bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship between caffeine intake and thyroid function: results from NHANES 2007-2012
Authors: Zheng Jiaping , Zhu Xinyan , Xu Guiqing , Wang Xingchen , Cao Mengyang , Zhu Shusen , Huang Rui , Zhou Yu 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Backgrounds: Moderate caffeine intake decreases the risk of metabolic disorders and all-cause mortality, and the mechanism may be related to its ergogenic actions. Thyroid hormones are vital in metabolic homeostasis; however, their associationwith caffeine intake has rarely been explored.
Objective: To investigate the association between caffeine intake and thyroid function.
Methods: We collected data on demographic background, medical conditions, dietary intake, and thyroid function from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)2007-2012. Subgroups were classified using two-step cluster analysis, and sex, age, body mass index (BMI), hyperglycemia, hypertension, and cardio-cerebral vascular disease (CVD) were used for clustering. Restrictive cubic spline analysis was employed to investigate potential nonlinear correlations, and multivariable linear regression was used to evaluate the association between caffeine consumption and thyroid function.
Results: A total of 2,582 participants were included, and three subgroups with different metabolic features were clustered. In the most metabolically unhealthy group, with the oldest age, highest BMI, and more cases of hypertension, hyperglycemia, and CVD, there was a non-linear relationship between caffeine intake and serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level. After adjusting for age, sex, race, drinking, smoking, medical conditions, micronutrient and macronutrient intake, caffeine intake less than 9.97 mg/d was positively related to serum TSH (p = 0.035, standardized β = 0.155); however, moderate caffeine consumption (9.97-264.97 mg/d) showed a negative association (p = 0.001, standardized β = - 0.152).
Conclusions: Caffeine consumption has a non-linear relationship with serum TSH in people with metabolic disorders, and moderate caffeine intake (9.97~264.97 mg/d) was positively related with serum TSH.
Cost-Effective and Environmentally Friendly Flexible Magnetic EPDM rubber Composites Based on Ground Waste Tires (GRW) and Waste Iron Powder
Authors: Shafik E. S. , Labeeb A. M. , Wissa D. A. , Abd-El-Messieh S. L. , Ward A. A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
One of the main issues facing environmental and human health protection is managing and further use of waste tires. Upcycling is a successful recycling strategy that aims to incorporate shredded discarded tires into polymer blends to create products with added value for different uses. Two-roll mill laboratories mixer were used to prepare low-cost, flexible magnetic composites based on an EPDM rubber/ground waste tyres (GRW) blend as a host matrix and waste iron powders (WIP) as dispersed filler. Tensile strength, elongation at break, hardness (shore A) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were used to evaluate the physico-mechanical properties of the produced blends. The thermal properties of the produced blends were also tested using thermo gravimetric analysis, and the morphology of the blends was observed using a scan electron microscope. The electrical and magnetic properties of the mixtures were also tested. The elemental analysis of the WIP sample showed that it contains about 2.19% SiO2, 76.57% Fe2O3 and 21.24% O2, respectively. Mainly, the investigated mechanical parameters (elongation at break & hardness) increased with increasing the WIP content. A notable decrease of tensile strength upon reaching 50phr WIP is noticed. Enhancement in the thermal stability of EPDM/WIP composites is noticed by increasing WIP content. SEM micrographs detect agglomerates at higher WIP content, resulting in mechanical properties' failure. Moreover, the values ε'& ε' improved by rising WIP content. Also, the electrical conductivity "σ" reaches 10− 4 S/cm for 60 phr WIP. Further, the EPDM/WIP composites may be appropriate for creating soft magnetic materials, which have several applications.
Effects of cage fish (Oreochromis niloticus L. 1758) farming on the water quality in selected bays of the Bukavu basin, Lake Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Baguma Gabriel , Cocquyt Christine , Kabagale Alfred Cubaka , Nshombo Venant Muderhwa , Alicet Irenge Bwana Mudogo , Nakangu Nelly Furaha , Kadjunga Jean-Claude Balungwe , Akonkwa Désiré Balagizi , Mbalassa Muloingaibalu 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the impact of the cage fish farming on the water quality in two selected bays of the Bukavu basin, Lake Kivu; from February to December 2021. Physicochemical parameters including pH, Temperature, EC, TDS, Salinity, DO, Transparency were sampled in situ using a COMBO HI 98129 multi-parameter probe, PCE-PHD1 probe and a Black & White Secchi disk; water at different depths was collected with the aid of a Van-Dorn Sampler; nutrients namely PO43−, NH4+, NO2−, SiO2, and Chl_a were analysed using the UV-VIS spectrophotometer. The results revealed that water pH, temperature, TDS, salinity and transparency significantly (p ≤ 0.05) varied between the selected sites. Water at the cage sites contained significantly (p ≤ 0.05) much higher concentrations of PO3 − 4, NH4+, NO2−, SiO2 and Chl_a than in control site. In overall, these results suggest that cage fish farming changed water quality in the selected bays. Therefore, the study recommends that measures should be taken to regulate cage fish farming and related activities and deforestation around Bukavu basin to avoid advert conditions.
Thermoplastic starch/bentonite clay nanocomposite reinforced with vitamin B2: Physicochemical characteristics and release behavior
Authors: Heydari Abolfazl , KhajeHassani Milad , Daneshafruz Haniyeh , Hamedi Sepideh , Dorchei Faeze , Kazeminava Fahimeh , Sadjadi Samahe , Doostan Farideh , Chodak Ivan , Sheibani Hassan 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Thermoplastic starch (TPS) attracted great interest in the biopolymer industry due to its obvious advantages, such as biodegradability and renewable resources, as substitutes for petroleum-based materials. This study is focused on designing TPS/bentonite clay (BC) nanocomposite (TPS/BC) reinforced with vitamin B2 (VB). The TPS nanocomposites loaded with various contents of BC were prepared using regular cornstarch/clay plasticized with glycerol. Subsequently, the various content of VB was encapsulated into TPS/BC. The effects of VB were investigated on the physicochemical properties of the TPS/BC films including mechanical and thermal properties, water uptake, and weight loss in water. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of TPS/BC/VB films were found to increase significantly with adding and rising the VB content. The highest tensile and Young’s modulus values were observed for the nanocomposites containing 5 php of VB and 3 php of BC which indicates their synergistic effects on the mechanical properties of TPS. TPS reinforced with 1 php and 5 php VB showed an increase in water uptake compared to the TPS. The release of VB was evaluated from the nanocomposite films. Our findings show that higher BC content leads to lower VB release, which indicates the control of VB release by BC content.
Left ventricular structural abnormalities in the assessment of diastolic function in the elderly: source of discrepancies between the 2009 and 2016 criteria
Authors: Gonzalez Vinícius Leite , Santos Angela Barreto Santiago , Rohde Luis Eduardo Paim , Foppa Murilo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Diastolic dysfunction (DD) is routinely evaluated in echocardiography to support diagnosis, prognostication, and management of heart failure, a condition highly prevalent in elderly patients. Clinical guidelines were published in 2009, and updated in 2016, pursuing to standardize and improve DD categorization. We aimed to assess the concordance of DD between these two documents in an elderly population and to investigate how left ventricular structural abnormalities (LVSA) impact the reclassification.
Methods
We analyzed the 308 consecutive transthoracic echocardiograms in patients older than 60 years (70.4 ± 7.7 years-old, 59% women) that fulfilled the inclusion criteria out of the 1438 echocardiograms performed in a tertiary hospital.
Results
The prevalence of DD was lower according to the 2016 criteria (64% vs. 91%; p < 0.001), with 207 (67.2%) patients changing category, indicating poor agreement between the guidelines (kappa = 0.21). There were 188 (61%) patients with LVSA, which drove most of the reclassifications in 2016 Grade I DD cases. The prevalence of elevated filling pressures by Doppler halved in this elderly population using the updated recommendations (20.9% vs. 39.2%; p < 0.001).
Conclusions
The prevalence of DD was lower applying the 2016 guidelines, with a poor agreement with 2009 guidelines in all DD grades. The role of LVSA in reclassifications was particularly evident in Grade I DD, while Doppler parameters drove reclassifications among the more severe grades. If not properly addressed, these discrepancies may undermine the reliance on DD as a diagnostic and prognostic tool, particularly in an elderly population at a higher risk of heart failure.
Outcome Improvement Over Time in Reduced Intensity Conditioning Hematopoietic Transplantation: A 20 Years Experience
Authors: Esqu Albert , García-Cadenas Irene , Novelli Silvana , Garrido Ana , Caballero Ana Carolina , Oñate Guadalupe , López-Pardo Jordi , Redondo Sara , Arquello-Tomas Miguel , Gerosa Silvanna Saavedra , Moreno Carol , Briones Javier , Sierra Jorge , Martino Rodrigo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background: RIC-alloHSCT had been our standard of care for patients more than 50, with comorbidities or previously transplanted.
Methods: 484 consecutive RIC-alloHSCT were included. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of CsA-MTX(147), CsA-MMF(124), tacro-siro(145) and PTCy-tacro(68).
Results: The median time of overall follow-up in survivors was 8-years (with at least 3-years in all four GVHD prophylaxis groups).Neutrophil and platelet engraftment was longer for PTCy-tacro (p0.0001). CumInc of grade III-IV aGVHD was 17% at 200 days and of moderate-severe cGvHD was 36% at 8-years. GVHD prophylaxis was the only prognostic factor in the MVA(p0.0001). NRM and relapse were 29% and 30%; OS and PFS were 43% and 39% at 8-years. At 3-years, OS was highest in the PTCy-tacro (68%) than in the tacro-siro (61%) and CsA+MTX/MMF (49%) cohorts (P<0.01). In the three groups respectively, the 200-days incidence of grade III-IV aGvHD (6%vs.12%vs.23%) and 3-year moderate-severe cGVHD (8%vs.40%vs.38%) were lower in the PTCY cohort.
Conclusion: This large single institution experience shows the improvement of RIC-alloHSCT over time, mainly due to a better prevention of acute and chronic GVHD. Based on our recent results we strongly support PTCy as the current standard of care since in our hands associates to the best 3-year survival.
Comparison of the cytokine adsorption ability in continuous renal replacement therapy using polyethyleneimine-coated or polymethylmethacrylate hemofilters: a pilot single-center open-label randomized control trial
Authors: Nakamura Yoshihiko , Hatomoto Hiroki , Yamasaki Shintaro , Yamauchi Kazuya , Kiyomi Fumiaki , Hoshino Kota , Kawano Yasumasa , Nakano Takafumi , Hasegawa Takehiro , Ishikura Hiroyasu 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background

Sepsis occurs as a result of dysregulated host response to infection. However, cytokine adsorption therapy may restore the balance of proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory mediator responses in patients with sepsis. This study aimed to determine the cytokine adsorption ability of two different types of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) hemofilters for polyethyleneimine-coated polyacrylonitrile (AN69ST) (surface-treated) and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) CRRT.

Methods

We performed a randomized controlled trial among sepsis patients undergoing CRRT, who were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either AN69ST or PMMA-CRRT. The primary outcome was cytokine clearance of hemofilter adsorption (CHA). The secondary endpoints were the intensive care unit (ICU) and 28-day mortalities.

Results

We randomly selected 52 patients. Primary outcome data were available for 26 patients each in the AN69ST-CRRT and PMMA-CRRT arms. The CHA of high-mobility group box 1, tumor necrosis factor, interleukin (IL)-8, monokine induced by interferon-γ, and macrophage inflammatory protein were significantly higher in the AN69ST-CRRT group than in the PMMA-CRRT group (P < 0.001, P < 0.01, P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). In contrast, the CHA of IL-6 was significantly higher in the PMMA-CRRT group than in the AN69ST-CRRT group (P < 0.001). In addition, the 28-day mortality was not significantly different between the two groups (50% in AN69ST-CRRT vs. 30.8% in PMMA-CRRT, P = 0.26).

Conclusion

AN69ST and PMMA membranes have different cytokine CHA in patients with sepsis. Therefore, these two hemofilters may have to be used depending on the target cytokine.

Trial registration

This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network on November 1, 2017 (Trial No: UMIN000029450, https://center6.umin.ac.jp).
Dynamic atlas of histone modifications and gene regulatory networks in endosperm of bread wheat
Authors: He Chao , Bi Siteng , Li Yuqi , Song Chengxiang , Li Qiang , Saeed Sulaiman , Chen Wei , Zhao Chunjie , Xu Xintong , Lan Caixia , Su Handong , Mao Hailiang , Yan Wenhao 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Dissecting the genetic basis of seed traits in wheat is impeded by limited genetic polymorphisms and significant variations caused by environmental conditions and seed position in a spikelet. Seed performance is largely determined by endosperm development controlled by spatiotemporal variation in gene activities, which is greatly affected by chromatin status. Here, we mapped genome-wide dynamic distributions of H3K27me3, H3K4me3 and H3K9ac modifications and profiled gene transcription across wheat endosperm development. The combinatorial effects of active and repressive marks ensure spatiotemporal dynamic gene expression, especially for starch biosynthesis. By scanning the transcription factor binding motifs in the H3K9ac peaks, hub regulators were identified from the regulatory network. Strikingly, significant correlations were detected between sequence polymorphisms of hub regulators and variation in seed traits in a germplasm population. Thus, the analysis of genomic regulatory activities together with genetic variation provides a robust approach to dissect seed traits in bread wheat.
Geological Characterization of the Bir Djeneb’s Sinkhole (Boukadir, Algeria)
Authors: Mahdjoub Abdalhak , Zeghari Ahmed , Bradai Mohammed El Amine , Benessalah Ismail , Ainouche Ahmed 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Bir Djeneb is one of the remarkable structures found in the Messinian Kef Formation, a vast outcrop of white Lithothamnium limestone south of the city of Boukadir. This construction remained unknown for many years. Using field research and literature analysis, we examine this phenomenon in this work. According to the most recent classifications of sinkholes, Bir Djeneb is classified as a bedrock collapse sinkhole as a result of the geological characterization. The sedimentary fill of the sinkhole allows us to distinguish between two subsidence episodes. By linking this sinkhole with a major collapse that occurred in 1988 in the midst of Boukadir's Fourth National Road, the dangerous aspect of this sinkhole was brought to light.
Solar Power Ramps in the Future: Assessing Australia's Potential with Climate Projections
Authors: Poddar Shukla 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Increasing levels of photovoltaic (PV) penetration to the electricity grid brings challenges to both design and operation of the grid due to its vulnerability to climate change. A crucial aspect of PV operation is power ramps leading to variability and instability in the grid. With notable large-scale PV deployment planned, including the world’s largest planned solar energy infrastructure in Powell Creek Australia, characterising future ramps is crucial for ensuring stable power generation to support large-scale economic development. Using CORDEX-Australasia projections under RCP8.5 and RCP4.5 emission scenarios, future solar ramps across Australia have been characterised up to 2100. Results predict a reduction in ramp magnitude across Australia, with changes in frequency and period length varying with the location. This work highlights the importance of considering future changes in climate when designing large-scale solar farms to ensure the incorporation of frequency control devices and storage plans for a reliable power supply.
Microbial identification through multispectral infrared imaging of colonies: combining chemical and morphotype analysis
Authors: Galudec Joël Le , Dupoy Mathieu , Rebuffel Véronique , Marcoux Pierre R. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Most of optical methods for the identification of microorganisms rely either on vibrational spectroscopies, such as Raman and infrared spectroscopy, or on morphotype imaging within the visible range. With the most recent developments of quantum cascade lasers, a fast imaging system able to collect both of these information, vibrational (composition-based) and morphotype, is now within reach. However, the potential of such system to be more precise than conventional imaging or spectroscopy has yet to be demonstrated. Here, we report a practical protocol for microbial colonies identification by means of QCL-based multispectral infrared imaging, as well as the acquisition of a first database for performance evaluation. To this end, optical fingerprints of 2253 colonies belonging to 8 microbial species were recorded at 9 different wavelengths in the mid-infrared range. Image descriptors and machine learning approaches allowed for classification with a 94.4% correct identification rate. Strain on three strains of S. epidermidis appeared feasible and as effective as species-level classification. Therefore, multispectral imaging in the mid-infrared has the potential to offer a powerful label-free and non-destructive technology for microbial identification, and could be used for strain typing.
Pivmecillinam with Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid as Step Down Oral Therapy in Febrile Urinary Tract Infections Caused by ESBL-producing Enterobacterales (PACUTI)
Authors: Tverring Jonas , Månsson Emeli , Andrews Vigith , Ljungquist Oskar 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
· Background: Oral treatment alternatives for febrile urinary tract infections are limited in the era of increasing antimicrobial resistance. We aim to evaluate if the combination of pivmecillinam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is non-inferior to current alternatives for step-down therapy in adult patients with febrile urinary tract infection.
· Methods: We plan to perform an investigator-initiated non-inferiority trial. Adult hospitalised patients treated with 1-5 days of intravenous antibiotics for acute febrile urinary tract infection caused by extended spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Enterobacterales will be randomised 1:1 to either control (7-10 days of either oral ciprofloxacin 500mg twice daily or oral trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole 800mg/160mg twice daily or intravenous ertapenem 1g once daily, depending on sex, drug allergy, glomerular filtration rate and susceptibility testing) or intervention (10 days of pivmecillinam 400mg three times daily and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 500/125mg three times daily). The primary outcome will be clinical cure 10 days (+/- 2 days) after antibiotic treatment completion. Clinical cure is defined as being alive with absence of fever and return to non-infected baseline of urinary tract symptoms without additional antibiotic treatment or re-hospitalisation based on a centralised allocation-blinded structured telephone interview. We plan to recruit 330 patients to achieve 90% power based on a sample size simulation analysis using a one-sided alpha of 2.5%, an absolute noninferiority margin of 10% and expecting 93% clinical cure rate and 10% loss to follow-up. The primary endpoint will be analysed using generalized estimated equations and reported as risk difference for both intention-to-treat and per protocol populations. Patients are planned to be recruited from at least 10 centres in Sweden from 2023 to 2026.
· Discussion: If the combination of pivmecillinam and amoxicillin/clavulanic acid is found to be non-inferior to the control drugs there are potential benefits in terms of tolerability, frequency of interactions, out-patient treatment, side effects, nosocomial infections and drive for further antimicrobial resistance compared to existing drugs.
· Trial registration: NCT05224401
A precise TIN clipping algorithm for the digital mining design of the opencast coal mine
Authors: Zhao Jingchang , Wang Xiangbo , Wang Dong , Liu Guangwei 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The triangulated irregular network (TIN) clipping algorithm is one of the vital algorithms for the digital mining design of opencast coal mines based on the geological digital elevation model (DEM) described by TIN. This paper gives a precise TIN clipping algorithm applied in the digital mining design of the opencast coal mine. To improve the algorithm’s efficiency, a spatial grid index is built and utilized to embed the Clipping Polygon (CP) into the Clipped TIN (CTIN) by interpolating the CP's vertices’ elevation and solving the intersections of the CP and the CTIN. After that, the topology of the triangles situated within (outside of) the CP is reconstructed, and then the boundary polygon of those triangles is obtained based on the reconstructed topology. Finally, a new boundary TIN between the CP and the boundary polygon of the triangles situated within (outside of) the CP is generated by applying the one-time edge-prior constrained Delaunay triangulation (CDT) growth algorithm, and the TIN to be clipped out is separated from the CTIN by topology modification. At that point, CTIN clipping is accomplished with the local details remaining. The algorithm has been programmed in C# and .NET. Additionally, it is also applied to the opencast coal mine digital mining design practice, and it is robust and highly efficient.
Common Pathogenetic Pathways of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Giannopoulos Charalampos K. , Tzima Ioanna G. , Tentolouris Nikolaos K. , Vasileiadis Ioannis A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are
two cardinal manifestations of the metabolic syndrome, which is becoming a growing global pandemic
and a health care burden. They constitute a pathogenetic duo, with complex interplay
through interrelated, but still partly understood, pathophysiological pathways, which mainly involve
lipid toxicity (expressed through increased hepatic de novo lipogenesis, hepatic and peripheral
insulin resistance, upregulated lipolysis, lipoprotein abnormalities, hyperinsulinemia), impaired
autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, adipose tissue dysfunction
with a consequent latent inflammatory state, inflammasome activation, genetic and epigenetic
factors, altered gut microbiota and finally dietary factors. In this review, based on data from
recent studies and focusing mainly on common molecular mechanisms, we will highlight the
common pathophysiological grounds and the interplay between NAFLD and T2DM.