bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on Swelling of Agar‐Based Antibacterial Hydrogels for Hard‐to‐Heal Wound Dressings
Authors: Szarlej Paweł , Piłat Edyta , Gnatowski Przemysław , Cieśliński Hubert , Sienkiewicz Maciej , Kucińska‐Lipka Justyna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractDespite a wide range of available wound treatments, hard‐to‐heal wounds still pose a challenge. Hydrogels are often used as dressings for these wounds, because they sustain moisture in the wound environment, supporting the natural healing process. However, it is still not fully understood how physicochemical properties of hydrogel matrix affect the drug release process. Thus, detailed swelling kinetics examination coupled with modeling is needed together with studies on drug release. In this regard, several hydrogels based on plant‐derived agar and modified with amikacin sulfate were investigated. The main properties of hydrogels were examined focusing on detailed swelling kinetics. Drug release was studied as microbiological activity against E. coli and S. Epidermidis strains. The obtained hydrogels were characterized by high swelling, reaching values in range from 465–1300 %, fitting the second order kinetics mode and exhibiting the quasi‐Fickian diffusion properties. Furthermore, there was no correlation found between swelling properties and antibacterial activity against tested strains. The results confirmed that presented hydrogel materials have desirable properties for application as dressings for hard‐to‐heal wounds. The suggested compositions are a promising base for modification with other active substances (e. g., regenerative, anti‐inflammatory) and studying the broader correlation between swelling and drug release.
Exploring Enzyme Encapsulation Efficiency in MOFs Using Eco‐Friendly Approaches
Authors: Hieu Vo Trung , Lin Shang‐Wei , Lin Miao‐Chun , Kuan Pu‐Yun , Chen Jing‐Hui , Huang Hsin‐Kai , Liu Wen‐Tzu , Xu Hui , Li Ao , Hsu Yu‐An , Wan Lei , Khanh Lam Phuc , Chou Lien‐Yang , Yang Hsiao‐Ching , Shieh Fa‐Kuen 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe encapsulation of protein enzymes in metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) has been recognized as an effective enzyme immobilization approach. In this study, we demonstrated the influence of enzyme amount and the isoelectric points (pI) of different enzymes on the enzyme loading capacity in both mechanochemical (ball‐milling) and water‐based approaches. We found that increasing enzyme amounts enhances MOF enzyme loading without compromising activity, while the MOF shell protects encapsulated enzymes from proteinase K degradation through its size‐sheltering mechanism. However, an excess of enzymes can hinder the formation of ZIF‐90. Moreover, enzymes with low pI values (e. g., catalase, pI 5.4) facilitate encapsulation in MOFs, whereas enzymes with high pI values (e. g., lysozyme, pI 11.35) are more challenging to encapsulate. The simulation results revealed that increasing the enzyme amounts and pI values raises the activation energy necessary for MOF formation. This study highlights the crucial role of enzyme properties in the encapsulation process within MOFs, providing valuable insights for fabricating enzyme‐MOF biocomposites for diverse applications, such as protein drug delivery.
Characteristics of PD‐1+CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood and synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Chen Yan‐juan , Chen Yong , Chen Ping , Jia Yi‐qun , Wang Hua , Hong Xiao‐ping 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectivesPD‐1 plays a crucial role in the immune dysregulation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the specific characteristics of PD‐1+CD4+ T cells remain unclear and require further investigation.MethodsCirculating PD‐1+CD4+ T cells from RA patients were analysed using flow cytometry. Plasma levels of soluble PD‐1 (sPD‐1) were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Single‐cell RNA sequence data from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and synovial tissue of patients were obtained from the GEO and the ImmPort databases. Bioinformatics analyses were performed in the R studio to characterise PD‐1+CD4+ T cells. Expression of CCR7, KLF2 and IL32 in PD‐1+CD4+ T cells was validated by flow cytometry.ResultsRA patients showed an elevated proportion of PD‐1+CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood, along with increased plasma sPD‐1 levels, which positively correlated with TNF‐α and erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Bioinformatic analysis revealed PD‐1 expression on CCR7+CD4+ T cells in PBMCs, and on both CCR7+CD4+ T cells and CXCL13+CD4+ T cells in RA synovium. PD‐1 was co‐expressed with CCR7, KLF2, and IL32 in peripheral CD4+ T cells. In synovium, PD‐1+CCR7+CD4+ T cells had higher expression of TNF and LCP2, while PD‐1+CXCL13+CD4+ T cells showed elevated levels of ARID5A and DUSP2. PD‐1+CD4+ T cells in synovium also appeared to interact with B cells and fibroblasts through BTLA and TNFSF signalling pathways.ConclusionThis study highlights the increased proportion of PD‐1+CD4+ T cells and elevated sPD‐1 levels in RA. The transcriptomic profiles and signalling networks of PD‐1+CD4+ T cells offer new insights into their role in RA pathogenesis.
Dynamic endoscopic progression of gastrointestinal tract involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis: A pediatric case report
Authors: Pan Jianwei , Liu Bo , Zhang Huihua , Li Zhongyue 
Published: September 2024

AbstractGastrointestinal tract involvement in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is extremely rare, with limited documentation of endoscopic manifestations. We report a 19‐month‐old girl who presented with repeated diarrhea and bloody stools, accompanied by recurrent pulmonary infections, anemia, hypoproteinemia, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, and hepatosplenomegaly with lymphadenopathy. Initial treatment with antibacterial agents, mesalazine, thalidomide, and prednisone led to temporary improvement; however, the symptoms repeatedly relapsed. She underwent three digestive endoscopies, but until the third endoscopy, a definitive diagnosis of Langerhans cell histiocytosis was established through biopsy. While upper gastrointestinal tract findings were not significant, notable changes were observed in the colorectal region. A colonoscopy revealed progression from erythema to diffuse hyperemia and edema, with erythema, erosion, and superficial ulcers extending into the distal ileal mucosa. Genetic analysis identified a BRAF‐V600E mutation. Following treatment with chemotherapy (vincristine and prednisone) and the BRAF inhibitor dabrafenib, the patient demonstrated significant clinical improvement within days. At the 1‐year follow‐up, the patient had normal bowel movements and a weight gain of 2.5 kg. Early gastrointestinal endoscopy with multiple biopsies in suspected children can facilitate early detection. Dabrafenib is a viable treatment option for Langerhans cell histiocytosis.
Current Progress and Challenges in the Development of Pharmacotherapy for Metabolic Dysfunction‐Associated Steatohepatitis
Authors: Zhi Yang , Dong Yinuo , Li Xiaoyun , Zhong Wei , Lei Xiaohong , Tang Jieting , Mao Yimin 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTMetabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH), a severe form of metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), poses a significant threat to global health. Despite extensive research efforts over the past decade, only one drug has received market approval under accelerated pathways. In this review, we summarise the pathogenesis of MASH and present a comprehensive overview of recent advances in phase 2–3 clinical trials targeting MASH. These trials have highlighted considerable challenges, including low response rates to drugs, limitations of current surrogate histological endpoints, and inadequacies in the design of MASH clinical trials, all of which hinder the progress of MASH pharmacotherapy. We also explored the potential of non‐invasive tests to enhance clinical trial design. Furthermore, given the strong association between MASLD and cardiometabolic disorders, we advocate for an integrated approach to disease management to improve overall patient outcomes. Continued investigation into the mechanisms and pharmacology of combination therapies may offer valuable insights for developing innovative MASH treatments.
Generative mechanism analysis of ground fissure in the Nairobi–Malaba Railway area across the East African Rift
Authors: Li Yuandong , Zhang Xin , Li Xiaojun , Zhou Zhenghua , Hao Bin , Pan Jingmin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractAs the Nairobi–Malaba Railway traverses the East African Rift Valley, it has complex engineering geological conditions due to the development of its geological formations. Since March 2018, four large ground fissures have occurred in the East African Rift Valley area crossed by the Nairobi–Malaba Railway engineering construction, posing a significant threat to the safety of the railway engineering. According to the field investigation, it is initially considered that the ground fissures are caused by the loss of strength of the lower soil layers. In view of the fact that the settlement occurred during the rainy season and no earthquake events were recorded in the local and nearby areas during that period, it is inferred that the ground fissures originated from the subduction of the underlying soil layer by the submerged erosion of groundwater. For this reason, a further field investigation was conducted and a geological trench was directly excavated to the underlying rock for the uneven ground settlement, which revealed that the overlying soil layers are mainly silty clay layers and volcanic ash layers, and there are some deep and long cracks of a certain width on the underlying volcanic rock layer and there is gas flow spilling from the cracks. The field investigation also found the existence of some penetrating holes in the volcanic rock layer and caves beneath the volcanic rock layer. Based on the field investigation and phenomenological analysis, it is concluded that during the rainy season, the alternating action phenomenon of downward seepage of water in the surface soil layer and upward reflux of water beneath the volcanic rock layer happened through the cracks and penetrating holes on the volcanic rock layer, and the alternating effect of groundwater flow causes some silty clay and volcanic ash particles to flow into the caves and cracks beneath the volcanic rock layer, which leads to the generation of ground fissures. In addition, to further confirm the reliability of this interpretation of the generative mechanism of ground fissures, related results of conventional geotechnical tests on the overlying soil were studied, which verified the conclusion obtained.
Sol–Gel Synthesis of CuO Nanoparticles and Its Use as Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Mai Xuan T. , Duong Tuan M. , Nguyen Duc N. , To Tung H. , Luc Hoang H. , Tran Phong D. , Le Ly T. 
Published: September 2024

Copper and copper‐based catalysts have been recognized as attractive heterogeneous catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction. Herein, the synthesis of copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles via a sol–gel process using agar as the dispersant agent followed by thermal annealing at 400, 600, and 800 °C is reported on. Evolution of chemical composition, morphology, and crystallinity of CuO nanoparticles in function the annealing temperature is examined. These CuO nanoparticles are assayed as catalysts for the CO2 electrochemical reduction in a 0.1 m NaHCO3 or 0.1 m KHCO3 solution saturated with CO2, generating hydrogen, carbon monoxide, formate, and acetate as products. Among the CuO catalysts assayed, the CuO‐400 sample obtained at the annealing temperature of 400 °C leads to the highest formate production selectivity with a Faradaic efficiency of 26% at −0.9 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode.
Measurement and coupling analysis of the efficiency of resource‐based treatment of municipal solid waste in Chengdu–Chongqing area
Authors: Wang Xianning , Zhou Huiyan , Liu Juan 
Published: September 2024

AbstractMunicipal solid waste (MSW) is crucial for carbon cycle, residents' lives, and green circular economy development, but quantitative research is limited in efficiency and regional synergy. Considering the regional characteristics of Chengdu and Chongqing, this study establishes the input–output indicator system of MSW treatment in 16 cities in the Chengdu–Chongqing area, constructs the Data Envelopment Analysis model and the coupling coordination degree model, and makes an in‐depth study on the efficiency and environmental benefits of MSW resource treatment from 2012 to 2021. The research conclusion is as follows: first, the improvement of MSW treatment efficiency can be enhanced through reasonable policies and measures to promote sustainable urban development and socioeconomic benefits. The input and output levels of MSW treatment in 16 cities all show an upward trend. Second, the 16 MSW treatment systems have good average pure technical efficiency (Chongqing 0.9879, Chengdu 0.9805), average scale efficiency (Nanchong 0.9396), and average comprehensive efficiency (Nanchong 0.9148), but the overall comprehensive efficiency needs improvement. Third, in 2021, Chengdu's ecological and environmental benefits are better than Chongqing's, while Chongqing has a certain degree of input redundancy and output deficiency. Fourth, in the coupling analysis of resource treatment efficiency and environmental improvement benefits in Chengdu and Chongqing between 2012 and 2021, the coordination between resource treatment and environmental improvement in Chengdu lags behind that in Chongqing, but overall, the coupling is improving. Finally, suggestions for improving the efficiency of MSW resource treatment and promoting environmental improvement are presented from the front, middle, and back ends, respectively, to provide a reference for the policy‐making of city managers.
Exploring composite edible coatings for shelf life extension and quality preservation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)
Authors: Kathirvelu Thejesh , Xavier Janifer Raj , Innasimuthu Nelson , Chauhan Om Prakash 
Published: September 2024

AbstractComposite edible coatings developed using food grade generally recognized as safe biopolymers are being explored as surface coatings to preserve the shelf life of fruits and vegetables. The aim of this study was to formulate composite edible coatings for shelf‐life extension of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) by delaying senescence attributes. Beeswax 5.0 (% w/v) and gum arabic 10.0 (% w/v) coatings were used for coating mature tomatoes by dipping; the pretreated fruits were dipped one by one for 30 s in the coating solution to obtain a uniform coating, while enhanced freshness formulation containing hexanal 0.5 (% v/v) was used as a surface spray. Parameters such as color change based on Commission internationale de l'Éclairage values, moisture content (%), pH, total soluble solid content (Brix º), ascorbic acid and lycopene content (mg/100 g), titratable acidity, and reducing and total sugars (g/100 g) were compared with uncoated tomatoes. The results revealed that composite edible coatings, particularly 0.5% (v/v) hexanal sprays, extended the shelf life of tomatoes as observed from the changes in physico‐chemical parameters of coated and uncoated fruits. Furthermore, the coatings could be used to delay senescence and postharvest changes of tomatoes for up to 35 days under refrigeration.
Automation of historical weather data rescue
Authors: Zhang Y. , Sieber R. E. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractData rescuers worldwide have been trying to retrieve millions of valuable weather historical records so the observations contained in those records are preserved, searchable, analysable and machine readable. The majority of the records are written by hand, in print or cursive handwriting. Automatic transcriptions to date have not been reliable or sufficiently accurate on handwritten data so most of the historical records are transcribed manually. Recent attempts integrate artificial intelligence (AI) to automatically transcribe the historical records but the results have not been promising. Currently there is no end‐to‐end workflow to automatically transcribe historical handwritten tabular records into digital datasets. We propose a workflow that uses AI to automate the handwriting transcription process. The workflow is tested using the historical climate records from the Data Rescue: Archives and Weather (DRAW) project. This workflow is composed of five steps: (1) image pre‐processing, (2) text line segmentation, (3) bounding boxes detection, (4) AI‐enabled optical character recognition (OCR) and (5) layout re‐arrangement. These steps are modular to better accommodate future advances (e.g., new image training data, better layout detectors). We hope the workflow proposed can serve as a guideline that is easily replicable and can be utilized to transcribe other historical datasets.
A novel deep learning‐based technique for driver drowsiness detection
Authors: Mukherjee Prithwijit , Roy Anisha Halder 
Published: September 2024

AbstractEvery year, many people lose their lives because of road accidents. It is evident from statistics that drowsiness is one of the main causes of a large number of car accidents. In our research, we wish to solve this major problem by measuring the drowsiness level of the human brain while driving. The study aims to develop a novel technique to detect different alertness levels (i.e., awake, moderately drowsy, and maximally drowsy) of a person while driving. A hybrid model using a stacked autoencoder and hyperbolic tangent Long Short‐Term Memory (TLSTM) network with attention mechanism is designed for this purpose. The designed model uses different biopotential signals, such as electroencephalography (EEG), facial electromyography (EMG), and different biomarkers, such as pulse rate, respiration rate galvanic skin response, and head movement to detect a person's alertness level. Here, the stacked autoencoder model is used for automated feature extraction. TLSTM is used to predict a person's alertness level using stacked autoencoder network‐extracted features. The proposed model can classify awake, moderately drowsy, and maximally drowsy states of a person with accuracies of 99%, 98.3%, and 98.6%, respectively. The novel contributions of the paper includes (i) incorporation of an attention mechanism into the TLSTM network of the proposed hybrid model to focus on the emphatic states to enhance classification accuracy, and (ii) utilization of EEG, facial EMG, pulse rate, respiration rate, galvanic skin reaction, and head movement pattern to assess a person's alertness level.
Hong Kong Poison Information Centre: Annual report 2021
Authors: Chow Tin Yat Anthony , Chan Chi Keung , Ng Sze Hong , Tse Man Li 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIntroductionThe Hong Kong Poison Information Centre (HKPIC) has been providing consultation services to healthcare professionals and collecting epidemiological data on poisoning in Hong Kong since 2005.ObjectiveTo analyse and report the poisoning data from HKPIC in 2021.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on all poisoning cases recorded in the Poison Information and Clinical Management System of HKPIC in 2021.ResultsA total of 3973 poisoning cases were analysed. There was an increase of approximately 10% in total poisoning cases compared to 2020, bringing the total caseload back to the pre‐COVID era. Teenage (13–19 years) poisoning incidence continued to rise, reaching a recorded high of 16.2% of total poisoning cases. Notably, poisoning cases involving selective serotonin receptor inhibitors showed a significant increase, along with the use of the antidote cyproheptadine. The majority of these cases involved individuals under the age of 20 presenting with suspected self‐harm. Compared to 2020, the number of poisoning‐related deaths decreased by 25%, from 48 to 36 deaths in 2021, resulting in a case fatality rate of 1.0%. Additionally, six interesting cases and two poisoning clusters were discussed.ConclusionsThe 16th annual report provides valuable information on poisoning patterns in Hong Kong during the second year of the COVID‐19 pandemic, highlighting significant changes compared to previous reports.
Optimizing diesel engines with oxyhydrogen dual fuel: Enhancing performance with green methyl ester using MCDM techniques
Authors: Ajay Goud P. , Baba Mohammad Sikindar 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe current scenario of the automobile industry states the huge demand and necessity of hydrogen production as well as its storage. An alternative to hydrogen that is widely introduced in recent times is oxyhydrogen gas, often abbreviated as HHO due to its ratio of hydrogen to oxygen (2:1) content. HHO fuel can be extracted using the process of water electrolysis and is free of any carbon content, thus making it a clean fuel. In this present work, two types of fuels are used for carrying out the analysis of a diesel engine. The first one being used is HHO, while the second one is either pure diesel or a mixture of diesel (80%) and Jatropha methyl ester (20%). The study suggested that 20% Jatropha methyl ester (JME20) with HHO reduces the amount of smoke from emission, carbon monoxide (CO) content, and unburnt hydrocarbon (HC) while having an increase of parameters, such as NOx emissions. The desirability approach was implemented in this study to identify the optimal solution out of different combinations. The optimal solution in this study was recorded as Opt.JME20 + HHO fuel at 50% load condition. It has the maximum desirability score of 0.91 and provided the advantages of higher brake thermal efficiency by 1.25%, lower smoke, UHC, and CO emissions by 22.22%, 25%, and 27.27%, respectively, in comparison to the scores of respective parameters in baseline diesel operation.
Specific growth velocity reference charts for monochorionic twin pregnancies
Authors: Zhang Yan‐Hua , Chen Lu , Zhan Hong , Pan Jiao'e , Zhao Li , Zhao Wei , Liang Qiong‐Xin , Li Xiao‐Qing , Wen Hong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to create specific growth velocity reference charts for monochorionic (MC) twin pregnancies and provide additional information for assessing fetal growth in MC twins.Study DesignThis retrospective study collected data from uncomplicated MC twins with serial ultrasound parameters. The four ultrasound parameters, including biparietal diameter, femur length, head circumference, and abdominal circumference, were used to calculate the estimated fetal weight (EFW). Multilevel linear regression models were applied to fit growth velocity charts for each biometric parameter and EFW. Analysis of variance was used to examine differences in birthweight by whether EFW velocity and EFW values were <10th or ≥10th percentiles.ResultsThe final analysis encompassed a total of 5956 ultrasound examinations conducted on 487 MC twins. The growth velocity of four biparietal diameters exhibited a gradual decrease in a nearly linear fashion progressing from 18 to 37 gestational weeks. The EFW velocity increased steadily from 18 to 36 gestational weeks, reaching a peak of 178.2 g/week, and then the velocity gradually decreased until delivery. At 32 weeks for illustration, the lightest birth weight was observed when both EFW and EFW velocity were <10th percentile (1899 g). The study also found that birth weight was higher when EFW velocity was ≥10th percentile compared with <10th percentile, regardless of EFW being below or above the 10th percentile (2263 and 1906 g, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionWe developed specific growth velocity reference charts for MC twins, which could provide a valuable reference point for a more precise evaluation of fetal growth in MC twins. Preliminary findings indicate that the inclusion of fetal growth velocity in monitoring fetal growth provides additional information beyond EFW alone.