bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protective effects of Silibinin and cinnamic acid against paraquat-induced lung toxicity in rats: impact on oxidative stress, PI3K/AKT pathway and miR-193a signaling
Authors: Fouad Basma M. , Abdel-Ghany A. A. , Kandeil Mohamed A. , Ibrahim Ibrahim T. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) are the primary determinants of pulmonary fibrosis. It was discovered that antioxidants can ameliorate pulmonary fibrosis caused by prolonged paraquat (PQ) exposure. However, research into the precise mechanisms by which antioxidants influence the signaling pathways implicated in pulmonary fibrosis induced by paraquat is still insufficient. This research utilized a rat model of pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ to examine the impacts of Silibinin (Sil) and cinnamic acid (CA) on pulmonary fibrosis, with a specific focus on pro-fibrotic signalling pathways and ROS-related autophagy.
Methods
Lung injury induced by paraquat was demonstrated to be associated with oxidative stress and inflammation of the lungs, downregulated (miR-193a) and upregulated PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling lung tissues. Expression levels of miR-193a were determined with quantitative real-time PCR, protein level of protein kinase B (Akt), phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K) were determined by western blot analysis. Hydroxyproline levels (HYP) and Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were measured by ELISA, malondialdehyde(MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAO), glutathione peroxidase (GSH) and catalase and were measured in lung tissue homogenates colorimetrically using spectrophotometer.
Results
Long-term exposure to paraquat resulted in decreased PI3K/AKT signalling, decreased cell autophagy, increased oxidative stress, increased and helped pulmonary fibrosis formation. Silibinin and cinnamic acid also decreased oxidative stress by increasing autophagy and miR-193a expression, which in turn decreased pulmonary fibrosis. These effects were associated by low TGF- β1.
Conclusions
Silibinin and cinnamic acid inhibited PQ-induced PI3K/AKT by stimulating miR-193-a expression, thus attenuating PQ- induced pulmonary fibrosis.
Hyperosmotic Sisomicin Infusion: A Mouse Model for Hearing Loss
Authors: Maraslioglu-Sperber Ayse , Blanc Fabian , Heller Stefan , Benkafadar Nesrine 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Hearing impairment arises from the loss of either type of cochlear sensory hair cells. Inner hair cells act as primary sound transducers, while outer hair cells enhance sound-induced vibrations within the organ of Corti. Established models, such as systemic administration of ototoxic aminoglycosides, yield inconsistent and variable hair cell death in mice. Overcoming this limitation, we developed a method involving surgical delivery of a hyperosmotic sisomicin solution into the posterior semicircular canal of adult mice. This procedure induced rapid and synchronous apoptotic demise of outer hair cells within 14 hours, leading to irreversible hearing loss. The combination of sisomicin and hyperosmotic stress caused consistent and synergistic ototoxic damage. Inner hair cells remained intact until three days post-treatment, after which deterioration in structure and number was observed, culminating in cell loss by day seven. This robust animal model provides a valuable tool for otoregenerative research, facilitating single-cell and omics-based studies toward exploring preclinical therapeutic strategies.
Elucidating fungal etiology and multi-drug resistance in oculomycosis and bioprospecting native medical plants as candidates for antifungal therapy
Authors: Badu Kingsley , Boateng Abigail Oforiwaa , Junior Isaiah Osei Duah , Akuffo Kwadwo Owusu , Gyimah Lord 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Despite their debilitating impact on eye health, it is unclear the fungal pathogens implicated in oculomycosis; and the efficacy of clinically used antifungal therapy among ophthalmic clinicians, especially from Ghana, remains enigmatic. Here we use a comprehensive clinical and laboratory data to fill this evidence gap. About ten percent (9.36%) of the ocular specimen was positive for fungal culture with the predominant fungal etiology being Candida albicans. Multi-drug resistance was observed for clinically utilized antifungal agents; amphotericin B, and fluconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine. Alternatively, ethanolic extracts of native medicinal plants, Cinnamomum verum and Syzygium aromaticum, demonstrated potent fungistatic and fungicidal activity against clinically recovered ocular fungal isolates including the common implicating etiology, Candida albicans. Overall, this study broadens our current understanding of the pathogenesis of oculomycosis, and the repercussions of clinically available antifungal treatment therapy. Leveraging on the results of the preliminary medicinal plant screening, we propose further characterization and mechanistic studies to illuminate the bioactive ingredient in plant extracts and their potential mechanism of action for clinical translation.
Coherently excited superresolution using intensity product of phase-controlled quantum erasers via polarization-basis projection measurements
Authors: Ham Byoung 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Recently, the delayed-choice quantum eraser has been applied for coherently excited superresolution using phase-controlled projection measurements of laser light to overcome the diffraction limit in classical physics as well as to solve the limited photon number of the N00N state in quantum physics. Unlike other methods of phase-controlled superresolution in a noninterferometric system, the proposed method is for the intensity products between phase-controlled quantum erasers, resulting in superresolution compatible with the most conventional sensing metrologies. Here, a general scheme of the phase-controlled quantum eraser-based superresolution is proposed and its general solution is derived for an arbitrary Nth-order intensity correlation, where the superresolution shows the photonic de Broglie wave-like quantum feature. Furthermore, phase quantization of the superresolution is discussed to better understand quantum mechanics.
Effect of Tropic Level and Metamorphosis on the Stable Isotope Discrimination of Ectropis grisescens
Authors: Wadood Syed , Li Xin , Mei Hanyi , Li Chunlin , Nie Jing , Khan Wahab , Shao Shengzhi , Tang Meijun , Rogers Karyne , Yuan Yuwei 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Light stable isotopes (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, and δ18O) of Ectropis grisescens (a leaf-eating pest) were measured at different developmental stages. Isotope values of larval instars, pupae, and adult tissues were determined to understand fractionation patterns at different life stages and to evaluate the tropic shift from food to insect to excrement. The insect’s δ13C tissue values were significantly enriched relative to its diet, whereas insect feces were significantly depleted compared to dietary input. Similarly, δ15N values of the pest tissue were significantly enriched compared to its diet and this enrichment was most likely due to protein quality since both insufficient protein and a high dietary protein intake have the potential to enrich δ15N of bulk body tissues by increasing the protein turnover. The δ2H and δ18O values also showed significant fractionation compared to diet. The δ2H tropic enrichment from plant to larvae and subsequent decrease from larvae to moth is likely due to net enrichment from plant to Ectropis grisescens. Significant correlations between diet, pest tissues and feces were observed for most isotopes. In addition, the metamorphosis of Ectropis grisescens significantly changed the stable isotope (δ13C, δ15N, δ2H, and δ18O) values of the resulting moth.
On the Utility of Large Language Model Embeddings for Revolutionizing Semantic Data Harmonization in Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Salimi Yasamin , Adams Tim , Ay Mehmet Can , Balabin Helena , Jacobs Marc , Hofmann-Apitius Martin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Data Harmonization is an important yet time-consuming process. With the recent popularity of applications using Large Language Models (LLMs) due to their high capabilities in text understanding, we investigated whether LLMs could facilitate data harmonization for clinical use cases. To evaluate this, we created PASSIONATE, a novel Parkinson's disease (PD) Common Data Model (CDM) as a ground truth source for pairwise cohort harmonization using LLMs. Additionally, we extended our investigation using an existing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) CDM. We computed text embeddings based on two LLMs to perform automated cohort harmonization for both AD and PD. We additionally compared the results to a baseline method using fuzzy string matching to determine the degree to which the semantic understanding of LLMs can improve our harmonization results. We found that mappings based on text embeddings performed significantly better than those generated by fuzzy string matching, reaching an average accuracy of over 80% for almost all tested PD cohorts. When extended to a further neighborhood of possible matches, the accuracy could be improved to up to 97%. Our results suggest that LLMs can be used for automated harmonization with a high accuracy that can potentially be improved in the future by applying domain-trained models.
Application of a hand-held supplementary light for extending field-based net ecosystem exchange carbon flux measurements in low light conditions
Authors: Heinemeyer Andreas , Holmes Thomas , Jones Anthony , Liu Bing , Daff Jason 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Manual chamber-based carbon flux measurements are frequently used to capture terrestrial carbon cycle processes over vegetated areas. Light response curves, achieved by sequential shading, enable obtaining model parameters of light compensation points, maximum photosynthetic rates and dark respiration. However, light conditions in the field are often limited, especially in darker seasons and areas with frequent cloud and fog, which questions the robustness of model parameters. Artificial light therefore offers a crucial way to assess and address these potential limitations, especially recent advances in LED lights with improved wavelength spectra and intensity. However, previous LED lights were fixed on the chamber top, blocking out natural light, heavy and with a high power demand unsuitable for remote field deployment. Here we tested a handheld LED flashlight as a flexible, low power and low weight option. We investigated the wavelength spectrum and photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) output under controlled conditions and applied it under light limiting field conditions. Carbon uptake benefited from the increased PAR range without affecting chamber temperatures, and whilst there was overall good agreement for model parameters between with and without supplementary light, model fit was improved by the wider light range for situations with higher variability.
Progressive Encephalomyelitis with Rigidity and Myoclonus: A pediatric Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Li Yu , Wang Jingwen , Chen Qihui , Wu Ruohao , Luo Xiangyang , He Zhanwen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Progressive Encephalomyelitis with Rigidity and Myoclonic (PERM) is a serious life-threatening autoimmune disease characterized by rigidity, muscle pain spasm, deep and shallow sensory impairment, brainstem spinal cord symptoms, autonomic dysfunction, sudden spontaneous, stimulus-induced myoclonus. PERM demonstrates varied initial symptoms and involves the extremities, brainstem, spinal cord, and autonomic nerves. Most cases show significant improvement with immunotherapy. PERM is rarely seen in children. We report an 11-year-old boy with PERM. His presentation began with abdominal pain and skin itching, followed by dysuria and urinary retention, truncal and limb rigidity, spasms of the trunk and limbs during sleeping, deep and shallow sensory disturbances, and dysphagia. Tissue-based assay (TBA) demostrated positive cell-like fluorescence in neuronal dendrites of the hippocampus and cerebellum’s Purkinje cells. He had fluctuating clinical response despite immunotherapy (immunoglobulin, dexamethasone and plasmapheresis). In the fifth month since admission, he showed gradual and persistent clinical improvement after one month of stronger immunotherapy treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin, steroids and rituximab. He was discharged with motor function gradually recovered and sensory impairment disappeared after 7 months of hospitalization. During follow-up so far, only the mobility disorder from the hip to the ankle joint remains. Our patient is hidden on the onset of the disease. At first, he appeared autonomic nervous dysfunction with abdominal pain and itchy skin, and gradually muscle tonics, which can easily lead to misdiagnosis. We summarized the diagnosis and treatment of a PERM patient, and also summarized the literature review of the report of child PERM patients to raise the awareness of pediatric neurologists. More comprehension of this disease is required to improve the early diagnosis and effects of treatment, as well as to improve the prognosis.
Morphological variation between queens, workers and drones of Vespa orientalis L. (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Vespinae)
Authors: Shaheen Ahmed Ali , Bedewy Mohammad Mohammad , Metwally Mahmoud mokhtar 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Large-sized wasp, Vespa orientalis L., is a dangerous and widespread enemy to bee hives in Egypt and other countries of the world. There are eleven synonyms known as subspecies, colour forms or so called aberrations of Vespa orientalis, four of them are described from Egypt. Inadequate investigations have been used to identified these colour forms, especially depending upon colour features, without accreditation on other certainty characters such as male genitalia. Morphological with morphometric traits can help in verifying and distinguishing between the subspecies or other forms within individual species. In our study, some body structures of V. orientalis early queens, workers and drones from Egypt were measured including head length and width, mandibles length and width, antennal length, forewing length and width, hindwing length and width, number of hamuli, hind femora length, hind tibiae length and stinger. The result showed that the mean values were; queen head length 6.45 ± 0.03 and 4.54 ± 0.03 for drones, queen head width 6.97 ± 0.03, and 5.08 ± 0.04 for drones, antennal length is longer for drones 10.87 ± 0.07, slightly shorter for queens 10.08 ± 0.08, and distinctly shorter for workers 8.54 ± 0.05, forewing length 24.21 ± 0.12 for queens, and 19.89 ± 0.16 for workers, hindwing length is 14.20 ± 0.19 for queens, and 12.32 ± 0.09 for workers and drones. Some of these characters are effective to discriminating the individual species and can be utilized to emphasized the identification the original species of Vespa orientalis L.
Sedentary behaviour may cause differences in physical outcomes and activities of daily living in older cardiovascular disease patients participating in phase I cardiac rehabilitation
Authors: Izawa Kazuhiro , Ishihara Kodai , Kanejima Yuji , Kitamura Masahiro , Ogura Asami , Kubo Ikko , Oka Koichiro , Brubaker Peter , Nagashima Hitomi , Tawa Hideto , Matsumoto Daisuke , Shimizu Ikki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study aimed to investigate the rate of high sedentary behaviour (SB) time and differences in physical outcomes (PO) and activities of daily living (ADL) based on SB time in hospitalized older cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients undergoing phase I cardiac rehabilitation (CR).
Methods
Older CVD patients were enroled from October 2020 to September 2023 and were divided into the high SB group (≥480 min/day) and low SB group (<480 min/day). The study compared patients’ clinical characteristics, usual gait speed (GS), and Five Times Sit to Stand Test (FTSST) time as indices of PO. Motor, cognitive, and total Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores were used as indices of ADL and compared between groups using analysis of covariance.
Results
Final analysis included 402 patients (mean age: 76.7 years, female: 35.3%). The high SB group included 48.5% of the study patients. After adjustment for baseline characteristics, GS (0.80±0.27 vs. 0.96±0.23 m/sec, p <0.001) was lower and FTSST (11.31±4.19 vs. 9.39±3.11 sec, p <0.001) was higher in the high SB group versus the low SB group. Motor (85.82±8.82 vs. 88.09±5.04 points, p <0.001), cognitive (33.32±2.93 vs. 34.04±2.24 points, p <0.001), and total FIM (119.13±10.66 vs. 122.02±6.30 points, p <0.001) scores were significantly lower in the high SB group versus low SB group after adjustment.
Conclusions
In older CVD patients in phase I CR, SB time might influence PO and ADL at discharge. It is thus necessary to consider the amount of SB time spent by these patients during daily life while hospitalized.
Terahertz photoconductive switch performance dependence on antenna shape
Authors: Nevinskas Ignas , Kamarauskas Mindaugas , Geižutis Andrejus , Kovalevskij Vitalij , Bičiūnas Andrius , Urbanowicz Andrzej , Norkus Ričardas , Ikamas Kęstutis 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Terahertz photoconductive switch antennas come in many designs that appear to be hardly ever sensibly selected. The femtosecond laser induced carriers generate a continuum at terahertz frequencies that require a low Q factor antenna design achievable through ohmic losses. On the one hand, if a broadband terahertz spectrum is desired, a simple coplanar stripline configuration with narrow arm width, i.e. a short dipole, is sufficient. On the other hand, the practical antenna resonance effect raises fabrication and engineering challenges, while the studied antenna shapes provide only a slight improvement to the emission efficiency. These findings are supported by the terahertz emission and detection characterization of a dozen antenna designs, and the results are discussed through the classical Drude-Lorentz conductivity framework.
Emission prediction of oil-type gas out of the coal seam floor based on integration of advanced electrical resistivity exploration techniques with the GA-BP
Authors: Mingyao WEI , Kang GAO , Haoqi HUANGPU , Chunqin LU , KONG Rui 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Oil-type gas disasters are a recurrent concern in coal-oil-gas coexistence mines. To proactively anticipate the volume of oil-type gas emissions from floor rocks, this study introduces an investigative methodology to forecast the geological conditions of floor rocks ahead of the roadway face, leveraging the Direct Current (DC) method. The assessment of electrical resistance in rock formations, widely employed for identifying geological characteristics, serves as the basis for proposing a geological anomaly index derived from rock resistivity. This index effectively characterizes the stability of rock strata, providing an indirect assessment of fracture development. Serving as a real-time geological detection index for floor rocks located 100 meters ahead of the roadway face, it enhances predictive capabilities. Moreover, when amalgamated with parameters such as floor rock thickness and permeability, the paper presents simulations of oil-type gas emissions under varying geological conditions. Subsequently, an adaptive optimization of the Back Propagation (BP) neural network is achieved through the Genetic Algorithm Back Propagation Neural Network (GA-BP) model to evaluate the quantity of oil-type gas emissions in roadways. This advanced real-time prediction method is applied in Huangling coal mining to forecast oil-type gas emissions from the floor rocks in the excavation roadway area. Results demonstrate a congruence with field monitoring outcomes, affirming the accuracy of the predictive model. In conclusion, this advanced real-time prediction technique enables continuous monitoring and real-time forecasting of oil-type gas emissions ahead of roadways. This capability facilitates the implementation of specific measures for pre-extraction in gas disaster prevention and control, thereby ensuring the safety of coal mine production. Furthermore, the versatility of this advanced real-time prediction method extends to early warnings of rock mass instability-related disasters. Through a comprehensive understanding of subsurface conditions, continuous monitoring of changes, and the application of predictive models, timely actions can be undertaken to mitigate risks and uphold safety standards.
Thirst discomfort and its influencing factors after spinal surgery: an observational study
Authors: Gao Menghui , Ning Ning , Fu Zhongmin , Chen Jiali , Li Peifang , Lei Lei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
To investigate the factors contributing to thirst discomfort in spinal surgery patients.
Methods
This study included patients who underwent spinal surgery in the ****** from February 2022 to July 2022. Data were obtained from questionnaires and electronic medical records. Spearman correlation analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney and the Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum tests. The contributing factors to thirst discomfort were analyzed by stepwise regression.
Results
A total of 303 spinal surgery patients were included in the analysis. The thirst discomfort score 2 h after surgery was 10 (7–12). Preoperative factors contributing to thirst at this time point included Kolcaba’s General Comfort Questionnaire score (B=-0.36, p = 0.003), use of statins (B = 1.78, p = 0.004), and the type of admission (B=-0.94, p = 0.024). Intraoperative factors were the length of surgery (B = 0.38, p = 0.0032), use of α2 adrenergic agonists (B = 0.63, p = 0.016), and endotracheal intubation (B=-2.79, p = 0.030). Postoperative factors were the level of thirst at 2 h (B = 1.72, p < 0.001) and indoor relative humidity level at 2 h (B=-0.24, p = 0.043).
Glycolysis-related genes predict prognosis and indicate immune microenvironment features in gastric cancer
Authors: Xu Lu , Liu Jin , An Yuanqing , Zhou Lei , Sun Hui , Xu Zhen , Wang Deqiang , Liang Zhanwen , Xu Caihua , Wang Bingyi , Li Wei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death. Glycolysis plays a pivotal role in tumor microenvironment (TME) reprogramming. This study assessed the roles of glycolysis-related genes (GRGs) in predicting prognosis and indicating the immune microenvironment features in gastric cancer patients.
Methods
Gene expression data and clinical data of GC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) cohort and validated using datasets acquired from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). A total of 326 GRGs were identified from the Molecular Signatures Database (MSigDB). Subtypes of GC were delineated via consensus clustering based on GRG expression. A multigene risk score model was developed using multivariate Cox regression analysis. The CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE algorithms were used to evaluate the immune microenvironment. To probe the biological function of critical genes, wound healing assays, transwell invasion assays, and MTT assays were used.
Results
The patients were divided into two groups, namely, the metabolic subtype (cluster A) and immune subtype (cluster B), based on the expression patterns of the GRGs. Patients in cluster B had a worse prognosis. A risk score model based on the expression of six GRGs, including ME1, PLOD2, NUP50, CXCR4, SLC35A3, and SRD35A3, could predict patient prognosis. Knockdown of CXCR4 significantly attenuated the glycolytic capacity, as well as the migration, invasion, and proliferation of GC cells. Interestingly, although both the immune subtype (cluster B) and high-risk groups had unfavorable prognosis, these two cohorts had favorable immune microenvironment and increased expression of immune checkpoint genes. We found that high expression of CXCR4 and low expression of ME1 were positively correlated with the infiltration of CD8 + T cells and the response to treatment with an anti-PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor.
Conclusions
In the present study, we identified that the expression patterns of GRGs could be used to predict the prognosis of GC patients and may be helpful in guiding clinical treatment decisions.