bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First record of Milk thistle (Silybum marianum, Asteraceae) as a potential invasive weed species in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia
Authors: Kassie Weldesenbet Beze 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Early detection, identification and management of invasive weed species are important works in Integrated Pest Management program. Since 2020, Milk thistle, Silybum marianum, an invasive weed species, has been observed widely in urban green spaces and roadsides in Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia. This study aimed to determine the current distribution status of the weed in urban green areas of Addis Ababa city, Ethiopia to plan future management activities. Weed surveys were conducted across 42 urban green sites located in Yeka, Lemi Kura, Bole, Nifas Silk-Lafto, Kolfie Keraniyo, Akaky Kality and Gullele sub-cities during the main rainy season from June to September 2023. The urban green areas were selected by using purposive sampling techniques. Field observations confirmed that Silybum marianum can invade and colonize wide habitats and is a highly competitive invasive weed to other important native plant species. High weed density rates and dense stands of weeds were recorded in the 34 urban green areas. The survey result strongly suggests fast integrated weed management options such as mowing/tilling, weeding before the plant goes to seed, cutting (stems and/or seed heads), and burning (collected plant parts and/or seed heads) into a prepared burrow were done to minimize the spreading of the weed and its ecological impacts.
The evaluation of wear processes of the rolling-sliding contact by means of flake wear debris in dry and wet contact
Authors: JOHN Antoni , Bąkowski Henryk , Śleziak Bogusław 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

One of the tasks of this paper is to explain the cause-and-effect relationship of the influence of operating parameters on the wear of the wheel-rail system where fatigue processes are initiated. In this way, learning about and defining the nature of the phenomenon, makes it possible to determine the reliability of component operation. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of operational parameters on tribological properties of the rolling-rail contact representing the wheel-rail association in real operating conditions. Determining the form of wear on the basis of laboratory tests carried out on an Amsler-type wear testing machine in the wheel-roller system makes it possible to determine the nature of changes occurring as a result of cyclic interaction of normal and tangential forces on the surface of the tested material, without the need for long-term and costly observation of the tested object in normal operation. Quantitative metallographic analysis of the morphology of wear debris was used to determine the intensity of surface wear. Determination of the influence of operational parameters on the stereological characteristics of wear debris makes it possible to predict the regenerative grinding of rails in service in the track and allows practical application by the sections of operation and diagnosis of the railway system.
Comprehensive Approach to in silico Identification and in vitro Validation of Anti-Filarial Lead Molecules Targeting the Dimer Interface of Thioredoxin Peroxidase 1 in Wuchereria bancrofti: A Progress in Anti-Filariasis Drug Development
Authors: Muthusamy Sureshan , Sundarraj Rajamanikandan , Kadhirvel Saraboji 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a significant health challenge for populations in developing countries, including India. LF is a parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes, caused by three types of nematodes: Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, and Brugia timori, prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions. Filarial nematodes are transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes carrying L3 larvae during a blood meal. The human immune system generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) in response to the invading nematodes. Nevertheless, the nematode's antioxidant enzymes effectively counteract the oxidative cytotoxicity induced by the host. The enzyme thioredoxin peroxidase 1 (TPx1) is a member of the peroxiredoxin family, which facilitates the conversion of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into water (H2O), which is highly used by nematodes to maintain oxidative stress in the host throughout their life cycle. Therefore, developing appropriate therapeutic compounds by targeting TPx1 might aid in resolving difficulties with treatment efficacy and activity at various stages of filarial parasitic worms. To find the potent inhibitors, we modelled the three-dimensional structure of WbTPx1, and its dynamic stability was assessed by molecular dynamic (MD) simulation studies. A structure-based virtual screening approach was used to find the most promising leads from the small molecule collection, focusing on the dimer interface region of WbTPx1. The predicted in silico ADMET profiles for the top-ranked hits revealed that the non-toxic lead compounds had the greatest docking score, ranging from − 7.410 kcal/mol to -6.887 kcal/mol, and the identified leads showed higher affinity to WbTPx1 than HsTPx1 based on the cross-docking studies. Throughout the simulation of the WbTPx1-lead complex, the lead molecules exhibited stability and remained intact within the binding site. Furthermore, the in vitro validation of the chosen leads based on computational results in the filarial worm Setaria digitata exhibited higher inhibition and better IC50 than the standard drug ivermectin. Hence, the identified leads have the potential to inhibit enzyme activity, serving as possible drug candidates for the control of LF.
Add-on multiple submucosal injections of the RNA oligonucleotide GUT-1 to anti-TNF antibody treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis: An open-label, proof-of concept study
Authors: Suzuki Kenji , Sameshima Yukinori , Yokoyama Junji , Terai Shuji , Yoneyama Hiroyuki , Atreya Raja , Neurath Markus F. , Hibi Toshifumi , Asakura Hitoshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background: Carbohydrate sulfotransferase 15 (CHST15) is an enzyme biosynthesizing matrix glycosaminoglycan that modulates tissue remodeling. We evaluated the efficacy of add-on submucosal injections of GUT-1, the RNA oligonucleotide inhibitor of CHST15, to ongoing anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibody treatment in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods: This was an open-label study of 250 nM of GUT-1 by endoscopic submucosal injections at weeks 0, 2, 4 in five UC patients who lost response during maintenance treatment to anti-TNF antibodies. The primary endpoint was the rate of endoscopic improvement at week 6 and secondary endpoints included the rates of clinical remission by modified Mayo Score (mMS). Patients received follow-up observation with continuous maintenance treatment by the same anti-TNF antibody till the time of clinical recurrence or for overall 52 weeks.
Results: At week 6, rates of endoscopic improvement and clinical remission were 80% (n=4/5) and 60% (n=3/5), respectively. The mean Endoscopy Subscore was reduced from 2.4 (95%CI: 1.7 to 3.1) at baseline, to 1.0 (95%CI: 0.1 to 1.9) at week 6. The mean mMS was reduced from 7.8 (95%CI: 6.2 to 9.4) to 1.3 (95%CI: 2.9 to 4.3). GUT-1 was well tolerated. Three patients did not show clinical recurrence for 52 weeks. All three corticosteroid-dependent patients showed no corticosteroid exposure for at least 24 weeks after achieving clinical remission. Multiple dosing was also well tolerated.
Conclusions: Add-on multiple injections of GUT-1 to ongoing anti-TNF antibody was able to induce rapid and durable clinical responses in UC patients who lost response to anti-TNF therapy.
Clinical trial Registration Number (Japan): UMIN000020900
The role of integrin-related genes in atherosclerosis complicated by abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Ma Likang , Chen Keyuan , Tang Lele , Chen Liangwan , Qiu Zhihuang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Increasingly, the shared risk factors and pathological processes of atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) are being recognized. The aim of our study was to identify the hub genes involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and AAA.
Methods
The analysis was based on two gene expression profiles for atherosclerosis (GSE28829) and AAA (GSE7084), downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Common differential genes were identified and an enrichment analysis of differential genes was conducted, with construction of protein-protein interaction networks, and identification of common hub genes and predicted transcription factors.
Results
The analysis identified 133 differentially expressed genes (116 upregulated and 17 downregulated), with the enrichment analysis identifying a potential important role of integrins and chemokines in the common immune and inflammatory responses of atherosclerosis and AAA. Regulation of the complement and coagulation cascades and regulation of the actin cytoskeleton were associated with both diseases, with 10 important hub genes identified: TYROBP, PTPRC, ITGB2, ITGAM, PLEK, CTSS, LY86, ITGAX, CCL4, and FCER1G.
Conclusions
Findings identified a common pathogenetic pathway between atherosclerosis and AAA, with integrin-related genes playing a significant role. The common pathways and hub genes identified provide new insights into the shared mechanisms of these two diseases and can contribute to identifying new therapeutic targets and predicting the therapeutic effect of biological agents.
PEGylation renders carnosine resistant to hydrolysis by serum carnosinase and increases renal carnosine levels
Authors: Zhang Shiqi , Yang Guang , Zhang Qinqin , Fan Yuying , Tang Mingna , Shen Liuhai , Zhu Dongchun , Zhang Guiyang , Yard Benito 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Carnosine’s protective effect in rodent models of glycoxidative stress have provided a rational for translation of these findings in therapeutic concepts in patient with diabetic kidney disease. In contrast to rodents however, carnosine is rapidly degraded by the carnosinase-1 enzyme. To overcome this hurdle, we sought to protect hydrolysis of carnosine by conjugation to Methoxypolyethylene glycol amine (mPEG-NH2). PEGylated carnosine (PEG-car) was used to study the hydrolysis of carnosine by human serum as well as to compare the pharmacokinetics of PEG-car and L-carnosine in mice after intravenous (IV) injection. While L-carnosine was rapidly hydrolyzed in human serum, PEG-car was highly resistant to hydrolysis. Addition of unconjugated PEG to carnosine or PEG-car did not influence hydrolysis of carnosine in serum. In mice PEG-car and L-carnosine exhibited similar pharmacokinetics in serum but differed in half-life time (t1/2) in kidney, with PEG-car showing a significantly higher t1/2 compared to L-carnosine. Hence, PEGylation of carnosine is an effective approach to prevent carnosine degradations and to achieve higher renal carnosine levels. However, further studies are warranted to test if the protective properties of carnosine are preserved after PEGylation.
Treatment of late left bronchopleural fistula after left pneumonectomy through right thoracic approach assisted by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Li Wenhao , Liu Kejun , Liao Xiaozu , Li Binfei , Liang Yi , Huang Weizhao 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a rare but fatal complication after pneumonectomy. When a BPF occurs late (weeks to years postoperatively), direct resealing of the bronchial stump through the primary thoracic approach is challenging due to the risks of fibrothorax and injury to the pulmonary artery stump, and the surgical outcome is generally poor. Here, we report a case of late left BPF following left pneumonectomy successfully treated using a right thoracic approach assisted by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Case presentation:
We report the case of a 57-year-old male patient who underwent left lower and left upper lobectomy, respectively, for heterochronic double primary lung cancer. A left BPF was diagnosed at the 22nd month postoperatively, and conservative treatment was ineffective. Finally, the left BPF was cured by minimally invasive BPF closure surgery via the right thoracic approach with the support of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO).
Conclusions
Advanced BPF following left pneumonectomy can be achieved with an individualized treatment plan, and the right thoracic approach assisted by ECMO is a relatively simple and effective method, which could be considered as an additional treatment option for similar patients.
Clinical efficacy and safety of vasopressin and its analogues in patients with septic shock: a meta-analysis and trial sequential analysis
Authors: dong milan , Li Shaojun , Jiang Jing , Pi Dandan , Li Jiashan , Bai Xuehan , Lu Yiqi , Xu Feng , Li Xuemei , Li Jing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background The guidelines recommend norepinephrine as the first-line drug for the treatment of septic shock, with vasopressin as a complementary drug. However, there is currently no conclusive evidence on the difference in clinical outcomes between vasopressin and norepinephrine in the treatment of septic shock. The aim of this updated meta-analysis was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of vasopressors compared to catecholamines in managing septic shock patients.
Methods We conducted a study that included literatures published from inception to August 31, 2023, using databases such as MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Web of Science (WOS), and CENTRAL. The study only included articles published in English. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared vasopressin with catecholamine alone in septic shock patients were included in this meta-analysis. Pooled effects of relative risk (RR) or mean difference (MD) and their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a random/fixed-effects model based on the heterogeneity.
Results: Twenty-four studies, involving a total of 4080 participants, were included in the analysis. The combined analysis of vasopressin did not show a significant reduction in 28-day/90-day/ICU/hospital mortality or total mortality (RR, 0.95; 95% CI 0.88–1.02; P = 0.14). This finding was further confirmed by sensitive analyses. However, when considering underlying disease in a subgroup analysis, vasopressin demonstrated benefits in reducing mortality (RR, 0.86; 95% CI 0.75–0.99; P = 0.04), while terlipressin performed even better (RR, 0.74; 95% CI 0.62–0.89; P < 0.01). The pooled analysis also indicated a significant reduction in mechanical ventilation duration with vasopressin (MD -0.60, 95% CI -1.10~-0.11, P = 0.02) and lower norepinephrine doses (MD -10.81, 95% CI -16.78~-4.83, P < 0.01). Additionally, the data suggested a 29% decreased risk of renal replacement therapy in the vasopressin group, but a 2.85 times higher risk of digital ischemia. However, there were no significant differences observed in ICU-LOS, SOFA score change, lactate change, and other adverse events.
Conclusions: According to research, vasopressin has shown potential in reducing mortality rates among septic shock patients with underlying diseases. Therefore, when treating patients with septic shock, healthcare professionals should carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of using vasopressin and make a personalized treatment approach.
UCAD: commUnity disCovery method in Attribute-based multicoloreD networks
Authors: Domgue Félicité Gamgne , Tsopze Norbert , Ndoundam René 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Many hierarchical methods for community detection in multicolored networks are capable of finding clusters when there are interslice correlation between layers.
However, in general, they aggregate all the links in different layer treating them as being equivalent. Therefore, such aggregation might ignore the information about the relevance of a dimension in which the node is involved. In this paper we fill this gap by proposing a hierarchical classification based-Louvain method for interslice-multicolored networks. In particular we define a new node centrality measure named \textit{Attractivity} to describe the inter-slice correlation that incorporates within and across-dimension topological features in order to identify the relevant dimension. Then, after merging dimensions through a frequential aggregation, we group nodes by their relational and attribute similarity, where attributes correspond to their relevant dimensions.
We conduct an extensive experimentation using seven real-world multicolored networks, which also includes comparison with state-of-the-art methods. Results show the significance of our proposed method in discovering relevant communities over multiple dimensions and highlight its ability in producing optimal covers with higher values of the multidimensional version of the modularity function.
Observational study on sex hormone levels in peripheral blood of male patients with anorectal abscess and anal fistula
Authors: Zhang Xi , Zhang Qiang , Wang Minjie , Sun Yanting , Lu Jingen 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate the preoperative levels of sex hormones in patients with anorectal abscesses and anal fistula.
Design and methods:
Male patients with anorectal abscesses, anal fistula, and hemorrhoids were preoperatively admitted to the Department of Anorectal Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine(SHUTCM) between October 2021 and March 2023. Patients are grouped according to disease. For each group, sex hormones were evaluated before the operation.
Results
A total of 249 male patients were eligible for the study, including 64 patients in the hemorrhoid group, 64 patients with anorectal abscesses, and 121 patients with anal fistula. Patients with anorectal abscesses had significantly lower testosterone(T) levels than patients with hemorrhoids and fistula (P = 0.003, P < 0.001), and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels were higher than those in the fistula group (P = 0.027). Tlevels are even lower in patients with anorectal abscesses when the following conditions are present: leukocytes above the normal range abscesses greater than or equal to 2 quadrants in extent, no fistula formation, and duration of disease less than 7 days. In patients with fistulas, T levels were lower in overweight patients and those with fistulas with internal openings above the dentate line, while diabetes, hypertension, type of fistula, number of fistulas, and presence of inflammatory bowel manifestations were not significantly associated with T levels.
Conclusions
Low T levels suggest early, severely infected, unformed fistula disease features in patients with anorectal abscesses, as well as high internal openings in patients with anal fistulas.
Using a composite Catalyst in The gasification process, in-situ Plastic Waste is converted to Energy.
Authors: Abdelrahman Ameen , Erchiqui Fouad , Nedil Mourad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The world is eager to find a solution to reduce the phenomenon of climate change and transition to sustainable and renewable resources in all facets of our lives as we live in this period. Climate change and the emission of greenhouse gases are closely related issues. In that study, we focused on finding ways to reduce municipal management of plastic solid waste and conversion to enhance gases and solid carbon instead of direct incineration or disposal. In order to fracture a variety of plastic debris (PEHD, PELD, PVC, and PS) in a fixed bed reactor system, we created composite materials made of three transition metal oxides (manganese, titanium, and iron). These materials were built using layers of bentonite clay. To enrich and improve gas yields and product quality, the gasification reaction has been set up with customizable, parameter-optimized heating rate, loading, and reaction time settings. For the distribution of composites and products, many characterization techniques, including XRD, TEM, SEM, GC, and EDX (Gas yield and char weight ratio), have been used.
The automation of feedback in collaborative learning: A design ethnography of maritime simulation
Authors: Sellberg Charlott , Sharma Amit 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Collaborative learning in high-fidelity simulators is an important part of how master mariner students are preparing for their future career at sea, becoming part of a ship’s bridge team. This study aims to inform the design of an intelligent learning system to be used for providing adaptive feedback to master mariner students engaged in collaborative learning activities in high-fidelity simulators. Through a design ethnographic approach, we are basing or analysis on video records of everyday training practices at a simulator center in Scandinavia. Findings show how the delivery of feedback in simulation training consist of recurring, multilayered, and multimodal feedback cycles. These cycles consist of the instructors’ close monitoring of the students' actions to continuously assess the fit between the learning objectives and the ongoing task, to provide feedback that draws on the rich semiotic resources of the simulated environment while considering aspects of realism and authenticity of importance for professional learning. Considering the multilayered and multimodal nature of feedback in professional learning contexts, as well as the role-playing character of feedback in simulator-based maritime training, our results highlight the importance of taking on a multimodal learning analytics approach to gather data on how students collaboratively engage with their tasks to design feedback that have the potential to scaffold their learning trajectories.
Cryptocarya genus: Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses, and Pharmacological
Properties
Authors: Sargazifar Zahra , Borabadi Rasoul , Mottaghipisheh Iman , Tazik Zahra , Shakeri Abolfazl , Asili Javad , Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: February 2024

Abstract:
Medicinal plants are claimed to be a safer and more powerful treatment option for
many ailments. Plants of the genus Cryptocarya, which biosynthesize numerous bioactive compounds,
majorly flavonoids, pyrones, alkaloids, coumarins, and terpenoids, have demonstrated a
variety of health benefits, including antimalarial, cytotoxic, antimicrobial, antituberculosis, and
anti-inflammation properties. Due to the significant applications in traditional medicine of several
communities and secondary metabolites already isolated, this study presents the ethnopharmacological,
phytochemical and therapeutic potential of species of the genus Cryptocaria. A total
of 177 new bioactive compounds with diverse chemical structures have been reported from the
genus. The data set revealed that the genus Cryptocarya is a source of cytotoxic substances,
which have the potential to be used in the treatment of diseases resulting from cellular mutations.
Further phytochemical and biological assessments may lead to the development of new pharmacologically
active compounds.