bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting carbon cycle along tropical forest aridity gradients in W Africa and Amazonia
Authors: Zhang-Zheng Huanyuan , Adu-Bredu Stephen , Duah-Gyamfi Akwasi , Moore Sam , Addo-Danso Shalom , Ibrahim Forzia , Amissah Lucy , Valentini Riccardo , Djagbletey Gloria , Anim-Adjei Kelvin , Owusu-Afriyie Kennedy , Gvozdevaite Agne , Ruiz-Jaen Maria , Girardin Cecile , Rifai Sami , Dahlsjö Cecilia , Riutta Terhi , Deng Xiongjie , Tang Minxue , Sun Yuheng , Prentice Iain , Menor Imma Oliveras , Malhi Yadvinder 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Tropical forests cover large areas of equatorial Africa and play a significant role in the global carbon cycle. However, there has been a lack of in-situ measurements to understand the forests’ gross and net primary productivity (GPP and NPP) and their allocation. Here we present the first detailed field assessment of the carbon budget of multiple forest sites in Africa, by monitoring 14 one-hectare plots along an aridity gradient in Ghana. When compared with an equivalent aridity gradient in Amazonia using the same measurement protocol, the studied West African forests generally had higher GPP and NPP and lower carbon use efficiency (CUE). The West African aridity gradient consistently shows the highest NPP, CUE, GPP, and autotrophic respiration at a medium-aridity site, Bobiri. Notably, NPP and GPP of the site are the highest yet reported anywhere in the tropics using similar methods. Widely used data products (MODIS and FLUXCOM) substantially underestimate productivity when compared to in situ measurements, in Amazonia and especially in Africa. Our analysis suggests that the high productivity of the African forests is linked to their large GPP allocation to canopy and semi-deciduous characteristics , which may be a result of a seasonal climate coupled with high soil fertility.
Visualising nanoscale bias-induced degradation in halide perovskite solar absorbers
Authors: Ducati Caterina , Orri Jordi Ferrer , Iqbal Affan , Yang Terry , Doherty Tiarnan , Selby Thomas , Chiang Yu-Hsien , Anaya Miguel , Allen Christopher , Stranks Samuel 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Halide perovskite absorbers show enormous potential for next-generation photovoltaic technologies, yet fundamental material degradation mechanisms under operation remain poorly understood. Here, the operational degradation mechanisms in formamidinium-rich (FA-rich) perovskite solar absorbers are studied at the nanoscale through correlative and in-situ electron microscopy techniques, unveiling a rich interplay between charge-carrier-mediated redox reactions and ion segregation under electrical bias. We observe the formation of a degradation front near the positive contact that we ascribe to iodide oxidation and migration. At the opposite contact we see the effects of lead reduction. Alloyed perovskite compositions exhibit more widespread degradation correlated to the presence of nanoscale defective phases and halide heterogeneity, with the microstructure orientation playing a role in the nucleation of phase impurities, carrier transport and transformation under bias. The multi-electrode design biasing platform employed here uniquely enables the selective decoupling of hole- and electron-mediated degradation processes, allowing direct insights into the response of halide perovskite thin films to electrical bias, and the resulting degradation pathways. This fundamental understanding of the electrochemical behaviour of hybrid absorbers will inform strategies for enhanced stability in perovskite optoelectronic devices.
A Multidisciplinary Non-Invasive Approach to Monitor Response to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Treatment in Neurodegenerative Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis: A Real-World Study.
Authors: Trambusti Irene , Barba Carmen , Mortilla Marzia , Rizzi Susanna , Romano Katiuscia , Coniglio Maria Luisa , Lucenteforte Ersilia , Favre Claudio , Guerrini Renzo , Sieni Elena 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: Early detection and treatment of neurodegenerative Langerhans cell histiocytosis (ND-LCH) have been suggested to prevent neurodegenerative progression. The aim of the study is to validate a standardized multidisciplinary diagnostic work-up to monitor the intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) treatment response and the natural course of the disease in untreated patients.
Methods: Patients with abnormal somatosensory evoked potentials (SEPs) received monthly 0.5 g/kg IVIG. The diagnostic protocol included structural 3T MRI, neurological examination, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEPs) and SEPs.
Results: Twenty-two patients were enrolled and followed for 5.2 years (median) from the first MRI evidence of ND-LCH. Eleven patients were treated with IVIG for 1.7 years (median). At treatment initiation neurological examination was abnormal in 10 patients, of whom two had severe clinical impairment and four had abnormal BAEPs. At last follow-up, 1/11 remained stable and 7/11 improved, while worsening of neurological or neurophysiological findings, or both, occurred in 3/11. Risk factors for worsening were a severe clinical or MRI ND-LCH at treatment initiation and prolonged exposure to LCH. Of the 11 untreated patients, none improved and three worsened.
Conclusions: Using a standardized diagnostic protocol, we demonstrated that IVIG treatment can lead to clinical stabilization or improvement in all pauci-symptomatic patients with an MRI grading of less than 4.
MAlCO3 Based Layered Double Hydroxides for Catalytic Depolymerization of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and Poly(bisphenol A carbonate) Waste Materials
Authors: Kumari Sonika , Soni Savita , Sharma Ajay , Sharma Varruchi , Sehgal Bikramjit Singh , Sharma Anil Kumar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Polyesters are most frequently used engineering polymeric materials however, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and polycarbonate (PC) are vastly used polymers and considered as the valuable polymers for the production of fibres, containers, building materials, eyeglass lenses, CDs, DVDs, computer appliances, sports safety equipment. Because of their good tensile strength, thermal stability, chemical resistance and processability, which lead to continuous growth in their demand for widespread applications. The environmental accumulation, high resilience, and fast disposal with degradation/reusability/recycling of these plastics, have given rise to a global concern. The research has been laid in the development of methods for the recycling of these materials are important from environmental protection and resource sustainability point of view. In the present study, the catalytic depolymerization of PET and PC waste accomplished using MAlCO3 based layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and ethylene glycol (EG) into bis(2-hydroxyethyl terephthalate) (BHET) and bisphenol A (BPA) as the main products, respectively. The different type of LDHs combinations synthesized by substitution of different divalent metal ions (MAl-CO3 LDHs where M= Ni/Zn/Mg/Ca/ Co/Cu/Li/Pb/Cd/Mn) through co-precipitation method and characterized by using XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX techniques. The reaction conditions for the catalytic glycolysis such as the amount of catalyst, solvent, reaction time, and crystallization time have been studied. Furthermore, the recyclability of catalysts has also been investigated. The obtained products after catalytic depolymerization have been identified and characterized using melting point apparatus, thin layer chromatography, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR and mass spectroscopy. The catalytic performance of LDHs combinations as Zn ˃ Mn ˃ Li, Pb > Cd > Mg > Ni > Co > Ca > Cu has been observed in case of PET while, only ZnAl-CO3 LDH showed catalytic activity in degradation of PC. The catalysts are reusable more than 4 cycles in both case of depolymerization processes without any significant decrease in the activity. The yield of BHET and BPA were observed 79.34 % and 89.07 %, respectively. This work mainly highlighted a sustainable way to design efficient, stable, eco- friendly and recyclable catalysts for PET and PC waste glycolysis into value added products.
Health professions students' learning style preferences and perceptions
Authors: Garvey Graham , Wang Niping , Griggs Jason , Bain Jennifer , Lott James 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Learning styles can be categorized as either active or passive. Passive learning occurs when knowledge is transferred to the student by an expert, while active learning requires the student to be engaged in the process of knowledge creation. When different learning styles are combined, for example when lectures are looked at online before actively discussing these concepts in class this is integrated learning. This study assessed students' preferences for learning styles and their perception of active learning techniques in the health professions.
Methods
A survey with closed and open-ended questions was administered anonymously to all students at the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) using Qualtrics™. The data from completed surveys were analyzed.
Results
Of the participants, 63% reported that they learn more effectively through active learning as opposed to passive learning. Learning tools such as working problems, study guides, and class discussions were rated as the most helpful. In contrast, reading articles was least helpful. While the majority of respondents (60%) believed that their school’s teaching styles adequately prepared them for board exams and the future workforce, many students expressed disengagement with their schools’ educational approach.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that health professions students at UMMC prefer active learning styles. Incorporating active learning techniques like problem-solving and class discussions enhance student engagement and learning outcomes in the health professions.
Atomistic Origins of Resurrection of Aged Acetylcholinesterase by quinone methide precursors
Authors: Ferreira Leonardo V. F. , Santos Taináh M. R. , Tavares Camila A. , Ramalho Teodorico C. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Nerve agents are organophosphates (OP) that act as potent inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme responsible for the hydrolysis of acetylcholine. After inhibition, a dealkylation reaction of the phosphorylated serine, known as aging of AChE, can occur. When aged, reactivators of OP-inhibited AChE are no longer effective. Therefore, the realkylation of aged AChE may offer a pathway to reverse AChE aging. In this study, molecular modeling was conducted to propose new ligands as realkylators of aged AChE. We applied a methodology involving docking and quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QM/MM) calculations to evaluate the resurrection kinetic constants and ligand interactions with OP-aged AChE, comparing them to data found in the literature. The results obtained confirm that this method is suitable for predicting kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of ligands, which can be useful in the design and selection of new and more effective ligands for AChE realkylation.
Elevated Serum Aldosterone Levels in Patients with Psoriasis and Systemic Arterial Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Pinheiro Jennifer , Silva Jose , Duarte Gleison , Daltro Luise 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background
Epidemiological studies suggest a higher prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (HTN) and other cardiovascular diseases in patients with psoriasis. The underlying mechanism remains unclear, but may involve activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This study aimed to compare renin and aldosterone levels between psoriasis patients and non-psoriasis individuals.
Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional study enrolled consecutive patients from a university hospital’s dermatology outpatient clinic. Clinical evaluation was followed by blood collection for renin and aldosterone measurement, allowing for comparison between psoriasis and non-psoriasis patients. Subgroup analyses stratified participants based on HTN presence. Multiple linear regression analyses identified independent predictors of higher renin and aldosterone levels.
Results: The study included 170 patients (mean age: 55 ± 13 years, 50.6% men, 85.9% non-white), 57.6% having psoriasis and 44.1% having HTN. Mean plasma renin levels were similar in psoriasis and non-psoriasis patients (26.3 ± 51.4 versus 23.9 ± 48.7 µUI/ml, respectively, p = 0.764). However, psoriasis patients showed significantly higher mean serum aldosterone levels (25.3 ± 49.4 versus 11.7 ± 10.7 ng/dl, p = 0.009). Stratification revealed that only psoriasis patients with HTN had significantly higher aldosterone levels compared to other subgroups. In multiple linear regression analyses, psoriasis was only associated with higher levels of aldosterone in hypertensive patients.
Conclusions: This study indicates elevated serum aldosterone levels in patients with psoriasis and HTN. Further investigation is necessary to understand the potential impact of this finding on cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in psoriasis patients.
The Charts of Radius Stage Adjusted Height-for-age and Weight-for-age Growth Curves of Children and Adolescents
Authors: Zhang Shao-yan , Zhang Miao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Objective To develop charts of percentile of height-for-age and weight-for-age adjusted by radial stage for provide a tool for evaluating the growth and development of children with "advanced" and "delayed" maturity.
Methods The sample of 15598 healthy children (boys 7733, girls 7865) aged 3-19 years were from the “The Skeletal Development Standards of Hand and Wrist for Chinese Children-China 05”. The radius stage (RS) of was evaluated by TW grading standard. The correlation coefficients between height and weight and RS, as well as between chronological age and height and weight within RS were calculated. Box-Cox power exponential distribution model was used to calculate the radius stage adjusted (RSA) height-for -age and weight-for -age percentile curve. Using Matlab, RSA height-for-age and weight-for-age percentile curves were superimposed on Height and weight standardized growth chares for Chinese children and adolescents aged 0 to 18 years.
Results During the growth period, height and weight of children were significantly correlated with radial developmental stages (RS). Within RS, the chronological age of children was significantly correlated with their height and weight, but the correlation coefficient decreased with the increase of RS. Twenty-eight RSA height-for-age and weight-for-age growth charts were obtained by calculating percentile curves of height and weight within the radius stage. The adjustments for height and weight were smaller by the RSA charts during childhood, and larger in adolescence.
Conclusion RSA height -for-age and weight-for-age growth charts provide a useful tool for adjusting the results of assessment in “advanced” and “delayed” children and adolescents.
Association between hypertension and gingival bleeding: a two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Sheng-hui , Fu Ling-ling , Ye Bin , Ao Man , Gosau Martin , Friedrich Reinhard E. , Smeets Ralf , Yan Ming , Feng Hong-chao , Burg Simon , Feng Hong-chao 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives To investigate whether there is a causal relationship between hypertension and gingival bleeding using Mendelian randomization analysis.
Materials and methods We performed a two-sample two-way Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis using publicly released genome-wide association study (GWAS) statistics. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis. We applied complementary methods, including weighted median, weighted mode, simple mode, MR-Egger regression, and MR-polyvalence residuals and outliers (MR-PRESSO) to detect and correct for the effects of horizontal polyvalence.
Results IVW MR analysis showed a causal relationship between hypertension and gingival bleeding (IVWOR =1.0056, P =0.0171). Similarly, a significant causal relationship between gingival bleeding and hypertension was found in the inverse MR analysis (IVW OR = 4.7645, P = 0.0012). The results of the MR-Egger regression method, weighted median method and weighted plural method were consistent with the IVW method. Based on sensitivity analysis, horizontal multiplicity is unlikely to distort causal estimates.
Conclusions Although some observational studies have reported no causal relationship between gingival bleeding on hypertension or hypertension on gingival bleeding, the results of our MR analysis support a causal relationship between hypertension and gingival bleeding.
Clinical relevance Mendelian randomization studies can analyze more clearly whether there is a causal relationship between hypertension and gingival bleeding, with a view to providing some reference for clinicians, deepening their understanding of the relationship between hypertension and gingival bleeding, and exploring more possible associations between hypertension or gingival bleeding and systemic diseases.
Prevalence of COVID-19 home remedy consumption among adult population in Brunei Darussalam: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Zaim Siti Nurzaimah Nazhirah , Rahman Hanif Abdul , Idris Deeni Rudita 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background: The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 affects the respiratory system and causes severe acute respiratory infections. Several cultures have influenced the use of home remedies to ease mild symptoms of COVID-19 sometimes alongside conventional medicine. The aim of this study was to investigate the usage of COVID-19 home remedies among the adult population in Brunei.
Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional study using an online survey and distributed nationwide. The statistical analysis of the data included descriptive statistics describing the sociodemographic characteristics of the respondents, their experience with COVID-19 infection, consumption of general home-remedies and COVID-19 home remedy, their practice of COVID-19 home-remedy use, and their attitude towards the general use of home-remedy. Sub-group analysis including chi-square test was computed for the variables in relation to the COVID-19 home remedy use and the perceived effectiveness of the types of home remedy. Multivariate analysis including Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was applied to determine the correlations between the factors and outcomes measured. P-value less than 0.05 is considered statistically significant.
Results: There was a total of 864 eligible responses included in the study. The primary findings showed COVID-19 home remedy was used by 72.2% of the study participants. Most frequently used types of COVID-19 home remedy were cloves (37%), lemon (37%), and honey (23%), there was an infrequent usage of coconut (4.6%), eucalyptus oil (3.7%), habbatussauda (3.5%), traditional/ herbal cough syrup (2.4%), and turmeric (2.2%). The PLS-SEM demonstrated that ‘Experience’ appears to be a central endogenous variable that affects the decision on the use of COVID-19 home remedy. This relationship is mediated by ‘Safety’, ‘Source’, and ‘Opinion’ which have significant contributions to the outcome, accounting for 98.2% of the variance explained (R-square = 0.982).
Conclusions: The outcome of this study establishes the baseline prevalence of COVID-19 home remedy consumption among Bruneian residents and compared the previous study on Brunei’s general use of traditional medicine. The present findings could help nurses and other healthcare professionals in Brunei understand the practice of Bruneian adults on the consumption of home remedies for COVID-19.
Multi-Epigenome-Wide Analyses and Meta-Analysis of Child Maltreatment in Judicial Autopsies and Intervened Children and Adolescents
Authors: Tomoda Akemi , Nishitani Shota , Fujisawa Takashi , Takiguchi Shinichiro , Yao Akiko , kazuhiro Murata , Hiraoka Daiki , Mizuno Yoshifumi , Ochiai Keiko , Kawata Natasha , Makita Kai , Saito Daisuke , Mizushima Sakae , Suzuki Shizuka , Fujioka Toru , Kurata Sawa , Ishiuchi Naoki , Taniyama Daiki , Nakao Naoki , Namera Akira , Okazawa Hidehiko , Nagao Masataka 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Child maltreatment (CM) leads to adverse outcomes in later life. We describe the epigenome-wide analyses and meta-analysis results of three original cohorts consisting of judicially or socially certified CM cases and controls to gain further insight into the epigenetic signatures engraved in maltreated children. We also show associations with biological indicators (endophenotypes) in each cohort that represent CM features with maltreatment history, thus providing further confidence in the identified methylations. Four methylations in ATE1, CHST11, SERPINB9P1, and FOXP1 associate with CM in the meta-analysis, in addition to several genome-wide level significant methylations in each cohort. FOXP1, a gene related to neurodevelopmental disorders, is of particular interest, as its methylation level correlates with atypical brain structures representing in maltreated children and contributes to the accuracy of a methylation risk score to predict CM. These results suggest that severe CM experiences may contribute to neurodevelopmental-like and traumatic symptoms via epigenetic alterations.
Interplay Between Element-Specific Distortions and Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution for Cobalt-Iron Hydroxides
Authors: Smith Rodney , Alsaç Elif , Boke Marlyn , Bissonnette Justine 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
A microscopic understanding of how Fe-doping of Co(OH)2 improves electrocatalytic oxygen evolution remains elusive. We study two Co1-xFex(OH)2 series that differ in fabrication protocol and find composition poorly alone correlates to catalyst performance. Structural descriptors extracted using X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy reveal element-specific distortions in Co1-xFex(OH)2. These structural descriptors are composition-dependent within individual sample series but inconsistent across fabrication protocols, revealing fabrication-dependence in catalyst microstructure. Correlations between structural parameters from different techniques show that Fe-O resists bond length changes, forcing distortion of Co environments. We find the difference in O-M-O bond angles between Co and Fe sites to correlate to the electrocatalytic behavior across both sample series. This unifying descriptor supports activation of a lattice-oxygen mechanism by decreasing O-O distance and will assist ongoing efforts to design next-generation catalysts. The fabrication dependence of microscopic catalyst structure should be considered in theoretical and high-throughput analyses of electrocatalyst materials.