bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction of Fe 3 O 4 /PDA/Ag Nanoparticles and Coupling with SERS for Detection of Pesticide Residue
Authors: Song Xi , Wu Rui , Tian Guanghui 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl are highly toxic persistent organic pollutant. Prolonged exposure to them may bring a wide variety of disease. For this, a facile and high sensitive approach (surface-enhanced Raman scattering: SERS) with nanocomposite (Fe3O4/PDA/Ag) as substrates was developed for detection of carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl. The core of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by coprecipitation method, and it was coated with polydopamine (PDA). Ag NPs was obtained by chemical reduction-oxidation. The three-layer structure of magnetic composite nanomaterial with noble metal, namely Fe3O4/PDA/Ag was fabricated via the interaction between Ag and the amino groups of PDA. The prepared Fe3O4/PDA/Ag composites was characterized by XRD, UV-VIS, IR and VSM. The Fe3O4/PDA/Ag as SERS substrates was employed to detect carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl by Raman technology. It was demonstrated that the number of Raman peaks were obvious increased, and intensity for carbendazim and thiophanate-methyl were significantly enhanced due to the substrate of Fe3O4/GO/Ag. A new substrate for SERS was designed with the detection signal significant amplification. New approach for high sensitive, rapid and facile detection of pesticide residues was developed in the study.
Ureaplasma parvum and urealyticum Prevalence in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Reproductive Aged Gambian Women Seeking Primary Health Care: A Case - Control Study
Authors: Bah Haddy , Foday Ceesay , Bojang Kalifa , Banja Fatou , Mboob Kumba Suun , Barrow Ebrima , Kimmitt Patrick. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a major public health concern, as most of these infections are asymptomatic in women, potentially leading to adverse reproductive health. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of urogenital Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae in reproductive-aged Gambian women attending Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH), the main referral hospital for The Gambia.
Method
A total of 232 reproductive women aged 20–49 years were recruited in a case‒control study (115 symptomatic and 117 asymptomatic). Both vaginal and endocervical swabs were collected. Nucleic acid was extracted and tested by real-time PCR for Ureaplasma parvum, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma genitalium, Chlamydia trachomatis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Microbiological analysis was carried out for Trichomonas vaginalis and Neisseria gonorrhoea. A questionnaire was administered to assess risk factors that may be associated with Ureaplasma infection.
Results
The overall prevalence of Ureaplasma was 46%. The distribution in symptomatic and asymptomatic participants was as follows: Ureaplasma parvum (38% symptomatic, 52% asymptomatic); Ureaplasma urealyticum (4% symptomatic, 14% asymptomatic); Neisseria gonorrhoeae (6% symptomatic, 4% asymptomatic); and Trichomonas vaginalis (4% symptomatic, 3% asymptomatic). Eighty percent of participants’ partners had never used a condom during sexual intercourse. Early sexual debut and new sexual partners were found to be statistically associated with Ureaplasma infection (p ≤ 0.05).
Conclusion
This is the first study to highlight the burden of Ureaplasma infection in Gambian women of reproductive age. The high prevalence observed in this pilot study requires further investigation to determine its association with adverse reproductive outcomes and the need for enhanced surveillance for Ureaplasma in countries where there is limited data on prevalence.
The Muscular-Deep Fascia System: New Findings on the Anatomy of the Structure Between the Eyebrow and the Superior Orbital Margin
Authors: Yin Shilu , Wang Guanhuier , Zhao Zhenmin , Zhang Weiguang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

There is a lack of study on the muscular-deep fascia system which connects the upper eyelid, brow, and glabella. This study aimed to explore the fine anatomy of the muscular-deep fascia system at the region between the eyebrow and the superior orbital margin. We included eight formalin–phenol-embalmed cadavers (16 sides of specimens), and categorized them for anatomical dissection and histological sections. Five cadavers (10 sides) were dissected for gross anatomical observation, whereas all soft tissues of the other three cadavers (6 sides) were dissected for tissue sectioning and histological analysis. Three tissue blocks and 16 strips in each block were trimmed, numbered, and sliced in these specimens. Hematoxylin–Eosin and Masson’s Trichrome staining were undertaken respectively. In the region between the eyebrow and the superior orbital margin, the frontalis was covered by the orbicularis oculi. Fibers of the frontalis muscle penetrated into the orbicularis oculi muscle bundles, and crosslinked around the eyebrow level. Both the frontalis and the orbicularis oculi were attached to the thickened multilayered deep fascia in this region, which could be regarded as the muscular-deep fascia system. The muscular-deep fascia system connects the frontalis deep fascia and deep forehead compartments down to the orbicularis-supporting ligament. The precise anatomy of the muscular-deep fascia system at the region between the eyebrow and the superior orbital margin may provide valuable reference for soft-tissue fixation and suspension in facial surgery.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Activity of Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Extract Against Escherichia Coli and Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Uthman Abdulgafar Ishola , Obafunmi Tonidunni I. , Shitu Sabiu , Bello Nabeela Umar 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) has long been recognized for its therapeutic properties and cultural significance in traditional medicine. This study investigates the antibacterial potential of Curcuma longa extract against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, aiming to contribute to the exploration of alternative or supplementary treatments to combat drug-resistant pathogens.
Results
Phytochemical analysis of the Curcuma longa extract revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, saponin, carbohydrate, and anthraquinones. The extract exhibited varying degrees of antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus isolates, with observed zones of inhibition ranging from 10 ± 0.5 to 25 ± 0.5mm. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined at 25mg/ml and 100mg/ml, respectively. The methanol extract of Curcuma longa demonstrated significant antibacterial activity, particularly at higher concentrations.
Conclusions
This study provides empirical evidence supporting the traditional use of turmeric as a potential alternative to conventional antibiotics. The observed antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus suggests the potential therapeutic value of Curcuma longa in combating bacterial infections. These findings underscore the importance of further research into the pharmacological effects of natural remedies and promote their utilization as supplementary or alternative medicine, potentially addressing challenges associated with conventional medications such as high costs, side effects, and drug resistance.
Exploring the distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms across human exons and introns
Authors: Fraszczak Magdalena , Liu Jakub , Mielczarek Magda , Dobosz Paula , Szyda Joanna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Among all types of mutations, single nucleotide polymorphisms are the most common type of genomic variation. In our study, we explored the counts of single nucleotide polymorphisms in consecutive exons and introns of the human genome based on the data set of 1,222 individuals of Polish origin that comprises 41,836,187 polymorphisms. Chromosomes 1 and 22 were considered to be representatives of two markedly different DNA molecules, since HSA01 represents the longest chromosome and HSA22 is one of the shortest chromosomes. Therefore, the SNP count analysis was based on 1,705,575 variants located within 6,490 genes. The distribution of single nucleotide polymorphisms among introns and exons appeared to be not only highly nonuniform but also exhibited a very consistent pattern. On HSA01, a significant excess of SNPs was observed in the first and last exons, with the first exons always containing fewer SNPs than in the last. The same pattern was also true for HSA22, except for genes represented by 7 and 8 exons. Pairwise comparisons of SNP count between introns also yielded a very consistent pattern. In HSA01 significantly higher numbers of SNPs were harboured by the first intron. On HSA22 the same pattern was observed, although it was less consistent. This observation reflects the distinct functional role of these genomic units.
Remyelinating potential of Olea Europaea and Arachis Hypogaea on Experimental autoimmune Encephalomyelitic model of Multiple Sclerosis by downregulating the pro-inflammatory cytokines
Authors: zahid sara , Khawaja Ali Imran , Chinnam Sampath , Ahmad Zaheer , Riaz Humayun , Yallur Basappa C , Malik Arif , Hassan Khawaja Danial , Khalid Bushra , Qaddoos Abdul , Ahmad Waqas , Zaib Sumera 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, autoimmune demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disease. A neuroprotection model is suggested to find novel treatment approaches with oxidative markers interplay in MS. Current study is aimed to find the role of specific neuroinflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers involved in the progression of EAE-murine-model of MS and to evaluate the neuromodulatory effects of Olea Europaea (Olive oil), and Arachis Hypogaea (peanut oil). Olea Europaea was used for the environmentally friendly synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Marked suppression of leukocyte counts and oxidative-stress markers such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (0.66IU/ml), catalase (CAT), (3.89 and 5.56µmol/ml) and Glutathione (GSH) (6.88 µmol/ml) in the cocktail of Olive and Peanut oil extract treated group's serum was noticed. The expression level of interleukin -6 (IL-6) (9.63 ± 0.43) and Tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) was significantly (P≤0.001) increased (7.89±0.24) in the diseased rat group treated with LPS as compared with the control group (1.000±0.00). Olive oil and peanut oil extracts alleviated expression levels of IL-6, TNF-α, INF-α, GAPDH, β-actin and MMP-8. Similarly, standard drµg Nimodipine, Interferon-α, and Dimethyl fumarate also ameliorated pro-inflammatory cytokine production. As per findings, a significant neuroprotective effect with remyelinated axonal-terminal and oligodendrocytes migration, minimal number of lymphocytic infiltrations, and necrosis of Purkinje-cells was observed after treatment with a cocktail of olive and peanut oils by upregulation of Nitric oxide (NO), Matrix metalloprotease-8 (MMP-8) and 8-hydroxy guanosine (8-OHdG) expression levels.
Co-existence of Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus with Cowpea mild mottle virus on soybean (Glycine max.) in North-East India
Authors: Borah Munmi , Routhu Gowtham Kumar , Deb Bishakha , Katyayani Kanuri Komala Siva , Bhamra Gurpreet Kaur , Saikia Anindita , Nath Palash Deb 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Soybean (Glycine max. L.) plants with virus-like systemic mosaic and mottling symptoms were observed in both experimental and commercial fields in Assam State, India. Begomo and Carlaviruses are the most destructive viruses infecting legume crops in India. A diagnostic survey was carried out to assess the prevalence of major viruses in soybean growing tracts of Assam and North-East India. Infected plants showing severe mosaic, mottling, and crinkling of leaves were collected. Molecular indexing was performed using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with a coat protein gene-specific primer of Begomovirus (Mungbean yellow mosaic virus) and a Carlavirus degenerate primer corresponding to the coat protein gene. Apparently, amplifications were seen for both Begomovirus and Carlavirus infections alone and in combination. According to the sequence analysis, the combination infections in soybean are caused by the Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMIV) and the Cowpea mild mottle virus (CPMMV). This is the first molecular report of the co-existence of the Mungbean yellow mosaic India virus strain and the Cowpea mild mottle Carlavirus on soybean in N.E. India and India.
Effects of extrusion parameters in the printing stability: evaluation in an innovative 3D printer containing a vertical co-rotating twin screw extrusion unit
Authors: Silva Dávila Moreira Lopes , Barbosa Patrícia Alves , Chinelatto Marcelo Aparecido , Silveira Zilda de Castro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study of die swell phenomenon in Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing (MEX-AM) technologies holds great importance in order to maintain the control over the extruded beads diameter to ensure surface quality, dimensional precision, adhesion between adjacent beads (intra and inter), as well mechanical properties on manufactured parts. This paper addresses an experimental procedure to analyze the influence of extrusion parameters on the die swell phenomenon on extruded beads printed from a 3D customized equipment containing a customized co-rotating vertical twin-screw extrusion unit (Co-TSE AM). In this context, an analytical estimation of shear rate in the screws and die was performed; a design of experiments (DOE) was conducted to evaluate the influence of factors as of screw rotational speed (40 rpm and 80 rpm), output rate (20 g/h and 40 g/h), and nozzle diameter (0.4 mm and 0.6 mm) on the die swell ratio (DSR); and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to assess the morphology in the cross-sectional area of the beads, as well as qualitative aspects of surface texture. Additionally, print line experiments were conducted to examine the influence of platform speed and standoff distance on bead width and bead height. It was observed that the DSR average varied between 1.28 and 1.67. Output rate and nozzle diameter are the parameters that most strongly influence DSR. Screw rotational speed has not significant influence on the thermomechanical environment that influences material swelling. The bead width and bead height are differently influenced by the standoff distance and print platform speed.
Prevalence of Inadequate HIV Knowledge and Its Associated Factors among the Malaysian General Population: Findings from The National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2020
Authors: Adnan Muhammad Azri Adam , Sahril Norhafizah , Razak Mohamad Aznuddin Abd , Shamsudin Norliza , Hasim Mohd Hazrin , Mutalip Mohd Hatta Abdul 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Inadequate knowledge of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is underscored as a key factor contributing to the HIV epidemic. Nonetheless, current data on HIV knowledge in Malaysia are still scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence of inadequate HIV knowledge and its associated factors among the general Malaysian population.
Method
The study utilized data from the National Health and Morbidity Survey (NHMS) 2020, a nationwide cross-sectional survey involving respondents aged 13 years and above. HIV knowledge was assessed using the UNGASS indicators questionnaire, which comprises five questions on HIV prevention and transmission. The data were collected using the computer assisted telephone interviewing (CATI) method. Respondents who did not correctly answer all five questions were considered to have inadequate knowledge about HIV. Descriptive analysis and complex sample logistic regression were performed using SPSS version 28.0.
Results
The study revealed an overall prevalence of inadequate HIV knowledge of 77.4%, with adolescents aged 13-19 having the highest prevalence of 86.1%. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that respondents with no formal education (aOR 4.34, 95% CI: 0.65, 29.08) had four times the risk of lacking HIV knowledge. Non-Malaysian respondents (aOR 1.96, 95% CI: 0.78, 4.90) and respondents who worked as unpaid workers, homemakers or caregivers (aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.05, 2,82) were also significantly more likely to have inadequate HIV knowledge.
Conclusion
Three out of four Malaysians were found to lack HIV knowledge. These findings emphasize the importance of targeted HIV prevention initiatives and educational programs aimed at enhancing knowledge and dispelling misconceptions about HIV.
In ovo betaine and heat acclimation affects hatching results, growth performance and immunity of the broilers under cyclic heat stress
Authors: Akşit Mustafa , Helva İhsan Bülent , Yardım Zeynep , Yalçın Servet 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo betaine (IOB) and thermal manipulation during incubation on growth performance, and some immune parameters of broilers under cyclic heat stress (CHS). Eggs were incubated under control (CL) and heat acclimation (HA) conditions. Betaine was injected into chicken embryos at day 11 of incubation (E11). Chicks were raised under standard management conditions until 21 d of age. From 21 to 42 d of age, half of the birds from each incubation treatment (IT) were exposed to CHS. The others were kept at 24°C (OPT). Betain and HA did not affect embryonic mortalities, hatchability, chick weight, and relative weights of digestive organs of chicks. Thymus and spleen weights of chicks increased with betain. The serum IgG was higher in HA + IOB-treated chicks. Blood cholesterol was not influenced by treatments. At 7 and 21 d, the body weights (BW) of chicks from IOB had heavier. At 28 and 35 d, there were significant interaction between IT × rearing temperature (RT) and IOB × RT on BW. Betain increased feed consumption (FC) and improved feed conversion (FCR) from 0 to 21 d. At 28 d, IT × RT interaction on FC was significant. At 35 d, there were significant interactions among IT × IOB × RT on FC and FCR. Betain slightly improved FCR from 0 to 42 d. These results indicated that HA and IOB positively affected thymus weight and IgG level of day-old chicks and enhanced broiler performance of birds under CHS.
23-Year Review of Spheno-Orbital Meningioma: Clinical, Radiological, and Pathological Insights from 100 Cases
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Ma Mingshen , Li Xin , Hei Yan , Li Yueyue , Ma Rui , Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Qi , Yang Xinji , Wu Wei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Spheno-orbital meningioma (SOM) represents a unique variant of sphenoid wing meningiomas, distinguished by its propensity for bone infiltration and cranio-orbital involvement. SOM exhibits a considerable incidence of misdiagnosis and recurrence.
Purposes: To elucidate the clinical, radiological, and pathological characteristics of SOM.
Methods: Review of electronic medical records, histopathology, radiological images and follow-up information of 100 SOM patients.
Results: Of the 100 patients (28 males, 72 females) with SOM, mean age was 46.8±12.6 years and prevalent symptoms were proptosis (99%). All the CT scans showed hyperostosis with 89.3% of the hyperostosis having an irregular edge. In MRI scans, dural tail sign was observed across all patients and the cranio-orbital tumors often penetrated temporal muscle (74.1%), extraocular muscle (74.1%) and lacrimal gland (63%). All the 100 patients underwent surgical intervention, and among them, 62 individuals received postoperative radiotherapy. Grade I resections had a lower recurrence rate(16.7%), which further decreased with the addition of radiotherapy(13.9%). In contrast, all patients with grade II or higher grade resections without radiotherapy experienced recurrence, indicating a higher risk associated with less complete tumor removal. The pathological examination revealed that intraorbital sections exhibited comparable tumor density to intraorbital SOM tumors, along with increased fibrous density but decreased vascular distribution.
Conclusions: Radiological characteristics of SOM included cranio-orbital tumors, hyperostosis of the sphenoid wing with an irregular edge, and dural tail sign. Combination of gross total resection and adjuvant radiotherapy was recommended to minimize recurrence rate. Intracranial SOM tumors tended to be softer and more bleed-prone than intraorbital sections, necessitating surgical precision.
Characteristics and outcomes of in-hospital patients with Covid-19 and history of tuberculosis: A matched Case-Control from the Brazilian Covid-19 Registry
Authors: Carvalho Rafael Lima Rodrigues de Carvalho , Pereira Daniella Nunes , Chagas Victor Schulthais , Augusto Valéria Maria , Costa Felício Roberto , Nascimento Guilherme Fagundes , Ruschel Karen Brasil , Moreira Leila Beltrami , Carneiro Marcelo , Junior Milton Henriques Guimarães , Costa Mônica Aparecida , Bonardi Naiara Patricia Fagundes , Oliveira Neimy Ramos , Aguiar Rúbia Laura Oliveira , Costa Raissa Melo , Marcolino Milena Soriano 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background:
The Covid-19 pandemic caused a negative impact on other infectious diseases control, prevention, and treatment. Consequently, low and middle-income countries suffer from other endemic diseases, such as tuberculosis. This study was designed to compare Covid-19 manifestations and outcomes between patients with previously treated tuberculosis and controls without this condition.
Methods:
We performed a matched case-control study drawn from the Brazilian Covid-19 Registry data, including in-hospital patients aged 18 and over with laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 from March 1, 2020 to March 31, 2022. Cases were patients with a past history of tuberculosis. Controls were Covid-19 patients without tuberculosis history. Patients were matched by hospital, sex, presence of HIV and number of comorbidities, with a 1:4 ratio.
Results:
From 13,636 patients with laboratory-confirmed diagnosis of Covid-19 enrolled in this study, 80 had a history of tuberculosis. Statistical differences in history of chronic pulmonary obstructive disease (15% vs 3.2%), psychiatric disease (10% vs 3.5%,), chronic kidney disease (11.2% vs 2.8%) and solid-organ transplantation; (5% vs 0.9%, p<0.05 for all) were higher in patients with a past history of tuberculosis. Prior use of inhalatory medications (5% vs 0.6%,), oral corticoids (8.8% vs 1.9%), immunosuppressants (8.8% vs 1.9%,) and the use of illicit drugs were more common in the case group (6.2% vs 0.3% p<0.05for all). There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality, mechanical ventilation, need for dialysis and ICU admission.
Conclusions:
Patients with a history of tuberculosis infection presented a higher frequency of use of illicit drugs, chronic pulmonary obstructive disease, psychiatric disease, chronic kidney disease, solid-organ transplantation, prior use of inhalatory medications, oral corticoids, and immunosuppressants. The outcomes were similar between cases and controls.