bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modified xanthan gum (natural polymeric material) and its derivative for wastewater treatment: A review
Authors: Kashaudhan Kopal , Pande Poorn Prakash , Sharma Jyoti , Shankar Ravi , Nath Amar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractNaturally occurring xanthan gum (XG) has much commercial importance because of its excellent physicochemical, eco‐friendly, and non‐toxic properties. It is used in various applications like protein extraction, wastewater treatment, tissue engineering, drug delivery, food packaging, and so forth. XG is a natural material, and it has some limitations related to the mechanical stress, thermal stability, and hydration. To overcome the limitation, XG can be modified by adding third component or modification of operation for specific applications. XG can be modified by physical, genetically, enzymatically, or chemical processes. Revamped XG also enhances the efficiency toward adsorbing toxic metal ions and organics from synthetic or industrial effluents. The emphasis of present review article is to address the structural characteristics along with the focus on the developing chemically modified XG like grafted, cross‐linked, nanocomposites, and functionally modified biopolymer. However, this review commences thorough discussion on numerous ways of modifications, which can be attempted in XG structure, expanding its applications for heavy metal ion along with dye removal.
Experimental study of a scaled bridge model with a unidirectional rocking isolation bearing system (Uni‐RIBS) through shaking table tests
Authors: He Xinhao , Tajiri Yoshihiro , Unjoh Shigeki , Yamazaki Shinsuke , Noro Tadayuki 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study presents the experimental results on a scaled bridge model with a newly proposed unidirectional rocking isolation bearing system (referred to as Uni‐RIBS) on a shaking table. The bridge model features one superstructure girder and four bearings. The experimental input encompassed a variety of recorded, design, and harmonic ground motions, characterized by differing peak accelerations, with or without vertical components, and time‐scaled attributes. The superstructure girder's mass was altered for two conditions (full and half). The test results validate the rocking mechanism inherent in the Uni‐RIBS and demonstrate the analytical model's accuracy in predicting the system's dynamics, including its negative stiffness, mass‐independent, and energy dissipation characteristics during bearing rotation reversals. Additionally, this study examines the effectiveness of a simplified numerical model in varying complexities for predicting the seismic responses of the bridge model.
Storm overtopping of a marine terrace at the penultimate stage of evolution
Authors: Horton Sophie L. , Dickson Mark E. , Stephenson Wayne J. , Hall Brendan S. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe youngest uplifted marine terrace at Kahutara Point on Māhia Peninsula, New Zealand, is undergoing rapid retreat (backwear) despite being fronted by a wide contemporary shore platform that attenuates wave energy. In this paper, wave energy and water level were recorded across the shore platform, and these data were used to model (a) how frequently waves reach the terrace riser and potentially erode it and (b) how frequently waves overtop the terrace. Analyses of wave data across shore normal transects show that under quiescent and storm conditions >90% of the energy delivered to the back beach and terrace riser is at infragravity frequencies (i.e., <0.05 Hz). Significant wave heights are reduced in a landward direction for both gravity (Hm0H) and infragravity (Hm0L) wave frequencies, with 50%–80% of Hm0H and 20%–50% of Hm0L reduced between seaward and landward sensors. Wave energy during quiescent conditions is strongly attenuated at the seaward margin whereas under storm conditions, proportionally more energy is delivered to the marine terrace riser. The development of a simple inundation model at Māhia reveals that the northern flank of Kahutara Point is more vulnerable to wave inundation, with 17 storms overtopping the youngest marine terrace between 1980 and 2020. Furthermore, despite there being no evidence of a 1‐in‐100 year storm event occurring at Māhia since 1980, there has been an increase in storminess since 2013. Changes in storm frequency may have offset decreases in wave energy (from energy attenuation) with increased platform width associated with marine terrace retreat.
Portfolio management based on a reinforcement learning framework
Authors: Junfeng Wu , Yaoming Li , Wenqing Tan , Yun Chen 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPortfolio management is crucial for investors. We propose a dynamic portfolio management framework based on reinforcement learning using the proximal policy optimization algorithm. The two‐part framework includes a feature extraction network and a full connected network. First, the majority of the previous research on portfolio management based on reinforcement learning has been dedicated to discrete action spaces. We propose a potential solution to the problem of a continuous action space with a constraint (i.e., the sum of the portfolio weights is equal to 1). Second, we explore different feature extraction networks (i.e., convolutional neural network [CNN], long short‐term memory [LSTM] network, and convolutional LSTM network) combined with our system, and we conduct extensive experiments on the six kinds of assets, including 16 features. The empirical results show that the CNN performs best in the test set. Last, we discuss the effect of the trading frequency on our trading system and find that the monthly trading frequency has a higher Sharpe ratio in the test set than other trading frequencies.
Examining primary healthcare services following earthquake shocks in Turkiye: A critical analysis of the initial 3 months and the vital role of humanitarian policy transfer for rapid response
Authors: Özbek Cuma Ali , Hatunoğlu Cem 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to discuss the importance of policy transfer by humanitarian NGOs to post‐disaster regions and the effectiveness of mobile Primary Health Care (PHC) services immediately after disasters. This study also focused on analysing the first 3 months aftermath of the earthquake and assessed the changes in the access and needs of vulnerable groups in emergency response creation and systematic interventions after disasters. In disasters that require urgent response such as earthquakes, the importance of the existing NGOs (Such as MdM) capacity in the countries has emerged in terms of rapid response and experience sharing. During the field work, it is observed that MdM Mobile Medical Units (MMU) teams had played a key role in terms of tracking PHC needs, functioning as early warning system for epidemics, and prevention of communicable diseases in the EQ effected areas. In this aspect, the changes in diagnoses in the first trimester is examined using the comparative analysis methods. This study used a cross‐sectional mixed‐method approach in terms of objective evaluation. The results from a quantitative needs assessment were complemented by qualitative data. Herein, the data were collected in two stages: First, primary data was collected through the field activities of MMU, and second field‐based assessments was conducted with health professionals who have been working in the MMU teams since the first moments of the earthquake.
Having fun and thriving: The impact of fun human resource practices on employees' autonomous motivation and thriving at work
Authors: Han Xue , Li Yuhui , Li Jie 
Published: May 2024

AbstractResearch interest in thriving at work has burgeoned over the past decades, but little is known about how human resource (HR) practices affect employees' thriving at work. Drawing upon self‐determination theory and person‐organization fit theory, we developed and tested a moderated mediation model to explain how fun HR practices influence employees' thriving at work. The results of two studies, a scenario experiment (N = 164) and a time‐lagged survey (N = 253), supported our hypotheses. Specifically, the findings revealed that fun HR practices relates positively to employees' thriving at work. Autonomous motivation partially mediates the abovementioned relationship. Furthermore, fun HR practices translate into higher autonomous motivation and subsequent thriving at work for employees with higher preference for workplace fun. Our research contributes to the existing literature by identifying fun HR practices as an antecedent of thriving at work and revealing the psychological mechanisms through which fun HR practices affect employees' thriving at work. The practical implications, limitations, and future research avenues are also discussed.
Comprehensive evaluation of a new automatic scoring system for cleanliness assessment in video capsule endoscopy
Authors: Handa Palak , Goel Nidhi , Indu Sreedevi , Gunjan Deepak 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA reliable, quick‐to‐assess, and automatic scoring system for cleanliness assessment in video capsule endoscopy (VCE) is presently not available. The present study proposes an approach to automatically assess the cleanliness in VCE frames as per the latest scoring system, that is, Korea‐Canada (KODA). First, a new multi‐label frame dataset containing medical scores of 28 VCE videos was generated through the proposed mobile‐based application called Artificial Intelligence‐KODA (AI‐KODA) score. The scores were saved automatically in real‐time through the application. The generated dataset was transformed into three datasets based on the scores, and each of the dataset was then randomly split into train:validate:test ratio of 60:20:20. Second, a comprehensive evaluation, interpretation, and benchmarking of the three classification tasks were performed with the help of eight transfer learning algorithms on NVIDIA RTX A5000 workstation. Thorough analysis indicates that AI‐KODA utilized with AI is reliable, quick‐to‐access, and free from observer bias. It promotes automatic scoring system for cleanliness assessment in VCE. The meta‐data is available here (link).
Curcumin affects autophagy of prolactinoma cells by upregulating miR‐206 to exert antitumor effects
Authors: Duan Jia‐feng , Zhang Qiu‐juan , Zhu Jin , Lu Jia‐hui 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWe explored the effects of curcumin on the aberrant biological behaviors of prolactinoma cells and the downstream pathways through which curcumin exerts its antitumor effects. We used quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction assays to measure miR‐206 expression levels in peripheral blood samples from patients with prolactinoma before and after curcumin treatment. We also investigated the proliferation level, viability, and invasion ability of groups of cells treated with different concentrations of curcumin using 3‐(4,5)‐dimethylthiahiazo (‐z‐y1)‐3‐di‐phenytetrazoliumromide (MTT) assays, cell cloning assays, and Transwell assays, respectively. Furthermore, we determined the levels of autophagy‐related proteins and protein kinase B/mammalian target of the rapamycin (Akt/mTOR) signaling pathway‐related proteins in each group of treated cells by western blot. Curcumin treatment upregulated miR‐206 expression levels in the peripheral blood of patients with prolactinoma and in GH3 cells. Knockdown of miR‐206 expression enhanced the proliferation and invasive ability of GH3 cells, while curcumin treatment effectively inhibited the aberrant biological behavior of GH3 cells enhanced by miR‐206 knockdown. miR‐206 knockdown also activated the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibited autophagy in GH3 cells, and these changes were effectively reversed by curcumin treatment. Thus, curcumin inhibited the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and promoted cell autophagy by miR‐206 upregulation, resulting in antitumor effects that inhibited prolactinoma cell proliferation and invasion.
Biochanin A mitigates ulcerative colitis and intestinal inflammation in mice by inhibiting MAPK/NF‐kB (p65) axis
Authors: Kulhari Uttam , Rajanan Ashitha , Ambujakshan Anju , Verma Smriti , Mugale Madhav Nilakanth , Sahu Bidya Dhar 
Published: May 2024

AbstractUlcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic problem of the intestine and relapsing in nature. Biochanin A is a nature‐derived isoflavonoid and has numerous bioactivities. However, its role against UC and intestinal inflammation remains obscure. We aimed to comprehensively explore the pharmacological effect of biochanin A in alleviating colitis and to evaluate the potential mechanisms. Initially, we explored the anti‐inflammatory action of biochanin A (15, 30, and 60 μM) by employing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐activated RAW 264.7 cells. In RAW 264.7 cells under LPS stimulation, biochanin A inhibited the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (p < 0.0001), interleukin (IL)−1β (p < 0.0001), IL‐18 (p < 0.01), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α (p < 0.01) release, nitrite production (p < 0.0001), and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) proteins. Next, we studied the effectiveness of biochanin A (20 and 40 mg/kg) in mouse colitis induced with dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) by assessing colon length, disease activity index (DAI) scoring, and performing colonoscopy and histological analysis. The pro‐inflammatory cytokines were estimated using ELISA. Western blot studies were performed to assess underlying mechanisms. In mice, biochanin A treatment alleviated DAI score (p < 0.0001), restored colon length (p < 0.05) and morphology, and re‐established colon histopathology. Biochanin A affects the phosphorylation of proteins associated with NF‐κB (p65) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) axis and regulates colonic inflammation by reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Altogether, our findings support the idea that the anticolitis potential of biochanin A is allied with anti‐inflammatory activity by inhibiting the MAPK/NF‐κB (p65) axis. Hence, biochanin A may be an alternative option to alleviate the risk of colitis.
The miR‐29‐3p family suppresses inflammatory osteolysis
Authors: Shin Bongjin , Hrdlicka Henry C. , Karki Sangita , Fraser Brianna , Lee Sun‐Kyeong , Delany Anne M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractOsteoclasts are the cells primarily responsible for inflammation‐induced bone loss, as is particularly seen in rheumatoid arthritis. Increasing evidence suggests that osteoclasts formed under homeostatic versus inflammatory conditions may differ in phenotype. While microRNA‐29‐3p family members (miR‐29a‐3p, miR‐29b‐3p, miR‐29c‐3p) promote the function of RANKL‐induced osteoclasts, the role of miR‐29‐3p during inflammatory TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis is unknown. We used bulk RNA‐seq, histology, qRT‐PCR, reporter assays, and western blot analysis to examine bone marrow monocytic cell cultures and tissue from male mice in which the function of miR‐29‐3p family members was decreased by expression of a miR‐29‐3p tough decoy (TuD) competitive inhibitor in the myeloid lineage (LysM‐cre). We found that RANKL‐treated monocytic cells expressing the miR‐29‐3p TuD developed a hypercytokinemia/proinflammatory gene expression profile in vitro, which is associated with macrophages. These data support the concept that miR‐29‐3p suppresses macrophage lineage commitment and may have anti‐inflammatory effects. In correlation, when miR‐29‐3p activity was decreased, TNF‐α‐induced osteoclast formation was accentuated in an in vivo model of localized osteolysis and in a cell‐autonomous manner in vitro. Further, miR‐29‐3p targets mouse TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1/Tnfrsf1a), an evolutionarily conserved regulatory mechanism, which likely contributes to the increased TNF‐α signaling sensitivity observed in the miR‐29‐3p decoy cells. Whereas our previous studies demonstrated that the miR‐29‐3p family promotes RANKL‐induced bone resorption, the present work shows that miR‐29‐3p dampens TNF‐α‐induced osteoclastogenesis, indicating that miR‐29‐3p has pleiotropic effects in bone homeostasis and inflammatory osteolysis. Our data supports the concept that the knockdown of miR‐29‐3p activity could prime myeloid cells to respond to an inflammatory challenge and potentially shift lineage commitment toward macrophage, making the miR‐29‐3p family a potential therapeutic target for modulating inflammatory response.
Can diet change the natural history of gastrointestinal diseases?
Authors: Quigley Eamonn M M 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBelatedly, gastroenterologists have begun to pay attention to the role of diet in the exacerbation of gastrointestinal symptoms in many digestive disorders—a recognition that has spurred both high‐quality clinical trials and translational research into this area. It has become clear that multiple mechanisms acting either in isolation or together can induce gut symptoms and that appropriate interventions can lead to significant relief. What this review will explore is not the role of diet in the production of certain symptoms or symptom clusters, but rather whether a dietary intervention can beneficially alter the natural history of a gastrointestinal disease—a much more demanding expectation. Yet there are examples of where a diet, if sustained, can have a long‐term impact on at least some of those affected by conditions such as eosinophilic esophagitis, celiac disease, food allergy, and constipation.
Evolution, adaptation, and new applications of the FODMAP diet
Authors: O'Brien Leigh , Kasti Arezina , Halmos Emma P. , Tuck Caroline , Varney Jane 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe FODMAP diet has been a treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) for many years. Rigorous scientific evaluation and clinical application of the FODMAP diet have generated deep understanding regarding clinical efficacy, mechanisms of action, and potential adverse effects of this dietary approach. In turn, this knowledge has allowed fine‐tuning of the diet to optimize treatment benefits and minimize risks, in the form of the traditional three‐phase diet; the FODMAP‐gentle approach, which is a less restrictive iteration; and a proposed FODMAP‐modified, Mediterranean‐style diet which endeavours to optimise both gastrointestinal symptoms and other health parameters. Furthermore, recognition that IBS‐like symptoms feature in other conditions has seen the FODMAP diet tested in non‐IBS populations, including in older adults with diarrhea and women with endometriosis. These areas represent new frontiers for the FODMAP diet and a space to watch as future research evaluates the validity of these novel clinical applications.
Positive impacts of universal newborn screening on the outcome of children with sickle cell disease in the province of Quebec: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kazadi Costa , Ducruet Thierry , Forté Stéphanie , Robitaille Nancy , Pastore Yves 
Published: May 2024

AbstractA universal newborn screening program for sickle cell disease (uNS‐SCD) was implemented in the province of Québec (Qc) in November 2013, close in time to the recommendation of early initiation of hydroxyurea (HU) therapy for children. This retrospective cohort study evaluated the impact of such a program on children first seen between January 2000 and December 2019. Cohorts pre‐SCD‐uNS in Qc (pre‐QcNS) (n = 253) and post‐QcNS (n = 157) for patients seen prior to or after Nov 2013 were compared. Kaplan‐Meier curves, Poisson regression, and logistic regressions were used for statistical analysis, using Software R version 4.2.1. Median age at first visit decreased significantly from 14.4 [interquartile range: 2.4–72.0] to 1.2 months [1.2–57.6] (p < 0.001). The percentage of children born in Qc undiagnosed at birth and referred after a first SCD‐related complication dropped from 42.6% to 0.0% (p < 0.0001). The median age of HU introduction for patients with SS/Sβ°‐thalassemia decreased from 56.4 [31.2–96.0] to 9.0 months post‐QcNS [8.0–12.1] (p < 0.001). Event‐free survival improved significantly for any type of hospitalization as well as for vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) (140–257 days (p < 0.001) and 1320 vs. 573 days (p < 0.002), respectively), resulting in a reduction from 2 [interquartile range: 1.0–3.0] to 1.0 hospitalizations/patient‐year [0.6–1.4] (p < 0.001). Children with SS/Sβ°‐thalassemia referred post‐QcNS also had fewer emergency department visits for VOC (RR: 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.54–0.88). The Universal NS program allows early detection and referral of children with SCD to comprehensive care centers. Earlier access ensures that children benefit from essential preventive interventions, reducing disease burden. This cohort study highlights that uNS‐SCD is an essential public health measure.
Mediation of White Matter Alterations in the Association Between Ventricular Dilation and Cognitive Decline in Hydrocephalus Patients: An MRI Study
Authors: Xiao Yawen , Gui Yifei , Dai Jiankun , Zhao Heng , Rao Zhongliang , Luo Dan , Deng Xinru , Xiao Xinlan 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundCognitive impairment is commonly observed in hydrocephalus patients. Ventricular enlargement compresses brain parenchyma, especially the white matter (WM).PurposeTo investigate whether the relationship between ventricular dilation and cognitive decline in hydrocephalus patients is mediated by WM alterations.Study TypeRetrospective.Population51 communicating hydrocephalus patients (median age, 54 years), 50 obstructive hydrocephalus patients (median age, 49 years), and 53 control subjects (median age, 50 years).Field Strength/SequenceDiffusion tensors imaging, 3D T1 BRAVO, 3D FIESTA, CUBE T2, and FLAIR sequences at 3T.AssessmentDTI parameters (skeletonized fractional anisotropy (FA), skeletonized mean diffusivity (MD), and peak width of skeletonized mean diffusivity p(PSMD)) were extracted using FSL software. Global, periventricular, and deep white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes, degree of ventricular enlargement (Evans index), and other conventional imaging markers (number of lacunes and perivascular spaces, intracranial and brain volume) were extracted using united imaging intelligence. Cognitive tests included Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), clock drawing test (CDT), and vocabulary fluency test (VFT).Statistical TestsMultivariable linear regression analysis, mediation analyses, and dominance analysis. P‐value <0.05 was considered significant.ResultsThe degree of ventricular dilation, DTI parameters, and cognitive function scores were interrelated. The skeletonized FA values (β = −0.0917, 95% confidence interval (CI): −0.205, −0.024) and normalized global WMH volume (β = −0.0635, 95% CI: −0.13, −0.0005) together mediated 37.2% of the association between Evans index and MoCA. A comparable causal pathway was found for periventricular WMHs but not for deep WMHs. Dominance analysis indicated skeletonized FA values had a greater impact on cognition than WMH volume. The skeletonized FA values also mediated the association between Evans index and CDT (β = −0.0897, 95% CI: −0.165, −0.026) and VFT (β = −0.1589, 95% CI: −0.27, −0.083).ConclusionWM alterations were causal mediators between ventricular dilation and cognitive decline in hydrocephalus patients.Evidence Level3.Technical EfficacyStage 3.