bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of a multilayer antibacterial film and its application for controlling postharvest disease in temperate fruit (including apple, pear, and peach) under ambient storage
Authors: Hu Jingjing , Jiao Wenxiao , Chen Qingmin , Liu Bangdi , Fu Maorun 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe objective of this study was to provide formulation of a new multilayer antibacterial film and to investigate the optimal use concentration of chitosan and carboxymethyl cellulose in the range from 0.5% to 2%, as well as its application for controlling postharvest disease in temperate fruit (apple, pear, and peach). The multilayer antibacterial film used chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) as polysaccharide macromolecule, lemon essential oil (LEO) as active agent, and ε‐polylysine (ε‐PL) as the main antibacterial ingredient. The results showed that the physical properties of the self‐assembled film were adjusted by the electrostatic layer‐by‐layer (LbL) deposition. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) analysis and thermogravimetric (TGA) revealed that hydrogen bonds were generated during the self‐assembly of CS‐LEO/CMC‐ε‐PL film, resulting in changes in intermolecular interactions and thermal stability. Furthermore, compared with CS‐LEO single‐layer film, the multilayer film exhibited higher retention rate of LEO. In vivo test, the self‐assembled film significantly inhibited the infection of postharvest pathogenic fungi including Penicillium expansum (P. expansum) and Alternaria alternata (A. alternata) on fruit. To summarize, the CS‐LEO/CMC‐ε‐PL LbL self‐assembly coating notably controlled postharvest pathogen rot on fruit, and reduced the loss of fruit during storage and transportation. Our results suggest that the polysaccharide‐based edible coating prepared in this work may offer an alternative to synthetic waxes.
A review of the bioactive properties of Mongolian plants, with a focus on their potential as natural food preservatives
Authors: Burenjargal Munkhjargal , Narangerel Tuya , Batmunkh Tuyagerel , Dong Alideertu , Idesh Saruul 
Published: July 2023

AbstractConsumers have recently preferred food that is easy to make and of excellent quality, as well as food that is safe, natural, and minimally processed, but has a longer shelf life. Food deteriorates over time as a result of microbiological, chemical, or physical changes. Phytochemicals derived from medicinal and food plants have long been recognized for their biological activity to protect plants. These bioactivities are designed to increase the shelf life of food while inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. The use of natural plant food preservatives containing bioactive compounds as health‐promoting agents is particularly intriguing. Furthermore, due to their effectiveness against food spoilage and foodborne pathogens, natural plant‐origin antimicrobial compounds have been investigated as alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial compounds for preserving food quality. This review focused on the plant composition and properties that can be utilized as a natural food preservative, as well as the possibilities of using Mongolian medicinal plants.
Erfahrungen zur Festigkeitsbestimmung von Mergelgesteinen mit dem Nadelpenetrometer
Authors: Aderhold Moritz , Alber Michael , Plinninger Ralf J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractDie zutreffende Beurteilung der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit stellt eine der Kernaufgaben der Geotechnik im Kontext der Planung und Ausführung von Tief‐, Tunnel‐ und Spezialtiefbauarbeiten dar. Für viele geringfeste und veränderlich feste Gesteine, z. B. Tonsteine, Mergelsteine, Tuffe, oder stärker verwitterte Gesteine ist allerdings die Probengewinnung, der Erhalt des natürlichen Wassergehalts, die Probenpräparation und schließlich die Prüfung mit herkömmlichen Laborversuchsverfahren wie dem einaxialen Druckversuch herausfordernd, wenn nicht gar unmöglich. Bereits 1980 wurde in Japan das Nadelpenetrometer als feldtaugliches Prüfverfahren zur Abschätzung der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit derartiger Gesteine entwickelt. Obwohl das Verfahren in einer 2014 veröffentlichten ISRM Suggested Method verankert ist, ist der Einsatz des Nadelpenetrometers und der damit ermittelte Nadelpenetrometerindex (NPI) in Deutschland und Mitteleuropa im Fels eher unüblich. Dass das Verfahren sinnvoll und gewinnbringend einsetzbar ist, soll anhand umfangreicher Messdaten erläutert werden, die bei der Begleitung eines anspruchsvollen Spezialtiefbauprojekts in verschiedenen Mergelgesteinen der Münsterländer Kreidebucht erhoben wurden. Ausgehend von diesen Erfahrungen stellt der Beitrag eine Analyse des potenziellen Anwendungsbereichs vor und diskutiert die Ableitung von Schätzwerten der einaxialen Druckfestigkeit.
Botox for the prevention of radiation‐induced Sialadenitis and xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients: A pilot study
Authors: Nieri Chad Alexander , Benaim Ezer Haim , Zhang Yanhui H. , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Herr Michael J. , Zhang Weiqiang , Schwartz David , Coca Kimberly K. , Gleysteen John P. , Gillespie Marion Boyd 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundTo determine the safety of Botox and its potential effect on alleviating radiation therapy (RT)‐induced sialadenitis in head and neck cancer patients.MethodsTwenty patients with stage III/IV head and neck cancer were randomized to receive Botox or saline injections into both submandibular glands (SMG). There were three visits: one before RT (V1); 1 week after RT (V2); and 6 weeks after RT (V3), each of which included saliva collection, a 24‐h dietary recall, and a quality‐of‐life survey.ResultsNo adverse events were observed. While the control group was much older, the Botox group more commonly underwent induction chemotherapy compared with controls. From V1 to V2, salivary flow decreased in both groups, but only in the control group from V1 to V3. CXCL‐1 (GRO), a neutrophil chemoattractant, was lower in the Botox group compared with the control group at V3.ConclusionBotox can be safely administered to the salivary glands prior to external beam radiation without observed complications or side‐effects. After an initial reduction in salivary flow following RT, the Botox group showed lack of further flow reduction compared with controls. The inflammatory marker CXCL 1, which was reduced in the in Botox group at V3, may be a candidate for further studies of radiation‐induced sialadenitis.
Hematocytological, biochemical, and hemostasis parameters' role in predicting the possibility of the various forms of the COVID‐19 course in hospitalized Ukrainian patients: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Yushchuk Anna , Pykaliuk Vasyl , Korzhyk Olha 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsThe main objective of this study is to establish the characteristics of blood laboratory parameters in hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) Ukrainian patients and the significance of the above‐mentioned parameters for predicting the course of the disease.MethodsHematocytological, biochemical, and hemostasis methods of research have been used. Groups of patients with different forms of the coronavirus disease course have been analyzed (lethality ‐ recovery, recovery with a severe and mild course).Results and ConclusionAge is one of the risk factors for COVID‐19 mortality. Absolute values of neutrophils, neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), systemic inflammation index, d‐dimer, C‐reactive protein, and soluble fibrin complex can be used by clinicians to effectively differentiate between two possible outcomes (lethality vs. recovery). A higher number of stab leukocytes, d‐NLR, and platelets concentration have been recorded in patients with severe COVID‐19 cases, compared to mild ones. The risk of adverse COVID‐19 outcome (lethality) is significantly linked with
d‐dimer and NLR (odds ratio 1.42). The risk of a severe course of the disease was significantly associated with the count of leukocytes (odds ratio 4.96).
Sexual behavioral factors of the subjects visiting the clinic of sexually transmitted infections in Northern Finland: A cross‐sectional study among 775 subjects
Authors: Repo Iiro , Sopenlehto Atte , Huilaja Laura , Jokelainen Jari , Kiviniemi Eetu , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsSexually transmitted infections (STI) are among the most common infections globally. However, the sexual behavioral factors and sexual history of people visiting STI clinics have only been surveyed in a few studies. We aimed to evaluate the characteristics of the patients visiting the open STI clinic.MethodsThis is a prospective observational study performed in the STI clinic in the premises of Department of Dermatology, Oulu University Hospital. All individuals (n = 775) attending the STI clinic between February and August 2022 were included to the study and the profile of the patients was evaluated.ResultsWe found that the majority of the STI clinic attendees (58.5%) were female. Mean age of the study population was 28.9 years, with females being significantly younger than males (p < 0.001). Only one‐third (30.6%) of the patients reported having symptoms at the time of attending. Most commonly, patients had had one sex partner in the last 6 months. However, one‐fifth (21.7%) reported several sex partners (over four). Almost half of the patients (47.6%) reported using a condom only randomly. Those with heterosexual orientation had fewer multiple‐sex partners (p < 0.001) than those with homo‐ or bisexual orientation (p < 0.05).ConclusionIt is important to increase knowledge about the profile of STI clinic visitors to effectively target STI prevention on the groups at the highest risk of STIs.
Magnitude and factors influencing pastoralist women's maternity waiting home utilization in Teltelle district, Ethiopia: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bedada Firaol Worku , Wendimu Debisa Eshatu , Daba Derese Bekele , Degefa Mosisaa Bekele 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsPastoralists in Ethiopia benefit the least from health‐sector advances compared to the country's agrarian population. Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) have been established to provide mothers living in remote regions with access to skilled healthcare services during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum periods. However, there is a dearth of data on the utilization of MWHs in pastoralist areas.ObjectivesTo assess maternity waiting home utilization and its associated factors among pastoralist women who gave birth in the last 12 months in Teltelle district, Southeastern Ethiopia; 2021.MethodsA community‐based cross‐sectional study was undertaken from March 1 to June 20, 2021. A multistage sampling technique was used to select the 458 study subjects. A pretested structured questionnaire was used to gather the data. For data entry and analysis, Epi‐data version 4.4.3.1 and SPSS version 25.0 were utilized respectively. Models of bivariate and multivariate logistic regression were utilized to identify associated factors. In the multivariable analysis, variables withp < 0.05 were declared significantly associated with maternity waiting home utilization.ResultA total of 458 pastoralist women participated in the study. From the total participants, 26.64% [95% confidence interval: 22.57%−30.70%] of women utilized MWHs. Women's husband education status, complications during their last pregnancy, family support to MWHs, and community involvement and support were found to be significantly associated with the utilization of MWHs.Conclusion and RecommendationThis study found that utilization of MWHs was significantly lower in pastoralist areas of Ethiopia than in agrarian areas. Previous pregnancy complications, family support, husband's literacy, and community support were all significantly associated with improved maternity waiting home utilization. Encouraging community participation and family support are recommended to improve its utilization. Moreover, increasing community involvement in MWHs establishment and sustainability will be expected from the stakeholders.
Fifty‐three years of the Journal of Engineering Education: A bibliometric overview
Authors: Qiu Shaoping , Natarajarathinam Malini 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe Journal of Engineering Education (JEE) is a leading academic journal that serves to cultivate, disseminate, and archive scholarly research in engineering education. Bibliometric analysis has been gaining considerable interest from the scientific community in recent years. However, to the best of our knowledge, bibliometric analysis was not employed to analyze the publications of JEE.PurposeIn recognition of JEE's 111 years of publication, this paper uses bibliometric analysis to provide a retrospective journal overview. This study analyzes the publication characteristics, influence, and collaborative relationship of JEE. It also provides data for the development of future research.MethodA total of 1251 articles of JEE were retrieved from Scopus database for our bibliographic analysis using VOSviewer (Van Eck and Waltman, Scientometrics 2010; 84(2):523–538). The search was performed in mid‐November 2021 using the term “Journal of Engineering Education” in the “Publication Titles” field, yielding 1379 documents between 1969 and 2021. We excluded editorials and notes and only included articles, reviews, and conference papers.ResultsJEE has increasing contribution and influence within empirical engineering research publications regarding the quantity and the quality/citations of its published articles. The top contributing institutions are mainly from the United States. Major themes identified include knowledge acquisition and skill development, diversity and inclusion, engineering research and assessment, engineering learning mechanisms, and instrument and measurement.ConclusionsEmerging technologies and challenges provide new research topics and directions for JEE. Additionally, this study uncovers certain research gaps that JEE—to increase contributions and influence—can identify as growth areas.
Integrated mRNA and microRNA profiling in lung tissue and blood from human silicosis
Authors: Zhang Jingbo , Hu Weijiang , Liu Kai , Liu Jie , Zheng Yuxin , Sun Xin , Mei Liangying , Qian Zushu , Sun Qiangguo , Liu Qiang , Wu Zhijun , Zhang Hengdong , Li Yanping , Sun Daoyuan , Ye Meng 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe overwhelming majority of subjects in the current silicosis mRNA and microRNA (miRNA) expression profile are of human blood, lung cells or a rat model, which puts limits on the understanding of silicosis pathogenesis and therapy. To address the limitations, our investigation was focused on differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA profiles in lung tissue from silicosis patients to explore potential biomarker for early detection of silicosis.MethodsA transcriptome study was conducted based on lung tissue from 15 silicosis patients and eight normal people, and blood samples from 404 silicosis patients and 177 normal people. Three early stage silicosis, five advanced silicosis and four normal lung tissues were randomly selected for microarray processing and analyze. The differentially expressed mRNAs were further used to conduct Gene Ontology and pathway analyses. Series test of cluster was performed to explore possible changes in differentially expressed mRNA and miRNA expression patterns during the process of silicosis. The blood samples and remaining lung tissues were used in a quantitative real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) (RT‐qPCR).ResultsIn total, 1417 and 241 differentially expressed mRNAs and miRNAs were identified between lung tissue from silicosis patients and normal people (p < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in most mRNA or miRNA expression between early stage and advanced stage silicosis lung tissues. RT‐qPCR validation results in lung tissues showed expression of four mRNAs (HIF1A, SOCS3, GNAI3 and PTEN) and seven miRNAs was significantly down‐regulated compared to those of control group. Nevertheless, PTEN and GNAI3 expression was significantly up‐regulated (p < 0.001) in blood samples. The bisulfite sequencing PCR demonstrated that PTEN had significantly decreased the methylation rate in blood samples of silicosis patients.ConclusionsPTEN might be a potential biomarker for silicosis as a result of low methylation in the blood.
Interval colorings of graphs—Coordinated and unstable no‐wait schedules
Authors: Axenovich Maria , Zheng Michael 
Published: July 2023

AbstractA proper edge‐coloring of a graph is an interval coloring if the labels on the edges incident to any vertex form an interval, that is, form a set of consecutive integers. The interval coloring thickness of a graph is the smallest number of interval colorable graphs edge‐decomposing . We prove that for any graph on vertices. This improves the previously known bound of , see Asratian, Casselgren, and Petrosyan. While we do not have a single example of a graph with an interval coloring thickness strictly greater than 2, we construct bipartite graphs whose interval coloring spectrum has arbitrarily many arbitrarily large gaps. Here, an interval coloring spectrum of a graph is the set of all integers such that the graph has an interval coloring using colors. Interval colorings of bipartite graphs naturally correspond to no‐wait schedules, say for parent–teacher conferences, where a conversation between any teacher and any parent lasts the same amount of time. Our results imply that any such conference with participants can be coordinated in no‐wait periods. In addition, we show that for any integers and , , there is a set of pairs of parents and teachers wanting to talk to each other, such that any no‐wait schedules are unstable—they could last hours and could last hours, but there is no possible no‐wait schedule lasting hours if .
Reproductive season‐based plasticity in the size and strength of female crayfish (Faxonius obscurus) claws
Authors: Graham Zackary A. , Stubbs Megan B. , Loughman Zachary J. 
Published: July 2023

AbstractAnimal weapons are morphological traits that improve the fighting ability of the wielder and are associated with competition. These traits are typically sexually dimorphic, with males possessing weaponry and females lacking weaponry. However, in some cases, like in many crustaceans, both males and females wield enlarged claws, which may function as weapons. Further, animal weapons may vary in their size, shape, and performance, with theory predicting that selection pressure for weaponry should be the highest when the importance of fights is the greatest, such as during a reproductive season. However, the degree and direction of selection may vary based on sex and season, with females potentially benefiting from wielding larger weapons during nonreproductive seasons. Crayfishes offer an ideal system to investigate how weapon phenotypes change across reproductive seasons since both males and females undergo a form alteration associated with reproduction. Thus, we investigated whether female Allegheny crayfish, Faxonius obscurus, claws change in size, shape, or pinching strength based on whether a female is in a reproductive or nonreproductive form. We found that female F. obscurus claws are larger and stronger during the reproductive season. These findings align with previous research on males of the same species. We discuss how predictions about the relationship between seasonality and weapon investment may differ based on sex.
Harmonizing T1‐Weighted Images to Improve Consistency of Brain Morphology Among Different Scanner Manufacturers in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Zhao Shilun , Zhang Tianhao , Zhang Wei , Pan Tingting , Zhang Ge , Feng Shuang , Zhang Xiwan , Nie Binbin , Liu Hua , Shan Baoci ,   For the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2023

BackgroundBrain MRI scanner variability can introduce bias in measurements. Harmonizing scanner variability is crucial.PurposeTo develop a harmonization method aimed at removing scanner variability, and to evaluate the consistency of results in multicenter studies.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationMulticenter data from 170 healthy participants (males/females = 98/72; age = 73.8 ± 7.3) and 170 Alzheimer's disease patients (males/females = 98/72; age = 76.2 ± 8.5) were compared with reference data from another 340 participants.Field Strength/Sequence3‐T, magnetization prepared rapid gradient echo and turbo field echo; 1.5‐T, inversion recovery prepared fast spoiled gradient echo T1‐weighted sequences.AssessmentGray matter (GM) brain images, obtained through segmentation of T1‐weighted images, were utilized to evaluate the performance of the harmonization method using common orthogonal basis extraction (HCOBE) and four other methods (removal of artificial voxel effect by linear regression, RAVEL; Z_score; general linear model, GLM; ComBat). Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) was used to access the effectiveness of different methods in reducing scanner variability. The performance of harmonization methods in preserving GM volumes heterogeneity was evaluated by the similarity of the relationship between GM proportion and age in the reference and multicenter data. Furthermore, the consistency of the harmonized multicenter data with the reference data were evaluated based on classification results (train/test = 7/3) and brain atrophy.Statistical TestsTwo‐sample t‐tests, area under the curve (AUC), and Dice coefficients were used to analyze the consistency of results from the reference and harmonized multicenter data. A P‐value <0.01 was considered statistically significant.ResultsHCOBE reduced the scanner variability from 0.09 before harmonization to 0.003 (ideal: 0, RAVEL/Z_score/GLM/ComBat = 0.087/0.003/0.006/0.013). GM volumes showed no significant difference (P = 0.52) between the reference and HCOBE‐harmonized multicenter data. Consistency evaluation showed that AUC values of 0.95 for both reference and HCOBE‐harmonized multicenter data (RAVEL/Z_score/GLM/ComBat = 0.86/0.86/0.84/0.89), and the Dice coefficient increased from 0.73 before harmonization to 0.82 (ideal: 1, RAVEL/Z_score/GLM/ComBat = 0.39/0.64/0.59/0.74).Data ConclusionHCOBE may help to remove scanner variability and could improve the consistency of results in multicenter studies.Level of Evidence2Technical Efficacy Stage1