bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gastrodin prevents myocardial injury in sleep-deprived mice by suppressing ferroptosis through SIRT6
Authors: Wu Yi , Miao Yuping , Cao Yin , Gong Zipeng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Gastrodin (GAS), a bioactive compound derived from the orchid plant Gastrodia elata, exhibits numerous pharmacological effects. However, its effect on sleep deprivation (SD)-induced cardiac injury and the mechanisms are unknown. This study established SD mice model using a modified multiple platform water method and induced ferroptosis model in H9C2 cells using Erastin. The heart rate of mice was measured, and myocardial and mitochondrial structures were visualized using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Myocardial injury, oxidative stress indicators and, Fe2+ levels were detected by the kit method. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected by immunofluorescence, and SIRT6 and ferroptosis-associated protein expression levels were detected by Western blot. Reduced heart rate and abnormalities in myocardial tissue and mitochondrial structure were ameliorated in the SD group of mice after GAS treatment. GAS treatment reduced ROS levels in Erastin-induced H9c2 cells. GAS treatment reduced atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MAD), and Fe2+ levels, and increased superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) levels in the SD and Erastin groups. Western blot showed that GAS treatment increased the expression of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6), solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and decreased the expression of P53 in SD and Erastin groups. The SIRT6 inhibitor OSS_128167 (OSS) reversed GAS treatment of Erastin-induced ferroptosis in H9C2 cells. These observations propose that GAS prevents myocardial injury in sleep-deprived mice by suppressing ferroptosis through SIRT6.
Factors Influencing The Experiences of End-users in Password-Based Authentication System
Authors: Ugwu Celestine , Ukwandu Elochukwu , Ofusori Lizzy , Ezugwu Assumpta , Ome Uchenna , Ezema Modesta , Ndunagu Juliana 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Issues relating to password-based authentication has led to calls to an alternative in passwordless authentication. This call represents a comprehensive drift from password-based authentication irrespective of the introduction of multi-factor authentication, single sign-on and so on that are meant to strengthen the security of password-based authentication systems. As password-based authentication remains the most popular way of making sure end-users of computer, digital and information technology systems have authorised access to their valued assets and resources. The understanding of factors responsible for issues associated with password-based authentication continues to drive researchers and developers’ interests. This paper is a follow-up to an initial effort in understanding the experiences of end-users in password-based authentication. This study used questionnaire-based design administered online through Google form in eliciting information from end-users that will help in determining how much factors like password hygiene culture, use of password management tools, economic and social status of end-users and so on contribute to their password experience. A total of 193 respondents were used in analysis and the result provide factors that contribute and those that do not contribute to the experiences of end-users in their use of password-based authentication systems. The result of this study will go a long way in strengthening the design, deployment and utilisation of password-based authentication.
Rigid vegetation affects slope flow velocity
Authors: Cai Zekang , Xie Jiabo , Chen Yuchi , Yang Yushuo , Wang Chenfeng , Wang Jian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The mean slope flow velocity is critical in soil erosion models but the mechanism of its variation under rigid vegetation cover remains unclear. On natural slopes, vegetation grows predominantly perpendicular to the horizontal plane (BH), with some growing perpendicularly to the slope surface (BS); however, current research often neglects the effects of these two growth directions on the mean flow velocity. We conducted simulation experiments using different coverage levels, rigid vegetation, slope angles, and flow rates and showed that the flow rate and slope significantly influenced the mean flow velocity. As the coverage of rigid vegetation increased, the mean flow velocity increased more under conditions perpendicular to the horizontal plane (BH) and those perpendicular to the slope (BS). A model for predicting mean flow velocity was developed using vegetation equivalent roughness and the Manning formula, which accurately predicted flow velocity in different conditions. This study contributes to the refinement of slope flow theory and provides data that supports soil and water conservation efforts.
Defining the relationship between clinician-preferred ECOG performance status and patient-reported health-related quality of life scores in men with metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer
Authors: Nnabugwu Ikenna I , Obikeze Eric N. , Nnabugwu Chinwe A , Anyimba Solomon K , Amu Okwudili C , Mbadiwe Okezie M , Echetabu Kevin S N , Okoronkwo Ijeoma L 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Performance status and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are important parameters in the management of metastatic prostate cancer. The clinician-preferred Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG-PS) may not relate with the patient-described HRQoL because the later puts into consideration some aspects of health that are not captured by the former. The aim of this study is to define the relationship between clinician-preferred ECOG-PS and the patient-determined HRQoL in men with metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer (mPCa).
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study recruiting patients presenting with mPCa in Enugu, southeast Nigeria. Two clinicians agreed on an ECOG-PS score for each study participant who in turn completed the FACT-P and the EQ-5D-5L questionnaires with interviewer-assistance where necessary. Other medical information was retrieved from the records. ANOVA and chi-square tests were used to compare available data across ECOG-PS preferences and ordinal logistic regression was used to determine the FACT-P questionnaire items that related significantly with the ECOG-PS preferences.
Results
Of the 224 participants (mean age: 70.62 ± 7.34), about 60.7% had ≥ 12years of formal education and 84.9% had ISUP grade ≥ 3 cancer. In all, 22.8%, 55.8%, 21.0% and 0.4% were ECOG-PS 1, ECOG-PS 2, ECOG-PS 3 and ECOG-PS 4 respectively while the mean FACT-P score, EQ-HVI and EQ-VAS score were 80.18 ± 17.56, 0.524 ± 0.324 and 60.43 ± 9.91% respectively. The FACT-P score (p = 0.002), EQ-HVI (p < 0.001) and EQ-VAS score (p < 0.001) varied significantly across the ECOG-PS categories. Within the FACT-P, only questionnaire items GP3 (p = 0.024) and GP7 (p < 0.001) of the PWB domain, and items GF5 (p = 0.009) and GF6 (p = 0.003) of the FWB domain related strongly with the ECOG-PS categories.
Conclusion
There are indications that HRQoL questionnaire items that have to do with impairment in physical role functioning relate strongly with ECOG-PS categories.
Simultaneous determination of remifentanil, etomidate, and rocuronium in serum microsamples from maternal or umbilical blood
Authors: Liu Hao , Cai Meng , Peng Yong , Miao Jing-kun , Yu Jin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to establish and validate an analytical method to accurately determine the anesthetics remifentanil, etomidate, and rocuronium simultaneously in extremely small volumes of serum from maternal or umbilical blood.
Methods
A microsample of serum (10 µl) was diluted up to 50 µl with pure water, then total protein was precipitated using acetonitrile, and the three anesthetics were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry within 4 min. Mass spectrometry was performed with positive electrospray ionization in multiple reaction monitoring mode. The analytical method was characterized in terms of linearity, lower limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, and carry-over effects. The method was validated on samples from 20 pairs of newborns and their mothers.
Results
For all three anesthetics, the analytical method showed linearity (R² > 0.99), inter- and intra-day imprecision < 15% and carry-over < 5%. The lower limits of quantitation were 0.15 ± 0.02 ng/ml for remifentanil, 16.87 ± 0.51 ng/ml for etomidate, and 106.73 ± 8.63 ng/ml for rocuronium. Respective mean concentrations of each anesthetic in serum from maternal arteries, umbilical veins and umbilical arteries were as follows: remifentanil, 4.75 ± 0.19, 2.43 ± 0.13, and 1.33 ± 0.15 ng/ml; etomidate, 412.71 ± 35.29, 302.15 ± 29.03, and 166.24 ± 21.53 ng/ml; and rocuronium, 7.08 ± 0.48, 0.86 ± 0.16, and 0.44 ± 0.77 µg/ml. Respective rates of transport into placenta for the three anesthetics were 0.52 ± 0.02, 0.75 ± 0.04, and 0.13 ± 0.02 (all P < 0.001).
Conclusion
Our analytical method can accurately and reliably determine remifentanil, etomidate, and rocuronium simultaneously in microvolumes of maternal and umbilical serum, making it suitable for pharmacokinetic studies.
Metabolic Indices in Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Uysal Emre , Tammo Omer , Soylemez Esra , Incebıyık Mehmet , Filiz Dilber , Alcı Mesut 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent hormonal disorder affecting 5-15% of women of reproductive age, characterized by ovulatory dysfunction, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovarian morphology. PCOS is associated with metabolic disturbances such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance (IR), and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between new anthropometric indices (BAI, VAI, LAP, BRI, ABSI) and atherogenic indices (Castelli index-I, Castelli index-II, AIP, AC, LCI, TG/HDL-C ratio, METS-IR, TyG index, TyG-BMI index, TyG-WC index) with glucose and insulin profiles in women with PCOS.
Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 248 women diagnosed with PCOS based on the 2003 Rotterdam criteria. Anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and atherogenic indices were collected from patient records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS software version 28.0.
Results: Significant correlations were found between fasting glucose and various anthropometric indices, such as BMI, WHtR, and BAI, indicating a link between adiposity and glucose metabolism in PCOS. Atherogenic indices like Castelli's risk indices, AIP, and AC showed positive correlations with glucose and insulin levels, reinforcing their role in assessing cardiovascular risk. Novel indices such as METS-IR and TyG demonstrated strong correlations with both glucose and insulin profiles, highlighting their potential as reliable markers for IR and cardiometabolic risk.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of using a range of anthropometric and atherogenic indices for comprehensive metabolic assessment in women with PCOS. Indices like METS-IR and TyG offer valuable insights into insulin sensitivity and cardiovascular risk, potentially aiding in better management and prognosis of PCOS.
Magnesium ion conducting Tamarind gum-based bio polymer electrolytes for the fabrication of energy applications and its performance analysis
Authors: P Saranya , D Vanitha , K Sundaramahalingam , M Nandhinilakshmi , VN Vijayakumar , N Nallamuthu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Magnesium ion (Mg2+) conducting Solid Bio Polymer Electrolytes (SBPEs) are prepared by the Tamarind Gum (TG) with the ion source of Magnesium Chloride by solution casting technique. Using XRD and FTIR analyses, the dissociation and complexation of the salt with the polymer host are observed. By using the AC impedance analysis, the higher ionic conductivity calculated for the 1g TG with 0.5g of magnesium chloride added sample (5 TML) is 3.48 × 10− 3 S/cm and the activation energy is 0.045eV. The glass transition temperature attained for 5 TML is 1270C. The complex dielectric permittivity and dielectric modulus spectra are discussed. The relaxation time (τ) attained by tangent analysis for 5TML is 7.94× 10− 7s. From the transference number measurement, it is concluded that the conductivity is mostly due to the transfer of magnesium ions. Using the 5 TML sample, a symmetrical supercapacitor and a primary battery are fabricated. From the Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), a specific capacitance of 413.05 Fg− 1 is obtained at the low scan rate of 15 mV/s. From GCD, power and energy density are calculated as 1499 W/kg and 100 Wh/kg respectively. The performance of the primary magnesium battery is observed and the Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) is found as 2.23V.
Understanding Ixodes ricinus occurrence in private yards: influence of yard and landscape features
Authors: Mazaleyrat Anna , Durand Jonas , Carravieri Irene , Caillot Christophe , Galley Cyril , Capizzi Sandrine , Boué Franck , Frey-Klett Pascale , Bournez Laure 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Lyme borreliosis is the most frequent zoonotic disease in the northern hemisphere and is transmitted by ticks of the genus Ixodes. Although many people are bitten by ticks in private yards, our understanding of the factors associated with their presence in these areas remains limited. To address this gap, we used a citizen science approach to identify the local and landscape features associated with tick presence in yards.
Methods: This study was conducted near Nancy, a city in northeastern France, from 2020 to 2022. Citizen scientists collected ticks in their yard on a single event (n = 185) and measured 13 yard features. Additionally, we computed 11 features related to the landscape composition and spatial configuration surrounding these yards. Using mixed-effect generalized linear models, we determined the yard and landscape features associated with the presence of ticks and nymphal Ixodes ricinus (hereafter nymphs), the life stage, and species that mostly bite humans.
Results: Despite a low density, ticks were found in 32% of the yards, including yards in urbanized areas. At the transect level, the likelihood of finding a nymph was nearly three times higher in transects shaded by vegetation compared to those in open areas, with no relationship between nymph occurrence and transect location or grass height. At the yard level, the occurrence of ticks and nymphs was related to both yard and landscape characteristics. Nymph and tick occurrence were more than twice as high in yards with signs of deer and a wood/brush pile compared to those without these characteristics, and increased with the connectivity of vegetation areas and the percentage of forest areas in the landscape.
Conclusions: Our study reveals that private yards across an urbanization gradient are locations of tick exposure with tick presence linked to both yard and landscape factors. These findings emphasize the importance of public awareness regarding tick exposure in yards and provide crucial insights for future public health prevention campaigns.
Factors associated with mental health disorders among students at Busitema University, an exploratory qualitative study among students at Mbale and Busia campus
Authors: Kagoya Enid Kawala , Mpagi Joseph. L. , Waako Paul , Wandabwa Julius , Saphina Biira , Birabwa Elizabeth , Acon Sophie , Otim Daniel , Kibuule Dan , Kirabira Joseph 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Following the loss of several students at Busitema University faculty of health sciences and other branches, there was an urgent need to understand the factors contributing to the death of the students and it was anticipated that most of them succumbed to mental health issues. This study aimed to explore the potential factors associated with mental health disorders among students at Busitema University.
Methods
Key informant interviews were conducted among the students who were diagnosed with mental health disorders. 42 key informant interviews were conducted following a well-structured interview grid. All participants consented during the study. Each interview was audiotaped and recordings were later subjected to verbatim transcription. Each transcript was carefully reviewed by the principal investigator before the analysis. Thematic content analysis was done following a deductive approach. Dedoose software was used to support the coding and categorization of thematic areas.
Results
The results indicate that several factors associated with mental health disorders included alcohol and substance use, poor learning environment, stringent and unfavorable university policies, the big gap that exists between students and administration, relationship challenges, academic pressure, family factors (Broken families, poverty), Gambling, lack of curricular activities, poor counselling services and political pressures.
Conclusions
Considering the high propensity of mental health issues that hinder the success of students at the university level. Universities must continually evaluate their students' mental health and tailor treatment programs and other cost-effective interventions to target students specifically.
Maintenance of mitogenomic diversity despite recent population decline in a critically endangered Aotearoa New Zealand bird
Authors: Forsdick Natalie J. , Alexander Alana , Brown Liz , Maloney Richard F. , Steeves Tammy E. , Knapp Michael 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) represent a relatively cost-effective tool for comparing diversity between contemporary and historical populations to assess impacts of past population processes, or the outcomes of conservation management. The Aotearoa New Zealand endemic kakī | black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae) is a critically endangered wading bird. Anthropogenic impacts contributed to kakī declining to ~ 23 individuals in 1981 and promoted interspecific hybridisation with their more common congener, the poaka | pied stilt (H. himantopus leucocephalus). Conservation management of kakī has resulted in the population increasing to 169 wild adults today. Here we use mitogenomes to enable comparisons of diversity between contemporary and historical (pre-1970s) stilts, and to understand the impacts of past interspecific hybridisation. We assemble a mitogenome for kakī and use this as a reference to facilitate downstream comparisons of mitochondrial diversity among kakī and poaka through time. Mitogenome haplotypes clearly differentiate kakī from poaka, and thus contribute to the behavioural, ecological, morphological and genetic evidence that conservation action has maintained the species integrity of this critically endangered bird. Furthermore, these results indicate conservation management aiming to maintain genetic diversity has been successful.
Ion-exchange induced multiple effects to promote uranium uptake from nonmarine water by micromotors
Authors: Niu Ran , Fu Linhui , Feng Kai , Zhang Xinle , Chen Ling , Gong Jiang , Qu Jin-ping 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

As the fundamental resource in nuclear energy, uranium is a sword of two sides, due to its radioactive character that could cause severe impact to the environment and living creatures once released by accident. However, limited by the passive ion transport, the currently available uranium adsorbents still suffer from low adsorption rate and capacity. Here, we report a self-driven modular micro-reactor composed of magnetizable ion-exchange resin and adsorbents that can be used to dynamically remove uranium from nonmarine waters. Because of the long-range pH gradient and phoretic flow established by the recyclable ion-exchange resin, the micro-reactor shows a fast uranium adsorption rate and reaches a uranium extraction capacity of 629.3 mg g− 1 within 20 min in 30 ppm uranium solution, as well as good recyclability in repeated use. Numerical simulation result confirms that the phoretic flow and electric field accelerate uranium transport to the adsorbent. Our work provides a new solution for the removal of radioactive uranium with high efficiency and low-effectiveness.
Probing the Evolution of Fault Properties During the Seismic Cycle with Deep Learning
Authors: Laurenti Laura , Paoletti Gabriele , Tinti Elisa , Galasso Fabio , Collettini Cristiano , Marone Chris 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

We use seismic waves that pass through the hypocentral region of the 2016 M6.5 Norcia earthquake together with Deep Learning (DL) to distinguish between foreshocks, aftershocks and time-to-failure (TTF). Binary and N-class models defined by TTF correctly identify seismograms in test with >90% accuracy. We use raw seismic records as input to a 7 layer CNN model to perform the classification. The DL models successfully distinguish seismic waves pre/post mainshock in accord with lab and theoretical expectations of progressive changes in crack density prior to abrupt change at failure and gradual postseismic recovery. Performance is lower for band-pass filtered seismograms (below 10 Hz) suggesting that DL models learn from the evolution of subtle changes in elastic wave attenuation. Tests to verify that our results indeed provide a proxy for fault properties included DL models trained with the wrong mainshock time and those using seismic waves far from the Norcia mainshock; both show degraded performance. Our results demonstrate that DL models can track the evolution of fault zone properties during the seismic cycle, which could improve earthquake early warning and seismic hazard analysis.
Short-duration prediction of urban storm-water levels using the residual-error ensemble correction technique
Authors: Guo Wen-Dar , Chen Wei-Bo 
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT

Predicting water levels in urban storm-water sewer systems is a critical study that could provide vital information to help reduce the risk of flooding. This study proposed a new ensemble model based on the integration of a meta-learner model, residual-error corrections, and a multiple-output framework. To achieve the meta-learner model, three multiple-output data-driven-based (MOD) sewer flooding models employing support vector regression (SVR), k-nearest neighbor regression (KNR), and categorical gradient boosting regression (CGBR) techniques were constructed and applied to predict the short-duration evolution of water levels at seven storm-water gauging sites in Taipei city, Taiwan, considering 10-min datasets spanning nearly 6 years (2016–2021). The Bayesian optimization algorithm was utilized in the training phases for all the models to avoid overfitting or underfitting. Enhancing the analysis of feature importance was also conducted to explore model interpretability based on the SHapley Additive exPlanation (SHAP) algorithm. The outputs of storm-water management model (SWMM) were used as benchmark solutions. For the model validation phase, the proposed integrated model improved the lead-time-averaged Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency of single KNR, SVR, and CGBR models by 174.5, 42.4, and 69.4%, respectively, showing that the proposed accurate model could be useful for urban flood warning systems.