bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of the Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Diverse Extracts of Millettia peguensis Leaves
Authors: Nandagopal Anitha , Raju Nemala Appala 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Millettia peguensis is a plant native to Southeast Asia belonging to the Fabaceae family. Leaf extracts were prepared using chloroform, methanol, and water. The carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats was employed to assess anti-inflammatory activity. Paw thickness was measured over time to quantify edema. All extracts exhibited a reduction in paw edema compared to the control group. The water extract demonstrated a significant reduction at the third hour post-injection. Both methanol and chloroform extracts displayed significant inhibition by the fourth hour, but their efficacy was lower than the positive control group treated with indomethacin. By the fifth hour, both water and methanol extracts produced results comparable to indomethacin. The study assessed DPPH antioxidant activity of extracts from using chloroform, methanol, and distilled water. Methanol and distilled water extracts showed higher antioxidant activity compared to chloroform extract, suggesting the significance of polar compounds. The findings highlight the impact of solvent choice on extracting bioactive antioxidants. Phytochemical analysis suggested the presence of bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenolic compounds. Methanol and water extracts showed higher antioxidant activity due to the presence of phenolic compounds, which may be responsible for the observed anti-inflammatory activity.
Diagnostic Performance of Procalcitonin for Bacterial Infection in Severe Alcoholic Hepatitis
Authors: Kang Min Kyu , Lee Yu Rim , Park Soo Young , Seo Kwang Il , Lee Sang Soo , Kim Byung Seok , Song Jeong Eun , Yoon Jun Sik , Hong Young Mi , Yoon Ki Tae , Chung Woo Jin , Park Seung Ha , Kim Eunju , Jun Kyung Ran , Park Jung Gil , Baek Yang-Hyun , Heo Nae-Yun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Bacterial infections are an important prognostic factor in patients with severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH). However, it is difficult to detect the presence of infection immediately. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a well-known inflammatory marker that can detect bacterial infections in various diseases early. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCT for bacterial infections in patients with SAH.
Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with SAH from 10 medical centers. Upon admission, we performed physical examination, radiology, blood and urine cultures, and measurement of PCT and C-reactive protein (CRP). We compared AUROCs of PCT and CRP for bacterial infection, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), and sepsis.
Results: A total of 108 patients with SAH were enrolled. The proportion with bacterial infections, SIRS, and sepsis was 28.7%, 38.0%, and 17.6%, respectively. Patients with bacterial infections had significantly higher MELD scores (24.0 vs. 15.0), PCT levels (1.5 vs. 0.4 ng/mL), and CRP levels (4.9 vs. 2.5 mg/dL) compared to those without bacterial infections. The AUROC for PCT vs. CRP for bacterial infection was 0.752 and 0.655, respectively (P = 0.113). The AUROC of PCT vs. CRP for SIRS was 0.699 and 0.662, respectively (P = 0.490). The AUROC of PCT vs. CRP for sepsis was 0.780 and 0.630, respectively (P = 0.027).
Conclusions: Among patients with SAH, PCT levels showed a trend toward superior diagnostic performance in the early detection of bacterial infections and sepsis compared to CRP levels.
Single-Composition Functionally Graded Ti-6Al-4V for Mimicking Composite Material Fiber Reinforcement Through Post-Heating Laser Scanning
Authors: TANRIKULU Ahmet Alptug , Ganesh-Ram Aditya , Hekmatjou Hamidreza , Durlov Sadman Hafiz , Salehin Md Najmus , Amerinatanzi Amirhesam 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Process-induced microstructure modification was investigated for the strengthening mechanism of Laser Powder Bed Fusion Fabricated (LPBF) Ti-6Al-4V material. An innovative approach by mimicking the fiber structure of the composite materials was studied. Different cylindrical reinforcement diameters were selected in the LPBF-fabricated Ti-6Al-4V samples to replicate the function of the carbon fibers in composite materials, providing stiffness and reinforcement in the matrix. The corresponding regions of the assigned Reinforcement shape at each layer were exposed to a secondary laser scan through the sample during the fabrication. Multi-scan laser scanning strategies, involving a combination of laser power and scan speed were employed after the melting laser scan to maximize the relative density of the material. The optimized post-heating laser scan enhanced the relative density (> 99.95%), recrystallized the α and α′ phases’ lath morphology, modified the lattice structure, transformed the initial microstrain mode, and enhanced the inherent grain texture of the PBF fabricated Ti-6Al-4V. The tailored microstructure achieved a 46.5% higher yield strength (YS) accompanied by a 99.3% higher elongation.
Influence of acid washing using cattle manure on thermogravimetric characteristics and pyrolysis kinetics in a micro-tubing reactor
Authors: Jeon Jae-Rak , Hwang In-Jun , Vo Thuan Anh , Kim Jinsoo , Hwang Hyun Tae , Kim Seung-Soo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Ash content is known to be one of the problems in pyrolysis of cattle manure (CM) biomass. In this study, to reduce the ash content in CM, the original material was pretreated with a nitric acid solution, and the effect of acid-washing pretreatment of CM on pyrolysis characteristics was investigated. The experiments were performed using a microtube reactor at 375–425°C with different reaction times. The main components of the inorganic content before and after acid-washing were Ca and K which decreased after the treatment. As a result of calculating the activation energy at a conversion of 90% using Friedman's method, it was calculated to be 540.80 kJ/mol for the original sample and decreased to 409.93 and 391.53 kJ/mol for the samples washed with 10 and 20 wt% diluted acid solutions, respectively. In addition, a reaction kinetic model for CM samples was established using experimental data. It was found that as the ash content decreased by acid-washing, the char yield decreased, while the yields of bio-oil and gas increased. Finally, the compositions of gas and bio-oil obtained through pyrolysis of CM were systematically characterized.
Research on flow field reconstruction of complex fault-block reservoir during ultra-high water cut period
Authors: Li Yunpeng , Liu Dongcheng , Zhao Liang , Wang Rui , Xu Hui , Liu Lu , Zhang Zhuxin , Hu Risu , Wang Donglin , Si Yang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Complex fault block reservoirs are usually characterized by irregular boundary and small area, so it is difficult to arrange regular injection-production well pattern.. At the same time, due to the strong heterogeneity of the reservoir, the horizontal and vertical waterflood sweep is uneven. Although entering the ultra-high water cut period, there is still abundant remaining oil in some areas, and it is necessary to reconstruct the flow field to further improve the swept efficiency of water drive, so as to improve the recovery efficiency. Considering the contradiction between plane and water injection comprehensively, the standard deviation of movable residual geological reserves, the average value of movable residual saturation, the standard deviation of water drive index and the average value of water drive index were selected to construct the standard for the reconstruction measures of complex fault blocks, and the reconstruction measures of different fault blocks were defined.. The prediction results show that the ineffective water cycle is improved and the water drive recovery rate is increased by 3.1%.
Changes in transcriptomes during grain filling in barley with a focus on thickness and number of aleurone cell layers
Authors: Ma Yanling , Dou Tingyu , Gao Shang , Yuan Lin , Bao Yinrong , Wang Chunchao , Zhang Jing , Liu Chunji , Guo Ganggang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The aleurone layer of endosperm consists of live cells rich in nutrients. Barley is the only cereal which commonly has two or three layers of aleurone cells. Currently little is known about the genetic mechanism and regulatory pathway of aleurone development in this species. To understand aleurone development in barley, we conducted the first transcriptome analysis against barley genotypes differing in aleurone thickness and number of aleurone cell layers.
Results
RNA-seq data from developing grains were collected at four time points during grain filling. Based on analysis of differentially expressed genes, transcription factor (TF) -targeted genes and Weighted Gene Co-expression Networks (WGCNA), we found that the Dof transcription factors, energy-production-related genes and mitochondrial homeostasis genes played vital roles in barley aleurone development. We also found that, during the early gain filling stages, differences in expression level for genes involved in starch and glucan metabolic process, cell wall and plant-type vacuole pathways were mainly responsible for the thickness and the numbers of aleurone cells, and that lipid transport and localization processes contributed to the difference in aleurone thickness at later stages of endosperm development.
Conclusions
In this first study on aleurone development based on transcriptomic analysis in barley, we showed that mechanisms or pathways of aleurone development in this species seemed to be different from those in rice or maize. The thickness and the numbers of aleurone cells in barley seemed to be regulated by different gene networks at different stages of endosperm development.
Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with retrieval practice on semantic memory in patients with schizophrenia
Authors: Pan Wen , Li Tiantian , Ma Xiaofeng , Huo Xiaoning 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: The semantic processing deficit stands as a central feature of cognitive abnormalities in schizophrenia. Both transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and retrieval practice have been demonstrated as external techniques capable of ameliorating the semantic processing deficit in individuals with schizophrenia. The inquiry examines whether the combined effect of tDCS and retrieval practice, following tDCS intervention targeting the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (L-DLPFC) in patients with schizophrenia, contributes to the preservation of semantic memory in these individuals.
Methods: We recruited 52 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia from hospitals. After five consecutive days of tDCS intervention (2 mA × 20 mins, twice per day), we administered a word list memorization task comparing retrieval practice and restudy strategies. Subsequently, we observed their immediate and delayed memory performance through tests.
Results: The semantic memory performance of the anodal group significantly surpassed that of the sham group. There was a significant interaction between stimulation type and learning strategy; regardless of the stimulation modality employed, retrieval practice outperformed restudy strategy. Notably, the semantic memory performance under retrieval practice conditions in the anodal group was significantly superior. ARC clustering scores fully mediate stimulus type and retrieval practice recall rates.
Conclusions: Continuous periodic tDCS has the potential to enhance the efficacy of retrieval practice strategy, particularly in aiding patients with schizophrenia to improve the maintenance of semantic memory and refine memory organization.
The performance of upper arm circumference for age in diagnosing severe acute malnutrition in children aged 6 to 59 months in South Kivu, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo: Lwiro Cohort
Authors: Ngaboyeka Gaylord , Mulume Armand , Lurhagire Emmanuel , Neven Anouk , Zigabe Lydia , Balolebwami Serge , Mwene-Batu Pacifique , Dramaix Michelle , Donnen Philippe , Bisimwa Ghislain 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The studies on the use and performance of the Mid-Upper Arm Circumference for age (MUACZ) for the diagnosis of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) are still rare. Our study aimed to analyze the performance of MUACZ for diagnosis of SAM in South Kivu, eastern DR Congo.
Methods
We analyzed a database of children admitted from 1987 to 2008 for management of SAM in the east of the DRC. Anthropometric indicators (z-score) were calculated and classified according to the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO). To evaluate the performance of MUACZ using the combination of weight-for-height (WHZ) and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) as the reference, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) overall. Subsequently, we stratified the results by age category, presence or absence of chronic malnutrition (CM), and presence or absence of edema.
Results
Of the 9969 children aged 6 to 59 months selected, 30.2% had nutritional edema, 70.1% had CM. Of all cases of SAM (identified by at least one of the WHZ, MUAC, or MUACZ indicators), MUACZ alone recruited 85% of them, surpassing other criteria such as MUAC (58%) and WHZ (45%). The MUACZ-WHZ combination recruited 97%, surpassing the MUAC-WHZ combination (76%). In the presence of edema, MUACZ-WHZ recruited 99%, while MUAC-WHZ recruited only 72%. The proportions of SAM cases diagnosed by MUACZ increased according to age groups, with rates of 73% (6–11 months), 85% (12–23 months) and 91% (24–59 months). In the presence of CM, the detection rates were 58% for MUAC alone, 44% for WHZ alone, 89% for MUACZ alone, 67% for the MUAC-WHZ combination, and 98% for the MUACZ-WHZ combination. MUACZ had a sensitivity of 80.7% (79.9–81.5), a specificity of 92.3% (91.8–92.8), a PPV of 71.5% (70.7–72.4) with a prior prevalence was 19,3% defined by the reference, and an NPV of 95.2% (94.8–95.7). Sensitivity increased in the presence of edema [90.1% (88.9–91.1)], CM [84.7% (83.8–85.5)] and in children over 12 months [83.6% (82.2–84.9)].
Conclusion
The MUACZ was performing well in our region. In a context of high prevalence of CM and kwashiorkor, MUACZ appears to be a more reliable indicator than MUAC alone. Moreover, the MUACZ-WHZ combination also seems to outperform the MUAC-WHZ combination. These results highlight the MUACZ potential, as well as its combination with WHZ, in enhancing screening of SAM in similar contexts.
Prevalence and risk factors for metabolic-associated fatty liver disease in adult participants attending tertiary hospitals in Dodoma, Tanzania. This was a cross-sectional study
Authors: Msagati Francis , Alphonce Baraka , Sindato Emmanuel 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a rapidly growing public health concern due to its association with metabolic disorders and liver-related complications. There is paucity of data on the burden of MAFLD in Tanzania. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and associated factors of MAFLD among adult participants in Dodoma, Tanzania, who are critical for designing preventive strategies. We evaluated the associations between MAFLD and several factors, including age, sex, lifestyle, type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and obesity.
Methods
A total of 351 adult participants were recruited from October 2023 to March 2024 at tertiary hospitals. The diagnosis of MAFLD was established based on evidence of steatohepatitis on imaging plus any one of five cardiometabolic risk factors, such as overweight or obesity (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2), diabetes mellitus type 2, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and metabolic syndrome (combination of three or more of the above). Demographic, clinical, and metabolic marker data were collected and analyzed to identify potential risk factors associated with MAFLD. The chi-squared test was used to analyze categorical data. Logistic regression analysis was used to check for associated factors; significance was defined as a p value < 0.05. The UDOM research and publication committee approved the study, and informed consent was obtained from the participants and in-participants aged older than 18 years with metabolic conditions.
Results
A total of 351 participants were recruited, of whom 53% were females, and the median age was 62 (IQR 52–70) years, with most of the participants residing in urban areas (242, 68.9%). The study prevalence of MAFLD was 21.9%. Significant fibrosis was defined as a FIB-4 index ≥ 1.3 in 14% of MAFLD patients who were found to have advanced fibrosis. Diabetes mellitus (OR: 3.9; 95% CI (2.1–7.2, p < 0.000), dyslipidemia (OR: 2.3; 95% CI 1.2–4.7, p = 0.013), central obesity (OR: 2.0; 95% CI (1.1–3.7; p = 0.016), lifestyle factors (OR: 2.6; 95% CI (1.4–4.8; p = 0.001), smoking (OR: 2.6; 95% CI (1.4–4.8; p = 0.001) and lack of exercise (OR: 2.3; 95% CI (1.2–4.2; p = 0.005)) were independently associated with MAFLD.
Conclusion
This study revealed a significant frequency of MAFLD and significant associations with established risk factors such as diabetes, smoking, alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, central obesity, and dyslipidemia. These findings highlight the importance of early identification and management of these risk factors to prevent MAFLD and its associated complications. Future research should focus on understanding causal mechanisms and evaluating interventions for preventing MAFLD development in at-risk populations attending tertiary hospitals.
Improvement of Cacao Pod Characteristics and its Molecular Characterization in 4 F1 Cacao Populations
Authors: Izzah Nur Kholilatul , Tresniawati Cici , Rubiyo Rubiyo , Pranowo Dibyo , Randriani Enny , Firdaus Nur Kholis , Amaria Widi , Sasmita Kurnia Dewi , Aunillah Asif , Tarigan Elsera Br , Puspitasari Mahardika , Susilawati Susilawati 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Cacao stands as a vital export commodity, necessitating consistent high-quality cocoa beans to meet market demands. Controlled hybridizations for genetic enhancement offer a pathway to improve bean quality and to increase genetic variation. We elucidated the phenotypic variation of pod characteristics in F1 progenies generated from four distinct cross combinations and its molecular characterization. Phenotypic analysis revealed notable outcomes within progenies of TSH858xDR1 cross, demonstrating high average pod weight and a beans-per-100g count aligning with grades AA/A. Among these progenies, 5 − 1 (2), showcased several advantageous traits including the highest weight of a single dried bean and the lowest pod index reflecting large bean sizes. Molecular characterization revealed that all the F1 progenies were different from each other, confirming the differences in phenotypic traits were strongly influenced by genetic variation. These findings underscore the efficacy of intentional crosses which are crucial for genetic improvement.
Periradicular repair after single-visit root canal treatment using sonic irrigant activation of teeth with chronic apical periodontitis
Authors: Arikan Nur Sena , Hepsenoglu Yelda Erdem , Ersahan Seyda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to explore whether using sonic irrigant activation during endodontic treatment favors periradicular repair in teeth with chronic apical periodontitis.
Materials & Methods
One clinician treated 140 posterior (either premolar or molar) asymptomatic teeth with periapical lesions: 70 were randomly assigned to the sonic activation with EndoActivator (EA) group, and 70 were treated by conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Both groups underwent chemomechanical root canal preparation using 35/04 diameter rotary files and 2.5% NaOCl as the irrigant. NaOCl was sonically activated in the EA group, and the final irrigation with NaOCl was performed using a 30-gauge side-perforated needle in the CNI group. All root canal obturations were performed with lateral compaction. All patients were followed up for 12 months. Success was determined based on both healed and healing cases. The chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to compare success rates and outcome-influencing factors between groups.
Results
The recall rate was 131 (94%). At 12 months, 50 teeth (77%) were considered healed, 12 teeth (18%) as healing, and three (5%) as failed in the EA group, while 43 teeth (65%) were considered healed, 17 (26%) as healing, and six (9%) as failed in the CNI group. Verbal Rating Scale scores were significantly lower in the EA group than in the CNI group on postoperative days 1 (p < 0.0001) and 2 (p = 0.0002). Postoperative Periapical Index scores were significantly lower in the EA group than in the CNI group (p = 0.0023). Postoperative lesion sizes were also significantly smaller in the EA group (0.7 [0.2–11.7] mm) than in the CNI group (1.7 [0.5–11.5] mm; p = 0.0118). While the success rate was higher in the EA group (62 [95%]) than in the CNI group (60 [91%]), the difference was not significant (p = 0.492).
Conclusions
The periradicular repair of posterior teeth with apical periodontitis demonstrated the efficacy of EndoActivator on treatment outcomes and reduced postoperative pain. These results suggest the adjunctive use of sonic activation to enhance the decontamination of the root canal system during the chemomechanical stage.
Clinical Relevance:
This clinical trial is the first to evaluate the effects of sonic activation on postoperative healing. Sonic activation with the EndoActivator can reduce postoperative pain and accelerate the healing of the periapical tissues.
Technical Evaluation of GPT-4 and GPT-4-Turbo Reflective Listening Response Generation with the Counsel Chat Dataset
Authors: Pant Dipendra , Mukhiya Suresh Kumar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We conducted a technical evaluation of the quantitative effectiveness of GPT-4 and GPT-4-Turbo in generating high-quality reflective listening responses using the Counsel-Chat dataset. We evaluated GPT-4's ability to provide empathetic and supportive feedback to client questions, using BLEU and ROUGE metrics, analysis of the generated content, its length, and reflection of sentiment and emotion. The findings suggest that GPT-4 can produce textually similar and coherent responses; however, quality is comparatively lower than GPT-4-Turbo. GPT-4-Turbo shows advancement in these areas, as evidenced by better BLUE, ROUGE score, and its overall neutral sentiments with an inclination towards positive and its improved alignment with reference responses. Sentiment analysis and emotion detection provided additional insight into the emotional tone and quality of the responses. The ability of GPT-4's to mimic neutral to slightly positive responses is appropriate for mental health support. There is a need for further improvement in GPT-4's ability to produce depth and empathetic responses to support the role of a mental health counselor.