bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of mortality among Marines, Navy personnel, and civilian workers exposed to contaminated drinking water at USMC Base Camp Lejeune: a cohort study
Authors: Bove Frank J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background
Drinking water at U.S. Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, North Carolina was contaminated with trichloroethylene and other industrial solvents from 1953 to 1985.
Methods
A cohort mortality study was conducted of Marines/Navy personnel who, between 1975 and 1985, began service and were stationed at Camp Lejeune (N = 159,128) or Camp Pendleton, California (N = 168,406), and civilian workers employed at Camp Lejeune (N = 7,332) or Camp Pendleton (N = 6,677) between October 1972 and December 1985. Camp Pendleton’s drinking water was not known to be contaminated between 1972 and December 1985. Mortality follow-up was between 1979 and 2018. Survival analyses were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) comparing mortality rates between Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton cohorts and assess the effects of duration at Camp Lejeune. The ratio of upper and lower 95% confidence interval (CI) limits, or CIR, was used to evaluate the precision of effect estimates. The study focused on underlying causes of death with HRs ≥ 1.20 and CIRs ≤ 3. Results from contributing causes were also presented.
Results
Deaths among Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton Marines/Navy personnel totaled 19,250 and 21,134, respectively. Deaths among Camp Lejeune and Camp Pendleton civilian workers totaled 3,055 and 3,280, respectively. Compared to Camp Pendleton Marines/Navy personnel, Camp Lejeune had adjusted HRs ≥ 1.20 with CIRs ≤ 3 for cancers of the kidney (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.95, 1.54), esophagus (HR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.00, 1.54) and female breast (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 0.73, 1.98). Causes of death with HRs ≥ 1.20 and CIR > 3, included Parkinson disease, myelodysplastic syndrome and cancers of the testes, cervix and ovary. Compared to Camp Pendleton workers, Camp Lejeune had adjusted HRs ≥ 1.20 with CIRs ≤ 3 for chronic kidney disease (HR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.13, 3.11) and Parkinson disease (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 0.72, 2.04). Female breast cancer had an adjusted HR of 1.19 (95% CI: 0.76, 1.88). Sensitivity analyses indicated that confounding bias due to unmeasured risk factors (e.g., smoking) is unlikely to significantly impact the findings.
Conclusion
Marines/Navy personnel and civilian workers likely exposed to contaminated drinking water at Camp Lejeune had increased hazard ratios for several causes of death compared to Camp Pendleton.
A National Study Exploring the Association Between Fasting Duration and Mortality Among the Elderly
Authors: Zhang Zhixuan , Zhao Hang , Jiang Meng , Pu Jun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Benefits from weight management have been widely accepted, and prolonged fasting duration has become a common method for weight control. The suitability of prolonged fasting duration for elderly individuals remains controversial. This study aims to examine the correlation between fasting duration and mortality within a nationally representative cohort of elderly individuals in the United States.
Methods
Data were extracted from a prospective cohort study conducted within the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. Individuals over 60 with complete data on dietary intake and mortality follow-up information were included. Fasting duration was assessed using two 24-hour dietary recalls. All participants were categorized into fasting duration quantiles. Mortality outcomes were ascertained through the National Death Index. Cox proportional-hazards regression models were utilized to analyze the association between fasting duration and mortality.
Results
The final analysis included a total of 9,826 elderly participants (mean age 70.03, 49.33% male), with 2408 deaths observed during a median follow-up of 6.82 years. Following adjustments for covariates, the longest fasting duration (> 12.5 hours) exhibited heightened cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (Hazard Ratios [HR], 1.30; 95% CI, 1.01–1.66) and mortality from other causes (HR, 1.52, 95% CI, 1.07–2.16) compared to those with the shortest fasting duration (< 10 hours). Notably, the CVD mortality was significantly increased in males and in individuals aged 60–69 with a fasting duration exceeding 12.5 hours (HR, 1.49 and 2.87; 95% CI, 1.00-2.20 and 1.32–6.23, respectively). A non-linear relationship was observed between fasting duration and all-cause mortality (P = 0.03), with a fasting duration of 11.89 hours linked to the lowest mortality.
Conclusions
Prolonged fasting periods are associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and mortality from other causes. Fasting duration of 11.89 hours is associated with the lowest mortality rate. Caution should be exercised by clinicians when recommending time-restricted feeding for the elderly. Further research through randomized controlled trials should be conducted to comprehensively investigate the impact of TRF on mortality.
Study of the stampability of AISI 441 steel under different initial conditions
Authors: Neto Mozart Mesquita da Costa , Silva Gilmar Cordeiro , Matějka Michal , Corrêa Elaine Carballo Siqueira , Lopes Wellington 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The deep drawing process in metallic materials has several limitations, such as a stamped depth, the occurrence of wrinkles, the fracture of the sheet before total deformation and the generations of solids with variations in wall thickness. Considering these variables, this work studies the formability of AISI 441 stainless steel under different initial conditions, namely, as-received and rolled to investigate the effect of these variables on the formability of this ferritic stainless steel. The mechanical characterization of AISI 441 steel involved tensile, shearing and Vickers microhardness tests followed by cold stamping, using a deep stamping die. The structural investigation was accomplished by optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. The mechanical behaviour after the stamping process was analyzed by shearing tests on the bottom and wall of the cup and correlated to the deformation limit of the material, and the respective texture characteristics. The shearing test results indicated the effect of the initial condition on the mechanical behaviour after the stamping of AISI 441 steel, which exhibited hardening of the wall and softening at the bottom of the cups. Change in misorientation grain and strengthening of γ-fiber texture component for the rolled condition of AISI 441 steel.
Developing Country External Audit Effectiveness: Ordinary least squares regressions analysis
Authors: Mebratu Agumas Alamirew 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Countries which are administered in a democratic policy need to be accountable in their use of public money and to provide efficient, effective, and economical service delivery. In order to accomplish those government objectives, pertaining external audit function will be the main instrument for controlling and using of all scarce resources available in the public sectors organization. The main objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of external audit effectiveness in Ethiopia. 476 respondents' self-administered questionnaires and a quantitative methodology were taken into account. The ordinary least squares regressions analysis revealed that the five predictors (independenceof external audit, competency of auditors, audit quality, management supportand information technology used) have positive influence on external audit effectiveness under the study. It is recommended that functions and activities of external auditors shall be free from the interference of the management including and reporting all the critical findings; the external audit staffs need to collectively possess to develop their knowledge and skills through appropriate professional training and development program; leaders provide necessary material support; and the work of external audit should be performed with modern technology such as the using of computerized data tools and specific audit software.
Enhancing urban flood resilience: interdisciplinary integration of climate adaptation, flood control, and land-use planning from 3PA to 4PA
Authors: Huang Cheng-Chia , Wang Chen-Ling 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Flood risk profoundly impacts the world, threatening human life and property safety. Flood control infrastructure is pivotal in mitigating flooding impacts by reducing flood-prone area frequency, extent, and depth of inundation. However, climate change poses uncertainties that challenge the effectiveness of the existing flood prevention measures. In the current situation, effective urban flood management should involve multiple governing authorities, including water resource management and land-use planning units. Integrating local governments and regulatory bodies is crucial but is often overlooked in regulatory frameworks. This article discusses land restrictions and management strategies and presents suitable suggestions for water resource regulations. Then, this study proposes an extension concept from the Three Points Approach (3PA), which identifies technical optimization, spatial planning, and day-to-day value for water management, to the 4PA (Four Point Approach) strategy considering the design for failure concept. This study not only responds well to the future flooding situation under the climate change threats but also presents an adaptation toolkit for urban planning reference. To build resilient cities capable of withstanding climate-induced disasters while sustaining growth, the concept of ‘design for failure’ should be integrated into the urban planning core. This approach aims for sustainable development, emphasizing harmoniously integrating engineering solutions with land-use planning across administrative levels.
Analysis of dry and wet season water quality in the municipality of La Gomera, Guatemala
Authors: Caballero Alejandra , Garcia Margareth , Pérez-Sabino Francisco , Lickes Sergio , Guzmán-Quilo Carolina , Pérez-Folgar Jorge , Johnson Derek , Pouit Silvie , Gomez Diana , Rodriguez Darío , Arroyo Gerardo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
There is a need for access to clean potable water worldwide. However, almost every source of surface water in Guatemala is contaminated. This study assesses the potential exposure to water contaminants in proximity to Medecins Sans Frontieres's (MSF) chronic kidney disease clinic population in La Gomera, Guatemala during wet and dry seasons. Five municipal wells and four artisanal wells (servicing approximately 18.9% of La Gomera) were selected for their proximity to MSF La Gomera clinic to determine the presence of coliforms, physicochemical parameters, heavy metals, and pesticide residues. Water samples were collected over 3 consecutive days during La Gomera's wet season and again during the dry season. Wet season 2022: Total coliforms and Escherichia coli exceeded the acceptable limits for several artisanal wells but were not detected in municipal wells. Mercury and arsenic were detected in all wells during at least one sampling period. Dry season 2023: Total coliforms exceeded the acceptable limits for all wells and E. coli was detected in all four artisanal wells. Lead and arsenic were detected in all wells. Our results suggest that water from artisanal wells does not meet COGUANOR or WHO microbiological criteria for human consumption.
Impact of PVC microplastics in photodynamic inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA
Authors: Lima Alessandra Ramos , Sammarro Silva Kamila Jessie , Aguiar Antônio Sérgio Nakao , de Souza Mariana , Lima Thalita Hellen Nunes , Blanco Kate Cristina , Bagnato Vanderlei Salvador , Dias Lucas Danilo 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Photodynamic processes have found widespread application in therapies. These processes involve photosensitizers (PSs) that, when excited by specific light wavelengths and in the presence of molecular oxygen, generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), that target cells leading to inactivation. Photodynamic action has gained notable attention in environmental applications, particularly against pathogens and antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) that pose a significant challenge to public health. However, environmental matrices frequently encompass additional contaminants and interferents, including microplastics (MPs), which are pollutants of current concern. Their presence in water and effluents has been extensively documented, highlighting their impact on conventional treatment methods, but this information remains scarce in the context of photodynamic inactivation (PDI) setups. Here, we described the effects of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) microparticles in PDI targeting Staphylococcus aureus and its methicillin-resistant strain (MRSA), using curcumin as a PS under blue light. The presence of PVC microparticles does not hinder ROS formation; however, depending on its concentration, it can impact bacterial inactivation. Our results underscore that PDI remains a potent method for reducing bacterial concentrations in water and wastewater containing ARB, even in highly contaminated scenarios with MPs.
NADP+/NADPH in Metabolism and its Relation to Cardiovascular
Pathologies
Authors: Sun Yuanyuan , Wu Dan , Hu Qingxun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP+/NADPH) redox
couple serves as a substrate or cofactor for many enzymes to maintain cellular redox
homeostasis as well as to regulate biosynthetic metabolism. The deficiency or imbalance
of NADP+/NADPH redox couple is strongly associated with cardiovascular-related
pathologies. An imbalance in the NADP+/NADPH ratio can lead to either oxidative or reductive
stress. Reductive stress complicates the cellular redox environment and provides
new insights into the cellular redox state. Newly discovered biosynthetic enzymes and
developed genetically encoded biosensors provide technical support for studying how
cells maintain a compartmentalized NADP(H) pool. NADP(H) plays an important role
in cardiovascular pathologies. However, whether NADP(H) is injurious or protective in
these diseases is uncertain, as either deficiency or excess NADP(H) levels can lead to imbalances
in cellular redox state and metabolic homeostasis, resulting in energy stress, redox
stress, and ultimately disease state. Additional study of the replicative regulatory network
of NADP(H) metabolism in different compartments, and the mechanisms by
which NADP(H) regulates redox state and metabolism under normal and pathological
conditions, will develop the targeted and novel therapies based on NADP(H)
metabolism.
Alterations in Adipocytokine Signaling Pathway and Pyroptosis in
Neonatal Hypoxic-ischemic Encephalopathy
Authors: Ran Min , Yin Li , Guo Yatu , Zhang Wei 
Published: March 2024

Aims::
The aims of this study are to discover dysregulated adipocytokine signaling
pathway and pyroptosis-related genes to predict neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy
(HIE) occurrence.

Background::
HIE is an important cause of infant death and long-term neurological sequelae.
Current treatment options for HIE are relatively limited and the pathogenesis of
HIE remains to be fully explored. This study investigated the alterations of adipocytokine
signaling pathway and pyroptosis in neonatal HIE.

Objective::
To reveal the alterations of adipocytokine signaling pathway and pyroptosis
relevant to HIE occurrence.

Methods::
Data on neonatal HIE were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus
(GEO) database. Pathway analyses of single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ss-
GSEA) and GSEA were performed on the adipocytokine signaling pathway and pyroptosis.
Proportions of immune cells in a single sample were also calculated by ssGSEA and
CIBERSORT algorithm. The relationship between the adipocytokine signaling pathway
and pyroptosis was analyzed according to Pearson correlation analysis.

Results::
The activities of KEGG pathways changed after the occurrence of HIE, and
adipocytokine signaling pathway was activated with related overexpressed genes. For
the three energy metabolisms, carbohydrate metabolism was enhanced; lipid metabolism
showed increased fatty acids metabolism and decreased ability of fatty acids synthesis;
metabolic levels of phosphate and phenylalanine in amino acid metabolism were elevated.
Enhanced pyroptosis and relevant overexpressed genes were accompanied by increased
immune cells. A positive connection between adipocytokine signaling pathway
and pyroptosis was observed.

Conclusion::
These results indicated that the adipocytokine signaling pathway may promote
HIE occurrence by upregulating the expression of pyroptosis-related genes, providing
a novel mechanism for HIE.
Enhancing the Antiproliferative Activity of Perillyl Alcohol against
Glioblastoma Cell Lines through Synergistic Formulation with Natural Oils
Authors: Alharbi Waleed S. , Alshehri Abdullah A. , Ahmed Tarek A. , Md. Shadab , Almehmady Alshaimaa M. , Alshabibi Manal A. , Altamimi Reem M. , El-Say Khalid M. 
Published: March 2024

Background::
Due to its volatility, photostability, and gastrointestinal toxicity, Perillyl Alcohol (POH),
a monoterpenoid component of various plant species, is a chemotherapeutic drug with insufficient efficacy.
Many naturally occurring bioactive compounds have well-known antiproliferative properties, including sefsol,
jojoba, tea tree, and moringa oils.

Objective::
This study sought to develop an oil-based Self Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (SNEDDS)
using tween 80 as the surfactant and Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) or Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 400 as the cosurfactant;
the oils were used in a range of 10-20% to boost POH's anticancer efficacy.

Methods::
The formulations' size, charge, and impact on the viability of glioma cell lines, ANGM-CSS and
A172, were evaluated.

Results::
The developed SNEDDS formulations ranged from 3 nm to 362 nm in size, with electronegative surface
charges between 5.05 and 17.0 mV and polydispersity indices between 0.3 and 1.0.

Conclusion::
The findings indicated that the antiproliferative effect of POH-loaded Nanoemulsion (NE) could
be used as a possible anticancer therapy for glioblastoma in vitro, particularly when paired with the tested natural
oils. Before asserting that this delivery technique is appropriate for glioblastoma therapy, additional in vitro
and in vivo investigations are required.
Design of Nanodrug Delivery Systems for Tumor Bone Metastasis
Authors: Zhai Xiaoqing , Peng Shan , Zhai Chunyuan , Wang Shuai , Xie Meina , Guo Shoudong , Bai Jingkun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract:
Tumor metastasis is a complex process that is controlled at the molecular level by numerous
cytokines. Primary breast and prostate tumors most commonly metastasize to bone, and the development of increasingly
accurate targeted nanocarrier systems has become a research focus for more effective anti-bone metastasis
therapy. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms of bone metastasis and the principles and
methods for designing bone-targeted nanocarriers and then provides an in-depth review of bone-targeted nanocarriers
for the treatment of bone metastasis in the context of chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, gene therapy,
and combination therapy. Furthermore, this review also discusses the treatment of metastatic and primary
bone tumors, providing directions for the design of nanodelivery systems and future research.
A Serum Pharmacochemistry and Network Pharmacology-based Approach to Study the Anti-depressant Effect of Chaihu-Shugan San
Authors: Deng Man-Fei , Yan Yi-Zhi , Zhu Shan-Shan , Zhou Ke , Tan Si-Jie , Zeng Peng 
Published: March 2024

Aims:
The aim of this study is to explore the anti-depressant mechanism of Chaihu-
Shugan San based on serum medicinal chemistry and network pharmacology methods.

Background:
Depression lacks effective treatments, with current anti-depressants ineffective in
40% of patients. Chaihu-Shugan San (CHSGS) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine
compound to treat depression. However, the chemical components and the underlying mechanisms
targeting the liver and brain in the anti-depressant effects of CHSGS need to be elucidated.

Methods:
The chemical components of CHSGS in most current network pharmacology studies
are screened from TCMSP and TCMID databases. In this study, we investigated the mechanism
and material basis of soothing the liver and relieving depression in the treatment of depression
by CHSGS based on serum pharmacochemistry. The anti-depressant mechanism of CHSGS was
further verified by proteomics and high-throughput data.

Results:
Through serum medicinal chemistry, we obtained 9 bioactive substances of CHSGS.
These ingredients have good human oral bioavailability and are non-toxic. Based on liver ChIPseq
data, CHSGS acts on 8 targets specifically localized in the liver, such as FGA, FGB, and
FGG. The main contributors to CHSGS soothing the liver qi targets are hesperetin, nobiletin,
ferulic acid, naringin and albiflorin. In addition, network pharmacology analysis identified 9
blood components of CHSGS that corresponded to 63 anti-depressant targets in the brain.
Among them, nobiletin has the largest number of anti-depressant targets, followed by glycyrrhizic
acid, ferulic acid, albiflorin and hesperetin. We also validated the anti-depressant mechanism
of CHSGS based on hippocampal proteomics. CHSGS exerts anti-depressant effects on
synaptic structure and neuronal function by targeting multiple synapse related proteins.

Conclusion:
This study not only provides a theoretical basis for further expanding the clinical
application of CHSGS, but also provides a series of potential lead compounds for the development
of depression drugs.
Gold Nanoparticle-based Biosensors for Point-of-Care Diagnostics: A Review of Sensing Nanoparticle Applications and Future Prospects
Authors: Chauhan Sakshi , Mittal Roopal , Kumar Manish , Mittal Amit , Kushwah Ajay Singh 
Published: March 2024

:
Point of Care Diagnostics (POCD) is quintessential in hospitals and the healthcare
sector as the secants uplift the quality of medical care and the life of a patient by facilitating
quick identification of the underlying pathological condition. Nanotechnology can provide opportunities
and has potential in the development of new-age sensing/diagnostic tools. Owing to
extraordinary features (e.g., higher density, effective catalysis, good conduction, biocompatibility,
inertness, and greater surface-to-volume ratio), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are frequently
employed in POCT (Point-of-Care-Testing).

:
Gold nanoparticles-based colorimetric methods are widely used in the rapid, sensitive, and selective
detection of analytes/target molecules. AuNPs description is critical for their possible utility
in prophylaxis, diagnostics, and treatment of an ailment. AuNPs interact with organic/inorganic
target molecules to generate colorimetric shift that enables the accurate, precise, and subtle
recognition of biologicals (e.g., microorganisms, cellular components, and proteins) and metal
ions.

:
This review focused on the need for AuNPs-based colorimetric application in prophylaxis, diagnostics,
and treatment in healthcare and reviewed the future outlook of these AuNPs for biological
applications. Different synthesis methods of AuNPs, their morphology, and characterization,
including their surface functionalization, will be discussed in detail. AuNPs are very much preferable
nanomaterials owing to exclusive optical, electrical, and photothermal features. AuNPsbased
colorimetric biosensors are simple and possess great utility, yet these offer a robust technique
to enable visual, quantitative analysis.