bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ferrotoroidicity in Cs2FeCl5·D2O
Authors: Rodriguez-Velamazan J. Alberto , Fabelo Oscar , Qureshi Navid 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The promise of antiferromagnetic spintronics largely relies on the possibilities of electrical manipulation of antiferromagnetic states, which requires the exploration of innovative material platforms to meet the challenge. Erythrosiderite-type compounds constitute a class of non-oxide materials presenting magneto-electric couplings ranging from multiferroicity to linear magneto-electric behaviour. In this communication, we demonstrate that Cs2[FeCl5(D2O)] shows evidence of another ferroic order, ferrotoroidicity, providing an alternative way of manipulating the magnetic states. The magnetic structure of this compound (a collinear antiferromagnet with moments along b) allows a toroidal moment in the ac-plane. We have used spherical neutron polarimetry on a single crystal of Cs2[FeCl5(D2O)] cooled in different configurations of applied electric (E) and magnetic (H) fields to show that the toroidal domains can be selected by a conjugate field (ExH) coupling with the c-component of the toroidal moment. The extraordinary sensitivity of spherical neutron polarimetry allows detecting and quantifying this toroidal domain selection.
Effectiveness of a Super-Oxidized Solution for Decontaminating ACL Grafts: A Prospective Study on Bacterial Contamination and Antibiotic Susceptibility
Authors: Lesman Jędrzej , Nowak Krzysztof , Poszepczyński Jan , Compagnioni Riccardo , Randelli Pietro , Domżalski Marcin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Accidental contamination of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) grafts during surgery is a relatively unexplored issue. This study aims to evaluate bacterial contamination in ACL grafts and the effectiveness of Microdacyn® in reducing contamination. The species of bacteria present on contaminated grafts and their antibiotic susceptibility were also analyzed.
Methods
A total of 70 patients undergoing ACL reconstruction between 2019 and 2022 were included. Patients with prior knee surgery or immunodeficiency were excluded. Grafts were divided into three groups: (1) control (kept sterile), (2) contaminated (dropped on the operating room floor), and (3) rinsed (dropped and then decontaminated in Microdacyn®). Bacteriological examination and drug sensitivity tests were performed on all grafts. Statistical analysis was conducted using chi-square tests.
Results
Grafts dropped on the floor showed a 74.3% (52 out of 70) contamination rate, with Staphylococcus epidermidis being the most commonly observed bacteria. After decontamination with Microdacyn®, 65.7% (46 out of 70) of the grafts were found sterile. The most sensitive antibiotics were vancomycin, gentamicin, and meropenem (100% effectiveness), while trimethoprim + sulfamethoxazole and ceftazidime were 97% effective.
Conclusions
While Microdacyn® reduced bacterial contamination, a significant portion of grafts remained contaminated, indicating that it is not fully effective. However, the bacteria found on the grafts showed high susceptibility to simple and inexpensive antibiotics, which did not contribute to increased resistance. Further studies exploring alternative decontamination methods are recommended to reduce the risk of complications from graft contamination during ACL reconstruction.
Level of evidence: II
Early Postoperative Bevacizumab for Preventing Neovascular Glaucoma in Phacovitrectomy for Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy
Authors: Hwang Sunjin , Hong Eun Hee , Kang Min Ho , Shin Yong Un 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To evaluate the effectiveness of postoperative intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) in preventing neovascular glaucoma (NVG) and identify associated risk factors in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing phacovitrectomy.
Methods
Patients with PDR who underwent phacovitrectomy were enrolled and categorized into two subgroups based on their postoperative treatment regimen: one group received IVB within 2 months following phacovitrectomy (Group 1); the other did not receive IVB during this period (Group 2). A comparative analysis evaluated the distinguishing characteristics of the two groups after 1:1 propensity score matching. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was utilized to determine the incidence of NVG after phacovitrectomy. Multivariate analysis with the Cox proportional hazards model identified risk factors associated with NVG postphacovitrectomy.
Results
A total of 220 eyes of 220 patients were investigated in this study. NVG developed in 29 eyes (13.18%). The probabilities of NVG occurrence at 6, 12, and 24 months following phacovitrectomy were 2.72%, 5.45%, and 13.18%, respectively. When comparing Groups 1 (n = 58) and 2 (n = 58), a significant difference was observed in the occurrence of NVG (P < 0.001). In Group 1, only two cases of NVG (3.44%) were noted, whereas all other NVG cases occurred in Group 2 (16.67%). Male sex and high preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) were associated with NVG occurrence following phacovitrectomy, and the administration of IVB within 2 months postphacovitrectomy demonstrated efficacy in preventing the development of NVG.
Conclusion
Male sex and high preoperative IOP were associated with a higher incidence of NVG, and postoperative IVB had a protective effect against NVG occurrence.
Melanophore and fluoroleucophore synergistically photo-protect the Arabian killifish, Aphanius dispar, embryo from ultraviolet light
Authors: Alenize Maryam , Minhas Rashid , Kudoh Tetsuhiro 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Pigment cells in fish species play crucial roles in forming colour patterns of each species and other physiological characteristics including photoprotection. Research on photoprotection by pigment cells in animals has primarily concentrated on black pigment cells, known as melanophores. However, the roles of other pigment cells and their synergistic effects on UV protection remain poorly understood. In this study, we use the Arabian killifish embryos as a model for studying the mechanisms of UV protection by different pigment cells. This species features highly fluorescent pigment cells called fluoroleucophores and black pigment cells known as melanophores. The fluorescent pigments and black melanin pigments are generated by genes gch (GTP cyclohydrolase) and tyr (tyrosinase) respectively. We generated gch(-/-) and gch/tyr(-/-) double mutant lines using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing and examined the UV sensitivity of these mutant embryos. Both morphology and gene expression data revealed that the gch/tyr(-/-) double mutant line exhibited the highest UV sensitivity, and the gch(-/-) line also demonstrated a greater stress response compared to wild type (WT). From the study, we have identified the synergistic role of black and fluorescent pigment cells in providing effective UV protection from the early stages of embryonic development.
Application of BOPPPS and Flipped Classroom Joint Teaching Model into Clinical Practice Ability of Obstetrics and Gynecology Residents in Standardized Training
Authors: Wei Linna , Yu Xinyang , Wang Yiming , Shan Nan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background/Aim To explore how a teaching model that integrates bridge-in, objective/outcome, pre-assessment, participatory learning, post-assessment, and summary (the BOPPPS model) and flipped classroom teaching will affect the clinical practice abilities of obstetrics and gynecology residents in standardized training. Methods Seventy standardized training residents from the obstetrics and gynecology training base of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from June 2023 to June 2024 were selected as research subjects. They were randomly and equally divided into an experimental group (adopting the BOPPPS model combined with the flipped classroom approach) and a control group (adopting traditional teaching methods). The effectiveness of the teaching model was assessed by comparing the performances of the two groups in clinical practice ability simulation assessments, clinical thinking ability, self-directed learning ability, and satisfaction with the teaching methods.
Results The experimental group was scored significantly higher than the control group in patient reception, clinical thinking assessment, and practical skill assessment. The experimental group significantly outperformed the control group in clinical thinking ability scores, self-directed learning ability scores, and overall scores. The experimental group showed significantly higher satisfaction with the BOPPPS and flipped classroom teaching combined model in enhancing self-directed learning ability, learning interest, practical operation levels, teamwork, comprehensive quality, and doctor-patient communication skills, and in cultivating clinical thinking ability.
Conclusions The BOPPPS combined with flipped classroom teaching in standardized training can effectively improve the assessment scores, clinical thinking and self-directed learning abilities of obstetrics and gynecology residents, stimulate their initiative and enthusiasm for learning, meet their teaching needs, and thus enhance teaching quality and assessment passing rates.
Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Analysis of Recombinant Human Interferon Alfa-2b Vaginal Suppository after Process Change in Chinese Rhesus Macaque
Authors: Zhang Xueyan , Zhou Baisong , Gong Yihan , Liu Yulin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction：Recombinant human interferon Alfa-2b vaginal suppository is a gynecological preparation mainly made of interferon, commonly used to treat diseases related to viral infections such as cervical erosion. As a recombinant protein drug, it is important to pay attention to the possibility of modifications that may lower the quality of the drug during the production process.
Purpose：The aim of this study is to evaluate the pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic (PD) characteristics of this product in Chinese rhesus macaque after purification process changes, and to demonstrate that there is no difference in the biological activity of recombinant human interferon Alfa-2b vaginal suppository stock solution before and after process changes.
Methods：There are 12 test animals: Chinese rhesus macaques who received a two-group crossover design and were subcutaneously injected with the same active dose of 500,000 IU/kg around the navel in the abdomen.
Results：According to maximum concentration (Cmax) and time of maximum concentration (Tmax) within non-parametric test (P>0.05), geometric mean ratio of PK parameter Cmax for the drugs after purification process changes (sample S) compared to the before purification process changes one (sample R) was 97.09%, with a 90% confidence interval (CI) of 87.39% to 107.87%. The geometric mean ratio Cmax of serum Beta2-microglobulin (PDmax) for PD index is 100.07%, with a 90% CI of 97.16% to 103.07%; Geometric mean ratio of AUEC0-t is 98.91%, with a 90% CI of 96.53% to 101.34%. The geometric mean of the PD index, neopterin PDmax, is 97.75%, with a 90% CI of 92.53% to 103.25%; Geometric mean of AUEC0-t is 105.59%, with a 90% CI ranging from 97.22% to 114.68%. The important parameters of PK/PD meet the equivalence requirements, and biological activity of the recombinant human interferon Alfa-2b vaginal suppository stock solution after purification process change is no different from before the change. Under the same active dose administration conditions, the same biological effects were produced, achieving the same effect as before the change.
Enhancing the Therapeutic Efficacy of silibinin via Silica-Coated magnetic Nanocomposite against Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates and HepG2 cancer cells Running title: Potential therapeutic properties of silibinin
Authors: Borji Sanaz , Shahriarinour Mahdi , Shariati Shahab , Ranji Najmeh , Nikpassand Mohammad 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Silibinin is a notable component extracted from Silybum marianum with antioxidant, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and antibacterial activities. This study aims to enhance the delivery of silibinin by synthesizing magnetic nanocomposites (MNCs) to address its poor solubility in clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and HepG2 cancer cells.
Methods: The physicochemical characterization of Fe3O4@SiPr@Silibinin nanocomposites was thoroughly measured via FT-IR, TGA-DTG, TEM, FE-SEM, XRD, and VSM. Clinical isolates and standard strain of P. aeruginosa were treated with Fe3O4@SiPr@Silibinin (sub-MIC) in combination with ciprofloxacin (sub-MIC) compared to treatment with sub-MIC of ciprofloxacin alone. Additionally, the anticancer effects of Fe3O4@SiPr@Silibinin were assessed on HepG2 cells.
Results: The nanocomposites had particle sizes ranging from 40 to 80 nm and significantly enhanced the antimicrobial effects of ciprofloxacin when used in combination. The Fe3O4@SiPr@Silibinin + ciprofloxacin treatment resulted in decreased expression of biofilm and efflux pump genes compared to ciprofloxacin treatment alone. Fe3O4@SiPr@Silibinin (IC50=35.79 µg/mL) also demonstrated anti-cancer activity against HepG2 cells. In Silibinin treated HepG2 cells, overexpression of the P53 gene and under-expression of the Bcl2 gene were observed.
Discussion: Our anulysis suggests that Fe3O4@SiPr@Silibinin MNCs, with high stablilty and high solublity in water, can more efficiently transfer silibinin into pathogenic and tumorigenic cells, thus increasing its therapeutic functions against P. aeruginosa and HepG2 cells. Given the antimicrobial and anti-tumor properties of silibinin, these magnetic nanocarriers may represent a novel strategy for its targeted delivery.
Novel antioxidant peptides from tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.): Isolation, characterization, and cytoprotective functions on HepG2 and Caco-2 cells
Authors: Quan Yu , Chen Lin , Fan Meiqi , Zhao Xia , Hao Jianxiong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The antioxidant activity of the peptides from tiger nut was investigated for the first time. The tiger nut peptides (TNP) were found to perform excellent antioxidant activity supported by their chemical and cell antioxidant behaviors, amino acid composition, and morphological observation. Higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging activity and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power were observed in the TNP with more hydrophobic amino acids compared with traditional soybean and peanut peptides. Furthermore, the peptides from tiger nut could effectively protect H2O2-induced HepG2 and Caco-2 cells from oxidative damage by enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing oxidative stress levels, especially the T3 peptides purified from the fraction less than 1 kD molecular weight. And increased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase activities, while high intracellular reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde inhibition occurred. This study could provide a new strategy for the development of promising antioxidant peptides for food applications.
Association Between Obesity, Physical Activity and Falls Among Older Patients Attending the Family Medicine Clinics of a Teaching Hospital in Southern Nigeria
Authors: Oseni Tijani Idris Ahmad , Ibharokhonre Abel Onons , Olawumi AbdulGafar Lekan , Iyalomhe Esiemokhai Samuel , Adebayo Caleb Udukhomoshi , Adewuyi Bolanle Oluwatoyin , Fuh Francis Neba 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background
Falls are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults, often resulting in injury, disability, and loss of independence. Obesity and physical inactivity are believed to impact the risk of falls among older adults, yet the relationship remains poorly understood, especially in Nigeria. This study aimed to evaluate the association between obesity, physical activity, and falls among older patients attending the Family Medicine Clinic of Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital (ISTH), Edo State, Nigeria.
Methods
Using a cross-sectional design, 288 older patients were systematically sampled. Data collection included socio-demographic information, fall history, physical examination, and anthropometric measurements, using body mass index (BMI) and physical activity using World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Chi square test and logistic regression analysis were used to determine associations between variables. Level of significance was set at P value < 0.05%.
Result
Among participants, 25.9% reported at least one fall in the previous year. Obesity prevalence was 14.4%, with 77.5% of obese participants reporting falls compared to 17.2% among non-obese participants (p < 0.0001). Physical inactivity was also associated with increased fall risk, though this was not statistically significant. Logistic regression analysis revealed that obese participants had a significantly higher risk of falling (adjusted odds ratio [aOR = 16.55; 95%CI = 7.33–37.38), while physical inactivity showed no significant association with falls (aOR = 0.52; p = 0.297).
Conclusion
Obesity appears to be a strong predictor of fall risk among elderly individuals. There is need for incorporating weight reduction and physical activity programs into the older people’s care to mitigate fall risk. Further research, particularly interventional studies, is recommended to establish effective preventive measures tailored to the older populations.
Clinical trial number: Not applicable
Fibrinolytic Enzyme from The Endophytic Bacillus subtilis InaCC-B1658 Isolated from Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Leaves
Authors: Hastuty Aerma , Hidayat Iman , Bowolaksono Anom , Indriawati Indriawati , Sufiandi Sandi , Rahmani Nanik , Suhartono Maggy Thenawidjaya , Mangunwardoyo Wibowo 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the potential thrombolytic characteristics of the extracellular protease of endophytic Bacillus subtilis strain InaCC-B1658 isolated from papaya leaves (Carica papaya L.) and the gene structure of the fibrinolytic protein enzyme was predicted using the in-silico method. The enzyme exhibited optimum activity at 60°C and pH 10.0. The assay of metal ions and inhibitors on the fibrinolytic enzyme activity found that adding Cu2+ stimulated, while Mg2+ reduced the activity. PMSF and TPCK inhibited enzyme activity while adding EDTA and EGTA increased the activity. These suggest that the fibrinolytic enzymes belong to the serine protease group. The genomic sequence of B. subtilis strain InaCC-B1658 revealed 12 proteases/peptidases classified into four groups based on their cellular location, including three unknown proteases. Four of these genes encode proteins related to fibrinolytic enzyme activity: subtilisin E, cell wall-associated protease WprA, minor extracellular protease Vpr, and bacillopeptidase F, a serine protease. Based on physicochemical analysis, secondary structure prediction, and 3D structure prediction, the AprN, wprA, Vpr, and bpr protein genes from B. subtilis strain InaCC-B1658 are predicted to be thermostable. The protein has a strong reaction with water and is hydrophilic. It has stable properties, more flexible hydrophobic amino acids like glycine and proline, and a lot of enzyme activity when Cu2+ ions are present. It is new information on endophytic bacteria from papaya leaves as an alternative thrombolytic agent.
Serotonin Release Mediates Analgesia via Opioidergic System and Withdrawal Symptoms in Chronic Kratom Extract-Treated Mice
Authors: Indriani Dwi Wahyu , Rahmawati Siti Irma , Bayu Asep , Ahmadi Peni , Sari Anissa Nofita , Zuraida Zuraida , Dharmayanti Ni Luh Putu Indi , Putra Masteria Yunovilsa 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Kratom alleviates pain by activating mu-opioid receptors (MOR). MOR activation promotes serotonin release, resulting in analgesia. Serotonin is also known to interfere the effects of drug abuse. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of serotonin in the analgesic effects and withdrawal symptoms in mice treated with kratom.
Methods
The analgesic effect was assessed using hot-plate test. To induce withdrawal symptoms, mice received naloxone after being treated with kratom extracts for five days at increasing doses. Another group of morphine-dependent mice was treated with kratom extracts to ameliorate their withdrawal symptoms. A molecular docking study was conducted to investigate the predicted binding target of alkaloid kratom for increasing serotonin levels.
Results
Chronic administration of kratom alkaloid extract (20 mg/kg) produced analgesic effects comparable to morphine (10 mg/kg). In contrast, kratom crude extracts (10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg) demonstrated lower analgesia activity. This analgesic effect was caused by MOR activation, followed by decreased intracellular cAMP, and increased serotonin transmission. Repeated and increasing doses of crude or alkaloid extracts of kratom (8 mg/kg to 45 mg/kg) produced less severe withdrawal symptoms than morphine. Increased dopamine and serotonin levels contributed to the onset of withdrawal symptoms. In the morphine group, treatment with kratom extracts increased serotonin levels while lowering dopamine. Molecular docking result revealed that alkaloid kratom interacts more readily with enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase that catalyzes serotonin biosynthesis.
Conclusions
Kratom extracts have the potential to provide analgesic effects and withdrawal symptoms, both of which are mediated by elevated serotonin release.
Changing Relationship between the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and North Pacific Meridional Mode in a Warming Climate
Authors: Zhou Cong , Zhang Renhe , Wu Liguang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and the North Pacific Meridional Mode (NPMM) are prominent climate modes in the North Pacific. Recent research has highlighted the influence of NPMM on PDO variability. However, how the relationship between these two modes will evolve from historical to future climates remains uncertain. This study investigates the evolving relationship between the NPMM and PDO under a warming climate. The shift in the NPMM-PDO relationship is attributed to changes in the NPMM and the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) transition cycle. Results from the Community Earth System Model Version 2 large ensemble suggest that external forcing has played a key role in triggering these shifts. Additionally, our findings indicate that the influence of NPMM on PDO weakens in future climates due to altered tropical teleconnection patterns and enhanced NPMM intensity, which can further modify the PDO pattern, offering new insights into North Pacific climate variability projections.
Ship Detection Algorithm Based on Structural Reparameterize Dilated Large-Kernel Convolution and Spatial Selective Kernel Mechanism
Authors: Shi Yujing , Wang Haicheng , Li Shanqiang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In response to the issues of large target scale variations and complex background environments in ship detection, this paper presents a single-stage ship detection algorithm named DrbLSK, which is an improvement on YOLOv5. Firstly, to enhance the model's ability to model the context of targets with different scales, a kernel selection module is introduced into the backbone network. By dynamically selecting the receptive field, environmental interference is reduced. Simultaneously, the combination of large-kernel dilated convolution and structural reparameterization is employed to reduce model parameters and enhance the feature expression capability of the backbone network. Next, a decoupled detection head is utilized to alleviate the conflict between classification and regression tasks in the target detection task. Moreover, CIoU is used in the detection head to replace the original loss function, thereby accelerating the convergence of the network. Experimental results show that, on the ABOships dataset, the improved model reduces the number of parameters while increasing accuracy by 2.5\% compared to YOLOv5, with a mean average precision of 63.9.