bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Behavioral Alterations Caused by Pain and Inflammation in Rodent Models
Authors: Tabassum Nazifa , Deea Basrat Jahan , Rizwan Farhana , Islam Sufia 
Published: August 2024

The aim of the current study is to examine the impact of pain and inflammation on CNS behavior in rodent models. Test mice were segmented into a control group and two test groups, group 1 and group 2. 0.7% 1 mL acetic acid per mice was used for pain induction whereas inflammation was induced using 0.2 mL 1% carrageenan per mouse. The results demonstrated after pain induction, the test group writhes an average of 18.5 and 16 times/15 minute while no writhing in control group, indicating successful pain induction in test group. A 38.88% and 52.94% increased paw volume was observed after 30 minutes of carrageenan induction in test group 1 and 2 respectively. Both pain induced group 1 and 2 showed 79% and 78% lowered head dipping while 62% and 57% lowered head dipping was observed among test group 1 and 2 with inflammation in Hole board test. Reduced mobility time was observed from tail suspension test. Pain induced and inflammation induced test groups 1 and 2 showed 29% and 14% as well as 28.19% and 15.14% reduction in mobility time respectively. Similarly test group 1 and 2 enduring pains demonstrated 50% and 35% less exploration to the open arm whereas 75% and 89% lower exploration to the open arm was exhibited by the test group 1 and 2 with persuaded inflammation respectively in elevated plus maze test. All these results of behavioral tests suggested that both test groups had reduced CNS activity which possibly due to the induced inflammation and pain.
Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 27(2): 201-206, 2024 (July)
Aplicativo móvel para idosos hospitalizados com fragilidade: Protocolo de revisão de escopo
Authors: Rebelo Raíssa Maciel , Reis Deyvylan Araujo 
Published: August 2024

Objetivos: Mapear as evidências encontradas na literatura científica sobre aplicativo móvel utilizado e desenvolvido no cuidado ao idoso com fragilidade no contexto hospitalar. Método: Revisão de escopo (Scoping Study ou Scoping Review) obedecendo às diretrizes do Joanna Briggs Institute para responder à questão de pesquisa: Quais aplicativos móveis utilizados e desenvolvidos para o cuidado ao idoso com fragilidade no contexto hospitalar? As fontes de informações serão as bases de dados, biblioteca eletrônica: LILACS, MEDLINE/ via Pubmed, CINAHL e Scopus, EmCare, EMBASE, Web of Science, BDENF, SciELO, IEEE Xplore e, para a literatura cinzenta utilizado o Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) e Europa OpenGrey. Resultados esperados: Apresentar os achados nas diversas literaturas sobre aplicativos móveis utilizados e desenvolvidos no cuidado ao idoso fragilizado e hospitalizado, detalhando suas respectivas informações e evidências. Conclusão: O presente protocolo de revisão de escopo constituirá um exercício prévio que dará início ao desenvolvimento de um estudo, além de possibilitar publicidade e transparência na comunidade científica.
Identification of 2-(N-aryl-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl) quinoline derivatives as antitubercular agents endowed with InhA inhibitory activity
Authors: Sabt Ahmed , Abdulla Maha-Hamadien , Ebaid Manal S. , Pawełczyk Jakub , Abd El Salam Hayam A. , Son Ninh The , Ha Nguyen Xuan , Vaali Mohammed Mansoor-Ali , Traiki Thamer , Elsawi Ahmed E. , Dziadek Bozena , Dziadek Jaroslaw , Eldehna Wagdy M. 
Published: August 2024

The spread of drug-resistant tuberculosis strains has become a significant economic burden globally. To tackle this challenge, there is a need to develop new drugs that target specific mycobacterial enzymes. Among these enzymes, InhA, which is crucial for the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is a key target for drug development. Herein, 24 compounds were synthesized by merging 4-carboxyquinoline with triazole motifs. These molecules were then tested for their effectiveness against different strains of tuberculosis, including M. bovis BCG, M. tuberculosis, and M. abscessus. Additionally, their ability to inhibit the InhA enzyme was also evaluated. Several molecules showed potential as inhibitors of M. tuberculosis. Compound 5n displayed the highest efficacy with a MIC value of 12.5 μg/mL. Compounds 5g, 5i, and 5n exhibited inhibitory effects on InhA. Notably, 5n showed significant activity compared to the reference drug Isoniazid. Molecular docking analysis revealed interactions between these molecules and their target enzyme. Additionally, the molecular dynamic simulations confirmed the stability of the complexes formed by quinoline-triazole conjugate 5n with the InhA. Finally, 5n underwent in silico analysis to predict its ADME characteristics. These findings provide promising insights for developing novel small compounds that are safe and effective for the global fight against tuberculosis.
Nanocomposite films based on chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour seeds incorporating antioxidant chitosan nanoparticles
Authors: Morales-Olán Gema , Moreno-Zarate Pedro , Ríos-Corripio María Antonieta , Hernández-Cázares Aleida Selene , Rojas-López Marlon , Luna-Suárez Silvia 
Published: August 2024

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.) flour seeds produce films with good barrier properties against water vapor and could be used as food packaging; however, their mechanical properties are poor, which limits their application. The incorporation of nanoparticles into natural polymers is a strategy used to improve the properties of films to increase their applications. Furthermore, nanoparticles can encapsulate antioxidant agents and generate active films. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of chia flour (4%–7%), glycerol (15%–25%), and chia extract-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (ChCNp) (0%–0.75%) on the physical, mechanical, barrier, structural and antioxidant properties of chia flour nanocomposite films. Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with antioxidant chia extract were synthesized by ionic gelation and incorporated into the films. The thickness, water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and antioxidant properties of the films were evaluated using a Box-Behnken experimental design. Structural analysis was conducted using the FTIR technique. The results of the ANOVA of the responses were adjusted to second and third order polynomial models obtaining determination coefficients of 0.96–0.99. The water vapor permeability of the films was 3.89 × 10-8–1.68 × 10−7 g mm/Pa s m2, tensile strength was 0.67–3.59 MPa and antioxidant activity was 57.12%–67.84%. The variables presented different effects on the films. Increasing the chia seed flour concentration negatively affected the water vapor permeability but improved the tensile strength and the antioxidant capacity of the films. The increase in glycerol concentration caused the films to become brittle. The nanoparticles had a significant effect on the thickness of the films and improved their mechanical and antioxidant properties. However, they did not show an effect on barrier properties. The results demonstrate that it is possible to obtain nanocomposite films with antioxidant capacity from chia seed flour and with the incorporation of chitosan nanoparticles loaded with antioxidants.
The perceptions of undergraduate students toward reading contemporary fiction in English: a case study of content-based ESL instruction at a self-financed tertiary institution in Hong Kong
Authors: Lo Noble , Shi Huiwen 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe study explores the effectiveness of teaching English literature to Hong Kong undergraduate students, particularly in a general education course titled “Fiction and Life: Understanding Human Development.” This course marked the first exposure for students to book-length fiction in English and critical response written in English, revealing the efficacy of using fictional works as content-based ESL instruction at the tertiary level in Hong Kong.MethodsEmploying a mixed-methods approach, the study included questionnaires distributed to 310 students and thematic analysis of semi-structured interview data.ResultsFindings indicate a largely positive attitude toward the reading and writing experience, suggesting benefits for ESL teaching and learning in Asia.DiscussionThe study advocates for incorporating English literature into the general education curriculum to foster a more organic and contextualized language acquisition process. This research uniquely contributes to the field by examining student perceptions in a self-financed tertiary institution context, offering new insights that have not been explored before in Hong Kong’s ESL landscape.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and diabetic microvascular complications: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Bingyang , Liu Ruiyan , Gu Yi , Shen Xiaoying , Zhou Jianqing , Luo Chun 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundObservational studies and clinical trials have implicated polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in potentially safeguarding against diabetic microvascular complication. Nonetheless, the causal nature of these relationships remains ambiguous due to conflicting findings across studies. This research employs Mendelian randomization (MR) to assess the causal impact of PUFAs on diabetic microvascular complications.MethodsWe identified instrumental variables for PUFAs, specifically omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, using the UK Biobank data. Outcome data regarding diabetic microvascular complications were sourced from the FinnGen Study. Our analysis covered microvascular outcomes in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, namely diabetic neuropathy (DN), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and diabetic kidney disease (DKD). An inverse MR analysis was conducted to examine the effect of diabetic microvascular complications on PUFAs. Sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the results. Finally, a multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis was conducted to determine whether PUFAs have a direct influence on diabetic microvascular complications.ResultsThe study indicates that elevated levels of genetically predicted omega-6 fatty acids substantially reduce the risk of DN in type 2 diabetes (odds ratio (OR): 0.62, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.47–0.82, p = 0.001). A protective effect against DR in type 2 diabetes is also suggested (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.62–0.92, p = 0.005). MVMR analysis confirmed the stability of these results after adjusting for potential confounding factors. No significant effects of omega-6 fatty acids were observed on DKD in type 2 diabetes or on any complications in type 1 diabetes. By contrast, omega-3 fatty acids showed no significant causal links with any of the diabetic microvascular complications assessed.ConclusionsOur MR analysis reveals a causal link between omega-6 fatty acids and certain diabetic microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes, potentially providing novel insights for further mechanistic and clinical investigations into diabetic microvascular complications.
Associations between estradiol and hyperuricemia and the mediating effects of TC, TG, and TyG: NHANES 2013–2016
Authors: Zhang Chuxin , Qian Hongyang , Cui Yiwei , Li Xiaojuan , Cheng Yuli , Gao Lin 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesTo explore the relationship between estradiol (E2) and the incidence of hyperuricemia (HUA) in adult women and to explore whether glucolipid metabolism disorders play a mediating role in mediating this relationship.MethodsA total of 2,941 participants aged 20–65 years were included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the correlations of E2 with HUA. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the associations between E2 and triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG). The restricted cubic spline (RCS) model was used to further explore the association between E2 and HUA and between TG, TC, and TyG and HUA. Mediation analyses were performed to examine whether TC, TG, and TyG mediated the relationship between E2 and HUA.ResultsAfter adjusting for covariates, logistic regression revealed that ln(E2) was significantly associated with HUA in the female subgroup (p = 0.035) and that the incidence of HUA tended to increase with decreasing ln(E2) (p for trend = 0.026). Linear regression showed that E2 was significantly associated with TC (p = 0.032), TG (p = 0.019), and TyG (p = 0.048). The RCS model showed that ln(E2) was linearly correlated with the incidence of HUA (p-overall = 0.0106, p-non-linear = 0.3030). TC and TyG were linearly correlated with HUA (TC: p-overall = 0.0039, p-non-linear = 0.4774; TyG: p-overall = 0.0082, p-non-linear = 0.0663), whereas TG was non-linearly correlated with HUA. Mediation analyses revealed that TC, TG, and TyG significantly mediated the relationship between ln(E2) and HUA (TC, indirect effect: −0.00148, 7.5%, p = 0.008; TG, indirect effect: −0.00062, 3.1%, p = 0.004; TyG, indirect effect: −0.00113, 5.6%, p = 0.016).ConclusionIn conclusion, this study demonstrated that compared with women aged 20–45 years, women aged 45–55 years and 55–65 years had lower E2 levels and a greater incidence of HUA. E2 levels and the incidence of HUA were negatively associated in female individuals but not in male individuals. In addition, TC, TG, and TyG, which are markers of glucolipid metabolism, played a mediating role in the association between E2 and HUA.
Effects of autumn tillage with straw return on soil physical characteristics of corn fields in the eastern loess plateau
Authors: Fan Yuchen , Yuan Yaqi , Li Tao , Lin Wen , Tang Xiwang , Liang Gaimei , Li Nana 
Published: August 2024

The implementation of unsuitable tillage practices has the potential to disrupt the structure integrity of the ploughed layer, as well as to influence the physical parameters of the soil. The application of a reasonable tillage method has been demonstrated to result in an improvement in the physical quality of the soil. Three autumn tillage practices have been implemented at the Dongyang Experimental Station of Shanxi Agricultural University since 2016: no-tillage with straw mulch (NTS), autumn rotary tillage with straw incorporation (RTS), and autumn plough tillage with straw incorporation (PTS). The impact of autumn tillage practices on soil physical quality in the 0–30 cm profile of spring corn fields was evaluated following the corn harvest in 2018 and 2019. The results showed that compared to the NTS treatment, the application of RTS was found to have decreased significantly by 9.6%–24.2% in soil bulk density, while it increased significantly by 12.8%–34.0% in total porosity and by 43.5%–146.4% in macroporosity at a depth of 5–10 cm. In comparison to the NTS treatment, the adoption of PTS was found to decrease significantly by 10.7%–30.5% soil bulk density, while it increased significantly by 9.9%–42.7% the total porosity and 23.1%–202.8% the macroporosity at a depth of 0–10 cm. Furthermore, the soil microporosity significantly increase of 7.5%–11.1% under the RTS treatment at the 0–5 cm soil depth and 7.7%–11.2% under the PTS treatment at the 10–20 cm soil depth. Soil physical quality index (SQI) significantly increase under the RTS and PTS treatments, with a 41.26% and 57.57% improvement, respectively, in comparison to the NTS treatment. In summary, the adoption of autumn tillage with straw return (RTS and PTS) demonstrated a reduction in soil bulk density, an increase in soil porosity, macroporosity, and a promotion of capillary porosity, and promoted the improvement of soil physical quality on the Eastern Loess Plateau when compared to no-tillage with straw mulch (NTS).
Tranexamic acid: a narrative review of its current role in perioperative medicine and acute medical bleeding
Authors: Bouras Marwan , Bourdiol Alexandre , Rooze Paul , Hourmant Yannick , Caillard Anaïs , Roquilly Antoine 
Published: August 2024

PurposeTranexamic acid (TXA) is the most widely prescribed antifibrinolytic for active bleeding or to prevent surgical bleeding. Despite numerous large multi-center randomized trials involving thousands of patients being conducted, TXA remains underutilized in indications where it has demonstrated efficacy and a lack of harmful effects. This narrative review aims to provide basic concepts about fibrinolysis and TXA’s mode of action and is focused on the most recent and important trials evaluating this drug in different hemorrhagic situations.MethodsWe selected every low bias RCT, and we highlighted their strengths and limitations throughout this review.Principal findingsWhile TXA appears to have a favorable benefit–risk ratio in most situations (trauma, obstetrics, at-risk for bleeding surgeries) evidence of benefit is lacking in certain medical settings (SAH, digestive bleeding).ConclusionAlthough in some situations the drug’s effect on significant outcomes is modest, its favorable safety profile allows it to be recommended for trauma patients, in obstetrics, and in scheduled surgeries at risk of bleeding. However, it cannot be recommended in cases of spontaneous intracranial bleeding, subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Three new species of Laccaria (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from Southwest China (Yunnan) based on morphological and multi-gene sequence data
Authors: Li Jing , Che Nian-Jie , Cui Yang-Yang 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe genus Laccaria has been reported from temperate and tropical areas and is an important constituent in forest ecosystems. However, the species diversity of Laccaria in Southwest China (Yunnan) has been underestimated.MethodsIn this paper, descriptions based on morphological and multi-gene sequence data from internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (nrLSU), translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1α) and the polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) of three new Laccaria species from Southwest China (Yunnan) are reported.ResultsTwo of these were characterized by orange pileus and globose to subglobose basidiospores: L. cinnabarina and L. spinulosa. While L. cinnabarina has orange red colored basidiocarps with conspicuously pellucid-striate pattern, and a fibrillose stipe with longitudinally striations, L. spinulosa has a brownish orange to brown fruiting body with light white pruinae and 2-spored basidia. Laccaria longistriata is characterized by brown to flesh-colored basidioma, prominently striate to sulcate pileus and globose to subglobose basidiospores.DiscussionThe three new species were described, illustrated and compared with closely related species in morphology and phylogeny.
Synergistic removal of Staphylococcus aureus biofilms by using a combination of phage Kayvirus rodi with the exopolysaccharide depolymerase Dpo7
Authors: Duarte Ana Catarina , Fernández Lucía , Jurado Andrea , Campelo Ana Belén , Shen Yang , Rodríguez Ana , García Pilar 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionBacteriophages have been shown to penetrate biofilms and replicate if they find suitable host cells. Therefore, these viruses appear to be a good option to tackle the biofilm problem and complement or even substitute more conventional antimicrobials. However, in order to successfully remove biofilms, in particular mature biofilms, phages may need to be administered along with other compounds. Phage-derived proteins, such as endolysins or depolymerases, offer a safer alternative to other compounds in the era of antibiotic resistance.MethodsThis study examined the interactions between phage Kayvirus rodi with a polysaccharide depolymerase (Dpo7) from another phage (Rockefellervirus IPLA7) against biofilms formed by different Staphylococcus aureus strains, as determined by crystal violet staining, viable cell counts and microscopy analysis.Results and discussionOur results demonstrated that there was synergy between the two antimicrobials, with a more significant decreased in biomass and viable cell number with the combination treatment compared to the phage and enzyme alone. This observation was confirmed by microscopy analysis, which also showed that polysaccharide depolymerase treatment reduced, but did not eliminate extracellular matrix polysaccharides. Activity assays on mutant strains did not identify teichoic acids or PNAG/PIA as the exclusive target of Dpo7, suggesting that may be both are degraded by this enzyme. Phage adsorption to S. aureus cells was not significantly altered by incubation with Dpo7, indicating that the mechanism of the observed synergistic interaction is likely through loosening of the biofilm structure. This would allow easier access of the phage particles to their host cells and facilitate infection progression within the bacterial population.
Trematocine-derived antimicrobial peptides from the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchaii: potent antibacterial agents against ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Squitieri Damiano , Massaro Federica , Graziano Monica Mollica , Borocci Stefano , Cacaci Margherita , Di Vito Maura , Porcelli Fernando , Rosato Roberto , Ceccacci Francesca , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Buonocore Francesco , Bugli Francesca 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThis study investigated the interaction with membrane mimetic systems (LUVs), bacterial membranes, the CD spectra, and the bactericidal activity of two designed trematocine mutants, named Trem-HK and Trem-HSK. Mutants were constructed from the scaffold of Trematocine (Trem), a natural 22-amino acid AMP from the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii, aiming to increase their positive charge.MethodsThe selectivity of the designed AMPs towards bacterial membranes was improved compared to Trematocine, verified by their interaction with different LUVs and their membranolytic activity. Additionally, their α-helical conformation was not influenced by the amino acid substitutions. Our findings revealed a significant enhancement in antibacterial efficacy against ESKAPE (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacteriaceae family) pathogens for both Trem-HK and Trem-HSK.ResultsFirstly, we showed that the selectivity of the two new designed AMPs towards bacterial membranes was greatly improved compared to Trematocine, verifying their interaction with different LUVs and their membranolytic activity. We determined that their α-helical conformation was not influenced by the amino acid substitutions. We characterized the tested bacterial collection for resistance traits to different classes of antibiotics. The minimum inhibitory and bactericidal concentration (MIC and MBC) values of the ESKAPE collection were reduced by up to 80% compared to Trematocine. The bactericidal concentrations of Trematocine mutants showed important membranolytic action, evident by scanning electron microscopy, on all tested species. We further evaluated the cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of the mutants. At 2.5 μM concentration, both mutants demonstrated low cytotoxicity and hemolysis, indicating selectivity towards bacterial cells. However, these effects increased at higher concentrations.DiscussionAssessment of in vivo toxicity using the Galleria mellonella model revealed no adverse effects in larvae treated with both mutants, even at concentrations up to 20 times higher than the lowest MIC observed for Acinetobacter baumannii, suggesting a high potential safety profile for the mutants. This study highlights the significant improvement in antibacterial efficacy achieved by increasing the positive charge of Trem-HK and Trem-HSK. This improvement was reached at the cost of reduced biocompatibility. Further research is necessary to optimize the balance between efficacy and safety for these promising AMPs.