bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understanding the Relationship Between Immune Cells and Sepsis Through Mendelian Randomization and Single-Cell Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Deng Ruiming , Liao Qizhi , Fang Yan , Huang Guiming , Zhou Juan 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background:Sepsis is a condition characterized by an immune system imbalance, leading to high rates of morbidity and mortality. Although immune cells have the ability to eliminate infection, they can also cause tissue damage. Therefore, understanding the role of different immune cells in sepsis is crucial for effective treatment.Purpose:The goal of this research is to examine the correlation between sepsis and immune cells, as well as their specific traits, through the utilization of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and single-cell transcriptome analysis.Method:To investigate the causal association between immune cell signals and the susceptibility to sepsis, we conducted a comprehensive two-sample MR analysis utilizing publicly accessible genetic data. The analysis focused on four types of immune signals: median fluorescence intensity (MFI), relative cell number (RC), absolute cell number (AC), and morphological parameters (MP). Additionally, single-cell transcriptome sequencing data analysis techniques were used to explore the characteristics of immune cells in sepsis.Result:After correcting for multiple testing, there was no statistically significant impact of sepsis on immune phenotype. However, our research findings support the notion that the FSC-A parameter on the HLA DR+natural killer immune cell phenotype has a protective effect against sepsis. Furthermore, analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed a significant increase in theS100A8+S100A9+neutrophil subpopulation in sepsis, while the proportion of T cells was significantly lower compared to healthy controls.Conclusion:Our results suggest that HLA DR+natural killer cells have a significant protective effect on sepsis. Additionally, theS100A8+S100A9+neutrophil subpopulation is significantly increased in sepsis.
Computational Analysis of Various Battery Packs Used in Electric Vehicles to Improvise Their Thermal Performance
Authors: Shrivastava Pratiksha , Tiwari A. C. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Renewable Energies have the capability to cut down the severe impacts of energy and environmental crisis. The lithium-ion battery is introduced in this sector as a solution with a promising role in storage sector on the grounds of high mass and volumetric energy density. Researchers have developed a battery thermal management system using phase change materials to improve electric vehicle performance. The simulation results showed that PCM cooling can reduce battery temperature fluctuations and increase efficiency. The study suggests that PCM cooling can significantly improve the performance of electric vehicles, despite the constraints of battery life, price, durability, and safety.
Probabilities of reaching required diffusion of granular energy technologies in European countries
Authors: Zielonka Nik , Trutnevyte Evelina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

To support discussions around the feasibility of the energy transition, we present probabilistic projections of the expected diffusion of solar photovoltaics, wind power, biogases, heat pumps and low-carbon passenger vehicles in 39 European countries for 2023-2050 under current contextual conditions. We then compare the projected capacities against those required for reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We create our projections using 72 different variants of diffusion models that we test using hindcasting (2012-2022) and weigh according to their performance. We find that the projected diffusion of all granular technologies leads to an uneven distribution of capacities across Europe. Most countries will likely reach required numbers of battery electric vehicles, but with high uncertainty. Most countries are unlikely to reach the required capacities of wind power and biogases with high confidence. Probabilities and confidence levels of reaching required capacities of solar photovoltaics and heat pumps vary the most between countries.
Royal Jelly-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles Show Promising Anti-Cancer Effect on HeLa and A549 Cells Through Modulation of the VEGFa/PI3K/Akt/MMP-2 Pathway
Authors: Kocharyan Meri , Marutyan Syuzan , Nadiryan Edita , Ginovyan Mikayel , Javrushyan Hayarpi , Marutyan Seda , Avtandilyan Nikolay 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Cancer poses a significant challenge in the medical field, requiring thorough investigation into its mechanisms and the development of effective treatments. Recently, there has been increasing interest in integrating drugs with metal nanoparticles, which are notable for their unique size and physicochemical properties, aiming to enhance anticancer efficacy. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), especially those obtained through environmentally friendly methods known as green synthesis, have garnered attention. Royal jelly (RJ), a substance produced by bees recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties, is particularly interesting. This study focuses on the green synthesis of AgNPs using royal jelly and its bioactivity against cancer cells. It provides a detailed characterization of the nanoparticles and examines their effects on cancer cells, specifically Hela cervical cancer and A549 lung cancer cell lines. The results highlight the cytotoxicity induced by AgNPs in HeLa and A549 cells, which is mediated through apoptosis via the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our research findings demonstrate that one of the mechanisms underlying cell death involves increased concentration of ROS/RNS and downregulation of the VEGFa/MMP-2/COX-2 pathway. This study is among the few to elucidate the mechanism of the anticancer effects of nanoparticles synthesized through this method. Overall, our research contributes to the ongoing exploration of cancer biology and offers insights into potential therapeutic approaches by harnessing the capabilities of green-synthesized nanoparticles.
Development of a hybrid bio-purification process of lactic acid solutions employing an engineered E. coli strain in a membrane bioreactor
Authors: Nastouli Alexandra , Sweeney Joseph , Harasek Michael , Karabelas Anastasios J. , Patsios Sotiris I. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Background: A potential alternative to lactic acid production through sugar fermentation is its recovery from grass silage leachate. The separation and purification of lactic acid from fermentation broths remains a key issue, as it amounts to up to 80% of its industrial production cost. In this study, a genetically engineered E. coli strain (A1:ldhA), that cannot catabolize lactic acid, has been used to selectively remove impurities from a synthetic medium comprising typical components (i.e. glucose and acetic acid) of green grass silage leachate. A systematic approach has been followed to provide a proof-of-concept for a bio-purification process of lactic acid solutions in a membrane bioreactor operating in semi-continuous mode.
Results: The synthetic medium composition was initially optimized in shake-flasks experiments, followed by scale-up in bench-scale bioreactor. Complete (i.e. 100%) and 60.4% removal for glucose and acetic acid, respectively, has been achieved in batch bioreactor experiments with a synthetic medium comprising 0.5 g/L glucose and 0.5 g/L acetic acid as carbon sources, and 10 g/L lactic acid; no lactic acid catabolism was observed in all batch fermentation tests. Afterwards, a hybrid biotechnological process combining semi-continuous bioreactor fermentation and ultrafiltration membrane separation (membrane bioreactor) was applied to in-situ separate purified medium from the active cells. The process was assessed under different semi-continuous operating conditions, resulting in a bacteria-free effluent and 100% glucose and acetic acid depletion, with no lactic acid catabolism, thus increasing the purity of the synthetic lactic acid solution.
Conclusion: The study clearly demonstrated that a bio-purification process for lactic acid employing the engineered E. coli strain cultivated in a membrane bioreactor is a technically feasible concept, paving the way for further technological advancement.
Assessment of concentrations of heavy metals in three leafy vegetables irrigated with wastewater in Hadnet district, Mekelle, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadesse Hailekiros , Sbhatu Desta Berhe , Gebreyohannes Gebreselema 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Mekelle is one of the Ethiopian cities suitable for urban and peri-urban agriculture for cultivating leafy vegetables using wastewater. The consumption of unprocessed and processed leafy vegetables is also very high in the city. Wastewater samples collected from four experimental sites (ESs) in Hadnet district of the city had higher concentrations in 4 (i.e., Cd, Cr, Cu, and Mn) of the 10 heavy metals tested than the permissible limit established by pertinent standards. Spring water samples collected from another site called Kallamino, designated as a comparison site, also had higher concentrations in 4 (i.e., Al, As, Cd, and Cu) of the 10 heavy metals tested. However, the leafy vegetables grown in the least contaminated ES had higher concentrations in 6-7 of the 10 heavy metals tested. The lettuce and spinach samples had elevated concentrations of As and Al, respectively. The wastewater used to irrigate vegetable farms in Hadnet district is not safe enough. More importantly, the soils of the farms might have accumulated far more heavy metals. The cultivated lettuce, spinach, and cauliflower are highly contaminated. Thus, the use of wastewater for irrigating urban and peri-urban farms needs to be regulated.
Exploring Women’s Childbirth Experiences in Labor Induction versus Expectant Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Adjie Josef Maria Seno , Rosari Teresa Catalina , Priscilla Janice 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Negative childbirth experiences impact the well-being of women and their
families. With rising induction of labor (IOL) rates and the inconsistent evidence regarding its
impact on childbirth experiences, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate
the overall effect of IOL versus expectant management on women’s childbirth experiences, defined
as a woman’s self-assessment of her lasting memories of the childbirth event.

Methods:
We searched databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, ProQuest
and EBSCO) for RCTs and observational studies from 1970 to September 2023. Inclusion criteria
covered women aged 19 and older with live, singleton, cephalic pregnancies at 37 0/7 until 41 6/7
weeks gestation. Quality was assessed using the Jadad and Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. RevMan 5.4
software and random-effects meta-analysis were used, adhering to PRISMA guidelines.

Results:
Of the 1.467 screened articles, we included nine studies from five European countries. Six
studies (2.376 women) used the Childbirth Experience Questionnaire (CEQ). Overall CEQ scores
showed no significant IOL vs. expectant management differences (MD = 0.01 [95% CI -0.06, 0.08];
p=0.78; I2 = 65%). Subgroup analyses favored IOL in RCTs (MD = 0.07 [95% CI 0.02, 0.13];
p=0.006; I2 = 0%) and studies with ≥500 participants (MD = 0.09 [95% CI 0.02, 0.15]; p=0.006; I2
= 0%). Conversely, four studies (48.324 women) using the Childbirth Experience Visual Analogue
Scale (VAS) favored expectant management (OR = 0.73 [95% CI 0.63, 0.85]; p<0.001; I2 = 86%).

Conclusion:
VAS assessments suggest a more positive childbirth experience with the expectant
management group. Improvements in the IOL process, transfer to delivery, and pain relief
administration may benefit the IOL group. In contrast, the overall CEQ scores did not significantly
differ between groups. Clinical practice should consider individualized approaches that align with
patient needs and medical contexts. Limitations, such as variability in study quality and data
heterogeneity, should be acknowledged.
An Extended Feature Representation Technique for Predicting
Sequenced-based Host-pathogen Protein-protein Interaction
Authors: Emmanuel Jerry , Isewon Itunuoluwa , Olasehinde Grace , Oyelade Jelili 
Published: March 2024

Background:
The use of machine learning models in sequence-based Protein-Protein Interaction
prediction typically requires the conversion of amino acid sequences into feature vectors.
From the literature, two approaches have been used to achieve this transformation. These are referred
to as the Independent Protein Feature (IPF) and Merged Protein Feature (MPF) extraction
methods. As observed, studies have predominantly adopted the IPF approach, while others preferred
the MPF method, in which host and pathogen sequences are concatenated before feature encoding.

Objective:
This presents the challenge of determining which approach should be adopted for improved
HPPPI prediction. Therefore, this work introduces the Extended Protein Feature (EPF)
method.

Methods:
The proposed method combines the predictive capabilities of IPF and MPF, extracting essential
features, handling multicollinearity, and removing features with zero importance. EPF, IPF,
and MPF were tested using bacteria, parasite, virus, and plant HPPPI datasets and were deployed to
machine learning models, including Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer
Perceptron (MLP), Naïve Bayes (NB), Logistic Regression (LR), and Deep Forest (DF).

Results:
The results indicated that MPF exhibited the lowest performance overall, whereas IPF performed
better with decision tree-based models, such as RF and DF. In contrast, EPF demonstrated
improved performance with SVM, LR, NB, and MLP and also yielded competitive results with DF
and RF.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the EPF approach developed in this study exhibits substantial improvements
in four out of the six models evaluated. This suggests that EPF offers competitiveness with
IPF and is particularly well-suited for traditional machine learning models.
Tabersonine Induces the Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma In vitro and
In vivo
Authors: Li Xuan , Li Xudan , Chen Lianghua , Deng Yuan , Zheng Zhizhong , Ming Yanlin 
Published: March 2024

Background:
Tabersonine, a natural indole alkaloid derived from Apocynaceae plants, exhibits antiinflammatory
and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities, among other pharmacological effects. However, its
anti-tumor properties and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain underexplored.

Objective:
The present study aims to investigate the anti-tumor effects of tabersonine and its mechanisms in inducing
apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods:
The inhibitory effects of tabersonine on the viability and proliferation of liver cancer cells were evaluated
using MTT assay and colony formation assay. AO/EB, Hoechst, and Annexin V-FITC/ PI staining techniques
were employed to observe cell damage and apoptosis. JC-1 staining was used to detect changes in mitochondrial
membrane potential. Western blot analysis was conducted to study the anti-tumor mechanism of tabersonine
on liver cancer cells. Additionally, a xenograft model using mice hepatoma HepG2 cells was established
to assess the anti-tumor potency of tabersonine in vivo.

Results and Discussion:
Our findings revealed that tabersonine significantly inhibited cell viability and proliferation,
inducing apoptosis in liver cancer cells. Treatment with tabersonine inhibited Akt phosphorylation, reduced
mitochondrial membrane potential, promoted cytochrome c release from mitochondria to the cytoplasm, and
increased the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2. These findings suggested that tabersonine induces apoptosis in liver cancer
cells through the mitochondrial pathway. Furthermore, tabersonine treatment activated the death receptor pathway
of apoptosis. In vivo studies demonstrated that tabersonine significantly inhibited xenograft tumor growth.

Conclusion:
Our study is the first to demonstrate that tabersonine induces apoptosis in HepG2 cells through both
mitochondrial and death receptor apoptotic pathways, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent candidate for
hepatic cancer.
Exploring the Pathways of Diabetes Foot Complications Treatment and Investigating Experiences From Frontline Health Care Professionals: Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Andrikopoulou Elisavet , Chatzistergos Panagiotis , Chockalingam Nachiappan 
Published: March 2024

Background
Diabetes affects more than 4.3 million individuals in the United Kingdom, with 19% to 34% developing diabetes-related foot ulceration (DFU) during their lifespan, which can lead to an amputation. In the United Kingdom, every week, approximately 169 people have an amputation due to diabetes. Preventing first-ever ulcers is the most effective strategy to reduce the occurrence of diabetes-related amputations, but research in this space is lacking.

Objective
This protocol seeks to document the experiences and perspectives of frontline health care professionals who work with people who have diabetes and diabetes-related foot problems. Special attention is given to their perceptions of barriers to effective care, their views about barriers to effective and inclusive engagement with people with diabetes, and their experience with the first-ever DFU. Another aspect of the study is the focus on whether clinical management is affected by data sharing, data availability, and interoperability issues.

Methods
This is a mixed methods explanatory protocol, which is sequential, and its purpose is to use the qualitative data to explain the initial quantitative data collected through a survey of frontline health care professionals. Data analysis of quantitative data will be completed first and then synthesized with the qualitative data analysis. Qualitative data will be analyzed using the framework method. This study will use joint displays to integrate the data. Ethical approval has been granted by the ethics committee of Staffordshire University.

Results
The quantitative data collection started in March 2023 and will close in May 2024. The qualitative interviews commenced in November 2023 with volunteer participants who initially completed the survey.

Conclusions
This study’s survey focuses on data interoperability and the interviews focus more on the perspectives and experiences of clinicians and their perceived barriers for the effective management of diabetes foot ulcers. Including a geographically relevant and diverse cohort of health care professionals that spans a wide range of roles and care settings involved in diabetes-related foot care is very important for the successful application of this protocol. Special care is given to advertise and promote participation as widely as possible. The qualitative part of this protocol is also limited to 30-40 interview participants, as it is not realistic to interview higher numbers, due to time and resource constraints.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/54852
Does facial growth pattern affect the perception of lower facial asymmetry?
Authors: Basal Ece , Cevik Ismail , Acar Yasemin Bahar , Özdemir Fulya 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To investigate the influence of vertical facial type on esthetic perception of lower facial asymmetry as evaluated by orthodontists, dentists, and laypeople.

Materials and Methods
Three adult females were selected with normal growth patterns (NGP), vertical growth patterns (VGP), and horizontal growth patterns (HGP). Frontal photographs were made symmetric and digitally altered, rotating the lower facial third clockwise, ranging from 0° to 6° in 1° increments. A web-based survey was designed with 24 images (eight images for each model) in random order. Each image was rated using a scale ranging from 0 (unattractive) to 10 (the most attractive) by 75 orthodontists, 73 dentists, and 78 laypeople. Kruskal-Wallis test was used to determine whether differences among groups were significant. Pairwise comparisons were made with Mann-Whitney U test. The significance level was set at P = .05.

Results
In NGP, orthodontists and dentists could recognize slighter deviations (2°), while deviations in VGP and HGP under 3° were not recognized by all groups. Severe deviations (≥4°) were distinguished better in HGP by orthodontists and laypeople. In VGP and NGP, there was no significant difference over 4°.

Conclusions
Growth pattern has a significant influence on perception of lower facial asymmetry. Less severe asymmetry can be detected better in NGP. In severe degrees, increments of asymmetry can be perceived more in HGP by orthodontists and laypeople.
Shielding effectiveness of textile woven fabric with conductive weft in microwave frequency range
Authors: Grabowska Katarzyna , Januszkiewicz Łukasz , Bacciarelli-Ulacha Anna 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The article examines the shielding effectiveness of fabrics with conductive fibres in the microwave frequency range. Because of the limited size of the samples and high frequency range, the methods presented in literature could not be applied in this research. The method proposed, using a special measurement setup, demonstrated practicality for smaller textile samples. The results showed an angular dependence of shielding effectiveness, suggesting the need for perpendicular orientation of conductive fibres in fabrics to maximize shielding. This research provides knowledge on tailored solutions to mitigate electromagnetic interference in modern electronic technologies.
Prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Ixodes ricinus collected from dogs in eastern Poland
Authors: Pańczuk Anna , Tokarska-Rodak Małgorzata , Andrzejuk Patrycja 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Introduction

Ixodes ricinus ticks are an important vector and reservoir of pathogenic microorganisms causing dangerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. The presence of ticks in urban greenery is a particularly important public health concern due to the potential for humans and companion animals to be exposed to tick-borne diseases there. The study assessed the prevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi and Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in I. ricinus ticks feeding on dogs.

Material and Methods
The study consisted in analyses of I. ricinus ticks collected in 2018–2020 from owned and stray dogs in the north-eastern part of Lubelskie province (eastern Poland). An AmpliSens PCR kit was used for qualitative detection and differentiation of tick-borne infections.

Results
Infections of B. burgdorferi and A. phagocytophilum were detected in 10.9% and 12.9% of the examined ticks, respectively. One tick (0.7%) was co-infected by both pathogens. Infection with B. burgdorferi was significantly more highly prevalent in ticks collected from the owned dogs than from the strays (18.7% and 2.8%, respectively), whereas the prevalence of A. phagocytophilum was similar in both groups (12.0% and 13.9%, respectively).

Conclusion
The co-infection observed in the study suggests the possibility of simultaneous infection by both pathogens from a single tick bite. The presence of pathogens in ticks collected from dogs is a factor in assessing infection risk not only to companion animals but also to their owners, who are in close contact with their dogs and visit the same green areas recreationally.