bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower plasma melatonin levels in non-hypoxic premature newborns associated with neonatal pain
Authors: Sánchez-Borja Cristina , Cristóbal-Cañadas Delia , Rodríguez-Lucenilla María Isabel , Muñoz-Hoyos Antonio , Agil Ahmad , Vázquez-López María Ángeles , Parrón-Carreño Tesifón , Nievas-Soriano Bruno José , Bonillo-Perales Antonio , Bonillo-Perales Juan Carlos 
Published: June 2024

Abstract We analyzed plasma melatonin levels in different groups of preterm newborns without hypoxia and their relationship with several perinatal variables like gestational age or neonatal pain. Prospective cohort study of preterm newborns (PTNB) without perinatal hypoxia, Apgar > 6 at 5 min, and oxygen needs on the third day of life. We compared melatonin levels at day 3 of life in different groups of non-hypoxic preterm infants (Student’s t-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and chi2) and analyzed the relationship of melatonin with GA, birth weight, neonatal pain (Premature Infant Pain Profile (PIPP) scale), caffeine treatment, parenteral nutrition, or the development of free radical diseases (correlation study, linear regression) and factors associated with moderate/intense pain and free radical diseases (logistic regression analysis). Sixty-one preterm infants with gestational age (GA) of 30.7 ± 2.0 weeks with no oxygen requirements at day 3 of life were studied with plasma melatonin levels of 33.8 ± 12.01 pg/ml. Preterm infants weighing < 1250 g at birth had lower plasma melatonin levels (p = 0.05). Preterm infants with moderate or severe pain (PPIPP > 5) have lower melatonin levels (p = 0.01), and being preterm with PIPP > 5 is associated with lower plasma melatonin levels (p = 0.03). Being very preterm (GA < 32 GS), having low weight for gestational age (LWGA), receiving caffeine treatment, or requiring parenteral nutrition did not modify melatonin levels in non-hypoxic preterm infants (p = NS). Melatonin on day 3 of life in non-hypoxic preterm infants is not associated with later development of free radical diseases (BPD, sepsis, ROP, HIV, NEC).
Conclusion: We observed that preterm infants with moderate to severe pain have lower melatonin levels. These findings are relevant because they reinforce the findings of other authors that melatonin supplementation decreases pain and oxidative stress in painful procedures in premature infants. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether melatonin could be used as an analgesic in painful procedures in preterm infants.
Trial registration: Trial registration was not required since this was an observational study.

What Is Known:• Melatonin is a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger in newborns under stress conditions: hypoxia, acidosis, hypotension, painful procedures, or parenteral nutrition.• Pain stimulates the production of melatonin.• Various studies conclude that melatonin administration decreases pain during the neonatal period.What Is New:• Non-hypoxic preterm infants with moderate to severe pain (PIPP>5) have lower levels of melatonin.• Administration of caffeine and treatment with parenteral nutrition do not modify melatonin levels in non-hypoxic preterm infants.
Acute effects of oral mesna administration on the full amino acid profile and 3-methylhistidine: secondary results from the CYLOB dose-finding study
Authors: Olsen Thomas , Elshorbagy Amany , Stolt Emma , Åsberg Anders , Zaré Hasse K. , Bastani Nasser E. , Refsum Helga , Retterstøl Kjetil , Vinknes Kathrine J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractPlasma total cysteine (tCys) is strongly associated with fat mass in humans. Mesna lowers plasma tCys in a dose-dependent manner, but it is not known whether it interferes with metabolism of other amino acids or protein. In this Phase-1 study, we show that a single dose of mesna administered at 400, 800, 1200 or 1600 mg to 6–7 individuals per dose only slightly affects amino acid profiles, with increases in plasma valine across dose levels. There were no effects of mesna on 3-methylhistidine, a marker of protein breakdown.
Does medial tourism promote growth in healthcare sector?
Authors: Gholipour Hassan F. , Esfandiar Kourosh 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of medical tourism revenues on the growth of healthcare sector across 49 emerging and developed economies from 2008 to 2022. Using panel GMM and PMG/ARDL estimation methods, the results show that higher levels of medical tourism revenues promote growth in the healthcare sector. This finding remains robust across different sample periods, alternative measure of healthcare sector performance, and model specifications.
The potential contribution of aberrant cathepsin K expression to gastric cancer pathogenesis
Authors: Feng Zhijun , Gao Lina , Lu Yapeng , He Xiaodong , Xie Jianqin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe role of cathepsin K (CTSK) expression in the pathogenesis and progression of gastric cancer (GC) remains unclear. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to elucidate the precise expression and biological role of CTSK in GC by employing a combination of bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments. Our findings indicated a significant upregulation of CTSK in GC. The bioinformatics analysis revealed that GC patients with a high level of CTSK expression exhibited enrichment of hallmark gene sets associated with angiogenesis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), inflammatory response, KRAS signaling up, TNFα signaling via KFκB, IL2-STAT5 signaling, and IL6-JAK-STAT3 signaling. Additionally, these patients demonstrated elevated levels of M2-macrophage infiltration, which was also correlated with a poorer prognosis. The results of in vitro experiments provided confirmation that the over-expression of CTSK leads to an increase in the proliferative and invasive abilities of GC cells. However, further evaluation was necessary to determine the impact of CTSK on the migration capability of these cells. Our findings suggested that CTSK has the potential to facilitate the initiation and progression of GC by augmenting the invasive capacity of GC cells, engaging in tumor-associated EMT, and fostering the establishment of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).
Lycorine attenuated proliferation and induced apoptosis on imatinib-resistant K562 cell by inhibiting autophagy
Authors: Bai Jun , Feng Zuxi , Chen Yaqiong , Li Yanhong , Zhang Liansheng , Li Lijuan 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Background
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) resistance is a significant factor exacerbating the burden on chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients and impacting clinical efficacy. The main goal is to offer new insights into overcoming drug resistance in treating CML.

Methods
Imatinib (IM) resistant K562/IM cells were generated using gradient induction. Responses to IM, lycorine, and autophagy modulators were assessed using CCK-8. Protein expression of Beclin-1, Atg5, LC3, Caspase-3, P62, Bax, Bcl-2, and P-gp was detected using Western blot. Lycorine-induced apoptosis and cell cycle changes were evaluated through flow cytometry, while autophagy alterations were detected using monodansylcadaverine (MDC) staining. In the K562/IM mice model, non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficent (NOD-SCID) mice were subcutaneously inoculated with K562/IM cells. After 17 days of lycorine injection, assessments included tumor size, hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining, and Ki67 expression.

Results
After 72 h of IM treatment, K562/IM cells showed a 55.86-fold increase in drug resistance compared to K562 cells. Lycorine treatment for 24 h inhibited cell proliferation and induced G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in both K562 and K562/IM cells. MDC staining indicated reduced autophagy in K562/IM cells, mitigated by lycorine. In vivo experiments demonstrated reduced tumor size and Ki67 proliferation index in the lycorine treatment group (K562+L, K562/IM+L) compared to the control group, particularly in the drug-resistant group. However, no significant change in Ki67 was observed in the K562 group after lycorine treatment.

Conclusion
In summary, K562/IM cells displayed heightened autophagy levels compared to K562 cells. Lycorine effectively impeded the proliferation of K562/IM cells through diverse mechanisms, including reduced autophagy, enhanced apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest.
Proteomic profiling of human dental enamel affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation of different clinical severity grades: an in vitro study
Authors: Rexhaj F. , Sabel N. , Robertson A. , Lundgren T. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to explore the potential to profile and distinguish varying clinical severity grades of MIH, compared to normal enamel, using proteomics.

Methods
Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analyses were conducted on enamel samples of extracted teeth, from 11 children and adolescents, spanning an age range of 6–18 years. Enamel powder samples were collected from extracted, third molars (n = 3) and first permanent molars diagnosed with MIH (n = 8). The MIH tooth samples were categorized into subgroups based on clinical severity grade. The data were statistically analyzed using ANOVA and Welch’s t test.

Results
Teeth affected by MIH exhibited a diverse array of proteins, each with different functions related to dental enamel, distinguishing them from their normal enamel counterparts. The application of microdissection combined with LC–MS techniques has revealed the potential to discern unique proteomic profiles among MIH-affected teeth, characterized by varying clinical severity grades. Both analyzed MIH groups displayed consistent trends in the presentation of biological processes, including underabundance of proteins primarily associated with cell organization and biogenesis. Furthermore, proteins linked to cell death were overabundant in both MIH groups.

Conclusion
Proteomics enabled the detection and differentiation of various proteins across different clinical severity grades of MIH.
Erdos: A Novel Blockchain Consensus Algorithm with Equitable Node Selection and Deterministic Block Finalization
Authors: Sello Buti , Yong Jianming , Tao Xiaohui 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe introduction of blockchain technology has brought about significant transformation in the realm of digital transactions, providing a secure and transparent platform for peer-to-peer interactions that cannot be tampered with. The decentralised and distributed nature of blockchains guarantees the integrity and authenticity of the data, eliminating the need for intermediaries. The applications of this technology are not limited to the financial sector, but extend to various areas, such as supply chain management, identity verification, and governance. At the core of these blockchains is the consensus mechanism, which plays a crucial role in ensuring the reliability and integrity of a system. Consensus mechanisms are essential for achieving an agreement amongst network participants regarding the validity of transactions and the order in which they are recorded on the blockchain. By incorporating consensus mechanisms, blockchains ensure that all honest nodes in the network reach a consensus on whether to accept or reject a block, based on predefined rules and criteria. The aim of this study is to introduce a novel consensus mechanism named Erdos, which seeks to address the shortcomings of existing consensus algorithms, such as the Proof of Work and Proof of Stake. Erdos emphasises security, decentralisation, and fairness. One notable feature of this mechanism is its equitable node-selection algorithm, which ensures equal opportunities for all nodes to engage in block creation and validation. In addition, Erdos implements a deterministic block finalisation process that guarantees the integrity and authenticity of the blockchain. The main contribution of this research lies in its innovative approach to deterministic block finalisation, which effectively mitigates the various security risks associated with blockchain systems.
Geoelectric analysis for groundwater potential assessment and aquifer protection in a part of Shango, North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Ejepu J. S. , Jimoh M. O. , Abdullahi S. , Abdulfatai I. A. , Musa S. T. , George N. J. 
Published: June 2024

AbstractGroundwater is vital for sustainable development, and this study addresses potable water challenges in Shango, North-Central Nigeria. The main goal is to identify optimal sites for new wells and boreholes, utilizing geological and geo-electrical attributes from existing boreholes and wells. Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) assessed groundwater potential, aquifer protection, and overburden corrosivity. Sixteen VES stations were probed using Schlumberger array with a maximum current electrode spacing (AB/2) of 200 m using a resistivity meter. The data were interpreted using an automatic computer inversion program, IPI2WIN. The VES results revealed five subsurface geo-electric units, with depths to the aquifer ranging from 58 to 68 m, each exhibiting distinct characteristics contributing to the lithological variability of the research area. Hydraulic conductivity ranged from 0.465 to 0.534 m/day, while transmissivity varied from 9.589 m2/day to 26.029 m2/day across different VES points. Regions exhibiting thick layers and low resistivity values indicate high longitudinal conductivity. Furthermore, areas with low protective capacity are susceptible to the risks of pollution and contamination stemming from leaks and waste sites. The study revealed that all VES points are in practically non-corrosive zones, making them suitable for burying underground tanks with extremely low deterioration rates. Based on geoelectrical characteristics, the study area was divided into three groundwater potential zones: low, medium, and high. These findings provide valuable insights into the groundwater potential and protective capacity of the Shango area, while emphasizing on the vulnerability of these regions and highlighting the pressing need for appropriate preventive measures to safeguard against potential environmental hazards.
Delving into river health: unveiling microplastic intrusion and heavy metal contamination in freshwater
Authors: Bhat Mansoor Ahmad , Janaszek Agata 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe persistent use of plastics in chemical and industrial procedures has resulted in the contamination of the environment and human health via microplastics (MPs). This study investigates heavy metals, MP, pH, conductivity, and turbidity levels in the Nida River in Poland. The Nida River exhibited the existence of diverse coloured MPs in several physical forms, including fibres, fragments, pellets, and foams. Differences in the number of MPs were noted at five selected locations, with values ranging from 215 to 280 MPs per litre. The mean number of MPs observed was 245 ± 21 per litre. The study of water samples using a scanning electron microscope indicates the existence of various MPs. The morphological study of these MPs revealed patterns of degradation. The energy-dispersive X-ray examination indicates the existence of several elements, such as carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, sodium, magnesium, aluminium, silicon, phosphorus, and others. The water exhibited fluctuations in its levels of heavy metal content. The average zinc concentration in all samples was 96.86 ± 40.25 μg/L, which was the highest. It was followed by Pb 37.6 ± 31.9 μg/L concentration. The turbidity measurement was recorded as 46.38 ± 22.54, the pH level was 7.078 ± 0.33, and the conductivity value was determined to be 1338.8 ± 39.64. The HQ and HI values for adults and children in all age groups were less than one. The carcinogenic excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) exceeds the threshold value in most water samples. This study aims to fill the existing gap in understanding the precise measurement of MPs and heavy metals in freshwater sources in Poland. Health risk evaluations are the first step in developing pollution management, control, and water quality standards.
Graphical Abstract
Low-thermal-budget electrically active thick polysilicon for CMOS-First MEMS-last integration
Authors: Michael Aron , Chuang Ian Yao-Hsiang , Kwok Chee Yee , Omaki Kazuo 
Published: June 2024

AbstractLow-thermal-budget, electrically active, and thick polysilicon films are necessary for building a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) on top of a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS). However, the formation of these polysilicon films is a challenge in this field. Herein, for the first time, the development of in situ phosphorus-doped silicon films deposited under ultrahigh-vacuum conditions (~10−9 Torr) using electron-beam evaporation (UHVEE) is reported. This process results in electrically active, fully crystallized, low-stress, smooth, and thick polysilicon films with low thermal budgets. The crystallographic, mechanical, and electrical properties of phosphorus-doped UHVEE polysilicon films are studied. These films are compared with intrinsic and boron-doped UHVEE silicon films. Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) are used for crystallographic and surface morphological investigations. Wafer curvature, cantilever deflection profile and resonance frequency measurements are employed to study the mechanical properties of the specimens. Moreover, resistivity measurements are conducted to investigate the electrical properties of the films. Highly vertical, high-aspect-ratio micromachining of UHVEE polysilicon has been developed. A comb-drive structure is designed, simulated, fabricated, and characterized as an actuator and inertial sensor comprising 20-μm-thick in situ phosphorus-doped UHVEE films at a temperature less than 500 °C. The results demonstrate for the first time that UHVEE polysilicon uniquely allows the realization of mechanically and electrically functional MEMS devices with low thermal budgets.
Cold atom microwave clock based on intracavity cooling in China space station
Authors: Deng Siminda , Ren Wei , Xiang Jingfeng , Zhao Jianbo , Li Lin , Zhang Di , Wan JinYin , Meng Yanling , Jiang XiaoJun , Li Tang , Liu Liang , Lü Desheng 
Published: June 2024

AbstractAtomic clocks with higher frequency stability and accuracy than traditional space-borne atomic clocks are the cornerstone of long-term autonomous operation of space-time-frequency systems. We proposed a space cold atoms clock based on an intracavity cooling scheme, which captures cold atoms at the center of a microwave cavity and then executes in situ interactions between the cold atoms and microwaves. As a result of the microgravity environment in space, the cold atoms can interact with the microwaves for a longer time, which aids in realizing a high-precision atomic clock in space. This paper presents the overall design, operational characteristics, and reliability test results of the space atomic clock based on the intracavity cooling scheme designed for the operation onboard the China space station. In addition, the engineering prototype performance of the space cold atoms microwave clock is also presented. The ground test results for the clock show a fractional frequency stability of 1.1 × 10−12 τ−1/2 reaching 2.5 × 10−15 at 200,000 s, providing solid technical and data support for its future operation in orbit.
CLEMD, a circuit-level electrical measurements dataset for electrical energy management
Authors: Al-Khadher Omar , Mukhtaruddin Azharudin , Hashim Fakroul Ridzuan , Azizan Muhammad Mokhzaini , Mamat Hussin , Aqlan Ahmed 
Published: June 2024

AbstractEnhancing energy efficiency in commercial buildings is crucial for reducing energy consumption. Achieving this goal requires careful monitoring and analysis of the energy usage patterns exhibited by different devices. Nonetheless, gathering data from individual appliances in commercial buildings presents difficulties due to the large number of appliances, complex installations, and costs. This paper presents the Circuits-Level Electrical Measurements Dataset (CLEMD). The measurement was conducted at the main switchboard to a set of distribution boards instead of measuring at the individual loads. The data is gathered from an institutional setting. It consists of 42 records of vital electrical parameters including voltage, current, frequency, real power, reactive power, apparent power, power factor, and odd harmonics for electrical currents. The device deployed in the measurement were industry-grade and had a high sampling rate of 200 kHz. The measurements were done over a 40-day period, from September 16 2023 to October 25 2023. CLEMD is the first Malaysian public dataset on circuit-level electricity consumption and offers analysis opportunities in different research areas such as electricity load disaggregation at circuit level, circuit identification, load profile forecasting, and pattern recognition.
The Pan-Canadian Chemical Library: A Mechanism to Open Academic Chemistry to High-Throughput Virtual Screening
Authors: Bedart Corentin , Shimokura Grace , West Frederick G. , Wood Tabitha E. , Batey Robert A. , Irwin John J. , Schapira Matthieu 
Published: June 2024

AbstractComputationally screening chemical libraries to discover molecules with desired properties is a common technique used in early-stage drug discovery. Recent progress in the field now enables the efficient exploration of billions of molecules within days or hours, but this exploration remains confined within the boundaries of the accessible chemistry space. While the number of commercially available compounds grows rapidly, it remains a limited subset of all druglike small molecules that could be synthesized. Here, we present a workflow where chemical reactions typically developed in academia and unconventional in drug discovery are exploited to dramatically expand the chemistry space accessible to virtual screening. We use this process to generate a first version of the Pan-Canadian Chemical Library, a collection of nearly 150 billion diverse compounds that does not overlap with other ultra-large libraries such as Enamine REAL or SAVI and could be a resource of choice for protein targets where other libraries have failed to deliver bioactive molecules.
Topographical and histological analysis of keratinized mucosal grafts removal techniques an ex-vivo study in porcine mandibles
Authors: dos Santos Kleber Vinícius Rodrigues , Leles José Luiz Rodrigues , Roriz Virgílio Moreira , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess the surface and tissue quality of keratinized mucosa grafts (KMG) obtained using the conventional scalpel and mucotome techniques. This was an experimental in vitro/ex vivo study involving six porcine hemi-mandibles. Specimens were harvested using both the mucotome and conventional scalpel techniques, with randomization determining the choice of technique for tissue removal. The specimens were prepared following predefined laboratory protocols and subsequently subjected to optical microscopy for evaluating epithelial and connective tissue and scanning electron microscopy for topographical and 3D profilometry analysis. Tissues harvested using the mucotome exhibited a linear base and uniform thickness, along with the presence of submucosa and fibrous connective tissue, all of which are ideal for graft success. Differences in the surface characteristics of specimens obtained through the two techniques were observed during a comparative analysis of images obtained through both microscopy types. KMG obtained using the mucotome technique displayed greater uniformity and reduced undesirable cell presence compared to the scalpel technique, thereby enhancing the likelihood of success in soft tissue graft surgical procedures. This study provides valuable insights to oral healthcare professionals and may contribute to future research aimed at achieving more successful surgeries, shorter postoperative recovery times, reduced discomfort, and an overall more positive patient experience.