that pH modification varies spatially (between tide pools) and temporally (across months). This variation in pH dynamics mirrored changes in dissolved oxygen and was associated with community composition, including both relative abundance and diversity of benthic producers and consumers, whose role differed across the year, particularly at night. These results highlight the importance of the time of year when considering the ways that community composition influences pH conditions in aquatic ecosystems.
Effects of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular‐related acute care use in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Miyashita Satoshi , Akita Keitaro , Zhao Yanling , Hasegawa Kohei , Maurer Mathew S. , Weiner Shepard D. , Reilly Muredach P. , Takayama Hiroo , Shimada Yuichi J. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAimsPrior studies have suggested causal relationships between obesity and acute cardiovascular events. It has been also known that the risk of acute cardiovascular events is reduced by bariatric surgery. However, little is known about whether bariatric surgery lowers the risk of acute cardiovascular events in patients with obesity and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In this context, we aimed to investigate whether bariatric surgery is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular‐related acute care use in patients with HCM.Methods and resultsIn this population‐based study, the bariatric surgery group consisted of patients with HCM who underwent bariatric surgery from January 2004 to December 2014. The control group included those who have obesity and HCM and received non‐bariatric elective intra‐abdominal surgery during the same period. The outcome was cardiovascular‐related acute care use (i.e. emergency department (ED) visits or unplanned hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease) during a 1‐year post‐surgery period. We used the SPARCS database, a population‐based ED and inpatient database in New York State. We constructed logistic regression models with generalized estimating equations to compare the risk of the outcome events during sequential 6‐month post‐surgery periods. We adjusted for age, sex, number of ED visits and hospitalizations for cardiovascular disease within 2 years before the index surgery, and the Elixhauser co‐morbidity measures. We also performed propensity score (PS)‐matching and inverse probability treatment weighting analyses using these variables. The analytic cohort consisted of 207 adults with obesity and HCM, including 147 patients who underwent bariatric surgery and 60 in the control group. The risk was not significantly different in the 1–6 months post‐surgery period. By contrast, in the 7–12 months post‐surgery period, the risk of cardiovascular‐related acute care use was significantly lower in the bariatric surgery group (adjusted odds ratio 0.23; 95% CI 0.068–0.71; P = 0.01) compared with the control group. In the PS‐matched cohort, there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics. The PS‐matched analysis demonstrated lower risk of the outcome event in the bariatric surgery group in the 7–12 months post‐surgery period. The inverse probability treatment weighting analysis replicated the findings.ConclusionsBariatric surgery was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular‐related acute care use in the 7–12 months post‐surgery period in this population‐based study.
Techno‐enviro‐economic design of small‐scale membrane‐based seawater desalination systems integrated with hybrid autonomous renewable power systems
Authors: Gökçek Murat , Özkan Fatma 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis article aims to search the technical, environmental, and economic model of an off‐grid hybrid power generation system that supplies electricity to a seawater reverse osmosis (RO) system. Net present cost (NPC) and levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) values were used to determine the optimal system sizing powering a reverse osmosis desalination system for different sites where is located south and west coast of Türkiye. In the proposed power systems, PV panels, wind turbines, diesel generators, lead‐acid batteries, and converters were used. In the instance where the lowest LCOE of 0.301$/kWh is calculated, the optimal system comprises of a 25.7 kW PV array, one wind turbine (rated at 10 kW), 152 kWh LA batteries, and a 6.76 kW converter. The levelized cost of water (LCOW) value for this case was calculated as 1.168 $/m3. The LCOE value was calculated as 0.529 $/kWh for the power system, which is considered as a base case and consists of only a diesel generator, where no renewable energy source is used. For the base case, the carbon footprint of electricity generation is 35,127 kg/year. According to CO2 sequestration analysis result, the number of trees (Pinus Brutia) to be planted was calculated as approximately 164 tree/year over the lifetime of the power system for base case.
Gel/hydrogel‐based in situ biomaterial platforms for cancer postoperative treatment and recovery
Authors: Feng Yuzhao , Zhang Zhan , Tang Wei , Dai Yunlu 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTumor surgical resection is the major strategy for cancer treatment. Meanwhile, perioperative treatment especially the postoperative adjuvant anticancer strategies play essential roles in satisfying therapeutic results and rapid recovery. Postoperative tumor recurrence, metastasis, bleeding, inter‐tissue adhesion, infection, and delayed wound healing are vital risks that could lead to poor prognosis or even treatment failure. Therefore, methods targeting these postoperative complications are in desperate need. In situ biomaterial‐based drug delivery platforms are promising candidates for postoperative treatment and recovery, resulting from their excellent properties including good biocompatibility, adaptive shape, limited systemic effect, designable function, and easy drug loading. In this review, we focus on introducing the gel/hydrogel‐based in situ biomaterial platforms involving their properties, advantages, and synthesis procedures. Based on the loaded contents in the gel/hydrogel such as anticancer drugs, immunologic agents, cell components, and multifunctional nanoparticles, we further discuss the applications of the in situ platforms for postoperative tumor recurrence and metastasis inhibition. Finally, other functions aiming at fast postoperative recovery were introduced, including hemostasis, antibacterial infection, adhesion prevention, tissue repair, and wound healing. In conclusion, gel/hydrogel is a developing and promising platform for postoperative treatment, exhibiting gratifying therapeutic effects and inconspicuous toxicity to normal tissues, which deserves further research and exploration.
Composition and contents of fatty acids and amino acids in the mycelia of Lentinula edodes
Authors: Yu Chang‐Xia , Zhang Ya‐Ru , Ren Yun‐Fei , Zhao Yan , Song Xiao‐Xia , Yang Huan‐Ling , Chen Ming‐Jie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWith the global shortages of animal protein foods, mycoprotein as a low‐cost alternative source of protein by its high‐protein and low‐fat content has become a development trend. Lentinula edodes (L. edodes) is a healthy food with high protein and low fiber. This work evaluated the nutritional value of L. edodes mycelia, and determined the composition and contents of fatty acids and amino acids. Eleven saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and 12 unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) were detected in the mycelia of L. edodes. The UFA content accounted for 75.7% and 73.1% of the total fatty acid content in the mycelia of strains 18 and 18N44, respectively. Linoleic acid was the major polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the mycelia, accounting for 91.0% and 86.3% of the UFAs, respectively. The mycelia of the two strains contained 17 types of amino acids, and the essential amino acids were sufficient (357.92 ± 0.42 and 398.38 ± 4.52 mg/g pro, respectively), both close to the WHO/FAO reference protein pattern value. The most abundant essential amino acid was Lys, and the limiting amino acids were Met + Cys and Ile, respectively. The SRC values in the mycelia of the two strains were 68.07 and 54.86, and the EAAI values were 67.70 and 74.42, respectively, both being close to those of ovalbumin. It is concluded that L. edodes mycelia are rich in easily absorbed high‐quality proteins and PUFAs, and can be used as a source for meat analog required by vegetarians. This study provides a scientific basis for the further utilization of mycelial resources.
Characteristics of alanine racemase in Lactobacillus sakeiZH‐2 strain
Authors: Kanauchi Makoto , Matsumoto Natsuki 
Published: June 2023

AbstractSome d‐amino acid functions for food production are widely known: d‐alanine improves sensory evaluations of sake, beer, and fermented foods. Therefore, for the application of d‐amino acids, alanine racemase (ALRase) in Lactobacillus sakei ZH‐2, which has strong racemization, was analyzed using molecular biological methods. It had been hypothesized that ALRase coding DNA, alr, in ZH‐2 strain differs from those of other Lactobacillus sakei strains. However, complete genome sequencing by the National Center for Biotechnology (NCBI) revealed the amino acid sequence of alr in ZH‐2 strain to have homology of 99.4% similarity with the alr in Lactobacillus sakei 23K strain. However, it is considered that the sequence of alr was a unique amino acid sequence in the lactic acid bacteria group. DNA “alr” of ZH‐2 strain has a 1140 bp DNA base with 41 kDa molecular mass. Its molecular mass was inferred as approximately 38.0 kDa using SDS‐PAGE. Its optimum conditions are pH 9.0 at 30–40°C, showing stability at pH 9.0–10.0 and 4–40°C. Its cofactor is pyridoxal phosphate. Its activity is activated more by copper and zinc ions than by the lack of a metal ion. Additionally, its Km is 1.32 × 10−3 (mol), with Vmax of 4.27 × 10−5 (μmol−1 min−1). ALRase reacted against alanine most strongly in other substrates such as amino acids. The enzyme against serine was found to have 40% activity against alanine. The enzyme converted up to 54.5% of d‐alanine from l‐alanine ZH‐2 strain.
Omega‐3 fatty acid supplements and recurrent miscarriage: A perspective on potential mechanisms and clinical evidence
Authors: Mu Fangxiang , Huo Huyan , Wang Mei , Wang Fang 
Published: June 2023

AbstractRecurrent miscarriage (RM) affects approximately 1%–5% of couples worldwide. Due to its complicated etiologies, the treatments for RM also vary greatly, including surgery for anatomic factors such as septate uterus and uterine adhesions, thyroid modulation drugs for hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, and aspirin and low molecular weight heparin for antiphospholipid syndrome. However, these treatment modalities are still insufficient to solve RM. Omega‐3 fatty acids are reported to modulate the dysregulation of immune cells, oxidative stress, endocrine disorders, inflammation, etc., which are closely associated with the pathogenesis of RM. However, there is a lack of a systematic description of the involvement of omega‐3 fatty acids in treating RM, and the underlying mechanisms are also not clear. In this review, we sought to determine the potential mechanisms that are highly associated with the pathogenesis of RM and the regulation of omega‐3 fatty acids on these mechanisms. In addition, we also highlighted the direct and indirect clinical evidence of omega‐3 fatty acid supplements to treat RM, which might encourage the application of omega‐3 fatty acids to treat RM, thus improving pregnancy outcomes.
Use of cellulose microfibers from olive pomace to reinforce green composites for sustainable packaging applications
Authors: Amara Cyrine , El Mahdi Ayoub , Akman Perihan Kubra , Medimagh Raouf , Tornuk Fatih , Khwaldia Khaoula 
Published: June 2023

AbstractTo valorize abundant, unexploited, and low‐cost agro‐industrial by‐products, olive pomace is proposed as a sustainable and renewable raw material for cellulose microfibers (CMFs) production. In this study, CMFs were extracted from olive pomace using alkaline and bleaching treatments and characterized in terms of morphological, structural, and thermal properties. Afterward, the reinforcing capability of microfibers was examined using carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as a polymer matrix by the solvent casting process. The effects of CMF loading (1%, 3%, 5%, and 10%) on the composites' mechanical, physical, morphological, and thermal properties were assessed. CMF incorporation led to a decrease in moisture content (MC), water solubility (WS), and water vapor permeability (WVP) and an increase in tensile strength (TS), stiffness and transparency values, and thermal stability of CMC films. Increasing CMF content to 5%, increased the TS and elasticity modulus by 54% and 79%, respectively, and reduced the WVP and light transmissivity at 280 nm, by 22% and 47%, respectively. The highest water, moisture, light barrier, and mechanical properties of composites were reached at 5% CMFs.
Effects of exergaming on cognitive functions and loneliness of older adults with cognitive frailty
Authors: Zhu Yu‐Zhen , Lin Chiou‐Fen , Yang Hui‐Ling , Jin Grace , Chiu Huei‐Ling 
Published: June 2023

AbstractObjectivesCognitive frailty combines physical frailty and cognitive impairment in the absence of dementia. The prompt detection of cognitive frailty and early implementation of preventive interventions may reduce the incidence of dementia. However, intervention studies of exergaming in older adults with cognitive frailty are scant. Therefore, we aim to investigate the effectiveness of exergaming on cognitive functions and loneliness among older adults with cognitive frailty.DesignQuasi‐experimental design.MethodsParticipants were recruited from four community settings. The experimental group participated in two 40‐min group exergaming sessions weekly for eight weeks; the control group received usual care. The outcome measures were the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the Chinese Version of the Loneliness Scale. Analyses of covariance were conducted to analyze whether exergaming influenced participants' cognitive functions and loneliness. In addition, the effect size of the posttest of the experimental group relative to its baseline value was calculated to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.Result69 older adults with cognitive frailty were included, and 35 and 34 were assigned to the experimental and control groups, respectively. The exergaming effectively improved the cognitive function of older adults with cognitive frailty.ConclusionsExergaming interventions can effectively improve the cognitive functions of older adults with cognitive frailty but do not positively affect loneliness. We provide evidence to healthcare workers to apply exergaming interventions for older adults with cognitive frailty to improve cognitive function.
An analysis of the key drivers of the Japanese digital therapeutics patents: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Oda Tetsuaki , Oda Chikako 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundDigital therapeutics (DTx) are software or other tools that support or implement medical practices such as disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment using digital technology. DTx has been approved in Japan, and it is anticipated that the number of approvals will increase in the future. DTx differs from conventional medical devices in that its primary purpose is treatment.AimThis study aims to identify the key drivers of DTx in Japan by analyzing patents in the field of medical information, including DTx.MethodologyThis study visualizes the results of patent analyses for DTx and examines patent applications that feature applied technology and indications in the medical information field as the key drivers. The study will also employ patent citation analysis. It can be argued that the more citations a patent receives, the more similar research and development activities are being conducted, and the greater the competition. The number of citations per patent application will also be calculated to help identify areas where the value per patent application is high and competition intensifies. A patent citation matrix analysis will be conducted for notable Japanese companies in the DTx field. The citation matrix analysis consists of the number of citations and the company's selfcitation ratio to visualize the patent value. This study investigates the key drivers of DTx by analyzing patent technologies, focusing on patent applications with a high number of citations or a high selfcitation ratio.ResultsKey drivers of digital therapeutics were examined by analyzing patents in the fields of healthcare informatics and diagnostics. In terms of the number of patent applications and citations in Japan, numerous patents were related to “applications,” “sensors,” “medical imaging,” “central nervous system/psychiatry,” and “heart.” As a result, Japanese companies are expected to conduct R&D with an eye toward overseas expansion.
Reproductive experiences and factors influencing contraceptive use among female head‐porters in Ghana: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Amponsah‐Tabi Seth , Sarbeng Kwadwo , Dassah Edward , Peprah Amponsah , Asubonteng Gerald Owusu , Ankobea Frank , Opoku Stephen , Senu Ebenezer , Morhe Emmanuel S. K. , Danso Kwabena Antwi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsFemale head‐porters are a cohort of women who have migrated from their rural communities into commercial cities in search of better economic opportunities. These young women are vulnerable to untoward reproductive experiences. The study assesses the reproductive experiences of women and the factors influencing contraceptive use among them.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted from January to May 2021 in the Kumasi Metropolis (n = 280). The study included 280 female head‐porters within the reproductive age of 15–49 years. Convenience sampling and consecutive recruitment were used to obtain the needed sample size. All statistical significance was declared at a p‐value of <0.05.ResultsForty‐two percent of respondents had a history of contraceptive use (all modern or artificial contraception). The study found gravidity (p < 0.0001), parity (p < 0.0001), number of sexual partners post‐migration (p = 0.008), and age of first sex (p = 0.033) to be associated with contraceptive use among female head‐porters.ConclusionFourteen percent had experienced sexual exploitation post‐migration, the first sexual encounter of one‐third of participants were nonconsensual, 19% had sex at or before 16 years, and 72% were aware of contraception. Reproductive experiences such as gravidity and sexual debut (age at first sex) have a significant influence on the use of contraception.
Trauma is not the whole story: Trajectories of responses to childhood disasters intertwining with Life following the Indian Ocean tsunami
Authors: Taube Dayan Shira 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn an era of global threats, understanding the implications of disasters on young people's life course is of central importance. A particular emphasis should be placed on non‐Western economically developing societies that are considered as vulnerable and are less studied, and on social groups within these societies that are underrepresented. The present study focuses on young Sri Lankan women who experienced the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as children. Thirteen young women generated their life stories in semi‐structured interviews, 12 years after the disaster had elapsed. Holistic narrative analysis revealed new variations and in‐depth meanings in disaster response trajectories and presented the intertwining courses of the responses to the Potentially Traumatic Event (PTE) with ecological aspects throughout development, as in Trajectories intertwining with Life (TiL). This study provides empirical, methodological, conceptual and practical innovations to the study of human development throughout the life course, within the interdisciplinary fields of trauma and disasters.Highlights
This research is interested in how childhood disaster response trajectories among an understudied population are understood through an ecological‐developmental perspective.
Life stories uncover Trajectories intertwining with Life (TiL) among Sri Lankan women who were children during the Indian Ocean tsunami.
The TiL unique outcomes, integrating trauma responses as inseparable from ecological and developmental aspects, offer various theoretical and applied implications.
Effectiveness, safety and quality of life of trifluridine/tipiracil in pretreated patients with metastatic colorectal cancer: Real‐world data from the noninterventional TACTIC study in Germany
Authors: Kröning Hendrik , Göhler Thomas , Decker Thomas , Grundeis Marc , Kojouharoff Georgi , Lipke Jörg , Semsek Dieter , Moorahrend Enno , Sauer Annette , Bruch Harald‐Robert , Liersch Rüdiger , Nusch Arnd , Vehling‐Kaiser Ursula , Welslau Manfred , Grunewald Ralf , Harich Hanns‐Detlev , Stephany Marcel , Uhlig Jens , de Buhr Rebecca , Frank Melanie , Hogrefe Cathrin , Marschner Norbert , Potthoff Karin , Hartmann Frank , Reisländer Timo , Schwaner Ingo 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe prospective, multicenter, noninterventional TACTIC study assessed effectiveness and safety of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) in a real‐world setting in Germany, thus evaluating the external validity of the findings from the pivotal RECOURSE trial. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary objectives included progression‐free survival (PFS), safety, and quality of life (QoL). Subgroups comprised patients with good (<3 metastatic sites at inclusion, ≥18 months from diagnosis of first metastasis to inclusion) or poor (remaining patients) prognostic characteristics (GPC/PPC). GPC without liver metastases was considered best prognostic characteristics (BPC). In total, 307 eligible patients (pretreated or not suitable for other available therapies) were treated with FTD/TPI. Overall, median [95%‐CI] OS was 7.4 months [6.4‐8.6], median PFS was 2.9 months [2.8‐3.3]. In BPC (n = 65) and GPC (n = 176) compared to PPC (n = 124) subgroup, median OS (13.3 [9.1‐17.6] vs 8.9 [7.6‐9.8] vs 5.1 [4.4‐7.0] months) and median PFS (4.0 [3.3‐5.3] vs 3.4 [3.0‐3.7] vs 2.6 [2.4‐2.8] months) were longer. Patient‐reported QoL, assessed by validated questionnaires (EQ‐5D‐5L, PRO‐CTCAE), was stable throughout FTD/TPI treatment. Predominant FTD/TPI‐related adverse events of grades 3 or 4 were neutropenia (13.0%), leukopenia (7.5%), and anemia (5.2%). Altogether, palliative FTD/TPI therapy in patients with pretreated mCRC was associated with prolonged survival, delayed progression, maintained health‐related QoL, and manageable toxicity. Low metastatic burden and indolent disease were favorable prognostic factors for survival. TACTIC confirms the effectiveness and safety of FTD/TPI, highlighting its value in routine clinical practice.