bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti-inflammatory potential of bromelain complexed with cashew leaf polyphenol
Authors: Placambo Reymark A. , Basilio Antonio , Llagas Ma. Cristina Las 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Inflammation is a tissue reaction in which circulating immune cells and inflammatory mediators are sent to areas of infection and tissue injury. Chronic inflammation is treated using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, which can have negative side effects on the body if used for an extended period. Hence, there is a need to develop effective and safe alternative anti-inflammatory compounds from natural sources to address this problem. Bromelain, a proteolytic enzyme derived from pineapple stems and fruits, has been extensively studied for its anti-inflammatory potential. This study determined the anti-inflammatory potentials of bromelain complexed with cashew leaf polyphenol (BCLP) from the bromelain recovered from pineapple core, pulp, and peel through the egg albumin denaturation assay, human red blood cell membrane stabilization assay, and human IL-8 secretion inhibition through ELISA. The results showed that the BCLP from pineapple core at 1000 µg/mL, 750 µg/mL, 250 µg/mL, and from 750 µg/mL pineapple pulp had a comparable inhibition of protein denaturation with the commercial bromelain at 1000 µg/mL, which may indicate that the BCLP from the pineapple core and pulp may be used as a potential anti-inflammatory compound alternative. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activities of the BCLP from pineapple core, pulp, and peel were due to its complexation with CLP and were not caused by CLP alone. The discovery of the anti-inflammatory potentials of BCLP may elevate the value of pineapple fruit waste from waste products to being pharmaceutically relevant.
A Comparative Analysis of Outpatients’ Knowledge and Perception towards Hypertension Prevention in a Secondary Healthcare facility in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Adegbeyeni¹ Ifedayo O. , Oyerinde Oyewole O. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
High prevalence rates of prehypertension and hypertension in Nigeria poses a significant public health burden, leading to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. Despite the availability of effective treatments, prehypertension and hypertension remain inadequately managed.
Objective
This study compares the knowledge and perception towards hypertension prevention among outpatients with normal blood pressure, prehypertension and hypertension attending secondary health care facility in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
Method
A cross-sectional survey was employed on 370 outpatients aged 18–65 years. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Data collected were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 29.
Result
Results showed that respondents with normal blood pressure have higher knowledge about hypertension and better perception than respondents with prehypertension and hypertension. Knowledge and perception had significant differences across blood pressure categories. Pearson correlation and regression analysis showed there was a statistically significant relationship between Knowledge and blood pressure (r = -0.228, r² = 0.052, 95% CI: -0.102 to -0.040). Perception was also statistically significant to blood pressure status.
Conclusion
The study revealed that knowledge and perception played crucial role in influencing blood pressure status. These findings emphasized the importance of health education, improved health literacy and better perception in managing prehypertension and hypertension.
Study on Planting and Mechanical Properties of Clay Modified by Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum
Authors: Wan Juan , Liu Chenyang , Xiao Henglin , Lin Weiqing , Tang Zhonggeng , Jia Yunlong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The improvement of clay by using xanthan gum and guar gum was studied, and the combined solidification effect of the two after compounding was investigated. Investigations were conducted on three variants of biopolymer-augmented clays: xanthan gum, guar gum, and their combination. Assessments through plant growth and direct shear experiments elucidated their planting and mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments were conducted to analyze the microstructure of clay before and after modification, and the mechanism of improvement of clay by the two biopolymers was discussed in combination with planting and mechanical tests. The experimental results demonstrated that the planting performance of clay could be significantly enhanced by incorporating appropriate amounts of xanthan gum, guar gum, and composite gum, but was inhibited at excessive dosages. These biopolymers mainly increased the cohesive force of the soil, improving its shear strength while minimally affecting the internal friction angle. Among them, the compounded gum showed the most significant improvement in shear strength of the clay. The cohesive force and shear strength were notably enhanced when biopolymers and plant roots were combined. Specifically, ryegrass roots in biopolymer-modified clay substrates further increased shear strength. The study demonstrates that biopolymers can effectively promote plant growth and improve soil strength under the combined action of plant roots. The research results demonstrate that a synergistic thickening effect is achieved when xanthan gum is combined with guar gum, leading to gel particles aggregating with soil particles to enhance the shear strength of the soil. The relationship between the improvement of shear performance of xanthan gum and guar gum modified clay and the microscopic internal changes, and provide a reference for further exploring the new ecological slope protection substrate of green environmental protection.
The important anatomical significance of the Patent Foramen Ovale by Real-time 3D TEE in Cryptogenic Stroke and Migraine
Authors: Wang Li , Zhou Bingyuan , Sun Haibo , Shen Han 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) may be a flap valve depending on the pressure change between the left and right atrium to determine whether to open. The transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is the reference standard imaging modality for confirming the presence or absence of the PFO. There is a causal association between PFO and unexplained stroke.3D-TEE has been described to optimize the visualization of PFO.
Methods: A total of 134 consecutive patients with cryptogenic stroke or migraine who had suspected PFO and underwent c-TCD, TTE and c- TEE. RLS grading of PFO at rest and Abdominal compression Valsalva maneuver was detected by c-TEE.
Results: The long diameter of FO (1.74±0.3 VS 1.60±0.4, P=0.039), the short diameter of FO (1.12±0.3 VS 1.00±0.3, P=0.036), perimeter of FO (4.62±0.7 VS 4.22±1.0, P=0.026) and area (1.80±0.8 VS 1.35±0.8, P=0.05) of the FO were significantly larger in the larger RLS group. A larger proportion of Eustachian valve or a Chiari’s network(14.3% VS 3.5%,P=0.036), a larger proportion of in the Left funnelform (55.1% VS 16.3% P<0.001), a longer length of the PFO tunnel( 13.4±4.4 VS 7.8±2.5,P<0.001), a lower IVC-PFO angle (16.4±3.4 VS 20.3±7.7,P=0.001), higher proportion of LA Multiple exits of the tunnel (46.9% VS 14.3% ,P<0.001) .Multivariate regression analysis showed that male(HR:4.026,95%CI:0.883~18.361,P=0.072), age(HR:1.076,95%CI:1.002~1.155,P=0.045), the Left funnelform (HR:7.299,95%CI:1.585~33.618,P=0.011), a longer length of the PFO tunnel tunnel( HR:1.843,95%CI:1.404~2.418,P<0.001) and Multiple exits of the tunnel of LA (HR:8.544,95%CI:1.595~45.754,P=0.012) contributed to the occurrence of cerebral infarction.
Conclusions: The larger the fossa oval, the easier it cause active and cause a large right-to-left shunt. the Left funnelform, a longer length of the PFO tunnel and Multiple exits of the tunnel of LA contribute CS.TEE can carefully observe the specific morphological characteristics of PFO, When these features appear on TEE, there is a strong correlation with CS.
Real-time Detection of Cycle Slips using Ultra-High Rate GNSS Observations in Urban Environments
Authors: Ji Shengyue , Wang Jing , Xu Ying , Weng Duojie , Chen Wu , Luo Huan 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The use of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) for precise navigation and positioning using Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) or Precise Point Positioning (PPP) techniques has gained popularity in urban environments. However, the performance of GNSS in urban areas is significantly affected by cycle slips caused by multipath reflections from high-rise buildings. Detecting cycle slips accurately becomes a primary challenge for achieving reliable RTK or RTPPP solutions in urban settings. Traditional methods for cycle slip detection often fall short due to the detrimental effects of multipath interference. This research aims to detect cycle slips utilizing ultra-high rate GNSS observations. We conducted an analysis of these observations and discovered that they exhibit reduced variation in observation noise and multipath compared to commonly used 1 Hz observations. Leveraging this insight, we propose a novel cycle slip detection method that eliminates coordinate parameters from the geometry-based mathematical model. Instead, it incorporates only a single parameter related to the receiver clock, enhancing its robustness against multipath effects. Our proposed approach leverages the favorable characteristics of ultra-high rate GNSS observations. By excluding coordinate parameters and focusing solely on the receiver clock parameter, our method becomes more resilient to the impacts of multipath interference. This novel methodology offers improved cycle slip detection capabilities compared to traditional methods. To evaluate the effectiveness of our method, we performed numerical experiments using 50 Hz GNSS observations, including scenarios in urban environments. Remarkably, our new method achieved an almost perfect success rate of cycle slip detection, nearing 100%. These results demonstrate the efficacy of our approach, even in challenging urban settings. The findings of this research present a significant advancement in cycle slip detection using ultra-high rate GNSS observations. By reducing the reliance on coordinate parameters and considering the unique characteristics of these observations, our method holds promise for enhancing the reliability and accuracy of GNSS positioning, particularly in urban environments.
A Multilevel Analysis of Factors Associated with Stunting Among Children Under Five Years in Lesotho: A Study of The Lesotho Multiple Cluster Indicator Study Of 2018
Authors: Leseba Nthatisi , Vermaak Kerry , Makatjane Tiisetso , Lebuso Mapitso 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The growth pattern of a healthy, well-fed child is reflected in positive changes in their height and weight [1]. Globally, complex, and intertwined determinants of stunting have been explored at individual, household, and community level but not in Lesotho. The objective of the study is to investigate the determinants of stunting at individual, household, and community level.
Methods
We conducted a multilevel logistic regression using data from the Lesotho Multiple Cluster Indicator Study of 2018.
Results
In Lesotho a third (33.6%) of children under 5 were stunted in 2018. At individual level, child dietary intake, weight at birth and respiratory infection were determinants of stunting. At the household level, place of residence, household wealth, maternal residential status, maternal educational attainment, drinking water sources, and toilet facilities were also determinants of stunting. Moreover, at community levels, community female and male education, community poverty, sources of drinking water, toilet facilities and maternal media exposure were determinants of stunting in Lesotho in 2018.
Conclusion
There is evidence of variability in the data in relation to stunting at all levels of the study. It also shows that, child dietary intake and health, household care resources, and environments children reside in are important in improving child nutritional status. At the community level, knowledge and information acquisition and sharing are important in fighting child malnutrition. Therefore, strategies and programs to improve child nutritional status should be done in communities.
Development of a low-cost real-time monitoring system for biomass concentration and environmental factors in microalgae Limnospira fusiformis cultivation
Authors: Desalegn Workie , Chowdhary Anupreet Kaur , Sekine Mutsumi , Larry Washburn , Ayirkm Woldie , Kishi Masatoshi , Toda Tatsuki 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

With increasing demand for microalgae, there is a need to reduce operational production costs and develop stable growth prediction methods. In this study, we have developed a low-cost and user-friendly monitoring and biomass auto-recovery system using a microcomputer (Raspberry Pi) and a sensor. The microalgal monitoring sensors (turbidity, light, pH, and temperature) designed for real-time measurements and remote monitoring were validated using standard instruments. The monitoring system was implemented in a culture of the filamentous and spiral microalgae Limnospira fusiformis. The turbidity sensor showed a strong correlation with optical density (R2 = 0.943–0.986) and dry weight (R2 = 0.954–0.975). The sensors for light, pH, and temperature demonstrated average percentage errors of 0.50%, 0.58%, and 2.52%, respectively, indicating their accuracy in measuring the intended parameters (p < 0.05). The developed auto-recovery system effectively maintained biomass within the desired threshold range (OD750 = 0.74–0.67). The threshold value for the operating biomass density was adjustable with data available in real time and logged with time stamping on a Google spreadsheet. This cost-effective system, priced at approximately $330, offers a practical solution for the real-time monitoring and control of biomass density in microalgal cultures.
High-Order Linear Model for Stability Analysis of Unsteady Flow in Approach Channels
Authors: Xu Jinchao , Zhao Jun , Zhou Jianxu , Li Yun , Zheng Feidong , An Jianfeng , Chaturvedi Sadashiv 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Approach channels, vital for hydraulic projects like navigation locks and trench intakes, connect rivers or reservoirs to ship locks or closed gates. Excessive water surface oscillations in these channels can reduce effective water depth, increase mooring forces, decrease ship maneuverability, and elevate tug drag, potentially causing marine accidents. Thus, unsteady flow in approach channels is a crucial area of water conservancy research. While traditional control designs for open channels have been used in irrigation and water supply systems, they are seldom applied to mitigate wave propagation in approach channels. The rise of automated ship lock management has intensified the focus on control design for these channels. Linear models associated with equilibrium regimes are often used for control analysis due to their simplicity. This research introduces a novel linear model based on ordinary differential equations for approach channels, evaluating first-order, second-order, and third-order dispersions. Comprehensive frequency domain, correlation, and time domain analyses using control design methodologies are performed to address unsteady flow issues, which can cause reduced water depth, increased mooring forces, decreased ship maneuverability, and elevated tug drag, potentially leading to marine accidents. The development of a more accurate and manageable model for analyzing and controlling unsteady flows enhances the management and operation of approach channels which can be applied in designing of hydraulic control in related engineering projects. These advancements support automated control systems in ship locks, improving navigation safety and efficiency. Hence, contributing to safer and more effective hydraulic infrastructure, benefiting both water conservancy and marine transportation.
Comparative analysis of the musculoskeletal health in Poland and Spain: a cross-sectional study using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health
Authors: Wiśniowska-Szurlej Agnieszka , Sozańska Agnieszka , Barrio Sandra Jiménez , Sozański Bernard , Laita Luis Ceballos , Lázaro Héctor Hernández 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) is the framework for describing disability. The aim of the study was to make an ICF-based comparison between musculoskeletal health in Poland and Spain.Methods:A comparative study was conducted to identify cross-cultural differences between Poland and Spain in the prevalence of ICF entities from the brief ICF core set for post-acute musculoskeletal conditions. A total of 840 people were included in the study. Information was recoded into ICF qualifiers to obtain comparable data.Results:Significant differences in functioning were found between the two samples, with a higher prevalence in all the ICF entities for the Spanish sample. Similarities were found in the ICF components ‘Body Functions’ and ‘Environmental Factors’, with the most prevalent ICF entities being ‘b280 Sensation of pain’ and ‘e225 Climate’ respectively. For ‘Activities and Participation’, differences were observed, with ‘d430 Lifting and carrying objects’ being the most common for the Spanish sample and ‘d450 Walking’ for the Polish sample.Conclusions:A theoretical application of the ICF has been empirically tested for the first time, a milestone in the development of this research methodology. Differences in the prevalence of ICF entities showed a better musculoskeletal health in the Polish sample.Trial registration:NCT06283407
Highly efficient large-area ultrathin phosphor-glass composites fabricated by tape-casting for super-bright LED lights
Authors: Tang Fei , Li Chenyang , Zhou Yimin , Ning Jiqiang , Chen Yizhuo , Xu SJ 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Driven by the demand for super-bright LED lights for cars, buses, and trucks, highly efficient and large-area ultrathin phosphor-glass composites (PGC) with exceptional thermal dissipation capabilities were fabricated by a combined technique of tape-casting + low-temperature cofiring process. Two kinds of ultrathin (100 μm thick) PGC plates uniformly incorporated with YAG:Ce and CaAlSiN3:Eu2+ phosphor particles and with a large size of 1044×45 mm were successfully prepared. At room temperature, photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQY) of 98.6% and 80% were achieved for the former and latter kinds of PGC glasses, respectively. Moreover, color tunable emissions were yielded in the ultrathin PGC by varying the weight ratio of different phosphors. Finally, light-emitting diodes (LEDs) encapsulated with different
ultrathin PGC were demonstrated to exhibit outstanding luminous performance. When exposed to blue laser irradiation, the prepared PGC glasses demonstrated a heightened resistance to laser radiation. These unparalleled ultrathin PGC glasses could offer an unprecedented solution for the commercial applications in preparation of super bright car LED lights.
Generation of human appetite-regulating neurons and tanycytes from stem cells
Authors: Kirkeby Agnete , Abay-Nørgaard Zehra Caldwell , Müller Anika , Hänninen Erno , Rausch Dylan , Piilgaard Louise , Christensen Jens , Peeters Sofie , Schörling Alrik , Salvador Alison , Nikulina Viktoriia , Li Yuan , Kajtez Janko , Pers Tune 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The balance between energy intake and expenditure is controlled by the hypothalamus, a small brain region characterised by high neuronal diversity. Specifically, the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) are key hypothalamic nuclei controlling appetite through behavioural response to circulating humoral signals. Yet, despite their physiological importance, the cellular and functional characteristics of this highly specialised neural region has been studied mainly in animals due to a lack of human models. Here, we fine-tuned the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells toward the ARC and VMH hypothalamic nuclei and identified key subtype-specific progenitor markers of these subregions. We demonstrate that the timing for initiation and termination of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signalling is essential for controlling subregional specification of tuberal hypothalamic progenitors along the anterior-posterior axis, balancing VMH versus ARC fates. A particular population of SHH-/NKX2.1+/FGF10high/RAXhigh/TBX3high posterior tuberal progenitors was identified as the source for generation of ARC-associated agouti-related peptide (AGRP) neurons and tanycytes whilst anterior tuberal SHH+/NKX2.1+/FGF10low/RAXlow/TBX3low progenitors generated VMH phenotypes including NR5A1 neurons. Upon maturation in vitro and in xenografts, ARC-patterned progenitors gave rise to key appetite-regulating cell types including those producing AGRP, prepronociceptin (PNOC), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), as well as tanycyte glial cells. Differentiated ARC cultures showed high transcriptomic similarity to the human ARC and displayed evidence of functionality by AGRP secretion and responsiveness to leptin and fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1). In summary, our work provides insights into the developmental lineages underlying hypothalamic subregional specification and enables access to highly characterised human ARC and VMH cultures, which will provide novel opportunities for investigating the cellular and molecular pathways triggered by obesity-associated genetic variants and weight-regulating stimuli.
A chaperone-assisted mechanism of outer mitochondrial membrane TOM70 insertion protective against diet-induced obesity
Authors: Latorre-Muro Pedro , Vitale Tevis , Ravichandran Matthew , Zhang Katherine , Palozzi Jonathan M. , Bennett Christopher F. , Lamas-Paz Arantza , Sohn Jee Hyung , Jackson Thomas D. , Jedrychowski Mark , Gygi Steven P. , Kajimura Shingo , Schmoker Anna , Jeon Hyesung , Eck Michael J. , Puigserver Pere 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) proteins communicate with the cytosol and other organelles including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER)1,2. This communication is important in thermogenic adipocytes to increase energy expenditure that controls body temperature and weight3,4. However, the regulatory mechanisms of OMM protein insertion are poorly understood. Herein, stress-induced cytosolic chaperone PPID (peptidyl-prolyl isomerase D/cyclophilin 40/Cyp40) drives OMM insertion of the mitochondrial import receptor TOM70 regulating body temperature and weight in obese mice, and respiratory/thermogenic function in brown adipocytes. PPID PPIase activity and C-terminal tetratricopeptide repeats (TPR), which show specificity towards TOM70 core and C-tail domains, facilitate OMM insertion. Our results provide an unprecedented role for ER-stress-activated chaperones in controlling energy metabolism through a selective OMM protein insertion mechanism with implications in adaptation to cold temperatures and high-calorie diets.