bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of probiotic’s impact on the clinical manifestations and severity of acute respiratory infections
Authors: Zakharova I. N. , Koshechkin S. I. , Odintsova V. Е. , Romanov V. A. , Popenko A. S. , Pervishko O. V. , Larina V. G. , Fedotova M. M. , Prokopyeva V. D. , Shegai L. V. , Mozzhukhina M. V. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction. Acute respiratory infections cover majority of pediatric outpatient visits and hospitalizations, especially during the cold and flu epidemic season.Aim. To evaluate the effect of Baс-Set Cold/Flu probiotic on the clinical manifestations and severity of acute respiratory infections (ARI) along with standard symptomatic therapy during periods of increased morbidity (November 2023 – March 2024).Materials and methods. This study was an open-label, observational, multicenter study. The number of subjects was 234: 111 volunteers in the first group (experimental) and 123 volunteers in the second group (control) aged from 2 to 10 years inclusive (mean age 5.79) with a diagnosis of ARI. Patients of the first group took Bac-Set Cold/Flu probiotic along with standard symptomatic therapy in comparison with control group which took a standard symptomatic therapy only. Statistical analysis was performed using the R programming language.Results and discussion. The use of probiotic significantly reduced the number of complications and the prescription of antibiotic therapy by more than three times (5% in the probiotic group versus 17% in the control group). A significant difference was revealed in the total duration of the disease (the maximum period from the first symptom of fever to the fact of complete recovery, – absence of fever within last 48 hours) between groups (Mann- Whitney test, p-value = 0.017). In the experimental group, the average duration of illness was 6.2 ± 3.7 days, in the control group – 7.2 ± 3.1 days. A statistically significant difference in the duration of fever was also revealed (Mann-Whitney test, p-value = 0.006). In the control group, on average, fever lasted 1 day longer. The median maximum temperature in the probiotic group was 0.5 degrees lower at the 2nd visit compared to the control group. The use of the probiotic did not affect the symptoms of cough, nasal congestion and the color of nasal discharge, but a trend was recorded for the effect on the symptoms of sore throat.Conclusion. The use of a probiotic reduced the number of complications and the prescription of antibiotic therapy by more than three times, the duration of the disease and fever.
Discussion Paper
Authors: Schelbert Vasco , Narayan Abishek 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
The initiative responds to a huge and growing public need – safe sanitation in combination with access to safe drinking water and hygiene underpins good health. The aim of this initiative is reshaping the global urban sanitation agenda by focusing on inclusive sanitation service goals and the service systems required to achieve them – rather than the traditional singular focus on expanding sewer networks and treatment works. This forms part of IWA's larger agenda to promote inclusive, resilient, water-wise, and sanitation-secure cities. This initiative is being progressed through a dedicated campaign #SanitAction to garner support and collaborative action.
Organoselenium-based Azomethines as Apoptosis Inducers in Colorectal Carcinoma via P53, BAX, Caspase-3, Caspase-6, and Caspase-9 Modulations
Authors: Shaaban Saad , Hammouda Mohamed M. , Althikrallah Hanan A. , Al Nawah Jawaher Y. , Ba-Ghazal Hussein , Sharaky Marwa , Abulkhair Hamada S. , Al-Karmalawy Ahmed A. 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Organoselenium (OSe) agents and Schiff bases have demonstrated
immense potential in the pharmaceutical field due to their broad spectrum of medicinal activities.

Methods:
We herein report the antitumor activities of bis diselenide-based Schiff bases
(3a-3c) derived from bis(4-aminophenyl)diselenide 2 and organoselenide-based Schiff bases
(5a-c) derived from p-(methylselanyl)phenyl amine (4). The antitumor activity was estimated
against fifteen cancer cell lines. Also, the growth inhibition percentage (GI%) of the
Schiff bases tethered OSe compounds was evaluated against two normal cell lines, namely,
human skin fibroblasts (HSF) and olfactory ensheathing cell line (OEC), to estimate the potential
safety and selectivity. Furthermore, the cytotoxic inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50)
was assessed against the cancer cell lines with the most outstanding GI% using the SRB assay.

Results:
Compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a showed the lowest IC50 values compared to those of
doxorubicin (DOX) against HCT116, HEPG2, A549, MDA-MB-468, and FaDu cancer cell
lines, respectively, especially against the HCT116 subtype, assuring their potential anticancer
activity. On the other side, the apoptotic potentials of the most active compounds (3a, 3b, 3c,
and 5a) were also evaluated for apoptosis-related genes (P53, BAX, caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9,
MMP2, MMP9, and BCL-2). Interestingly, compounds 3a, 3b, 3c, and 5a upregulated P53,
BAX, and caspases 3, 6, 8, and 9 by (2.66, 2.26, 2.44, and 2.57)-, (1.62, 1.52, 1.37, and
1.47)-, (1.87, 1.75, 2.02, and 1.75)-, (1.96, 1.74, 2.06, and 2.30)-, (4.25, 3.78, 3.53, and
3.96)-, and (2.04, 1.72, 1.90, and 1.63)-fold change, respectively. Furthermore, MMP2, MMP9,
and BCL-2 were downregulated by (0.39, 0.51, 0.33, and 0.28)-, (0.29, 0.32, 0.37, and
0.41)-, and (0.42, 0.35, 0.29, and 0.38)-fold-change, upon treatment with compounds 3a, 3b,
3c, and 5a, respectively, assuring the apoptotic potentials. Finally, molecular docking also
greatly recommends the potential activity of the examined candidates (especially 3a and 3c)
against the GSTP1 receptor as a recommended mechanism for their antitumor activity.

Conclusion:
Our findings point to significant anticancer activities of Schiff bases tethered
OSe agents, suggesting their promising potential for development as effective anticancer
drugs.
Active Ingredients and Mechanism of Gegen Qinlian Decoction in the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy: A Network Pharmacology Study
Authors: Wang Min , Liang Yanbin , Qin Yuce , Ma Ruimian , Yu Huanting , Wang Weixue , Zhang Xiaoxi 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a common diabetes complication with limited
medications. Gegen Qinlian decoction (GQD) has been used in the treatment of diabetes and its related complications
in China for several decades.

Objective:
In this study, network pharmacology was employed to predict the active ingredients, key targets,
and pathways involved in the treatment of DCM by GQD and to validate it by animal experiments.

Methods:
The active ingredients of GQD were retrieved from TCMSP and published literature. DCM-related
gene targets were searched in Drugbank, Genecards, Disgenet, and OMIM disease databases. Protein-protein
interaction networks were constructed using the STRING database and Cytoscape. GO analysis and KEGG
pathway enrichment analysis were performed using the Metascape platform. Moreover, a diabetic mouse
model was established to evaluate the therapeutic effects of GQD by measuring serum biochemical markers
and inflammation levels. Finally, the expression of predicted key target genes was determined using real-time
quantitative PCR.

Results:
A total of 129 active ingredients were screened from GQD. Moreover, 146 intersecting genes related
to DCM were obtained, with key targets, including AKT1, TNF, IL6, and VEGFA. Lipid and atherosclerosis,
AGE-RAGE, PI3K-AKT, and MAPK pathways were identified. Blood glucose control, decreased inflammatory
factors, and serum CK-MB levels were restored after GQD intervention, and the same occurred with the
expressions of PPAR-γ, AKT1, APOB, and GSK3B genes.

Conclusion:
Quercetin, kaempferol, wogonin, 7-methoxy-2-methyl isoflavone, and formononetin may exert
major therapeutic effects by regulating key factors, such as AKT1, APOB, and GSK3B, in the inflammatory
reaction, glycolipid oxidation, and glycogen synthesis related signaling pathways.
Methodological Approaches for Increasing the Retroviral Transduction Efficiency of Primary NK Cells
Authors: Streltsova Maria A. , Palamarchuk Anastasia I. , Vavilova Julia D. , Ustiuzhanina Maria O. , Boyko Anna A. , Velichinskii Rodion A. , Alekseeva Nadezhda A. , Grechikhina Maria V. , Shustova Olga A. , Sapozhnikov Alexander M. , Kovalenko Elena I. 
Published: August 2024

Background:
The growing attention to NK cells for cancer cell therapy is associated with the need
to establish highly efficient protocols for their genetic modification, particularly by retroviral transduction.

Objective:
In this work, we have optimized several stages of the retroviral-based modification process, and determined
the distribution of the amino acid transporter ASCT2 between NK cell subsets.

Methods:
Retroviral particles were produced using the Phoenix Ampho cell line transfected with the calcium
phosphate method . We used RD114-based retroviral transduction for lymphocyte cell lines and primary NK
cells.

Results:
We have determined the optimal time to collect the RD114-pseudotyped viral supernatants resulting
in the titer of viral particles required for efficient NK cell modification to be between 48 and 72 hours. Retroviral
modification by retronectin-based method did not alter NK cell functional activity and cell survival. We
identified differences in the Multiplicity of Infection (MOI) among cell lines that were partially associated
with the ASCT2 surface expression. Cells with higher ASCT2 levels were more susceptible to transduction
with RD114-pseudotyped viral particles. Higher ASCT2 expression levels were revealed in activated CD57+
and KIR2DL2DL3+ NK cells compared to their negative counterparts.

Conclusion:
Our findings provide a more nuanced understanding of NK cell transduction, offering valuable insights
for improving therapeutic applications involving NK cell modification.
Impact of Breast Tissue Heterogeneity on Microwave Ablation Performance: Insights from Computational Modeling
Authors: Pinto García Eduardo , Cepeda Rubio Mario Francisco Jesus , Guerrero López Geshel David , Segura Félix Kristian , Hernández Jaquez Jose Irving , Flores García Francisco , Vera Hernández Arturo , Leija Salas Lorenzo 
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death among women worldwide, and
treatments often have severe physiological and aesthetic side effects. Researchers are exploring minimally
invasive techniques, such as Microwave Ablation therapy (MWA), to mitigate these effects.

Method:
This study has investigated the impact of microwave ablation therapy on breast tissue with
segmental microcalcifications, which can show breast cancer presence. This research work has used a
coaxial dual-slot antenna model to apply microwave radiation and compare thermal and reflection
parameters between homogeneous and heterogeneous breast tissues.

Results:
The results have shown homogeneous models to yield a power reflection below 17% and
achieve the desired ablation temperature of 50°C in less than 250 seconds of therapy time. However,
heterogeneous models have achieved a power reflection above 18% and achieved the desired ablation
temperature in less than 250 seconds. This suggests that considering variation in dielectric properties
within a homogeneous breast model can be more effective than considering tissue segmentation.

Conclusion:
Further research needs to optimize the antenna for each homogeneous breast density,
considering other malignant tissues, which can potentially improve the effectiveness of microwave
ablation therapy in treating breast cancer.
Rituximab therapy for adult refractory systemic lupus erythematosus with neurological and/or psychiatric presentations: a PRISMA-compliant meta-analysis
Authors: Asad Ayoubi Mehran , Moghaddasi Maryam , Aloosh Mehdi 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Rituximab (RTX) is used off-label for refractory cases of Systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE) with extrarenal activity, including neurological and/or psychiatric (N/P) presentations.
However, evidence from randomized controlled trials is limited.

Objective:
This study aimed to conduct a pooled analysis of the effectiveness and safety of RTX
therapy for adult refractory SLE with N/P manifestations.

Methods:
Electronic searches in databases and statistical analysis were conducted in this study.

Results:
Electronic searches in PubMed, Epistemonikos, and ICTRP in May 2023 identified 20
studies (25 reports). A total of 59 patients (53 females; 90%) were included, with a mean age of
33.5±10.6 years and a median disease duration of 3.5 years (range, 0.08 to 25.0) who were followed
up post-RTX therapy for a median time of 12 months (range, 3.0 to 46.2). The rate of clinical
response (partial or major) was 90% (95% CI, 83 to 96) (n = 57 patients). A third of responders
relapsed after a median time of 9.5 months (range, 3.0 to 33.0). Pooled pre-RTX/post-RTX
scores for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) (n = 13) were
19±15/7±5 and for neurological British Isles Lupus Assessment Group (BILAG) (n = 29) were
A/D (13), A/C (5), B/D (7), B/C (2), and A/A (2). Patients without mood disorder had a higher
chance of clinical response {relative risk (RR) 1.4 (1.03 to 1.48)}. Patients who benefited the
most from RTX therapy were those with psychosis (a higher chance of major clinical response;
RR 1.9 (1.02 to 2.34)), without acute confusional state (a lower chance of relapse; RR 0.08 (0.006
to 0.791)), and with disease duration <3 years (a lower chance of relapse; RR 0.18 (0.014 to
0.992)). Infection rate during treatment was 33% (7/21).

Conclusions:
RTX therapy had good effectiveness. The pooled evidence for safety outcomes was
limited and of low certainty.
Lanthanide Metal-Doped Ca Aluminate Nanoflakes with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Yong , Sun Zizhan , Ban Zhangjie , Cai Chenxi , Cai Zhengyu , Pei Lizhai 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Ca aluminate (CaAlO) is an important aluminate material that shows
promising applications in optics, catalysts, photoelectrons, semiconductors, and biological materials.
The band gap of the CaAlO nanoflakes is as large as 3.87 eV, limiting the application of the
CaAlO nanoflakes. Thus, it is essential to research efficient methods for improving the photocatalytic
performance of the CaAlO nanoflakes. The improvement of gentian violet degradation can be
further enhanced by lanthanide metal doping.

Methods:
Lanthanide metal (La or Pr)-doped CaAlO nanoflakes were prepared using a simple
method. Lanthanide metal-doped CaAlO nanoflakes were analyzed by electron microscopy, X-ray
diffraction, photoelectron spectra, solid diffusion reflectance, and photoluminescence spectra.

Results:
La or Pr was incorporated into the CaAlO nanoflakes with orthorhombic Ca5Al6O14 phase.
La dopant with the content of 8wt.% existed in the form of hexagonal La0.9Al11.7O19. Pr dopant induced
the phase transformation from the orthorhombic Ca5Al6O14 phase to the cubic Ca3Al2O6 phase.
The size of the doped nanoflakes reduced from 2 μm to 500 nm with increasing the content of
lanthanide metal dopants. The band gap of the lanthanide metal-doped CaAlO nanoflakes decreased
from 3.74 eV to 2.98 eV, decreasing the La dopant from 8 wt.% to 2 wt.%, 3.62 eV to 3.34 eV and
improving Pr dopant from 2 wt.% to 8 wt.%. About 20 mL of 10 mgL-1 gentian violet was entirely
removed using 2 wt.%-La-doped CaAlO nanoflakes under irradiation for 30 min, and 8wt.%-Prdoped
CaAlO nanoflakes under irradiation for 50 min, respectively. 2wt.%-La-doped CaAlO
nanoflakes exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation reaction rate constant (0.115 min-1),
which was 3.6 times as high as that of the CaAlO nanoflakes. The major reaction active substances
involved in the photo-degradation were hydroxyl radicals and holes.

Conclusion:
Photocatalytic activity of the CaAlO nanoflakes towards gentian violet can be greatly
enhanced by lanthanide metals owing to the harvest light absorption, reduced band gap, and recombination
ability of photo-generated electron-hole pairs.
Effects of MWCNTs on the Improved Mechanical Characteristics of Cementitious Composite
Authors: Gnanasaravanan S. , Ayeshamariam A. , Saravanakkumar D. , Nagarani N. , Baraneedharan P. , Mohamed S.B. 
Published: August 2024

Introduction:
Concrete's filler material gets strengthened over time by specific
chemical reactions that harden it. Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are more
frequently used as fillers than SWCNTs, owing to their lower cost of production and their
superior reinforcement properties in cement composites.

Methods:
Mechanical properties like compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and
modulus of elasticity are proportional to the water/cement ratio (w/c) and are considered
critical criteria in the design of structural elements.

Results:
The aim of the present work was to prepare, characterize, and determine the effects
that multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can have on the mechanical
strength of various matrix cementitious composites.

Conclusion:
The results showed that the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes to the
concrete greatly improved both its compressive strength and its splitting tensile strength.
Green-synthesized Metal Nanoparticles for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: A Critical Review
Authors: Waykar Ravindra , Kumarapillai Srinivasakumar , Kulkarni Yogesh A. 
Published: August 2024

:
The utilization of chemotherapy remains an established therapeutic strategy in the ongoing
fight against cancer. Nevertheless, it has been impeded by the occurrence of several fatal adverse
reactions caused by non-specific toxicity often associated with chemotherapy. Nanotechnology is an
emerging field of research that is experiencing rapid growth and is widely recognized as a highly
promising approach for advanced cancer therapy. Biosynthesized green nanomaterials are emerging
as promising tools for cancer treatment and diagnosis. Metal nanoparticles have been developed for
use in several applications, including magnetically sensitive medication delivery, photothermal
treatment, and photoimaging. Nanomaterials containing metals, such as iron, cobalt, and silver,
which are generated from various bio-sources, have been described. The boundless capabilities of
nanoparticles have already had a profound impact on human existence. Nevertheless, the potential
adverse effects of nanoparticles on human health have consistently instilled apprehension. A thorough
investigation of the toxicity and intricate nature of nanomaterials has facilitated the emergence
of nanotoxicology, a field that examines the fundamental origins of these problems. The introduction
of green chemistry principles has aimed to provide safer techniques for the production and management
of nanomaterials, resulting in the emergence of green nanotechnology. This review article highlights
the potential uses of green nanotechnology for the detection and management of tumors, including
the challenges they face in reaching clinical trials.
Mechanical and Thermal Characterizations of Polypropylene Composite Reinforced with Alkali-Treated Sisal Fiber
Authors: Erna Seshweni Mantsha Hennie , Botlhoko Orebotse Joseph , Kumar Pawan , H.M. Vishwanatha , Kumar Ajay , Obadele Babatunde Abiodun , Elizabeth Makhatha Mamookho 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Owing to the promising characteristics— high strength-to-weight ratio,
acoustic and thermal insulation, renewable and biodegradable, sisal fiber-based composites have
been explored. Including patents, interesting literature is available on sisal fiber-based composites.

Method:
The materials under investigation were sisal fiber (SF), polypropylene (PP), and sisal- fiber-
reinforced polypropylene composite (SFR-PC). Three different samples of SFR-PC were fabricated
via injection molding. Their morphological-, mechanical-, thermal-, and water absorptionproperties
were analyzed.

Results:
The untreated sisal fiber (USF) sample showed a network microstructure with micro-void;
however, the alkali (NaOH)-treated sisal fiber (TSF) sample envisages surface roughness morphology.
The C-O stretching vibration of the acetyl groups of lignin in the USF vanished after the alkali
treatment of SF. The degree of crystallinity index, thermal stability, weight loss, and water resistance
improved with the alkali (NaOH) treatment of SF. The tensile modulus (E) for SFR- PC
showed an increasing trend with the addition of TSF at all weights % envisaging a better interaction
between polymer matrix and reinforcement; however, the 90PP-10TSF sample exhibited the highest
storage modulus (Eˈ) at all temperatures due to the TSF distribution and agglomeration in the
polymer matrix. The addition of TSF improved the loss modulus (E˝) for the SFR-PC sample as
compared to the PP sample.

Conclusion:
The 90PP-10TSF sample showed the optimum distribution of TSF in the PP matrix.
DSC secondary heating thermograph depicted that the addition of TSF did not affect the melting
temperature of SFR-PC samples, and the cooling thermograph showed that the addition of TSF in
the polymer matrix gradually increased the crystallization temperature, suggesting a better packing
of the cellulose chain. The 70PP-30TSF sample showed the highest absorption, followed by 80PP-
20TSF and 90PP-10TSF samples, whereas the PP sample showed the lowest absorption.
Evaluation of Generative Language Models in Personalizing Medical Information: Instrument Validation Study
Authors: Spina Aidin , Andalib Saman , Flores Daniel , Vermani Rishi , Halaseh Faris F , Nelson Ariana M 
Published: August 2024

Background
Although uncertainties exist regarding implementation, artificial intelligence–driven generative language models (GLMs) have enormous potential in medicine. Deployment of GLMs could improve patient comprehension of clinical texts and improve low health literacy.

Objective
The goal of this study is to evaluate the potential of ChatGPT-3.5 and GPT-4 to tailor the complexity of medical information to patient-specific input education level, which is crucial if it is to serve as a tool in addressing low health literacy.

Methods
Input templates related to 2 prevalent chronic diseases—type II diabetes and hypertension—were designed. Each clinical vignette was adjusted for hypothetical patient education levels to evaluate output personalization. To assess the success of a GLM (GPT-3.5 and GPT-4) in tailoring output writing, the readability of pre- and posttransformation outputs were quantified using the Flesch reading ease score (FKRE) and the Flesch-Kincaid grade level (FKGL).

Results
Responses (n=80) were generated using GPT-3.5 and GPT-4 across 2 clinical vignettes. For GPT-3.5, FKRE means were 57.75 (SD 4.75), 51.28 (SD 5.14), 32.28 (SD 4.52), and 28.31 (SD 5.22) for 6th grade, 8th grade, high school, and bachelor’s, respectively; FKGL mean scores were 9.08 (SD 0.90), 10.27 (SD 1.06), 13.4 (SD 0.80), and 13.74 (SD 1.18). GPT-3.5 only aligned with the prespecified education levels at the bachelor’s degree. Conversely, GPT-4’s FKRE mean scores were 74.54 (SD 2.6), 71.25 (SD 4.96), 47.61 (SD 6.13), and 13.71 (SD 5.77), with FKGL mean scores of 6.3 (SD 0.73), 6.7 (SD 1.11), 11.09 (SD 1.26), and 17.03 (SD 1.11) for the same respective education levels. GPT-4 met the target readability for all groups except the 6th-grade FKRE average. Both GLMs produced outputs with statistically significant differences (P<.001; 8th grade P<.001; high school P<.001; bachelors P=.003; FKGL: 6th grade P=.001; 8th grade P<.001; high school P<.001; bachelors P<.001) between mean FKRE and FKGL across input education levels.

Conclusions
GLMs can change the structure and readability of medical text outputs according to input-specified education. However, GLMs categorize input education designation into 3 broad tiers of output readability: easy (6th and 8th grade), medium (high school), and difficult (bachelor’s degree). This is the first result to suggest that there are broader boundaries in the success of GLMs in output text simplification. Future research must establish how GLMs can reliably personalize medical texts to prespecified education levels to enable a broader impact on health care literacy.