bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Iliac crest bone distraction surgery for the treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans of lower limbs: A cohort-prospective preliminary study
Authors: Chang Shusen , Chen Wei , Song Hehua , Zhang Fang , Prà Ilaria Dal , Armato Ubaldo , Zhou Jian , Nie Kaiyu , Yin Meifang , Chiarini Anna , Santis Daniele , Wei Zairong , Deng Chengliang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Tibial cortex transverse transport (TTT) surgery presents favorable outcomes for treating thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO). However, TTT is associated with complications and requires prolonged bed rest, impacting patients' quality of life. This study aimed to introduce iliac crest bone distraction (ICBD) surgery as a novel surgical approach to TAO clinical management by comparing ICBD's clinical outcomes with TTT's. Methods Between April and October 2023, 18 male patients meeting inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the ICBD or TTT group. Pre- and postoperative changes in wound healing time, visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, pain disappearance time, serum IL-6 levels, and intermittent lameness distance were evaluated. Infrared thermography assessed foot perfusion and temperature changes, while computed tomographic angiography (CTA) revealed lower limb vascular regeneration. Results During the 6-month follow-up period, no complications arose in either group. Successful ulcer healing similarly occurred in the 4 ICBD and 4 TTT patients with ulcers. Preoperative VAS scores were similar for ICBD and TTT (P = 0.612), with considerable improvements at one week postoperatively (P = 0.995). Disappearance time of rest pain was also similar for both groups (P = 0.537). Preoperative serum IL-6 levels were comparable (P = 0.842) but significantly decreased at one month postoperatively to similar levels for both groups (P = 0.539). Infrared thermography revealed postoperative improved thermal hotspot distribution. Six months after surgery, CTA showed an improved artery network of the lower limb. According to the Patwa and Krishnan grading system, six patients were "excellent" in the ICBD group one year after surgery and 7 in the TTT group, while 3 and 2 patients were "good", respectively. Conclusions Preliminary results demonstrate that ICBD's outcomes for TAO are similar to those of TTT but with fewer complications and a better quality of life. Therefore, we consider ICBD a promising surgical approach for treating TAO. Trial registration This study was registered with the Ethics Committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University (20230411) and at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2300072418).
Evaluating ATP testing for distribution system monitoring: Comparison to HPC, impact of chlorine quenching, and hold time dependency
Authors: Chen William S. , Abkar Leili , Mohseni Madjid 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

ATP assays have a faster turnaround time and higher sensitivity than traditional cultivation methods for microbial monitoring. Challenges implementing ATP testing include incompatibility with chlorine quenching agents and hold time sensitivity, which are not well-studied. Chlorinated distribution system samples were collected from two Canadian utilities, Metro Vancouver (n = 40 samples) and Halifax Water (n = 283). No significant correlations were observed between HPC and cATP (p > 0.1), suggesting these do not correlate well in waters with low biological activity (median HPC < 2 CFU/mL). However, interpretation of HPC and ATP results (based on the HPC guideline of 100 CFU/mL and cATP of 10 pg/mL) yielded the same conclusion for 96% of samples, suggesting a potential decision-making framework to replace HPC with ATP. Moreover, cATP results correlate more consistently with free chlorine (Rs = -0.13 [p = 0.04, n = 283] and − 0.39 [p = 0.01, n = 40]) compared with HPC. Importantly, adding chlorine quench (10% sodium thiosulfate) did not produce significantly different cATP results (p > 0.4), nor did analyzing at various hold times of 4-, 6-, and 24-hour (p > 0.06). This study supports the integration of ATP testing into existing sampling procedures for water utilities, as a sensitive, fast, and reliable monitoring method.
Performance evaluation of new Iranian lines and hybrids of silkworm, Bombyx mori L.
Authors: Alipanah Masoud , nematolahian Shahla , Nasiri Abdolazim , abedian zabiholah 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Considering the production of new hybrids of silkworm, Bombyx mori L. it is necessary to update these tests and compare the existing hybrids with new hybrids. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of new Iranian silkworm lines and hybrids. In this study, eight lines, sixteen hybrids, and one control hybrid were tested. Silkworm eggs were obtained from the Development of Sericulture Center of Iran in the spring of 2022. The obtained data were analyzed using the GLM procedure of SAS 9.4 with four replications and 200 larvae per replication. The primary analysis of all hybrids and lines showed that the hybrid’s average cocoon weight and cocoon shell weight were superior to lines (p < 0.0001). Average cocoon weight, shell weight, and pupal weight for the 11×2 hybrid were the best with 2.41, 0.63, and 1.79 gr, respectively. The 11×4 and 7×10 hybrids also have a higher heterosis rate than the other investigated hybrids. The results showed that none of the hybrids have positive specific combinability (SCA) for all traits. However, the hybrids 2×11 and 7×10 showed the highest specific combinability (SCA) for different traits. the average evaluation index for the mentioned traits was the best performance of hybrids 7×8 and 11×4, while hybrids 9×2 and 3×2 showed the lowest evaluation index among the examined hybrids. The results of this study showed that hybrids obtained from lines 7×8 and 4×11 had the best performance for cocoon production by farmers.
Increased exercise intensity is associated with reduced risk of death in patients with COPD: a study from the 2007-2012 NHANES database
Authors: Zhang Rong , Lu Xueyu , Pang Liyuan , Zhao Yongjuan , He Kan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common chronic disease, and its harm to people's health is on the rise in recent years. With the increasing incidence and mortality of COPD, its prevention and the care of patients with the disease are becoming increasingly important in order to improve the life expectancy of patients and reduce the mortality rate. COPD patients often do not dare to exercise because of breathing difficulties and weakness, which is not conducive to the maintenance and improvement of their heart and lung function, and will worsen their condition. Our aim was to investigate the association between exercise and the risk of death in patients with COPD. The study included 6,723 participants aged > 40 years with complete data on COPD prevalence and physical activity from the 2007–2012 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Multivariate COX regression analysis was used to establish three model analyses with the exercise intensity of the groups as independent variables, taking full account of various covariates (demographic factors, prevalence of underlying diseases, and detection of biochemical indicators), respectively, to analyze the expected death risk of patients. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to fit the relationship between exercise intensity and the risk of death in COPD patients, and the exercise intensity at critical risk of death was obtained. Our findings suggest that moderate, high-intensity exercise contributes to a reduction in the risk of death in patients with COPD. Within a certain range, the greater the intensity of exercise, the lower the risk of death. These findings suggest that moderate physical activity can be beneficial to the health of people with COPD and can extend their life expectancy, especially if there are underlying conditions. It is necessary for COPD patients to increase their exercise and doctors to give them appropriate exercise guidance and rehabilitation programs.
Altered Cerebro-Cerebellar Functional Connectivity Associated with Working Memory Decline after Sleep Deprivation
Authors: Wu Ziyao , Feng Sitong , Zheng Sisi , Dong Linrui , Jia Hongxiao , Ning Yanzhe 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

It has been demonstrated that the cerebellum plays a critical role not only in motor function but also in cognitive function. Numerous studies have revealed altered functional connectivity (FC) in cerebral cortex underlying working memory (WM) decline after acute sleep deprivation (SD). However, whether the altered cerebro-cerebellar functional connectivity (FC) is associated with WM impairment after acute SD remains unclear. In this study, 26 healthy participants with regular sleep performed an n-back task and underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans before and after 24 h of SD. The FC between the cerebrum and cerebellum and its relationship with WM function were analyzed in recruited participants. Our results showed a significantly longer RT for the 1-back and 2-back tasks and lower accuracy of the 2-back task after SD. We found a marked reduction in FC between ten pairs of regions in the cerebellum and cerebrum after SD. Furthermore, the altered FC between the right lobule X of the cerebellum and left precentral gyrus was positively correlated with a decline in WM performance. Our findings reveal that the disrupted FC between the cerebellum and cortical regions may contribute to the declined WM after acute SD.
Ursolic acid attenuates cuprizone-induced alteration in cortical ceramide synthase-2, sphingomyelin synthase-1, and serine palmitoyl transferase-1 expression in rodent model of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Babu Raja , Pancholi Bhaskaranand , Prashar Vikash , Rao Amarjeet , Mohapatra Abhipsa , Arora Tania , Parkash Jyoti , Garabadu Debapriya 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Ceramide plays an important role in the myelination process; thus, the ceramide biosynthetic pathway could be considered a potential target in managing multiple sclerosis (MS). Fingolimod, an approved drug for MS, is considered a standard modulator of the ceramide biosynthetic pathway in the experimental model of MS. Ursolic acid (UA) exhibited neuroprotective activity in Cuprizone (CPZ)-induced animal model of MS. However, the protective activity of UA is yet to be established in the experimental model of MS. Therefore, the objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of UA (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg; p.o.) on the level of expression of ceramide synthase 2 (CS2), sphingomyelin synthase 1 (SMS1) and serine palmitoyl transferase 1 (SPTLC1) in CPZ-induced animal model of MS. CPZ (6 mg/kg; p.o.) was administered for 30 days once daily to male Swiss Albino mice to induce MS. CPZ significantly caused a decrease in the number of squares crossed in Open field, decrease in the muscular strength in Kondziela’s inverted screen, decrease in the ratio between open to closed arm in elevated plus maze, and decrease in the number of head dip in hole board tests in the animals. Further, CPZ increased the levels of reactive oxygen species, GFAP, and Iba-1 and decreased the levels of MBP, NeuN, and Olig2 in mice cortex. Interestingly, CPZ increased the levels of CS2 and SPTLC1, and decreased the level of SMS1 in mice cortex. UA (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly attenuated CPZ-induced behavioural, biochemical and molecular parameters in the animals. Thus, UA could be a potential therapeutic alternative in the management of MS. Further, the biomarkers of ceramide biosynthetic pathway such as CS2, SMS1, and SPTLC1 could be potential therapeutic targets in the management of MS.
Impact of Legislation of Suicide Prevention Act on Suicide Rates in the Republic of Korea: An Interrupted Time-series Analysis
Authors: Lee Yuri , Kawachi Ichiro , Oh Juhwan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Suicide is a global public health problem, and the Republic of Korea has one of the highest suicide rates worldwide. In 2011, the Act on the Prevention of Suicide and the Creation of Culture of Respect for Life (Suicide Prevention Act) was introduced in the Republic of Korea to promote necessary matters for suicide prevention policies. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the Act in reducing suicide rates and identify the differential effects of the legislation by age and region.
Methods
We retrieved the suicide rates by sex, age, region, and district from the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS). We investigated the impact of the Suicide Prevention Act on suicide rates between 1983 and 2021. We used interrupted time-series analysis to assess whether the trends of suicide rates changed following the introduction of the enactment and enforcement of the Suicide Prevention Act.
Results
The Suicide Prevention Act significantly impacted reducing suicide rates in South Korea. Suicide rates had steadily increased before the Act was introduced, but after enforcement, the trend reversed with decreasing rates in both men (β3=-1.600, P-value < 0.001) and women (β3=-0.097, P-value < 0.001). Age-stratified results showed the legal effectiveness in reducing suicide rates over 30 years old, but there was no change in 20–29 years old and 10–19 years old. The Act's effectiveness in reducing suicide rates varied regionally, with the law not significantly impacting suicide rates in Ulsan (β2=-0.128, P-value = 0.944, β3=-0.380, P-value = 0.220). At the district level, around 86.2% of the regions demonstrated a positive impact, with most districts having a considerable effect and others showing a slight result on suicide prevention methods.
Conclusion
Enactment and enforcement of the Suicide Prevention Act helped reduce suicide rates nationwide, suggesting that legal measures can be essential in implementing an integrated suicide prevention strategy. Further research should verify reasons and contexts in which the effects of suicide prevention regulations and guidelines appeared differently by age and region, as well as the mechanism of how the law could affect health indicators.
Association between loneliness and computation of relationship value is modulated by autonomic nervous functions
Authors: Matsunaga Masahiro , Ishii Keiko , Ohtsubo Yohsuke , Uenoyama Katsuya , Noguchi Yasuki , Yamasue Hidenori , Suzuki Kohta 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

In recent years, loneliness and social isolation have become common social problems. Previous research has shown that loneliness affects the structure and function of the brain as well as function of the autonomic nervous system. Our previous study found that loneliness has a negative impact on the computation of relationship value in response to commitment signals from friends. In this study, we investigated whether heart rate variability (HRV), which is thought to reflect autonomic nervous function, is related to loneliness in young Japanese adults and whether experimental improvement of autonomic nervous activities alters the relationship value computation process in response to friends’ commitment signals. In Experiment 1, Japanese undergraduate students were assessed for loneliness and a resting electrocardiogram to determine HRV. In Experiment 2, other undergraduate students, separated into control and treatment groups, participated in a psychological task assessing responses to commitment signals from friends. The treatment group was subjected to autonomic nervous modulation prior to and while performing the task. Experiment 1 indicated a negative correlation between loneliness and percentage of the high frequency (HF) component in the total power of HRV, and a positive correlation between loneliness and the low-frequency (LF) component/HF ratio. Experiment 2 indicated that experimental improvement of HRV improved the subjective rating of the perceived commitment-confirming effect related to loneliness. These findings suggest that changes in cognitive functions caused by loneliness are not irreversible, and indicate that by improving autonomic nervous function, it is possible to improve cognitive functions that have changed due to loneliness.
Research and application of advanced detection simulation of Electrical resistivity tomography(ERT) based on ANSYS
Authors: Gao Weifu , Dong Xufeng , Chen Houcheng , Li Zuowen , Wang Lidong , wang Kewei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In the process of tunneling, it is crucial to explore the geological body before excavation. The three-dimensional direct current method has been widely used in mining working face exploration for its advantages of strong anti-interference ability, simple operation, and without the blind zone. However, the direct current method's advanced detection has not been widely used, resulting in difficulties with the immature theory and data processing. In this paper, Based on the spherical shell theory, ANSYS realizes the forward modeling of direct current method advanced exploration and analyzes the feasibility of different arrays in advanced roadway exploration in the roadway. The research results show that the location of the shallow low-resistivity geological body can be accurately obtained by the least square inversion(by RES2D) of the correction data through the joint application of various arrays, and the three-dimensional direct current method based on the spherical shell theory is feasible for advanced exploration in the roadway.
Neuroprotective Potentials of Berberine in Rotenone-induced Parkinson's Disease-like Motor Symptoms in Rats
Authors: Tseng Hsiang-Chien , Wang Mao-Hsien , Fang Chih-Hsiang , Lin Yi-Wen , Soung Hung-Sheng 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Rotenone (RTN) induces neurotoxic and motor impairments in rats that parallel pathophysiological features of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as striatal oxidative and nitrosative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and alterations in neural cytoarchitecture, making RTN a useful model for studying PD. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid known for its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties, was tested for its protective effects against RTN-induced dysfunctions in this study. Rats were administered RTN subcutaneously at 0.5 mg/kg for 21 days, leading to weight loss and significant motor deficits as assessed by various tests including open-field, bar catalepsy, beam-crossing, rotarod, and grip strength measurements. BBR was given orally at doses of 30 or 100 mg/kg, 60 minutes prior to RTN, for the same duration and was effective in preventing many RTN-induced motor impairments. Additionally, BBR treatment decreased RTN-induced nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, increase anti-oxidation power, enhanced the activity of mitochondrial enzymes such as succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), ATPase, and the electron transport chain (ETC), and reduced neuroinflammation and apoptosis markers in the striatum. However, the introduction of trigonelline (TGN), an inhibitor of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, significantly reduced the protective effects of BBR, suggesting that BBR's neuroprotective actions are mediated through the Nrf2 pathway. These findings highlight BBR's potential to mitigate motor impairments similar to those seen in PD, suggesting its relevance in potentially delaying or managing PD symptoms. Further studies are necessary to translate these preclinical findings into clinical applications, deepening our understanding of BBR's therapeutic potential in PD.
Removal of U(VI) from aqueous solution by Al 0 /Ni 0 bimetallic material
Authors: Ma Mengyue , Sang Weixuan , Zhang Yishuo , Li Xiaoyan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The widespread use of nuclear energy has led to a growing concern over environmental pollution resulted from uranium which has prompted global attention on wastewater treatment. Al0 and Ni0 metals have been used by numerous researchers both domestically and internationally to removal U(VI) from aqueous solution due to their unique chemical properties. In this work, Al0/Ni0 bimetallic material (Al0/Ni0-BM) was prepared by synchronous liquid-phase reduction method. Due to the structure of bimetallic material and synergistic effect, it exhibited a higher removal rate compared with single zero valent metal. The uranium removal rate was 98.90%, well-fitting with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, reduction model and Langmuir isothermal adsorption model. The high removal performance was attributed to the electron transfer mechanism between material and U element and the adsorption effect of corresponding hydroxides. The thermodynamic parameters demonstrated that the adsorption of U(VI) on the Al0/Ni0-BM was an endothermic and spontaneous process controlled by physical and chemical adsorptions. In conclusion, Al0/Ni0-BM showed an excellent potential for understanding U(VI) removal from aqueous solution by zero valent bimetallic materials.
Fruit flesh thickness analysis in local cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) genotypes through morphological and marker-based assay
Authors: Murthy Bindu , Subbareddy Shyamalamma , K Harshitha C , A Guruprasad S , V Vidyashree H 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) is one of the commercially important and widely cultivated cucurbitaceous vegetable grown throughout the world. The immature fruits are consumed as salad or pickled. The present study involved 22 local cucumber genotypes collected from different places of Karnataka, India. Cucumber flesh thickness is an important trait for cucumber fruit quality and a central determinant of yield. Among the evaluated genotypes, the fruit flesh thickness (1.92 cm), fruit diameter (6.87 cm) and yield per plant (3.05 kg) were higher in genotype (CSSL) collected from Shiralakoppa (Shivamogga) region. The higher fruit length (31.48 cm) and lower fruit flesh thickness (0.84 cm) was recorded in genotype (VLD) collected from Dharwad. The analysis of variance revealed significant differences for all the traits. Higher GCV, PCV and high heritability coupled with high GAM were recorded for fruit weight, fruit diameter, fruit flesh thickness, seed cavity width and yield per plant. The fruit flesh thickness in 22 local cucumber genotypes was analysed using candidate gene (Csa2M058670.1) markers. Among 13 SSR primers, SSR23420 and SSR10849 have shown higher PIC (0.37) and higher gene diversity (0.50). The cucumber genotypes such as CSSL, CSWL, CSHLC-1 and CSHL were found to be promising for fruit quality traits such as fruit length, diameter, flesh thickness and yield.