bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization and evaluation of modified release solid dosage forms using artificial neural network
Authors: Sheth Tulsi Sagar , Acharya Falguni 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aims to optimize and evaluate drug release kinetics of Modified-Release (MR) solid dosage form of Quetiapine Fumarate MR tablets by using the Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). In training the neural network, the drug contents of Quetiapine Fumarate MR tablet such as Sodium Citrate, Eudragit® L100 55, Eudragit® L30 D55, Lactose Monohydrate, Dicalcium Phosphate (DCP), and Glyceryl Behenate were used as variable input data and Drug Substance Quetiapine Fumarate, Triethyl Citrate, and Magnesium Stearate were used as constant input data for the formulation of the tablet. The in-vitro dissolution profiles of Quetiapine Fumarate MR tablets at ten different time points were used as a target data. Several layers together build the neural network by connecting the input data with the output data via weights, these weights show importance of input nodes. The training process optimises the weights of the drug product excipients to achieve the desired drug release through the simulation process in MATLAB software. The percentage drug release of predicted formulation matched with the manufactured formulation using the similarity factor (f2), which evaluates network efficiency. The ANNs have enormous potential for rapidly optimizing pharmaceutical formulations with desirable performance characteristics.
A method to assess the quality of additive manufacturing metal powders using the triboelectric charging concept
Authors: Galindo E. , Espiritu E. R. L. , Gutierrez C. , Alagha Ali N. , Hudon P. , Brochu M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractA new method to assess the quality of additive manufacturing (AM) metal powders using the triboelectric charging concept is demonstrated using CpTi, Ti6Al4V, AlSi10Mg, IN 738, and SS 316L powders. For each powder tested, the surface chemical composition was first analyzed using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) to determine the composition of the passivation layer. Some modifications to the current GranuCharge™ setup, developed by GranuTools™, were then performed by incorporating a flow rate measuring tool to assess how tribocharging is affected as a function of flow rate. Variations in the tribocharging response have been found with the flow rate of CpTi, AlSi10Mg and SS 316L powders. Moreover, results suggest that the tribocharging behavior might not be the same even with powders fabricated with the same passivation process. Finally, the compressed exponential model of Trachenko and Zaccone was used to reproduce the tribocharging behavior of the powders. The models were found to work best when the stretch constant β = 1.5, which is identical to the value found in other systems such as structural glasses, colloidal gels, entangled polymers, and supercooled liquids, which experience jamming when motion of individual particles become restricted, causing their motion to slow down.
Unraveling shared molecular signatures and potential therapeutic targets linking psoriasis and acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Yang Zheming , Li Jiayin , Song Haixu , Mei Zhu , Zhang Shuli , Wu Hanlin , liu Jing , Yan Chenghui , Han Yaling 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPsoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, is associated with comorbidities such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI). However, the molecular mechanisms connecting these conditions are unclear. In this study, we conducted bioinformatics analyses using gene expression datasets to identify differentially expressed genes and hub genes associated with both psoriasis and AMI. Our findings emphasize the involvement of immune-related pathways in the pathogenesis of both conditions. Furthermore, we investigated the expression levels of hub genes in AMI patients and myocardial infarction (MI) mice. ELISA measurements revealed significantly higher levels of CXCL8, IL1B, S100A9, and S100A12 in the serum of AMI patients compared to normal individuals. Immunohistochemical staining of heart tissue from MI mice showed a progressive increase in the expression of CXCL8 and IL-1B as MI advanced, while S100A9 exhibited high expression at day 3 post-MI. mRNA expression analysis validated these findings. Additionally, we explored the skin lesions of psoriasis patients and found significantly higher expression of CXCL8, IL-1B, S100A9, and S100A12 in the affected skin areas compared to unaffected regions. These results highlight the consistent upregulation of hub genes in both AMI and psoriasis patients, as well as in myocardial infarction mice, underscoring their potential as reliable markers for disease diagnosis. Moreover, molecular docking simulations revealed potential interactions between simvastatin and key target proteins, suggesting a potential therapeutic avenue. Overall, our study uncovers shared molecular signatures and potential therapeutic targets, providing a foundation for future investigations targeting common pathways in psoriasis and AMI.
Impact of khat (Catha edulis) and oral contraceptive use on telomerase levels and tumor suppressor genes p53 and p21 in normal subjects and breast cancer patients
Authors: Atroosh Fairooz , AL-Habori Molham , Al-Eryani Ekram , Saif-Ali Riyadh 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the effects of oral contraceptive (OC) use, khat chewing, and their combined effect on telomerase level and tumor suppressor genes, p53 and p21 in breast cancer (BC) patients and normal volunteers. 140 Yemeni women aged 25–40 years old enrolled, 60 newly diagnosed pretreated BC patients, and 80 control subjects. Venous blood (5 ml) was collected and the results showed BC patients to have significantly raised levels of telomerase, p53, and p21 compared to the control group. The use of OCs significantly raised telomerase in control group with no effect in BC patients; whereas p53 and p21 were significantly increased in BC patients. On the other hand, khat chewing significantly increased p53 in controls and BC patients, whereas p21 was significantly raised in BC patients. The combined use of OCs and khat chewing significantly increased telomerase and p53 in control group, and significantly increased p53 and p21 in BC patients. Telomerase was shown to be a risk factor (OR 4.4) for BC, and the use of OCs was a high-risk factor for increasing telomerase (OR 27.8) in normal subjects. In contrast, khat chewing was shown to be protective (OR 0.142), and the combined use of OCs and khat chewing decreased the risk factor of telomerase from OR 27.8 to 2.1.
Examining the effect of threaded bolt fasteners on steel construction
Authors: Uz Mehmet E. , Ozkat Emre , Ersoy Mehmet C. , Salvan Necdet 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of threaded bolt fasteners on the initial and final stiffness of bolted joints in special steel modular construction. A comprehensive set of 246 specimens, including 4, 7.6, and 12 mm thick plates with 20 and 30 mm diameter bolts and different end spacings, were tested. The results revealed that connections with threaded bolts exhibited lower initial stiffness compared to pure shaft connections. This study introduced a novel formula that significantly improved simulation results for bolted joints, surpassing previous modeling approaches. Following the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) definition, the “elastic” stiffness values obtained from the laboratory tests were compared with those of Eurocode provisions. Additionally, ad hoc formulas were proposed for the stiffness of shank, lap connection with partially threaded, and fully threaded bolts. These results offer valuable insights for enhancing the stiffness of bolted shear connections.
Anti-inflammatory response to 1,8-Cineol and associated microbial communities in Otitis media patients
Authors: Leichtle Anke , Lupatsii Mariia , Graspeuntner Simon , Jeschke Stephanie , Penxová Zuzana , Kurabi Arwa , Ryan Allen Frederic , Rupp Jan , Pries Ralph , Bruchhage Karl-Ludwig 
Published: July 2024

AbstractChronic Otitis Media (COM) is defined as long term inflammation and colonization with pathogenic bacteria due to a defect or retraction of the tympanic membrane. Surgical interventions are often augmented by antibiotic resistance development and therefore, off-label treatment using the natural drug 1,8-Cineol was carried out. All COM patients underwent antibiotic therapy and middle ear surgery and developed antibiotic resistances. Microbiological investigations from the auditory canal and stool samples were performed in correlation with the clinical course. Therapy of COM patients with 1,8-Cineol revealed a clear reduction of inflammatory microbes P. aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis in ear samples as well as intestinal Prevotella copri, which was associated with an improved clinical outcome in certain individuals. The present off-label study revealed manifold anti-inflammatory effects of the natural monoterpene 1,8-Cineol in Otitis media patients. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms will improve the current treatment options and possible forms of application of this natural drug.
The relationship between spiritual health and COVID-19 anxiety among nurses: a national online cross-sectional study
Authors: Davarinia Motlagh Quchan Arezoo , Mohammadzadeh Fatemeh , Mohamadzadeh Tabrizi Zohreh , Bahri Narjes 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has created many concerns in most countries. Nurses are among healthcare workers who are largely engaged in providing care to COVID-19 patients, which makes nurses prone to disease-related worries and stresses. Thus, it is essential to identify the factors which may alleviate their stress and anxiety. This study aimed to determine the relationship between COVID-19 anxiety and spiritual health among Iranian nurses. This cross-sectional online survey was conducted between March 2020 and January 2021 on 919 Iranian nurses who worked in healthcare centers in Iran during the COVID-19 outbreak. The participants were recruited by convenience sampling Method. The data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, Ellison’s standard Spiritual Well-Being (SWB) Scale, and the standard scale of Corona Disease Anxiety. Data were analyzed using SPSS software and p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Of the participants, 47.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) 43.7–50.2%) had moderate to severe anxiety. The mean score of spiritual health was 73.3 ± 12.5. The multiple linear model indicated a significant negative correlation with a medium effect size between SWB and COVID-19 anxiety levels in a way that for 10 units increase in the SWB was associated with 2.72 units decrease in anxiety score (Adjusted partial r = − 0.320, p < 0.001). The findings revealed a reverse significant relationship between spiritual health and COVID-19 anxiety. On the other hand, nurses with better spiritual health experienced a lower level of COVID-19 anxiety. Therefore, improving spiritual health could help decrease nurses’ anxiety during COVID-19.
Post-discharge spirometry evaluation in patients recovering from moderate-to-critical COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chai Chee-Shee , Bin Ibrahim Muhammad Amin , Binti Azhar Nur Amira , Binti Roslan Zulaika , Binti Harun Rozila , Krishnabahawan Swarna Lata , Karthigayan Aruna A. P. , Binti Abdul Kadir Roqiah Fatmawati , Binti Johari Busra , Ng Diana-Leh-Ching , Sim Benedict-Lim-Heng , Liam Chong-Kin , Bin Muttalif Abdul Razak , Bin Rasit Ahmad Hata , Peariasamy Kalaiarasu M. , Bin Abdul Rani Mohammed Fauzi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the prevalence of abnormal lung function and its associated factors among patients recovering from COVID-19 is crucial for enhancing post-COVID care strategies. This study primarily aimed to determine the prevalence and types of spirometry abnormalities among post-COVID-19 patients in Malaysia, with a secondary objective of identifying its associated factors. Conducted at the COVID-19 Research Clinic, Faculty of Medicine, University Technology MARA, from March 2021 to December 2022, this study included patients at least three months post-discharge from hospitals following moderate-to-critical COVID-19. Of 408 patients studied, abnormal spirometry was found in 46.8%, with 28.4% exhibiting a restrictive pattern, 17.4% showing preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm), and 1.0% displaying an obstructive pattern. Factors independently associated with abnormal spirometry included consolidation on chest X-ray (OR 8.1, 95% CI 1.75–37.42, p = 0.008), underlying cardiovascular disease (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.19–10.47, p = 0.023), ground-glass opacity on chest X-ray (OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.52–4.30, p < 0.001), and oxygen desaturation during the 6-min walk test (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.20–3.06, p = 0.007). This study highlights that patients recovering from moderate-to-critical COVID-19 often exhibit abnormal spirometry, notably a restrictive pattern and PRISm. Routine spirometry screening for high-risk patients is recommended.
The admission level of CRP during cardiogenic shock is a strong independent risk marker of mortality
Authors: Roubille François , Cherbi Miloud , Kalmanovich Eran , Delbaere Quentin , Bonnefoy-Cudraz Eric , Puymirat Etienne , Schurtz Guillaume , Gerbaud Edouard , Bonello Laurent , Lim Pascal , Leurent Guillaume , Roubille Camille , Delmas Clément 
Published: July 2024

AbstractInflammatory processes are involved not only in coronary artery disease but also in heart failure (HF). Cardiogenic shock (CS) and septic shock are classically distinct although intricate relationships are frequent in daily practice. The impact of admission inflammation in patients with CS is largely unknown. FRENSHOCK is a prospective registry including 772 CS patients from 49 centers. One-month and one-year mortalities were analyzed according to the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) at admission, adjusted on independent predictive factors. Within 406 patients included, 72.7% were male, and the mean age was 67.4 y ± 14.7. Four groups were defined, depending on the quartiles of CRP at admission. Q1 with a CRP < 8 mg/L, Q2: CRP was 8–28 mg/L, Q3: CRP was > 28–69 mg/L, and Q4: CRP was > 69 mg/L. The four groups did not differ regarding main baseline characteristics. However, group Q4 received more often antibiotics in 47.5%, norepinephrine in 66.3%, and needed more frequently respiratory support and renal replacement therapy. Whether at 1 month (Ptrend = 0.01) or 1 year (Ptrend < 0.01), a strong significant trend towards increased all-cause mortality was observed across CRP quartiles. Specifically, compared to the Q1 group, Q4 patients demonstrated a 2.2-fold higher mortality rate at 1-month (95% CI 1.23–3.97, p < 0.01), which persisted at 1-year, with a 2.14-fold increase in events (95% CI 1.43–3.22, p < 0.01). Admission CRP level is a strong independent predictor of mortality at 1 month and 1-year in CS. Specific approaches need to be developed to identify accurately patients in whom inflammatory processes are excessive and harmful, paving the way for innovative approaches in patients admitted for CS.NCT02703038.
Existence of edge modes in periodic microstrip transmission line
Authors: Girich Aleksey , Ivzhenko Liubov , Kharchenko Ganna , Polevoy Sergey , Tarapov Sergey , Krawczyk Maciej , Kłos Jarosław W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe microstrip of modulated width is a realization of a one-dimensional photonic crystal operating in the microwave regime. Like any photonic crystal, the periodic microstrip is characterised by the presence of frequency bands and band gaps that enable and prohibit wave propagation, respectively. The frequency bands for microstrip of the symmetric unit cell can be distinguished by 0 or $$\pi$$
π
Zak phase. The sum of these topological parameters for all bands below a given frequency gap determines the value of the surface impedance at the end of the microstrip. We demonstrate that edge modes are absent in a finite microstrip terminated at both ends in the centres of unit cells, but they can be induced by adding the defected cells. Edge modes present at both ends of the microstrip enable microwave tunneling with high transitivity in the frequency gap with or without a change in phase. This has been demonstrated experimentally and developed in detail using numerical simulations and model calculations. The investigated system, with a doublet of edge modes in the frequency gap, can be considered as a narrow passband filter of high selectivity and characterised by a significant group delay.
Cellular heterogeneity and key subsets of tissue-resident memory T cells in cervical cancer
Authors: Wang Fuhao , Yue Shengqin , Huang Qingyu , Lei Tianyu , Li Xiaohui , Wang Cong , Yue Jinbo , Liu Chao 
Published: July 2024

AbstractTissue-resident memory T cells (TRMs) play a critical role in cancer immunity by offering quick and effective immune responses. However, the cellular heterogeneity of TRMs and their significance in cervical cancer (CC) remain unknown. In this study, we generated and analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing data from 12,945 TRMs (ITGAE+CD3D+) and 25,627 non-TRMs (ITGAE−CD3D+), derived from 11 CC tissues and 5 normal cervical tissues. We found that TRMs were more immunoreactive than non-TRMs, and TRMs in CC tissues were more activated than those in normal cervical tissues. Six CD8+ TRM subclusters and one CD4+ TRM subcluster were identified. Among them, CXCL13+ CD8+ TRMs were more abundant in CC tissues than in normal cervical tissues, had both cytotoxic and inhibitory features, and were enriched in pathways related to defense responses to the virus. Meanwhile, PLAC8+ CD8+ TRMs were less abundant in CC tissues than in normal cervical tissues but had highly cytotoxic features. The signature gene set scores of both cell subclusters were positively correlated with the overall survival and progression-free survival of patients with CC following radiotherapy. Of note, the association between HLA-E and NKG2A, either alone or in a complex with CD94, was enriched in CXCL13+ CD8+ TRMs interacting with epithelial cells at CC tissues. The in-depth characterization of TRMs heterogeneity in the microenvironment of CC could have important implications for advancing treatment and improving the prognosis of patients with CC.
A survey of skin tone assessment in prospective research
Authors: Weir Vanessa R. , Dempsey Katelyn , Gichoya Judy Wawira , Rotemberg Veronica , Wong An-Kwok Ian 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIncreasing evidence supports reduced accuracy of noninvasive assessment tools, such as pulse oximetry, temperature probes, and AI skin diagnosis benchmarks, in patients with darker skin tones. The FDA is exploring potential strategies for device regulation to improve performance across diverse skin tones by including skin tone criteria. However, there is no consensus about how prospective studies should perform skin tone assessment in order to take this bias into account. There are several tools available to conduct skin tone assessments including administered visual scales (e.g., Fitzpatrick Skin Type, Pantone, Monk Skin Tone) and color measurement tools (e.g., reflectance colorimeters, reflectance spectrophotometers, cameras), although none are consistently used or validated across multiple medical domains. Accurate and consistent skin tone measurement depends on many factors including standardized environments, lighting, body parts assessed, patient conditions, and choice of skin tone assessment tool(s). As race and ethnicity are inadequate proxies for skin tone, these considerations can be helpful in standardizing the effect of skin tone on studies such as AI dermatology diagnoses, pulse oximetry, and temporal thermometers. Skin tone bias in medical devices is likely due to systemic factors that lead to inadequate validation across diverse skin tones. There is an opportunity for researchers to use skin tone assessment methods with standardized considerations in prospective studies of noninvasive tools that may be affected by skin tone. We propose considerations that researchers must take in order to improve device robustness to skin tone bias.
Sustainable urban transformations based on integrated microgrid designs
Authors: Ottenburger Sadeeb S. , Cox Rob , Chowdhury Badrul H. , Trybushnyi Dmytro , Omar Ehmedi Al , Kaloti Sujay A. , Ufer Ulrich , Poganietz Witold-R. , Liu Weijia , Deines Evgenia , Müller Tim O. , Möhrle Stella , Raskob Wolfgang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe impacts of natural hazards on infrastructure, enhanced by climate change, are increasingly more severe emphasizing the necessity of resilient energy grids. Microgrids, tailored energy systems for specific neighbourhoods and districts, play a pivotal role in sustaining energy supply during main grid outages. These solutions not only mitigate economic losses and well-being disruptions against escalating hazards but also enhance city resilience in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. However, disregarding socioeconomic factors in defining microgrid boundaries risks perpetuating inequalities and impeding progress towards other SDG 11 targets, including fair democratic participation. Our approach integrates social and technical indicators to bolster urban microgrid planning. Through a case study in a US county, we illustrate how integrated microgrid planning effectively intertwines urban resilience, well-being and equity while promoting sustainable development. This study underscores the importance of integrated microgrid planning for sustainable and resilient urban transformation amid environmental and societal challenges.
Specific glycine-dependent enzyme motion determines the potency of conformation selective inhibitors of threonyl-tRNA synthetase
Authors: Qiao Hang , Wang Zilu , Yang Hao , Xia Mingyu , Yang Guang , Bai Fang , Wang Jing , Fang Pengfei 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe function of proteins depends on their correct structure and proper dynamics. Understanding the dynamics of target proteins facilitates drug design and development. However, dynamic information is often hidden in the spatial structure of proteins. It is important but difficult to identify the specific residues that play a decisive role in protein dynamics. Here, we report that a critical glycine residue (Gly463) dominates the motion of threonyl-tRNA synthetase (ThrRS) and the sensitivity of the enzyme to antibiotics. Obafluorin (OB), a natural antibiotic, is a novel covalent inhibitor of ThrRS. The binding of OB induces a large conformational change in ThrRS. Through five crystal structures, biochemical and biophysical analyses, and computational simulations, we found that Gly463 plays an important role in the dynamics of ThrRS. Mutating this flexible residue into more rigid residues did not damage the enzyme’s three-dimensional structure but significantly improved the thermal stability of the enzyme and suppressed its ability to change conformation. These mutations cause resistance of ThrRS to antibiotics that are conformationally selective, such as OB and borrelidin. This work not only elucidates the molecular mechanism of the self-resistance of OB-producing Pseudomonas fluorescens but also emphasizes the importance of backbone kinetics for aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase-targeting drug development.