bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Germination Process Impact on Proximate, Inorganic, and Phytochemical Contents of Malt Barley, Abyssinian Purple-Colored Barley and Wheat
Authors: Kassegn Hagos Hailu , Hshe Brtukan Gidey , Meresa Birhanu Kahsay , Berhe Mihret Hadgu , Tadesse Haftay Abraha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Abyssinian purple-colored wheat and barley and malt barley were analyzed for their antioxidant content and mineral elements before and after 72 hours of germination. During the 72-hour germination period, various nutrients in pigmented cereals were equally affected, leading to changes in fiber, fat, ash, tannin, and anthocyanin levels. The protein percentages for Abyssinian purple-colored barley, Abyssinian purple-colored wheat, and germinated barley malt flour are 56%, 45%, and 77%, respectively. The iron content (mg/100 g) for the different types of barley and wheat are as follows: raw malt barley (21.94), germinated malt barley (23.93), Abyssinian purple-colored barley (178), and purple-colored wheat (352.86). The calcium and zinc content follow a similar pattern for the different types. During the 72-hour germination stage, condensed tannin concentration decreases due to reduced polyphenol oxidase activity, increased enzymatic metabolism, and tannin leaching from the germinating mass. The phenolic content tripled from 63.5 to 189.6 mg GAE per 100 g in germinated samples. Abyssinian purple barley has the highest anthocyanin content, followed by purple wheat. Both barley and wheat showed decreased TAC after germination, along with changes in protein, mineral, tannin, and anthocyanin contents. This may reduce antioxidant concentrations in colored grains used in consumer goods.
Validation of LPS induced esophageal inflammation through TLR4 pathway in gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Li Zhi-tong , Guo Yi-min , Chen Li-dong , Liu Qi , Cheng Ming 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective: Current researches have shown that patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may have esophageal microbial flora imbalance, in which Gram-negative bacteria become dominant and produce lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which can activate the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. Therefore, we want to validate LPS induces esophageal inflammation through TLR4 pathway in GERD.
Methods: We constructed an external esophageal perfusion rat model and used normal saline, LPS and TAK-242 + LPS mixture to perfuse the middle and lower esophagus, respectively. We observed the change of esophageal tissue inner diameter, the pathological changes of the esophagus, the expression of inflammatory factors, and the content of related apoptotic proteins in different groups.
Results: In LPS group, obvious inflammatory infiltration was observed. The TAK-242 + LPS group exhibited a milder inflammatory response than the LPS group. Compared with the control, the LPS group had increased inflammatory factor expression and apoptotic protein content, with lowered anti-apoptotic gene expression. TAK-242, as a TLR4 inhibitor in the TAK-242 + LPS group, effectively suppressed the LPS-stimulated inflammatory response.
Conclusion: LPS exerted the powerful pro-inflammatory effect through TLR4 pathway in GERD, and TAK-242, a TLR4 inhibitor, significantly alleviated LPS-induced esophageal damage, suggesting its potential as a GERD therapy.
Risks of Respiratory and Circulatory System Diseases Induced by Exposure to PM2.5 in High Humidity and Low Solar Radiation Environments: Disease Types, Genes, and Functions
Authors: Li Xiaomeng , Zhang Liru , Zhang Zhengliang , Li Xuan , Qian Jingli , Zhou Jiawei , Che Hanxiong , Han Yan , Qi Xin , Yang Fumo , Huang Yu , Chen Yang , Xing Yan , Zhang Shumin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Epidemiological investigation has found that PM2.5 from high humidity and low solar radiation environments (HHLR-PM2.5) induces the highest premature mortality rates from respiratory and circulatory diseases in China. However, the disease types and pathogenic mechanisms of the respiratory and circulatory diseases induced by HHLR-PM2.5 have not been completely revealed. In this study, we explore the risks of commonly existing diseases induced by HHLR-PM2.5 in the respiratory and circulatory systems. For neoplasms, HHLR-PM2.5 significantly induces malignant mesothelioma and arteriovenous hemangioma, the former through the CDKN1A and KIT genes, and the latter through IL6, blood vessel morphogenesis, and transforming growth factor beta binding. Patent ductus arteriosus - persisting type and chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension are the most prominent cardiopulmonary diseases caused by HHLR-PM2.5, with the key molecular target being ACTA2 for the former and CDH5 for the latter. For congenital, hereditary, and neonatal diseases and abnormalities, HHLR-PM2.5 obviously contributes to bronchopulmonary dysplasia and congenital arteriovenous malformation, the former by targeting HMOX1, response to glucocorticoid, and heparin binding, and the latter by targeting IL6, blood vessel morphogenesis, and transforming growth factor beta binding. This study helps to clarify the risks of HHLR-PM2.5 to the respiratory and circulatory systems, supporting and supplementing epidemiology data.
Probiotics as an adjunct in the treatment of canine atopic dermatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of in vivo studies in dogs
Authors: Pacheco Roberta Cavalcanti Fischer , Lins Leandro Fragoso , de Brito Leandro Paes , Calaça Priscilla Régia de Andrade , Porto Ana Lúcia Figueiredo , Cavalcanti Maria Taciana Holanda 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Probiotics have been suggested as a treatment for canine atopic dermatitis, a form of dermatopathy common in dogs. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotics as an adjuvant in treating canine atopic dermatitis in vivo studies with dogs. The study was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Only clinical studies in dogs with atopic dermatitis that received intervention with probiotics were selected, being just original articles in English from the last 5 years (2019–2023). A total of 293 articles were obtained, and after the inclusion criteria, only 5 articles were eligible and included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The 5 studies used different probiotic at concentrations of 108 to 1010 CFU/mL/g, 3 studies with oral administration for 12 weeks, and 2 studies with topical use for 4 weeks. The meta-analysis results show that probiotics did not present significant effects against atopic dermatitis by evaluating the CADESI-4 scale (p = 0.08) and the PVAS scale (p = 0.85). Furthermore, regarding the method of administration of probiotics (oral or topical), the meta-analysis showed that there were also no significant results when the disease index was evaluated using CADESI-4 (p = 0.07) or PVAS (p = 0.92). We concluded that, even without significant effects, all trials showed a reduction in CADESI-4 and PVAS scores, reflecting a reduction in the severity of atopic dermatitis in dogs that used probiotics as treatment adjuvants.
Clinical Evaluation of a Photoplethysmography-based Wristband for Accurate Monitoring of Oxygen Saturation, Respiratory Rate and Pulse Rate During Cardiac Catheterisations - A Brief Report
Authors: Monnink Stefan H.J. , Vliet Mariska , Kuiper Mathijs J. , Constandse Jan C. , Hoftijzer Dieke , Muller Marjolein , Ronner Eelko 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Recently, photoplethysmography-based vital parameter measurements have increased in popularity. However, clinical evaluation of these measurements is lacking. The objective of this study was to rigorously evaluate the clinical accuracy and reliability of a novel photoplethysmography-based wristband for measuring key vital parameters—oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate (RR), and pulse rate (PR)—during heart catheterisations.
Methods
Vital parameters obtained during heart catheterisations by means of a photoplethysmography-based wristband (CardioWatch 287-2, Corsano Health) were compared to reference measurements performed by a Nellcor fingerclip (SpO2, PR) as well as a 5-lead ECG (RR) (QMAPP Hemodynamic Monitoring module, Fysicon B.V.) by means of correlation coefficients and root means squared error (RMSE). Effects of gender and skin colour were additionally evaluated.
Results
In total 945 samples from a total of 100 patients were included in the analysis. The correlation coefficients and RSME obtained for the difference between reference and photoplethysmography-based wristband measurements were r = 0.815 and 1.6% for SpO2, r = 0.976 and 0.9 brpm for RR and r = 0.995 and 1.3 bpm for PR. Similar results were obtained across all gender and skin colour subcategories.
Conclusion
This study shows that photoplethysmography-based SpO2, RR and PR measurements can be accurate during heart catheterisations. Future investigations are required to evaluate the wristband’s performance under dynamic circumstances as well as over an extended time period.
Trial registration:
www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT05566886.
The Level of Completion of Continuum Maternity Care and the Associated Factors in the pastoralist and non-pastoralist districts: comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Wana Ermias Wabeto , Ganta Abera Gezume , Tesfaw Bewket Belete , Minuta Worku Mimani 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Utilization of continuous maternal health care is key to preventing maternal morbidity and mortality. Although completion of continuous maternal care (COCMC) plays a crucial role, the level of utilization of continuous maternal care is low, but the reasons for this seem unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level and factors associated with COCMC in pastoralist and non-pastoralist districts of Ari and South Omo zones in 2024.
Methods
A community-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from March to May 2024. A multistage sampling procedure was used to select 632 study participants (270 from agricultural and 362 from pastoralist districts). Data were collected using a standard questionnaire completed by an interviewer via the Kobo toolbox and exported to the Statistical Package for Social Science-26 (SPSS-26) for analysis. A multivariable logistic regression model was created to identify factors associated with the level of COCMC. The results were presented in the form of frequencies and adjusted odds ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance was determined at a p-value of less than 0.05.
Results
The overall level of COCMC was 46(7.3%; 95%CI: 5.3%-9.3%), and there was no significant difference between pastoralist and agricultural districts in terms of COCMC level; 27(7.4%) and 19(7.0%), respectively. COCMC was associated with living in an urban area (AOR: 2.52[1.10–5.90]), mother's decision-making power to use household resources for maternal health care (AOR: 2.62[1.25–5.48]), lack of home-to-home healthcare by health worker (AOR: 0.31[0.14–0.69]), and living in the poorest household (AOR: 0.21[0.10–0.96]).
Conclusion and recommendations
The level of COCMC is very low in the study area, and to improve it, giving special attention to rural communities of the agrarian and pastoralist areas, enhancing maternal decision-making power on domestic resources, strengthening integrated home-to-home maternal healthcare service by a health worker and enhancing economy of households are all recommended.
A new strategy using intelligent hybrid learning for prediction of water binder ratio of concrete with rice husk ash as a supplementary cementitious material
Authors: Bashir Abba , Jibril Mahmud M. , Jibrin Umar Muhammad , Abba S. I. , Malami Salim Idris 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

It is important to point out that the precise prediction of water binder ratio “w/b ratio” is indispensable for gaining the desirable characteristics of strength and duration of concrete constructions. This research offers a new method for w/b ratio prediction based on state-of-art machine learning algorithms accompanied with Explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods. The main aspect of the research approach is described using 192 database containing different mix design parameters and the environmental conditions. With the help of ensemble learning models such as Random forest (RF), Recurrent neural network (RNN) model, Relevance vector machine (RVM) and Response surface methodology (RSM), the prediction model has performed better than the empirical methods with RVM-M3 surpass all other models with the highest R value equal to 0.9992 in calibration phase and RF-M3 surpass the other model combination in verification phase with R value equal to 0.9984. Moreover, addressing the integration of XAI, the specifics of model prediction and the main influential variables related to w/c ratio as well as their importance are determined, where Cement (Ce) highlight to be the most influence parameter that improved he prediction accuracy of RF-M3 model. The results prove that the proposed method increases the prediction accuracy and provides engineers with a dependable means of augmenting concrete mix designs to enhance concrete’s durability performance and sustainability. This research expands the understanding and principles of concrete technology, hence facilitating the use of AI-based solutions in civil engineering practices and other relevant domains.
Stereoselective block of the hERG potassium channel by the Class Ia antiarrhythmic drug disopyramide.
Authors: Zhang Yihong , Harchi Aziza El , James Andrew , Oiki Shigetoshi , Dempsey Christopher , Hancox Jules 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Potassium channels encoded by human Ether-à-go-go-Related Gene (hERG) are inhibited by diverse cardiac and non-cardiac drugs. Disopyramide is a chiral Class Ia antiarrhythmic that inhibits hERG at clinical concentrations. This study evaluated effects of disopyramide enantiomers on hERG current (IhERG) from hERG expressing HEK 293 cells at 37oC. S(+) and R(-) disopyramide inhibited wild-type (WT) IhERG with IC50 values of 3.9 µM and 12.9 µM respectively. The attenuated-inactivation mutant N588K had little effect on the action of S(+) disopyramide but the IC50 for the R(-) enantiomer was ~15-fold that for S(+) disopyramide. The enhanced inactivation mutant N588E only slightly increased the potency of R(-) disopyramide. S6 mutation Y652A reduced S(+) disopyramide potency more than that of R(-) disopyramide (respective IC50 values ~49-fold and 11-fold their WT controls). The F656A mutation also exerted a stronger effect on S(+) than R(-) disopyramide, albeit with less IC50 elevation. A WT‑Y652A tandem dimer exhibited a sensitivity to the enantiomers that was intermediate between that of WT and Y652A, suggesting Y652 groups on adjacent subunits contribute to the binding. Moving the Y (normally at site 652) one residue in the N- terminal (up) direction in N588K hERG markedly increased the blocking potency of R(-) disopyramide. Molecular dynamics simulations using a hERG pore model produced different binding modes for S(+) and R(-) disopyramide consistent with the experimental observations. In conclusion, S(+) disopyramide interacts more strongly with S6 aromatic binding residues on hERG than does R(-) disopyramide, whilst optimal binding of the latter is more reliant on intact inactivation.
Low molecular weight heparin increases clinical pregnancy rate in non-thrombophilic women undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Guo Yaxin , Chen Dan , Li Wenxuan , Zhao Mengya , Yan Enqi , Jin Huizi , Sun Xin , Nie Rui , Jin Lei 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Previously, low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) has shown good anti-thrombotic effects and helped improve pregnancy outcomes for women with thrombotic diseases undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART), prompting its use in women without thrombotic disease. However, there are few standardized medication guidelines for LMWH use in non-thrombotic patients, and it is unclear whether LMWH truly benefits pregnancy outcomes in these patients. There we want to investigate whether LMWH affects pregnancy outcomes of patients without thrombophilia undergoing ART.
Methods
A total of 3067 infertile women who were undergoing their fresh in vitro fertilization (IVF)/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycle in the Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology in 2019 were finally eligible for this retrospective cohort study, with 119 and 2948 administered with LMWH and without LMWH respectively. Clinical pregnancy rate (CPR) and the secondary outcomes include live birth rate (LBR), miscarriage rate (MR), multiple pregnancy rates (MPR), biochemical pregnancy rate (BPR) and ectopic pregnancy rate (EPR) were compared among these two groups.
Results
Before adjustment for confounders, MPR (8.4% vs. 3.1%, P = 0.001) and MR (15.1% vs. 6.2%, P<0.001) were higher in the LMWH group while CPR (53.8% vs. 46.8%, P = 0.133), LBR (37.8% vs. 40.5%, P = 0.553), BPR (6.7% vs. 6.0%, P = 0.759) and EPR (0.0% vs. 0.7%, P = 1.000) were similar compared to the control group. To investigate the correlation of LMWH administration, confounding variables were adjusted by multivariable logistic regression model and three Propensity score (PS) methods. In multivariable logistic regression, there were significantly higher CPR (AOR = 1.54; 95% CI, 1.05–2.27; P = 0.027) and MR (AOR = 2.93; 95% CI, 1.73–4.97; P < 0.001) among patients with LMWH, without an increase in LBR (AOR = 1.03; 95% CI, 0.70–1.53; P = 0.877), MPR (AOR = 1.29; 95% CI, 0.59–2.81; P = 0.529), BPR (OR = 1.17, 95% CI, 0.56–2.45; P = 0.674), which were consistent in PS Adjustment, and Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting using propensity score (IPTW), but not in the Propensity score matching (PSM) (1:1) analysis. Subgroup analyses showed that CPR and MR were increased in the LMWH group in the patients with age ≤ 35 years, body mass index (BMI) ≤ 24 and without recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL).
Conclusions
Low molecular weight heparin may improve clinical pregnancy but not live birth in non-thrombophilic women undergoing ART.
Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using aerial parts of Asparagus racemosus Willd: characterization, antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxicity, and antibacterial activities
Authors: Das Priya , Mondal Subhajit , Ashraf Gouhar Jahan , Thapa Ankrita , Maiti Partha Pratim , Dua Tarun Kumar , Paul Paramita , Nandi Gouranga , Dey Sangita , Roy Koyeska , Kumar Anoop , Adhikari Manab Deb , Sahu Ranabir 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Asparagus racemosus Willd is a well-known medicinal plant due to its various therapeutic aspects. The aerial part of A. racemosus was utilized to formulate cost-effective and environmentally friendly silver nanoparticles through a green approach. The surface plasmon resonance band of A. racemosus-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-AR) was established at the λmax of 426 nm in UV-visible analysis, confirming the formation of AgNPs-AR through this green synthesis method. The diameter of spherical-shaped AgNPs-AR was 202 nm. The characterization of AgNPs-AR was done by using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy-Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Zeta potential analyses. Additionally, the therapeutical potentialities of the AgNPs-AR were established by assessing the antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticancer, and antibacterial properties. The DPPH free radical assay showed potent scavenging ability (IC50: 639 µg/ml). Increasing absorbance with increasing concentration of AgNPs-AR confirmed the reducing power ability of the AgNPs-AR. The α-amylase inhibitory assay demonstrated significant inhibition (IC50: 535 µg/ml), indicating the antidiabetic potential of the AgNPs-AR. They also exhibited notable cytotoxicity (IC50: 57.65 µg/ml) against malignant human kidney cells and excellent antibacterial activity against both Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) bacteria. Thus, the study concluded that the AgNPs-AR demonstrated promising antioxidant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, and antibacterial activities, which can deliver a new candidate for drug discovery research.
Heat Transfer Analysis during Quenching of Moving Metal Plates using Water Jets from a Mold
Authors: Gopalkrishna Suresh Babu , Kulkarni Gaurav Abhay , Ryll Stephan , Specht Eckehard 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

During the direct chill (DC) casting process, quenching water emerging from an array of jets impinges directly on the hot surface in motion. To investigate the mechanism of heat transfer in DC Casting, the secondary cooling process was resembled in laboratory conditions. Hot metal plates with a dimension of 200 mm length, 90 mm width, and 2–10 mm thickness in relative movement are quenched with 11 water jets from a typical mold similar to the direct chill casting process. The surface temperatures on the black-coated, rear side were measured with an Infrared camera with a temporal frequency of 200 images per second and with a local resolution of 0.5 mm. The heat flux and temperatures on the quenched surface were obtained from the solution of the iterative two-dimensional inverse method for Eulerian-steady state conditions. The appropriate associated governing partial differential equation was solved with a numerical finite difference method. Various cooling regions like pre-cooling, transition, and nucleate boiling were quantified for thickness, the initial temperature of the plate, kinds of metal, and the influence of the parameters on the boiling curve was quantified.
Parsimonious Sequential Feature Group Selection Methods for Predicting Treatment Outcome in Chronic Disorders
Authors: Kader Hafez , Niemann Uli , Cima Rilana , Kikidis Dimitris , Langguth Berthold , Lopez-Escamez Jose Antonio , Schlee Winfried , Schoisswohl Stefan , Mazurek Birgit , Noack Benjamin , Spiliopoulou Myra 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In the era of burgeoning high-dimensional data, particularly in fields likemedicine, where data collection is increasing, the need for effective feature selectionin machine learning is paramount. Feature selection helps mitigate challengessuch as noise and irrelevant information, leading to a deeper understanding ofresults and improved predictive capabilities. While traditional methods focus onindividual features, some data naturally groups into cohesive “feature groups”,such as those collected from sensors or assessment batteries. This paper aimsto rank and select these feature groups to maximize predictive performance. Itintroduces tailored feature selection methods targeting entire feature sets ratherthan individual features. By applying these methods to data from a randomizedclinical trial, which utilizes multiple assessment batteries for patient diagnosisand treatment, the study demonstrates improved predictions and insights intothe importance of specific assessment batteries. The results show that utilizingfeature group selection methods allows for the identification of crucial assessmentbatteries for prediction while excluding less significant ones, potentiallysaving costs, time, and computational resources. However, the study is limited to predefined feature groups.