bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted and untargeted proteomics-based comparison of adenoviral infected hCMEC/D3 and hBMEC as a human blood-brain barrier model to study the OATP2B1 transporter
Authors: Taggi Valerio , Schäfer Anima M. , Kinzi Jonny H. , Ritz Danilo , Seibert Isabell , Oswald Stefan , zu Schwabedissen Henriette E. Meyer 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential for central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis by regulating permeability between the bloodstream and brain. This study evaluates the immortalized human brain capillary endothelial cell lines hCMEC/D3 and hBMEC for their use as an in vitro BBB model to investigate the OATP2B1 transporter following adenoviral infection. We assessed the impact of adenoviral-mediated OATP2B1 expression on BBB marker proteins and transporters using targeted and untargeted mass spectrometry-based proteomics. Targeted proteomics identified measurable levels of endothelial markers PECAM1 and CDH5 in hCMEC/D3, whereas these markers were undetectable in hBMEC. Both cell lines exhibited similar Pgp levels, while BCRP was absent in hCMEC/D3. Although OATP2B1 levels did not significantly increase post-infection in targeted proteomics, untargeted proteomics confirmed enhanced OATP2B1 expression. Other BBB markers and transporters remained unaffected in both cell lines. Notably, hCMEC/D3 demonstrated a stronger BBB phenotype, indicated by higher expression of BBB markers and transporters, while adenoviral infection was more effective in hBMEC. The differences between targeted and untargeted proteomics underscore the need for diverse methods to verify protein expression levels. This comparative analysis provides insights into the strengths and limitations of hCMEC/D3 and hBMEC for BBB research, particularly regarding drug transport mechanisms.
Optimal Economic Operation of Elastic Microgrid Considering User Satisfaction
Authors: Li Jiaxun , Zhang Shouming , Yang sen 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

While pursuing economic operation, a bi-level optimization model for resilient microgrids is proposed to investigate the system's resilience in the face of extreme conditions. Considering pre-disaster prevention and post-disaster recovery, the model consists of an upper-level optimization model for user satisfaction and a lower-level optimization model for seeking the optimal economic operation and resilience. A hybrid Pelican algorithm incorporating various strategies such as inertia weight and Lévy flight is proposed. Numerical comparisons with test functions have verified that the proposed algorithm has better solution accuracy and convergence speed. Simulation experiments for scenarios with low probability but high damage have been conducted and compared with other algorithms, demonstrating the stronger superiority of the proposed algorithm in solving the optimal economic operation and resilience issues in microgrids.
Reduction of Colitis in Mice by Chemically Programmed Supramolecular Nanoassemblies of Vitamin–Lipid Conjugates
Authors: Xian Shiyun , Meng Fanchao , Chen Xiaona , Zhu Liqing , Wang Hangxiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a relapsing disorder characterized by uncontrolled chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, posing a significant therapeutic challenge owing to the limited efficacy and undesirable side effects of current therapeutic options. A key pathological hallmark of IBD is the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Hence, therapeutic strategies aimed at reducing ROS levels are promising for relieving these inflammatory conditions. Vitamin C—a natural nutrient for the human body—is well known for its potent antioxidant effects. However, the clinical development of vitamin C as a therapeutic drug has been hindered by its poor stability, rapid metabolism, and inadequate tissue accumulation. Herein, we report that the bioavailability of vitamin C can be enhanced by chemically reprogramming it with a small panel of long-chain fatty acids that aid in the aqueous self-assembly of the resulting drug conjugates to create self-deliverable nanoassemblies, enhancing their inflammation disease–oriented delivery and cellular uptake. In mice with dextran sulfate sodium–induced colitis, the optimal vitamin C–lipid nanoassemblies preferentially accumulated in inflamed colonic tissues following systemic administration and substantially ameliorated disease severity. We extended this strategy to incorporate the clinically approved glucocorticoid budesonide into the vitamin C nanosystem, facilitating a synergistic combination. In the chronic colitis model, the combination treatment reduced inflammation without compromising global immunity. Mechanistically, the treatment modulated the intestinal inflammatory microenvironment and altered the immune cell landscape, partly through regulation of the gut microbiome. Given its anticipated negligible side effects, this novel nanoassembly platform leveraging small-molecule lipidation may become a promising therapeutic for treating various inflammatory diseases.
UIEAnything: Zero-Shot Underwater Image Enhancement via Advanced Depth Estimation, White Balance Models, and Improved Sea-thru
Authors: Shao Jinxin , Zhang Haosu , Miao Jianming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Underwater image enhancement is fundamental for marine applications yet remains challenging due to complex light–water interactions that degrade image quality through wavelength-dependent absorption and scattering effects. Existing methods often require extensive paired training data and struggle to generalize across diverse underwater conditions. We propose UIEAnything, a novel zero-shot underwater image enhancement framework that integrates automatic white balance preprocessing, physics-guided depth estimation, and an improved restoration algorithm based on underwater light transport theory. Our approach introduces three key innovations: (1) a domain adaptation strategy that bridges the gap between underwater and natural images via physically motivated white balance correction, enabling effective utilization of pre-trained models; (2) an improved Sea-thru algorithm incorporating nonlinear backscatter modeling and adaptive attenuation estimation, accurately capturing the depth-dependent nature of underwater light propagation; and (3) a unified framework that eliminates the need for task-specific training while maintaining physical consistency. Extensive experiments on seven benchmark datasets demonstrate that UIEAnything consistently outperforms state-of-the-art methods, achieving average improvements of 15.3% in PSNR and 12.8% in SSIM. Furthermore, without additional training, our framework demonstrates remarkable generalization capability by successfully addressing other challenging vision tasks involving scattering media, such as image dehazing and sandstorm removal. These results establish UIEAnything as a significant advancement in physics-guided zero-shot learning for image enhancement in complex optical environments.
Technological Change, Capital Deepening and Agricultural TFP Growth: Evidence from Cross-country Comparison of 18 OECD Countries
Authors: Sheng Yu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This paper employs deterministic production-frontier analysis (DEA) to evaluate technological progress and its role in agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) growth across OECD countries over the past four decades. Using a newly developed production accounting dataset covering agricultural TFP of 18 OECD countries from 1973 to 2015, we estimate annual production frontier shifts and decompose these changes over three 15-year intervals (1973–1987, 1987–2001, and 2001–2015) into components of technological progress, efficiency gains, and capital deepening. Our findings indicate that technological progress, while partly offsetting changes in input scale, has consistently been the primary driver of agricultural TFP growth among OECD countries. However, since 2000, technological progress in agriculture has decelerated, coinciding with transformative advancements in biological and digital technologies that have accelerated industrial productivity. This shift has redirected agricultural technological progress away from Hicks-neutral improvements towards a labor-augmenting path that benefits capital-intensive economies, contributing to the observed deceleration in agricultural TFP growth across countries.
JEL Code : O13; K10
Economic and environmental impacts of Telemedicine in hip pathology patients: insights from a Brazilian orthopedic referral center
Authors: Yamaguchi Fabio Seiji Mazzi , Kroes Hector Fugihara , Martins Gabriel Benevides Valiate , Lage Gustavo Estefan , Silva Vitor Matheus , Rudelli Bruno Alves , Marcon Raphael Martus , Gurgel Henrique Melo de Campos 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Telemedicine has emerged as a key tool to overcome socioeconomic disparities, expand healthcare access, and reduce environmental impacts. Its adoption surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, minimizing travel-related barriers and ensuring continuity of care. In Brazil, where regional inequities in healthcare access and pollution heavily affect public health, telemedicine holds significant promise. However, further research is needed to quantify its economic and environmental benefits. Moreover, examining how socioeconomic factors influence patients' preferences for telemedicine is essential. These correlations help identify patterns that may influence telemedicine adoption and provide deeper insights into how socioeconomic factors can affect access to and benefits from remote healthcare services.
Objective: To evaluate the economic and environmental impacts of telemedicine use and the correlation of socioeconomic variables with telemedicine preference in patients with hip pathologies at a tertiary referral center in São Paulo, Brazil.
Methods: A cross-sectional study (January-June 2024) analyzed telemedicine patients, collecting data on preferences, demographics, travel, and costs (transport and food). Avoided distance, time, and pollutant emissions were calculated using Google Maps and emission factors. Correlations were conducted between patients' preference for telemedicine and their socioeconomic data. Statistical analyses used Wilcoxon, chi-square, and logistic regression tests.
Results: 148 patients participated, with 77.7% preferring telemedicine. The mean avoided travel distance was 168.84 km, with a mean time saving of 223.97 minutes. Patients using public transport and private cars saved, respectively, USD 12.62 and USD 28.95. Telemedicine also reduced pollutant emissions, avoiding approximately 7 tons of carbon dioxide. Telemedicine preference was positively associated with higher income (p = 0.0283). Other variables showed no statistically significant associations.
Conclusion: Telemedicine led to significant time and cost savings, as well as a reduction in pollutant emissions. These findings demonstrate telemedicine’s potential to improve access and reduce environmental impacts. Preference for telemedicine was positively associated with higher income, highlighting potential barriers for lower-income populations. Further research is needed to address the lower adherence to virtual consultations among socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.
Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris C60 creates a type I regulatory T cell-dominant anti-inflammatory intestinal environment through functional modification of dendritic cells
Authors: Saito Suguru , Kakizaki Nanae , Okuno Alato , Maekawa Toshio , Tsuji Noriko M 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Lactic acid bacteria (LAB)-mediated probiotics have the capability to modulate intestinal immunity, creating an anti-inflammatory environment. Among the immune-modulatory effects, interleukin (IL)-10-producing CD4+ T cells are often discussed for their anti-inflammatory roles. While regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a well-known subset, type I regulatory T (Tr1) cells, which also produce abundant IL-10, receive less attention in LAB-induced anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we report that Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris C60, a probiotic LAB strain, increases IL-10-producing Tr1 cells in the intestinal environment, contributing to resistance against inflammatory conditions such as dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced colitis. Intragastric administration of heat-killed (HK)-C60 significantly increased IL-10+CD4+ T cells in intestinal tissues compared to control treatment. These populations predominantly consisted of Forkhead box protein P3 (Foxp3)-negative cells, indicating that Tr1 cells were primarily expanded by HK-C60 stimulation. Further analysis revealed that IL-10+ Tr1 cells could be classified into two major subpopulations: IL-10 single-positive (SP) and IFN-γ/IL-10 double-positive (DP) cells. An in vitro co-culture system using CD4+ T cells and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) demonstrated that HK-C60 stimulation modified dendritic cell function, promoting Tr1 cell differentiation. Moreover, pro-inflammatory IFN-γ+CD4+ T (Th1) cells differentiated into IL-10+ Tr1 cells in the presence of HK-C60-stimulated BMDCs, with the effect being particularly pronounced in DP Tr1 cells. HK-C60-administration attenuated inflammation and reduced pro-inflammatory leukocyte infiltration in the colon of DSS-induced colitis mice, accompanied by the expansion of DP Tr1 cells. The suppressive effect of intestinal CD4+ T cells in HK-C60-treated mice was IL-10-dependent, as demonstrated by an in vitro IL-10 neutralizing assay. Thus, C60-based probiotics promote the creation of an anti-inflammatory intestinal environment by increasing IL-10+ Tr1 cells rather than Tregs.
Geoelectric and Geochemical Assessment of Sub-Soil Corrosivity and Competence for Civil Infrastructures at Utue-Ogume, Delta State, Nigeria
Authors: Irunkwor Thompson Chinedum , Molua Collins Ogorm , Okobia Chuks , Nmorsi Dandy Dumbiri , Abanjo Nkonyeasua , Edobor Monday , Eze Chinyere Ngozika 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The corrosive nature of sub-soil to aggressive attack on buried metallic pipes and concrete, and its competence to withstand overburden stress from civil engineering infrastructures at Otue-Ogume, an oil producing community in Delta State was here assessed with geo-electric and geochemical methods. Nine Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) was carried out with Mini-Res Resistivity Meter using the Schlumberger array. Soil samples were also collected with hand auger at varying depths of 0-1m, 1-2m and 2-3m at each of the nine VES stations for geochemical analysis. The VES data was processed with IPI2WIN software and delineated six to eight geo-electric layers of lateritic topsoil, clayey sand, sandy clay, Fine-medium grained sand, medium-coarse grained sand, coarse grained sand, sandy clay and clay. The soil resistivity, thickness and depth ranged respectively from 53.04Ωm to 4535Ωm, 0.6m to 79.2m and 0.6m to 134.8m. The geochemical parameters (pH, Cl-, and So42-) were lower than the permissible standards, although the Cl- and So42- concentration could be potentially high with time due to seasonal fluctuations which can trigger the corrosion dynamics of the soil. The subsurface soil layers were characterized as essentially non-corrosive, moderately corrosive and mildly corrosive to concrete and metallic pipes. The subsurface soils were also characterized as highly competent, competent and moderately competent confirming that it can withstand erecting of massive buildings or civil engineering infrastructures to depth of 2m. Treatment of the moderately and mildly corrosive sub-soil layers is strongly advised before crude oil and gas transmission pipes is buried to that depth.
University-Industry Collaborations in European regions: the Effect of Business Cycle on diversification
Authors: Quignon Aurelien 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the effect of the business cycle on university-industry collaborations and technological diversification within 218 European regions from 1990 to 2018. I find that university-industry collaborations increase during economic expansions, with the most pronounced effects observed in the exploitation of technologies already known to the region. In contrast, the exploration of new technologies is also positively associated with economic growth, albeit to a lesser extent. The analysis further shows that the effects of R&D investments on university-industry collaborations vary by sector over phases of the business cycle: private sector R&D expenditures are countercyclical, driving collaboration during recessions, while government R&D spending is procyclical, supporting exploratory activities during economic booms.
Efficacy of Nanoemulsions Containing Ocimum Gratissimum Essential Oil and Hibiscus Sabdariffa Extract in Malaria Treatment
Authors: Onwuzuligbo Amarachukwu , Uronnachi Emmanuel , Onwuzuligbo Chukwunonso , Umeyor Chukwuebuka , Attama Anthony 
Published: December 2024

Background:
Ocimum gratissimum has folklorically been ascribed to possess several
medicinal activities, including antimalarial.

Objective:
This research explored the antimalarial activity in its essential oil and the anti-anaemic
effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa (Hs) in combination.

Methods:
Ocimum gratissimum essential oil (OGE) was extracted through hydro distillation and
analyzed using GC/MS. Hs extract was obtained using cold maceration. Pre-formulation studies
tested their antimalarial and anti-anemic activities using different concentrations of the essential
oil and the Hs extract. Nanoemulsions containing OGE and Hs extract were formulated and characterized
using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), particle size, and polydispersity index (PDI).
Post-formulation anti-anaemic and antimalarial evaluations were conducted.

Results:
The pre-formulation animal studies showed that the group administered 10 ml/kg of 20%
oil had the highest reduction in parasitaemia. Also, 230 mg of Hs gave the highest anti-anaemic activity.
SEM imaging showed homogenous dispersion of the emulsions. Particle sizes and PDI
(size, PDI) were (56.17nm, 0.478), and (44.40 nm, 0.461) for the 10% and 20% nanoemulsions, respectively.
The post-formulation suppressive animal studies gave a maximum parasitemia reduction
of 88.1, and 100%, respectively, for the treatment groups administered 4ml/kg of 20% nanoemulsion
and Artemether-Lumefantrine (AL) 2.3/13.7mg/kg respectively; and a percentage reduction
in parasitemia (curative test), of 74.66 and 99.69% respectively. Hematocrit values and body
weight were increased in the groups treated with the emulsion.

Conclusion:
Emulsions containing O. gratissimum essential oil and H. sabdariffa extract showed
effectiveness in reducing parasitaemia and reversing anaemia in a dose-dependent manner.
Revisits, Readmission, and Mortality From Emergency Department Admissions for Older Adults With Vague Presentations: Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Alvarez Avendano Sebastian Alejandro , Cochran Amy , Odeh Couvertier Valerie , Patterson Brian , Shah Manish , Zayas-Caban Gabriel 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Older adults (65 years and older) often present to the emergency department (ED) with an unclear need for hospitalization, leading to potentially harmful and costly care. This underscores the importance of measuring the trade-off between admission and discharge for these patients in terms of patient outcomes.

Objective
This study aimed to measure the relationship between disposition decisions and 3-day, 9-day, and 30-day revisits, readmission, and mortality, using causal inference methods that adjust for potential measured and unmeasured confounding.

Methods
A longitudinal observational study (n=3591) was conducted using electronic health records from a large tertiary teaching hospital with an ED between January 1, 2014 and September 27, 2018. The sample consisted of older adult patients with 1 of 6 presentations with significant variability in admission: falls, weakness, syncope, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, and cellulitis. The exposure under consideration was the ED disposition decision (admission to the hospital or discharge). Nine outcome variables were considered: ED revisits, hospital readmission, and mortality within 3, 9, and 30 days of being discharged from either the hospital for admitted patients or the ED for discharged patients.

Results
Admission was estimated to significantly decrease the risk of an ED revisit after discharge (30-day window: −6.4%, 95% CI −7.8 to −5.0), while significantly increasing the risk of hospital readmission (30-day window: 5.8%, 95% CI 5.0 to 6.5) and mortality (30-day window: 1.0%, 95% CI 0.4 to 1.6). Admission was found to be especially adverse for patients with weakness and pneumonia, and relatively less adverse for older adult patients with falls and syncope.

Conclusions
Admission may not be the safe option for older adults with gray area presentations, and while revisits and readmissions are commonly used to evaluate the quality of care in the ED, their divergence suggests that caution should be used when interpreting either in isolation.
Sharia Banking Syndicated Financing in The Context of Funding Strategic Projects after Islamic Financial Qanun Institution in Aceh
Authors: Nurhisam Luqman , Eriyanti Nahara , Mundakir Mundakir , Mursid Fadillah , Khulwah Juhrotul 
Published: December 2024

This article focus on Islamic banking syndicated financing in the context of funding strategic projects in Aceh Province after the enactment of Qanun Number 11 of 2018. The research methodology used is normative legal study, which includes analysis of norms, principles of Islamic banking, and opinions of Islamic economic law experts. The approaches employed are the legislative approach. The object of this research is focused on the role of Islamic banks and the mechanisms carried out by Islamic banking in syndicated financing after the establishment of Qanun Number 11 of 2018 concerning Islamic Financial Institutions. The results of this study indicate that in the context of funding strategic projects, the infrastructure development of Aceh Province. That Islamic banking syndicated financing has an important role on the basis of financing needs on a large scale. It is hoped that the syndicated financing will be the right solution by referring to several provisions that contain sharia principles in the sharia banking syndicated financing process. The enactment of Qanun Number 11 of 2018 concerning Islamic Financial Institutions, became the legal basis for the implementation of syndicated financing. In addition, it also refers to the fatwa issued by DSN-MUI Number 91/DSN-MUI/IV/2014 concerning Syndicated Financing (Al-Tamwil Al-Mashrifi Al-Mujamma'), and based on OJK Circular Letter No. 36/SEOJK.03/ 2015 concerning Products and Activities of Islamic Commercial Banks and Sharia Business Units. So the implementation of syndicated financing at Islamic banks in Indonesia is in principle in line with the existing provisions in Sharia, but still must continue to be supervised by the Sharia Supervisory Board/DPS in this case the context is the Aceh Sharia Council/DSA so that there are no violations in its implementation.