bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Release of natural extracts from PVA and PVA-CMC hydrogel wound dressings: a power law swelling/delivery
Authors: Oliveira Renata Nunes , Meleiro Luiz Augusto da Cruz , Quilty Brid , McGuinness Garrett Brian 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionPVA hydrogels present many characteristics of the ideal dressing, although without antimicrobial properties. The present work aims to study the physical, mechanical and release characteristics of hydrogel wound dressings loaded with either of two natural herbal products, sage extract and dragon's blood.MethodsFourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and tensile mechanical testing were used to investigate the structure and properties of the gels. Swelling and degradation tests were conducted according to ISO 10993-9. Release characteristics were studied using UV Spectrophotometry.ResultsPVA matrices incorporating sage extract or dragon's blood (DB) present hydrogen bonding between these components. PVA-CMC hydrogels containing sage present similar spectra to PVA-CMC alone, probably indicating low miscibility or interaction between the matrix and sage. The opposite is found for DB, which exhibits more pronounced interference with crystallinity than sage. DB and NaCMC negatively affect Young's modulus and failure strength. All samples appear to reach equilibrium swelling degree (ESD) in 24 h. The addition of DB and sage to PVA increases the gels' swelling capacity, indicating that the substances likely separate PVA chains. The inclusion of CMC contributes to high media uptake. The kinetics profile of media uptake for 4 days is described by a power-law model, which is correlated to the drug delivery mechanism.DiscussionA PVA-CMC gel incorporating 15% DB, the highest amount tested, shows the most favorable characteristics for flavonoid delivery, as well as flexibility and swelling capacity.
Integrating musculoskeletal simulation and machine learning: a hybrid approach for personalized ankle-foot exoskeleton assistance strategies
Authors: Zhang Xianyu , Li Shihao , Ying Zhenzhi , Shu Liming , Sugita Naohiko 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Lower limb exoskeletons have shown considerable potential in assisting human walking, particularly by reducing metabolic cost (MC), leading to a surge of interest in this field in recent years. However, owing to significant individual differences and the uncertainty of movements, challenges still exist in the personalized design and control of exoskeletons in human-robot interactions.Methods: In this study, we propose a hybrid data-driven approach that integrates musculoskeletal simulation with machine learning technology to customize personalized assistance strategies efficiently and adaptively for ankle-foot exoskeletons. First, optimal assistance strategies that can theoretically minimize MC, were derived from forward muscle-driven simulations on an open-source dataset. Then, a neural network was utilized to explore the relationships among different individuals, movements, and optimal strategies, thus developing a predictive model.Results: With respect to transfer learning, our approach exhibited effectiveness and adaptability when faced with new individuals and movements. The simulation results further indicated that our approach successfully reduced the MC of calf muscles by approximately 20% compared to normal walking conditions.Discussion: This hybrid approach offers an alternative for personalizing assistance strategy that may further guide exoskeleton design.
Exploring novel Apalutamide analogues as potential therapeutics for prostate cancer: design, molecular docking investigations and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Gupta Ajay Kumar , Vaishnav Yogesh , Jain Sanmati Kumar , Annadurai Sivakumar , Kumar Neeraj 
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Prostate cancer (PC) ranks as the second most frequent type of cancer in men and is the fourth largest cause of mortality worldwide. Androgenic hormones such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are crucial for the development and progression of the prostate gland. Androgenic hormones bind to androgen receptors (AR) and trigger the synthesis of many genes that stimulate the growth of prostate cells, initiating PC growth. Apalutamide (APL) is a non-steroidal antiandrogen drug used to treat PC; however, it also causes a variety of toxicities and resistance during the treatment.Methods: The purpose of this study was to computationally identify new and safer analogues of APL, focusing on improved pharmacokinetic properties and reduced toxicity. Drug likeness (DL) and drug score (DS) were also calculated. Docking studies on the designed analogues were conducted to predict their binding affinities and compare their orientations with the ligands in the original crystal structure. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of docked ligands was done using Schrödinger suite.Results: We generated a total of 1,415 analogues for different groups of APL using the bioisosteric approach. We selected 80 bioisosteres based on pharmacokinetic profiles, DL and DS score predictions, and found that the designed APL bioisosteres were optimal to good compared to APL. Analogues APL19, APL35, APL43, APL76, and APL80, formed hydrogen bonds with protein (PDB ID: 5T8E) which is similar hydrogen bonding to the standard (APL). The MD simulation result confirmed that APL43 and APL80 complexes were stable during the 100 nS run.Discussion: The results suggest that the APL analogues, particularly APL43 and APL80, are predicted to be potential antiandrogen drugs for the treatment of prostate cancer.
Molecular epidemiology of string test-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates in Huzhou, China, 2020-2023
Authors: Yan Wei , Xu Deshun , Shen Yuehua , Dong Fenfen , Ji Lei 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveThis study used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to explore the genetic diversity, virulence factors, and antimicrobial resistance determinants of string test-positive Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) over a 4-year surveillance period in Huzhou, China.MethodsIn total, 632 clinical isolates were collected via hospital surveillance from 2020 to 2023; 100 were positive in the string test and these 100 strains were subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility testing using an agar dilution method followed by WGS.ResultsThe resistance rates to cefotaxime (77.0%), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (67.0%), and nalidixic acid (64.0%) were high. Multilocus sequence typing revealed high genetic diversity; there were 33 sequence types (STs) and 15 capsular serotypes. The most common ST was ST23 (16.0%) and the most common capsular serotype was K1 (22.5%). Virulome analysis revealed among-strain differences in virulence factors that affected bacterial adherence, efflux pump action, iron uptake, nutritional factors, metabolic regulation, the secretion system, and toxin production. The Kleborate strain-specific virulence scores of all 100 string test-positive KPs were derived: 28 strains scored 5, 28 scored 4, 21 scored 3, 12 scored 1, and 11 scored 0. All 77 strains with scores of 3 to 5 contained the iucA gene. The phylogeny based on whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (wgSNPs) indicated high clonality; the string test-positive KP strains were grouped into six clades. Closely related isolates in each genetic cluster usually shared STs.ConclusionThe present study highlights the significance of the KP iucA gene in terms of hypervirulence and the diverse genotypes of string test-positive KP strains isolated in Huzhou hospitals.
FosA3 emerging in clinical carbapenemase-producing C. freundii
Authors: Mattioni Marchetti Vittoria , Venturelli Irene , Cassetti Tiziana , Meschiari Marianna , Migliavacca Roberta , Bitar Ibrahim 
Published: August 2024

Fosfomycin (FOS) is an effective antibiotic against multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales, but its effectiveness is reducing. Little is known on the current prevalence of FosA enzymes in low-risk pathogens, such as Citrobacter freundii. The aim of the study was the molecular characterization of a carbapenemase- and FosA-producing C. freundii collected in Italy. AK867, collected in 2023, showed an XDR profile, retaining susceptibility only to colistin. AK867 showed a FOS MIC &gt;128 mg/L by ADM. Based on WGS, AK867 belonged to ST116 and owned a wide resistome, including fosA3, blaKPC-2, and blaVIM-1. fosA3 was carried by a conjugative pKPC-CAV1312 plasmid of 320,480 bp, on a novel composite transposon (12,907 bp). FosA3 transposon shared similarities with other fosA3-harboring pKPC-CAV1312 plasmids among Citrobacter spp. We report the first case of FosA3 production in clinical carbapenemase-producing C. freundii ST116. The incidence of FosA3 enzymes is increasing among Enterobacterales, affecting even low-virulence pathogens, as C. freundii.
Quantum logic automata generalizing the edge of chaos in complex systems
Authors: Gunji Yukio Pegio , Ohzawa Yoshihiko , Tokuyama Yuuki , Eto Kentaro 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundHistorically, although researchers in the science of complex systems proposed the idea of the edge of chaos and/or self-organized criticality as the essential feature of complex organization, they were not able to generalize this concept. Complex organization is regarded at the edge of chaos between the order phase and the chaos phase and a very rare case. Additionally, in cellular automata, the critical property is class IV, which is also rarely found. Therefore, there can be overestimation for natural selection. More recently, developments in cognitive and brain science have led to the free energy principle based on Bayesian inference, while quantum cognition has been established to explain various cognitive phenomena. Since Bayesian inference results in the perspective of a steady state, it can be described in Boolean logic. Considering that quantum logic consists of multiple Boolean logic in terms of lattice theory, the perspective of the free energy principle is the perspective of order, and the perspective of quantum logic might be the perspective of multiple worlds, which is strongly relevant for the edge of chaos.ProblemThe next question arises whether the perspective derived from quantum logic can be generalized for the complex behavior consisting of both order and chaos, instead of the edge of chaos or self-organized criticality, to reveal the property of critical behavior such as a power-law distribution.SolutionIn this study, we define quantum logic automata, which entail quantum logic (orthomodular lattice) in terms of lattice theory and have the features of a dynamical system. Because quantum logic automata are applied to a binary sequence, one can estimate the behavior of those automata with respect to patterns and a time series. Here, we show that most of a group of quantum logic automata display class IV-like behavior, in which oscillatory traveling waves collide with each other, leading to complex behavior; moreover, a time series of binary sequences displays1/fnoise. Therefore, one can see that quantum logic automata generalize and expand the idea of the edge of chaos.
A comprehensive review on economic, environmental impacts and future challenges for photovoltaic-based electric vehicle charging infrastructures
Authors: Rashid Haseeb , Hua Liu Ming , Guanghua Lyu , Hasan Rija , AlKaseem Abdulrahman , Ali Aqsa , Shah Syed Hadi Hussain , Shaikh Shoaib , Soomar Arsalan Muhammad , Musznicki Piotr 
Published: August 2024

Graphical AbstractAbstractable representation of the paper.
Gestation-dependent increase in cervicovaginal pro-inflammatory cytokines and cervical extracellular matrix proteins is associated with spontaneous preterm delivery within 2 weeks of index assessment in South African women
Authors: Amabebe Emmanuel , Ikumi Nadia , Oosthuizen Ally , Soma-Pillay Priya , Matjila Mushi , Anumba Dilly O. C. 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionInflammation-induced remodelling of gestational tissues that underpins spontaneous preterm birth (sPTB, delivery &lt; 37 weeks’ gestation) may vary by race and context. To explore relationships between markers of these pathological processes, we (a) characterised the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) cytokine profiles of pregnant South African women at risk of PTB; (b) determined CVF matrix-metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and its regulator tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1); and (c) explored the predictive potential of these markers for sPTB.Method of studyThe concentrations of 10 inflammatory cytokines and MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were determined by ELISA in CVF samples from 47 non-labouring women at high risk of PTB. We studied CVF sampled at three gestational time points (GTPs): GTP1 (20–22 weeks, n = 37), GTP2 (26–28 weeks, n = 40), and GTP3 (34–36 weeks, n = 29) and analysed for changes in protein concentrations and predictive capacities (area under the ROC curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (CI)) for sPTB.ResultsThere were 11 (GTP1), 13 (GTP2), and 6 (GTP3) women who delivered preterm within 85.3 ± 25.9, 51.3 ± 15.3, and 11.8 ± 7.5 (mean ± SD) days after assessment, respectively. At GTP1, IL-8 was higher (4-fold, p = 0.02), whereas GM-CSF was lower (~1.4-fold, p = 0.03) in the preterm compared with term women with an average AUC = 0.73. At GTP2, IL-1β (18-fold, p &lt; 0.0001), IL-8 (4-fold, p = 0.03), MMP-9 (17-fold, p = 0.0007), MMP-9/TIMP-1 ratio (9-fold, p = 0.004), and MMP-9/GM-CSF ratio (87-fold, p = 0.005) were higher in preterm compared with term women with an average AUC = 0.80. By contrast, IL-10 was associated with term delivery with an AUC (95% CI) = 0.75 (0.55–0.90). At GTP3, IL-1β (58-fold, p = 0.0003), IL-8 (12-fold, p = 0.002), MMP-9 (296-fold, p = 0.03), and TIMP-1 (35-fold, p = 0.01) were higher in preterm compared with term women with an average AUC = 0.85. Elevated IL-1β was associated with delivery within 14 days of assessment with AUC = 0.85 (0.67–0.96). Overall, elevated MMP-9 at GTP3 had the highest (13.3) positive likelihood ratio for distinguishing women at risk of sPTB. Lastly, a positive correlation between MMP-9 and TIMP-1 at all GTPs (ρ ≥ 0.61, p &lt; 0.01) for women delivering at term was only observed at GTP1 for those who delivered preterm (ρ = 0.70, p &lt; 0.03).ConclusionsIn this cohort, sPTB is associated with gestation-dependent increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines, decreased IL-10 and GM-CSF, and dysregulated MMP-9-TIMP-1 interaction. Levels of cytokine (especially IL-1β) and ECM remodelling proteins rise significantly in the final 2 weeks before the onset of labour when sPTB is imminent. The signalling mechanisms for these ECM remodelling observations remain to be elucidated.
Coordination between midcingulate cortex and retrosplenial cortex in pain regulation
Authors: Qiu Yunya , Lian Yan-Na , Wu Cheng , Liu Li , Zhang Chen , Li Xiang-Yao 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThe cingulate cortex, with its subregions ACC, MCC, and RSC, is key in pain processing. However, the detailed interactions among these regions in modulating pain sensation have remained unclear.MethodsIn this study, chemogenetic tools were employed to selectively activate or inhibit neuronal activity in the MCC and RSC of rodents to elucidate their roles in pain regulation.Results: Our results showed that chemogenetic activation in both the RSC and MCC heightened pain sensitivity. Suppression of MCC activity disrupted the RSC’s regulation of both mechanical and thermal pain, while RSC inhibition specifically affected the MCC’s regulation of thermal pain.DiscussionThe findings indicate a complex interplay between the MCC and RSC, with the MCC potentially governing the RSC’s pain regulatory mechanisms. The RSC, in turn, is crucial for the MCC’s control over thermal sensation, revealing a collaborative mechanism in pain processing.ConclusionThis study provides evidence for the MCC and RSC’s collaborative roles in pain regulation, highlighting the importance of their interactions for thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity. Understanding these mechanisms could aid in developing targeted therapies for pain disorders.
Induction of seizures and initiation of epileptogenesis by pilocarpine in zebrafish larvae
Authors: Gawel Kinga , Hulas-Stasiak Monika , Marszalek-Grabska Marta , Grenda Anna , Siekierska Aleksandra , Kosheva Nataliia , van der Ent Wietske , Esguerra Camila V. , Krawczyk Pawel , Turski Waldemar A. 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivePreclinical models of seizures and epilepsy in rodents contributed substantially to the discovery of currently available antiseizure medications. These were also broadly used for investigation of processes of epileptogenesis. Nevertheless, rodent models pose some limitations, thus, new models using alternative species are in high demand. The aim of this study was to describe a new model of seizures/epilepsy induced by the cholinomimetic agent, pilocarpine (PILO), in larval zebrafish.MethodsLocal field potential (LFP) recordings were conducted to analyze electroencephalographic discharges and correlate it with larval behavior. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&amp;E) staining, as well as TUNEL staining were performed to analyze morphology and apoptosis, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was undertaken for gene expression analysis.ResultsAcute exposure to PILO, in a concentration-dependent manner, induces electroencephalographic discharges in larval zebrafish, which behaviorally manifest as decreased locomotion and moving time, but enhanced movement velocity. The PILO-induced seizure-like activity is behaviorally distinct from this induced by the application of chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Zebrafish larvae previously exposed to PILO (2 h), after a washing out period, exhibit spontaneous, unprovoked discharges and apoptotic changes in their brains.SignificanceHere, we comprehensively investigated a new model of PILO-induced seizures/epilepsy in larval zebrafish. We propose that this model may be used to study epileptogenesis and for antiseizure drug screening purposes.
Efficacy of probiotics/synbiotics supplementation in patients with chronic kidney disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Liu Chang , Yang Letian , Wei Wei , Fu Ping 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious and steadily growing health problem worldwide. Probiotic and synbiotic supplementation are expected to improve kidney function in CKD patients by altering imbalanced intestinal flora, regulating microbiota metabolites, modulating the brain-gut axis, and reducing inflammation.ObjectivesOur aim is to report the latest and largest pooled analyses and evidence updates to explore whether probiotic and synbiotic have beneficial effects on renal function and general conditions in patients with CKD.MethodsWe conducted a systematic literature search using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception until 1 December 2023. Eligible literatures were screened according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, data were extracted, and a systematic review and meta-analysis was performed. Measurements included renal function-related markers, inflammatory markers, uremic toxins, lipid metabolism-related markers and electrolytes levels.ResultsTwenty-one studies were included. The results showed that probiotic/synbiotic significantly reduced blood urea nitrogen (BUN) (standardized mean difference (SMD), −0.23, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.41, −0.04; p = 0.02, I2 = 10%) and lowered c-reactive protein level (CRP) (SMD: −0.34; 95% CI: −0.62, −0.07; p = 0.01, I2 = 37%) in CKD patients, compared with the control group.ConclusionIn summary, probiotic/synbiotic supplementation seems to be effective in improving renal function indices and inflammation indices in CKD patients. Subgroup analyses suggested that longer-term supplementation is more favorable for CKD patients, but there is a high degree of heterogeneity in the results of partial subgroup analyses. The efficacy of probiotic/synbiotic in treating CKD needs to be supported by more evidence from large-scale clinical studies.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42024526836, Unique identifier: CRD42024526836.
Efficacy and risk factors of stent placement in the treatment of malignant tracheoesophageal fistula
Authors: Wang Qingxia , Duan Zhihong , Liu Shiqi , Shi Ruihua 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundDue to the low incidence of malignant tracheoesophageal fistula and the paucity of relevant clinical studies, the benefits of stent implantation have not been well documented. It remains unclear which factors may affect fistula closure.MethodsBetween January 2015 and January 2021, 344 patients who were diagnosed with malignant tracheoesophageal fistula at Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, were retrospectively enrolled. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Risk factors for fistula closure identified by univariate analysis were further analyzed using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsA total of 288 patients were analyzed in this study, of which 94 were treated conservatively, 170 were treated with an esophageal stent, and 24 were treated with a tracheal stent. Among them, the delta Karnofsky’s performance status score values (after 2 weeks/before treatment [p = 0.0028], after 1 month/before treatment [p = 0.0103]) were significantly different between conservative and stent treatment. There was a significant reduction of pneumonia incidence in the stenting group (33.53%) compared to the conservative treatment group (77.05%) after one month (p &lt;0.0001). In addition, the closure of fistulas was influenced by four independent risk factors: 1) treatment methods (p &lt; 0.0001), 2) fistula size (p = 0.0003), 3) preoperative white blood cell count (p = 0.0042), and 4) preoperative Karnofsky’s performance status score (p = 0.0001).ConclusionsStent implantation has become an effective method for treating malignant tracheoesophageal fistula compared to conservative treatment. Additionally, stent implantation, smaller fistula size, lower preoperative white blood cell count, and higher preoperative Karnofsky’s performance status score suggest a better outcome.