bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Serum Copper, Zinc, and Zinc/Copper Ratio with Epilepsy: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Su Yu , Wang Lei , Yi Hongjie , Ren Qiang , Qin Yuelong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States, this study examines the association between serum copper, zinc, and zinc/copper ratio with epilepsy. This study utilized data from American adults obtained from the NHANES cycles of 2013–2014 and 2015–2016. To assess the relationship between serum copper, zinc, and zinc/copper ratio with epilepsy, a weighted logistic regression model was employed. Age and gender were analyzed as subgroups. Based on a logistic regression analysis, serum zinc, and zinc/copper ratio were found to be negatively correlated with epilepsy. In the fully adjusted model, the OR (95% CI) for intermediate levels of serum zinc was 0.37(0.17–0.80), and for high levels of zinc/copper ratio, the OR (95% CI) was 0.18(0.08–0.43). Serum copper was positively correlated with epilepsy in individuals over 40 years old. For the 40–59 age group, the OR (95% CI) for intermediate and high levels of serum copper were 4.22(1.16–15.36) and 3.85(1.21–12.27), respectively. The study concludes that serum zinc and zinc/copper ratio are inversely related to epilepsy among American adults, while serum copper exhibits a positive association with epilepsy in individuals aged over 40, particularly within the 40–59 age group.
Resource Supply and Demand Model of MilitarySettlements in the Cold Weapon Era: Case of ZhenbaoTown, Ming Great Wall
Authors: Bai Jinni , Bian Junjie , Wang Zhao , Yuan Sinan , Mu Nanshuo , Xiao Tiankai 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

As an important military defense project in Chinese history, the Ming Dynasty Great Wall and its military settlements play a crucial role in maintaining border security. The systematic analysis of how military settlements can make integrated resource allocation according to external threats and geostrategic needs is an important part of the settlements' defense system; however, this aspect is relatively lacking in existing research. Therefore, this study establishes a resource allocation assessment model for the Great Wall military settlements from the Cold War era, aiming to enhance scientific analysis and quantitative assessment of Military Defense Capabilities and Military Requirement. This study employs ordinary least squares (OLS) linear regression to link various factors influencing Military Requirement and Military Defense Capability, assesses the relationship between settlement locations and historical war sites, and identifies areas of over-allocation or under-allocation of resources through residual analysis. This study enhances our understanding of historical military strategies from the perspective of historical geography and offers innovative perspectives for analyzing the Great Wall settlement heritage, moving beyond mere sensory intuition and historical experience.
The study on the high cycle fatigue performance and life prediction of Ti-6Al- 4V alloy fabricated by laser engineered net shaping
Authors: Zhang Jiwang , Hu Liukui , Ji Dongdong , Su Kaixin , Chen Xingyu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Three-dimensional characterization of internal defects in Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated by Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) was conducted by utilizing synchrotron X-ray imaging technology. Subsequently, the statistical analysis of defect size, quantity, and morphology characteristics was performed. Additionally, high cycle fatigue tests were conducted to analyze the high cycle fatigue performance of LENS Ti-6Al-4V alloy and elucidate the causes of its anisotropic behavior. Furthermore, based on the multi-stage crack growth model, the high cycle fatigue life of LENS Ti-6Al-4V alloy was predicted. The results showed that the quantity and size of internal defects were small, with defects predominantly spherical pores and no lack of fusion defects detected. Longitudinal specimens exhibited significantly higher fatigue life at high stress levels compared to transverse specimens. The anisotropic behavior of high cycle fatigue performance of LENS Ti-6Al-4V alloy at high stress levels was mainly attributed to the anisotropic distribution of its microstructure. As stress levels decreased, the fatigue life of both types of specimens approached each other, with fatigue strengths of 650 MPa and 656 MPa at 2×106 cycles for longitudinal and transverse specimens respectively, showing minimal difference. In addition, the predictions from the multi-stage crack growth model aligned well with experimental results, effectively predicting the high cycle fatigue life of LENS Ti-6Al-4V alloy.
Investigating the stability of aromatic carboxylic acids in hydrated magnesium sulfate under UV irradiation to assist detection of organics on Mars
Authors: Alberini Andrew , Fornaro Teresa , Florentino Cristina García , Biczysko Malgorzata , Poblacion Iratxe , Aramendia Julene , Madariaga Juan Manuel , Poggiali Giovanni , Vicente-Retortillo Álvaro , Benison Kathleen C. , Siljeström Sandra , Biancalani Sole , Lorenz Christian , Cloutis Edward A. , Applin Dan M. , Gómez Felipe , Steele Andrew , Wiens Roger C. , Hand Kevin P. , Brucato John R. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman and Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals (SHERLOC) instrument onboard the Mars 2020 Perseverance rover detected so far some of the most intense fluorescence signals in association with sulfates analyzing abraded patches of rocks at Jezero crater, Mars. To assess the plausibility of an organic origin of these signals, it is key to understand if organics can survive exposure to ambient Martian UV after exposure by the Perseverance abrasion tool and prior to analysis by SHERLOC. In this work, we investigated the stability of organo-sulfate assemblages under Martian-like UV irradiation and we observed that the spectroscopic features of phthalic and mellitic acid embedded into hydrated magnesium sulfate do not change for UV exposures corresponding to at least 48 Martian sols and, thus, should still be detectable in fluorescence when the SHERLOC analysis takes place, thanks to the photoprotective properties of magnesium sulfate. In addition, different photoproduct bands diagnostic of the parent carboxylic acid molecules could be observed. The photoprotective behavior of hydrated magnesium sulfate corroborates the hypothesis that sulfates might have played a key role in the preservation of organics on Mars, and that the fluorescence signals detected by SHERLOC in association with sulfates could potentially arise from organic compounds.
Augmenting Chemotherapy Response In Ovarian Cancer: Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Target TOP2A
Authors: Gurav Pradnya , Hajare Shubham , Swamy Venkateswara , R.N. Kedar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Ovarian cancer presents significant challenges in treatment efficacy, necessitating exploration of alternative therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to investigate the effects of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFAs), particularly in conjunction with chemotherapy, on ovarian teratocarcinoma cells.
Subject/Methods: The study conducted rigorous cell viability assays to assess the impact of n-3 PUFAs on doxorubicin (DOXO)-induced cytotoxicity. Clonogenic assays, hanging drop assays, and apoptosis assays were employed to validate the observed effects. Network pharmacological analyses and molecular docking simulations were conducted to elucidate potential molecular mechanisms underlying the observed synergistic effects.
Results: Cell viability assays demonstrated a significant augmentation of DOXO-induced cytotoxicity by n-3 PUFAs, resulting in decreased cellular viability and migratory capacity. Clonogenic assays confirmed a reduction in colony formation in the combined treatment group, supported by additional experimental assays. Network pharmacological analyses identified topoisomerase II A (TOP2A) gene as a key target, while molecular docking simulations revealed structural analogies between n-3 PUFAs and DOXO, suggesting shared mechanisms of action.
Conclusion: The integration of computational and experimental approaches uncovered the synergistic effects of n-3 PUFAs and DOXO in ovarian cancer treatment. This study bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application, offering promising prospects for enhanced therapeutic outcomes in ovarian cancer management.
Polyploidy involves the activation of mTORC1 and induces tolerance to glucose starvation
Authors: Choudhury Debopriya , Singha Didhiti , Mondal Meghna , Malakar Pushkar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Polyploidy is the state of a cell or organism having more than two paired sets of chromosomes. Polyploidy is associated with cancers, diabetes and ageing. Extensive research over several decades have established a central role for mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) in regulating many fundamental cell processes from protein synthesis to autophagy. Deregulated mTOR signaling is implicated in the progression of cancer, diabetes and ageing process. Even though separately polyploidy and mTOR signaling is associated with cancers, diabetes and ageing, the molecular connection between the two is unknown. The role and implications of mTOR signaling in polyploidy is not studied. Common signaling pathway associated with polyploidy is unspecified. To answer the questions above, we induced polyploidy through several means like treatment with Cytochalasin-B, Colcemid, High Glucose, Nocodazole and Aurora Kinase Inhibitor. Polyploidy was assessed through FACS profile (DNA content >4N), Infrequent cell cycle, multinucleated state and cellular size. All the methods described, resulted in induction of polyploidy and activation of mTORC1 measured by the phosphorylation status of S6K1 (a bonafide marker of mTORC1). Furthermore, polyploidy induced by Cytochalasin-B and 10X Glucose was greatly reduced upon Torin1(mTORC1 inhibitor) treatment. Activation of mTORC1 pathway in polyploid cells, help them to withstand stress condition (10X Glucose) and proliferate when provided with suitable environment (10X Glucose to Normal media). mTORC1 pathway have been shown to play an important role in controlling autophagy upon glucose starvation. We looked at the fate of normal and polyploid cells upon glucose starvation. Glucose starvation induced severe cell death in normal cells while polyploid cells were tolerant to glucose starvation. Our results reveal a mechanism by which mTORC1 signaling helps polyploid cells. Activation of mTORC1 signaling can serve as a biomarker for polyploid cells. These results suggest that downregulation of mTORC1 in polyploid cells, where mTORC1 is upregulated, should be considered as a new strategy for cancer therapy. Overall, this study will help in the better understanding of polyploidy along with the potential application of treatment in polyploidy related diseases.
Storytelling and creative writing for enhancement of empathy and well-being in health professionals: the “Verba Curant” study, a randomized trial.
Authors: Bertolotti Marinella , Cassinari Antonella , Dacquino Mariateresa , AMaconi  , Grossi Enzo 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Storytelling and creative writing can improve empathy and well-being. Few randomized controlled trials have been carried out so far in health care settings, generally with small sample sizes. In this study 175 health professionals working in a large general Hospital were randomized into two groups: group 1 received theoretical narrative medicine education with 4 hours of distance education, while Group 2 received the same theoretical narrative medicine education and a practice course of storytelling and creative writing with 8 hours of distance education in small groups. The empathic ability and psychological well-being were measured immediately before the start and at the end of the education program with the Jefferson scale and Psychological General Well-being-short form test (PGWB-S). Participants in Group 2 showed a significant improvement of the mean PGWB-S index at variance with Group 1. Two-way ANOVA showed a between-groups time per treatment difference with P = 0.039. Empathy improved in both groups with a statistically significant change. No significant difference was found in between-groups comparison in the degree of improvement (P = 0.25). In conclusion Storytelling and creative writing education that combines theory with practice is an effective strategy for improving health professionals' psychological well-being and empathic ability.
Forecasting daily rainfall in a humid subtropical area: an innovative machine learning approach
Authors: Mohammed Miran Hikmat , Latif Sarmad Dashti 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Hydrological modeling is one of the most complicated tasks in sustainable water resources management, particularly in terms of predicting rainfall. Predicting rainfall is critical to build a sustainable society in terms of hydropower operations, agricultural planning, and flood control. In this study, a hybrid model based on the integration of k-nearest neighbor (KNN), XGBoost (XGB), decision tree (DCT), and Random Forest (RF) has been developed and implemented for forecasting daily rainfall for the first time at Sydney airport, Australia. Daily rainfall, temperature, evaporation, and humidity have been selected as input parameters. Three statistical measurements, namely, root mean square error (RMSE), coefficient of determination (R2), mean absolute error (MAE), and Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE) have been utilized in order to check the accuracy of the proposed model. A sensitivity analysis was conducted, and the results indicated that for the purpose of prediction, the temperature, humidity, and evaporation were highly sensitive to the rainfall data. According to the results, the developed hybrid model was capable of predicting daily rainfall with high performance for both training and testing parts with RMSE = 0.124, R2 = 0.999, MAE = 0.007, NRMSE = 0.04 and RMSE = 1.246, R2 = 0.991, MAE = 0.109, NRMSE = 0.339, respectively.
Quantitative assessment of irrigation water and organic/inorganic amendment on biometric growth profiles ofAbelmoschus esculentusandSolanum lycopersicumand their varieties
Authors: Mahajan Monika , Singh Rajeev Pratap , Gupta Pankaj Kumar , Chelliapan Shreeshivadasan 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACTIn recent decades, the use of chemical fertilizers has been recklessly provoked to meet the increased food needs of the rapidly growing population. However, there is some disagreement about the use of chemical fertilizers in agriculture. Hence, the appropriate nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium ratios must be determined before their application in agricultural practices. This study explored three distinct sources of nutrients to support healthy seed germination and reduce nutrient loss: chemical fertilizers, vermicompost, and nutrient-laden irrigation water supply. A sustainable, affordable, and green petri plate seed germination experiment was used to analyze the biometric growth patterns of two plant species (Abelmoschus esculentus and Solanum lycopersicum). To quantify the effects of different irrigation water sources (groundwater, river water), their combinations with chemical fertilizers and vermicompost (3 ton/ha), multivariate statistical methods such as correlation, principal component analysis, and deep neural networks were used. The purpose of this research was to find the optimal nutrient delivery technique for encouraging healthy plant growth while minimizing the environmental stress of excessive nutrient application.
Exploring the Dipteryx alata fruit endocarp as a novel source for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles: antibacterial and photocatalytic insights for water purification
Authors: Morais Eduardo Beraldo de , Nascimento Marielle Xavier , Vasconcelos Leonardo Gomes de , Golin Rossean , Lopes Paulo Renato Matos , Ambrosio Jéssica Aparecida Ribeiro , Simioni Andreza Ribeiro 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

A simple, rapid, and non-toxic method was developed to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using an aqueous extract from the endocarp of Dipteryx alata fruit (DAE), a tree species native to the Brazilian Cerrado. The synthesis involved mixing DAE with a solution of AgNO3 (2 mM) at room temperature. AgNPs synthesis was confirmed through detection of the surface plasmon resonance band at 421 nm. Characterization revealed spherical AgNPs with an average diameter of 137.5 ± 59.3 nm. FTIR analysis confirmed phytochemical involvement in AgNPs reduction and capping, while XRD analysis indicated their crystalline nature with a face-centered cubic structure. AgNPs exhibited antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis, with zones of inhibition ranging from 10–4 mm for E. coli and 9–13 mm for E. faecalis, indicating sensitivity to AgNPs. Photocatalytic activity against rhodamine B (RhB) resulted in 99.3% removal in 180 min, with a degradation rate constant of 0.034 L mg−1 min−1 based on pseudo second-order kinetics. Phytotoxicity studies confirmed the non-toxic nature of degraded RhB products on Cucumis sativus. These findings highlight the potential of AgNPs from DAE extract in antibacterial and dye remediation applications.
Medicinal Chemistry of Antisense Oligonucleotides for Therapeutic Use in SARS-CoV-2: Design Strategies and Challenges for Targeted Delivery
Authors: Nedaeinia Reza , Ranjbar Maryam , Goli Mohammad , Etebari Mahmoud , Safabakhsh Saied , Bayram Hasan , Ferns Gordon A. , Tehrani Helena Moradiyan , Salehi Rasoul 
Published: June 2024

Background:
The evolution of novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus
2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains with greater degrees of infectivity, resistance to vaccine-induced acquired
immunity, and more severe morbidity have contributed to the recent spread of COVID-19. In
light of this, novel therapeutic alternatives with improved effectiveness and fewer side effects have become
a necessity. Despite many new or repurposed antiviral agents recommended for Coronavirus disease
(COVID-19) therapy, this objective remains unfulfilled. Under these circumstances, the scientific
community holds the significant responsibility to develop classes of novel therapeutic modalities to combat
SARS-CoV-2 with the least harmful side effects.

Objective:
Antisense Oligonucleotides (ASOs) are short single-stranded oligonucleotides that allow the specific
targeting of RNA, leading to its degradation. They may also prevent cellular factors or machinery from
binding to the target RNA. It is possible to improve the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of ASOs by
chemical modification or bioconjugation, which may provide conditions for customization of a particular clinical
target. This study aimed to outline the potential use of ASOs in the treatment of COVID-19 disease, along
with the use of antisense stabilization and transfer methods, as well as future challenges and limitations.

Methods:
We have reviewed the structure and properties of ASOs containing nucleobase, sugar, or backbone
modifications, and provided an overview of the therapeutic potential, delivery challenges, and strategies of
ASOs in the treatment of COVID-19.

Results:
The first-line therapy for COVID-19-infected individuals, as well as the development of oligonucleotide-
based drugs, warrants further investigation. Chemical changes in the oligonucleotide structure can affect
the biological processes. These chemical alterations may lead to enhanced potency, while changing the
pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

Conclusion:
ASOs can be designed to target both coding and non-coding regions of the viral genome to disrupt
or completely degrade the genomic RNA and thereby eliminate SARS-CoV-2. They may be very effective
in areas, where vaccine distribution is challenging, and they may be helpful for future coronavirus pandemics.
Correlation of serum Uric Acid levels with Blood Pressure and Glycated Hemoglobin in Prediabetes and Diabetes patients
Authors: AHMAD AFZAL , Zahra Nadia Az , Rochlani Dimpal 
Published: June 2024

Background: Increased serum uric acid (SUA) through a series of pathophysiological sequelae like oxidative strain, inflammation and endothelial vascular impairment causes different diseases.
Aim: Evaluate association between serum uric acid levels and hypertension, blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin in prediabetes, diabetes and healthy control.
Methods: Cross sectional study conducted in 120 subjects, divided equally into three groups: 40 prediabetes, 40 type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) and 40 healthy controls. Data was collected using a proforma, covering particulars related to hypertension, fasting blood sugar (FBG), glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) and the levels of SUA. SPSS software was used for analysing the data.
Results: The age- and sex-matched prediabetic and diabetic groups had significantly higher systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to control group. Diabetes markers FBG and HbA1c were recorded highest in the T2DM group, which shows a significant difference in mean compared to prediabetes and the control group. SUA levels were highest in diabetes but found an insignificant difference with prediabetes, whereas the control group showed significant differences (4.4±0.5, p<0.05) with prediabetes (7.1±2.4) and diabetes (7.6±1.5). A significant and positive correlation was recorded between SUA and blood pressure, FBG and HbA1c in the diabetes group. In prediabetes, SUA was found to have a positive association with only systolic blood pressure (SBP) and FBG.
Conclusion: Severity of disease progression in patients with hypertension and diabetes, SUA can probably be used as an early biochemical marker. So, assessment of serum uric acid as a routine investigation may be recommended for evaluating disease progress.
Examining a Fully Automated Mobile-Based Behavioral Activation Intervention in Depression: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Santopetro Nicholas , Jones Danielle , Garron Andrew , Meyer Alexandria , Joyner Keanan , Hajcak Greg 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Despite significant progress in our understanding of depression, prevalence rates have substantially increased in recent years. Thus, there is an imperative need for more cost-effective and scalable mental health treatment options, including digital interventions that minimize therapist burden.

Objective
This study focuses on a fully automated digital implementation of behavioral activation (BA)—a core behavioral component of cognitive behavioral therapy for depression. We examine the efficacy of a 1-month fully automated SMS text message–based BA intervention for reducing depressive symptoms and anhedonia.

Methods
To this end, adults reporting at least moderate current depressive symptoms (8-item Patient Health Questionnaire score ≥10) were recruited online across the United States and randomized to one of three conditions: enjoyable activities (ie, BA), healthy activities (ie, an active control condition), and passive control (ie, no contact). Participants randomized to enjoyable and healthy activities received daily SMS text messages prompting them to complete 2 activities per day; participants also provided a daily report on the number and enjoyment of activities completed the prior day.

Results
A total of 126 adults (mean age 32.46, SD 7.41 years) with current moderate depressive symptoms (mean score 16.53, SD 3.90) were recruited. Participants in the enjoyable activities condition (BA; n=39) experienced significantly greater reductions in depressive symptoms compared to participants in the passive condition (n=46). Participants in both active conditions—enjoyable activities and healthy activities (n=41)—reported reduced symptoms of anxiety compared to those in the control condition.

Conclusions
These findings provide preliminary evidence regarding the efficacy of a fully automated digital BA intervention for depression and anxiety symptoms. Moreover, reminders to complete healthy activities may be a promising intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms.