bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of chitosan colistin nano-antibiotics and its in-vitro activity against multidrug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: . Haseeb Ur Rahman , Muhammad Javed , Ali Hina , . Hussan , Akbar Ali , Raza Abida , Khan Saeed , Ullah Riaz , Ibrahim Muhammad A. , . Amjad Khan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Gram-negative bacteria are resistant to different antibiotics and thus they are the culprits of serious infections in hospitals. Colistin can be considered at least the possible antibiotic against these microorganisms. In this study, Colistin-chitosan-conjugated nanoparticles (Col-CSNPs) were designed to develop a new comprising of multifunctional Colistin chitosan against Acinetobacter baumannii. Colistin-loaded nanoparticles were equipped with the ionic gelation method. It was characterized by zeta sizer, UV spectrophotometry, x-ray diffraction, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), which displayed homogeneity both in shape and size. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was done through microdilution methods for assessment of the effectiveness of developed Colistin-loaded nanoparticles against A. baumannii. The zeta sizer analysis showed the size of nanoparticles in 1% acidic acid was found to be 245nm and had a low polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.26. UV-Vis spectroscopy using a SPUV-1000 spectrophotometer attached to Mwave professional software 2.0 showed a spectrum between 200–900 nm and determined the main absorbing region. In XRD patterns of CS/TPP/ NPs a broad peak at 2θ = 22° was recorded. Outcomes showed that the MIC of a mixture of CSNP and Colistin is lower (0.25µg/ml) than the MIC of Colistin individually (0.5µg/ml). Overall summary of Nano-antibiotics showed a good synergistic effect as compared to Colistin antibiotics. Our research shows a lot of interest in the use of CS as a Nano-carrier system that encapsulates Colistin and for its potential use as Nano-antibiotics to treat resistant infections carried on by considerable Gram-negative A. baumannii.
Environmentally Friendly Shape Memory Smart Composite Material with Multiple Response Modes
Authors: Suo Fang , Bai Zhongyang , Ma Xiangwei , Yao Yongtao , Liu Yanju 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Cellulose and lignin offer advantages of low cost and environmental friendliness. In this study, a multi-responsive shape memory smart composite material was proposed based on carboxymethyl cellulose and lignin. Lignin imparts photothermal responsiveness to the composite, while cellulose provides water responsiveness. A bio-inspired structure that mimicking the water transport mechanism of plant leaves was developed to improve the water responsive functionalities of composite material (shape recovery within 30 seconds). A self-driven device that mimics the blooming of a flower was successfully fabricated using this composite material. The shape memory smart composite material exhibits a high degree of design flexibility. Based on the mechanisms of water response, a simple structure programming method was proposed, enabling the design of programmable structures with smart and controllable features. This study provides a new approach to the design of multifunctional smart materials, enhancing the application potential of shape memory materials under multiple environmental factors.
Efficient Free Charge Generation at Low-carrier Concentration in Chemically-doped Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Blackburn Jeffrey , Earley Justin , Reid Obadiah , Murrey Tucker , Doud Evan , Spokoyny Alexander , Hermosilla-Palacios M. , Rumbles Garry , Ferguson Andrew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Free carrier generation in doped organic semiconductors is poorly understood, since assumed tight electron-hole binding conflicts with observed high free carrier yields. We experimentally investigate the roles of enthalpy, entropy, and local dielectric environment in free carrier generation and transport using isolated chemically doped semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes in low-dielectric solvent. Dopant chemical structure dramatically influences the observed changes in carrier density-dependent complex permittivity, with bulky dopants drastically increasing the local dielectric constant and electronic conductivity, even at carrier densities below one carrier per nanotube. The results are understood by considering the roles of entropic stabilization and a non-static dielectric constant, both of which lower the energy barrier for free charge generation. This understanding has important implications for designing doped organic systems and devices for enhanced carrier mobility, conductivity, and performance.
Lightweight and thermally conductive Ga-based liquid metal hybrid composites filled with hollow glass bubbles
Authors: Ding Xilong , Jiang Yunpeng 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this study, glass bubbles (GBs) and gallium-based liquid metal (LM) were combined at varying volume fraction ratios to prepare the composites (GB-LMs), with the objective of optimising their state of matter and overall properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of high thermal conductivity (TC) particles, including copper and silver, was pursued in augmenting the thermal conductive efficiency of the resulting composites. TC, electrical conductivity (EC) and density were measured in order to construct a structure-property relationship, while the underlying microphysical mechanisms were elucidated through the numerical simulations based on the distinctive architectures observed. As the loading of LM droplets increases, the GB-LMs undergo a transition from a scattered state to a thick pasty state and then to a dilute gel state. The composite sample with a loading of 32% LM droplets exhibited a moderate pasty state, with a TC of 4.7 W/m·K, an EC of 380 S/m, and a density of 2.4 g/cm3. The introduction of copper or silver powders into the aforementioned GB-LMs resulted in a TC of 8.0 W/m·K, an EC of 1.59×104 S/m and a low density of 3.2 g/cm3. The incorporation of high TC particles into GB-LMs has the potential to markedly improve the TC-to-density ratio of the composite system. These findings facilitate the implementation of these materials in the thermal management of LM-based composites.
Diagnostic value of the gene expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 15 and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in middle-aged patients with acute coronary artery disease: a pilot case-control study
Authors: Abdelsabour MA , Idriss NK , Blann AD , Mosa AA , Fouad DA , Amal AM , Ashry A , Sayed SA , Nasreldin E , Hassen SA , Elnaggar MG , Meki AA , Hassen HA , Gaber M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Differential diagnosis of the various manifestations of ischaemic heart disease can be difficult, especially in the young, with many investigations being relevant. We hypothesised that expression of the genes for Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15) and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) have a place in the diagnosis of an acute coronary artery disease event in those aged up to 55 years with existing coronary artery disease. Venous blood was obtained from 53 patients (27 with diabetes) presenting with an acute coronary syndrome and subsequently shown to have coronary artery disease, and from 46 age and sex matched controls free of cardiovascular disease and its risk factors. Relative expression of leukocyte transcriptome GAPDH, GDF15 and TERTwere determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and quantified by quantitation-comparative Ct (ΔCt).
Results: Compared to controls, mean (95% CI) relative expression of GDF15 mRNA in the patients was 1.38 (1.13-1.49) (p<0.001), and of TERT was 1.12 (1.04-1.20) p=0.003), with GDF15 being greater than that of TERT(p<0.001). There was no difference in relative GDF15 expression in 26 patients free of diabetes (1.6 [1.42-1.78]) versus the 27 patients with diabetes (1.6 [1.29-1.91]) (p=0.996), and no difference in relative TERTexpression in patients free of diabetes (1.19 [1.06-1.33]) compared to those with diabetes (1.25 [0.98-1.50]) (p=0.739).
Conclusions: Compared to healthy controls, GDF15 and TERT expressions are both increased in coronary artery disease and in coronary artery disease+diabetes, with no difference between the patient groups. These genes may have roles in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of acute coronary artery disease.
Evaluation of the Performance of a Biofire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Multiplex Real-Time PCR Assay for Bacterial Meningitis Diagnosis at a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Dildar Shabnam , Nadeem Saman , Afzal Nayab , Athar Muhammad Ammar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Meningitis and encephalitis are critical, life-threatening conditions associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Early diagnosis and immediate treatment are essential for decreasing mortality and improving patient outcomes. The Biofire Film Array Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) panel is a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-nucleic acid-based diagnostic assay designed for the rapid diagnosis of bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens in cerebrospinal fluid. In this study, we evaluated the performance of Biofire Film Array Meningitis/Encephalitis multiplexing real a biofire film array meningitis/encephalitis multiplex real-time PCR assay for the detection of bacterial pathogens in suspected cases of bacterial meningitis.
Methods: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were collected from 132 intensive care unit (ICU) patients with suspected bacterial meningitis. The clinical samples were analyzed using traditional culture and sensitivity methods, the Biofire Film Array ME Panel multiplex PCR, procalcitonin (PCT), and C-reactive protein (CRP) assays. The sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the Biofire Film Array ME Panel real-time PCR assay were evaluated.
Results: A total of 132 patients, with a mean age of 38.9 ± 23.7 years, were included in the study. The mean levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT) were 52.41 ± 82.23 mg/L and 3.7 ± 7.6 ng/mL, respectively. Among these patients, 9 (6.8%) had positive cultures for Listeria monocytogenes (n = 6), Streptococcus pneumonia (n = 2), and Neisseria meningitides (n = 1), while 123 patients were culture negative.
All 9 culture-positive cases were detected by the Biofire ME Panel, and 114 out of 123 (92.7%) culture-negative cases were confirmed as true negatives by the panel. The Biofire ME Panel demonstrated excellent diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity of 100% (95% CI: 63.06–100%), a specificity of 91.94% (95% CI: 85.67–96.06%), and an overall diagnostic accuracy of 92.42% (95% CI: 86.51–96.31%).
Conclusion: The Biofire ME Panel is strongly correlatedwith CSF culture and has excellent diagnostic accuracy for bacterial meningitis. Moreover, the NRS-2002 may be used as a routine test for suspected cases of bacterial meningitis for early diagnosis and optimal treatment to reduce mortality and morbidity.
In-silico Evaluation of Phenylpiperazinyl Derivatives as Inhibitors of P. falciparum Dihydrofolate Reductase-Thymidylate Synthase: A Potential New Antimalarial Drug Candidate
Authors: AINA Oluwafemi S. , ROFIU Mujeeb O. , OWOSENI-FAGBENRO Kafayat A. , ADAMS Luqman A. , FAMILONI Oluwole B. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Resistance to antifolates targeting dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) in Plasmodium falciparum poses a significant challenge to malarial control initiatives, with some standard drugs active chemical compounds exhibiting associated toxicity concerns. It becomes expedient to explore new antifolate inhibitors for malaria control. Herein, hypothetical compound A1 (piperazine-1,4-diylbis(phenylmethanone) and it's modified mono- and di-alcohol derivatives A2 and A3 were screened virtually for toxicity and inhibitory efficiencies against bifunctional DHFR-thymylate protease enzyme to obtain a safer and potent antimalarial drug compound. Additionally, the physicochemical properties, drug-likeness, toxicity and binding energy of these compounds were compared with ten standard reference antimalaria drugs using Molinspiration, SwissADME, Protox II webserver and PyRx 0.8 AutoDock Vina Wizard including Discovery Studio 2020 respectively. Compounds A1, A2 and A3 were found to be non-toxic, competing favourably with nine of the standard reference existing drugs each unfortunately showing some level of immunotoxicity. Interestingly, compound A1 exhibited comparable inhibitory activity with Artesunate (binding score of -9.20 kcal/mol) towards amino acid residues Ala16, Leu40, and Ser108, responsible for DHFR's reduction to tetrahydrofolate reductase (THFR). Similarly, A2 and A3 showed binding scores of (-8.8 kcal/mol) and (-8.2 kcal/mol) respectively, both higher against DHFR-TS enzyme compared to Mefloquine at (-7.9 kcal/mol) as the only screened standard reference displaying non-toxicity against human cells. Furthermore, the three hypothetical compounds A1-3 obeyed the rule of five and exhibited high gastrointestinal absorption indicative of good drug-like properties and ease of absorption by the body. Density functional theory (DFT) studies revealed a binding trend which is a function of electron affinity (EA) and electronic chemical potential (µ) values which were complementary to the binding energy trend against P. falciparum DHFR where A1 exhibits the highest binding energy and A3 has better pharmacokinetic properties. The results obtained from this study showed that the investigated compounds, particularly A1 and A3, can be explored as potential non-toxic candidates for antimalarial drugs development.
Spatial distribution of Malaria Vectors in Northeast India (2006 – 2012)
Authors: Manikandan Sandeep , Nina Praveen B , Patgiri Saurabh Jyoti , Sarma Devojit Kumar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The North-East (NE) India has been the epicenter for the origin of drug-resistant malaria parasites in India, and malaria control in NE is critical to India’s malaria elimination efforts. Targeted malaria intervention through vector control strategies is possible only when the mosquito epidemiology of the region is clearly defined. Here, we detail the distribution of malaria vectors in the eight NE states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Manipur, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura from 2006 to 2012. The geographic information system was used to map the spatial distribution of the Anopheles spp. identified from different parts of the NE. In the study, twenty-seven Anopheles spp. were identified, and the Anopheles density was highest in Arunachal Pradesh and lowest in Manipur and Sikkim. An. maculatus was the most abundant species in the NE, and was followed by An. minimus and An. dirus. An. hyrcanus, An. vagus and An. philippinensis/nivipes were the other major species distributed across the NE. The Indo-Bangladesh international border showed a high abundance of An. minimus. An. maculatus is the major species in the Sub-Himalayan terrain along the Assam – Arunachal Pradesh border. This study on mosquito distribution will serve as a key reference for examining evolving vector-parasite relationships in NE India and assessing how deforestation and climate change impact the current distribution of Anopheles.
Gradient ascend method for fully nonlinear parabolic differential equations with convex nonlinearity
Authors: Fahim Arash , Duong Hung 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We introduce a generic numerical schemes for fully nonlinear parabolic PDEs on the full domain, where the nonlinearity is convex on the Hessian of the solution. The main idea behind this paper is reduction of a fully nonlinear problem to a class of simpler semilinear ones parameterized by the diffusion term. The contribution of this paper is to provide a directional maximum principle with respect to the diffusion coefficient for semilinear problems, which specifies how to modify the diffusion coefficient to approach to the solution of the fully nonlinear problem. While the objects of the study, diffusion coefficient, is infinite dimensional, the maximum direction of increase can be found explicitly. This also provides a numerical gradient ascend method for the fully nonlinear problem. To establish a proof-of-concept, we test our method in a numerical experiment on the fully nonlinear Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation for portfolio optimization under stochastic volatility model.
Income Tax Expense and Value Relevance of Selected African Listed Firms
Authors: AKINADEWO Israel S. , OSATUYI Yemi A. , OLUWAGBADE Oluyinka I. , DAGUNDURO Muyiwa E. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study examined the effect of income tax accounting on value relevance of selected African listed firms. Concern has emerged that income tax accounting practices might impair the decision-usefulness of financial statements, leading to ineffective resource allocation, diminished investor confidence, and reduced market efficiency. The study adopted an ex-post facto research design and utilized secondary data from the annual reports of 528 firms listed in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, applying multiple regression analysis. The findings revealed that current period tax expense (CPTE) was statistically insignificant in relation to value relevance (VR), with a coefficient of -0.0261, a t-value of -1.61, and a p-value of 0.109 (insignificant at the 5% level). However, prior periods' tax expense (PPTE) had a statistically significant negative effect on VR, with a coefficient of -0.000000907, a t-value of -2.82, and a p- value of 0.005 (significant at the 1% level). Based on these findings, the study recommended that policymakers enforce standardized tax-related disclosures across African countries to enhance financial transparency and comparability. Regulatory bodies were urged to mandate detailed reporting on income tax expenses to improve the decision-usefulness of financial statements.
Understanding consumption and purchase of tap water and diverse tap-alternative drinking water sources in Detroit, Michigan
Authors: Pierce Gregory , Gardiner Joseph , Harrison Grace , Pearson Amber L. 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT
Several gaps remain in understanding individuals' water consumption reliance outcomes in disadvantaged communities. We utilize a cross-sectional sample of household-level survey data from predominantly low-income, minoritized households in Detroit, MI, to examine the relationship between tap and tap-alternative drinking water consumption and purchase behavior. We collected survey data from one English-speaking adult per household in May–October 2021 (n = 259). Consistent with past studies, tap water consumption is negatively correlated with single-use bottled water consumption and consuming drinking water from multiple sources. We also find tap distrust is correlated with tap-alternative water consumption, yet there is a surprising positive relationship between tap and overall bottled water consumption levels. Very low-income households were more likely to rely on bottled water and multiple other water sources simultaneously. Female respondents reported lower levels of most types of water consumption. Black respondents reported lower tap water and bottled water consumption but had higher levels of other tap-alternative source consumption. Our results call into question whether higher tap water consumption is synonymous with tap trust or with reduced bottled water consumption. Public health interventions must further address high levels of bottled water consumption among low-income individuals, and low tap water consumption among Black individuals.
Imipenem-Cilastatin-Induced Seizures: A Case Report
Authors: Aloui Ghaith , Houria Baraa Ben , Yousfi Mohamed Ali 
Published: October 2024

Background:
Imipenem-cilastatin, a carbapenem antibiotic, is commonly used for severe
bacterial infections. While generally well-tolerated, it can rarely cause central nervous system
toxicity, including seizures. We have, herein, reported a case of imipenem-cilastatin-induced
seizure in a 20-year-old patient.

Case Presentation:
A 20-year-old male was admitted to the intensive care unit for febrile status
epilepticus and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Initial evaluations ruled out underlying causes
and anti-epileptic treatment has been initiated. Despite having an effective anti-epileptic treatment
for three months of hospitalization, seizure recurrence occurred, leading to antibiotic regimen adjustment
as the imputability of imipenem-cilastatin was suspected. After discontinuation of the involved
drug, the patient remained neurologically stable. Previous literature has reported cases of
imipenem-cilastatin-induced seizures, particularly in elderly patients or at higher dosages. The
causality assessment was conducted using the updated French method, which rated the chronological
criterion as C2 and the semiological criterion as S2. The intrinsic imputability score was I3, indicating
plausible causality, and the extrinsic bibliographic score was B3.

Conclusion:
Our case has highlighted the importance of promptly recognizing imipenem-cilastatin-
induced epileptic seizures in order to treat them more effectively and thus optimize the patient’s
care. Therefore, we emphasize that clinicians be vigilant about the side effects of its use, particularly
in patients with neurological susceptibilities. We also advocate a personalized choice of
antibiotics, taking into account both antimicrobial efficacy and potential adverse effects, for better
outcomes with fewer risks.
Factors Associated with Stress among Healthcare Personnel after COVID-19 in Northeast Thailand: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Chupanich Pornpimon , Aotprapai Pratoomrat , Seesophon Sakda , Laoraksawong Pokkamol 
Published: October 2024

Background
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has affected people psychologically worldwide, particularly healthcare personnel. Even though the COVID-19 pandemic situation has eased, healthcare personnel must still perform their duties, which has resulted in psychological impacts, particularly stress.

Objectives
This study aimed to examine the risk factors associated with stress among healthcare personnel post-COVID-19 pandemic in northeast Thailand.

Methods
A cross-sectional analytic design was conducted from January to April 2023. One thousand and three hundred healthcare workers were selected from primary, secondary, and tertiary hospitals across 16 districts within Chaiyaphum province. The questionnaires were used to collect data, and the stress test 5 (ST-5) questionnaire was used to investigate stress among healthcare personnel.

Results
The overall stress rate for healthcare workers was 15.47%, including very severe (8.85%) and severe (6.62%). The factors associated with stress consisted of work position, environment of work, personal life such as education level and income, and responsibility for taking care of family members, in addition to experiencing quarantine from COVID-19 were more likely to have a high risk of stress problems among healthcare workers.

Conclusion
This result highlighted that the mental health of personnel should be in critical situations, and those found severely afflicted should undergo professional care. To prevent psychological issues, particularly stress, health organizations should be concerned with strong organizational management, which includes supporting bonuses and providing high-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) to healthcare staff.