bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Relationship between Leisure Activity Types and Frailty in the Elders
Authors: Lee I-Chen , Chen Chun-Min , Lee Chun-Ying , Weng Shih-Feng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

As countries worldwide pursue healthy aging, maintaining the physical and mental health of the elders, active social participation, and daily leisure activities play an essential role. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the association between leisure activity types that the elders frequently engage in and frailty indicators. This study adopted a cross-sectional design. Elderly participants over 65 years old living in the community were recruited to take part in interview questionnaires; 303 elderly people participated. The variables included the demographic and socioeconomic data of the older participants, physical health, frailty condition, and leisure activity preference and participation. This study found that older participants typically engaged in their favorite types of activities, such as entertainment, physical, and musical activities. They were less likely to exhibit signs of frailty if they frequently engaged in the following three types of activities: music, talent, and outdoor leisure in their daily lives. If elderly people want to live a long, healthy, and happy life, encouraging them to participate in leisure activities is recommended. The findings indicate that it is necessary to remove the barriers for elderly people to participate in leisure activities when formulating health promotion policies to achieve healthy aging.
Perception of Smallholder Farmers about Climate Change and Its Impacts on Crop Production across Agroecological Zones of the Gassera District, Southeastern Ethiopia.
Authors: Aniye* Henok W/Yohannes , Bekele Tsegaye , Worku Walelign 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Climate change and variability have threatened rainfedagriculture by affecting the livelihoodsof rural communities in Ethiopia. The study area, Gassera District, is among the high-potential crop production areas of the Bale Zone and is severely impacted by recurrent droughts resulting from climate change. This study evaluated smallholder farmers' perceptions of significant climate change and its effects on food crop production across the agroecological zones of the Gassera District. A cross-sectional survey design was employed to collect data from 444 farm households via multistage random sampling techniques. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were used for the data analysis. The results revealedthat 98.5% of the interviewed farmers were aware of climate variability and that 51.6% understood its impact to a reasonable extent. However, over half of the farmers did not perceive climate change as the greatest threat to their livelihood. Most farmers experienced rain becoming more erratic, starting late, and ending early as medium climatic factors (60.4%, 68.1%, and 66.2%, respectively), affecting their crop production. The results revealed that rainfall had a negative and insignificant decreasing trend (2.92 mm/year). The annual mean temperature exhibited a positive and statistically significant increasing trend (Ρ < 0.01). Crop production is positively and linearly correlated with the amount of annual rainfall at the Ρ ≤ 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that the greatestcrop yield loss was associated with lowland agroecology. The MLR results revealed that farmer agroecology, age, sex, and chemical use had substantial impacts on crop yield loss. We urge farmers to understand the long-term effects of climate change on their livelihoods.
Modelling a low-head seawater-pumped hydro storage system's impeller for energy production within a small island developing state
Authors: Birbal Prashant Yadev , Azamathulla Hazi Mohammad 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

The proposed seawater pumped hydro storage (SPHS) is one option for providing a buffered energy storage system that will surely be required in the future. Given the fact that most small island developing states (SIDS) are isolated and surrounded by large bodies of water, the medium of seawater becomes an infinite supply. However, SIDS are also low lying and therefore only low heads will be available at high flows to maximize the energy efficiency of the system. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, ANSYS Fluent, was used to simulate this SPHS pump turbine impeller at low heads and high flows. This pump turbine impeller was simulated to function as both a pump and as a turbine at various revolutions per minute (rpm). The performance of the system was evaluated based on the pressure and velocity distributions of the pump turbine impeller at varying rpm. It was found that there were less energy losses within the turbine mode compared to the pump mode. Furthermore, this study showcases that the CFD model ANSYS Fluent is an economical, efficient, and easily diagnosable technique for analysing an impeller in both pump and turbine modes.
Neuroprotective Effect of Artemisinin in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Tiratsuyan Susanna , Hambardzumyan Yelena , Poghosyan Michael , Danielyan Margarita , Hovhannisyan Ashkhen 
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative
disease in older people, characterized by the accumulation of beta-amyloid (Aβ)
plaques and neurofibrillary tangles composed of aggregated of hyperphosphorylated tau
protein, which normally helps stabilize microtubules in neurons.

Method:
Nowadays, artemisinin (ART) as well as its semisynthetic derivatives (ARTs)
are seen as potential neuroprotectors. The goal of the present study is the assessment of
neuroprotective, antibacterial activity of ART, as well as in silico studies of ART affinity
to Aβ-peptides and the search of potential targets for ART. The study is referring to
explores the impact of ART on an animal model of AD that is induced by the aggregated
amyloidogenic peptide Aβ1-42 by electrophysiology and morphology analysis. Specifically,
the focus is on the activation of the entorhinal cortex (ENT) as synaptic potentiation.

Result:
Electrophysiological and histochemical have demonstrated that therapeutic injection
of ART or its derivatives acts as a neuroprotective This treatment appears to prevent
or slow down damage to brain tissue, and it promotes the restoration of neurons
and their surrounding environment. The protective effects of ART may involve various
mechanisms, including antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory effects, and the inhibition
of apoptosis.

Conclusion:
in silico studies revealed a direct, strong interaction of ART with the amyloidogenic
peptides 5Aβ17-42, 12Aβ9-40, and 18Aβ9-40. in silico screening revealed several
protein targets for ART, including cytochrome P-450 2B6 (CYP2B6). The highest binding
affinity was found on the active site of CYP2B6. ART has great potential for discovering
new drugs using combined therapies.
MEF2C is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker and is Correlated with Immune Infiltrates in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Ke , Xie Rui , Xie Zhanqiang , Wan Wang , Fu Xiangjie , Lai Xiaoqin , Li Dongbing , Miao Huilai 
Published: October 2024

Background:
The role of Myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 C (MEF2C) in lung
adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is unclear.

Objective:
To address this gap in knowledge, we employed bioinformatics analysis and
experimental validation in this study.

Methods:
This study investigated MEF2C expression across a spectrum of cancers, with
a specific focus on lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), utilizing Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)
data to assess its potential as a diagnostic marker. The study also investigated correlations
between MEF2C expression and clinical traits and prognostic indicators of LUAD.
Additionally, this study also delved into the regulatory mechanisms of MEF2C, examining
its connections to immune system interactions, immune checkpoint genes, tumor
mutational burden (TMB), and the sensitivity of LUAD to various drugs. Through
single-cell sequencing of LUAD cells and genetic variation of MEF2C in LUAD, we explored
the expression of MEF2C in cell lines and verified it by quantitative real-time
PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results:
MEF2C exhibited aberrant expression in both pan-cancer and LUAD. In individuals
with LUAD, diminished levels of MEF2C expression were notably linked to the effectiveness
of primary therapy outcome (p = 0.025), gender (p < 0.001), and the subdivision
of anatomic neoplasms 2 (p = 0.011). A decline in MEF2C levels was also found to
be significantly related to reduced overall survival (OS) in LUAD patients (p = 0.026).
The presence of MEF2C was recognized as a standalone factor predictive of prognosis
in LUAD (p = 0.029). MEF2C was found to be involved in multiple biological pathways,
such as those involving cell adhesion molecules. Additionally, its expression was
correlated with the extent of immune cell presence, the activity of immune checkpoint
genes, and TMB in LUAD. Notably, an inverse relationship was observed between MEF2C
expression and the sensitivity to several agents, including Topotecan, Irinotecan,
Panobinostat, Nilotinib, and Tp38-279, within the context of LUAD. Furthermore, MEF2C
was found to be significantly negatively regulated in LUAD cell lines.

Conclusion:
The results imply that MEF2C could be a valuable indicator for predicting
outcomes and a possible target for immunotherapy for LUAD patients.
Development and Validation of a Cholesterol-related Gene Signature for Prognostic Assessment in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Jiarong , Shu Dalong , Xu Rongwei , Zheng Yucheng , Lin Pei , Lin Yunfan , Zhao Xinyuan , Cui Li , Liao Xin , Guo Bing 
Published: October 2024

Aim:
This study seeks to develop a prognostic risk signature for head and
neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) based on cholesterol-related genes (CholRG),
aiming to enhance prognostic accuracy in clinical practice.

Background:
HNSCC poses significant challenges due to its aggressive behavior and
limited response to standard treatments, resulting in elevated morbidity and mortality
rates.In order to improve prognostic prediction in HNSCC, our study is inspired by the
realization that cholesterol metabolism plays a critical role in accelerating the progression
of cancer. To this end, we are developing a unique risk signature using CholRG.

Objective:
The aim of this study was to create a CholRG-based risk signature to predict
HNSCC prognosis, aiding in clinical decision-making accurately.

Method:
The TCGA HNSCC dataset, along with GSE41613 and GSE65858, was obtained
from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus
(GEO) databases, respectively. A CholRG-based risk signature was then developed and
validated across various independent HNSCC cohorts. Moreover, a nomogram model incorporating
CholRG-based risk signature was established. Additionally, functional enrichment
analysis was conducted, and the immune landscapes of the high- and low-risk
groups were compared. Finally, in vitro experiments were performed using lipid-based
transfection to deliver siRNAs targeting ACAT1 to SCC1 and SCC23 cell lines, further
examining the effects of ACAT1 knockdown on these cells.

Results:
Utilizing RNA-seq, microarray, and clinical data from public databases, we constructed
and validated a CholRG-based risk signature that includes key genes such as
ACAT1, CYP19A1, CYP27A1, FAXDC2, INSIG2, PRKAA2, and SEC14L2, which can effectively
predict the clinical outcome of HNSCC. Additionally, our findings were reinforced
by a nomogram model that integrates the risk score with clinical variables for
more clinically practical prognostic assessment. In addition, patients at high risk show
hypoxia and increased oncogenic pathways such as mTORC1 signaling, as well as a suppressed
immune microenvironment marked by a reduction in the infiltration of important
immune cells. Notably, in vitro experiments showed that ACAT1 depletion significantly
suppressed the proliferation, colony formation, and invasion capabilities of HNSCC
cells, confirming ACAT1's role in promoting malignancy.

Conclusion:
Collectively, our study not only underscores the importance of cholesterol
metabolism in HNSCC pathogenesis but also highlights the CholRG-based risk signature
as a promising tool for enhancing prognostic accuracy and personalizing therapeutic
strategies.
Preparation and Characterization of Universal Liquid Proliposomes Encapsulating Water-soluble Efficacious Substances
Authors: Xu Li , Huang Zhaohe , Pei Xiaojing , Zhang Ze , Li Shujing , He Yifan 
Published: October 2024

Introduction:
Liposomes were extensively used for cosmetics and pharmaceuticals
due to their versatility, biocompatibility, and biodegradability, as well as the ability to encapsulate
water-soluble and fat-soluble substances. However, some challenges remain unsolved, including
poor stability, complex preparation process, limited encapsulation efficiencies (EE%)
and drug loading capacity (DLC%).

Method:
We herein prepared universal liquid proliposomes by rotary evaporation method and
optimized formulations with different pH, glycerol content, ethanol content and preparation process.

Result:
The EE% of water-soluble substances was above 85%, and the maximum DLC% was
37.5%. In 7 different conditions, the optimal formulation of the proliposomes remained stable
over 60 days. The excellent stability of proliposomes and nicotinamide liposomes and their essence,
when applied to cosmetic formulations, was confirmed by the Turbiscan stability analyzer.

Conclusion:
The proposed universal liquid proliposomes can form liposomes encapsulating a
variety of water-soluble substances rapidly, making them an accessible and versatile tool for
improving the stability and applicability of water-soluble raw materials.
Evolutionary Sequences and Structural Information-driven Reconstruction of New Insulin-like Growth Factor-I Peptide Variants
Authors: Khan Nazam , Althobiti Maryam , Chinnadurai Raj Kumar , Alharbi Samir , Kumar Rajender 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is crucial in controlling cell
growth, proliferation, and apoptosis. Its strong link to the development of cancers such
as breast, prostate, lung, thyroid, and colorectal has positioned the IGF-1 signalling
pathway as a promising target for novel cancer therapies. When activated, the IGF-1
receptor (IGF-1R) binds to IGF-I, playing a central role in promoting tumour cell growth
and survival.

Methods:
In this study, we combined evolutionary sequences with structural and
functional data of IGF-1 to reconstruct ancestral sequences and design novel IGF-1
peptide variants.

Results:
The insulin-like growth factor system exhibits a vast sequence diversity, yet it
shares a similar structural topology with conserved three pairs of disulfide linkages.
Our study reveals that IGF-1 is associated with the IGF system of cell surface
receptors through protein-protein interactions. Reconstructed IGF-1 variants show
similar structure fold to reported viral IGF-1 competitive antagonists.

Conclusion:
This new insight guides the design of novel natural IGF-1 mimic
peptides. It enhances our understanding of IGF-1's functionality and opens new
avenues for the development of therapeutic peptides and small molecules as anticancer
agents.
Nanostructured Lipid Carrier-based Topical Gels as Novel Drug Delivery System: A Comprehensive Overview
Authors: Biswas Ujjwal Kumar , Sen Shreeja , Sharma Susrita , Paul Mohana , Nayak Amit Kumar , Bose Anindya 
Published: October 2024

Abstract:
Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) are lipidic nanocarriers that recover the permanency
and capacity of drug payloads. NLCs are well-known as second-generation lipid nanocarriers with an
unstructured matrix, presenting potentially advantageous nanocarrier systems with marketable opportunities
because of reproducible production methodologies and biocompatible lipidic excipients. These
(NLCs) are now recognized as a very promising nanocarrier structure for the efficient delivery of
drugs via different administration routes. In recent years, several NLC-based gels have been developed
and evaluated for topical delivery of many drugs and other therapeutic agents. This review article
presents an overview of NLC-based topical gels investigated to deliver drugs via ocular, dermal,
and transdermal routes. In addition, the classification, manufacturing, characterizations, advantages,
and disadvantages of NLCs are addressed in this article. We also discussed different evaluations of
NLC-based topical gels.
Fluconazole-loaded Hyaluronic Acid-modified Transfersomal Hydrogels Containing D-panthenol for Ocular Delivery in Fungal Keratitis Management
Authors: Das Biswarup , Nayak Amit Kumar , Mallick Subrata 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Fungal keratitis (mycotic keratitis) is an eye infection in which the cornea is
infected by fungi and such fungal keratitis management can be effectively possible by ocular administration
of antifungal drugs.

Objective:
The main objectives of the present research were to develop and evaluate fluconazoleloaded
transfersomal hydrogels for ocular delivery in the effective management of fungal keratitis.

Methods:
A 23 factorial design-based approach was used for statistical optimization, where (A) the
ratio of lipid to edge activators, (B) the amount of hyaluronic acid (% HA), and (C) the ratio of edge
activators (sodium deoxycholate to Span 80) were taken as three factors. The average vesicle diameter
(Z, nm) of transfersomes was taken as a response. Further, fluconazole-loaded transfersomes
(FTO) were incorporated into 1% Carbopol 940-based hydrogel (OF1) and 2% HMPC K4M-based
hydrogel (OF2) containing D-panthenol (5% w/w).

Results:
The optimal variable setting for the optimized formulations of FTO was (A) = 9.15, (B) =
0.30%, and (C) = 3.00. FTO exhibited 66.39 nm Z, 0.247 polydispersity index, – 33.10 mV zeta potential,
and 65.38 ± 1.77 % DEE, and desirable elasticity. TEM image of FTO demonstrated a unilamellar
vesicular structure. The ex vivo ocular permeation of fluconazole from transfersomal hydrogels
was sustained over 24 h. All the transfersomal hydrogels showed good bioadhesion and excellent
antifungal activity with respect to the zone of inhibition against Candida albicans than Aspergillus
fumigates, in vitro. HET-CAM study results demonstrated that both the hydrogels were nonirritant
and safe for ocular. Short-term physical stability study suggested the stability of the developed
formulation.

Conclusion:
The current research demonstrated a new way to enhance the ocular penetration of fluconazole
via transfersomal hydrogel formulations for ocular delivery in the effective management of
fungal keratitis.
FHOD3 Promotes the Progression of Lung Cancer by Regulating the Caspase-3-Mediated Signaling Pathway
Authors: Peng Zhonglu , Wang Junjie , Huan Zhenghang , Zhou Chengmin , Li Zhifeng , Fang Huilong , Yang Zhiying , He Dongyang , Xie Weiquan 
Published: October 2024

Introduction/Objective:
Lung cancer causes hundreds of thousands of deaths each year worldwide. FHOD3 was reported to accelerate the progression of brain cancer. However, its role in lung cancer is not clear. This study aimed to investigate the role of FHOD3 in lung cancer.

Methods:
The clinical significance of FHOD3 in lung cancer was analyzed based on the data from the TCGA database. The expression level of FHOD3 was detected by qPCR technology. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay, and cell invasion was detected by transwell assay. The activity of caspase-3 was determined by the ELISA method, cell apoptosis was iden-tified by TUNEL assay, and protein expression was measured by western blotting technology.

Results:
Based on the TCGA data, FHOD3 was overexpressed in tumor tissues compared to the normal tissues. Patients with higher FHOD3 expression exhibited a worse survival rate. The expression levels of FHOD3 in lung cancer cell lines were much higher than that in normal cells. When FHOD3 was knocked down, the ability of cell proliferation and invasion was sig-nificantly inhibited. Cell apoptosis rate was increased reversely. The activity of caspase-3 was increased significantly. In addition, the expression level of cleaved caspase-3 was increased. The expression levels of Bax, caspase-8, and ICAD were also increased significantly. However, the expression of antiapoptotic molecule Bcl-2 was decreased reversely. This suggests that the caspase-3-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway was activated by FHOD3 knockdown.

Conclusion:
FHOD3 was overexpressed and negatively associated with survival rate in lung cancer patients. FHOD3 regulates cell proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis through the caspase-3-mediated signaling pathway. This study indicates that FHOD3 is an important gene contributing to the progression of lung cancer and might be a new drug target for the therapy of lung cancer.
Zinc Finger Protein 536 is a Potential Prognostic Biomarker that Promotes Neuroblastoma Progression via VEGFR2-PI3K-AKT Pathway
Authors: Fang Yuan , Dong Rui , Wang Shujing , Chen Lian , Wang Yizhen , Wu Qiang 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a well-known pediatric malignancy intertwined with neurodevelopment. Previously implicated in neuronal differentiation, Zinc Finger Protein 536 (ZNF536) has emerged as a promising prognostic and immune-related biomarker in our pan-cancer analysis.

Methods:
Single-cell RNA transcriptome sequencing, bulk transcriptome analysis, and immuno-histochemistry were used to assess ZNF536 expression and its association with prognosis. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and differentiation in ZNF536-knockdown NB cell lines were detected to evaluate the effect of ZNF536 on tumor cells. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 (VEGFR2), a potential target of ZNF536, and its downstream PI3K/AKT signaling cascade were investigated using transcriptome sequencing, CUT&Tag, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), and Western blotting. The role of ZNF536 in tumorigenesis and the potential regulation axis was evaluated in vivo using a BALB/c nude mouse xenograft tumor model.

Results:
ZNF536 mRNA and protein expression were significantly higher in NB patients with poor prognosis. In vitro, ZNF536 knockdown curtailed proliferation, migration, and invasion of NB cells while fostering differentiation. ZNF536 regulated VEGFR2 expression, thus activating the PI3K-AKT pathway. In vivo, ZNF536 knockdown reduced tumor growth and proliferation via the VEGFR2-PI3K-AKT pathway.

Conclusion:
ZNF536 resulted as a novel prognostic biomarker in NB, promoting oncogenesis through VEGFR2-PI3K-AKT signaling axis modulation, suggesting its therapeutic potential in managing NB progression.