bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association of modifiable risk factors and diabetic retinopathy: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Li He-Yan , Dong Li , Wu Hao-Tian , Li Yi-Fan , Zhang Rui-Heng , Zhou Wen-Da , Yang Qiong , Liu Yue-Ming , Wei Wenbin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose:
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) has been linked to a range of systemic risk factors, but the evidence supporting these associations is inconsistent. This study aimed to use Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to establish genetic causal links between different risk factors and DR.
Methods:
The study analyzed the genetic associations between obesity, overall health status, lifestyle factors, and serum parameters with DR (n=14,584), PDR (n=8,681), and NPDR (n=2,026). Multiple MR models, multivariable MR (MVMR), and meta-analysis were used to identify significant mediators for the relationship between the risk factors and DR.
Results:
Genetic analysis of the 14,584 cases and 202,082 controls identified two novel genes, rs111953004 and rs9280092 on chromosome 6, with the nearest gene being HLA-DQB1 (p value of 2.146×10-160). Multiple MR models consistently showed genetic associations between obesity and DR. Overall health status, including overall rating (OR: 1.60; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.27-2.00), ischemic stroke (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.09-1.24), and hypertension (OR: 1.07; 95% CI: 1.04-1.11) were found to increase the risk of DR. Meanwhile, moderate physical activity frequency (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.68-0.92) and having a college degree (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.48-0.67) were found to protect against DR according to meta-analysis. Serum parameters such as lower LDL cholesterol (OR: 0.94; 95% CI: 0.89-0.98) and higher HDL cholesterol (OR: 0.91; 95% CI: 0.88-0.94) were found to reduce the risk of DR. MVMR revealed that hypertension, coffee intake, and overall health rating were risk factors for DR. Combined meta-analysis results also suggested that alcohol consumption, coffee intake, and daytime napping might increase the risk of DR (all p <0.05).
Conclusions:
This study established strong genetic causal links between selected risk factors and DR, which were largely mediated by obesity. Higher education level, physical activity, and better cholesterol control were associated with a decreased risk of DR.
Synthesis of CeO 2 Nanosheet with Predominantly Exposed (111) and (220) Planes via Sacrificial-Template Accelerated Hydrolysis for CO Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Barkaoui Sami , Elboughdiri Noureddine , Chakhari Samir , Dhaouadi Hassouna , Touati Fathi , Ghernaout Djamel Ghernaout , Shawabkeh Ali 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This work reported the synthesis of stainless-steel wire-mesh (SSWM) supported CeO2 with predominantly exposed (111) and (220) planes of high technological interest with a crystal size of about 7 nm and a high specific area ~ 120 m2g− 1 using the sacrificial template-accelerated hydrolysis (STAH) technique. To accomplish this outstanding process, the key ingeniousness here was employing a template (SSWM-supported ZnO oxide). As a manner to experiment SSWM supported CeO2 it was successfully tested for CO oxidation. The trials depicted that T50, the temperature at which 50% of CO conversion was achieved, was found to be 220°C, and T100, the temperature at which 100% of CO conversion was reached, was observed to be300°C. Also, the CeO2 catalyst showed good durability at 300°C during 12 h implying that CeO2 prepared using the STAH technique is robust and promising for prolonged periods of treatment. This method provided a new way to fabricate flexible nanosized functional CeO2 oxide such as structured catalysts, sensor arrays, batteries, bioactive materials, etc.
Modeling for Ultrasonic Vibration-assisted Helical Grinding of SiC particle-reinforced Al-MMCs
Authors: Li Qilin , Yuan Songmei , Gao Xiaoxing , Chen Bochuan , Li Zhen , Amin Muhammad 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Silicon carbide (SiC) particle-reinforced aluminum matrix (SiCp/Al) composites have continuously increased applications in abundant industries due to their superior mechanical properties. However, such composites have issues achieving desired machinability and quality standard due to the presence of SiC particles which is the main hindrance to their applications. In this paper, the methodology of ultrasonic vibration-assisted helical grinding (UVHG) of SiCp/Al composites has been applied to achieve to desired quality and efficiency for such composites. Then a mechanical cutting force model was developed to predict grinding forces. The grinding force was separated into friction force, plastic deformation force, and fracture force on account of the material removal mechanism. The undeformed chip thickness and cross-sectional area were calculated for the grinding force of a single diamond abrasive grit and then extended to the whole tool. By considering the acoustic softening effect of reduction of deformation stress caused by ultrasonic vibration, the acoustic softening coefficient was first proposed in the model to correct the impact of the ultrasonic vibration for properties of SiCp/Al composites. The experimental machining (UVHG) was carried out considering the different groups of experiments. The experimental results found agreed with the predicted values of cutting forces. The prediction deviation of the model was 7.06%, which could provide further guidance for the grinding process optimization of SiCp/Al composites. The novel cutting force predicted model and proposed machining methodology could be applied to machining SiCp/Al composites at the industry level and further research work.
Sex pheromones of Preputial gland: Their chemical identification and role in social &amp; reproductive behaviour of house rat, Rattus rattus
Authors: Bala Bindu , Babbar B. K. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Present study was carried out to determine the chemistry of the Preputial gland (PG) of mature male house rats and its role in sexual and social communication. 50% PG extracts from male rats of different age groups were prepared and tested against house rats of different age groups and sexes. Results revealed that mature females were highly attracted towards and mature males were highly repelled from preputial gland extract of mature male rats for 5 and 2 days respectively. Comparison of gas chromatography linked mass spectrometry analysis of fresh and 8 days old PG extract revealed that 13 pheromonal compounds ((.+/-.)-.alpha.-Tocopherol acetate; Acetophenone; Undecane; Dodecane; Tridecane; Tetradecane; Heneicosane; Docosane; Squalene; Cholesterol; Octadecanal; Palmitic acid; Stigmastan-3,5-diene) were exclusively present in fresh extract but absent in 8 days old preputial gland extract and these compounds are already reported to have role in sexual and social communication in other mammals, insects and reptiles. These compounds might be used by mature male rats for sexual and social communication. In the future, these identified compounds can be used in fixed proportions individually and in various combinations after testing their efficacy to develop a stable lure to increase the trappability and acceptability of antifertility agents and rodenticide-based baits for the management of house rats.
Application potential of push-pull cropping of maize and beans to fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda) management in China
Authors: Bi Sijia , Wang Yinhao , Xu Tingting , Hu Benjin , Wang Zhenying , Hu Fei , Xu Lina 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, is a notorious pest on maize. The push-pull strategy based on intercropping and interplanting system has been reported to effectively reduce the damage of FAW. However, the suitable mode for FAW management has not been reported thoroughly. We therefore investigated the adaptability, feeding preference and oviposition of FAW on maize (Zea mays L.), mung bean (Vigna radiata L.), soybean (Glycine max L.), common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), red bean (Vigna angularis Willd.) and yardlong bean (Vigna unguiculata L.), which commonly used in maize-legume intercropping system. We also evaluated the occurrence of FAW in push-pull cropping test. Results showed that FAW could complete life history reared on the six hosts, and it was more suitable for maize, red bean and yardlong bean but less suitable for the others. The feeding preference and oviposition tests revealed that FAW had strong preference for maize and yardlong bean, while the opposite was true for mung bean. In addition, the push-pull cropping test showed that the injured rate on maize intercropping mung bean surrounded by yardlong bean was significantly less than that on maize monocropping and maize surrounded by yardlong bean. The study indicated that mung bean and yardlong bean are promising introduced into push-pull control, and could provide a new perspective for FAW management in maize-legume intercropping system.
Clinical Information Retrieval: A literature review
Authors: Sivarajkumar Sonish , Mohammad Haneef Ahamed , Oniani David , Roberts Kirk , Hersh William , Liu Hongfang , He Daqing , Visweswaran Shyam , Wang Yanshan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background: Clinical information retrieval (IR) plays a vital role in modern healthcare by facilitating efficient access and analysis of medical literature for clinicians and researchers. This scoping review aims to offer a comprehensive overview of the current state of clinical IR research and identify gaps and potential opportunities for future studies in this field.
Objectives: The main objective of this review is to identify and analyze published research on clinical IR, including the methods, techniques, and tools used to retrieve and analyze clinical information from various sources. We aim to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of clinical IR research and guide future research efforts in this field.
Methods: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and conducted a thorough search of multiple databases, including Ovid Embase, Ovid Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Ovid Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, ACM Digital Library, IEEE Xplore, and Web of Science, from January 1st, 2012, to January 4th, 2023. The screening process involved multiple reviewers, and we included 184 papers for the final review.
Results: We conducted a detailed analysis and discussion of various aspects of clinical IR research, including publication year, data sources, methods, techniques, evaluation metrics, shared tasks, and applications. Our analysis revealed key research areas in clinical IR, such as indexing, ranking, and query expansion, and identified opportunities for future research in these areas.
Programming structural and magnetic anisotropy for tailored interaction and control of soft microrobots
Authors: Yan Yimo , Song Chao , Shen Zaiyi , Zhu Yuechen , Ni Xingyu , Wang Bin , Christiansen Michael , Stavrakis Stavros , Lintuvuori Juho , Chen Baoquan , deMello Andrew , Schuerle Simone 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Swarms of soft microrobots controlled by minimally invasive magnetic fields show promise as potential biomedical agents. The collective behaviour of such swarms, governed by magnetic and hydrodynamic interactions, emerges from the properties of their individual constituents. The introduction of anisotropy into microrobots, including both magnetic and structural anisotropy, expands the possibilities space for tailoring and predetermining the interactions and collective behaviours that result. However, the methods best suited for large-scale production of soft microrobots, such as emulsion-based synthesis, typically result in isotropic characteristics. In this work, by combining simulation-guided design and droplet-based microfluidics, we develop a versatile, high-throughput technique for fabricating soft microrobots with programmable structural and magnetic anisotropy. Our microrobots consist of iron oxide nanoparticles organized into supradomain structures and entrapped in a hydrogel matrix that can be elongated independently of its magnetic properties. By applying rotating magnetic fields to resulting swarms, distinct collective behaviours are produced, including gas-like, variable crystal, stable crystal, and heterogeneous motions.
A Descriptive Cross Sectional Study on Awareness Regarding Rheumatic Heart Disease among mothers attending Bashair Teaching Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan 2021.
Authors: Awad Ibrahim , Sabir Mustafa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Early diagnosis and treatment of throat infections caused by group A streptococci represent the basis of the primary prevention of rheumatic heart disease. A preventable condition that is associated with high mortality rates among children, thus mandating a thorough understanding by their primary caretakers. The aim of this study was to assess the level of awareness about rheumatic heart disease in mothers coming to the outpatient department of Bashair teaching Hospital south region of the capital Khartoum.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional hospital based study carried in the outpatient department of both pediatris and obstetric units at Bashair teaching Hospital. The study population was mothers from different age groups. Data was collected through interviewer-administered questionnaire addressed to assess awareness on rheumatic heart disease.
Results
150 mothers were interviewed most of them were in the 26–35 age group (42.67%). Nearly half of the mothers (43.3%) had primary school level of education, only 5.3% of the mothers reported having heard about rheumatic heart disease and only 2% knew the relationship between throat infection and heart disease. Factors associated with an adequate knowledge of RHD were: Monthly income (p = 0.01), post-secondary level of education (p = 0.004), and having heard of RHD (p = 0.001).
Conclusions
levels of knowledge and awareness on rheumatic heart disease among mothers is low. This study provides an important insight into the perception and practices related to sore throat that can be used to guide future awareness activity campaigns aiming to reduce the risk of RHD in Sudan.
Recommendations:
to execute a large scale campaign aiming to improve the awareness of rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease, and to educate mothers about the importance of adequate care of sore throat in children and the hazardous outcomes of its negligence.
Structural Energy Storage System Using Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers with Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Lee Dasom , Jung Jaemin , Lee Gyu Hee , Li Meixian , Lee Woo Il , Um Moon-Kwang , Choi Sung-Woong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In the present study, carbon nanofibers containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were fabricated using electrospinning and used as an electrode for structural supercapacitors. Electrospun polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers were converted to carbon nanofibers with stabilization and carbonization processes assisted by thermal treatment. The surface area of the electrospun carbon nanofiber electrodes was further increased several thousand times using an activation process. Multifunctional supercapacitors were fabricated using electrospun carbon nanofibers and a vacuum resin infusion technique. The specific capacitance was dramatically improved due to the decreased equivalent series resistance and increased surface area of the nanofiber electrodes. Moreover, the carbon nanofiber electrodes helped increase interlaminar fracture toughness of structural supercapacitors because it acted like ‘Velcro’ between the fabric interfaces. This work is a ‘proof-of-concept’ for a simple and effective method to produce an electrode for structural supercapacitors based on the electrospinning technique.
An Insight into the Structural Analysis of α-crystallin of Habitat- specific fish – A Computational Approach
Authors: Chakraborty Aparajita , Ganguli Sayak , De Priyanka , Saha Sudipa 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

α- crystallin is a major eye lens protein, comprising up to 40% of total lens protein. It is composed of two subunits, αA and αB and share a common central domain of about 90 residues with variable N- and C-terminal extensions. For the establishment of an evolutionary inter-relationship, an elucidation of the structure and alignment of protein sequences is crucial. In the present study, a bioinformatics approach was adopted to explore the possible structure, sequence and phylogenetic diversity of α-crystallin (both subunits αA and αB) from ten habitat-specific fish species, (freshwater and saltwater) and compared with a standard sequence of Bos taurus species. The sequence of Bos taurus was predicted to be a close homologue of the fish species. Homology modelling has been performed in order to generate a possible ‘3D’ structure of the crystallin proteins using SWISS-MODEL. Our analysis shows that the secondary structures of bovine α-crystallin revealed no considerable differences as compared to that of the crystallins of the habitat-specific fish and that the presence of β- sheets was predominant in all structures. Though no significant differences in the αA subunits were revealed yet some structural variations were observed for αB subunits which had been confirmed by MSA analysis. The 3D structure of the protein hasn’t been elucidated yet so a computational analysis estimated no major differences in structures of crystallin for either bovine or the fish species except that saltwater fish proteins possess more favourable states and higher reliabilities. In agreement with previous literature, α- crystallin has a molecular weight of 20kDa approx. and a theoretical pI of 5.75; 55.1% of its sequence is composed of hydrophilic amino acids and it is a cytosolic protein. Considerable improvement of the currently available tools is being done for a detailed understanding of the structure/function relationships of α- crystallin proteins.
DFT-based Analysis of Siderophore-Metal Ion Interaction for Efficient Heavy Metal Remediation
Authors: Xu Yi-Cheng , Li Nan , Yan Xiufeng , Zou Hui-Xi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Siderophores have great application potential in metal pollutant remediation because of their effective cost and friendly impact on the environment. However, the practical use of siderophores in the remediation of specific metals is rather limited because of the weak nonspecific interactions between the siderophores and different metals. Thus, screening for a siderophore with optimal interaction with a specific metal would be necessary. Here, the interaction between metal ions and moieties that donate the oxygen ligands for the coordination of four types of siderophore (hydroxamates, catecholates, phenolates and carboxylates) was modeled and analyzed. As revealed by DFT-based analysis, the four types of siderophore generally exhibited selection preference for different metal ions in the order Ga3+ > Al3+ > Fe3+ > Cr3+ > Ni2+ > Cu2+ > Zn2+ > Co2+ > Mn2+ > Hg2+ > Pb2+ > Cd2+, which was determined mainly by the electronegativity of both siderophore functional groups and metals, and of the ionic radius of the metals, as well as the interaction between the main chain of the siderophore and the metals. Moreover, the effect of linear or nonlinear (cyclic) structure on the affinity of the siderophore for different metal ions was evaluated. In most situations, metal-bound cyclic siderophores are more stable than their linear counterparts. Thus, proper siderophores for the remediation of metal pollution may be rapidly screened using the model.
Determinants of Depressive Symptoms in People Living with HIV in the Case of Low- Resource Communities in Eastern Ethiopia: A Multi-Centered Study
Authors: Zerihun Ebisa , Girma Firaol 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Depression in people living with HIV (PLHIV) has become an urgent issue. The HIV/AIDS pandemic cannot end without addressing the mental health of PLHIV through integrated approaches; besides, depression in PLHIV might be unrecognized and undertreated, whereas some manifestations of HIV and depression are mirrored. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess depressive symptoms and associated factors in PLHIV in Eastern Ethiopia to further interventions.
Methods
A total of 420 PLHIV participated in this cross-sectional study and completed the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Medical record reviews and pretested, structured face-to-face interviews were used to collect the data. A multivariate logistic regression model was used to examine the odds ratios for the existence of depressive symptoms, including sociodemographic information, and comorbidities as relevant variables. Statistically significant variables were determined using P values of 0.05.
Results
we found over all prevalence of depressive symptoms in PLHIV was 52.4% (95% CI = 47.6–57.1). Employment status [AOR = 0.22 (95% CI = 0.13–0.36)], recent CD4 count [AOR = 6.99 (95% CI = 2.81–17.38)], duration on ART [AOR = 5.05 (95% CI = 2.38–10.74)], and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) [AOR = 7.90 (95% CI = 4.21–14.85)] were significantly associated with depressive symptoms among PLHIV on treatment.
Conclusion
In this study, almost half of adult PLHIV receiving ART drugs had depressive symptoms. Employment was found to be preventive, while low CD4 counts, starting ART drugs recently, and the presence of chronic NCDs increased the risk of developing depression. Mental health screening and NCD intervention packages should be integrated into and offered at HIV care clinics.
Study on the Mechanism of Eerdun Wurile's Effects on Post-operative Cognitive Dysfuntion by the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Qiao Yun , Li Huiru , Li Yan , Su Enboer , Wang Zhe , Che Limuge , Du yiir 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Aims: The object of our work was to observe whether the Mongolian medicine Eerdun Wurile (EW) improve POCD by affecting the TLR4/NF-κB.
Methods: Mice (6–8 week-old male C57BL/6J) were selected to establish an animal model of POCD by combining intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide and nephrectomy; EW formulation and EW basic formulation were administered intra-gastrically for 7 consecutive days. The cognitive performance was assessed by Morris water maze test. H&E staining was examined to detect alterations in hippocampal tissue. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to evaluate MyD88, NF-κB, TLR4, iNOS, and IBA-1 expressions; Western blotting and RT-qPCR were performed to evaluate MyD88, NF-κB and TLR4. The expressions of IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α were evaluated by ELISA.
Results: Intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide combined with nephrectomy induced cognitive dysfunction in mice, stimulated TLR4/NF-κB and microglia, and promoted the secretion of murine TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6. EW formulation and EW basic formulation treatment are able to suppress the TLR4/NF-κB pathway activation and microglia, and the serum cytokine secretions related to proinflammation, and restore the cognitive performance.
Conclusion: EW formulation and EW basic formulation can improve POCD in mice, and TLR4/NF-κB pathway seems to be one of the important mechanisms in EW's improvement of POCD.
Small military and industrial under-surface objects detection using data from the UWB GPR, MLP filter, and oscillatory neural network
Authors: Peleshchak Roman , Lytvyn Vasyl , Mediakov Oleksandr , Peleshchak Ivan , Pukach Petro , Šlahor Lubomir 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.