bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allelopathic Activity of Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum L.)
Authors: Pannacci Euro , Monni Vittorio , Contini Giulia , Tei Francesco 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In recent years there has been increased interest about the allelopathic effects of plant extracts used as bioherbicides, in order to manage weeds with a decreasing use of herbicides. An interesting crop, from an allelopathic point of view, is coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), a medicinal plant member of Apiaceae family. The aim of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic activity of coriander against a possible succeeding crop, like wheat (Triticum aestivumL.), and against some weeds, like Lolium multiflorum Lam., Sinapis alba L. and Amaranthus retroflexus L., ubiquitous in the Mediterranean agroecosystems. In Petri dish bioassays, seeds of above mentioned species were treated with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 17.5, 25 % w/v concentrations of aqueous extracts from leaves, stems and roots of coriander at flowering and maturity growth stage. The ranking among different extracts based on their allelopathic effects was: leaves extract > stems extract > roots extract. The allelopathic activity of coriander at maturity stage decreased with respect to that at flowering stage. The aqueous extracts from aerial biomass of coriander inhibited the seed germination of weeds, but not that of T. aestivum. This research has provided interesting scientific insights into the allelopathic activity of coriander in weed management, however other aspects need to be further investigated.
Research on thermal error of electric spindle based on ISCA-GRNN
Authors: Dai Ye , Liu Chenxu , Min Chuang , Zhan Shiqiang , Li Weiwei , Chen Xinda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To meet the requirement for enhancing the machining precision of electric spindles in high-speed precision machine tools, we have optimized and designed a new type of electric spindle, selecting a cage-type asynchronous AC motor. Thermal properties have been improved by optimizing the integration of heat sources and the cooling system to tackle heat accumulation in bearing components. Experimentation confirmed that, at speeds ranging from 6,000 to 10,000 revolutions per minute (rpm), the new spindle exhibited a 19.61% decrease in axial thermal displacement and a 59.52% reduction in radial thermal displacement compared to conventional spindles. In order to further control the thermal error accurately, a new type of thermal error prediction model for electric spindles is constructed by integrating the Improved Sine Cosine Algorithm (ISCA) and Generalized Regression Neural Network (GRNN). Using the experimental data in the above speed intervals, the thermal errors of the new electrospindle are predicted, and compared with the unimproved SCA-GRNN prediction model, the ISCA-GRNN prediction model reduces the mean absolute error by 38.90% and the root-mean-square error by 27.47%, which is a significant performance enhancement that verifies the validity of the proposed model.
Association of blood metals and metal mixtures with the myocardial enzyme profile: an occupational population-based study in China
Authors: Ge Xiaoting , He Junxiu , Zheng Yuan , Cheng Hong , Bao Yu , Lin Sencai , Yang Xiaobo 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To investigate a cross-sectional association between blood metal mixture and myocardial enzyme profile, we quantified creatine kinase (CK), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LD), α-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase (α-HBD), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels among participants from the manganese-exposed workers healthy cohort (MEWHC) (n = 544). The levels of 22 metals in blood cells were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalized regression model was utilized for screening metals. The exposure-response relationship between specific metal and myocardial enzyme profile was identified by general linear regression and restricted cubic spline analyses. The overall effect and interactions were evaluated using Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR). Manganese was linearly and positively associated with CK (Poverall = 0.019, Pnon−linearity = 0.307), dominating the positive overall-effect of mixture exposure (manganese, arsenic, and rubidium) on CK levels. Calcium and zinc were linearly and negatively associated with LD levels (Poverall < 0.05, Pnon−linearity > 0.05), and asserted dominance in the negative overall-effect of metal mixtures (rubidium, molybdenum, zinc, nickel, cobalt, calcium, and magnesium) on LD levels. Interestingly, we observed a U-shaped dose-response relationship of molybdenum with LD levels (Poverall < 0.001, Pnon−linearity = 0.015), an interaction between age and calcium on LD levels (Pinteration = 0.041), and an interaction between smoking and molybdenum on LD levels (Pinteration = 0.035). Our study provides evidence that metal mixture exposure affects the myocardial enzyme profile. Additional investigation is required to confirm these associations, and to reveal the fundamental mechanisms involved.
Comparative Transcriptomic Analysis Validates iPSC Derived In-Vitro Progressive Fibrosis Model As A Screening Tool For Drug Discovery and Development in SSc
Authors: Wang Yifei , Nathan Shyam , D’ambrosio Matthew , Paul Reeba , Lyu Huimin , Delic Denis , Bretschneider Tom , Falana Kimberly , Li Li , Vijayaraj Preethi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vasculopathy, immune dysregulation, and systemic fibrosis. Research on SSc has been hindered largely by lack of relevant models to study the progressive nature of the disease and to recapitulate the cell plasticity that is observed in this disease context. Generation of models for fibrotic disease using pluripotent stem cells is important for recapitulating the heterogeneity of the fibrotic tissue and are a potential platform for screening anti-fibrotic drugs. We previously reported a novel in-vitro model for fibrosis using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived mesenchymal cells (iSCAR). Here we report the generation of a “scar-like phenotype” when iPSC derived mesenchymal cells are cultured on hydrogel that mimicks a wound healing/scarring response (iSCAR). First, we performed RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) based transcriptome profiling of iSCAR culture at 48 hr and 13 days to characterize early and late-stage scarring phenotypes. The next generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of these iSCAR culture at different timepoints detected expression 92% of early “scar associated” genes and 85% late “scar associated” genes, respectively. Comparative transcriptomic analysis of a gene level SSc compendium matrix to the iSCAR wound associated model revealed genes common in both data sets. Early scar formation genes showed biological processes of hypoxia (27.5%), vascular development (13.7%) and glycolysis (27.5), while late scar formation showed genes associated with senescence (22.6%). Next we show the effects of two different antifibrotic compounds to validate the utility of the model as an screening tool to study early and late stage fibrosis. An autotaxin inhibitor was used to validate the iSCAR late stage fibrotic model (iSCAR-T) and an antifibrotic tool screening compound of unknown mechanism (EX00015097) was used to study and validate both early (iSCAR-P) and late stage (iSCAR-T) fibrosis in the iSCAR model.
Actigraphy-Based Sleep Disruption and Diurnal Biomarkers of Autonomic Function in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Khazaie Sepideh , Wang Lu , Kaffashi Farhad , Chung Mina K. , Heinzinger Catherine M. , Wagoner David R. , Loparo Kenneth A. , Walia Harneet K , Mehra Reena 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Sleep architectural disruption is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF); however, associated autonomic influences remain unclear and it is unknown if this detriment persists during wakefulness. We hypothesize sleep disruption and autonomic dysfunction have diurnal patterning in patients with paroxysmal AF.
Methods
We analyzed data from the Sleep Apnea and Atrial Fibrillation Biomarkers and Electrophysiologic Atrial Triggers (SAFEBEAT) study designed to examine paroxysmal AF and sleep apnea, including simultaneous collection of continuous electrocardiogram monitoring (Heartrak Telemetry®) and actigraphy (Actiwatch GTX) for 7–21 days. Heart rate variability (HRV) measures in time-domain (standard deviation of normal-to-normal (NN) intervals (SDNN), coefficient of variation (CV)) and frequency-domain (low frequency power (LFP), high frequency power (HFP)) were used as surrogates of autonomic function and averaged per sleep/wake per day. A linear mixed-effects model assuming compound symmetry correlation structure was used to assess the relationship of HRV with actigraphy-derived sleep data.
Results
The analytic sample (age 60.1 ± 12.0 years, body mass index 32.6 ± 6.7 kg/m2, 36% female, 75% White) included 100 participants with paroxysmal AF. Longer sleep latency was associated with lower HFP during wakefulness (coefficient − 0.0501, p = 0.031). Higher sleep efficiency was associated with increased SDNN (coefficient 0.0007, p = 0.014) and CV (coefficient 0.0167, p = 0.047). Higher arousal index was associated with increased CV (coefficient 0.0166, p = 0.007) and LFP (coefficient 0.0232, p = 0.003). During sleep, longer average awakenings duration was associated with increased LFP/HFP ratio (coefficient 0.1977, p < 0.001) and reduced HFP (coefficient − 0.1338, p < 0.001). Significant sleep-wake interactions were observed for sleep latency with HFP (p = 0.024), sleep efficiency with SDNN and CV (both p < 0.01), WASO with SDNN, CV, and LFP (all p < 0.05), and frequency of awakenings with CV and LFP (both p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Actigraphy-based measures of sleep disruption were associated with autonomic function alterations exhibiting diurnal variability in paroxysmal AF. Greater overall HRV and parasympathetic modulation were related to better sleep quality. Increased sympathetic activation was associated with sleep fragmentation. Results provide insights into differential autonomic dysfunction related to sleep disruption that may contribute to atrial arrhythmogenesis.
Serum ferritin level and associated factors among uncontrolled adult type II diabetic follow-up patients at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Comparative based cross-sectional study
Authors: Tiruneh Andualem Bayih , Dedefo Gobena , Kinde Samuel , Alem Mekides , Edao Abebe , Mengistie Amanuel Baye , Abreham Abera , Getaneh Abush , Taddesse Gizachew , Bayable Alem , Gashaw Biriku , Tsegaye Melaku , Gemechu Geleta , Wolde Mistire 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Uncontrolled T2DM and its associated consequences nowadays have been a global health crisis, especially for adults. The problem is linked to body iron storage which is indicated by serum ferritin levels. However, no conclusive evidence existed about the association of serum ferritin with the state of glycemic control. This study aimed to assess the level of serum ferritin and associated factors among uncontrolled T2DM patients at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Methods: A hospital-based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among conveniently selected 156 study participants, who were categorized into three equal groups from October-2 to December-29, 2023 at St. Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College. Pre-tested structured questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic and diabetes-related information. The laboratory tests were done using an automated chemistry analyzer and IBM-SPSS statistical software (version-27) was utilized for data entry and analysis with a significance level of p<0.05.
Result: The mean serum ferritin level was noticeably higher in uncontrolled T2DM patients as compared to controlled T2DM and control groups (p<0.001). It was significantly correlated with HbA1c (r=0.457, p<0.001), FBs (r=0.386, p<0.001), serum iron (r=0.430, p<0.001) and SBP (r=0.195, p=0.047) in T2DM patients. Besides, a multivariate logistic regression model revealed that a rise in HbA1c (AOR=3.67, 95% CI(1.50-8.98), serum iron (AOR=1.02, 95% CI(1.01-1.04), being male (AOR=0.16, 95% CI(0.05-0.57) and having only OHA (AOR=0.26, 95% CI(0.07-0.95) were key associated factors for the elevated serum ferritin among T2DM patients.
Conclusion: The present study demonstrated that as far as glycemic control is not maintained, T2DM patients had elevated serum ferritin levels which might be related to the existence of long-term hyperglycemia and had a significant positive association with HbA1c and FBs, implying that it could be used as an additional biomarker to predict uncontrolled T2DM patients.
Distinct clinical characteristics and prognosis of pediatric-onset GHPA patients compared with adult-onset patients
Authors: Zheng Xue-Qing , Yang Sheng-Min , Xiao Tong-Xin , Yang Ying-Ying , Sun Yu-Xin , Li Ran , Liu Jie , Huang Huai-Gu , Yao Yong , Deng Kan , Lian Xin , You Hui , Duan Lian , Zhu Hui-Juan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To explore the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma (GHPA) patients with pediatric-onset, so as to facilitate the clinical management.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was carried out between 102 pediatric-onset GHPA patients admitted to our hospital from January 2013 to June 2022 and 204 adult-onset GHPA patients who were randomly matched.
Results
GHPA with pediatric-onset was predominantly male, associated with higher proportion of genetic syndromes, longer course, and delay on diagnosis. Clinical symptoms of visual field defects and menstrual abnormality were more common. The pediatric-onset group presented with higher growth hormone (GH) nadir during oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), higher rates of hyperprolactinemia, larger maximum diameter of adenoma, higher rates of optic chiasm compression, suprasellar invasion, and pituitary apoplexy. Hypertension, diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) were more common in the adult-onset group. Echocardiography results were similar between the two groups. The pediatric-onset group owned significantly higher treatment scores and proportions of multimodal therapy modality, more surgical complications, and a higher proportion of ki67 ≥ 3%. There was no significant difference in the final cure rate, but male patients with adult-onset had a worse prognosis. The recurrence rate was also similar between two groups. Hypopituitarism was more prevalent in the pediatric-onset group, while the adult-onset group had a higher rate of combining other tumors.
Conclusion
The clinical characteristics of pediatric-onset GHPA patients were different from adult-onset patients. Multimodal therapy modalities could help to achieve a cure rate similar to that of adult-onset patients.
Efficacy and safety of Hexuemingmu tablets for diabetic retinopathy：A Meta-analysis
Authors: Liu Wen-xuan , Yang Xian-rong , Liu Hong-ai , Jia Xin , Nie Xiao-mei , Feng Yu 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, EmBase, China Biomedical Literature Service System,CNKI,VIP and Wangfang database were searched until March 1,2024. The database and the treatment of diabetic retinopathy were screened according inclusion and exclusion criteria , and meta-analysis was performed using Revman 5.3.
Results:Twenty-two Chinese articles were included in a total of 2298 patients, including 1150 patients treated alone or together and Hexuemingmu tabletsin the experimental group and 1148 patients in the control group using conventional treatment. Meta-analysis showed the clinical
effective rate(OR= 3.94,95%CI[2.97,5.22], P <0.001), visual acuity（MD=0.08，95%CI[0.07, 0.10]，P＜0.001）, angioma volume (MD= -4.31, 95%CI[-5.08, -3.54], P<0.001), macular thickness (MD= -54.68, 95%CI[-67.55, -41.80], P<0.001), Area of retinal hemorrhage (MD= -0.40, 95%CI[-0.51, -0.30], P<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in adverse events rate.(OR=0.65,95%CI[0.34,1.22], P=0.18).
Conclusion: The treatment of diabetic retinopathy with Hexuemingmu tablets can better improve their symptoms and signs, and have better effectiveness and safety.
Observer-based practical predefined-time control for unmanned surface vehicles with guaranteed performance: A novel integral sliding mode approach
Authors: Cai Chengtao , Zhao Jie , Feng Zhiguang , Zeng Daohui 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This paper investigates practical predefined-time trajectory tracking control problem with guaranteed performance for unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) suffering from dynamic uncertainties and unknown disturbances. A observer-based practical predefined-time integral sliding mode control scheme is proposed. Salient features are as follows. First, by devising a practical predefined-time extended state observer, lumped disturbances arising from uncertainties and external disturbances can be exactly identified within the expected predefined-time, in conjunction with the fuzzy logic systems, and thereby improving the disturbance rejection property of USVs. Then, a nonsingular predefined-time integral sliding mode (NPTISM) surface is proposed using a class of time-dependent scaling function, and the NPTISM surface has only the sliding phase, while the reaching phase is eliminated. Besides, a novel-type prescribed performance function is introduced into the controller to characterize transient and steady-state performances, simultaneously. A rigorous stability analysis guarantees that practical predefined-time stability of the system, and the upper bound of settling time can be precisely set by only a single parameter in advance. Finally, the simulation results and comparisons are carried out to validate the proposal.
Efficacy of Nirmatrelvir/ritonavir in reducing the risk of severe outcome in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a real-life full-matched case-control study (SAVALO Study)
Authors: Gentile Ivan , Giaccone Agnese , Scirocco Maria Michela , Brizzi Francesco Di , Cuccurullo Federica , Silvitelli Maria , Ametrano Luigi , Alfè Francesco Antimo , Pietroluongo Daria , Irace Irene , Chiariello Mariarosaria , De Felice Noemi , Severino Simone , Viceconte Giulio , Moriello Nicola Schiano , Maraolo Alberto Enrico , Buonomo Antonio Riccardo , Scotto Riccardo , team Federico II COVID 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Ritonavir-boosted nirmatrelvir (N/r) is an antiviral which targets the main viral protease, administered to prevent the progression of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients at high risk for severe COVID-19. We present a real-life case-control study evaluating the efficacy of N/r therapy in SARS-CoV-2 omicron variants positive outpatients in Campania region, Italy, with the aim of assessing the occurrence of three outcomes (hospital admission, admission in ICU and death) in cases and controls.
Methods
We enrolled SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects that came to our attention in Early antiviral treatment ambulatory of Infectious Disease ward of University Federico II of Naples, Italy from January 1st, 2022, to December 31st, 2022, during the first five days from symptoms occurrence. Patients were enrolled as cases or controls if they were treated with N/r or not treated at all, respectively.
Results
1064 patients were included (cases: 423, controls: 1184). Cases showed a lower mortality compared with controls while no differences were observed for other outcomes. Vaccinated patients showed a lower mortality compared with non-vaccinated ones (0.5% vs 7.8%, p<0.001). After full-matching propensity score, N/r reduced hospitalization rate only in unvaccinated patients. In contrast N/r significantly reduced mortality regardless of vaccination status.
Conclusions
Treatment with N/r has proven effective in reducing mortality among outpatients with SARS-CoV-2 infection during several omicron variant surges. The beneficial effect of N/r treatment in reducing progression is more pronounced in unvaccinated patients.
A new molten CMAS resistance strategy for PS-PVD Thermal Barrier Coatings based on laser-textured and Al-modified bionic structure
Authors: Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhuo Xueshi , Sun Xiaomao , Wu Jian , Dong Hao , Shen Peng , Mei Xuesong , Cui Jianlei , Fan Zhengjie 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Plasma spray-physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD) is a promising third-generation thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) technique. Feather-like columnar TBCs with excellent strain tolerance and low thermal conductivity can be achieved using PS-PVD. However, molten CMAS (CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2) can penetrate coatings and accelerate PS-PVD TBC failure due to the feather-like columnar structure. Hence, a strategy is proposed to alleviate molten CMAS corrosion. The super-hydrophobicity structure is fabricated via laser texturing on the surface of PS-PVD TBCs to repel molten CMAS wetting and spreading. Then, a thin layer of the Al-film is deposited on the laser-textured surface. Moreover, the Al-modified layer is in-situ synthesized after vacuum heat treatment, preventing the infiltration of molten CMAS into the TBCs and reducing the coating damage. The results show that the contact angle of laser textured and Al-modified PS-PVD TBCs (LT-Al) at room temperature increased from 12.3° to 168.8°. The wetting and spreading behavior of molten CMAS of as-sprayed (AS), laser textured (LT), and LT-Al coatings is observed in situ at 1250 ℃ for 1,800 s. The LT-Al coating exhibited excellent CMAS corrosion resistance, attributed to the laser-textured micro-nano structures and Al-modified layer protection. The findings may be an effective approach for solving the weakness of PS-PVD feather-like columnar structure TBCs.
Understanding the Effects of Ash Content on Various Pretreatment Technologies
Authors: Kumar Adarsh , Zhang Libing , Liu Jian , Fatriasari Widya , Yang Bin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Biomass ash was added during pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis to examine its influence on biochemical processes for producing fermentable sugars. Corn stover was pretreated using several methods - hot water, dilute acid, alkaline, γ-valerolactone, and ionic liquid methods, each examined with ash loadings of 8.26% and 13.21%. The findings demonstrated that increased ash content adversely affected both pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. Specifically, the total sugar yield was 3–15% lower at the higher ash content across all pretreatment methods, and up to 6.7% lower during enzymatic hydrolysis. For acidic pretreatment, the sugar yield decreased as ash content increased. In contrast, ash content had a lesser impact on alkaline pretreatment compared to acidic pretreatment. The primary reasons for the reduced sugar yield in higher-ash biomass during acidic pretreatments were likely the neutralizing effect of the ash and decreased acid access to the substrates. During enzymatic hydrolysis, ash reduced the sugar yield by limiting enzyme access to cellulose.