bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of biofilm formation in molecular identification E.coli strains that cause urinary tract infection in children and antibiotic resistance
Authors: Motib Anfal Shakir , Abbas Muhamed Aydin , Idan Hayder Mahdi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Escherichia coli is the primary causative agent of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are among the most common illnesses in humans and frequently occur in children. Because this bacterium has biofilm formation and multi-drug resistance, and other factors, managing these infections is getting harder. The purpose of this study is to identify the E. coli strains that cause UTIs in children, and study the correlation of biofilm formation, and antibiotic resistance of E coli isolates found in Diyala, Iraq.
Patients and Methods:
It was collected 290 cases of UTI patients from Al-Batoul Teaching Hospital in Diyala, Iraq. The ages of these patients from 1 day to 12 years who were treated in the Paediatrics Department from February 2023 to January 2024. It was identify the strains of E. coli that cause UTIs by using PCR and sequencing methods and evaluated antimicrobial susceptibility of them by means of the Kirby-Bauer technique. The microtiter-plate assay were used to assess the production of biofilms.
Results
The predominant bacteria responsible for UTI in children were E. coli (40%), and it was showed that are the lowest persentage of bacteria causing UTI in this study are Klebsiella oxytoka and Psuedomonas aureginosa as appeared in 5% of cases. It was identify the strains of E. coli that cause UTI in the current study, which are E. coli Y8-2 (14.8%), E. coli 106K88 (19.3%), E. coli UA32 (11.4%), E. coli RM11911 (20.5%), and E. coli EC1704-1 (34%). E. coli EC1704-1 showed multidrug-resistant (MDR) to ciprofloxacin (100%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (100%), cephalosporins and penicillin (100%), and aminoglycosides (93.3%). E. coli Y8-2, E. coli 106K88, and E. coli UA32 appeared less resistant to antibiotics related to E. coli EC1704-1 and E. coli EC1704-1. In addition, it was shown that biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance correlated negatively among the isolates, strong biofilm production strains were found in less resistant strains and weak in multidrug resistant strains.
Conclusion
E. coli is the predominant cause of UTI in children and it was identified the E coli strains which are the most common strains that cause UTI in Diyala, Iraq. This research highlights the dissemination of resistance in E. coli strains in Diyala, Iraq. The evident correlation between biofilm and resistance suggests a resistance cost on bacterial cells, and that strains with lower resistance may depend on biofilms to enhance their survival. This emphasizes the importance of considering biofilm formation ability during the treatment of E.coli infections to avoid therapeutic failure and infection recurrence.
Enhancement of anti-programmed cell death protein-1 immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer using arginine and citrulline supplementation
Authors: Miyamoto Naoki , Yoshida Mitsuteru , Tsukumo Shinichi , Ogawa Hirohisa , Otani Tamaki , Yasutomo Koji , Takizawa Hiromitsu 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to examine the role of citrulline in the lung cancer microenvironment and its potential synergistic effects with other therapies.
Methods
Murine lung cancer cells (CMT167) were subcutaneously implanted into mice to establish tumor models, followed by treatment with the anti-PD-1 antibody either alone or in combination with arginine or arginine and citrulline. Tumor growth, survival rate, cytokine levels, immune cell populations, and metabolic marker expression were assessed using histological, immunostaining, flow cytometry, and serum analyses.
Results
Mice in the treatment groups exhibited significantly lower tumor volumes than those in the control group (control, 1161.59 ± 294.73; anti-PD-1, 427.38 ± 355.34; anti-PD-1 plus arginine, 452.10 ± 332.04; anti-PD-1 plus arginine and citrulline, 198.45 ± 236.22 mm3; P < 0.0001). Furthermore, the anti-PD-1 plus arginine and citrulline group exhibited significantly improved progression-free survival compared with that of the control group (P = 0.00039). The anti-PD-1 plus arginine and citrulline group also showed a significantly higher number of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ lymphocytes per high-power field (hpf) than the control group (control, 24.22 ± 9.13; anti-PD-1, 29.20 ± 9.41; anti-PD-1 plus arginine, 34.33 ± 8.81; anti-PD-1 plus arginine and citrulline, 46.56 ± 10.01 cells/hpf).
Conclusion
Arginine and citrulline supplementation facilitated CD8+ lymphocyte infiltration into the tumor microenvironment, thereby augmenting the efficacy of lung cancer immunotherapy.
Optimizing Testing Time for Methaemoglobin Reduction Test in G6PD Screening: A Comparative Experimental Study between the Monica Cheesbrough Protocol and the Asutifi North District Hospital Protocol at Asutifi North District Hospital, Ghana.
Authors: Duneeh Richard-Vikpebah , Appiah-Intsiful Emmanuel , Bedzina Israel , Akorsu Elliot Elikplim , Klugah Mercy Adzo , Amponsah Francis Agyei , Boadu Wina Ivy Ofori , Ntiamoah Paul , Asamoah Alexander , Ablordey Kenneth , Allotey Emmanuel 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is an inherited disorder caused by a genetic defect in the red blood cell enzyme G6PD, affecting around 500 million people worldwide. The study investigated the optimum methaemoglobin reduction test (MRT) reaction time for diagnosing G6PD deficiency among patients at Asutifi North District Hospital using Monica Cheesbrough protocol and Asutifi North District Hospital Protocol.
Methodology: The study was an experimental study conducted with 643 participants from April, 2024 to July, 2024. The Monica Cheesbrough MRT and the Asutifi North Hospital MRT protocols, were compared at various time points (T90, T120, T150, and T180 minutes). Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Kappa statistics were used to assess reliability and agreement between the results from the two protocols. McNemar's test was utilized to analyse G6PD status differences between the protocols. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency was also determined. Data analysis was done using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 26.0 (2019. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). P-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analysis.
Results: T90 ICC values were very low (0.005-0.007), indicating poor agreement. From T120 onwards, ICC values were high (0.967-0.996, p<0.001), demonstrating excellent reliability. Significant differences in G6PD status were found at T90 (p<0.001), with diminishing differences at later time points. Kappa values indicated slight agreement at T90 (K=0.164, p<0.001) and perfect agreement from T120 onwards (K=1.000, p<0.001). The majority of participants 606 (94.2%) had normal G6PD status, 29 (4.5%) had a fully defective enzyme, and 8 (1.2%) had a partially defective enzyme activity.
Conclusion: The study found the optimum MRT reaction to be 120 minutes. The study also emphasized lesser volumes of blood samples and reagent give accurate results in the optimum time established. These insights can help in both sample and reagent management especially amongst paediatric patients where it is difficult taking very large volumes of blood for testing.
Investigating the influence of magnetic field on heat transfer in turbulent ferromagnetic fluid over a backward-facing step
Authors: Sharifi Mehran 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this research, we present a computational investigation into the behavior of turbulent ferromagnetic fluids flowing over a backward-facing step, influenced by an external magnetic field. Our model is subjected to a rigorous validation process to prevent error masking across various sub-models. The study encompasses a range of Reynolds numbers (\(\:{\text{R}\text{e}}_{\text{H}}\)) from 5,000 to 80,000, expansion ratios (\(\:{\text{E}}_{\text{r}}\)) from just above 1 to 2, Prandtl numbers (\(\:\text{P}\text{r}\)) from 4 to 8, and Hartmann numbers (\(\:\text{H}\text{a}\)) from 0 to 100. We introduce innovative correlations for the average Nusselt number, applicable in both the presence and absence of a magnetic field. These novel correlations are meticulously compared with existing empirical formulas, and their compatibility and discrepancies are critically analyzed. By incorporating a broader spectrum of physical phenomena, such as the braking effect of magnetohydrodynamics, the impact of the step geometry, the resulting recirculation zones, and the potential inaccuracies in calculating average velocity and Reynolds number, our new correlations substantially enhance the predictive accuracy of the average Nusselt number compared to previous models.
Effect of Ficus carica against DEN-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma: In Vivo and In Silico Analysis
Authors: Mustafa Kiren , Zaib Sania , Qi Tang , Karishma ..................... , Nasir Hassan Khan , Song Yuanda , Li Zhihe 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most fatal cancers responsible for mortality worldwide. That makes HCC an important cancer to be studied. A randomized controlled study was conducted (on 32 Balb c albino mice) to evaluate the anticancer potential of acetone based extract of F.carica variety from Shandong province of China for the first time. Diethyl amine nitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetra chloride (CCl4) were used as inducers of hepatic carcinoma in mice. We conducted an in vivo study on F.carica based acetone (FA) extract that has already been proven effective against hepatoblastoma cancer (HepG2) cell lines in our previous experiments. FA extract attenuated the liver functional biomarkers (BUN, ALT, AST, ALP) and the level of alpha fetoprotein (AFP) significantly in the serum of mice at a dose of 60 mg/kg of body weight of mice. The histopathological analysis indicated the regeneration of liver tissues to the normal state of liver upon feeding the mice with the extract for a period of 60 days. The standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin was used as a positive control to assess the efficacy of the used extract. Silymarin (50mg/kg of body weight) also decreased the liver injury associated biomarkers; however, its effect was almost same and even the extract efficiently reduced BUN content and the level of AST enzyme in the blood serum of the studied mice. Our in vivo findings are also reinforced by our in-silico studies. This study leverages molecular docking and ADMET profiling to identify promising FA-based compounds. These compounds, have potentially therapeutic effects and exhibit competitive and even better results than the FDA approved drug i.e. Silymarin. Various phytochemicals from FA extract including sitosterol, quercetin, and luteolin, were tested against the key targets of Hepatocarcinoma e.g., EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor), VEGFR (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor), and MMPs (Matrix metalloproteinases) via molecular docking stimulation. The findings suggest that sitosterol, quercetin, and luteolin show competitive binding and favorable ADMET properties, proposing them as candidates for further experimental validation. This novel extract and further its isolated compounds could serve as a better and economical alternative to traditional drugs in -future.
PKLR-modulating compounds show promising effects for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Mardinoglu Adil , Kim Woonghee , Jin Han , miao peipei , Ozcan Mehmet , Liao Xinmeng , Li Mengzhen , Iqbal Shazia , Sebhaoui Jihad , Ashraf Sajda , Turkez Hasan , Boren Jan , Uhlén Mathias , Shi Xiaojing , Zhang Cheng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The pyruvate kinase L/R (PKLR) enzyme was associated with the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and identified as a potential drug target. Here, we first demonstrated the anti-HCC effects of recently developed six PKLR-modulating compounds, including SET135, SET156, SET158, SET159, SET171, and SET172 and JNK-IN-5A, a repurposed compound for modulation of PKLR based on systems biology. Compared with the multi-target kinase inhibitors sorafenib and regorafenib, PKLR-modulating compounds exhibited enhanced induction of cell cycle arrest mediated by p53 and increased levels of autophagy, apoptosis, and reduced invasiveness. Second, we performed global gene expression profiling using RNA sequencing and revealed the mechanism of action of each compound. Among these PKLR-modulating compounds, two exhibited unique pathways leading to necrotic cell death. The SET135 triggered autophagic necrotic cell death via p62/SQSTM1 induction, whereas the SET171 facilitated necrotic cell death by increasing cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation. Third, we validated that these PKLR-modulating compounds exert distinct cellular effects, showcasing stronger cell cycle arrest and apoptosis when compared to sorafenib and regorafenib based on systems biology analysis. Finally, we treated a HCC-transplanted mouse model with SET135 and SET171 for 21 days and showed that both compounds have superior anti-HCC therapeutic effects than sorafenib via apoptotic cell death. Our findings suggest that PKLR-modulating compounds, capable of inducing both apoptotic and necrotic cell death, represent promising candidates for novel HCC therapeutic agents.
The Global Flourishing Study: Study Profile and Initial Results on Flourishing
Authors: VanderWeele Tyler 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The Global Flourishing Study is a longitudinal panel study of over 200,000 participants in 22 geographically and culturally diverse countries, spanning all six populated continents, with nationally representative sampling, and intended annual longitudinal panel data collection for five years on numerous aspects of flourishing and its determinants. A description of the study, design, survey development, sampling procedures, and participant characteristics is provided. We report relations between a composite flourishing index and numerous demographic characteristics including age, gender, education, marital status, employment, religious affiliation and service attendance, immigration status, and race/ethnicity. We also report results of multivariate regression analyses on how flourishing is associated with numerous aspects of childhood experiences assessed retrospectively. Analyses are presented both through pooled meta-analysis, and individually by country, and discussion is given as to how the demographic and childhood relationships vary by country and which patterns appear to be universal versus culturally-specific. Brief comment is also given on the results of a whole series of papers in the Global Flourishing Study Special Collection, employing similar analyses, but with more specific aspects of well-being. The Global Flourishing Study expands our knowledge of the distribution and determinants of well-being and provides foundational knowledge for the promotion of societal flourishing.
The enhanced healing effect of Anadenanthera colubrina ethanolic extract on excisional skin wounds in mice
Authors: Neres Wemerson de Santana , Aragão Jéssica Maria Dantas Araújo , Nascimento Ana Carla Silva , Santos Jileno Ferreira , Matos Saulo Santos , de Souza Daniel Alves , Neto José Martins Filho , Duarte Marcelo Cavalcante , Moitinho Valdomiro Silveira , Correa Cristiane Bani , Camargo Enilton Aparecido , Grespan Renata 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Anadenanthera colubrina has been widely used in traditional medicine as a healing agent. However, the body of evidence supporting the use of this extract as a wound healer is still limited. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the effect of the ethanolic extract of Anadenanthera colubrina (EEAc) on the viability of L929 fibroblasts and its antioxidant potential in vitro, as well as its effect on the healing of excisional skin wounds in mice.
Methods: The extract was analyzed for its major compound using HPLC, as well as for the total phenolic content. In vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated through radical scavenging assays, such as ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP. The cell viability of L929 fibroblasts treated with EEAcwas determined using the MTT assay. Skin excision was performed in female swiss mice and distributed groups: control (saline), vehicle (2% of DMSO in PG) or EEAc (5%). Treatment was administered daily, and the progress of wound healing was monitored on days 0, 3, 7 and 14. The wounds was collected on days 1, 3, 7 and/or 14 for histological analysis. The concentration of cytokines TNF-α and IL-10, MPO and NAG activity enzymes were assessed in wounds, at various time points.
Results: HPLC analysis showed that EEAc has caffeic acid as its main compound. EEAcexhibited a high total phenolic content and good antioxidant capacity against the evaluated free radicals. Furthermore, it was not cytotoxic to L929 fibroblasts. In mice, EEAc reduced the wound area on the 3rd and 7th days and increased collagen deposition on the 14th day. Additionally, EEAc reduced MPO activity on the 3rd day and NAG activity on the 7th day, in contrast to the increase in IL-10 cytokine concentration on the 7th day.
Conclusion: EEAc showed good antioxidant potential and does not present cytotoxicity in L929 cells. Taken together, our data demonstrate, for the first time, that EEAcimproved skin wound healing by modulating the inflammatory response during this phase of the repair process. This effect possibly led to efficient healing with increased collagen deposition, revealing its potential application as a healing agent.
Shear-activated phase transformations of diborides via machine-learning potential molecular dynamics
Authors: Lin Shuyao , Holec David , Sangiovanni Davide , Leiner Thomas , Hultman Lars , Mayrhofer Paul , Koutná Nikola 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The layered character of transition metal diborides (TMB2:s)---with three structure polymorphs representing different stackings of the metallic sublattice---evokes the possibility of activating phase-transformation plasticity via mechanical shear strain. This is critical to overcome the most severe limitation of TMB2:s: their brittleness. To understand finite-temperature mechanical response of the α, ω, and γ polymorphs at the atomic scale, we train machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) for TMB2:s, TM=(Ti, Ta, W, Re). Validation against ab initio data set supports the MLIPs' capability to predict structural and elastic properties, as well as shear-induced slipping and phase transformations. Nanoscale molecular dynamics simulations (>104 atoms; ≈53 nm3) allow minimizing size effects, thus evaluating theoretical shear strengths attainable in single-crystal TMB2:s and their temperature evolution from 300 up to 1200 K. Quantitative structural analysis via angular and bond-order parameter descriptors shows that xz and yz shearing activates transformations between the (energetically) metastable and the preferred phase of TiB2, TaB2, and WB2. These transformations can be promoted by additional tensile or compressive strain along the [0001] axis. The preferred phase of ReB2 shows negative thermal expansion and an unprecedented shear-induced plasticity mechanism: metallic/boron layer interpenetration and uniform lattice rotation.
Deep Learning-based Uplink Data Detection in User-Centric Cell-Free mMIMO Systems
Authors: Hematidoust Noorollah , Tadaion Aliakbar , Buzzi Stefano , Magarini Maurizio , Sadeghi Mohammadtaghi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This paper tackles the problem of uplink data detection in a user-centric cell-free massive multi-input multi-output (UC-CF-mMIMO). First of all, we show that the problem of uplink data detection in UC-CF-mMIMO with large-scale fading decoding (LSFD) can be cast as a classical MIMO detection problem. Next, we develop a new detection structure, called LMDPIC, which combines linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) and deep-learning-based parallel interference cancellation (DeepPIC) detectors for symbol detection. Simulation results demonstrate that LMDPIC outperforms other state-of-the-art MIMO detection schemes for BPSK and QPSK modulation schemes, both in the case of the perfect and in that of imperfect channel state information (CSI) available at the APs. We also propose two heuristic pilot assignment schemes to improve the quality of CSI acquisition during uplink training. The performance of LMDPIC is also evaluated for several power-control strategies, including half-power, max-min, and full-power transmission. Our results show that for 5\% UEs with the highest pairwise symbol error rate, the LMDPIC with half power transmission outperforms the LMMSE with full power transmission. Finally the paper also shows that the deep neural network (DNN) used in the LMDPIC structure is robust against CSI time variations.
Enhancing Performance and Stability in a Grid-Integrated Hybrid PV/DFIG System
Authors: PADAMATA ANKINEEDU PRASAD , GUDAPATI SAMBASIVA RAO 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This paper presents an innovative approach for integrating renewable energy-sources, specifically wind, and solar-PV, into a hybrid energy system utilizing a DFIG rated at 250KW. The system incorporates a DFIG wind energy system and a Solar PV system integrated at the DC link. Here, solar-PV rating matches the GSC rating of DFIG. During solar-PV power availability, the DFIG operates at sub-synchronous speeds or light loading conditions. Conversely, during wind availability, the DFIG is operated at hypersynchronous speed to ensure optimal power generation and grid integration. The integration scheme is tested and validated using MATLAB simulations. These simulations demonstrate efficient utilization of both wind and solar power resources. They also address grid integration challenges, enhancing overall system stability and efficiency. This integrated approach offers a promising solution for sustainable energy generation. It contributes to the reduction of reliance on conventional energy sources. Additionally, it fosters the transition towards a greener energy infrastructure.
Mitigating the Task Scheduling Problem in Fog Computing Environments using Marine Predators Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Mahfouz Khaled Hossam , Betar Mohammed Azmi Al , Makhadmeh Sharif Naser , Shambour Qusai Yousef 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cloud and fog computing architectures are essential for decentralizing computational tasks, enabling efficient processing across user demands and extensive IoT networks. As computational loads grow in complexity and scale, effective task scheduling across these architectures becomes critical for optimizing resource usage and reducing latency. This paper introduces the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA), a novel nature-inspired optimization approach to address the task scheduling challenge within cloud and fog environments. Due to the complexity and high-dimensionality of the scheduling problem, MPA was tested on both synthetic and real-world workloads, including HPC2N, NASA iPSC, and GOCJ datasets. Simulation results indicate that MPA outperforms several existing algorithms, achieving significant reductions in average makespan times and enhancing the Degree of Imbalancing, thereby ensuring more efficient resource distribution. These findings underscore MPA’s effectiveness in addressing the demanding task scheduling requirements of decentralized computing environments, positioning it as a promising solution for improved performance and resource utilization in cloud and fog infrastructures.