bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of BSA-loaded Liraglutide and platelet fragment nanoparticle delivery system for the treatment of diabetic atherosclerosis
Authors: He Mingping , Fang Ming , Fan Limin , Maimaitijiang Alimujiang 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Diabetic atherosclerosis is one of the main causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide, but its therapeutic options are limited. Liraglutide (LIR), a synthetic analog of GLP-1 approved as an anti-obesity drug by the FDA, has been reported as a promising drug for diabetic atherosclerosis. However, the main problem with LIR is its use that requires regular parenteral injections, which necessitates the improvement of drug delivery for increased efficiency and minimization of injection numbers.
Results
The objective of our present study was to prepare and characterize nanoparticles (BSA@LIR-PMF) for targeted drug delivery using LIR-encapsulated platelet membrane fragments (PMF) coated bovine serum albumin (BSA). We used various methods to characterize the prepared nanoparticles and evaluated their efficiency on diabetes-induced atherosclerosis in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that the nanoparticles were spherical and had good stability and uniform size with intact membrane protein structure. The loading and encapsulation rates (LR and ER) of BSA@LIR-PMF were respectively 7.96% and 85.56%, while the cumulative release rate was around 77.06% after 24 hours. Besides, we also examined the impact of BSA@LIR-PMF on the proliferation, migration, phagocytosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, oxidative phosphorylation, glycolysis, lactate and ATP levels, and lipid deposition in the aortas. The results indicated that BSA@LIR-PMF could effectively inhibit ox-LDL-stimulated abnormal cell proliferation and migration, reduce the level of ROS and lactate concentration, and enhance the level of ATP, thereby improving oxidative phosphorylation in ox-LDL-treated cells.
Conclusion
BSA@LIR-PMF significantly inhibited diabetes-induced atherosclerosis. It was anticipated that the BSA@LIR-PMF nanoparticles might be used for treating diabetes-associated cardiovascular complications.
Construction of TiO2/g-C3N5 S-scheme heterojunction for enhanced photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants: DFT calculation and mechanism study
Authors: Liu Sile , Zhang Yufei , Hong Wenwen , Han Yue , Lv Congna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The g-C3N5 has been widely used in the field of environmental remediation because of its narrow band gap energy and good visible light absorption. It is an excellent semiconductor photocatalytic material, but the recombination of photogenerated carriers greatly limits the photocatalytic performance of g-C3N5. Construction of heterojunctions is an efficient method to regulate the band gap structure, which can achieve efficient separation of photogenerated carriers and improve photocatalytic performance. In this study, the TiO2/g-C3N5 heterojunction materials with high specific surface area were constructed, and the S scheme charge transfer mechanism led to efficient photogenerated carrier separation, excellent redox activity, improved visible light absorption and broadened spectral response range. After visible light irradiation for 30 minutes, the TiO2/g-C3N5 (1:2) showed excellent photocatalytic activity, and the degradation rate of sulfamethylthiazole (STZ) reached 98.8%. STZ was degraded to small inorganic molecules such as H2O, CO2 and inorganic acids by a complex bond-breaking hydroxylation reaction under the attack of reactive groups such as ·O2−,·OH and h+. The S scheme charge transfer mechanism of TiO2/g-C3N5 heterojunction material was proposed through band potential analysis and density functional function (DFT) calculation.
Associations of physical fitness during childhood with arterial health in adolescence – an 8-year follow-up study
Authors: Laitinen Emilia , Soininen Sonja , Leppänen Marja H. , Waller Katja , Bond Bert , Lintu Niina , Faigenbaum Avery D. , Laitinen Tomi , Haapala Eero A. , Lakka Timo A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of morbidity and premature mortality globally. While the relationship between indicators of physical fitness and arterial health is reasonably well-studied in adults, these associations in children and adolescents remain less understood. The aim of this study was to investigate longitudinal associations of cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness and motor fitness with arterial health from childhood to adolescence.
Results
Higher mean value of VO2peak/LM from childhood to adolescence was associated with higher cIMT at 8-year follow-up (β = 0.184, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.019 to 0.350). Better performance in sit-up test at baseline was associated with lower CAVI (β=-0.219, 95% CI=-0.387 to -0.051) and higher mean sit-up performance during 8-year follow-up associated with lower PWV (β=-0.178, 95% CI=-0.353 to -0.003) and CAVI (β=-0.190, 95% CI=-0.365 to -0.016) at 8-year follow-up. Better sit-up performance at 8-year follow-up was associated with lower PWV (β=-0.232, 95% CI=-0.411 to -0.054) and CAVI (β=-0.185, 95% CI=-0.365 to -0.005) and higher CAD (β = 0.165, 95% CI = 0.004 to 0.327) at 8-year follow-up. Most of the associations were explained by BF%.
Conclusions
Physical fitness had weak if any associations with arterial health in adolescence. BF% explained the associations of higher VO2peak/LM with higher cIMT and better sit-up performance with lower arterial stiffness in adolescents. Therefore, preventing adiposity should be addressed in public health strategies for CVDs prevention.
Assessment of the dietary amino acids profiles and the relative biomarkers for amino acids balance in the low-protein diets for broiler chickens
Authors: Wang Bin , Zhang Xiaodan , Liu Yongfa , Gao Mingkun , Wang Mi , Wang Yuan , Wang Xinzhi , Guo Yuming 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: The researches on low-protein-level diets (LPD) indicated that even the profiles of essential amino acids (EAA) follow the recommendation for the normal-protein-level diets (NPD), broilers fed low-protein diets failed to achieve comparable productive performance as those fed with normal diets. Therefore, it is imperative to reassess the optimum profile of EAAs in low-protein diets and establish a new ideal pattern for amino acid balance. Furthermore, finding novel sensitive biomarkers for assessing amino acid balance will greatly facilitate the development of amino acids nutrition and application technology. In this study, twelve dietary treatments (Con(+), Con(-), L&A(-), L&A(+), M&C(-), M&C(+), BCAA(-), BCAA(+), Thr(-), Thr(+), Trp(-) and Trp(+)) were established by combining different EAAs including Lysine and Arginine, methionine and Cysteine, branched-chain amino acid (BCAA), threonine and tryptophan in order to observe the growth and development of the broiler chickens fed with low-protein-level diets. Based on biochemical parameters and metabolomics analysis from animals subjected to different treatments, were conducted to identify biomarkers associated with optimal and suboptimal amino acid balances.
Results: The growth performance, carcass characteristic, hepatic enzyme activities, serum biochemical parameters, and breast muscle mRNA expression showed significant differences between male and female broilers under different dietary amino acid patterns. Male broilers exhibited higher sensitivity to the adjustment of amino acid patterns compared to female broilers. For the low-protein diet, it was indicated that the dietary concentrations of lysine, arginine, and tryptophan were needed to be increased while not for the methionine, cystine, and threonine concentrations. Further research is needed on each individual BCAA. For metabolomic analysis, Con(+) was selected as a normal diet (NP) while Con(-) represented a low-protein diet (LP). L&A(+) denoted a low-protein amino acid balanced diet (LPAB) and Thr(+) represented a low-protein amino acid imbalance diet (LPAI). Metabolites oxypurinol, pantothenic acid, and D-octopine in the birds were significantly influenced by the different dietary amino acid paterns.
Conclusion: Adjusting the profile of amino acids in low-protein diets is required to obtain normal growth performance of broiler chickens as fed with normal-protein-level diets. Oxypurinol, pantothenic acid, and D-octopine were identified as potential sensitive biomarkers for assessing amino acid balance.
The Parasporal Puzzle: Antiparasitic activity of bacterial crystal proteins against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites
Authors: Santos Edclécia N , Marchioro Giulia M. , Valença Camilla A. S. , Dossi Fábio C. A. , Santos Lucas Alves Silva dos , Carvalho Daphnie Loannis Fontes e , Batista Marcus Vinicius de Aragão , Barbosa Ana A. T. , Dolabella Silvio S. , Jain Sona 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this manuscript, we describe the effectiveness of crystal proteins from Gram-positive sporulating bacteria against Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites. Light and scanning electron microscopy were used initially to confirm the presence of crystal proteins in the newly isolated sporulating soil bacteria. Toxicity tests were conducted using crystal proteins from 75 crystal-forming bacterial isolates against A. castellanii trophozoites. The crystal proteins isolated from MA8, CAB7, and AB5 displayed significant antiparasitic activity, with MA8 and CAB7 showing IC50 values of 4.1 and 4.3 µg/mL after 48 hours. SEM analysis revealed morphological differences among the isolates. Phylogenetic analysis indicated the genetic similarity of CAB7 with Bacillus paranthracis, and MA8 with different Bacillus species, potentially indicating that MA8 is a new species. Genome annotation revealed the absence of typical parasporal inclusion genes (Cry or Cyt) but showed the presence of the S-layer protein-encoding gene, which is another group of parasporal inclusions. These findings highlight the presence of little-studied Bacillus paranthracis, and a potentially novel Bacillus species with antiparasitic properties. These genomic insights open avenues for exploring therapeutic applications of CAB7 and MA8 strains.
Comparison of rhizosphere microbial community of Panax notoginseng under different habitat
Authors: wang can , sun hongwei , zhao dawei , yang yuling , li ling , yang qingsong , chen daju , qu yonghan , yang qing , peng cuixian , tao yonghong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This study compared and analyzed the diversity differences of soil microbial communities in the rhizosphere of Panax notoginseng under different habitats (under forest and field) and their correlation with environmental factors. Illumina MiSeq high-throughput sequencing revealed that the diversity index of rhizosphere bacterial communities in P. notoginseng under forest (Ace, Chao1, Simpson, Shannon) was significantly higher than in field. In comparison to the microbial networks observed in the field (Nodes=186, Edges=3407), the microbial networks found in the underforest (Nodes=266, Edges=4549) demonstrate a more intricate and sophisticated correlation among microorganisms. The results revealed that organic carbon emerged as the primary main influencing the assembly of rhizosphere bacterial communities in P. notoginseng under forest, accounting for 84.23% of the observed community variation. However, in fungi, the pH (75.10 %) value assumes significance. Moreover, the total saponin content of P. notoginseng in the forest was significantly higher compared to that in the field, particularly with regards to saponin R1, which exhibited a significant association with the microbial community present under forest conditions.
Healthcare Revolution using AI-Driven Medibot for Contactless Medication Delivery in Hospital Wards Specifically for Communicable Diseases
Authors: Ray Diya , Agrawal Chitany , Kumar Neeraj , Dheivanai R. , Malhotra Isha 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In an era marked by swift technological progress, the healthcare landscape is experiencing a significant change facilitated by the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotic systems. This research paper introduces a ground-breaking strategy for medication administration within hospital wards, harnessing the power of AI to ensure the secure and timely delivery of medicines. At the core of this pioneering solution is a contactless delivery system, embodied in the form of a Medibot—an advanced robotic model equipped with the versatile Firebird V robot and precision arms to facilitate seamless pick-up and drop-off services for medication packages. The crux of this innovative approach lies in the integration of AI algorithms, meticulously balancing efficiency, safety, and adherence to medical protocols. The Medibot functions autonomously, relying on a structured database dynamically managing patient bed numbers and names. This automated control system ensures that prescribed medications, as directed by healthcare professionals, are delivered promptly and accurately to the designated recipients. The significance of this proposed system extends beyond operational benefits, offering simplicity, time-saving capabilities, and reduced dependence on human resources. Apart from operational advantages, the Medibot's activities can be externally monitored by human reception, enhancing transparency and accountability in medication delivery. In addition to its efficiency gains, the contactless delivery system outlined in this research serves as a strategic measure to mitigate the spread of communicable diseases within healthcare facilities. By minimizing human-to-human contact in the medication delivery process, the Medibot emerges as a pivotal ally in ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare providers, presenting a healthcare revolution driven by AI for contactless medication delivery in hospital wards, specifically tailored to address communicable diseases.
Preparation Irinotecan Hydrochloride Loaded PEGylated Liposomes Using Novel Method Supercritical Fluid and Condition Optimized by Box-Behnken Design
Authors: Mohammadi Misagh , Karimi Mehrnaz , Raofie Farhad 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A semi-synthetic camptothecin derivative known as irinotecan hydrochloride is frequently used to treat colorectal cancer (CRC), including colorectal adenocarcinoma and lung cancers involving small cells. Irinotecan has a very short half-life; therefore, continuous infusions are required to keep the drug's blood levels at therapeutic levels, which could produce cumulative toxicities. Effective delivery techniques, including liposomes, have been developed to address these shortcomings. In this study, a continuous supercritical fluid approach dubbed Expansion Supercritical Fluid into an aqueous solution (ESSAS), in which the pressure decreases rapidly but remains over the critical pressure, is proposed to manufacture polyethylene glycolylated (PEGylated) liposomes carrying irinotecan hydrochloride. To accomplish this, PEGylated liposomes were created using a Box-Behnken design, and the operating parameters (flow rate, temperature, and pressure drop) were optimized. Encapsulation efficiency, mean size, and prepared liposome count were 94.6%, 55 nm, and 758 under ideal circumstances. Additionally, the stability of the PEGylated liposome was investigated during 8 weeks, and also PEGylated liposome-loaded irinotecan release profile was compared to conventional liposomes and free irinotecan, and a constant drug release was seen after the first burst release from liposomes.
Gut microbiota composition and functional classification in preschool children with allergic rhinitis and functional constipation
Authors: Yang Zhenyu , Wang Chunyan , Yang Weikeng , Meng Dongming , Kong Wei , Xu Lili , Wu Bin , Huang Congfu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Objective
Studies suggest that functional constipation (FC) is more common in preschool children with allergic rhinitis (AR) compared to those without. FC can significantly impact a child's quality of life. This study investigated the relationship between AR and FC in children diagnosed with both conditions (disease group) and a healthy control group. We compared the gut microbiota (GM) composition of children in both groups.
Methods
The 16S rRNA sequencing technology was employed to compare the GMsequencing results of 32 children with AR and FC and 21 healthy children.
Results
Compared with the healthy group: 1) the GM α-diversity in the disease group was significantly higher (P=0.014); 2) At the phylum level, the abundance of Bacteroidetes (P<0.05) decreased significantly, while that of Proteobateria was increased significantly in the disease group (P<0.05); 3) At the genus (species) level, the abundance of Bifidobacterium, Phascolarctobacterium, Veillonella (Veillonella_parvula, Veillonella_dispar), Escherichia/Shigella, Klebsiella (Klebsiella_pneumoniae) ,Streptococcus, Escherichia/Shigella and Bacteroides_thetaiotaomicron increased (P<0.05), but the abundance of Bacteroides (Bacteroides_uniformis), Faecalibacterium (Faecalibacterium_prausnitzii), Ruminococcus, Kineothrix (Kineothrix_alysoides), Anaerostipes (Anaerostipes_hadrus) and Bifidobacterium_longum decreased significantly in disease group (P<0.05). 4) The abundance of functional pathways related to carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, Transport_and_Catabolism, Endocrine_System, Nervous_System, Metabolic_Diseases and Immune_System were significantly decreased. 5) Furthermore, GM was found to be correlated with the clinical features of the disease group.
Conclusion
Analysis of the GM composition and function in the disease group suggests that supplementing the disease group with probiotics that produce butyric acid and dietary fiber (prebiotics) may correct dysregulation of GM, thereby improve AR and FC symptoms.
Association between weight-adjusted waist index and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey: 2013-2018
Authors: Wang Hongjin , Chen Weiming , Guo Feilong , Xu Zengkai , Luo Xin , Wu Jiahuang , Zhu Yong , Wang Zhisheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) is a recently developed index for measuring adiposity, but the relationship between the WWI and COPD has not been well studied. This study aimed to investigate the potential correlation between these two health variables.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2013–2018. The WWI was calculated as waist circumference divided by the square root of weight. Multiple linear regression was performed to estimate the association between the WWI and COPD incidence, and subgroup analysis was performed to identify sensitive cohorts. Smoothing curve fitting and threshold effect analysis were conducted to assess possible nonlinear relationships.
Results: A total of 15,278 participants were included. Participants in the higher WWI tertile tended to have a greater incidence of COPD. Compared to body mass index and waist circumference, the correlation between the WWI and COPD incidence has better discrimination and accuracy. In the final adjusted model, a positive association between the WWI and COPD incidence was observed (OR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.48–1.95). Participants in the highest WWI quartile had a 290% greater risk of COPD than did those in the lowest WWI tertile (OR = 3.90, 95% CI: 2.60–5.86). A nonlinear correlation was found between the WWI and COPD incidence, with an inflection point of 12.54. Subgroup analysis revealed that the relationship was significant in all subgroups.
Conclusion: Compared with BMI and WC, WWI was related to an increased likelihood of COPD and had a stronger relationship with COPD incidence. Our findings indicated that the WWI could be a cost-effective and simple way to detect COPD.
treeXnets: Comparing Federated Tree-BasedModels and Neural Networks on Tabular Data
Authors: Lindskog-Münzing William , Prehofer Christian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Federated Learning (FL) is a privacy-aware machine learning paradigm. It was initially designed to fit parametric models, namely Neural Networks (NNs) and thus, it has excelled on image, audio and text tasks. However, FL for tabular data still receives little attention. Tree-Based Models (TBMs) perform better than NNs on tabular data in a centralized setting, and are starting to see FL integrations. In this paper, we evaluate federated TBMs and NNs for horizontal FL, with varying data partitions, on 31 datasets. We propose treesXnets - a unified benchmarking tool for federated evaluation. treesXnets’ results capture model performance, e.g. accuracy, communication effort, model training duration, and device utilization. A cyclic implementation of federated XGBoost is the best performing model, outperforming the best federated NNs with 5-10% in terms of accuracy and regression error. It is also faster, requires less communication and memory than other federated XGBoost models.
Enhancing Visual Perception for People with Blindness: A Feasibility Study of a 12-Channel Forehead ElectroTactile Stimulator with a Stereo Camera
Authors: Shin Kiyoung , Lee Mincheol , Chang Minhye , Bae Young Min , Chang Wonsuk , Kim Young-Jin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Although many alternative visual technologies for the visually impaired have been studied, no system has been developed that provides distance information on multiple objects in front of a person with blindness while in a walking environment via electrotactile stimulation. Therefore, we studied the feasibility of a 12-channel electrotactile stimulator (Forehead ElectroTactile Stimulator [FETS]) designed for those with visual impairment. It used a stereo camera to capture depth information and adjusted the voltage output for each channel. It also used a deep-learning algorithm to identify objects and converted this information into speech.
Methods
Medical-grade SUS316 surface electrodes were mounted on a flexible silicone pad to increase the contact area with the forehead. The stimulator delivered pulsed voltages up to ± 25 V, adjustable in 2.5-V increments. The pulsed voltage parameters were set to activate A-beta nerve fibers without activating pain-related A-delta and C nerve fibers. The stereo camera captured depth information from 1 to 3 m, focusing on the proximity to the user. YOLOv8 was used to detect objects from the input video in real-time and convert the results into speech via text-to-speech (TTS).
Results
The developed FETS could output voltages from 0 to 25 V in 100 steps via Bluetooth communication, and the maximum standard deviation of the actual output voltage from the set voltage was 0.71 V. The FETS output voltage intensity was adjustable in real time according to the distance to the object captured by the stereo camera. The FETS could recognize objects in front of the user upon request and provided voice guidance through TTS.
Conclusion
We conducted this feasibility study to enhance the vision of people with visual impairment by applying a stereo camera and electrotactile stimulation to their foreheads. Information about the distance to the object acquired through the stereo camera was implemented by adjusting the output voltage according to the distance from the electrotactile stimulator. The object was identified through an artificial-intelligence algorithm and delivered by voice. However, the threshold voltage and just noticeable difference values are not the same for each person; therefore, further research is needed.