bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Selenium–mercury interactions and relationship to aquatic toxicity: a review
Authors: Adams William J , Duguay Alexandra 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
A review of the literature pertaining to selenium–mercury (Se/Hg) interactions in aquatic species was performed to provide insight into the mechanisms allowing for the reported changes in bioaccumulation and toxicity that have been observed when the two elements occur at elevated concentrations. Selenium (Se) has been shown to protect against mercury (Hg) toxicity in all animal models evaluated (fish, birds, mammals, and plants). To explore the interaction between the two elements, data are presented on concentrations of both elements in wild-caught fish at numerous locations. The data show that most fish have Se/Hg ratios &gt;1.0. The importance of this ratio has been reported, with suggestions that the protective interaction is due in large part to the formation of HgSe. Data show that when the Se/Hg molar ratio is &lt;1.0 in the diet of fish and animals, Hg toxicity will be expressed, provided that the Hg concentration is sufficiently high. This toxicity is likely the result of Se deficiency leading to an excess of reactive oxygen species. Laboratory fish toxicity studies reviewed show that Se toxicity can be reduced or eliminated when Hg is added to the diet in moderate amounts. Field studies have shown reduced accumulation of Hg when Se concentrations are increased. When Hg in the diet is significantly elevated (usually &gt;10 µg/g), toxicity is expressed regardless of the Se present. Likewise, amelioration of Se toxicity by Hg occurs over a limited range. Tissue thresholds for Se toxicity have been derived primarily from studies where fish eggs were extracted from wild fish and embryo deformities were observed; however, the amount of Hg in the fish or ovaries was not considered, which could lead to uncertainty in the toxicity threshold. It is recommended that both elements be measured and evaluated when performing risk assessments and setting water quality criteria.
Factors influencing the material footprint in the USA
Authors: Kirikkaleli Dervis 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Using novel approaches, namely Fourier autoregressive distributive lag (F-ADL) cointegration and nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (N-ARDL), this article analyzes how infrastructure investment and environmental R&D affected the material footprint from 1995Q1 to 2019Q4 in the USA while controlling financial development and economic growth. The outcomes reveal that (i) a reduction in the material footprint can be achieved through increasing environmentally related R&D; (ii) by increasing the environmental R&D, material consumption can be used more effectively; (iii) an increase in financial development leads to an increase in the material footprint; and (iv) the slowdown of the economy contributes to efficient material consumption. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:1217–1224. © 2024 SETAC
Key Points
A reduction in the material footprint can be achieved by increasing environmentally related R&D. By modernizing the environment in the USA, material consumption can be used more efficiently. An increase in financial development increases the material footprint. The slowdown of the economy contributes to efficient material consumption.
Exploring neuroadaptive cellular pathways in chronic morphine exposure: An in‐vitro analysis of cabergoline and Mdivi‐1 co‐treatment effects on the autophagy–apoptosis axis
Authors: Makvand Mina , Mirtorabi Seyed Davood , Campbell Arezoo , Zali Alireza , Ahangari Ghasem 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe complex impacts of prolonged morphine exposure continue to be a significant focus in the expanding area of addiction studies. This research investigates the effectiveness of a combined treatment using Cabergoline and Mdivi‐1 to counteract the neuroadaptive changes caused by in vitro morphine treatment. The impact of Methadone, Cabergoline, and a combination of Cabergoline and Mdivi‐1 on the cellular and molecular responses associated with Morphine‐induced changes was studied in human Neuroblastoma (SK‐N‐MC) and Glioblastoma (U87‐MG) cell lines that were exposed to prolong Morphine treatment. Cabergoline and Mdivi‐1 combined treatment effectively influenced the molecular alterations associated with neuroadaptation in chronic morphine‐exposed neural cells. This combination therapy normalized autophagy and reduced oxidative stress by enhancing total‐antioxidant capacity, mitigating apoptosis, restoring BDNF expression, and balancing apoptotic elements. Our research outlines morphine's dual role in modulating mitochondrial dynamics via the dysregulation of the autophagy–apoptosis axis. This emphasizes the significant involvement of DRP1 activity in neurological adaptation processes, as well as disturbances in the dopaminergic pathway during in vitro chronic exposure to morphine in neural cells. This study proposes a novel approach by recommending the potential effectiveness of combining Cabergoline and Mdivi‐1 to modulate the neuroadaptations caused by morphine. Additionally, we identified BDNF and PCNA in neural cells as potential neuroprotective markers for assessing the effectiveness of drugs against opioid toxicity, emphasizing the need for further validation. The study uncovers diverse effects observed in pretreated morphine glioblastoma cells under treatment with Cabergoline and methadone. This highlights the potential for new treatments in the DRD2 pathway and underscores the importance of investigating the interplay between autophagy and apoptosis to advance research in managing cancer‐related pain. The study necessitates an in‐depth investigation into the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis, with a specific emphasis on protein interactions and the dynamics of cell signaling.
Exploring the synergistic power: Green synthesis, comprehensive characterization, and unveiling the energy generation and storage aptitude of phyto‐mediated Sb2O3‐ZrO2 nanocomposite
Authors: Azhar Sundus , Ahmad Khuram Shahzad , Abrahams Isaac , Lin Wang , Gupta Ram K. , Al‐Ammar Essam A. , Ashraf Ghulam Abbas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundResearchers are keen to reduce the over potential value through fabrication of electrocatalyst consisted of environmentally benign and inexpensive material. Supercapacitors on the other hand have gained immense attention in recent years as an energy storage device due to the high power density potential of these devices as compared to conventional batteries based storage system.AimThe research aims to synthesize nanoscale transition metal oxides (TMO) through green route. TMO based nanomaterials have vast role in energy related applications.Materials & methodsIn this study, organic compounds of A. Viridis were used as reducing and stabilizing agents in the synthesis of binary nanocomposite Sb2O3–ZrO2. The synthesized nanocomposite was characterized using x‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The electrode material was analyzed for supercapacitor potential using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge discharge techniques. HER and OER studies were also conducted using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and linear sweep voltammetry. The synthesized material was also tested for stability.Results & discussionThe crystal size was 15.9 nm. Optical band gap of 2.55 eV was obtained through Tauc plot. The capacitance value of 339.8 F/g at 2 mV/s and the specific capacitance of 100.6 F/g was obtained at 1 A/g. The overpotential value of 201 mV and Tafel value of 121 mV/dec was recorded for the HER, whereas the lower Tafel value of 106 mV/dec and over potential value of 383 mV was determined for OER. Electrode showed promising stability up to various cycles in case of both applications.ConclusionThe obtained results revealed the promising performance with excellent stability of fabricated electrode for super capacitor as well as water splitting studies.
The immunological understanding on germinal center B cells in psoriasis
Authors: Noor Aina Akmal Mohd , Nor Abdah Karimah Che Md , Redzwan Norhanani Mohd 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe development of psoriasis is mainly driven by the dysregulation of T cells within the skin, marking a primary involvement of these cells in the pathogenesis. Although B cells are integral components of the immune system, their role in the initiation and progression of psoriasis is not as pivotal as that of T cells. The paradox of B cell suggests that, while it is crucial for adaptive immunity, B cells may contribute to the exacerbation of psoriasis. Numerous ideas proposed that there are potential relationships between psoriasis and B cells especially within germinal centers (GCs). Recent research projected that B cells might be triggered by autoantigens which then induced molecular mimicry to alter B cells activity within GC and generate autoantibodies and pro‐inflammatory cytokines, form ectopic GC, and dysregulate the proliferation of keratinocytes. Hence, in this review, we gathered potential evidence indicating the participation of B cells in psoriasis within the context of GC, aiming to enhance our comprehension and advance treatment strategies for psoriasis thus inviting many new researchers to investigate this issue.
Glycative stress inhibits hypertrophy and impairs cell membrane integrity in overloaded mouse skeletal muscle
Authors: Egawa Tatsuro , Ogawa Takeshi , Yokokawa Takumi , Kido Kohei , Iyama Ryota , Zhao Haiyu , Kurogi Eriko , Goto Katsumasa , Hayashi Tatsuya 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundGlycative stress, characterized by the formation and accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) associated with protein glycation reactions, has been implicated in inducing a decline of muscle function. Although the inverse correlation between glycative stress and muscle mass and strength has been demonstrated, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. This study aimed to elucidate how glycative stress affects the skeletal muscle, particularly the adaptive muscle response to hypertrophic stimuli and its molecular mechanism.MethodsMale C57BL/6NCr mice were randomly divided into the following two groups: the bovine serum albumin (BSA)‐treated and AGE‐treated groups. Mice in the AGE‐treated group were intraperitoneally administered AGEs (0.5 mg/g) once daily, whereas those in the BSA‐treated group received an equal amount of BSA (0.5 mg/g) as the vehicle control. After 7 days of continuous administration, the right leg plantaris muscle of mice in each group underwent functional overload treatment by synergist ablation for 7 days to induce muscle hypertrophy. In in vitro studies, cultured C2C12 myocytes were treated with AGEs (1 mg/mL) to examine cell adhesion and cell membrane permeability.ResultsContinuous AGE administration increased the levels of fluorescent AGEs, Nε‐(carboxymethyl) lysine, and methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone‐1 in both plasma and skeletal muscle. Plantaris muscle weight, muscle fibre cross‐sectional area, protein synthesis rate, and the number of myonuclei increased with functional overload in both groups; however, the increase was significantly reduced by AGE treatment. Some muscles of AGE‐treated mice were destroyed by functional overload. Proteomic analysis was performed to explore the mechanisms of muscle hypertrophy suppression and myofibre destruction by AGEs. When principal component analysis was performed on 4659 data obtained by proteomic analysis, AGE treatment was observed to affect protein expression only in functionally overloaded muscles. Enrichment analysis of the 436 proteins extracted using the K‐means method further identified a group of proteins involved in cell adhesion. Consistent with this finding, dystrophin–glycoprotein complex proteins and cell adhesion‐related proteins were confirmed to increase with functional overload; however, this was attenuated by AGE treatment. Additionally, the treatment of C2C12 muscle cells with AGEs inhibited their ability to adhere and increased cell membrane permeability.ConclusionsThis study indicates that glycative stress may be a novel pathogenic factor in skeletal muscle dysfunctions by causing loss of membrane integrity and preventing muscle mass gain.
Measles outbreak in the adult age group: Clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological features of the 11 patients admitted to the hospital
Authors: Gungor Kultural , Bukavaz Sebnem , Ekuklu Galip 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe measles virus, also known as the morbillivirus, or MV, is a virus that infects humans. The goal of this research is to assess to adult cases of measles. Eleven patients thought to be confirmed cases of measles were enrolled in the investigation. Following the identification of symptoms of tiredness, fever, and rash in one soldier, the results of 10 more troops from the pertinent military group were assessed. The diagnosis was made based on the presence of serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) and positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) results. When the control IgM, immunoglobulin G, and PCR findings were evaluated a fortnight after hospitalization, a cluster of 11 incidents was found. It is now necessary to address the issue of the cautious stance towards vaccination or the anti‐vaccination sentiment that has grown increasingly popular, particularly in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic, for both our nation and the entire world.
Plant growth‐promoting and biocontrol traits of endophytic Bacillus licheniformis against soft rot causing Pythium myriotylum in ginger plant
Authors: Alarjani Khaloud Mohammed , Elshikh Mohamed S. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBacterial endophytes from plants harbor diverse metabolites that play major roles in biocontrol and improve plant growth. In this study, a total of 12 endophytic bacteria were isolated from the ginger rhizome. The strain K3 was highly effective in preventing mycelia growth of Pythium myriotylum (78.5 ± 1.5% inhibition) in dual culture. The cell‐free extract (2.5%) of endophyte K3 inhibited 76.3 ± 4.8% mycelia growth, and 92.4 ± 4.2% inhibition was observed at a 5% sample concentration. The secondary metabolites produced by Bacillus licheniformis K3 showed maximum activity against Pseudomonas syringae (24 ± 1 mm zone of inhibition) and Xanthomonas campestris (28 ± 3 mm zone of inhibition). The strain K3 produced 28.3 ± 1.7 IU mL−1 protease, 28.3 ± 1.7 IU mL−1 cellulase, and 2.04 ± 0.13 IU mL−1 chitinase, respectively. The ginger rhizome treated with K3 in the greenhouse registered 53.8 ± 1.4% soft rot incidence, and the streptomycin‐treated pot registered 78.3 ± 1.7% disease incidence. The selected endophyte K3 improved ascorbate peroxidase (1.37 ± 0.009 µmole ASC min−1 mg−1 protein), catalase (8.7 ± 0.28 µmole min−1 mg−1 protein), and phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (26.2 ± 0.99 Umg−1) in the greenhouse. In addition, K3 treatment in the field trial improved rhizome yield (730 ± 18.4 g) after 180 days (p < 0.01). The shoot length was 46 ± 8.3 cm in K3‐treated plants, and it was about 31% higher than the control treatment (p < 0.01). The lytic enzyme‐producing and growth‐promoting endophyte is useful in sustainable crop production through the management of biotic stress.
Antidiarrheal effect of Psidium guajava L. extract in acute diarrhea: a systematic review
Authors: Garrido Gabino , Garrido‐Suárez Bárbara B. , Martínez‐Tapia Nicolás , Valdés‐González Marisela , Ortega‐Mardones Andrea 
Published: April 2024

AbstractAcute diarrheal diseases are a leading cause of childhood mortality and morbidity worldwide. Psidium guajava has been globally used for its antidiarrheal potential. We conducted a systematic review of scientific articles published up to the year 2021, which included in vivo pre‐clinical tests and clinical trials involving patients with acute infectious diarrhea to verify the antidiarrheal, antibacterial and antispasmodic effects of galenic preparations or phytopharmaceuticals from P. guajava. PRISMA and Rayyan were used as tools for the selection of studies collected in four databases (Pubmed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct). The keywords used to carry out the search were: ‘Psidium guajava’, ‘guava’, ‘antidiarrhe*’ and ‘diarrhe*’, joined by Boolean operators ‘OR’ or ‘AND’. The characteristics of studies in animal models of acute diarrhea induction, as well as in vivo and in vitro motility and microbiological tests linked with its main pathophysiological mechanisms, were collected. Twenty‐three articles were included. Twenty (87%) of these reported heterogenic preclinical studies, predominating pharmacological studies of efficacy against conventional antidiarrheal agents, which utilized relevant outcomes and models of infectious diarrhea from the top pathogens in the clinic along with classical castor oil‐induced diarrhea associated with motility tests. Only three articles (13%) corresponded to clinical trials investigating the efficacy, dose and safety of these preparations. Most studies reported positive results and significant mechanistic evidence from antibacterial, anti‐motility, anti‐secretory and protective/anti‐inflammatory perspectives. However, further studies are needed to define the clinical significance and safety treatment with P. guajava extracts. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
HHLA2 promotes hepatoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Wang Junqi , Yang Ke , Yang Xin , Jin Tianqiang , Tian Yu , Dai Chaoliu , Xu Feng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as one of the most malignant tumors characterized by poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Emerging evidence underscores the crucial role of the B7 protein family in various cancers, including HCC. However, the involvement of the human endogenous retrovirus H long‐terminal repeat‐associated protein 2 (HHLA2, or B7‐H5) in HCC remains unclear. Immunohistochemistry was employed to assess the differential expression of HHLA2 between HCC and normal liver tissues. A battery of assays, including CCK8, EdU, tablet clone‐forming, Transwell, and wound healing assays, were conducted to elucidate the function and potential mechanisms of HHLA2 in the malignant biological behaviors of HCC. Additionally, a xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate the tumorigenicity of hepatoma cell lines exhibiting different HHLA2 expression levels in vivo. Western blot analysis was used to analyze HHLA2, secretory phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1), and PI3K/AKT/mTOR levels. HHLA2 exhibited elevated expression in HCC tissues, correlating with poor tumor differentiation and shortened overall survival in HCC patients. In vitro experiments demonstrated that HHLA2 overexpression (OE) promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells, while in vivo experiments revealed that HHLA2 OE enhanced HCC tumor growth. Conversely, inhibition of HHLA2 expression yielded the opposite effect. Downregulation of SPP1 inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion induced by HHLA2 OE, and this effect was linked to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that HHLA2 promotes the proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells via the SPP1/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, establishing it as a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Financial efficiency of healthcare companies in an emerging market
Authors: Cinaroglu Songul , Pirgaip Burak 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the financial dynamics of healthcare companies is essential for reducing costs while improving access to care and patient outcomes. This study aims to explore the financial efficiency of healthcare companies operating in an emerging stock market. We use conventional and fuzzy data envelopment analysis. We consider liquidity and leverage ratios as input criteria and profitability ratios as output criteria, each taken from Borsa Istanbul for the year 2022. The results indicate that financially inefficient healthcare companies can increase their efficiency by effectively managing debt and working capital, restructuring their asset base, and focusing on equity management.
Phase distribution graphs for fast, differentiable, and spatially encoded Bloch simulations of arbitrary MRI sequences
Authors: Endres Jonathan , Weinmüller Simon , Dang Hoai Nam , Zaiss Moritz 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeAn analytical approach to Bloch simulations for MRI sequences is introduced that enables time efficient calculations of signals free of Monte‐Carlo noise, while providing full flexibility and differentiability in RF flip angles, RF phases, magnetic field gradients and time, as well as insights into image formation.Theory and MethodsWe present an implementation of the extended phase graph (EPG) concept implemented in PyTorch, including an efficient state selection algorithm. This simulation is compared with an isochromat‐based Bloch simulation with random isochromat distribution as well as with in vivo measurements using the Pulseq standard. Additionally, different sequences are tested and analyzed using this novel simulation approach.ResultsOur simulation outperforms isochromat‐based simulations in terms of computation time as well as signal quality, without exhibiting any kind of Monte‐Carlo noise. The novel approach allows extracting useful information about the magnetization evolution not available otherwise. Our approach extends the common state‐tensor‐based EPG simulation approach for the contribution of dephased states including spatial encoding and effects, and arbitrary timing. This allows calculation of echo shapes in addition to echo amplitudes only. Our implementation provides full differentiability in all input parameters allowing gradient descent optimization. Simulation of non‐instantaneous pulses via hard‐pulse approximation is left for future work, as the performance and accuracy characteristics are not yet analyzed.ConclusionsPhase distribution graphs provide fast, differentiable, and spatially encoded Bloch simulations for most MRI sequences. It allows efficient simulation and optimization of arbitrary MRI sequences, which was previously only possible via high isochromat counts.
The “hidden noise” problem in MR image reconstruction
Authors: Wang Jiayang , An Di , Haldar Justin P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractPurposeThe performance of modern image reconstruction methods is commonly judged using quantitative error metrics like root mean squared‐error and the structural similarity index, which are calculated by comparing reconstructed images against fully sampled reference data. In practice, the reference data will contain noise and is not a true gold standard. In this work, we demonstrate that the “hidden noise” present in reference data can substantially confound standard approaches for ranking different image reconstruction results.MethodsUsing both experimental and simulated k‐space data and several different image reconstruction techniques, we examined whether there was correlation between performance metrics obtained with typical noisy reference data versus those obtained with higher‐quality reference data.ResultsFor conventional performance metrics, the reconstructions that matched best with the higher‐quality reference data were substantially different from the reconstructions that matched best with typical noisy reference data. This leads to suboptimal reconstruction results if the performance with respect to noisy reference data is used to select which reconstruction methods/parameters to employ. These issues were reduced when employing alternative error metrics that better account for noise.ConclusionReference data containing hidden noise can substantially mislead the ranking of image reconstruction methods when using conventional error metrics, but this issue can be mitigated with alternative error metrics.