bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allergenic tree pollen in Johannesburg and Cape Town as a public health risk: Towards a sustainable implementation framework for South African cities
Authors: Gharbi Dorra , Neumann Frank H. , Cilliers Sarel , Cornelius Selna , Viviers Jako , Drewes Ernst , Puren Karen , Berman Dilys , Esterhuizen Nanike , Ajikah Linus , Peter Jonny , Chakwizira James 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

South Africa’s urban population is increasing, and in parallel, urban green infrastructure has shown an increase in alien tree species, e.g., mulberry (Morus sp.), oak (Quercus spp.) and plane trees (Platanus spp.) to name a few. This causes ecological problems since alien trees are often more water-demanding and competitive than indigenous trees, but they also increase the abundance of respiratory diseases often triggered by an allergic reaction towards the pollen of those alien taxa. In the current study, utilizing 7-day volumetric spore traps, we illustrate that the most abundant tree pollen in the two largest cities of South Africa, Cape Town and Johannesburg, is produced by alien trees with a high risk of allergenicity. This adds another aspect related to public health when evaluating plant species composition in urban forestry and urban ecology, which underlines the urgency of more intense monitoring. More importantly, this - for South Africa - newly emphasized risk for public health underlines the applicability of current directives (i.e., Spatial Development Frameworks (SDFs), localized Precinct Plans, Land Use Schemes (LUSs)) and implementation options in urban planning. Here, we present ideas that may be implemented in such a framework. From both a public health and an ecological perspective, it is recommended to plant indigenous trees like Combretum erythrophyllum, Vachellia and Senegallia spp. that have fewer ecosystem disservices, like a lower impact on public health due to lower allergenicity/lower pollen occurrence and providing more ecosystem services such as lower water needs.
Heteropolyacid supported on on ionic liquid decorated hierarchical faujasite zeolite as an efficient catalyst for glycerol acetalization to solketal
Authors: Sadjadi Samahe , Tarighi Sara , Delangiz Motahareh , Heravi Majid 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

To handle huge amount of glycerol produced in biodiesel industry, glycerol is transformed to value-added products. In this regard, glycerol acetalization to solketal is industrially attractive. As in this process various by-products can be formed, designing highly selective catalysts is of great importance. In this line, we wish to report a novel catalyst that benefits from strong acidity, high specific surface area and thermal stability, which can selectively form solketal in glycerol acetalization. To prepare the catalyst, hierarchical zeolite was prepared via a novel method, in which partially delaminated NaY was treated with Pluronic®F-127 and then reacted with NH4NO3 to furnish the H-form zeolite. Hierarchical faujasite was then achieved through calcination and template removal. Subsequently, it was functionalized with ionic liquid and used for the immobilization of heteropolyacid. The results indicated the importance of the mesoprosity of zeolite and the presense of ionic liquid functionality for achiveing high solketal yield. Moreover, among three investigated heteropolyacids, phosphomolybdic acid exhibited the highest catalytic activity. In fact, using 10 wt.% catalyst at 55°C and glycerol to acetone molar ratio of 1: 20, solketal with yield of 98% was furnished under solvent-less condition. Besides, the catalyst was recyclable with low leaching of heteropolyacid.
Risk factors analysis of falls due to musculoskeletal pain in Chinese middle-aged and elderly people based on 2018 CHARLS data
Authors: Mei Fengyao , Li Jiaojiao , Xing Dan , Lin Jianhao , Dong Shengjie 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Falls are common particularly in elderly people and usually associated with poor prognosis or healing outcomes. Musculoskeletal pain is considered an independent risk factor for falls, by being associated with joint pathology and instability, neuromuscular effects of pain, and changes in cognitive and psychological function. Understanding the relationship between musculoskeletal pain and the risk of falls will help with falls prevention among older adults.Methods A nationally representative sample for the Chinese population was derived from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Information on the patients’ demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, other health-related behavior, as well as history on musculoskeletal pain and falls were obtained. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to explore the effect factors of falls, including individual factors and musculoskeletal pain factors. P for trend test was performed to examine the trend of each continuous variable.Results Among 18813 respondents, 3697 have experienced a fall. The risk of falls was lower for respondents who were male, lived in urban areas, had higher education level, and were married (P < 0.05). The risk of falls increased with higher age (P < 0.05), as well as for respondents who were still drinking alcohol or who used to drink alcohol at the time of the survey (P < 0.05). The risk of falls also increased for respondents who had suffered from pain in the fingers, waist, legs and knees (P < 0.05), as well as for those who had a higher number of painful sites (P < 0.05).Conclusion Factors including gender, age, education level and health-related behavior may affect the risk of falls. Musculoskeletal pain is one of the factors that could be targeted to help prevent falls in older people.
Assessment of the iodine status among school-age children and pregnant women in an iodine-deficient area of China
Authors: Wang Yimin , Jin Caie , Wang Shuyue , Jing Zhengchao , Lv Jirong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Iodized salt (IS) is the significant source of iodine for residents living in iodine-deficient areas. To prevent and eliminate iodine deficiency among residents living in these areas, it is a vital practice to monitor IS consumption and assess the iodine status of residents regularly. This study was carried out in Mengzi city, which is an iodine-deficient area in Yunnan Province of China, among school-age children (SAC) and pregnant women (PW). Iodine concentration in salt was measured and qualified IS usage rate was investigated. The iodine status of SAC was assessed based on urinary iodine concentration (UIC), goiter and thyroid nodules diagnosis. The iodine status of PW was evaluated based on the UIC. The usage rate of qualified IS was 91.51%. Among SAC, the median UIC was 197.3 µg/L, the percentage with UIC levels < 100 µg/L, 100–200 µg/L, > 200 µg/L was 13.5% (83/617), 37.9% (234/617) and 48.6% (300/617), respectively. 9 (1.46%, 9/617) and 27 SAC (13.50%, 27/200) were diagnosed to be goiter and have thyroid nodules. Among PW, The median UIC was 148.28 µg/L, the percentage with UIC levels < 150 µg/L, 150–250 µg/L, > 250 µg/L was 51.3% (155/302), 37.8% (114/302) and 10.9% (33/302), separately. Qualified IS was consumed universally by residents. Partial SAC was at the over-optimal iodine status. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce iodine intake among those SAC by the means of restricting IS consumption within the recommended amount. PW cannot receive enough iodine from recommended amount of IS alone. Taking iodine-rich foods is critical.
The Effect of Prolactin and Chronic Kidney Disease on Cardiovascular Disease: Insights from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Rojhani Ehsan , Rahmati Maryam , Ziaeefar Pardis , Firouzi Faegheh , Soudmand Saber Amanollahi , Azizi Fereidoun , Tehrani Fahimeh Ramezani 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective:Inconsistencies exist regarding the relationships between prolactin (PRL), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), and Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD). In the present population-based study with an average of 20 years of follow-up, we aimed to investigate the impact of PRL levels on CVD events and its interaction with CKD in both sexes.
Material and methods: The present study included a total of 2,005 participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS) who met the inclusion criteria. They were re-assessed (approximately every three years for a median follow-up of 19.0 years. (Interquartile range (IQR):16.4 – 20.2), during which occurrences of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) events were recorded. A pooled logistic regression model was employed to examine the influence of Prolactin on CVD events, as well as its interaction with CKD.
Results: During follow-up, 156 and 73 incident CVD have occurred in men and women, respectively. Median (95%CI) for PRL was 7.4(5.5-10.5) ng/mL for men and 15.2(10.3-23) ng/mL for women. Increased prolactin had no statistically significant effect on odds of CVD in unadjusted and adjusted models, for men and women. The odds of CVD in men with a history of CKD was 3.41 (95% CI: 1.91–6.10; P<0.001) and in women was 3.00 (95% CI: 1.41–6.41; P=0.004) fold higher than those without CKD. However, Prolactin and CKD did not significantly interact with each other to increase the risk of CVD, according to our study findings.
Conclusion: the effect of CKD on CVD risk is not significantly influenced by the level of prolactin. Further research is necessary to fully comprehend the relationship between prolactin, chronic kidney disease, and cardiovascular disease.
The neurodevelopment of neonates born to women with polycystic ovary syndrome: evidences from China
Authors: Shen Dan , Dai Min-Chen , Jin Yue , Jiang Zhou , Zhou Tian-Yi , Qu Fan , Wang Fang-Fang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age. Mothers with PCOS are at increased risk of various gestational complications and adverse outcomes of offspring. The health problems, including neurobehavioral phenotypes, of PCOS offspring has attracted wide attention and been associated with intrauterine environment changes due to maternal PCOS. Using neonatal behavioral neurological assessment (NBNA), we conducted measurement of neonate’s neurodevelopment on the third day after birth. Total score of NBNA and score of behavioral capacity, orientation response-animate visual and auditory, were significantly lower in PCOS group than those in control group. Concerning sex difference, we found significantly lower total score of NBNA and score of behavioral capacity, orientation response-inanimate visual, in male neonates of PCOS group compared to those of control group, while this did not exist in female neonates. In conclusion, our data indicated an association between maternal PCOS and offspring neurobehavior at the beginning of neonatal period in a sex-specific manner. Further evidence of intrauterine environment is required to clarify the potential mechanism underlying impacts of maternal PCOS on neurodevelopment.
The NIHSS: A Reliable Predictor of Outcomes in Patients with Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: zhong yuan , peng hui , chen juncheng , luo cheng , peng guoyi , peng hui , Sheng Jiangtao , Chen Weiqiang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background The prediction of the prognosis of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) is a complex matter. Although the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) has been linked to intracerebral hemorrhage and ischemic stroke, its predictive value with regard to aSAH outcomes is unclear and requires investigation. This study aims to assess whether NIHSS is an independent and valuable predictor of aSAH outcomes and determine whether machine learning model with NIHSS could further enhance the predictive performance.Methods This study involved 1195 patients who experienced ruptured aSAH between 2013 and 2022. Patients from two additional tertiary hospitals were used as external validation. Various statistical learning methods, such as logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), decision trees, and XGBoost, were utilized to examine the relationship between NIHSS and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 1 month. Machine learning models and logistic regression models were trained to predict functional outcomes using data gathered at the time of admission. Functional outcomes were assessed using mRS for neurologic disability, which was dichotomized into good (mRS ≤ 3) and poor (mRS ≥ 4) outcomes.Results The NIHSS on the first day after aSAH was revealed as an independent predictor of the patient’s 1-month outcome. The NIHSS was an independent predictor of an unfavorable outcome after aSAH (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04–1.13, P < 0.001). Adding the NIHSS score to the multivariate model significantly improved its discrimination for an unfavorable outcome after aSAH (the receiver operator characteristics curve [AUC], 0.782; 95% CI, [0.746, 0.817] vs AUC, 0.842; 95% CI, [0.805, 0.878]; P < 0.001). Moreover, the machine learning models, including Support vector machine(SVM),XGboost and Random Forest(RF) with AUCs of 0.874, 0.812 and 0.795, respectively, further improved the discrimination for the unfavorable outcome after aSAH.Conclusions The NIHSS is a reliable and straightforward predictor of an unfavorable prognosis for patients with aSAH. Compared to translational LR, the use of machine learning techniques could further improve the performance of the multifactorial model that incorporates the NIHSS for an unfavorable prognosis in patients with aSAH.
Effect of papaverine on radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells by regulating autophagy
Authors: Wei Kexuan , Lin Chunxiang , Song Qiulu , Zhang Huaying , Zhao Wei 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Liver cancer is a common malignant tumor. Radiotherapy is a promising treatment for patients with liver cancer. Autophagy, as a tumor defense mechanism, can often affect the therapeutic effect of tumor, while papaverine has been found to inhibit the growth of liver cancer cells.Methods In order to explore the mechanism of papaverine and autophagy in radiosensitivity of primary hepatocellular carcinoma, HepG2 and Huh7 cells were irradiated by X-ray and divided into negative control group (NC), papaverine group (PPV) and simple irradiation group (IR). Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 test, cell migration was detected by scratch test, radiosensitivity was detected by clone formation test, and LC3 Ⅱ and ATG7 were detected by RT-PCR test. MRNA expression and autophagy related markers LC3, p62, p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR protein expression were detected by Western-blotting.Results Compared with NC group, papaverine significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatoma HepG2 and Huh7 cells. Papaverine could inhibit the migration ability of hepatoma cells. Papaverine could significantly decrease the expression of LC3 Ⅱ and ATG7mRNA, decrease the protein expression of LC3 Ⅱ / LC3I, and increase the protein expression of p62, p-PI3K, p-AKT and p-mTOR. Papaverine can also improve the effect of radiotherapy on liver cancer cells.Conclusions Papaverine inhibits autophagy of HepG2 and Huh7 cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, so as to inhibit the proliferation and migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and improve the radiosensitivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cells.
Prognostic accuracy of SIC, JAAM DIC, and ISTH overt-DIC for 28-day all-cause mortality among patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities: a retrospective study
Authors: Chen Yuwei , Chen Weiwei , Ba Fuhua , Zheng Yanjun , Zhou Yi , Shi Wen , Li Jian , Yang Zhitao , Chen Ying , Mao Enqiang , Chen Erzhen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background There is no gold standard for the diagnosis of coagulation dysfunction in sepsis, and the use of the current scoring systems is still controversial. The purpose of this study was to externally validate and assess the discriminatory capacities of SIC, JAAM DIC, and ISTH overt DIC for outcomes among patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities. Methods This retrospective study included patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities admitted to the general wards and ICU in Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine from 2017 through 2019. The SIC, JAAM DIC, and ISTH overt-DIC criteria were applied to data collection during admission. The relationship between each scoring system and 28-day all-cause mortality was observed. Results Among 452 patients (mean age, 65 [48,76] years), 306 [66.7%] were men, the median SOFA score was 6 [4, 9], and the median APACHE II score was 15 [11, 22]. A total of 132 patients (29.2%) died within 28 days. SIC was positive in 25.4% of the patients, 44.7% of the patients manifested with JAAM DIC, and 12.2% had ISTH overt-DIC. Both the diagnosis of SIC (AUROC, 0.779 [95% CI, 0.728–0.830],P < 0.001) and ISTH overt-DIC (AUROC, 0.782 [95% CI, 0.732–0.833],P < 0.001) performed equally well in the discrimination of 28-day all-cause mortality (between-group difference: SICvs.ISTH overt-DIC, -0.003 [95% CI, -0.025-0.018],P = 0.766). It is remarkably, however, the SIC demonstrated greater calibration for 28-day all-cause mortality than ISTH overt-DIC (the coincidence of the calibration curve of the former is higher than that of the latter). The diagnosis of JAAM DIC was not independently associated with 28-day all-cause mortality in sepsis (RR, 1.115, [95% CI 0.660–1.182],P = 0.684). Conclusions Combined with the results of distinction and calibration, the SIC scoring system demonstrated superior prognostic prediction ability for 28-day all-cause mortality among patients with sepsis and coagulation abnormalities than either JAAM DIC or ISTH overt-DIC. (309 words)
Comparison of four methods for investigating the voltage stability of electrical power grids both in theory and in practical application
Authors: BISLIMI Agron 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Referring to the problems of network operation described, the present work was dedicated to the topic of voltage stability, with the aim of comparing four methods for investigating the voltage stability of electrical energy networks both in theory and in practical application. The following methods are considered: Continuation Power Flow (CPF), Node L Index based on node loads. Branch L Index based on branch reactive power flows; Branch L Index based on maximum active power flows. The following basic methodology was used to compare processes (methods): Performing a full CPF analysis, including identifying the portion of the PV curve below the critical voltage collapse point. Then determination of the L indices using the load values and complex node voltage supplied by the CPF. Thus, each point (or each load value) on the PV curve corresponds to a (one) point on the L index curves. Advantage and disadvantages of the L-index method. In the case of larger networks corresponding to real systems, there are usually L indices with different amounts from network to network in the area of the stability limit. A generally valid limit value, which could serve as a measure for the approach of the system to the stability limit, therefore does not exist. The informative value of the L-index methods is therefore severely limited. L-Index methods are based on the results of a load flow calculation. Since the load flow calculation without CPF extension diverges at the voltage stability limit of the system under investigation, the values of the L indices can only be determined for states that are close to the stability limit. Therefore, in contrast (comparison) to the CPF, the exact determination of the stability limit using the L-index methods is not possible.
In vitro induction of tetraploidy and its effects on phenotypic variations in Populus hopeiensis
Authors: Wu Jian , Zhou Qing , Sang Yaru , Zhao Yifan , Kong Bo , Li Liang , Du Jiahua , Ma Lexun , Lu Min , Zhang Pingdong 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background Artificial induction of polyploidy is the most common and effective way to improve the biological properties of Populus and develop new varieties of this tree. Here, a protocol using colchicine and based on an efficient shoot regeneration system using leaf blades was established for inducing tetraploidy in vitro from diploid Populus hopeiensis. The traits that were evaluated for each ploidy level were stomatal characteristics, leaf blade size, and growth.Results We found that genotype, preculture duration, colchicine concentration, and colchicine exposure time had highly significant effects on the tetraploid induction rate. The optimal protocol for inducing tetraploidy in P. hopeiensis was to preculture leaf blades for 7 days and then treat them for 4 days with 40 mg/L colchicine. The tetraploid induction rates of genotypes BT1, BT3, and BT8 were 21.2, 11.4 and 16.7%, respectively. A total of 136 tetraploids were identified by flow cytometry analysis and somatic chromosome counting. The stomatal length, width, and density of leaf blades significantly differed between diploid and tetraploid plants. Compared with their diploid counterparts, the tetraploids produced larger leaf blades and had a slower growth rate. Our findings document the modified morphological characteristics of P. hopeiensis following whole-genome duplication (e.g., induced tetraploidy).Conclusions We established a protocol for in vitro induction of tetraploidy from diploid P. hopeiensis leaf blades treated with colchicine.
How Movie-watching Enhanced Subjective Well-being during the COVID-19 Pandemic? —An Explorative Study Based on the Case of Chinese College Students
Authors: Li Jincheng , Zheng Shuang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused a decline in the psychological health and subjective well-being among the vast majority of people, prompting governments and scholars to actively explore intervention measures aimed at enhancing the well-being of the general populace to counter the challenges posed by the pandemic. However, only few studies have explored the role of movie-watching in enhancing the subjective well-being during the pandemic. The current study, based on a survey of 315 Chinese college students, investigates the relationship between moving-watching behavior, movie preferences and subjective well-being by ANOVA and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of the study show that movie fan identity had a significant effect on subjective well-being, while watching and sharing movies with others, and the eagerness and positive expectations for movie-watching also had significant impact on the subjective well-being of the movie watcher. The frequency of movie-watching and repetitive watching could not enhance the subjective well-being of the movie watcher. Watching with others and positive expectations could anticipate the subjective well-being of the college students who were identified as movie fans. Movie-watching during the COVID-19 pandemic could enhance subjective well-being by maintaining and consolidating the positive emotions and social connections of movie fans.