bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Photodynamic Therapy Using Bisdemethoxycurcumin Combined with Melatonin or Acetyl-melatonin on C. albicans
Authors: Duterte Maria Margarita D , Morales Noppawan Phumala , Pitiphat Waranuch , Puthongking Ploenthip , Damrongrungruang Teerasak
Published: August 2024

Objectives The current study aims to explore the efficacy of antifungal photodynamic therapy (PDT) on C. albicans biofilms by combining photosensitizers, bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), and melatonin (MLT) or acetyl-melatonin (AcO-MLT). Additionally, the relationship between different types of reactive oxygen species and PDT’s antifungal efficacy was investigated.Materials and methods BDMC, MLT and AcO-MLT were applied, alone and in combination, to 48-hour C. albicans biofilm cultures (n = 6 groups). Blue and red LED light (250 mW/cm2 with 37.5 J/cm2 for single or 75 J/cm2 for dual photosensitizer groups) were used to irradiate BDMC groups and MLT/AcO-MLT groups, respectively. For combination groups, blue LEDs and subsequently red LEDs were used. Drop plate assays were performed at 0, 1 and 6 hours post-treatment. Colony forming units (CFUs) were then counted after 48 hours. Hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen were measured using fluorescence spectroscopy and electromagnetic spin resonance. Additionally, cell cytotoxicity was tested on human oral keratinocytes.Results Significant CFU reductions were observed with combinations 20 µM BDMC + 20 µM AcO-MLT and 60 µM BDMC + 20 µM MLT at 0 and 1 hour post-treatment, respectively. Singlet oxygen production increased with MLT/AcO-MLT addition and had moderate-substantial correlations with inhibition at all times. Hydroxyl radical production was not significantly different from the control. Additionally, BDMC exhibited subtle cytotoxicity on human oral keratinocytes.Conclusion PDT using BDMC + MLT or AcO-MLT, with blue and red LED light, effectively inhibits C. albicans biofilm through singlet oxygen generation.Clinical relevance: Melatonin acts as a photosensitizer in PDT to inhibit fungal infection.
Cloud-Enabled Blockchain and IoT-Based Assisted Living System in 6G Networks: Enhancing Quality of Life and Privacy
Authors: A Mohanaprakash T , A Deepak Kumar , P Naveen , Karuppiah Santhi
Published: August 2024

Owing to emerging disruptive technologies, the Internet of Things (IoT) plays an important role in innovative living domains, such as elderly and disabled healthcare service and home security and safety monitoring, and computerization control service. The IoT can improve inhabitants' quality of life and users of smart ambient assisted living (AAL) environments. The sixth (6G) networks will enable a completely linked world with terrestrial wireless communications. Blockchain-based approaches offer decentralized privacy and security and, yet they include vital delay, computational, and energy overhead that are inappropriate for most resource-reserved IoT devices. Hence, in this study, a Blockchain and IoT-based Assisted Living System (BIoT-ALS) has been proposed using 6G communication. The nodes in our proposed paradigm use smart contracts to specify norms of interaction while working together to provide storage and computing resources. Our suggested approach has encouraged confidence-free interaction and boosted user privacy by the blockchain approach. The purpose of this paper is to explain the sensor layer, a distributed signal processing system in vast, physically connected, wirelessly networked, and energy-restricted networks of sensor items. A comprehensive series of experimental tests have been conducted, showing each sensor type's accuracy and probable usage. The numerical results show that the suggested BIoT-ALS model improves the performance ratio of 99.1%, accuracy ratio of 98.8%, reliability ratio of 94.8%, an efficiency ratio of 93.6%, the throughput rate of 97.6%, and reduces the network delay of 19.2%, latency ratio 10.2%, and execution time of 20.4% compared to other popular models.
ACE2 expression in the kidneys of pregnant and postpartum rats: Physiological and pathological significance during pregnancy
Authors: Kikuta Yu , Kazama Itsuro
Published: August 2024

Pregnancy is associated with changes in systemic hemodynamics, such as an increase in plasma volume and decrease in blood pressure because of peripheral vasodilation. However, little is known about the mechanisms underlying the changes in renal hemodynamics, such as increases in renal blood flow and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a transmembrane glycoprotein involved in vasodilation, also acts as a receptor for the entry of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Here, we showed that in pregnant rats the renal arterioles and venules as well as the glomerular capillaries were markedly dilated, indicating renal vasodilation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated increased ACE2 and angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)) expression within the proximal renal tubules during pregnancy. As these proteins exert vasodilatory properties, they are considered responsible for renal vasodilation and the subsequent increase in GFR. Further, the similar distribution and enhanced expression of ACE2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) in the proximal renal tubules during pregnancy suggests their roles in the development of acute kidney injury following COVID-19 infection in pregnancy. Overall, this study highlights the physiological and pathological significance of ACE2 during pregnancy.
A draft genome assembly and resequencing analysis of Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus) reveal structural variants associated with fruit traits
Authors: Zhuqin Liu , Xueping Wang , Xiuhua Zhao , Chao Gu
Published: August 2024

Chinese cherry (Cerasus pseudocerasus) is a significant fruit crop that enjoys widespread cultivation in China. Here, we report a draft autotetraploid genome assembly of the Chinese cherry cultivar ‘Huangguo’, characterized by a size of 340.99 Mb and comprised of 261,760 scaffold sequences. We further obtained resequencing data of 8 Chinese cherry varieties at an average sequencing depth of about 104× per individual. Population structure analysis revealed that the 8 varieties were partitioned into two distinct groups, and the G matrix analysis found that the closest genetic background was shared between the ‘Changbing’ and ‘Duanbing’ varieties. In addition, we have creatively established a workflow for transforming heterozygous genotypes from diploid format to tetraploid format by conducting secondary genotyping in deletion structural variations, and through this process, structural variants related to Chinese cherry fruit peel color or size were initially screened out. In summary, this study provides valuable resources for population genetic relationships and will promote functional genomics studies in Chinese cherry and other crops.
Research on Intelligent Semi-Active Control Algorithm Based on Machine Learning and Seismic Reliability of Aqueducts
Authors: Xiao Zhongyuan , Xu Jianguo , wang li , Liang Huang , Qi Wanshuai , Zhou Qi
Published: August 2024

Addressing the issue of poor robustness in current semi-active control algorithms and the limited generalization capability of existing deterministic analysis-based evaluation methods Building upon this, an intelligent semi-active control algorithm based on machine learning has been proposed. This has been combined with an engineering example to study semi-active control under the influence of random earthquakes. The results indicate that under the influence of random earthquakes, the seismic reliability of the machine learning-based semi-active control algorithm is significantly higher than that of the uncontrolled state for the same failure threshold
Manufacturing Process Analysis Framework for Process Mining : Case Study of Fully Automated Factory Applications
Authors: Lee Yongho , Shin Junho , Lee Wonhee
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a data-driven approach to improving the productivity of manufacturing companies operating under Make-To-Order (MTO). In this study, a comprehensive analysis of processes, time, resources, and quality is performed using process mining techniques. This enables an understanding of the manufacturing process flow from a global perspective and addresses bottlenecks and workload issues from a local perspective in the manufacturing environment. This approach was implemented in a fully automated machining and logistics testbed developed by the Korea Electronics Technology Institute. Through a case study, the practical application and effectiveness of this approach are demonstrated, including specific improvement proposals. The validation of these proposals through simulations, focusing on key processes, resulted in significant productivity improvements. Ultimately, this study aims to build a more efficient and competitive manufacturing environment by showcasing the potential of process mining and various data visualization and analysis techniques. The results of this study demonstrate that adhering to the proposed framework enables continuous process optimization and improved operational performance are achievable in the manufacturing sector.
Protein S Deficiency Presented as Pulmonary Artery Thromboembolism: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fatahichegeni Mahsa , Ansarian Mohammad Amin , Ranjbarha Seifollah , Yuxin Fan , Jingping Zhang
Published: August 2024

Background: Protein S is a rare vitamin K-dependent plasma glycoprotein that deactivates activated coagulation factors Va and VIIIa to disrupt secondary hemostasis. Protein S deficiency is an autosomal-dominant hereditary clotting condition linked to recurrent and spontaneous venous thrombosis. In their early adult years, patients typically have pulmonary embolism and spontaneous, recurrent deep vein thrombosis.This case should be reported due to the rarity of the congenital disease being considered and the efficacy of alternative therapy such as IVC filters.
Case presentation: We present the case of a 34-year-old Chinese man who experienced his first thrombotic episode in his pulmonary arteries. Protein S deficiency was revealed by thrombophilia screening. The patient rejected the recommendation to implant an inferior vena cava filter. The patient declined implantation of an inferior vena cava filter and received rivaroxaban and blood thinners to maintain stability. After 349 days of follow-up, the patient still had pulmonary embolism.
Conclusions: Although protein S deficiency is a rare cause of arterial thrombosis, it should still be considered because of its potential for recurrence and progression to more severe stages, particularly in East Asian populations.
Direct and indirect effects of land use on microbiomes of trap-nesting solitary bee larvae and nests
Authors: Peters Birte , Leonhardt Sara Diana , Schloter Michael , Keller Alexander
Published: August 2024

The global decline in biodiversity and insect populations highlights the urgent to conserve ecosystem functions, such as plant pollination by solitary bees. Human activities, particularly agricultural intensification, pose significant threats to these essential services. Changes in land use alter resource and nest site availability, pesticide exposure and other factors impacting the richness, diversity, and health of solitary bee species. In this study, we investigated yet another facet currently less well investigated in such context: Microbial communities associated with wild bees play crucial roles in larval development, metabolism, ­immunity and overall bee health. However, the drivers and dynamics of healthy microbiome in solitary bees are still poorly understood, especially regarding the direct and indirect effects of land use on the diversity and composition of these microbial communities.
We examined bacterial communities in the offspring and nest materials of the Megachilid trap-nesting solitary bee, O. bicornis,along a gradient of land use intensification by 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding. Given that landscape composition, climatic conditions, and food resources are known to influence microbial compositions in solitary bee species, we hypothesized that land use changes would alter resources available for food and nest material collection and thereby affecting the microbiomes in offspring and their nest environments. We anticipated reduced microbial diversity and altered composition with increased land use intensification, which is known to decrease the number and diversity of resources, including the pool of floral and soil bacteria in the surrounding environment.
As expected, we observed significant shifts in the bacterial composition and diversity of bees and their nests across varying degrees of land use intensity, differing in management types and the availability of flowers. The Shannon diversity of bacteria in nest materials (larval pollen provision, soil nest enclosure) and larval guts decreased with increasing land use intensity. However, the pupae microbiome remained unaffected, indicating a reorganization of the microbiome during metamorphosis, which is not significantly influenced by land use and available resources. Our findings provide new insights into the factors shaping environmental transmission and changes in solitary bee microbiomes. This understanding is crucial for comprehending the impacts of intensive land use on wild bee health and developing strategies to mitigate these effects.
Preparation and Diagnosis Zinc oxide Nano Hybrid composite with silver Nano Particles and Study Kinetic Release silver Nano Particles
Authors: Alkhafaji Eussur N. , Umran Nibras Mossa
Published: August 2024

In this research, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were intercalated between layers of nano-metal oxides zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) by chemical methods (sol-gel method). The AgNPs were first prepared by chemical methods using glucose solution as a reducing agent to convert AgNO3 into AgNPs, and then they were intercalated between layers of ZnONPs. AgNPs were identified using visible spectrophotometry the highest wavelength value was 490 nm. The ZnONPs, AgNPs and Ag-ZnONPs compund were also identified using several techniques, including X-ray diffraction, FT-IR spectroscopy, AFM and SEM. The X-ray diffraction of the Ag-ZnOPNs compound indicates the presence of Ag metal on the surface of zinc oxide. While Scanning Electron Microscope examinations showed that the average particle size in Ag-ZnOPNs compund was 90nm, while the average particle size of AgNPs was 86nm, and the average size of pure ZnONPs was 89nm. While the Atomic Force Microscope technique revealed the three-dimensional image of the prepared compounds, the AgPNs aggregates had heights ranging from (0.00-5.41) nanometers, while the ZnOPNs aggregates had heights ranging from (-0.03-2.04) nanometers, while the molecular aggregates of the Ag-ZnOPNs compound rang (-0.09-4.99) nm. The release kinetics of AgPNs between ZnOPNs layers was studied it was the pseudo-second order model, and fiend percentage of release AgPNs within half an hour was approximately (99%) at pH 10.
Raman Spectroscopy as a Tool for Assessing Plant Growth in Space and on Lunar Regolith Simulants
Authors: Kurouski Dmitry , Rodriguez Axell , Barcenilla Borja Barbero , Hall Emily , Kundel Ishan , Meyers Alexander , Wyatt Sarah , Shippen Dorothy
Published: August 2024

Colonization of the Moon and other planets is an aspiration of NASA and may yield important benefits for our civilization. The feasibility of such endeavors depends on both innovative engineering concepts and successful adaptation of life forms that exist on Earth to inhospitable environs. In such missions plants will play a vital role as life support systems, supplying astronauts with food, oxygen, carbon dioxide recycling, and psychological well-being benefits. Therefore, understanding the adaptability of plants to harsher environments, including different gravitational forces and growth on extraterrestrial soils will be required. In this study, we investigate the potential of Raman spectroscopy (RS), a modern analytical technique, in a non-invasive and non-destructive assessment of changes in the biochemistry of plants exposed to zero gravity on the International Space Station and during growth on lunar regolith simulants on Earth. We report that RS can sense changes in plant carotenoids, pectin, cellulose, and phenolics, which in turn, could be used to gauge the degree of plant stress to the new environments. Our findings also demonstrate that RS can monitor the efficiency of soil supplements that can be used to mitigate nutrient-free regolith media. We conclude that RS can serve as a highly efficient, fast, and label-free approach for monitoring plant health in exotic environments.
Safety culture evaluation in Sarawak General Hospital: a cross-sectional study using Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ)
Authors: Kim Alex Ren Jye , Tan Shirin Hui , Kho Irene Khai Yen , Cuki Farahfaiza , Lee Yew Fong , Ngian Hie Ung
Published: August 2024

Patient safety involves proactive and systematic efforts within healthcare settings to prevent harm to patients during medical care. Globally, healthcare organizations prioritize patient safety as a key factor in quality and safety. This study aimed to investigate the patient safety culture at Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), a tertiary referral hospital in Malaysia. A cross-sectional study using the Safety Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ) was conducted at SGH from May 2022 to April 2023. The survey included 767 hospital staff members, such as doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other clinical personnel, with a response rate of 84.2% (646 respondents). The study used Jamovi 2.3.28 for statistical analysis of the survey data. The overall mean SAQ score was 65.8 ± 15.0 with a 31.3% positive response rate. Most domain scores were higher than benchmark scores (65.7–72.2%), except for the stress recognition domain. Job satisfaction had the highest mean (71.7 ± 23.3) and positive rate (53.4%), indicating high contentment among healthcare workers. Conversely, the working condition domain had the lowest mean (52.7 ± 19.5) and positive rate (17%), reflecting dissatisfaction with staffing levels and logistical support. Overall, the patient safety culture at SGH is satisfactory, with most domain scores exceeding benchmark levels.
Predicting Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors After Cardiac Rehabilitation: An Observational Study
Authors: Fessler Layan , Tessitore Elena , Craviari Cecilia , Sarrazin Philippe , Meyer Philippe , Luthy Christophe , Hanna-Deschamps Eliana , Cheval Boris
Published: August 2024

Background: A growing body of evidence suggests that low levels of physical activity (PA) and high levels of sedentary behavior (SB) are associated with an increased risk of adverse health outcomes in patients. Despite the objective of cardiovascular rehabilitation (CR) programs to increase PA and decrease SB levels, many patients continue to show low PA and high SB levels following their discharge from CR. The objective of the present study was to examined the levels of PA and SB following an outpatient CR program and to examine their motivational and emotional health-related correlates. PA and SB levels, along with motivational and health-related characteristics, were compared between outpatients and control participants who did not require care.
Methods: The study included 119 participants: 68 CR patients (Mage 57.76±10.76; 86.76% males) and 51 control participants matched on age (Mage 57.35±6.33 years; 45.10% males). Accelerometers were used to assess PA and SB during the first week post-discharge for outpatients and during a typical week for controls. Validated scales were employed to measure motivational (i.e., perceived capabilities, affective and instrumental attitudes, intention, approach-avoidance tendencies) and emotional health-related (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, fatigue, pain intensity) factors.
Results: CR patients spent an average of 60.21 (±34.79) min of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), and 548.69 (±58.64) min of SB per day. They engaged in 18 more minutes of MVPA per day than controls (p =.038). Univariate and multivariate regressions indicated that positive affective attitudes were associated with higher MVPA (b = 10.32, R2 = 0.07, p =.029). Additionally, males spent more time in SB than females (b = 40.54, R2 = 0.09, p =.045). Univariate and multivariate logistic regressions showed that meeting the World Health Organization's weekly guidelines for MVPA was associated with higher perceived capabilities toward PA and more positive affective attitudes (OR = 1.17, p =.030; OR = 1.26, p <.001, respectively). Interaction tests showed no significant differences in these results between outpatients and controls.
Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of motivational factors in PA levels following a CR program.
Sedative effects of daidzin possibly through GABA A receptor interaction pathway: In vivo approach with molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Islam Md. Torequl , Bhuia Md. Shimul , Sheikh Salehin , Hasan Rubel , Bappi Mehedi Hasan , Chowdhury Raihan , Ansari Siddique Akber , Islam Md. Amirul , Saifuzzaman Md.
Published: August 2024

The soy isoflavone daidzein (DZN) has been considered a hopeful bioactive compound having diverse biological activities, including neuroprotective effects, such as anxiolytic, memory-enhancing, and antiepileptic effects, in experimental animals. However, its sedative and hypnotic effects are yet to be discovered. This study aimed to evaluate its sedative/hypnotic effect on Swiss mice. Additionally, in silico studies were also performed to see the possible molecular mechanisms behind the tested neurological effect. For this, male Swiss albino mice were treated with DZN (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) with or without the standard GABAergic medication diazepam and/or flumazenil and checked for the onset and duration of sleeping time using thiopental sodium-induced as well as diazepam-induced sleeping tests. A molecular docking study was also performed to check its interaction capacity with the α1 and β2 subunits of the GABAA receptor. Findings suggest that DZN dose-dependently and significantly reduced the latency while increasing the duration of sleep in animals. It significantly (p < 0.05) reduced latency and increased sleep duration with the standard combinations DZP-2 and DZP-2 + FLU-0.05, suggesting its possible synergistic effects with these co-treatments. Further, molecular docking studies demonstrate that DZN has a strong binding affinity of − 7.2 kcal/mol, which is closer to the standard ligand DZP (–8.3 kcal/mol) against the GABAA receptor. Molecular dynamic simulations indicated the stability and similar binding locations for DZP and DZN with 6X3X. In conclusion, DZN showed sedative effects on Swiss mice, possibly through the GABAA receptor interaction pathway.
“I’m not a graduate or doctor, yet we are all together:” Articulating a partnership model for community-engaged research
Authors: Draanen Jenna , Perlmutter David L. , Banos Jazmin Higuera , Goh Brenda , Wettemann Courteney , Williams Grover Will , Holland Nathan , Rourke Rachel , Pitcher Rob , Fockele Callan Elswick , Park Avery , Teadt Sierra , Oliphant-Wells Thea , Frohe Tessa
Published: August 2024

Background
Research With Expert Advisors on Drug Use (READU) is a community-engaged research collaborative of people with lived and living experience, clinicians, and academic researchers. We sought to evaluate the challenges and rewards of the partnership model.
Methods
Using the Peer Engagement Process Evaluation framework, the READU team collaborated on generating a list of focus group topics. All (n = 8) active team members participated in a focus group. Thematic analysis was used to identify key ideas.
Results
Five main themes were identified. “Collaborative Research Model” relates to the importance of a shared set of values, power dynamics, and the importance of centering community in research. “Group Dynamics” describes occasionally getting side-tracked in the work, as well as closeness among team members. “Individual Growth and Skill Development” concerns personal and intellectual development, as well as the benefits and opportunities for bi-directional training. “Institutional Structure”, encompasses the logistics of a hybrid working model and compensation issues. “Moving Forward and Future Work” involves the process of ending a research project in a positive way and envisioning future opportunities.
Conclusion
READU’s partnership model is generally positive and mutually beneficial for all team members. All partners feel a sense of satisfaction and closeness, and that the relevance and impact of research is enhanced. Although some challenges have been identified, particularly related to compensation and the physical workplace, these are not intractable. The evaluation of this partnership should motivate researchers considering partnership with community-based researchers, and highlight practical considerations.
Endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase EndoE from infant gut Enterococcus faecalis neutralizes SARS-CoV-2 by interacting with the viral spike protein
Authors: Moya-Gonzálvez Eva M. , López-Navarro Sergi , Gozalbo-Rovira Roberto , Avilés-Alía Ana I. , Geller Ron , Yebra María J. , Rodríguez-Díaz Jesús
Published: August 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is extensively N-glycosylated, and unlike the receptor-binding domain of the S1 subunit which undergoes frequent mutations, the glycosylation sites remain conserved across most variants of concern. In this study, we cloned and purified EndoE, an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase enzyme from an Enterococcus faecalis strain isolated in our laboratory (E8 strain). The purified EndoE effectively removed glycans from the S1 protein of SARS-CoV-2 spike. We constructed a catalytically inactive mutant form of EndoE, termed EndoE (Mut). Both wild-type EndoE and the EndoE (Mut) demonstrated neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 S pseudotyped virus infection, with IC50 values of 81.26 ± 8.42 nM and 63.15 ± 5.06 nM, respectively. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay revealed that both forms of EndoE bound to the S1 protein. Moreover, commercial EndoH enzyme, which also cleaves N-glycosylation, did not exhibit neutralizing activity against SARS-CoV-2 S pseudotyped virus at any tested concentration. In contrast, the plant lectin Concanavalin A demonstrated the most potent neutralization ability, with an IC50 of 40.89 ± 24.04 nM. Importantly, neither form of EndoE displayed toxicity even at the highest tested concentration (6,250 nM), whereas Concanavalin A exhibited toxicity to cells at a concentration as low as 157 nM. These findings shed light on the role of glycosidases in SARS-CoV-2 infection and offer a novel avenue for the development of antiviral strategies.
Alternative Approach to Monitoring Labor: Purple Line
Authors: YILDIRIM Ayça DEMİR , ESENCAN TUĞBA YILMAZ , ATA Büşra
Published: August 2024

Background
This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the purple line, a method for assessing labor progress.
Methods
Data for this methodological study were collected from 304 pregnant women who presented to a maternity hospital for delivery on the Anatolian side of Istanbul between May and November 2021. Data collection included demographic information, partograph records, and measurements of the purple line. Women were followed via the partograph during active labor, with the purple line measured hourly via a disposable tape measure until delivery. Descriptive analyses, including means and standard deviations, medians and interquartile ranges, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, were conducted for data analysis.
Results
The mean age of the participating women was 27.74 (4.81) years, with a mean parity of 1.92 (1.12) and a mean gestational age of 39.05 (1.59) weeks at delivery. The purple line was observed in 85.9% of the women. Among all the women with the most common dilatation of 6 cm during labor, 85.9% had a visible purple line, with a specificity of 86% and sensitivity of 65%. The cut-off point was determined to be 9.5 cm. During the active phase of labor, the measurements of the purple line length in the sacral region increased proportionally with cervical dilatation. The sensitivity was 56%, and the specificity was 65% when the fetal head descent reached the − 2 level.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the purple line in the sacral region can be used as a noninvasive method to assess the course of labor and can be applied in clinical settings.
Enhanced EfficientNet Model for Multiclass Brain Tumor Prognostication Using Advanced MR Image Analysis Techniques
Authors: Ghaffar Ayesha , Javid Muhammad Arshad , Arshad Shoaib , Azeem Waqar
Published: August 2024

The prognosis of brain tumor diseases is essential for effective treatment planning and patient management. This study investigates the use of Dense EfficientNet models, specifically an enhanced EfficientNet-B1, for the prognostication of multiclass brain tumor diseases. A dataset comprising 6462 MR images, including T1-W, T2-W, and FLAIR sequences, was classified into four categories: glioma, meningioma, no tumor, and pituitary tumors. The proposed method incorporates advanced data augmentation techniques, image cropping, and pixel resizing to improve training accuracy. Additionally, modifications to the EfficientNet architecture layers and the application of normalization and histogram equalization further enhance model performance.The results indicate that the enhanced EfficientNet-B1 model achieves a superior training accuracy of 98%, outperforming the EfficientNet-B0 model, with the highest accuracy observed in glioma tumor classification. Compared with other CNN architectures, such as ResNet50 and VGG-16, the EfficientNet-B1 model demonstrates higher performance and computational efficiency with fewer parameters.The study concludes that the enhanced EfficientNet-B1 model offers a robust and efficient solution for brain tumor detection and prognostication using MR images. Its innovative modifications and advanced preprocessing techniques significantly contribute to its high performance, making it a valuable tool for developing clinically useful applications for MR image analysis in brain tumor management.
Saxagliptin for Disorders of Consciousness: AI, Retrospective Observations, and Preclinical Data
Authors: Toker Daniel , Chiang Jeffrey , Vespa Paul , Schnakers Caroline , Monti Martin M.
Published: August 2024

Despite advancements in the neuroscience of consciousness, no new effective medications for disorders of consciousness (DOC), such as coma or vegetative state, have been discovered in over a decade. Repurposing existing FDA-approved drugs for DOC is crucial for improving clinical management and patient outcomes. To identify potential new treatments among existing FDA-approved drugs, we used a deep learning-based drug screening model to predict the efficacy of drugs as awakening agents based on their three-dimensional molecular structure. A retrospective cohort study from April 2012 to April 2024 tested the model’s predictions, focusing on changes in Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores in 3,879 coma patients. Our deep learning drug screens identified saxagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor, as a promising awakening drug for both acute and prolonged DOC. The retrospective clinical analysis showed that saxagliptin was associated with the highest recovery rate from acute coma among diabetes medications. Incretin-based therapies, including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues, were linked to higher coma recovery rates compared to non-incretin-based diabetes medications, after matching patients by age, gender, initial GCS score, coma etiology, and glycemic status (95% confidence interval of 0.63–12.02%, p = 0.0013). Preclinical studies identified several pathways through which saxagliptin may aid awakening from DOC: restoring neurotransmission, reducing brain inflammation and oxidative damage, clearing hyperphosphorylated tau and amyloid-beta, normalizing thalamocortical glucose metabolism, increasing neural plasticity, and mitigating excitotoxic brain damage. Our findings suggest saxagliptin as a potential novel therapeutic agent for DOC. Further prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety in DOC.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Regulatory Frameworks, Sources, Occurrence, Fate, and Exposure: Trend, Concern, and Implication
Authors: Alam Md Shahin , Chen Gang
Published: August 2024

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are artificial chemicals in diverse consumer and industrial goods. They are known for their enduring presence in the environment and the potential risks they pose to human health. This meta-analysis scrutinizes the sources, occurrence, fate, exposure pathways, and regulatory frameworks of PFAS globally, spanning 2021 to 2024. Through a comprehensive review of literature and regulatory documents, this study integrates the evolving trends and prevailing concerns and identifies research gaps. The analysis also reveals a need for a more regulatory landscape characterized by diverse approaches across different regions, with variations in standards, monitoring protocols, and remediation strategies. Despite concerted efforts to mitigate PFAS contamination, significant challenges persist, including regulatory inconsistencies, limited data availability, and emerging PFAS variants not covered by existing regulations. Sources of PFAS contamination encompass a broad spectrum of industrial activities, consumer products, and legacy pollution, with emerging evidence highlighting the role of atmospheric transport in global dispersion. Moreover, PFAS persistence in the environment and their bioaccumulative nature portray the urgency of understanding fate and transport mechanisms across various environmental compartments. Exposure pathways to PFAS exhibit multifaceted routes with humans, animals, invertebrates, and biota. Furthermore, disparities in exposure patterns are evident across different geographic regions and demographic groups, accentuating the need for targeted interventions and risk mitigation strategies. This meta-analysis identifies critical research needs, including enhanced surveillance programs, standardized methodologies, and interdisciplinary approaches to address PFAS contamination’s complexities comprehensively. This study provides a holistic overview of PFAS regulatory frameworks, sources, occurrence, fate, and exposure around the globe, highlighting evolving trends, persistent concerns, and crucial knowledge gaps. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying research priorities, this study aims to inform policy development, regulatory enforcement, and scientific endeavors to address the challenges posed by PFAS contamination effectively.
cytotoxic effects of zinc nanoparticles synthesized with the hydroalcoholic extract of lavender plant (Lavandula Stoechas) on human breast cancer (MCF7) and human colon cancer (HT29) cell lines
Authors: Mehdipour Aida , Reza Mahdieh Ameri Shah , Baravati Mohammad Hossein Jafari , Rasouli Alireza , Jafari Gholam Ali , Heidari Fatemeh
Published: August 2024

Introduction
Green synthesis is the production of metal nanoparticles (MNPs) with biological agents, including plant extracts, without special physical and chemical solutions and conditions. Due to their unique properties, MNPs are used in various sciences and industries. The study aimed to investigate the cytotoxic effects of zinc nanoparticles (ZnNPs) synthesized by the hydroalcoholic extract of lavender plant against human breast cancer cell lines (MCF7) and human colon cancer cell lines (HT29) with the approach of identifying the ability of these NPs to produce anticancer drugs.
Method and Materials:
ZnNPs are synthesized using the hydroalcoholic extract of the lavender plant. Evaluate and characterize nanoparticles (NPs) by Tyndall effect, UV-Vis, DLS, FT-IR, Zeta-P, Raman spectroscopy, SEM, AFM, and XRD methods. The cytotoxic effects of produced NPs against cancer cell lines MCF7 and HT29 and the healthy cells MCF10a and HGF were measured using the MTT method.
Results:
According to the findings of DLS analysis, the average size of ZnNPs is 40 and 50, respectively, at a concentration of 3 mM. The cytotoxicity of nanoparticles on MCF7 and HT29 cell lines produces the highest effect after 48 hours.
Conclusion:
The lavender plant is a suitable option for the green synthesis of ZnNPs and can be used as a stable source for production MNPs. Also, the synthesized ZnNPs showed cytotoxic effects against the examined cancer cells, while they did not cause toxicity to healthy human cells.
Bilateral diffuse alveolar damage contributes to the fatal toxicity of pre-existing interstitial lung disease mice after partial thoracic irradiation
Authors: Fu Jiamei , Liu Xinglong , Zhou Yuchuan , Zhao Shengnan , Zeng Liang , Pan Yan , Zhang Jianghong , Prise Kevin M , Shao Chunlin , Xu Yaping
Published: August 2024

Background
Lung cancer patients with comorbid interstitial lung disease (LC-ILD) have an increased risk of developing severe or even fatal radiation pneumonitis after thoracic radiotherapy. However, the underlying mechanisms of its pathogenesis are still inconclusive. No approved biomarker or medicine is available to prevent pulmonary toxicities in LC-ILD patients. Appropriate management for them remains a challenge for clinicians due to treatment-related complications.
Methods
To elucidate the histopathological characteristics and molecular mechanisms responsible for this severe toxicity in vivo, C57BL/6J mice were used to develop different lung injury models, including radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (BIPF), and severe radiation-related lung injury (sRRLI) murine model. Biopsy examination was performed on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Masson’s trichrome, and immunohistochemistry-stained lung tissue sections. Changes in lung function were measured. RNA extracted from mouse lung tissues was sequenced on the Illumina Novaseq platform.
Results
A severe lung injury model after irradiation was built based on pre-existing ILD mice induced by BLM administration. Enhanced lung injury was observed in the sRRLI model, including higher mortality and pulmonary function loss within six months compared to the mono-treatment groups. Autopsy revealed that bilateral diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with an overlap of exudative, proliferative, and fibrosing patterns was usually presented in the sRRLI model. The histological phenotypes manifested exudative DAD phase in the early phase and proliferating DAD pattern predominated in the late phase. Bioinformatic analysis showed signaling pathways relevant to immune cell migration, epithelial cell development, and extracellular structure organization were commonly activated in the different models. Furthermore, the involvement of epithelial cells and the infiltration of macrophages and CD4 + lymphocytes were validated during extensive lung remodeling in the sRRLI group. They also participated in triggering remarkable abscopal responses in the non-IR contralateral lungs.
Conclusions
The study provides a preclinical model to better understand radiation-related severe lung injury in pre-existing ILD mice. DAD with progressive inflammation and fibrosis in bilateral lungs contributed to severe or even fatal complications after partial thoracic irradiation. More studies are needed to investigate potential strategies to prevent and rescue severe pulmonary complications.
Synovial Sarcoma with Extensive Rhabdoid Differentiation: A Rare Aggressive and Deceptive
Authors: Pasricha Sunil , Bansal Divya , Rohela Himanshu , Oberoi Rakesh , Sharma Anila , Gupta Gurudutt , Rastogi Sameer , Durga Garima , Kamboj Meenakshi , Talwar Vineet , Gupta Manoj , Sachdeva Isha , Mehta Anurag
Published: August 2024

Background:Synovial sarcoma usually presents with spindle cell morphology with or without epithelial differentiation. Extensive rhabdoid differentiation is a very rare feature with only few cases has been described in literature.
Case Presentation: We present two cases of synovial sarcoma with rhabdoid differentiation along with their clinical follow-up. Both cases had tumor in the vicinity of joints and showed lung metastasis during follow-up inspite of R0 resection. We emphasised that extensive rhabdoid differentiation can be deceptive and challenging for diagnosis in small biopsies and also show an aggressive clinical course with dismal prognosis.
Conclusion:Awareness of this rarely described unusual and aggressive histomorphological subtype is prudent due to its distinct diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic implications.
Eliminating false positive results to effectively analyze anomaly changes in violent videos
Authors: Kutlugün Esra , Çetin Ömer
Published: August 2024

Due to the increasing incidents of crime and violence, it is important to develop technology to automatically detect the presence of violence in security camera images. Although law enforcement agencies have sufficient images, they do not have the human resources to analyze them and detect violence in a timely manner. Having an unmanned system that can analyze violent incidents can play an important role in ensuring security by analyzing violent incidents for law enforcement agencies. In these video footage, there are examples of false recognitions that are labeled as normal in some frames while the abnormal event continues. Better trained models and different methods have been proposed to overcome these common difficulties in crowd analysis. In this study, we aim to identify the start and end frames of the event with minimum error in indoor or outdoor violent camera images. For this purpose, firstly, a model is created to enrich the sequential video frames containing violence by using mixup data augmentation method for limited training datasets, so that the system can learn more features and thus increase the training performance. Secondly, with another proposed method, more effective video analysis is realized by filtering the frames containing false positives in the outputs obtained from a deep learning based system. Experimental results show that the proposed method achieves a remarkable success rate of approximately 99.3%. In this way, false positives are significantly reduced, and the start, end and action times of violent events that continue for more than one second in consecutive frames can be accurately detected.
Aromatic difluoroboron β-ketoiminate complexes: effect of substituents on mechanofluorochromism and polymorphic behavior
Authors: Khrebtov Aleksandr , Tretyakova Galina , Fedorenko Elena , Mirochnik Anatolii
Published: August 2024

Aromatic difluoroboron β-ketoiminate complexes (ketimBF2) are structural nitrogen-containing analogues of aromatic difluoroboron β-diketonates (diketBF2). Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and polymorphic behavior allow ketimBF2 to exhibit mechanofluorochromic (MFC) properties. A detailed comparative study of the luminescence of a wide range of ketimBF2 with H- and CH3-substituents of nitrogen atom and diketBF2 with various substituents of the chelate ring (methyl, phenyl, toluoyl, anisoyl, biphenyl, naphthyl, anthracyl) in the solid state was carried out. As a result, regularities of the influence of substituents on the luminescent and MFC properties for 21 dyes have been established.
Insight into the role of meso-Y zeolites in CsPMo/meso-Y composites on the selective oxidation of sulfides enhancement
Authors: Wang Xiuli , Sun Chang , Han Yutong , Wei Yingzhen , Zhang Zhong , Li Xiaohui , Liu Guocheng
Published: August 2024

Polyoxometalates (POMs), renowned for their excellent catalytic activity, are widely used in oxidation reactions. Rational regulation of metal ion valence state of POMs is of great significance for the design and construction of highly active catalyst. In this work, we utilized mesoporous Y zeolite (meso-Y) as a host to load and disperse cesium phosphomolybdate (CsPMo) for selective oxidation of thioethers. The as-prepared CsPMo/meso-Y featured superior catalytic activity and recyclability. The electronic structures of the CsPMo/meso-Y were investigated by XPS and NMR spectra. The results indicated that embedding CsPMo into meso-Y caused electron transfer between CsPMo and meso-Y. Meanwhile, meso-Y could provide H+ due to its abundant Bronsted acid sites. The simultaneous appearance of electron and H+ facilitated the formation of MoV, resulting in a higher oxidation of thioethers activity for the CsPMo/meso-Y. Radical scavenger experiments and Raman analysis indicated that peroxo-metal species derived from CsPMo and oxidizing agent tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) were the real catalyst. MoV is more conducive to the formation of peroxo-metal species, causing the higher activity. This study provides a new insight into the role of meso-Y in CsPMo/meso-Y and a novel clue to regulate the valence states of metal ions of POMs to enhance catalytic performance of the polyoxometalate based catalysts.
Magnetic and Thermodynamic Properties of the Cylindrical DMS Quantum Dot
Authors: Babanlı A. , Balcı M. , Sabyrov V. , Saparguliyev R. , Shamuhammedov Sh. , Kakalyyev A.
Published: August 2024

In this work, the magnetic and thermodynamic properties of dilute magnetic semiconductor quantum dots of cylindrical geometry were investigated. The eigenvalue of the quantum system we are considering was obtained by solving the one-electron Schrödinger equation within the framework of the effective mass approach. Then, taking into account the energy spectrum, expressions for thermodynamic quantities and magnetic susceptibility were obtained. The behavior of these expressions depending on temperature was studied using the parameters , , \({R_0}\) and \({L_0}\). Based on the results obtained, it was established that the average energy, free energy, heat capacity, entropy and magnetic susceptibility at low temperatures depend on the parameter . Although the average energy and free energy exhibit linear behavior at \(x=0\), this behavior becomes a rapidly increasing nonlinear function when \(x \ne 0\). In addition, when \(x \ne 0\), magnetic susceptibility reaches a maximum at low temperatures. The peak height increases with and disappears when \(x=0\). The peak of magnetic susceptibility decreases as the magnetic field increases when \(x \ne 0\) and shifts toward higher temperatures. The specific heat forms a Schottky peak at low temperatures and asymptotically approaches \({C_v}=3{k_B}\) at high temperatures.
Conditional grants a way to bridge the inequality gap: A Spatial Analysis in Mexico
Authors: Coutiño-Vázquez Brenda
Published: August 2024

Conditional government grants to Mexican states as well as municipalities, known as aportaciones, is a way of decentralizing resources and is one of those mechanisms for leveling inequalities. In Mexico, contributions follow a compensatory principle by allocating more resources to entities with the greatest social lags. It is observed that the application of these funds follows an inertial distribution, resulting in spatial heterogeneities that clearly do not provide equal opportunities for accessing social rights for the population. However, this research indicates that contributions, like taxes, have effects on reducing inequality without the presence of spillover effects, insofar as the residuals of the spatial models incorporate unobserved variables such as political variables and the different spending priorities of each federative entity.