bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An Investigation on the Antioxidant Capabilities, Chemical Analysis and Potential Green Applications of the Yellow Bedstraw (Galium Verum) Ethanol Extract
Authors: Badea Gabriela Elena , Stănăsel Oana Delia , Bassyouni Mohamed , Toderaș Monica , Petrehel Anda Ioana Grațiela , (Țicărat) Camelia Daniela Ionaș 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plants are important sources of phytochemicals with multiple uses in medicine and other technical fields. Much research attention has been focused on the high natural antioxidant activity of extracts obtained from various plants. Antioxidant activity is a promise not only for biochemical behaviour but also for other reactions involving electron transfer, such as metal protection. Antioxidant activity using the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) method, total polyphenol (via the Folin-Ciocalteu method), and total flavonoids measured with the aluminium chloride (AlCl3) technique were determined for various ethanol extracts of Yellow Bedstraw or Galium verum (GV). Other methods, such as reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS), are also emerging, both to reveal the chemical composition of Galium verum extract and to support the presence of antioxidant compounds. The various chemical constituents are classified into categories based on their possible applications: metabolic activity, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and active components in different drug, treatments or other green industrial usage.
Comparison of Glycated Haemoglobin with Coagulation and Biochemical Profile of Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Antwi-Baffour Samuel , Mensah Benjamin Tetteh , Armah Dorinda Naa Okailey , Narh Isaac Lartey , Annison Lawrence 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objective
Persistent hyperglycaemia in diabetes can lead to abnormal blood clotting due to the glycation of haemoglobin and other clotting proteins. Shortened activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), prothrombin time (PT), altered levels of other clotting factors, and biochemical markers may indicate a higher risk of blood clot formation, which can contribute to vascular diseases and impact kidney function. This study examined 150 diabetic patients to analyse how their clotting and biochemical profiles were affected by glycemic control. Data on participants' demographics, socioeconomic status, and lifestyle were collected. Blood samples were analysed using automated coagulation and chemistry analysers.
Results
Participants were divided based on their glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with HbA1c < 6.5 indicating good and HbA1c ≥ 6.5 indicating poor glycemic control. Coagulation tests showed that patients with poorly controlled T2DM had shorter APTT and PT and decreased INR compared to those with good control. However, fibrinogen and D-dimer levels were elevated in all participants. While renal function markers were increased, the differences between the groups were insignificant. Furthermore, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in poorly controlled T2DM patients. These findings suggest that individuals with poorly controlled T2DM may be more susceptible to thrombus formation due to increased activation of prothrombotic coagulation factors.
Assessment of biosorption and transfer of heavy metals (chromium and copper) by Microalgae (Arthrospira platensis), Amphipoda (Pontogammarus maeoticus), and Beluga fish of Caspian Sea (Huso huso)
Authors: Sahebi Aboolghasem Amri , Doustshenas Babak , Safari Reza , Larki Arash 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The Caspian Sea is an environment from the entry of river waters with various pollutants including heavy metals. The absorption or accumulation of metals by the organisms of an ecosystem will have a different effect on their food chain. This research aims is to compare the amount of heavy metal absorption of copper and chromium in algae, Gammarus and fish. The working method included preparation and digestion stage of the samples to read them by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS).
In this research, Algae had a better efficiency in chromium absorption at the initial time. On the contrary, Gammarus had a better efficiency in copper absorption and the absorption process increased with time. In direct competition, metal absorption by algae was better than Gammarus. The accumulation of heavy metals in liver was more than in muscle. In body tissue, copper accumulated more than chromium. Among the adsorbent samples, the highest metal absorption by algae and metal accumulation by Gammarus observed in fish body tissues.
The result of this research, Algae is a strong absorber of metal from the environment and repels metal from the fish body. On the other hand, Gammarus absorbs metal from the environment and transports metal to the fish body.
Extraction of parameters of a stochastic integrate-and-fire model with adaptation from voltage recordings
Authors: Kiessling Lilli , Lindner Benjamin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Integrate-and-fire models are an important class of phenomenological neuronal models that are frequently used in computational studies of single neural activity, population activity, and recurrent neural networks. If these models are used to understand and interpret electrophysiological data, it is important to reliably estimate the values of the model’s parameters. However, there are no standard methods for this estimation process. Here, we identify the model parameters of an adaptive integrate- and-fire neuron with temporally correlated noise by analyzing membrane potential and spike trains in response to a current step. Explicit formulas for the parameters are analytically derived by stationary and time-dependent ensemble averaging of the model dynamics. Specifically, we give mathematical expressions for the adaptation time constant, the adaptation strength, the membrane time constant, and the mean constant input current. These theoretical predictions are validated by numerical simulations for a broad range of system parameters. Importantly, we demonstrate that parameters can be extracted by using only a modest number of trials. This is particularly encouraging, as the number of trials in experimental settings is often limited. Hence, our formulas may be useful for the extraction of effective parameters from neurophysiological data obtained from standard current-step experiments.
Enhanced analysis of soliton-like pulses in space-time fractional beta-derivatives coupled nerve fibers with application insights
Authors: Fendzi-Donfack Emmanuel , Fotoula Guy Romuald Tatsitsa , Jantschi Lorentz , Mbasso Wulfran Fendzi , Tala-Tebue Eric , Kenfack-Jiotsa Aurélien , Nguenang Jean Pierre 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This work aims to delve exact physical wave solutions of nonlinear diﬀerential-diﬀerence equations with beta-derivative leading the conduction of nerve impulse dynamics in coupled nerve ﬁbers. The technique performed here names the polynomial expansion method. By employing a new variable through a fractional complex transformation, we turn the electrical model equation to a second-order elliptic nonlinear ordinary diﬀerential equation with two free parameters including the semi-discrete approximation. We extract short pulse, kink, anti-kink, singular kink/anti-kink and kink-rogue solitary waves as solutions of the derived elliptic nonlinear ordinary diﬀerential equations. By carrying out these various solutions, we peruse the dynamical behavior of the current nerve ﬁbers model by investigating their linear stability. We also study the dynamics of the model by applying the ﬁxed points theory and derive the related Jacobian matrix. Throughout the convenient physiological parameters values and signs, we display some 3D modulational instability zones. Furthermore, we also exhibit 3D and 2D graphs presenting the shapes of new pursued solitary waves. The numerous solutions families obtained and plotted help us to show the fractional-order parameter eﬀects in addition of the nerve ﬁber diameter on the amplitude and speed of the nerve impulse propagating inside the coupled nerve ﬁbers. The good or bad coordination of the movement inside the human parts can be explain through the amplitude varying, speed modiﬁcation of the nerve impulse ﬂowing into the coupled nerve ﬁbers. Aiming to this, we make the evolved mathematical framework accessible and highlight potential medical and biological applications. In addition, we enhance the understanding of nerve conduction mechanisms in myelinated ﬁbers.
The Barren Berry Phenotype: Untangling Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.) Genetic Contamination in Central Wisconsin and Beyond
Authors: Lazar F. , Lopez-Moreno H. , Wiesman E. , Torre F. La , Verhulst P. , Sojka J. , Maureira I. , Millar David , Kennedy C. , Mura J. , Zalapa J. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Wisconsin is the world's leading producer of cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.; 2n = 2x = 24). The state produces over twenty-thousand acres that contribute to more than 50% of the global total production, with more than one billion dollars in value. Cranberry growers in the “central sands” of Wisconsin have been experiencing yield decline due to vegetative unproductive genotypes, popularly known as “Barren Berry'', which consistently remain vegetative and produce no fruit. The purpose of this study was to compare visual inspection in the field to DNA fingerprinting for the early detection of unproductive/barren genotypes. Additionally, the study served as a survey of unproductive/barren genotypes in central Wisconsin, the largest growing region in the world. Growers submitted 839 cranberry leaf samples for DNA testing of two visually determined phenotypes: unproductive or barren (n = 646; those that produced little to no fruit), versus the normal productive or fruiting (n = 193). We conducted genetic fingerprinting on the leaf tissue using nine microsatellite markers previously shown to differentiate cranberry genotypes. This study identified a barren berry genotype unique to the samples submitted by growers across central Wisconsin, which we denoted “Barren Berry 1”. This genotype accounted for 44% of samples submitted as the barren berry phenotype. Genetic fingerprinting revealed sixty-five different genotypes in beds which were thought to be monocultures of just four cultivated genotypes. Early detection of genetic contamination through visual inspection, genetic testing, and responsible propagation can drastically aid in the management and longevity of cranberry beds, and in turn save time and money to the growers.
Immune Alterations in Vestibular Neuritis: A Pilot Study on T and B Lymphocyte Profiles and Cytokine Levels
Authors: Song Zhaohui , Ding Yuchuan , Kohls Wesley , Feng Jing , Fan Huimin , Pan Gu , Geng Xiaokun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives Vestibular neuritis (VN) etiology remains elusive, with hypotheses suggesting viral infection, non-infectious inflammation, or immune responses. This study aims to assess the T and B lymphocyte subsets and cytokine expressions in the blood of vestibular neuritis patients. This study shed light on its pathogenesis and provided valuable hematological markers for clinical prognosis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 25 subjects diagnosed with acute vestibular neuritis at the Department of Neurology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, from January 2022 to June 2023. Within 1–3 days of onset, all patients underwent blood tests and initial Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) scale evaluations. A secondary DHI assessment was performed upon discharge, between days 7–10 post-onset. A group of 25 healthy individuals served as controls.Results Vestibular Neuritis (VN) patients exhibited elevated levels of total B lymphocytes (CD3-CD19+), helper/inducer (CD3 + CD4+) T cells, and the helper/suppressor (CD4+/CD8+) T cell ratio all of which were statistically significant compared to the control group. Conversely, there was a reduction in the levels of total T lymphocytes (CD3 + CD19-), suppressor/cytotoxic T cells (CD3 + CD8+), and natural killer (NK) cells. Elevated Interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels and decreased Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) levels were seen in the VN group compared to controls. There are differences in the levels of CD3 + CD4 + T cells and CD4+/CD8 + T cell ratio among patients in the three groups of mild, moderate, and severe, with the severe group significantly higher than the mild group. Admission levels of CD3 + CD4 + T cells showed a positive relationship with the DHI-Functional (DHI-F) score within 1–3 days. Admission levels of CD3 + CD4 + T cells and CD4+/CD8 + T cell ratio are positively correlated with all DHI scores (including the DHI Total Index and three DHI Subscales) at discharge 7–10 days post-onset.Conclusions Immunological perturbations are implicated in pathogenesis of vestibular neuritis. Evaluation of these immune markers could offer insights into prognostic outcomes for vestibular neuritis patients, leading to development of therapeutic strategies.
The effect of the RTS,S/AS01E vaccine booster dose on cell-mediated immune responses in African infants and children
Authors: Moncunill Gemma , Mitchell Robert , Macià Dídac , Jairoce Chenjerai , Mpina Maxmillian , Naidu Akshayata , Chopo-Pizarro Ana , Vázquez-Santiago Miquel , Campo Joseph , Aide Pedro , Daubenberger Claudia , Dobaño Carlota 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

RTS,S/AS01E, the first approved malaria vaccine, demonstrated moderate efficacy during the phase 3 pediatric trial. We previously investigated cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses following the primary 3-dose immunizations and now report responses to the booster dose given 18 months later. Thirty CMI markers were measured by Luminex in lymphocytes from 709 children and infants following RTS,S/AS01E antigen stimulation, which were assessed for associations with malaria risk and antibodies one month post-booster and one year later. IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-5, and IL-13 were associated with RTS,S/AS01E vaccination after booster, and IL-2 responses to circumsporozoite protein (CSP) remained higher after one year. IL-2 was associated with reduced malaria risk in one cohort, and IL-10 was associated with increased risk in infants. Anti-CSP IgG and IL-2 were moderately correlated one year after booster. This study highlights the moderate cell-mediated immunogenicity of the RTS,S/AS01E booster dose that aligns with partial recovery of RTS,S/AS01E vaccine efficacy.
A note on the undercover relationship between the Chotikapanich Lorenz curve and the Pareto distribution.
Authors: Cortés-Orihuela Javier , Cubillos Pablo Gutiérrez 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study the relationship between the Chotikapanich (1993) Lorenz curve and the Pareto distribution. First, we show that the Chotikapanich Lorenz curve is generated by a log-uniform distribution. Second, we show that the log-uniform distribution is a limiting case of a truncated Pareto distribution. Given this, we propose a mixture Lorenz curve model to estimate the scale parameter of the Pareto distribution, thus allowing us to identify at which point of the distribution incomes become Pareto-distributed. This model assumes that the bottom part of the income distribution is drawn from a log-uniform distribution, and the upper part as a classical Pareto distribution. Using Montecarlo simulations, we show that our model can accurately recover the threshold. With this, we estimate this model for 181 countries using data from the World Income Inequality Database. We find a negative relationship between the aggregate level of inequality (measured through the Gini coefficient) and the point where the Pareto distribution starts.
JEL Classification: D3, H8.
Optimizing Dementia Risk Reduction: Balancing Sleep and Physical Activity Trade-offs
Authors: Pase Matthew , Yiallourou Stephanie , Cribb Lachlan , Campbell-Brown Beaudan , Brakenridge Christian , Baril Andree-Ann 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Engaging in regular physical activity and obtaining recommended amounts of sleep are touted as strategies to promote healthy brain aging. However, as each day is only 24 hours long, changing time spent in one activity must come at the expense or gain of another, making it necessary to understand how the whole 24-hour activity composition impacts dementia risk. We applied compositional data analysis to investigate the effect of substituting sleep duration for different levels of physical activity (i.e., inactivity, light activity, and moderate to vigorous physical activity; MVPA) on dementia risk relative to two reference compositions; a “typical” short sleeper (< 6hrs) and normal sleeper (≥ 6hrs). The study sample comprised participants from the community-based UK Biobank with 24-hour behaviors estimated using 7 days of accelerometry. The mean age of the sample was 63 years (Q1, Q3: 56, 68); 56% were women. Of the 88,654 participants, there were 718 incident all-cause dementia cases over a median follow-up of 8.2 years. For short sleepers, increasing sleep duration at the expense of inactivity or light activity was associated with a lowering of dementia risk, but not when at the expense of MVPA. For persons with normal sleep duration, the effect of increasing or decreasing sleep duration on dementia risk differed for all three substituted behaviors (i.e., inactivity, light, or MVPA). Most notably, dementia risk was higher when increasing sleep at the expense of MVPA and lower when increasing MVPA at the expense of sleep. The interpretation of the results was broadly consistent when using MRI-based outcomes (e.g., hippocampal volume) in a subset with brain imaging (n = 15,263). Our findings underscore the complexity of optimizing dementia risk reduction strategies, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches that balance trade-offs between sleep duration and differing physical activity levels based on individual circumstances, such as habitual sleep duration.
Effect of Moringa Leave and Seed Enrichment on the Nutritional, Antioxidant and Anti-diabetic Properties of Cookies
Authors: G Lawrence I. , M Oyebanji O. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of moringa leaves and seed enrichment on the nutritional, antioxidant, anti-diabetic and sensory evaluation of cookies. Cookies were produced from combination of wheat flour, moringa seed flour and wet moringa leaves at different incorporation percentages (5, 10 and 15%). Proximate analysis, selected minerals, vitamins, antioxidants and anti-diabetic were determined on the cookies samples. The results of the proximate composition of the cookies samples ranged between 6.88–8.02% for moisture content, 10.78–16.96% for protein content, 14.19–21.19% for fat content, 0.02–2.69% for crude fibre content, 2.18–7.99% for crude ash content and 52.26–61.62% for carbohydrate content respectively. The vitamin composition of the cookies showed sample CML3 (85% Wheat flour + 15% Moringa leaves) as the highest value of 2.303 µg/g, 8.405 mg/100 g for vitamin A and vitamin C content respectively. Sample CMS1 (95% Wheat flour + 5% Moringa seed flour) was recorded as the highest value in term calcium content (79.07 mg/10 g) of the cookies samples. CML3 (85% Wheat flour + 15% Moringa leaves) had higher magnesium (214.09 mg/100 g) and iron (31.49 mg/100 g). The antioxidant composition of the cookies samples ranged between 19.39–49.99 mg/GAE/ g, 12.41–45.38 mg/AE/ g, 31.15–50.85% and 21.49–35.77% for total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, DPPH and FRAP respectively. Cookies supplemented with moringa seed had higher α-amylase inhibition (1123.55%) and α-glucosidase (777.77%). The sensory evaluation of the cookies showed the entire samples with over average mean value. However, sample C1 (100% wheat flour) was mostly accepted. The production of cookies from these crops would provide nutrient rich and nutritious foods for malnourished children, the elderly and people generally in Nigeria and Africa. Cookies fortified at level of 5% and 10% moringa leave and seed are recommended for people especially, diabetic and pre-diabetic patients.
SFNet: Visual Attention-Based Slender objects Focus Network for Self-Supervised Monocular Depth Estimation
Authors: YimingShao  , DakeZhou  , XinYang  
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Self-supervised learning has recently gained significant attention in monocular depth estimation (MDE) community, as it uses image sequences rather than ground-truth depth to provide training signal. In traffic environments, slender objects such as signboards and traffic signals carry important traffic indication information, but they occupy a small area in the image. Current MDE methods are difficult to accurately predict their complete shapes. To address this problem, we propose a Slender objects Focus Network (SFNet) for self-supervised MDE. The SFNet uses a multiscale encoder-decoder architecture. In the encoder branch, we devise a novel Global-Local Collaboration Module (GLCM), which consists of an Edge-Texture Perception Module (ETPM) and a Transformer Block. GLCM effectively captures local detailed and global scene structure information, enabling the encoder to better understand and predict the shape of slender objects. In the decoder branch, to improve the fine-grained prediction of image texture details, we propose the Multiscale Feature Aggregation Module (MFAM), which adaptively integrates the dense features at different scales and depths. Moreover, we design the Pyramid Feature Integration Unit (PFIU) to further leverage the rich semantic information embedded in the encoder’s high-level features. Extensive experiments demonstrate the excellent performance of our method. SFNet achieves state-of-the-art performance on the KITTI dataset, while qualitative results show its advantages in predicting slender objects. In addition, results on the Make3D dataset demonstrate the good generalization ability of SFNet. Our codes and models are available at https://github.com/YIMings139/SFNet.