bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
LOCAL ANTIBIOTIC THERAPY WITH AMINOGLYCOSIDE ALONE OR IN COMBINATION WITH VANCOMYCIN IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BONE INFECTION
Authors: Unsworth Annalise , McNally Martin , Scarborough Matthew , Young Bernadette 
Published: November 2024

AimLocal antibiotics, delivered to the site of infection, achieve high tissue concentrations and are used as an adjunct to systemic therapy. Local gentamicin provides levels well above the minimum inhibitory concentration and may be sufficient on its own, however, the efficacy of single or combination local antibiotics has not been studied. This retrospective study evaluated the effect of combination aminoglycoside and vancomycin local antibiotic treatment compared to aminoglycoside alone in the surgical management of bone infection.MethodWe studied patients with microbiologically confirmed osteomyelitis and fracture-related infection, who had implantation of antibiotic carriers as part of their surgical management. Data including patient demographics, type of surgery, microbiological characteristics, BACH score, duration of antibiotic treatment and clinical outcomes were collected. Failure of therapy was a composite of recurrence of infection, continued or new antimicrobial therapy, or reoperation with suspected or confirmed infection at one year after index surgery.ResultsThere were 266 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Nine patients died before the outcome endpoint at 12 months and five patients were lost to follow up so were excluded. 252 patients were included in the final analysis and were well matched with regard to demographics, BACH score and microbiology. 113 patients had treatment with aminoglycoside alone and 139 patients had combination aminoglycoside and vancomycin.There was no difference in the failure rate between groups; 10/113 (8.8%) in the aminoglycoside alone and 12/139 (8.6%) in the combination group, p = 0.934. There was no difference for reoperation, ongoing suppressive antibiotic use, or clinical suspicion of infection. Multivariate analysis showed that there was no added benefit of combination therapy (OR 1.54: 95%CI 0.59-4.04, p=0.38). BACH score and low BMI were associated with increased risk of failure (BACH OR 3.49: 95%CI 1.13-10.76, p=0.03; Low BMI OR 0.91: 95%CI 0.84-0.99, p-0.037).The form of the carrier material (pellets or injectable paste) had no effect on failure rate (p=0.434). Aminoglycoside resistance (confirmed and presumed) occurred in 39/113 (34.5%) of the aminoglycoside only group and 36/139 (25.9%) of the combination group (p=0.137). The presence of aminoglycoside resistance had no effect on failure rate (OR 0.39: 95%CI 0.05-3.01, p=0.37).ConclusionsClinical outcome was not improved by the addition of vancomycin to aminoglycoside alone as local therapy for the management of osteomyelitis and FRI. Laboratory measured resistance, using currently accepted breakpoints, may not be relevant in local therapy.
Mitigation of MIMO equalizer-enhanced noise in long-haul coupled-core multicore fiber transmissions by an advanced spectral shaping filter
Authors: Xiong Junjie , Sun Lin , Ma Lin , Cai Jiaqi , Hu Daohui , Cheng Tianqi , Lu Ziqin , Shen Gangxiang , He Zuyuan 
Published: November 2024

Commonly used linear equalizers in optical transmissions may induce in-band noise enhancement in the high-frequency region, degrading signaling performance. In this Letter, we propose for the first, to our knowledge, time, to mitigate the multi-input-multi-output (MIMO) equalizer-enhanced noise (EEN) in coupled-core multicore fiber (CC-MCF) systems by utilizing the spectral shaping (SS) filter and maximum likelihood sequence detection (MLSD), which have shown effective EEN mitigation in SMF systems. However, CC-MCF systems feature multiple spatial channels, each requiring separate coefficient optimization for SS filters corresponding to each output of MIMO. To streamline this process, we introduce a simplified coefficient optimization method using the overall averaged MIMO response, demonstrating no obvious performance degradation. In experiments, a more significant Q-factor improvement was achieved with the proposed technique for higher baud rate signals, which experienced more severe bandwidth limits and thus exhibited higher EEN effects. This result indicates that the proposed DSP technique can effectively suppress MIMO-induced EEN in CC-MCF transmissions. Additionally, we conducted a multi-loop CC-4CF transmission to evaluate the feasibility of the proposed DSP scheme in long-haul transmissions. Q-factor improvements of 0.45 dB were successfully achieved after a 1000-km transmission. Experimental results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed technique in mitigating MIMO-induced EEN and show promise for enhancing the signaling performance of long-haul CC-MCF transmissions.
Pine pollen reverses the function of hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting α-Enolase mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Luo Yanhong , Guo Chun , Ling Caixia , Yu Wenjun , Chen Yuanhong , Jiang Lihe , Luo Qiuxiang , Wang Chunfang , Xu Weixin 
Published: November 2024

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the influence of pine pollen (PP) on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) behavior in vitro and in vivo and explore its mechanism of action by focusing on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein serine-threonine kinase (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway and α-Enolase (ENO1) gene expression.

Methods
We performed a bioinformatics analysis of ENO1. HCC cells overexpressing ENO1 were developed by lentivirus transfection. Cell proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed using the cell cytotoxicity kit-8 assay, transwell assay, cell scratch test, and ENO1 inhibiting proliferation experiment. Protein expression was analyzed using Western blot. The in vivo effects of PP on HCC xenografts were also assessed in mice. The serum of nude mice in each group was analyzed for alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and AST/ALT. The tumor blocks of nude mice were weighed, and proteins were extracted for Western blot.

Results
Compared to normal cells, the phosphorylation of ENO1 at the S27 site was most significant in HCC cells and was closely related to cell proliferation. In vitro, the PP solution inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and migration of ENO1 overexpressing cells compared with empty-vector-transfected cells. In mice bearing HCC, PP injection inhibited the overexpression of ENO1, affected serum ALT, AST, and AST/ALT levels, and reduced tumor weight. However, the expression of proliferation-related proteins in tumors overexpressing ENO1 was higher than in empty transfected tumors.

Conclusion
PP inhibits HCC by regulating the expression of ENO1 and MBP-1 and suppressing the PI3K/AKT pathway by inhibiting C-MYC and erb-B2 receptor tyrosine kinase 2.
Is it safe and feasible to use multi-lateral-pores drainage strategy after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery?
Authors: Dong Yingxian , Li Shujun , Che Guowei 
Published: November 2024

Objectives
Evidence-based studies optimizing chest tube management have been conducted to accelerate the recovery process for lung cancer patients after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS). This study is to evaluate whether using the multi-lateral pores chest tube can achieve better drainage performance than conventional-lateral-pore drainage.

Methods
Data from patients undergoing VATS were consecutively collected from September 2023 to June 2024. The groups were randomized into two subgroups, which were multi-lateral-pores drainage group (MDG) and conventional-lateral-pore drainage group (CDG). The primary outcomes included chest drainage performance, and the secondary outcomes included postoperative complications (PPCs).

Results
After screening, 228 patients were randomized into two groups, in which 116 patients in MDG and 112 patients in CDG. The daily drainage volume [199.70 (95%CI: 165.19~234.99) mL/d vs 149.43 (95%CI: 120.70~179.21) mL/d, P<0.01] and total drainage volume [342.79 (95%CI: 291.91~392.63) mL vs 272.68 (95%CI: 225.87~322.11) mL, P = 0.04] in the MDG was significantly higher that that in the CDG. The drainage duration in the MDG was also less than that in the CDG [36.41 (95%CI: 32.23~40.72) h vs 51.02 (95%CI: 46.03~56.38) h, P < 0.01]. The incidence of pleural effusion was lower in the MDG when compared with that in CDG (1.7% vs 9.0%, P = 0.04). No differences were found in the other incidences of chest tube—related PPCs, including pneumothorax (12.0% vs 15.2%, P = 0.15) and subcutaneous emphysema (17.2% vs 17.9%, P = 0.35), however.

Conclusions
Based on this single-center analysis, multi-lateral pores chest tube provided better drainage performance after VATS.
Combinatorial treatment with traditional medicinal preparations and VEGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors for middle-advanced primary liver cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Hui-Bo , Hu Jia-Qi , Han Bao-Jin , Du Yan-Yuan , Chen Shun-Tai , Chen Xin , Xiong Hong-Tai , Gao Jin , Zheng Hong-Gang 
Published: November 2024

Background
This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic efficacy and safety of Traditional medicine preparations (TMPs) given in combination with vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-associated multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) for the treatment of middle to advanced-stage primary liver cancer (PLC).

Methods
This systematic literature survey employed 10 electronic databases and 2 clinical trial registration platforms to identify relevant studies on the use of TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs to treat patients with middle-advanced PLC. Furthermore, a meta-analysis was performed following the PRISMA guidelines using the risk ratio (RR) at 95% confidence intervals (CI) or standardized mean difference as effect measures.

Results
A total of 26 studies comprising 1678 middle-advanced PLC patients were selected. The meta-analysis revealed that compared with VEGFR-TKI mono-treatment, the co-therapy of TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs considerably enhanced the objective response rate (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.31–1.69), disease control rate (RR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.16–1.30), and one-year overall survival (RR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.28–1.74). Furthermore, the co-therapy was associated with reduced incidences of liver dysfunction (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.91), proteinuria (RR = 0.43, 95% CI: 0.24–0.75), hypertension (RR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.53–0.83), hand-foot skin reactions (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.49–0.80), myelosuppression (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.46–0.87), and gastrointestinal reactions (RR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.45–0.92). Moreover, the co-therapy indicated no increase in the incidences of rash and fatigue.

Conclusion
This systematic analysis revealed that co-therapy with TMPs + VEGFR-TKIs has a higher effectiveness and safety profile for treating middle-advanced PLC patients. However, further validation using randomized control trials is required.

PROSPERO registration no
CRD42022350634.
Building block for success: A case study of capacity-strengthening in grant administration for Pakistani universities
Authors: Hassan Mustafa , Ghafoor Bakhtawar , Bloomfield Gerald , Kamal Ayeesha , Almas Aysha , Awan Safia , Tariq Muhammed , Virani Salim , Samad Zainab 
Published: November 2024

Background
Grant administration plays a pivotal role in the success of research and academic endeavors. However, in Pakistan, academic institutions often face challenges in this domain, primarily due to a lack of specialized training and infrastructure.

Aims
This research paper presents the outcomes of a comprehensive capacity-strengthening workshop, hosted in two cities, aimed at improving grant administration skills in Pakistani academic institutions.

Methodology
A pre and post-survey analysis was conducted to assess participants’ knowledge and experience. A pre-survey method was used to develop the learning objectives and content for the workshop, whereas the post-survey tool was used to assess the immediate effect of a two-day capacity-strengthening workshop on participants’ knowledge of grants

Results
Response rates for Karachi participants were 86% pre and 87% post, while for Islamabad participants, they were 63% pre and 57% post. Notably, participants in Islamabad, where infrastructure and support services are often less advanced, exhibited significant improvement in their understanding of grant administration processes. Factors contributing to the workshop’s success included its dynamic content, interactive learning methods, and an inclusive learning environment.

Conclusion
The outcomes of this research provide insights into the effectiveness of tailored capacity-strengthening programs in addressing the unique needs of diverse academic institutions. In addition, it highlights the potential of collaborative learning, where participants from various backgrounds come together to enhance their collective knowledge. This initiative underscores the importance of enhancing grant administration skills to foster a more robust research ecosystem in Pakistan.
Adherence to higher Life’s Essential 8 scores is linearly associated with reduced all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among US adults with metabolic syndrome: Results from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Zhou Dao-Cheng , Liang Jia-Lin , Hu Xin-Yu , Fang Hong-Cheng , Liu De-Liang , Zhao Heng-Xia , Li Hui-Lin , Xu Wen-Hua 
Published: November 2024

Background
Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) is the American Heart Association (AHA)’s recently updated assessment of cardiovascular health (CVH). Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most common chronic noncommunicable diseases associated with CVH impairment and an increased risk of mortality. However, the association of LE8 with all-cause and disease-specific mortality in the MetS population remains unknown. We aimed to explore these associations in a national prospective cohort study from NHANES 2005–2018.

Methods
The LE8 was calculated according to the assessment criteria proposed by the AHA, which includes health behavior and health factor domains. LE8 scores were categorized as low CVH (0–49), moderate CVH (50–79), and high CVH (80–100). MetS was assessed according to NCEP-ATP III criteria, and mortality data were obtained through prospective linkage to the National Death Index database.

Results
7839 participants with MetS were included and only 3.5% were in high CVH. In the fully adjusted models, LE8 was negatively associated with both all-cause and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (hazard ratios [HR] and 95% confidence intervals [CI] of 0.978 (0.971,0.984) and 0.972 (0.961,0.984), respectively, both p < 0.0001). Both moderate/high CVH were associated with significantly lower mortality compared to low CVH (both p for trend <0.0001). Health behaviors had a more dominant effect compared to health factors. All-cause and CVD mortality gradually decreased with increasing ideal LE8 metrics. LE8 was not significantly associated with cancer mortality. LE8 and health behaviors were linearly associated with all-cause and CVD mortality, whereas health factors were nonlinearly associated (plateaued after ≥50). Education and chronic kidney disease influenced the association of LE8 with all-cause and CVD mortality, respectively.

Conclusions
LE8 scores were negatively associated with all-cause and CVD mortality in the MetS population, while health behaviors had a dominant role. Adherence to higher CVH contributes to the prevention of excessive all-cause and CVD mortality in the MetS population.
Using the equilibrium approach analyze Nigeria -China relation
Authors: Igbeboh Love uyemhi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper investigates the complex interaction of Nigeria and China through the equilibrating approach with regard to the dynamics of trade, investment, and its geopolitical implications. Since establishing relations in 1971, Nigeria and China have come into a partnership which is multi-faceted, characterized by a strong increase in trade and foreign direct investment. However, the structural trade deficit, hugely in favor of China, raises concerns about Nigeria's economic dependency and long-term sustainability. This paper identifies the most relevant quality features of Chinese investments, the necessity of having in place strong regulatory frameworks that take into account the socio-economic impacts on local communities, and analyzes historical context, trade dynamics, and investment patterns that shape the relationship between key challenges—such as debt sustainability and governance issues—that arise when trying to achieve a balanced economic relationship. The findings have shown that if Nigeria is to gain effectively from the partnership with China, it should be in diversification of its economy, enhancement of local content policies, and promotion of technology transfer. Conclusively, the paper indicates recommendations to make the relationship more balanced and for mutual benefit, taking care of long-term development goals by both countries.
Electromagnetic control and heat transfer enhancement in exothermic reactions experiencing current density: The study preventing thermal explosions in reactive flow
Authors: Gasmi Hatem , Akindele Akintayo Oladimeji , Obalalu Adebowale Martins , Usman Abdulazeez Adebayo , Khan Umair , Yilmaz Yalcin , Taiwo Musilimu , Hussain Syed Modassir , Nizampatnam Neelima 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Thermal explosions in reactive flows present an important risk to industrial engineering systems, where uncontrolled exothermic reactions can compromise safety and operational integrity. This study investigates the theoretical solutions related to thermal runaway and heat transport in a branch-chain bifurcation scenario influenced by hydromagnetic Powell–Eyring fluid flow. By incorporating factors such as current density and variable properties, we aim to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of industrial operations, thus contributing to the development of more robust and sustainable systems. Notably, the fluid is characterized by active exothermic behavior under bimolecular kinetics, challenging traditional material assumptions. Utilizing a spectral collocation scheme alongside exact solutions, we derive critical parameters, including flow velocity, current density, bifurcation branch-chain criticality, entropy generation rate, and heat propagation. Our findings reveal that increased electric field conductivity significantly enhances the current density along the channel walls, driven by the combined effects of the Frank–Kamenetskii term and electric field loading. Furthermore, understanding thermal explosions and branched-chain reactions is essential for preventing engine failures, underscoring the practical implications of this research in industrial contexts.
Renalase protects against podocyte injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Wu Yiru , Feng Yiduo , Yu Yue , Bai Yu , Diao Zongli , Liu Wenhu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) presents a significant public health challenge due to its high rate of incidence and severe health consequences. Renalase has been identified as having renal-protective properties. A key contributor to albuminuria in DN patients is podocyte loss. The function of Renalase in DN in relation to podocyte activity needs to be explored further. In this study, we assessed the therapeutic efficacy of Renalase by monitoring changes in urine protein levels and podocyte health in db/db mice. We also induced hyperglycemia (HG) to stimulate podocyte clone 5 (MPC5) cells to create a model of podocyte loss in DN. Through co-culturing these cells with Renalase or H2O2, we investigated the process by which Renalase prevents podocyte loss in vitro. In db/db mice, Renalase expression was significantly reduced, and adenoviral-mediated Renalase expression markedly alleviated DN symptoms and proteinuria. Furthermore, podocytopathy in db/db mice was significantly mitigated. In vitro, Renalase improved the expression of podocyte marker proteins, podocin, and nephrin, which are reduced by HG, as well as decreased oxidative stress and restrained apoptosis. Our findings suggest that Renalase can mitigate DN by reducing proteinuria through podocyte protection, potentially by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. These data suggest that Renalase may serve as a novel therapeutic agent in suppressing DN.
Combination effect of flavonoids attenuates lung cancer cell proliferation by inhibiting the STAT3 and FAK signaling pathway
Authors: Wan Pei , Li Xingru , Guo Shiqi , Zhao Xiangling 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Lung cancer is considered the most ubiquitous malignant form of cancer, and the current treatment strategies do not offer effective outcomes to the patients. The present study examined the effectiveness of natural drugs delphinidin (DN) and oroxylin A (OA) in inhibiting the development of lung cancer cells (A549) through the blocking of the Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) intervene signaling pathways. These included cytotoxicity assessments, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, apoptotic morphological features, mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), nuclear fragmentation, and cell cycle analysis. Furthermore, the combination of DN and OA treatments on the expression of STAT-3, FAK, and various proliferation and apoptotic proteins was studied using western blotting. The results we have obtained are that the combination of DN and OA causes significant cytotoxicity, ROS, alteration of ΔΨm, and nuclear fragmentation, resulting in apoptosis of A549 cells. Furthermore, A549 cells treated with DN and OA concurrently displayed increased cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. Additionally, the combined DN and OA treatment inhibited the expression of STAT3 and FAK, suppressing proliferation and the induction of pro-apoptotic protein expressions in A549 cells. Thus, a combination of DN and OA could be used as a therapeutical approach to malignant forms of lung cancer.
Microwave-assisted green synthesis, characterization, and in vitro antibacterial activity of NiO nanoparticles obtained from lemon peel extract
Authors: Heng Mei Hsuan , Win Yip Foo , Cheah Eddy Seong Guan , Chan Yu Bin , Rahman Md. Khalilur , Sultana Sabiha , Tey Lai-Hock , Wong Ling Shing , Djearamane Sinouvassane , Akhtaruzzaman Md. , Aminuzzaman Mohammod 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In the realm of nanotechnology, the synthesis of nanoparticles using environmentally benign methods, such as using plant extracts, has garnered significant attention. This work reports a simple and eco-friendly approach for the synthesis of nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) utilizing microwave irradiation in the presence of lemon peel extract as a green reducing agent and Ni(CH3COO)2·2H2O as a precursor. Numerous analytical techniques were employed to determine the optical, morphological, and structural properties of the green-synthesized NiO NPs. The findings revealed that the resulting NiO NPs are pure, with an average size of 34 nm and a spherical geometry, possessing a face-centered-cubic crystalline structure. The antibacterial activities of the NiO NPs were preliminarily investigated against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium). The morphological changes in B. subtilis and S. typhimurium were also evaluated by FE-SEM analysis, which showed that some cells were partially damaged and distorted in shape upon treatment with NiO NPs, thus demonstrating their promising antibacterial activities.