bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Screening of dandelion phenolic extracts and their anti-bacterial function against Escherichia coli through acting on Na+-K+ ATPase
Authors: Xie Pujun , Wang Xiang , Huang Lixin , Deng Yejun , Zhang Caihong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractFood contamination by Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an increasing public health concern. Screening for natural plant preservatives has received increasing attention. In this study, dandelion flower phenolic extract (DFPE), with the strongest bacterial inhibition and the highest polyphenol level from various organs, was identified using HPLC and FTIR. The results showed a significant increase in extracellular ATP levels due to cellular membrane leakage in E. coli and decreased Na+-K+ ATPase activity. These behaviors were caused by representative phenolic compounds such as caffeic acid in DFPE. Molecular docking simulations were performed to reveal the mechanism of interaction between caffeic acid and Na+-K+ ATPase. This indicated that conventional hydrogen bonds, pi-anions, and pi-alkyl were involved in the interaction between them. Molecular dynamic equilibrium of the liganded ATPase complex was achieved after 20 ns. The lower values of Rg and SASA demonstrated that the liganded ATPase structure changed from a relatively loose to a tight state in the presence of caffeic acid. Overall, these findings are meaningful for screening bioactive compounds from various food-derived plant tissues using a combination of practical experimentation and molecular simulations.
Graphical Abstract
Crack SAM: enhancing crack detection utilizing foundation models and Detectron2 architecture
Authors: Rakshitha R , Srinath S , Vinay Kumar N , Rashmi S , Poornima B V 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAccurate crack detection is crucial for maintaining pavement integrity, yet manual inspections remain labor-intensive and prone to errors, underscoring the need for automated solutions. This study proposes a novel crack segmentation approach utilizing advanced visual models, specifically Detectron2 and the Segment Anything Model (SAM), applied to the CFD and Crack500 datasets, which exhibit intricate and diverse crack patterns. Detectron2 was tested with four configurations—mask_rcnn_R_50_FPN_3x, mask_rcnn_R_101_FPN_3x, faster_rcnn_R_50_FPN_3x, and faster_rcnn_R_101_FPN_3x—while SAM was compared using Focal Loss, DiceCELoss, and DiceFocalLoss. SAM with DiceFocalLoss outperformed Detectron2, achieving mean IoU scores of 0.69 and 0.59 on the CFD and Crack500 datasets, respectively. The integration of Detectron2 with faster_rcnn_R_101_FPN_3x and SAM using DiceFocalLoss involves generating bounding boxes with Detectron2, which serve as prompts for SAM to produce segmentation masks. This approach achieves mIoU scores of 0.83 for CFD dataset and 0.75 for Crack500 dataset. These results highlight the potential of combining foundation models with Detectron2 for advancing crack detection technologies, offering valuable insights for enhancing highway maintenance systems.
A novel improvement of particle swarm optimization using an improved velocity update function based on local best murmuration particle
Authors: Twumasi Elvis , Frimpong Emmanuel Asuming , Prah Nicholas Kwesi , Gyasi David Boah 
Published: October 2024

AbstractImprovement of particle swarm optimization (PSO) is relevant to solving the inherent local optima and premature convergence problem of the PSO. In this paper, a novel improvement of the particle swarm optimization is provided to curb the problem of the classical PSO. The proposed improvement modifies the updating velocity function of the PSO, and it uses a local best murmuration particle which is found using the k-means clustering technique. In this contribution, each particle moves towards the global best position by not only using the personal best and global best, but particles are modelled to move in murmuration towards the global best using the personal best, global best and a local best particle known as the local best murmuration particle. The improved model was tested against the traditional PSO and two other variants of the PSO and genetic algorithm (GA) using 18 benchmark test functions. The proposed improvement demonstrated superior exploration abilities by achieving the best optimum values in 15 out of 18 functions, particularly in the multimodal functions, where it achieved the best optimum value in all 6 cases. It also achieved the best worst-case values in 12 out of 18 functions, especially in the variable-dimension functions, where other algorithms showed significant escalation, indicating the proposed improvement’s reliability and robustness. In terms of convergence, the proposed improvement exhibited the best convergence rate in all 18 functions. These findings highlight the impressive ability of the proposed improvement to converge swiftly without compromising accuracy.
Computational quest, synthesis and anticancer profiling of 3-methyl quinoxaline-2-one-based active hits against the tyrosine kinase
Authors: Raj Priyadarsini , Samuel Abiseik , Kothandapani Anitha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Cancer is the predominant cause of mortality and a remarkable obstacle to elevating life anticipation in every nation on globe. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a hyper-vascular tumour, develops and progresses due to angiogenesis, a key feature of malignancy. HCC exhibits high neoangiogenic activity because of the need to generate new blood vessels for tumour growth.

Methods
The present work includes the construction of virtual library of ligands, virtual screening using the Dockthor-VS server, ADMET study using the SwissADME and Osiris property explorer. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by UV, IR, NMR and mass spectroscopic techniques. MTT assay was done to find the IC50 of the synthesized compounds against HepG2 cell line. The more active compound found is subjected to the molecular dynamics simulation study.

Results
The ligands exhibited good docking scores, ADMET profile compared to the reference drugs. The target compounds were obtained with the satisfactory yields of 66–82%. The best activity against the HepG2 cancer cell line is observed with the compound SA-4 with IUPAC name (2-(3-methyl-2-oxoquinoxalin-1(2H)-yl)-N-(5-(3-nitrophenyl)-5H-thiazolo[4,3-b] [1,3,4] thiadiazol-2-yl) acetamide). The experimental results obtained show correlation with the in silico results. MD simulation of the compound SA-4 indicates the moderate stability of the protein-ligand complex in real time environment.

Conclusion
The results obtained suggest that the compound SA-4 has the potential to be a promising anticancer agent effective against the VEGFR-2 and FGFR-4.

Graphical abstract
The comparison of the effects of percussive massage therapy, foam rolling and hamstring stretching on flexibility, knee range of motion, and jumping performance in junior athlete: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ahmed Sohel , Jakaria G M , Islam Md. Shafiqul , Imam Md. Akhsaful , Ratul Sudipto Kumar , Jahangir Ruwaida , Saha Joy , Uddin Jalal , Islam Mohammad Jahirul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Before every sporting event, almost all athletes engage in a routine practice of warming up to prepare the body for peak performance. There has been a surge in popularity within the athletic world around the use of percussive massage therapy (PMT).

Objectives
The objectives of this study were to see if using percussive massage therapy, foam rolling (FR), and hamstring stretching (HStr) as part of a warm-up routine had any acute effects on flexibility, jumping performance, and range of motion in junior athletes, and if so, whether there was a significant difference in the acute effects of these treatment methods.

Methods
Thirty-nine junior athletes with at least 3 years of experience, male gender, age range above 17, seated flexion test < 40 cm, and a willingness to participate were all considered for admittance. Participants were randomly divided into three groups. Before and after the treatment, the seated flexion test, vertical jump test, active SLR, and active knee extension were measured.

Results
The study found significant improvement in all three groups when comparing them within the groups in the sit and reach test (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.002, and HStr p = 0.001), active SLR (PMT p < 0.001, FR p < 0.001, and HStr p = 0.001), active knee extension (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.002, and HStr p = 0.004), and vertical jump test (PMT p < 0.001, FR p = 0.011, and HStr (p < 0.001). Comparisons between groups showed significant differences among PMT vs. FR (p = 0.041) in vertical jump height and PMT vs. HStr (p = 0.034) in active SLR.

Conclusion
We detected a notable disparity in hamstring flexibility between the PMT and FR groups, as well as in vertical jump height between the PMT and HStr groups. However, there was no apparent alteration in active knee extension in all three groups.
Degraded oculomotor function and its implications on balance in pediatric strabismus
Authors: Telci Fatma , Karabekiroğlu Figen , Niyaz Leyla , Cogen Talha 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Background
Children with visual impairment often exhibit poor postural control. However, the effects of strabismus on oculomotor system components and its impact on balance in children are not yet fully understood. This study aims to determine the potential effects of oculomotor functions on balance skills in children with strabismus.

Methods
A total of 30 children aged between 6 and 10 years participated in this study. Fifteen children diagnosed with strabismus were included in the strabismus group (8.07 ± 1.33 years), and 15 healthy children without any vision problems were included in the control group (8.03 ± 1.49 years). All children underwent a comprehensive hearing evaluation, bedside neurological and balance examinations, the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) assessment to assess balance function, and Videonystagmography (VNG) tests to measure oculomotor function.

Results
In the saccade test, no significant differences were found between the groups in terms of latency, accuracy, and speed (p > 0.05). The strabismus group showed significantly lower pursuit test gains (except the left eye at 0.4 Hz) (p < 0.05) and significantly higher asymmetries (except the right eye at 0.4 Hz) (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the groups in optokinetic test gains (p > 0.05). The strabismus group had significantly lower scores on the 360-degree rotation task (10th item) (p = 0.027) and total PBS scores (p = 0.029). Correlation analysis revealed statistically significant negative correlations between strabismus angle and optokinetic test gains, pursuit test gains, and PBS total scores, with varying correlation strengths (p < 0.05 and − 0.639 < r <  − 0.338).

Conclusions
Strabismus adversely affects the optokinetic and pursuit systems, as well as balance in children. Furthermore, an increase in the strabismus angle is associated with greater adverse effects on these functions. The lower scores obtained in the PBS scores of the strabismus group indicate that strabismus may negatively affect balance skills in activities of daily living. Early intervention and targeted therapies should be considered to mitigate these effects and support the development of balance skills in children with strabismus.
Opportunities for African indigenous vegetables (AIVs): regulations in the vegetable seed sector in sub Saharan Africa
Authors: Mativavarira Munyaradzi , Simango Kennedy , Dube Praxedis , Gasura Edmore , Savadye Dexter Tony , Mujaju Claid 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
African indigenous vegetables (AIVSs) play crucial roles in promoting a healthy diet and providing commercial opportunities for smallholder farmers. Despite their nutrient-rich nature, their consumption is limited, highlighting the need to develop and promote them, as they are well adapted to climate change. To address this issue, a comprehensive study combining desk research and a survey was conducted in Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe (Southern Africa), as well as Kenya and Tanzania (East Africa). This study aimed to assess progress and regulations on AIV germplasm management, crop improvement, seed production and seed trade and to propose seed regulations that could unlock opportunities for AIVs. The World Vegetable Centre has played a crucial role in vegetable seed sector development working with public and private partners. Kenya and Tanzania officially released several AIVs, namely, spider plant (Cleome gynandra), amaranth (Amaranthus spp.), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), pumpkin (Cucurbita spp.) and African nightshade (Solanum spp.). These efforts represent important steps toward promoting and enhancing the cultivation and utilization of AIVs. The trade of AIV seeds has primarily been observed between Kenya and Tanzania, while such trade is not well documented in other Southern African countries. Regulations regarding the release of vegetable varieties vary across regions. In Kenya and Tanzania, formal release of vegetables is required, whereas is not mandatory in Malawi, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The need for testing for distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) and value for cultivation and use (VCU) need to be assessed to provide flexibility, whereas seed certification should allow for the certification and quality declared seeds (QDS), offering options that promote the growth of the AIV seed sector. The AIV sector has several strengths, including the presence of key stakeholders, abundant genetic resources and an untapped market. Opportunities include the recognition of different seed classes, free trade areas, and the integration of seed systems, allowing farmer and small seed companies to enter the seed business. Owing to climate uncertainty and nutrient deficiencies, there is an urgent need to develop seed regulations for AIVs to ensure that the vegetable sector can fully develop and contribute to food system resilience.
The role of
Teff
crop in Ethiopian life: consumption and contribution to rural livelihoods
Authors: Gebrehiwot Nahusenay Teamer , Ndinda Catherine 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Teff
(Eragrostis tef) is believed to be the smallest grain in the world. It is the most important crop in Ethiopia in terms of production and consumption. Smallholder farmers produce
Teff,
and it is the main source of income for farmers in comparison to other cereal crops.
Teff
is the daily staple food for over 50 million Ethiopians. There is a need for information on agricultural consumption, disaggregated at district level, to support evidence-based decision-making at local level. The objective of this paper is to understand the consumption of
Teff
among rural smallholder producers at district level and assess the position of
Teff
among cereals in the lives of Ethiopian rural farmers. The study employed a multistage sampling technique to select the top
Teff
producing regions, districts, and
kebeles
(small administrative units) and collected primary data through focus group discussions (FGDs), key informants, and questionnaire respondents
.
The survey collected qualitative and quantitative data from 357 households. FGD, key informant interview (KII) participants and survey respondents were drawn from the same areas where the survey was conducted. The quantitative and qualitative data were subjected to statistical and content analysis respectively. The study findings revealed that on average households consume 26.92% of their
Teff
production per year. Moreover, there is a shift in the consumption of
Teff
which might be due to improved standards of living among the farmers, a health-conscious community, and improved income from
Teff
sales. Although
Teff
is a staple grain in Ethiopia, there is a statistically significant variation in
Teff
consumption among districts.
Current and potential distribution of the invasive apple snail,
Pomacea canaliculata
in Eastern Africa: evidence from delimiting surveys and modelling studies
Authors: Makale Fernadis , Muvea Alexander M. , Mugambi Idah , Chacha Duncan , Finch Elizabeth A. , Rwomushana Ivan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The invasive apple snail
Pomacea canaliculata
has become a significant concern in invaded habitats beyond its native range. It was reported in Kenya in 2020 invading one of the largest rice-producing schemes, the Mwea irrigation scheme. Delimiting surveys were conducted across five key rice-producing schemes (Mwea, Bura, Hola, Ahero and West Kano) in Kenya to establish the extent of the invasion and develop effective quarantine and management strategies within the Mwea scheme and other risk areas. Additionally, the ensemble model approach was used to model the potential distribution of
P. canaliculata
in Eastern Africa (as defined by the United Nations Geoscheme). Over 80% of the Mwea scheme was infested with
P. canaliculata
, an expansion from the initial infestation point (Ndekia). The mean number of adults/m
2
and egg clutches/m
2
were 8.4 ± 0.9 (SEM) and 7.7 ± 1.4 (SEM), respectively, with varying densities across sections. No adults or eggs of
P. canaliculata
were found in the four schemes outside the Mwea scheme. The model predicted high suitability for
P. canaliculata
in the southwest of Kenya,and in coastal areas, with all surveyed areas marked as highly suitable.
.
Regionally, high-risk areas include Malawi, Madagascar, and Uganda. Mozambique, Tanzania, and Ethiopia showed localised areas of high suitability. Conversely, Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Djibouti and Somalia were largely unsuitable for
P. canaliculata
. Given the potential for further spread, strict quarantine measures are essential to prevent the spread of
P. canaliculata
in Kenya and its introduction to uninvaded regions of Eastern Africa. Alongside this, implementing IPM e strategies is crucial for effective pest management and the protection of agricultural ecosystems.
Chronic Widespread Pain
Authors: Kissoon Narayan R. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
This article reviews the potential etiologies of chronic widespread pain syndromes and outlines a practical approach to the management of patients with these disorders.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Recent updates to diagnostic criteria for primary chronic widespread pain syndromes have allowed for more effective diagnosis. Fibromyalgia is the most common presentation of chronic widespread pain, and the concept of nociplastic pain has been used to describe pain that is related to altered processing of pain sensory pathways. Research studies have provided a better understanding of the pathophysiology of the central augmentation that occurs in patients with nociplastic pain and fibromyalgia.

ESSENTIAL POINTS
Primary chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia have established diagnostic criteria in which chronic pain involves multiple defined regions and occurs for longer than 3 months. Evaluation of chronic widespread pain should be directed by the clinical presentation. Neurologic disease can present with chronic widespread pain but is accompanied by associated signs and symptoms. Patients with chronic widespread pain benefit from effective communication that validates concerns, provides an understandable explanation of the presenting symptoms, and sets realistic expectations in outcomes using a comprehensive multimodal care plan.
Orofacial Pain
Authors: Barad Meredith , Romero-Reyes Marcela 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
This article explores the multiple etiologies, diagnosis, and management of orofacial pain.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Published in 2019, the International Classification of Orofacial Pain has become the internationally accepted classification system for primary and secondary facial pain. New discoveries in temporomandibular disorders have demonstrated that they are far more complex than the traditional dental mechanistic point of view. A 2020 consensus report released by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine entitled “Temporomandibular Disorders: Priorities for Research and Care” highlighted this paradigm shift and its importance for patient care, education, and research.

ESSENTIAL POINTS
Orofacial pain comprises many disorders with different etiologies and pathophysiologies. The subjectivity of the pain experience and the interrelated anatomy and physiology of the craniofacial area add to the complexity of diagnosis when the source and etiology of pain are not clear. As orofacial pain straddles the expertise of multiple disciplines, a multidisciplinary approach combining medication, physical therapy, and procedural and psychological strategies is essential in treating patients with orofacial pain.
Central Neuropathic Pain
Authors: Argoff Charles E. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE
This article provides an approach to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of central neuropathic pain.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Recent studies of the pathophysiology of central neuropathic pain, including evidence of changes in the expression of voltage-gated sodium channels and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, may provide the basis for new therapies. Other areas of current research include the role of cannabinoid-receptor activity and microglial cell activation in various animal models of central neuropathic pain. New observations regarding changes in primary afferent neuronal activity in central neuropathic pain and the preliminary observation that peripheral nerve blocks may relieve pain due to central neuropathic etiologies provide new insights into both the mechanism and treatment of central neuropathic pain.

ESSENTIAL POINTS
In the patient populations treated by neurologists, central neuropathic pain develops most frequently following spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or stroke. A multimodal, individualized approach to the management of central neuropathic pain is necessary to optimize pain relief and may require multiple treatment trials to achieve the best outcome.
prominin-1-null Xenopus laevis develop subretinal drusenoid-like deposits, cone-rod dystrophy and RPE atrophy
Authors: Carr Brittany J. , Skitsko Dominic , Kriese Linnea M. , Song Jun , Li Zixuan , Ju Myeong Jin , Moritz Orson L. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Prominin-1 (PROM1) variants are associated with inherited, non-syndromic vision loss. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to induce prom1-null mutations in Xenopus laevis and then tracked retinal disease progression from the ages of 6 weeks to 3 years. We found that prom1-null-associated retinal degeneration in frogs was age-dependent and involved retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction preceding photoreceptor degeneration. Before photoreceptor degeneration occurred, aging prom1-null frogs developed larger and increasing numbers of cellular debris deposits in the subretinal space and outer segment layer, which resembled subretinal drusenoid deposits (SDDs) in their location, histology and representation as seen by color fundus photography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). Evidence for an RPE origin of these deposits included infiltration of pigment granules into the deposits, thinning of the RPE as measured by OCT, and RPE disorganization as measured by histology and OCT. The appearance and accumulation of SDD-like deposits and RPE thinning and disorganization in our animal model suggests an underlying disease mechanism for prom1-null-mediated blindness that involves death and dysfunction of the RPE preceding photoreceptor degeneration, instead of direct effects upon photoreceptor outer segment morphogenesis, as was previously hypothesized.