bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recovery and characterization of nano-Ag-graphene-TiO2 - active compound in polylactic acid (PLA)-based film
Authors: Peter Anca , Cozmuta Leonard Mihaly , Nicula Camelia , Cozmuta Anca Mihaly , Drazic Goran , Penas Antonio , Silvi Stefania 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The morpho-structural, environmental and photocatalytical characteristics of Ag-graphene-TiO2 composite recovered from an used polylactic acid (PLA)-based film in comparison with those of the new prepared composite are reported. The recovered Ag-graphene-TiO2 composite displayed color, consistence, appearance, homogeneity and dispersion of nano-Ag similar with the new prepared compound. The FTIR spectroscopy showed that the oxygen and silver`s contents were 7 wt% higher in the recovered composite in comparison with the new prepared composite. The gap energy (Eg) of the recovered composite is 1.4 times and 2.3 times lower than that of new composite and TiO2, respectively. The anatase`s content decreased by 70% during the recovering, while that of rutile rised with the same magnitude. The photocatalytic activity of the recovered composite decreased only by 30% in comparison with the new composite. Additionally, the Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA) showed that the recovering procedure had a considerably lower environmental impact than the preparation of the new composite in terms of human health, ecosystem quality, climate change and resources. In conclusion, the recovering of the nanostructed composites from the active PLA-based films should be promising way to imporve the waste management.
QRS duration after pulmonary valve replacement in adults with repaired Tetralogy of Fallot: Prediction of ventricular arrhythmia and correlation with right ventricular size
Authors: Chaaya Rody G. Bou , Barron Emily , Herrmann Jeremy L. , Brown John W. , Ephrem Georges 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between QRS duration after pulmonary valve replacement (PVR) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA) in patients with repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF).
Background
ToF patients may face complications such as heart failure and VA after primary repair, often mitigated by PVR. Prior studies have shown a decrease in QRS duration and right ventricular (RV) size following PVR. It remains unclear whether a lack of QRS duration reduction identifies patients at risk of VA.
Methods
We retrospectively identified adult patients with repaired ToF who underwent surgical or transcatheter PVR. EKG data (pre-PVR, 30 days to 1-year post-PVR, and closest to CMR) was collected. The primary endpoint was sustained ventricular tachycardia (VT), ICD shock for sustained VT, or inducible VT on EP study.
Results
85 patients were included (median follow-up 3.6 years; median age 34 years; 51% females). The primary outcome was noted in 8 patients. Mean QRS duration decreased by 5ms following PVR (p = 0.0001). Increased age at PVR, QRS ≥ 180ms post-PVR, no reduction in QRS after PVR, and a history of VT were associated with higher risk of the primary endpoint. The change in QRS was linearly correlated with the change in RVEDVi (R = 0.66).
Conclusions
Adults with repaired ToF experience a reduction in QRS duration post-PVR that correlates with the change of the RV size. Patients with QRS ≥ 180ms post-PVR, no reduction in QRS, increased age at repair, and a history of VT are at risk for recurrent VT and warrant closer monitoring/ICD consideration.
Reliability intelligence analysis of concrete arch bridge based on Kriging model and PSOSA hybrid algorithm
Authors: Lu Pengzhen , Ye Zhoulin , Wu Ying , Yang Liu , Wang Jiahao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The traditional probabilistic reliability analysis methods have problems such as poor convergence, low calculation accuracy, and long time-consuming in the reliability calculation of concrete arch bridges. Due to the uncertainty of the parameters of the structure itself, the performance function is highly nonlinear, and other factors. A reliability calculation method for concrete arch bridges based on the Kriging model and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSOSA) based on a simulated annealing algorithm is proposed. Take advantage of the Kriging model in small samples, nonlinear, high-dimensional data processing capabilities. With the help of the PSO algorithm, it has the advantages of strong global optimization ability and strong robustness. Combined with the SA algorithm self-adaptive, variable probability mutation operation. The ability of the PSO algorithm to get rid of the local minima is enhanced and supplemented, effectively avoiding falling into the local minima and making the result tend to the global optimum, which improves the slow convergence speed and precociousness of the traditional PSO algorithm. A numerical example verifies the method's effectiveness, and a reliability evaluation of an actual concrete arch bridge is carried out. The research results show that the method improves the calculation accuracy, dramatically improves the calculation efficiency, and realizes the rapid and accurate assessment of the reliability of complex bridge structures.
Comparison of Phacoemulsification with and without Trabecular Micro-Bypass Stent in Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma and Normal Tension Glaucoma Population, 18 Months Outcome
Authors: Tsao Yu-Ting , Yeh Po-Han , Su Wei-Wen 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate the efficacy of first-generation iStent combined with phacoemulsification (phaco-iStent) versus phacoemulsification alone in Taiwanese patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and normal tension glaucoma (NTG).
Methods
This retrospective case-control study included POAG or NTG patients who underwent phaco-iStent or phacoemulsification alone between January 2018 and December 2020. The primary outcome measures included changes in estimated washout IOP (ewIOP), unwashed intraocular pressure (uwIOP), and the number of antiglaucoma medications. Additional efficacy evaluations included the proportion of eyes with surgical success. This study also conducted subgroup analysis for POAG and NTG.
Results
A total of 24 eyes in the iStent group (POAG: 16; NTG: 8) and 47 eyes in the control group (POAG: 29; NTG: 19) were enrolled. The iStent group showed a more significant decrease in ewIOP compared to the control group throughout the 18-month follow-up, with significant differences at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 18 months (-15.06~-21.92% vs. +1.66~-4.73%, P value = 0.005 ~ 0.045). After adjusting for confounding factors, the generalized estimating equation for ewIOP remained significant (β= -16.083, P value < 0.001). At 18 months, the iStent group had higher qualified and complete success rates than the control group (73.3% vs. 16.7%, P value = 0.001 and 53.3% vs. 0%, P = 0.002, respectively), and the NTG-iStent subgroup showed the highest complete success rate (85.7% at 18 months).
Conclusions
Phaco-iStent is an effective treatment option for Taiwanese patients with POAG and NTG. It offers significant IOP reduction and higher success rates, especially in NTG eyes.
Wolbachia wMel-mediated effects on dengue virus vertical transmission from Aedes aegypti to their offspring
Authors: Hue Kien Duong Thi , Goncalves Daniela Silva , Vi Tran Thuy , Long Vo Thi , Dui Le Thi , Nhu Vu Thi Tuyet , Giang Nguyen Thi , Trang Huynh Thi Xuan , Nguyet Nguyen Minh , Phong Nguyen Thanh , Yacoub Sophie , Simmons Cameron P 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background: Dengue viruses (DENV) can be transmitted vertically in Aedes aegpti (Ae. aegypti) mosquitoes. Whether the endosymbiont Wolbachia (wMel strain) can reduce the incidence of vertical transmission of DENV from infected females to their offspring is not well understood.Methods We used intrathoracic injection (IT) of DENV-1 to estimate the rate of vertical transmission of the virus in a laboratory colony of Vietnamese Ae. aegypti, both with and without wMel infection. We applied the Maximum Likelihood Estimator (MLE) to calculate the infection rate of individual mosquitoes in their offspring.Results In 6,047 F1 Vietnamese wild-type Ae. aegypti, the MLE of DENV-1 infection was 1.49% (95%CI = 0.73–2.74). In 5,500 wMel infected Ae. aegypti, the MLE was 0%.Conclusions The results reinforce that vertical transmission is a rare event in wild-type mosquitoes and that wMel infection reduces the probability of vertical transmission even further.
Genistein enhances NAD+ biosynthesis by binding to prohibitin 1 and upregulating nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT) in adipocytes
Authors: Watanabe Shun , Haruyama Riki , Umezawa Koji , Tomioka Ikuo , Nakamura Soichiro , Katayama Shigeru , Mitani Takakazu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Decreased NAD+ levels in adipocytes cause adipose-tissue dysfunction, leading to systemic glucose and lipid metabolism failure. Therefore, developing small molecules and nutraceuticals that can increase NAD+ levels in adipocytes is necessary. Genistein, a nutraceutical derived from soybeans, has various physiological activities and improves glucose and lipid metabolism. In this study, we aimed to unravel the effects of genistein on the intracellular NAD+ levels in adipocytes and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We showed that genistein enhanced NAD+ biosynthesis by increasing the expression of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in NAD+ biosynthesis. A pull-down assay using genistein-immobilized beads identified prohibitin 1 (PHB1) as a target protein of genistein. The knockdown of PHB1 suppressed the genistein-induced increase in NAMPT expression and NAD+ levels in adipocytes. Genistein-bound PHB1 contributed to the stabilization of the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β through activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, resulting in increased NAMPT expression at the transcriptional level. Genistein induced dephosphorylation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor at serine 273 and increased the insulin-sensitizing adipokine, adiponectin, in adipocytes, whereas the knockdown of NAMPT and PHB1 abolished these genistein-mediated effects. Our results proved the potential efficacy of food components in promoting NAD+ levels and restoring metabolic function in adipocytes. Furthermore, we identified PHB1, localized to the plasma membrane, as a candidate target protein for increased expression of NAMPT in adipocytes. Overall, these findings will assist in developing NAD+ boosting strategies to alleviate the metabolic dysfunctions in adipose tissues.
Land use predicts proportion of West Nile virus vector-competent mosquitoes
Authors: Bauer Amely M. , Guralnick Robert P. , Whitehead Shelley A. , Barve Narayani , Allen Julie M. , Campbell Lindsay P. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Land use and land cover (LULC) change has been identified as an important driver of emerging mosquito-borne zoonotic diseases. However, studies are often limited to individual vector species, despite the potential for interspecific variation in vector competency within mosquito assemblages. This variation can affect transmission hazard, particularly in complex multi-vector disease systems. Here, we used a joint species distribution modeling approach that included mosquito species vector competency for West Nile virus as a trait to understand community-level responses to land cover and predict joint species distributions in Manatee County, Florida. We assembled species presence/absence data across 61 sites and 44 species sampled from 2016 to 2020 and percent land cover within 2500 m of trap locations for five common land cover types. These data were used to investigate patterns in species richness and community-weighted proportions of WNV competent vector species. The results revealed that land cover effects on individual species aligned with known habitat associations the highest proportions of WNV competent species were predicted in less diverse urbanized areas, and species richness increased as urbanized areas decreased. Our findings highlight the value of community-level analyses to predict joint vector distributions that can inform where greatest transmission hazard may occur. This information can be used by public health agencies, mosquito control, and land managers to plan more effective and optimized prevention and control efforts.
What do we really know about intention in animals? A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Dauphiné-Morer Anne-Lise , Zenasni Franck , Boissy Alain , Mambrini-Doudet Muriel 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Is the analytical framework used by ethologists sufficient to study the mental states of non-human animals (NHAs) at the appropriate level of complexity? To address this question our strategy was to i) reveal the experimental and analytic habits of scientists of different disciplines in the literature, and ii) use "intention" as a vector in an interdisciplinary prospect of the study of NHAs mental states. Our own intention was to outline the specific orientations and possible impasses of the ethological analytical framework which limits the consideration of NHAs intentions. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of the scientific literature published between 2016 and 2020 in two steps: 1. through a first corpus, we identified the terms used in studies of NHAs intentions and 2. on this basis, 111 articles related to intentions in NHAs were selected. By analysing them using a co-occurrences network of the authors’ keywords, ten scientific approaches to intention in NHAs were identified. Our main findings are that i) the term « intention » is very seldom used in studies of NHAs; ii) approaches developed in humans are rarely transposed in these studies; and iii) in such few studies, it is not the NHAs intentions which are under question, but the link between NHAs and human intentions. This study highlights the limitations of the current theoretical framework used to study non-human animals’ cognition, which does not allow for the full spectrum of non-human cognitive specificities.
Investigating the Factors That Influence Early Retirement of Private Sector Workers in the Center Region of Cameroon
Authors: Tapang Felix Nkellefack , Andonei Laura Ebitoh , Fusi Neh Gladys 
Published: May 2023

Purpose: This study seeks to investigate the factors that influence early retirement of private sector workers in the center region of Cameroon.
Methodology: The grounded theory approach was used with a target population being workers of private sector organizations in the center region of Cameroon. A purposive sampling was used, where the population was selected from private organization, mainly; the multinational private companies, the transnational private companies and sole proprietor companies operating in the center region of Cameroon. Primary data was got through interviews to capture private sector workers’ opinions on aspects related to early retirements.
Research questions: The first research question was aimed at finding out the factors that influence early retirement of the private sector workers in the center region of Cameroon. The research continued with a second question to find out the most prominent factors presumed to affect early retirement. Finally, the research continued to find out to what extent these factors influence early retirement.
Findings: The findings revealed the overarching theme of work stress as the major factor that influence early retirement of the private sector workers in the center region of Cameroon. It also showed that low salaries and therefore weak financial strength of workers emerged as the overarching theme to explain the most prominent factors presumed to affect early retirement. Finally, the study showed that tough hierarchy decisions that do not take the views of employees into consideration and unclear work descriptions contributed to the quest for workers to retire early from the private sector in the center region of Cameroon.
Performance evaluation of in situ Fenton-mediated photocatalysis of industrial dye effluent with enhanced TiO2 nanoparticle
Authors: Oyetade Joshua Akinropo , Hilonga Askwar , Machunda Revocatus Lazaro 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Effluents resulting from the frequent use of industrial azo dyes in textile operations have posed great toxicological impacts on man and the environment. The limitations of conventional treatment infrastructure necessitate the use of rapid Fenton-mediated catalytic systematic process to tackle the attendant treatment limitations. The study applied in situ Fenton-mediation process with constructed low power UV-LED reactor for rapid catalytic treatment of dye-laden effluent using enhanced acid and alkali TiO2-nanoparticles (Nps) (1–5%, i.e. 1–5 M) at definite experimental conditions, respectively. A comprehensive instrumental study was done to access the morphological, functional and elemental constituents of these nanocatalysts. The performance of the respective catalyst was evaluated using methylene blue (MB) dye at definite experimental conditions of pH, dosage, concentration and irradiation time. The results revealed a mesoporous structural nanocatalyst with increasing surface area after enhanced modification. The optimal experimental conditions of pH and concentration were recorded as 5 and 10 mg/L, respectively; while the most efficient nanocatalyst was 3 wt% alkali-modified TiO2 (3% Ak-TiO2) having a degradation efficiency of 89.15% at 90 min of irradiation using 50 mg dosage in contrast to higher irradiation time and catalyst dosage for other catalysts.
Effects of a conical enlarging shaft on hydraulic performances of siphon-shaft spillways
Authors: Aydin M. Cihan , Ulu Ali Emre 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Siphon-shaft spillways can discharge large amounts of water down to the crest level in a narrow reservoir thanks to the siphonic pressures. However, cavitational pressures in the siphon-shaft limit the operating head of these spillways. An enlargement at the shaft mouth can reduce the vacuum pressures and velocities within the siphonic flows, thereby removing the risk of cavitation occurring. In this study, four different enlarging shaft profiles with various coning angles of 0°, 10°, 15°, and 20° were applied to a siphon-shaft spillway model to eliminate cavitation pressures in the shaft. These models are analyzed in three dimensions by computational fluid dynamics based on the RANS turbulence model coupled with the Volume of Fluid (VOF) method to simulate fluid motion. The numerical uncertainties of the simulation were calibrated with some experimental results and techniques in the literature. The results showed that the enlargement in the shaft mouth with a conical profile significantly decreased the vacuum pressures and velocities in the siphon-shaft. Thus, the use of conical profiles considerably reduced the cavitation numbers along the shaft surface and increased the discharge performance by about 11%.
Protein A and CaptureSelect FcXP Affinity Resins Possess the Capability
of Differentiating Hole-hole Homodimer Isoforms
Authors: Zhang Xudong , Li Yifeng , Wang Jia , Tian Mengying , Dong Wanyuan 
Published: May 2023

Background:
Knobs-into-holes (KiH) technology has been widely used in asymmetric
bispecific antibody (bsAb) construction to promote heavy chain heterodimerization. However, despite
the great improvement of heterodimer formation by this strategy, homodimers (especially the holehole
homodimer) can still be generated at low levels. Consequently, hole-hole homodimer is a
common byproduct associated with the production of KiH bsAbs. In addition, previous studies
showed that hole-hole homodimer exists as two different isoforms. As the major difference between
these two isoforms lies in the Fc region, we speculated that Protein A media, which bind IgG Fc
region with high affinity, and CaptureSelect FcXP, a CH3 domain-specific affinity resin, may provide
certain resolution between these two conformational isoforms.

Objective:
The objective of this study was to study the capability of Protein A and CaptureSelect
FcXP affinity resins in differentiating hole-hole homodimer isoforms.

Methods:
The hole-hole homodimer was produced in CHO cells by expressing the hole half-antibody.
The homodimer, along with the half-antibody was initially captured by Protein A chromatography and
was then further purified by size-exclusion chromatography (SEC), which separated the homodimer
from the unpaired half-antibody. The purified hole-hole homodimer was analyzed by sodium dodecyl
sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and analytical hydrophobic interaction
chromatography (HIC). The purified hole-hole homodimer was separately processed by columns
packed with Protein A and CaptureSelect FcXP resins. The purified hole-hole homodimer was also
analyzed by Protein A-high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results:
SDS-PAGE analysis and analytical HIC study confirmed that hole-hole homodimer exists as
two conformational isoforms. When the hole-hole homodimer was processed by Protein A and
CaptureSelect FcXP chromatography, the elution profiles contained two peaks, indicating that both
affinity resins possess the capability of differentiating hole-hole homodimer isoforms.

Conclusion:
Our data suggest that Protein A and CaptureSelect FcXP affinity resins both possess the
capability of differentiating hole-hole homodimer isoforms and, therefore, can be used for monitoring
isoform conversion under various conditions.
Electroacupuncture in Regulating Gastrointestinal Symptoms of COVID-19: A
Mini-review
Authors: Yu Xianqiang , Wang Yingjie 
Published: May 2023

Abstract:
Nearly three years into the COVID-19 pandemic, there is still no effective treatment. In the meantime,
more and more evidence indicate that gastrointestinal symptoms are important manifestations of
COVID-19. Therefore, the involvement of multiple system symptoms brings a lot of burden and harm to patients.
To our knowledge, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a remarkable effect on improving gastrointestinal
function. In particular, a considerable number of clinical practices during the pandemic have demonstrated
the significant value of electroacupuncture (EA) in regulating the gastrointestinal function of COVID-19.
In summary, EA can regulate the gastrointestinal function of COVID-19. As more is learned about EA, its potential
value in COVID-19 deserves further consideration. In this review, we will elucidate the potential efficacy
and mechanism of EA in the treatment of gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19.
Synthesis of Lactosyl Conjugated 6A,6D-Bifunctionalized β -Cyclodextrin Derivatives
as Potential Liver Cancer Drug Carriers
Authors: Ding Yili , Nie Jiehua , Ding Charles , Xu Zhe 
Published: May 2023

Abstract:
Transformations of the difunctionalizated cyclodextrin derivatives is a daunting
task due to the challenging purification and unambiguous characterization of the final compounds.
Lactose has the ability to recognize the liver cells, and the folate receptor (alpha subunit)
is overexpressed in multiple tumors, including liver cancer. Therefore, cyclodextrin conjugated
with lactose and folic acid should have the liver cell targeting capability, and its inclusion
complex with liver cancer drug such as Sorafenib, not only can increase drug ‘s water
solubility but also increase the drug’s targeting ability. Fondaparinux as a synthetic heparin
may improve the survival of cancer patients, so lactose and Fondaparinux conjugated cyclodextrin
derivative can increase drug’s solubility and drug’s anti-tumor efficacy. Accordingly,
Fondaparinux, folic acid and lactose conjugated 6A,6D-bifunctionlized β-cyclodextrin
derivatives are designed and synthesized as potential liver cancer drug carriers in order to increase cancer drug’s
targeting ability, solubility and stability.