bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extrusion and Characterization of Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) Filaments Compounded with Chain Extender and Impact Modifiers for Material-Extrusion Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Rashwan Ola , Koroneos Zachary , Townsend Trent , Wodrig Brennan , Cantor Kirk , Bylone Robert James , Caputo Matthew P. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The continuous growth of annual production and consumption of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is coined with increasing waste that leaks into the environment, landfills and oceans as microplastics and nano plastics fragments. Upcycling the recycled PET to make a feedstock for the fast-growing material-extrusion additive manufacturing (MEX-AM) technology can contribute to the solution and supports the concept of sustainable materials.
In this work, extrudable filaments comprising recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) with low-cost additives, such as a chain extender, toughening agent, reactive impact modifier, and non-reactive impact modifier, have been fabricated using the twin-screw extruder. The optimum extrusion process parameters for producing uniform filaments of different rPET compounded formulations have been identified. The compounded filaments are then printed into standard ASTM test specimens for thermal characterization and mechanical characterization, including glass transition and melting temperatures, crystallinity and crystallization temperature, tensile strength, tensile modulus, ductility, flexural strength, and Izod impact energy. Furthermore, the melt flow index for the filaments was measured. More significantly, the experimental data showed that compounding rPET with such additives in the reactive twin-screw extrusion process results in uniform filaments that display advantageous thermal and mechanical properties and can be used as a feedstock in the MEX-AM technology. This study suggests that compounding the recycled PET pellets with low-cost additives while extruding them into filaments for MEX-AM offers excellent potential to make high-value-added customized products from a sustainable polymer feedstock.
HCG18, LEF1AS1 and lncCEACAM21 as biomarkers of disease severity in the Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of COVID-19 patients
Authors: GRECO SIMONA , MADE’ Alisia , MUTOLI Martina , ZHANG Lu , PIELLA Santiago Nicolas , VAUSORT Mélanie , LUMLEY Andrew I. , BELTRAMI Antonio Paolo , SRIVAST Prashant Kumar , MILANI Valentina , BOVERI Sara , RANUCCI Marco , RENNA Laura Valentina , FIRAT Hüseyin , BRUNO Antonino , SPINETTI Gaia , EMANUELI Costanza , DEVAUX Yvan , MARTELLI FABIO 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Even after 3 years from SARS-CoV-2 identification, COVID-19 is still a persistent and dangerous global infectious disease. Significant improvements in our understanding of the disease pathophysiology have now been achieved. Nonetheless, reliable and accurate biomarkers for the early stratification of COVID-19 severity are still lacking. Long noncoding RNAs (LncRNAs) are ncRNAs longer than 200 nucleotides, regulating the transcription and translation of protein‐coding genes and they can be found in the peripheral blood, thus holding a promising biomarker potential. Specifically, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) have emerged as a source of indirect biomarkers mirroring the conditions of tissues: they include monocytes, B and T lymphocytes, and natural killer T cells (NKT), being highly informative for immune-related events.
Methods We profiled by RNA-Sequencing a panel of 2,906 lncRNAs to investigate their modulation in PBMCs of a pilot group of COVID-19 patients, followed by qPCR validation in 111 hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Results The levels of four lncRNAs were found to be decreased in association with COVID-19 mortality and disease severity: HLA Complex Group 18-242 and -244 (HCG18-242 and HCG18-244), Lymphoid Enhancer Binding Factor 1-antisense 1 (LEF1-AS1) and lncCEACAM21 (i.e. ENST00000601116.5, a lncRNA in the CEACAM21 locus). Interestingly, these deregulations were confirmed in an independent patient group of hospitalized patients and by the re-analysis of publicly available single-cell transcriptome datasets. The identified lncRNAs were expressed in all of the PBMC cell types and inversely correlated with the neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), an inflammatory marker. In vitro, the expression of LEF1-AS1 and lncCEACAM21 was decreased upon THP-1 monocytes exposure to a relevant stimulus, hypoxia.
Conclusion The identified COVID-19-lncRNAs are proposed as potential innovative biomarkers of COVID-19 severity and mortality.
Exploring EM-DAT for depicting spatiotemporal trends of drought and wildfires and their connections with anthropogenic pressure
Authors: Nones Michael , Hamidifar Hossein , Shahabi-Haghighi Seyed Mohammad Bagher 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The relationship between drought and wildfire events and their impacts on society is of paramount importance, necessitating comprehensive studies to understand long-term trends. This manuscript utilizes the Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) to gather data on drought and wildfire events, focusing on the number of affected people and human losses. The analysis covers the period from 1983 to 2022 and incorporates eco-hydro-socio-geographical variables such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), precipitation anomaly, population density, and forested area. The study reveals significant geographical disparities in the impacts of drought and wildfire. Asia stands out as the region most affected by these phenomena, with more than 72% of individuals experiencing their effects. In contrast, Europe and Oceania show negligible impacts, accounting for less than 1% collectively. When it comes to losses specifically caused by drought, Asia has the highest share at around 82%. Conversely, Oceanea has the lowest share, with less than 0.1% of total losses attributed to drought. In the case of wildfires, Africa takes the lead with 84% of total losses. On the other hand, Oceania, Europe, Asia, and America collectively contribute only 16% to the total losses, which is considerably lower. Temporal analysis indicates an increasing trend in the number of people affected by both drought and wildfire, particularly after the early 2000s, potentially attributed to climate change and improved reporting in EM-DAT. Correlation tests highlight the inverse relationship between GDP and the studied parameters, while precipitation anomaly exhibits an inverse correlation with wildfire-affected populations. Forested area significantly correlates with wildfire-related damages.
Safety and efficiency of video-assisted thoracoscopic wedge resection as day surgery for lung neoplasms using enhanced recovery after surgery: a single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lou Jieqiong , Ye Bo , Zheng Yue , Dai Jinjie , Chen Yong , Li Bo , Wu Jingxiang , Wu Siyin , Ge Ling , Hou Xumin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols and minimally invasive technology have improved clinical outcomes and reduced hospital stay length. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) wedge resection as day surgery for lung neoplasms.
Methods
This single-center, retrospective cohort analysis was performed from August 2022 to November 2022. A total of 1043 patients scheduled to undergo VATS wedge resection were included, comprising 294 patients for day surgery and 749 patients for inpatient surgery. After propensity score matching (1:1), 568 patients were included in the final analysis, with 284 in the day surgery group and 284 in the inpatient surgery group. Matching was performed on the basis of sex, age, medical insurance, smoking history, diabetes history, hypertension history, surgical side and type of neoplasm.
Results
In the day surgery group, the 24 h discharge rate was 43.31% (123/284), and the 48 h discharge rate was 97.54% (277/284). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the incidence of postoperative complications (2.46% vs. 4.23%, p = 0.243), with prolonged air leaks being the most common complication. However, the total incidence of anesthesia-related adverse events was lower in the day surgery group than in the inpatient surgery group (23.59% vs. 36.27%, p = 0.001), and postoperative pain scores were also significantly lower in the day surgery group. In terms of medical efficiency and economy, the day surgery group showed a shorter length of total hospital stay (1.73 ± 0.81 vs. 4.80 ± 1.52 days, p < 0.001) and postoperative stay (1.54 ± 1.10 vs. 2.55 ± 0.92 days, p < 0.001), as well as lower total hospitalization costs (47440.30 ± 10870.63 vs. 57276.89 ± 12126.13 RBM, p < 0.001) and significant reductions in drug costs, materials costs for treatment and anesthesia costs.
Conclusions
The study results demonstrated that VATS day surgery can reduce hospital stay and pain, decrease hospitalization expenses, and optimize the use of medical resources while maintaining the same quality of medical care for selected patients. These results indicate the safety and efficiency of VATS wedge resection as day surgery for lung neoplasms when implemented using ERAS protocols.
Assessment of borehole failure and drilling rationale using geospatial Technique in Unilorin, North-central, Nigeria
Authors: Fatoyinbo¹ A. A. , Ishola K.S. , Okolie C. J. , Daramola O.E. , Hamid-Mosaku I. A. , Ipadeola O. A. , Arungwa I. D. , Ogbeta C. O. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractNotwithstanding the pre-drilling geophysical surveys, the failure rates and suboptimal productivity of some boreholes within the University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) is calling for concern. On the background, this present study investigated the hydrogeological capability and potentiality of some borehole sites. To achieve this, an inventory of 47 boreholes with an existing lineament density map and Groundwater Potential Zonation (GWPZ) map of Ilorin South local government area were integrated. These boreholes were categorized based on the lineament density and groundwater potentiality. The results showed that 85% of the sampled boreholes were sited on zones of low groundwater potential (LGWP) while 15% were on zones of moderate groundwater potential (MGWP). Also, 4% of the boreholes coincided with zones of moderate lineament density and 96% of boreholes coincided with zones of low lineament density, and no borehole was found to coincide within areas of high lineament density. Conclusively, 83% of these boreholes (39 units) were drilled due to logistics motives (e.g., cost consideration, proximity to facilities, and/or as cosmetic projects) while only 17% of these boreholes (8 units) were drilled on account of scientific necessity or after the appropriate geoscientific evaluation was done. It is hoped that the findings in this study will benefit stakeholders and practitioners in water resource management.
New autophagy-modulating lanostane-type triterpenoids from a hallucinogenic poisonous mushroom Gymnopilus orientispectabilis
Authors: Kim Ki Hyun , Lee Seulah , Jang Mina , Ryoo Rhim , Ko Sung-Kyun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Gymnopilus orientispectabilis, also known as "big laughter mushroom,” is a hallucinogenic poisonous mushroom that causes excessive laughter upon ingestion. From the fruiting bodies of G. orientispectabilis, eight lanostane-type triterpenoids (1-8), including seven novel compounds: gymnojunols A-G (2-8), were isolated. The chemical structures of these new compounds (2-8) were determined by analyzing their 1D and 2D NMR spectra and HR-EISMS, and their absolute configurations were unambiguously assigned by quantum chemical ECD calculations and a computational method coupled with a statistical procedure (DP4+). Upon evaluating autophagic activity, compounds 2, 6, and 7 increased LC3B-II levels in HeLa cells to a similar extent as bafilomycin, an autophagy inhibitor. In contrast, compound 8 decreased the levels of both LC3B-I and LC3B-II, and a similar effect was observed following treatment with rapamycin, an autophagy inducer. Our findings provide experimental evidence for new potential autophagy modulators in the hallucinogenic poisonous mushroom G. orientispectabilis.
Understanding the nutritional, structural, and physicochemical properties and in vitro digestibility of thermally-treated whole grain highland barley
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Ai Yaxuan , Zhao Yong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study focused on the effect of thermal processing including atmospheric boiling (AB), high-pressure boiling (HPB), and baking (B) on the nutritional and structural properties, gelatinization properties, and in vitro digestibility of starch and protein of whole grain highland barley (HB). Various thermal processing affected the nutritional profile and pasting properties of HB at different extent due to the function of heat-moisture or dry heat. Starch gelatinization of AB-HB and HPB-HB was promoted compared to untreated native HB, whereas, B-HB delayed starch gelatinization. Thermal processing reduced the relative crystallinity of HB compared to untreated native HB. Processing of AB and HPB increased the content of rapidly digestible starch (RDS) and decreased the contents of slowly digestible starch (SDS) and resistant starch (RS) compared to native HB. There was no significant difference of contents of RDS, SDS, and RS between B-HB and untreated native HB. Estimated glycemic index (eGI) of AB-HB and HPB-HB was significantly increased compared to native HB, whereas, eGI of B-HB was significantly reduced. Protein digestibility of native and B-HB was significantly lower than that of AB-HB and HPB-HB during gastric digestion. In the intestinal digestion, protein digestibility of HPB-HB was the highest, then followed by AP-HB, native HB, and B-HB. Digestion and thermal processing both influenced molecular weight of protein subunits of HB. Overall, this research provided theoretical foundation for the effect of thermal processing on whole grain HB regarding to the nutritional profile, physiochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of starch and protein.
Maternal antibiotic exposure and the risk of developing antenatal or postpartum depression: The Maternal Experience Study protocol
Authors: Pouranayatihosseinabad Mahsa , Taylor Maggie , Hawrelak Jason , Peterson Gregory M. , Veal Felicity , Ling Tristan , Williams Mackenzie , Whatley Megan , Ahdieh Kyan , Mirkazemi Corinne 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background

Limited epidemiological evidence suggests a link between antibiotic use and the development of depression. This study seeks to investigate this association in-depth, using a cohort of pregnant individuals. The primary aim is to explore any association between antibiotic use during pregnancy, delivery, and within 12 months postpartum, and the development of antenatal and/or postpartum depression.

Methods

A national prospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study has been designed to examine the relationship between the use of antibiotics during pregnancy and the development of antenatal depression up to the third trimester (32-42 weeks), as well as the use of antibiotics during pregnancy and within 12 months postpartum and the development of depression during the postpartum period. The development of depression is considered as either a diagnosis by a medical doctor and/or a scoring 13 or higher on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Data will be collected using online surveys, during the third trimester, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. These surveys include a wide range of variables previously identified as being associated with antenatal and postpartum depression (such as level of social support, history of depression, and intimate partner abuse), as well as antibiotic and probiotic use. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on both participants’ pregnancy experience and their mental health will also be explored. Recruitment began in August 2021, using a combination of online paid and unpaid advertisements, as well as distribution of the study flyer in relevant clinics and public spaces. It is anticipated that data collection will be completed in early 2024.

Discussion

This study will provide a much-needed update on the prevalence of depression during pregnancy and postpartum, and its associated factors. It will also, for the first time, comprehensively explore the potential association between antibiotic use during pregnancy and up to 12 months postpartum and the development of depression. Additionally, it will provide a better understanding of the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on pregnant individuals in Australia.
A Review on the Prevalence and Management of Fibroadenoma Cases in Ages 18-39 Years Within 2016-2020 At Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria.
Authors: Ogochukwu Anaziah Grace 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Fibroadenomas are one of the most common benign tumors of the breast in women between 18–39 years of age. In the adolescent population, the overall incidence of fibroadenoma is 2.2% and they account for 68% of all breast masses and 44–94% of biopsied breast lesions.
A fibroadenoma feels like a firm, smooth or rubbery lump in the breast with a well-defined shape. It is painless and moves easily when touched. Although healthy breast tissue often feels lumpy, a new lump or change in the breasts should be examined by a physician.
This research study was to determine the prevalence of Fibroadenoma primarily in females between ages 18–39 years (with ages < 18 years and post-menopausal ages in view) at Asokoro District Hospital within a five-year period.
The data collected for this five years study indicated a fall and rises of breast samples received at Asokoro District Hospital (Clinical Pathology Unit). From the total number of breast tissues received and processed by the Clinical pathologist, there was a constant increase in the number of fibroadenoma cases amongst ages 18–39 years (which is the active reproductive years of a female).
The prevalence of fibroadenoma in ages 18–39 years, indicated an instability in the reproductive hormones of the female due to estrogen and progesterone receptors. According to Greenberg R, Skornick Y, Kaplan O (September 1998), these hormones stimulated the fibroadenomas via hormone-receptor mechanism leading to excessive proliferation of epithelial and stromal cells but undergo atrophy during menopause. The constant and alarming increase in fibroadenoma cases suggests a progressive and harbored mutations in the exon (exon 2) of the mediator complex subunit 12 (MED12) gene of the stromal cells of the breast which leads to the excessive proliferation. Hence, this indicates that an unhealthy diet pattern over the years could be the leading cause of this hormonal imbalance and stromal cell mutation. These findings agree with the discoveries made by Lee M, Soltanian HT (2015) on the “conditions associated with fibroadenoma”.
Furthermore, according to the November 2018 edition of "Fibroadenomas of the Breast", complex/multiple fibroadenoma cases in the pre-menopausal years of a female, could result in phyllodes tumor at the age of 45–59 (post-menopausal years) which increases the risk of breast cancer. The data collected in this research showed evidence of these cases between ages 40–59 years. which indicates a growing risk of breast cancer each year.
Treatment and management of fibroadenoma cases includes (but are not limited to), surgical removal, proper healthy diet/lifestyle pattern and medical counselling (especially in the active reproductive years of the female) is top priority in reducing the occurrence of fibroadenomas in young adults.
Illicit Trade Uncovered? The Increase of Small-Scale Fishery Seafood Sales During COVID-19 Lockdown in Portugal
Authors: Zejnilovic Leid , Lavado Susana , Grilo Catarina , Sa Rita , Faias Sergio 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Illicit trading of seafood with hotels, restaurants, and caterers (the HORECA sector) by small-scale fisheries is suspected to be widespread, but estimates rely on heuristics and limited evidence. We hypothesized that when the HORECA selling channel became unavailable, due to the COVID-19 lockdown, an increase in the reported catch in official data indicates the amount of unreported fishing and illicit seafood trade. We analysed a comprehensive dataset of 5 million first sale of seafood transactions by 3,715 small-scale fishers catching 351 species in Portugal from 2017 to 2020. The analysis shows an overall decline in reported catch and number of fishers during the lockdown. Albeit there were significant increases in reported catch volume in regions where historically high tourism activity declined, often for high-value species. This study offers an alternative way to estimate potential illicit seafood trade among small-scale fisheries and practical examples of proactively addressing the illicit trade issue.
Cerebral aneurysm walls contain myoglobin that is possibly produced by myofibroblasts and contributes to wall thickening
Authors: Kimura Hidehito , Mori Tatsuya , Hayashi Kosuke , Ikeuchi Yusuke , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Shinohara Masakazu , Tomiyama Akio , Kohmura Eiji , Sasayama Takashi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Cerebral aneurysms rupture at a thin-walled region; however, mechanisms underlying aneurysmal wall thinning and thickening remain unclear. In this study our objective was to uncover the biological basis for these findings. Cerebral aneurysmal wall samples were collected between August 2020 and March 2022 for proteomic analysis and immunohistology. We examined the co-localization of myoglobin expression within smooth muscle cells, identified by α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining, and myofibroblasts, identified by periostin staining. Furthermore, we measured collagen density in the samples using Sirius Red staining and investigated its correlation with myoglobin density. Analysis of proteins extracted from aneurysmal walls detected expression of myoglobin only in the thickened wall. Among 24 formalin-fixed aneurysmal wall samples, 19 expressed myoglobin. Myoglobin was scattered or clustered within the vascular smooth muscle layer and tended to be expressed at sites other than where inducible nitric oxide synthase was identified. Double-label immunofluorescence staining confirmed that the myoglobin-positive rate within α-SMA-positive cells and α-SMA-positive areas was 33.2 ± 23.8% and 31.3 ± 37.8%, respectively, whereas within periostin-positive cells and periostin-positive areas, it was 92.2 ± 13.7% and 79.8 ± 29.5, respectively. A moderate correlation was observed between the density of myoglobin and collagen in the same sample field, with a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient of 0.593 (p = 0.036). Cerebral aneurysmal walls express myoglobin, which may be produced by myofibroblasts in the wall. Areas with high myoglobin levels retain high levels of collagen fibers, and myoglobin may be involved in wall thickening by suppressing destructive changes in the extracellular matrix collagen fibers.