bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation of novel β-CD/P(AA-co-AM) hydrogels by frontal polymerization
Authors: Li Bin , Qin Haibo , Ma Ming , Xu Xiaojia , Zhou Mengjing , Hao Wenrui , Hu Zhigang 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this paper, betaine (Bet) was used as a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA), acrylic acid (AA) and acrylamide (AM) were used as hydrogen bond donors (HBD) and mixed to form a deep eutectic solvent (DES). Different concentrations of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) were dispersed in DES, and a novel β-CD/P(AA-Co-AM) hydrogel was prepared by frontal polymerization (FP). Characteristic structure and morphology of the hydrogels were analyzed using Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the properties of the hydrogels were investigated. The results show that the mechanical properties of the hydrogel were improved by β-CD acting as a second cross-linking agent in the polymerization process, thus increasing the cross-link density of the hydrogel. Because the carboxyl groups contained in acrylic acid dissociate under alkaline conditions, the composite hydrogel shows excellent pH responsiveness under alkaline conditions. Tetracycline hydrochloride was used as a drug model to test the drug loading and drug release performance of hydrogels. With the increase of β-CD content, the loading capacity of hydrogels to tetracycline hydrochloride gradually increased. The data of drug release indicated that the hydrogel has good drug delivery performance and has promising applications in drug delivery systems and other areas.
Comparison of serum levels of SIL-2R, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, CRP, ESR and fibrinogen in patients with active and inactive Behçet’s disease
Authors: AVCI Ali Osman 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Behçet's disease (BD) is a chronic inflammatory illness that affects the entire body and is characterized by recurring episodes of oral aphthae, ocular and cutaneous lesions, and scrotal or vaginal ulcerations. The involvement of other organs and systems increases mortality in addition to the significant morbidity. This study involved a total of 40 participants, 20 of whom were healthy controls and 20 of whom were patients (of the 20 Behçet's patients, 12 (60%) were in the active phase and 8 (40%) were in the inactive phase). There was no therapy being given to any of the 20 patients that would have affected their cytokine levels. Only young men made up the patient and control groups because both early onset and male sex are signs of poor prognosis. The ELISA method was used to measure the levels of serum cytokines. The statistical analysis of the derived numerical values employed the Mann-Whitney U Test. We found a significant correlation between serum cytokine levels and classical acute phase markers in active Behçet’s patients. ESR (P < 0,001), CRP (P < 0,001), fibrinogen (P < 0,001), IL-10 (P < 0,001), IL-6 (P < 0,001), SIL-2R (P < 0,001) and TNFα (P < 0,001). There was no statistically significant difference in serum levels of classical acute phase markers ESR (P = 0,746), CRP (P = 0,476) and fibrinogen (P = 0,940) when inactive Behçet’s patients and healthy controls were compared. However, serum levels of IL-10 (P < 0,001), IL-6 (P = 0,001), SIL-2R (P < 0,001) and TNFα (P = 0,001) were statistically different between inactive Behcet's patients and the control group. Our research shows that even in the inactive phase, serum cytokine levels of Behçet’s patients are much higher than the healthy control group. However, the levels of ESR, CRP and fibrinogen, which are classical acute phase markers, were found at normal levels in Behçet’s patients in the inactive phase. These findings show that measurement of serum interleukin levels will enable us to take preventive measures for morbidity and mortality follow-up of Behçet's patients.
Geogenic Particles Induce Bronchial Susceptibility to NTHi
Authors: Williams Lewis J , Tristram Stephen G , Zosky Graeme R 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Exposure to geogenic (earth-derived) particulate matter (PM) is linked to an increased prevalence of bronchiectasis and other respiratory infections in Australian Indigenous communities. Experimental studies have shown that the concentration of iron in geogenic PM is associated with the magnitude of respiratory health effects, however, the mechanism is unclear. We investigated the effect of geogenic PM and iron oxide on the invasiveness of non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived macrophages or epithelial cell lines (A549 & BEAS-2B) were exposed to whole geogenic PM, their primary constituents (haematite, magnetite or silica) or diesel exhaust particles (DEP). The uptake of bacteria was quantified by flow cytometry and whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on NTHi strains. Geogenic PM increased the invasiveness of NTHi in bronchial epithelial cells. Of the primary constituents, haematite also increased NTHi invasion with magnetite or silica having significantly less impact. Furthermore, we observed varying levels of invasiveness amongst NTHi isolates. WGS analysis suggested isolates with more genes associated with heme acquisition were more virulent in BEAS-2B cells. The present study suggests that geogenic particles can increase the susceptibility of bronchial epithelial cells to select bacterial pathogens in vitro, a response primarily driven by haematite content in the dust. This demonstrates a potential mechanism linking exposure to iron-laden geogenic PM and high rates of chronic respiratory infections in remote communities in arid environments.
Left Ventricle Epicardial vs. Right Ventricular Septal Pacing in Congenital Heart Block: A 2-D Strain Speckle Imaging for Assessment of Left Ventricle Function
Authors: Rivera Diana Milagros Torpoco , Sri Chenni , Karpawich Peter P. , Aggarwal Sanjeev 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Chronic right ventricular (RV) apical pacing in patients with congenital complete atrioventricular block (CCAVB) is associated with left ventricle (LV) dyssynchrony and dysfunction. Hence, alternative pacing sites are advocated. The aim of this study was to compare LV function using STE in selected patients with LV epicardial pacing (LVEp) vs. RV transvenous pacing (RVSp).
Methods
This was a single center, retrospective study in patients with CCAVB who underwent permanent pacemaker implant at age ≤ 18 years. Age- and gender-matched patients with a normal heart anatomy and function served as control group. LV function was comprehensively assessed by conventional 2D Echocardiography and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).
Results:
We included 24 patients in the pacemaker group [27.6% male, mean age of 17.1 at last follow-up, follow-up duration of 8.7 years, RVSp (n = 9; 62.5%)] compared to 48 matched healthy controls. Shortening fraction (SF) and ejection fraction (EF) were normal and similar between cases and controls. However, STE detected abnormal LV function in the pacemaker group compared to controls. The former demonstrated lower/abnormal, PLS Myo (-12.0 ± 3.3 vs. -18.1 ± 1.9, p < 0.001) and PLS endo (-16.1 ± 4.1 vs. -21.7 ± 1.7, p < 0.001). STE parameters of LV function were significantly more abnormal in LVEp vs. RVSp subgroup as demonstated by lower values for PLS Myo (-10.1 ± 3.2 vs. -13.1 ± 2.9, p = 0.03) and PLS Endo (-13.8 ± 4.4 vs. -17.5 ± 3.3, p = 0.03).
Conclusions:
LV dysfunction was better adjudicated by STE than 2D echocardiographic measurements (EF and SF) in our selected patients with CCAVB and permanent pacemaker. Furthermore, STE demonstrated that transvenous RV septal pacing was associated with better LV systolic function preservation than LV epicardial pacing for comparable post-implant intervals.
Temperature effect of MosesTM 2.0 during flexible ureteroscopy: an in vitro assessment
Authors: Villena José M. , Elorrieta Vicente , Salvadó José A. 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: One of the main issues related to the use of high-power lasers is the associated rise in temperature. The aim of this study was to characterize temperature variations with activation of the MosesTM 2.0 laser.
Materials and Methods: An in vitro experimental study was designed using a high-fidelity uretero-nephroscope simulation model to assess changes in temperature during intracorporeal laser lithotripsy. Renal and ureteral temperature records were obtained from the treatment of BegoStones positioned in the renal pelvis. Different laser settings over three time periods and two possible irrigation flow speeds were evaluated. We considered 43 °C as the threshold since it is associated with denaturation of proteins. The Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was used to assess quantitative variables and the Kruskal–Wallis test for categorical variables.
Results: The highest increase in intrarenal temperature was reached with 30 seconds of laser activation at a laser setting of 0.5 J/100 Hz (50 W) and a flow of 10 mL/min. Only 15 seconds of activation was sufficient for most settings to exceed 43 °C. The ureteral temperature did not increase significantly, regardless of the combination of laser setting, time, or irrigation flow, except when 30 W was used for a 30 second period. Multivariate analysis showed that an irrigation flow of 20 mL/min produced an intrarenal temperature decrease of 4.7–9.2 °C (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Use of high-power lasers, both for the ureter and kidney, should involve consideration of temperature increases evidenced in this study, due to the potential biological risk entailed.
Evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable aviation in the Middle East: A study of two UAE-based carriers
Authors: Bahman Nahed , Shaker Mahmood 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
The Middle East aviation industry comprises 4.5 percent of the global aviation market, thanks to its strategic location between all the continents of the world and its position as a hub connecting the European and Asia-Pacific markets. The UAE is the biggest aviation market in the Middle East, with a 45 percent share of the region’s aviation sector. This study evaluates the effectiveness of sustainable aviation in the Middle East by analysing the sustainability measures and strategies of two of the UAE’s biggest carriers: Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways. Thematic analysis of the sustainability reports of the two carriers identified the environmental impacts of their operations and their measures and strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in compliance with ICAO and IATA policies and targets within the 3 pillars of sustainability: economic, social, and environmental. Emirates Airline’s reports revealed a clearly focused and ambitious drive to reduce environmental impacts using globally accepted honest and transparent accounting and reporting practices, whereas Etihad Airways’ report lacked details and did not signify a positive corporate social responsibility policy. Emirates Airline, unlike Etihad, reported on the emissions of NOx, CO, and UHCs below 3,000 feet, using ICAO’s landing/take-off (LTO) cycle. Also, Emirates Airline completed its first Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation (CORSIA) emissions report for 2019 and was finalising the audited report for 2020, while Etihad Airways will be obliged to purchase carbon credits to offset post-2020 absolute emissions, if it fails to meet targets for the voluntary pilot phase beginning in 2021. Finally, Etihad introduced sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from various sources into its energy mix, and Emirates reported aircraft fuel consumption, fuel efficiency and CO2 efficiency due to increased use of SAF. The study concludes that, despite the strategies and measures reported, the chances that both airlines would achieve 2050 net zero emissions target remain slim.
A high-throughput method for precise phenotyping sugarcane stalk mechanical strength using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Shen Yinjuan , Adnan Muhammad , Ma Fumin , Kong Liyuan , Wang Maoyao , Jiang Fuhong , Hu Qian , Yao Wei , Zhou Yongfang , Zhang Muqing , Huang Jiangfeng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background: Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is the core crop for sugar and bioethanol production over the world. A major problem in sugarcane production is stalk lodging due to weak mechanical strength. Since there are no efficient methods for determining stalk mechanical strength in sugarcane, genetic approaches for improving stalk lodging resistance are largely limited. This study was designed to use near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) calibration assay to accurately assess mechanical strength on a high-throughput basis for the first time.
Results: Hundreds of sugarcane germplasms were harvested at the mature stage in the year of 2019 and 2020. In terms of determining rind penetrometer resistance (RPR) and breaking force, large variations of mechanical strength were found in the sugarcane stalk internodes, based on well-established laboratory measurements. Through partial least square regression analysis, two online NIRS models were established with a high coefficient of determination (R2) and the ratio of prediction to deviation (RPD) values during calibration, internal cross-validation, and external validation. Remarkably, the equation for RPR exhibited R2 and RPD values as high as 1.00 and 17.7, as well as showing relatively low root mean square error values at 0.44 N mm-2 during global modeling, demonstrating excellent predictive performance.
Conclusions: This study delivered a successful attempt for rapid and precise prediction of mechanical strength in sugarcane stalk by NIRS assay. By using these established models, genetic improvements could be made to phenotyping jobs for large-scale sugarcane germplasm.
Distribution, local use, and bio-prospecting opportunity of Ocimum americanum L around North Western part of Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Merawi Edeget , Birhanu Taye 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Ocimum americanum encompasses various uses. In Ethiopia, the plant is claimed as a food additive for its aromatic effect on different foods and folk medicine for various complaints. However, the plant genetic resource use category, distribution and their associated community knowledge have not been properly and systematically documented and utilized. Consequently, this survey was performed to explore the bio-prospecting opportunity of Ocimum americanum, and its associated community knowledge to provide baseline data for bio-digging companies. Purposive and proportional samplings were jointly used to select districts, villages, users, and growers who participated in the study. Dembiya, Gonder Zuria, Takusa, Alefa, Bahir Dar city, and Bahir Dar Zuria districts were selected based on growing potential and user’s availability. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, group discussions, and field observation. The community used Ocimum americanum for various purposes; for ailment treatment (31.67%), food flavor (26.6%), food preservative (7.7%), and to give aroma to different foods (8.33%). 31.67% of the respondents replied as they are a user group of the plant for its ethno-medicinal purpose whereas the remaining 68.34% of them claimed as they are not used for medical purposes. They used to treat depression (10.83%), tuberculosis (1.67%), cancer (0.83%), swelling (4.17%), stomach ache (2.5%), diabetes (0.83%), intestinal worm (1.67%), stomach ulcer (1.67%) and evil spirit (6.67%). Concoction (21.05%), cutting and inserting whole plant (15.79%), grinding (15.79%), melting (5.26%), Fumigation (10.53%) and smelling (31.58%) were used as methods of preparation and administration. Medicinal dosage is not quantized and varied up to users based on the intensity and the severity of the disease. A total of nine typical basil spiced traditional foods were listed. The highest fidelity level [a particular use category] of basil was food flavor (18.33%) followed by similar result [18.33%] for Food flavor/preservative. The output of the direct matrix analysis was showed Chilli pepper spice was the preferred local foods sweetened by basil for its various purposes by the local people followed by hot-spiced pepper. Therefore, the present survey, inferred the community traditionally use basil for its aromatic, preservative, flavor, and ailment treatment role. The plant is ‘neglected’ while, as an effective traditional medicinal plant against intestinal, dermal, cardiovascular, and respiratory diseases. Hence, novel genetic resources should be further researched and promoted for their versatile use. It gives a clue for bio-prospecting companies working on food and pharmacological industries to access the associated local knowledge and practices documented as well as the plant genetic resource to search for new biochemical compounds responsible for medicinal, preservative, and the aromatic effect.
Factors Associated with Tuberculosis Relapses Development
Authors: Abilbayeva A. A. , Tarabayeva A. S. , Okhas I. M. , Kuashova D. K. , Khaertynova I. M. , Shuralev E. A. 
Published: November 2022

The objective: to identify socio-demographic, clinical and laboratory factors associated with tuberculosis recurrence.Subjects and Methods. Clinical and laboratory data of 208 TB patients treated at the National Scientific Center for Phthisiopulmonology of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Kazakhstan were analyzed.IL-2 to the AlaDH was assessed using test platforms Lionex GmbH (Germany) according to the manufacturer's instructions. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical processing of obtained data. To assess the significance of differences in groups, the Pearson Chi-Square test was used. To determine the factors associated with of the tuberculosis relapse, а multiple binary logistic regression analysis was carried out.Results. Multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that male gender (OR = 2.086, 95% CI 1.001-4.350, p = 0.050), drug resistance (OR = 4.910, 95% CI 1.923-12.534, p = 0.001), fibrosis cavernous tuberculosis (OR = 6.362, 95% CI 2.178-18.585, p = 0.001) and low level of sensitized T cells that synthesize IL-2 in response to exposure to the AlaDH antigen in IGRA in vitro (OR = 2.155, 95% CI 1.060-4.379, p = 0.034) were significantly associated with tuberculosis recurrence.
A Reaction of the Mouse Spleen Extracellular Matrix to Administration of Liposome-Encapsulated Dextrazide in Stabilization Period of BCG-Induced Inflammation
Authors: Kim L. B. , Putyatina A. N. , Russkikh G. S. 
Published: November 2022

The objective: to study a response of the spleen extracellular matrix (ECM) to the liposome-encapsulated dextrazide (LEDZ) administration in the stabilization period of BCG-induced granulomatosis.Subjects and Methods. A model of generalized tuberculosis inflammation was reproduced by injecting mice with mycobacteria from BCG vaccine (BCG-infected mice). Intact mice served as controls. During inflammation stabilization, the infected mice were dosed with LEDZ by inhalation and intraperitoneal injection, and main ECM components were assessed.Results. The BCG-infected mice showed a decrease in the structural components of proteoglycans (PGs) but demonstrated elevated profibrotic fractions of hydroxyproline (Hyp), enhanced activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and no differences in the content of their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), that indicated the fibrosis of the organ. Despite the way of LEDZ administration, the level of uronic acids in PGs and activity of hyaluronidases increased but the content of protein-bound Hyp was reduced with no differences in the content of free Hyp versus infected untreated mice. The administration of LEDZ by inhalation reduced content of profibrotic fractions of Hyp but increased galactose in PGs increased to the level of control mice. The intraperitoneal LEDZ administration decreased the protein content in PGs.
The effects of flow pulses on river plumes in the Yellow River Estuary, in spring
Authors: Fan Yaoshen , Zhang Shaohua , Du Xiaokang , Wang Guangzhou , Yu Shoubing , Dou Shentang , Chen Shenliang , Ji Hongyu , Li Ping , Liu Fucheng 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In this paper, an extended three-dimensional (3D) model of the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) is established. It is based on a Delft 3D shallow-water high-resolution hydrodynamic model. The model is calibrated and verified by field observation data, which ensures its stability and accuracy, and provides a better simulation of the river plume in the estuary under different flow inputs. Since 2009, the spring flow pulse of the Yellow River can be divided into four types. The strong flow pulse is more conducive to the extension of the low salinity zone (LSZ). Doubling the peak discharge of pulse flow increases the LSZ area by 60%. The retardation time of salinity change in response to the flow pulse in estuary waters is weakly affected by the flow pulse intensity. The difference in shear front between the spring tide and the neap tide is the main dynamic mechanism contributing to the different retardation times. The average retardation time is 73 h during the spring tide and 55 h during the neap tide. In order to reduce the estuary salinity, it is suggested that the optimal time for the peak value of flow pulse in the river mouth is during the neap tide.
Identification of Uncharacterized Plasmodium falciparum Proteins via In-silico Analysis
Authors: Widjaja Vianney , Lim Albert , Aini Benedicta , Audrey Gandasasmita Gabrielle , Theddy Darmawan Jeremie , Aditya Parikesit Arli 
Published: November 2022

Background: Numerous types of research on malaria were done over a long period of time but there are still some unknowns. However, it is globally known that malaria is caused by the Plasmodium parasite, mainly and most lethally by Plasmodium falciparum. The purpose of this research is to understand the structure and function of three uncharacterized P. falciparum proteins (PF3D7_1468000, PF3D7_1147400, PF3D7_1351100) using bioinformatic methods in hopes to learn more about malaria. Methods: The three uncharacterized P. falciparum proteins were inserted into Phyre2 for knowing the protein homology, InterPro, and SUPERFAMILY hidden Markov models for understanding the domain annotation, scanprosite for knowing the post-translational modification, Ramachandran plot for protein validation, and Yasara for visualizing the protein. Results: According to the Phyre2 results, the third protein showed the highest confidence and coverage level of 100%, followed by the second protein, and the lowest was the first protein. Interpro and SUPERFAMILY results identified the first protein as WD40 repeat superfamily, the second protein as Cytochrome C subunit II-like, and the third protein as CXXC motif. Scanprosite revealed all sequences possessing protein domains in which the first protein has three protein domains, the second protein has one protein domain, and the third protein has two protein domains. According to the Ramachandran plot, the first and second protein generally has an Î±-helix structure while the third protein has an overall Î²-sheet structure, which differs to some extent from the protein structure visualization. The three protein visualizations exhibited secondary structures and more than 50 amino acid residues for each protein. Conclusion: This research concluded that the second and third uncharacterized proteins (PF3D7_1147400, PF3D7_1351100) could be promising antimalarial drug targets leading to the P. falciparum parasite death.