bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of carboxymethyl cellulose incorporation to gelatin‐sunflower oil bigel on the physicochemical and structural properties
Authors: Shakouri Shahrzad , Arabshahi Sajad , Madanchi Hamid , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin , Abdolshahi Anna 
Published: September 2024

AbstractBigels are innovative and appealing heterogeneous matrices composed of two structured‐gel (hydrogel and oleogel) phases, which suitable for the entrapment of both hydrophilic and lipophilic active agents. As structuring the bigel phases using convenient materials can enhance the main characteristics, this study aimed to develop bigel system based on a hybrid hydrogel consisting of gelatin and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC). The impact of incorporating various concentrations of CMC (0, 0.5, 1, 2, and 3% w/w) into gelatin‐based hydrogel at a constant organogel/hydrogel ratio of 60:40 was investigated on bigel properties. The integration of gelatin and CMC significantly affected the solvent holding capacity (SHC), microstructure, rheology, thermal, and textural properties. The results showed that bigel samples containing gelatin‐CMC had lower SHC compared to gelatin‐based samples. The integration of CMC to bigel formulation resulted in a significant decrease in hardness, cohesiveness, and adhesiveness also smooth texture. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) analysis of the bigels showed a descending trend in melting point from 99.07 to 98.60°C for bigel samples as the CMC concentration increased from 0% to 2%. This was followed by an increase in melting temperature (100.95°C) in the bigel containing 3% CMC. Particle size distribution data indicated that the droplet sizes of the bigels increased with the incorporation of CMC into the hydrogel phase, without displaying a distinct concentration‐dependent trend. The rheological characteristics of strain sweep, frequency sweep, and loss factor affected by gelatin/CMC concentration. Overall obtained results highlight that CMC incorporation to gelatin plays a crucial role in bigel offering different textural, rheological and thermal properties. So that carefully selection and optimization of gelatin and CMC concentrations in hydrogel phase are essential for tailoring the mechanical strength and stability of bigels for various applications such as drug delivery, cosmetic, and food industries. Regarding the desired properties of CMC, it could be recommend to use by combination with gelatin to create a structure–function aimed bigels.
Phytoconstituents as modulator of inflammatory pathways for COVID‐19: A comprehensive review and recommendations
Authors: Gupta Pragati , Dev Kamal , Kaur Gurjot 
Published: September 2024

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 infection causes disruptions in inflammatory pathways, which fundamentally contribute to COVID‐19 pathophysiology. The present review critically evaluates the gaps in scientific literature and presents the current status regarding the inflammatory signaling pathways in COVID‐19. We propose that phytoconstituents can be used to treat COVID‐19 associated inflammation, several already formulated in traditional medications. For this purpose, extensive literature analysis was conducted in the PubMed database to collect relevant in vitro, in vivo, and human patient studies where inflammation pathways were shown to be upregulated in COVID‐19. Parallelly, scientific literature was screened for phytoconstituents with known cellular mechanisms implicated for inflammation or COVID‐19 associated inflammation. Studies with insufficient evidence on cellular pathways for autophagy and mitophagy were considered out of scope and excluded from the study. The final analysis was visualized in figures and evaluated for accuracy. Our findings demonstrate the frequent participation of NF‐κB, a transcription factor, in inflammatory signaling pathways linked to COVID‐19. Moreover, the MAPK signaling pathway is also implicated in producing inflammatory molecules. Furthermore, it was also analyzed that the phytoconstituents with flavonoid and phenolic backbones could inhibit either the TLR4 receptor or its consecutive signaling molecules, thereby, decreasing NF‐κB activity and suppressing cytokine production. Although, allopathy has treated the early phase of COVID‐19, anti‐inflammatory phytoconstituents and existing ayurvedic formulations may act on the COVID‐19 associated inflammatory pathways and provide an additional treatment strategy. Therefore, we recommend the usage of flavonoids and phenolic phytoconstituents for the treatment of inflammation associated with COVID‐19 infection and similar viral ailments.
A resilient S2 monitoring chart with novel outlier detectors
Authors: Awais Ayesha , Saeed Nadia 
Published: September 2024

AbstractWhile researchers and practitioners are seamlessly trying to develop methods for minimizing the effect of outliers in control charts, detecting and screening these outliers continue to pose serious challenges. Keeping in view, the researchers rely on robust estimators to modify the detection limits structure so that the chart can be more sensitive against outliers. In this study, we propose a robust control chart based on , , , , and estimators, whilst the process parameter is estimated from Phase‐I. Through intensive Monte‐Carlo simulations, the study presents how the estimation of parameter(s) and presence of outliers affect the efficacy of the chart, and then how the proposed outlier detectors bring the chart back to normalcy by restoring its efficacy and sensitivity. Average properties are used as the performance measures. The properties establish the superiority of the proposed scheme over and Tukey's outlier detectors. The applicability of the study includes the effectiveness of the proposed detectors in industrial data set but is not limited to manufacturing industries.
Dengue Infection During Pregnancy and Adverse Birth Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Shabil Muhammed , Khatib Mahalaqua Nazli , Zahiruddin Quazi Syed , Rekha M. M. , Kaur Mandeep , Rani Bindu , Koul Apurva , Ravi Kumar M. , Chauhan Ashish Singh , Rai Nishant , Sah Sanjit , Lakhanpal Sorabh , Bushi Ganesh 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTDengue is a rapidly spreading mosquito‐borne viral disease, posing significant public health challenges in tropical and subtropical regions. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the relationship between maternal dengue virus infection and adverse birth outcomes. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, and web of science databases until April 2024. Observational studies examining the association between laboratory‐confirmed maternal dengue infection and adverse birth outcomes such as preterm birth, low birth weight (LBW), small for gestational age (SGA), stillbirth, and postpartum haemorrhage were included. Data were extracted, and risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Random‐effects meta‐analysis models were used to pool data in R software (V 4.3). Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence of preterm birth among dengue‐affected pregnancies was 18.3% (95% CI: 12.6%–25.8%), with an OR of 1.21 (95% CI: 0.78–1.89). For LBW, the pooled prevalence was 17.1% (95% CI: 10.4%–26.6%), with an OR of 1.00 (95% CI: 0.69–1.41). SGA had a pooled prevalence of 11.2% (95% CI: 2.7%–36.9%) and an OR of 0.93 (95% CI: 0.41–2.14). The prevalence of stillbirth was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.6%–6.8%), with significant associations found in some studies (RR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.09–6.57). Postpartum haemorrhage had an OR of 1.97 (95% CI: 0.53–2.69). While maternal dengue infection was associated with a higher prevalence of preterm birth and LBW, the associations were not statistically significant. Significant associations were observed for stillbirth in specific studies. Further research with standardized methodologies is needed to clarify these relationships and identify potential mechanisms.
UGV‐Based Precision Spraying System for Chemical Apple Blossom Thinning on Trellis Trained Canopies
Authors: Mu Xinyang , He Long , Heinemann Paul , Schupp James , Karkee Manoj , Zhu Minghui 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTBlossom thinning is one of the key steps in apple crop load management that improves the quality of apples, reduces stress on the trees, and avoids the likelihood of biennial bearing. Conventional chemical blossom thinning such as air‐blast spraying can lead to excessive use of chemical thinner to ensure full coverage, which can also cause leaf damage fruit russeting. In addition, a well‐trained operator is required to use these chemical spraying systems. To address these challenges, a UGV‐based precision spraying system was developed for automated and targeted chemical blossom thinning for apples. The system is capable of automatically driving along the tree row in the orchard environment during blooming stage, locating apple flower clusters to be thinned using a real‐time machine vision system, and precisely spraying the chemical thinner to the targeted flower clusters. A set of field tests were conducted to evaluate the performance of the UGV‐based target spraying system by comparing it to a conventional air‐blast sprayer (ABS) and a previous prototype named the cartesian target sprayer (CTS). Tests showed that the flower cluster detection reached a precision of 93.8%. The UGV‐based spraying system used 2.2 L of chemical thinner to finish the chemical thinning for 30 apple trees, followed by the ABS and CTS with 4.2 and 2.4 L usage, respectively. The robotic system also obtained an average fruit set of 2.2 per cluster after thinning, which was comparable to that with the air blast sprayer. The findings indicated that the robotic thinning system demonstrated a 66.7% reduction in chemical usage compared to the ABS and exhibited a 43.0% faster operational pace than the CTS, while attaining a comparable fruit set per cluster. The outcomes of the study provided guidance for developing a full scale robotic chemical thinning system for modern apple orchards.
A Sharp Threshold for a Random Version of Sperner's Theorem
Authors: Balogh József , Krueger Robert A. 
Published: September 2024

ABSTRACTThe Boolean lattice consists of all subsets of partially ordered under the containment relation. Sperner's Theorem states that the largest antichain of the Boolean lattice is given by a middle layer: the collection of all sets of size , or also, if is odd, the collection of all sets of size . Given , choose each subset of with probability independently. We show that for every constant , the largest antichain among these subsets is also given by a middle layer, with probability tending to 1 as tends to infinity. This is best possible, and we also characterize the largest antichains for every constant . Our proof is based on some new variations of Sapozhenko's graph container method.
Pyridazine Derivatives as New Antidiabetic Agents: Synthesis, In‐Vitro α‐Amylase Inhibitory Activity, Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations Studies
Authors: Boukharsa Youness , Alhaji Isa Mustafa , Sayah Karima , Alsalme Ali , Oulmidi Afaf , Shehzadi Somia , El Abbes Faouzi My , Karrouchi Khalid , Ansar M'hammed 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis study involved the synthesis, characterization, and assessment of fourteen pyridazine analogs (designated as 1–14) to investigate their efficacy in inhibiting the α‐amylase enzyme for potential diabetes treatment using an in vitro approach. Additionally, in silico molecular docking and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations were conducted to assess the inhibitory properties of these analogs. Physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the fourteen pyridazine analogs were predicted using the DataWarrior tool. Results indicated that all tested compounds demonstrated significant α‐amylase inhibitory activity, with IC50 values ranging from 81.28±0.00 to 1623.54±2.67 μM compared to the standard drug acarbose (IC50=220.42±36.40 μM). Notably, compounds 8 and 12 exhibited the most potent α‐amylase inhibitory activity, with IC50 values of 81.28±0.00 μM and 200.60±34.65 μM, respectively. Molecular docking analysis revealed binding energies ranging from −7.53 to −5.77 kcal/mol and inhibition constants ranging from 3.00 to 58.96 μM, with compounds 9, 7, 8, 5, and 3 demonstrating the best binding energies. Subsequent MD simulation analyses indicated that all five compound formed stable complexes after 100 ns MD simulation. Consequently, these compounds hold promise as potential α‐amylase inhibitors pending successful clinical validation.
Recent Trends on Zinc Complexes Bearing Bi‐, Tri‐ and Tetra‐Dentate Schiff Base Ligands for Catalytic Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactides
Authors: Yadav Neeraj , Singh Chundawat Tejpal 
Published: September 2024

AbstractNumerous zinc complexes based on N‐ and O‐donor Schiff‐base ligands have shown great promise in the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactides, which are cyclic dimers of lactic acid, to produce poly(lactic acid) (PLA). This is primarily because zinc is a borderline metal, making it non‐cytotoxic, inexpensive, abundant, biocompatible, and environmentally safe. Additionally, Schiff‐based ligands offer stability, stereoselectivity, desirable electronic and steric environments, and resistance to impurities. As a result, zinc complexes are easy to synthesize, colourless, have high reactivity and solubility in organic solvents, and are manageable under typical circumstances. Furthermore, these complexes are free to adopt a variety of coordination numbers since zinc does not have ligand field stabilization energy (LFSC). Zinc complexes possess high catalytic activity due to their distinctive properties, including high Lewis acidity, high electron transfer ability, stability concerning the reactive intermediate, and the ability to monitor polymerization by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Moreover, these complexes also have reasonable control over stereochemistry, number‐average molecular weight (Mn), and dispersity index (Ð). These advantages make it possible to produce colourless PLA with a high yield, high molecular weight, and narrow dispersity index in bulk and solvent‐based conditions.
Synthesis and Assessment of Acacia Gum‐Based Hydrogel as a Promising Novel Biopolymeric Matrix for Delivery of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Anshul  , Tomar Garima , Meena Priyanka , Warkar Sudhir G. 
Published: September 2024

AbstractIn this current study, hydrogels based on acacia gum (AG), polyacrylamide (PAM), and carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum (CMTKG) were successfully developed and ciprofloxacin (drug) incorporated into it. To optimize the hydrogel, the concentrations of crosslinker and initiator were varied, and their effects on the swelling were examined. The hydrogel was subjected to characterization techniques such as Powder X‐ray Diffraction (PXRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Attenuated Total Reflection‐Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (ATR‐FTIR), and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The hydrogel swelling and in vitro drug release were assessed in pH 1.2 and 7.4 buffer solutions. The findings revealed that an alkaline pH yielded superior results for the swelling and in vitro drug release experiments compared to an acidic pH. The drug release kinetic of the ciprofloxacin‐loaded AG/PAM/CMTKG hydrogel followed the Korsmeyer–Peppas model, demonstrating non‐fickian diffusion at pH 7.4 and fickian mechanism at pH 1.2. The pH‐dependent behavior of ciprofloxacin‐loaded AG/PAM/CMTKG hydrogel displayed its potential implications for site‐specific ciprofloxacin release.
Investigating Therapies Targeting Druggable Targets of Mitochondria: Exploring the Efficacy for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Kumar Goel Kapil , Rawat Pramod , Murti Yogesh , Mahajan Shriya , Kandhari Harsimrat , Kumar Bhupinder , Ranjan Dwivedi Ashish 
Published: September 2024

AbstractCancer is a growing problem that has not yet been fully harnessed. Frequent mutations make this a highly variable and challenging pathology. Interestingly, mitochondria have currently emerged as a new target for cancer therapy. A group of agents with anticancer activity, termed mitocans that encourage apoptosis through mitochondrial disruption is currently important in research. From conventional glycolytic inhibitors to recent radiolabeled compounds, mitochondrial‐targeted therapies have marked their presence in cancer. Several TCA cycle and OXPHOS inhibitors are being established for their possible anticancer properties. There are so many distinctive differences in mitochondrial structure and function between normal and cancer cells that offer the potential for the clinical use of mitochondria as targets for novel and site‐specific anticancer agents. Mitochondrial targeting can be made possible if the bioactive molecule is specifically and selectively delivered to the mitochondria of the correct cell type using cell‐specific ligands and mitochondriotropic molecules.
Green Synthesis of ZnO Nanoparticles from Dysoxylum binectariferum Fruit Extract and Assessment of Antimicrobial Potential
Authors: Sharma Venu , Kumar Gourav , Kumar Parveen , Kumar Dinesh , Nemiwal Meena 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThe current investigation focuses on producing zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) utilizing a quick, economical, and environmentally friendly approach employing aqueous fruit extracts of Dysoxylum binectariferum plant. The ZnO NPs were thoroughly characterized using P‐XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and BET techniques. The synthesized nanoparticles’ anti‐bacterial properties were evaluated against Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa) and Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus and S. pyogenes). The findings indicated that the synthesized material exhibited greater efficacy against Gram‐negative bacterial infections, especially E. coli. Furthermore, the anti‐fungal activity was examined using the C. albicans strain, demonstrating that the synthesized ZnO NPs were twice as effective against C. albicans compared to the conventional medication Griseofulvin. In contrast, Griseofulvin, with a 500 μM MIC against the C. albicans pathogenic fungal strain, did not display the same level of efficacy.
Advanced Diagnostic Techniques for Scrub Typhus: From Conventional Methods to Nanotechnology Solutions
Authors: Sumit  , Gupta Shagun , Kaushal Ankur 
Published: September 2024

AbstractScrub typhus is an acute illness caused by the bacteria Orientia tsutsugamushi and is transmitted by mites. Scrub typhus propagates via infected chigger bites (larval stage). Diagnosing scrub typhus is challenging due to its ability to mimic symptoms of other febrile illnesses. Conventional methods such as Weil‐Felix, ELISA, and PCR are available for diagnosing scrub typhus. The Weil‐Felix test was formerly used in developing nations to diagnose scrub typhus, but it is not recommended since it lacks both specificity and sensitivity. IFA and ELISA are superior for detecting scrub typhus; however, they are not as effective at detecting the illness in its early stages and require convalescent sampling to confirm positive samples. However, because the Orientia tsutsugamushi serotypes differ in their genetic makeup, PCR‐based approaches have become less applicable despite their higher specificity and sensitivity. Nanomaterial‐based biosensing could help detect scrub typhus early due to its high surface area, electrical conductance, and chemical stability. This study emphasizes the need for point‐of‐care detection of this under‐diagnosed but fatal disease, emphasizing the importance of nanobiosensors in early diagnosis. The pathophysiology of scrub typhus, standard diagnostic procedures, and the critical role that nanobiosensors play in the early detection of scrub typhus are discussed.
Fast Responsive and Highly Sensitive Ethanol Gas Sensors Designed by Agar‐Laponite Hybrid Hydrogels
Authors: Saha Tanay , Appikonda Upesh Kumar , Gadige Paramesh 
Published: September 2024

AbstractLaponite, a synthetic nanosilicate clay and agar, a natural polysaccharide, both imbibe large amount of water and form into hydrogels. Various physical and chemical stimuli elicit the hydrogel response, which has been applied in designing diverse sensors and biomedical systems. In this work, we exploit the change in hydrogel's ionic conductivity due to volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (e. g. ethanol) interaction with the surfaces of Laponite‐Agar hybrid hydrogel films. Gas sensing studies are carried out on silicon (Si) and flexible polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates by monitoring the resistance changes. Pristine Laponite hydrogel has shown increase in resistance as it interacted with the ethanol, whereas pure agar and Laponite‐Agar have shown decrease in resistance. Moreover, Laponite‐Agar gel films have exhibited high sensitivity, fast response (4 s) and recovery time (15 s) with lowest detection limit of 6 ppm. Selectivity test carried shows high ethanol sensing response and exhibited very good reproducibility. Observed responses and sensing mechanism are discussed based on changes in ionic conduction resulted due to interacting ethanol with the gel surface network structure. Present study paves the way for understanding and designing low cost, soft and flexible hydrogel gas sensors.
Photocatalysis: A Sustainable Approach for Removing Hazardous Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Elumalai Punniyakotti , Parthipan Punniyakotti , Sivakumar Lakshminarayanan , Thanigaivel Sundaram , Gnanasekaran Lalitha , Gao Xueke , Cui Jinjie , Moon Cheol Joo , Theerthagiri Jayaraman , Choi Myong Yong 
Published: September 2024

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are omnipresent toxic pollutants found in numerous ecosystems, including soil, water, and living organisms. Due to their hydrophobic nature, PAHs tend to accumulate in aquatic environments, leading to high concentrations in aquatic sediments and subsequent bioaccumulation in organisms. This accumulation poses substantial risks to humans and aquatic life. Recent advances in photocatalytic methods, particularly those using nanocomposite materials, have shown promising outcomes in the degradation of PAHs. Photocatalysis, a process that uses UV and visible light to accelerate a chemical reaction, is effectively breaking these harmful compounds. This review focuses on the recent advances in the degradation of PAHs, the toxicological effects of PAHs on living organisms, and the mechanisms underlying nanocomposite‐based photocatalysis. The utilization of nanocomposite for photocatalysis is an eco‐friendly substitute to traditional methods for remediating PAH pollution in the ecosystem. This green approach using nanocomposite‐based photocatalysis offers a sustainable and effective approach for the degradation of PAHs.
Hydrogen Bond‐Assisted Macrocyclic Synthesis: An Extended Application For 4‐Hydroxybenzylamine Derivatives
Authors: Gonzalez‐Oñate Andrés , Alí‐Torres Jorge , Quevedo Rodolfo 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis work involved synthesizing three N‐benzyl‐4‐hydroxybenzylamines using indirect reductive amination of aromatic aldehydes and 4‐hydroxybenzylamine. Such benzylamines’ reaction with formaldehyde produced tricyclic azacyclophanes formed by two benzylamine units joined by methylene bridges. Computational calculations established that macrocyclization was promoted by template formation stabilized by hydrogen bonds and π‐stacking.