bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of selenium supplementation on oxidative stress, clinical symptoms and mental health status in patients with migraine: a study protocol for a double-blinded randomized clinical trial
Authors: Balali Arghavan , Sadeghi Omid , Anjom-Shoae Javad , Rouhani Mohammad Hossein , Khorvash Fariborz , Askari Gholamreza 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Despite a number of recommended strategies, effective treatment of migraine remains elusive. Given the role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of migraine, selenium, as an antioxidant nutrient, may have a beneficial effect on migraine outcomes. However, no study has explored the effects of selenium supplementation on migraine symptoms, oxidative stress biomarkers, and mental health. Therefore, this randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial aims to examine the effects of selenium supplementation among migraine patients.

Methods
Seventy-two migraine patients will receive either 200 µg/day selenium supplement (n = 36) or placebo (n = 36) for 12 weeks in a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. The severity, frequency, and duration of headaches, mental health indices including depression, anxiety, and distress, and quality of life, as well as biomarkers of oxidative stress such as nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS), will be measured at the baseline and end of the study. The intention-to-treat (ITT) approach will be used to estimate missing values. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) will be performed to detect the effect of selenium supplementation on outcome variables.

Discussion
Oxidative stress is recognized as a key contributor to migraine pathogenesis. Selenium is an essential trace element with antioxidant properties, capable of crossing the blood–brain barrier (BBB), holding promise to alleviate the oxidative stress and neurotoxicity. Thus, selenium may beneficially affect clinical symptoms and oxidative stress as well as the quality of life in migraine patients.

Trial registration
This trial was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (https://www.irct.ir/) on 27 May 2023 with the code number IRCT20121216011763N60.
Sacral neuromodulation for constipation and fecal incontinence in children and adolescents – study protocol of a prospective, randomized trial on the application of invasive vs. non-invasive technique
Authors: Besendörfer Manuel , Kirchgatter Annemarie , Carbon Roman , Weiss Christel , Müller Hanna , Matzel Klaus E. , Diez Sonja 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
A therapeutic effect of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) on fecal incontinence (FI) and quality of life has been proven in adults. SNM is, however, rarely used in pediatric cases. The aim of the study is to investigate effects of SNM in pediatric constipation in a prospective parallel-group trial.

Methods
A monocentric, randomized, unblinded, parallel-group trial is conducted. SNM is conducted in the invasive variant and in an innovative, external approach with adhesive electrodes (enteral neuromodulation, ENM). We include patients with constipation according to the ROME IV criteria and refractory to conventional options. Patients with functional constipation and Hirschsprung’s disease are able to participate. Participants are allocated in a 1:1 ratio to either SNM or ENM group. Clinical data and quality of life is evaluated in regular check-ups. Neuromodulation is applied continuously for 3 months (end point of the study) with follow-up-points at 6 and 12 months. Findings are analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05). Outcome variables are defined as change in (1) episodes of abdominal pain, (2) episodes of FI, (3) defecation frequency, (4) stool consistency. Improvement of proprioception, influence on urinary incontinence, quality of life and safety of treatment are assessed as secondary outcome variables. We expect a relevant improvement in both study groups.

Discussion
This is the first trial, evaluating effects of neuromodulation for constipation in children and adolescents and comparing effects of the invasive and non-invasive application (SNM vs. ENM).

Trial registration
The study is registered with clinicaltrials.gov, Identifier NCT04713085 (date of registration 01/14/2021).
A numerical compass for experiment design in chemical kinetics and molecular property estimation
Authors: Krüger Matteo , Mishra Ashmi , Spichtinger Peter , Pöschl Ulrich , Berkemeier Thomas 
Published: March 2024

AbstractKinetic process models are widely applied in science and engineering, including atmospheric, physiological and technical chemistry, reactor design, or process optimization. These models rely on numerous kinetic parameters such as reaction rate, diffusion or partitioning coefficients. Determining these properties by experiments can be challenging, especially for multiphase systems, and researchers often face the task of intuitively selecting experimental conditions to obtain insightful results. We developed a numerical compass (NC) method that integrates computational models, global optimization, ensemble methods, and machine learning to identify experimental conditions with the greatest potential to constrain model parameters. The approach is based on the quantification of model output variance in an ensemble of solutions that agree with experimental data. The utility of the NC method is demonstrated for the parameters of a multi-layer model describing the heterogeneous ozonolysis of oleic acid aerosols. We show how neural network surrogate models of the multiphase chemical reaction system can be used to accelerate the application of the NC for a comprehensive mapping and analysis of experimental conditions. The NC can also be applied for uncertainty quantification of quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models. We show that the uncertainty calculated for molecules that are used to extend training data correlates with the reduction of QSAR model error. The code is openly available as the Julia package KineticCompass.
Graphical Abstract
Correlation analysis between artemisinin and its derivative contents and trichome characteristics from different Artemisia species
Authors: Park Yun Ji , Truong To Quyen , Choi Yeong Bin , Huynh Phuong Kim , Moon Jinyoung , Koo Song Yi , Kim Hyoung Seok , Kim Sang Min 
Published: March 2024

AbstractArtemisia species have significant commercial, medical, and economic value and are widely used in the traditional medicine and pharmaceutical industries. Artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial agent, is an important pharmaceutical metabolite that primarily accumulates within the glandular trichomes (GTs) on the leaf surface of Artemisia plants. Trichomes arising from the elongation of epidermal cells can be classified into GTs and non-glandular trichomes (NGTs) based on their morphology. GTs and NGTs are present in Artemisia species, and the relationship between GTs and artemisinin has been extensively studied; however, the correlation between NGTs and artemisinin remains relatively unexplored. In this study, we inferred artemisinin derivatives and trichome characteristics based on the type of species, developmental stage, and leaf age and conducted correlation analyses to investigate the factors influencing artemisinin content across different Artemisia species. Artemisinin and its derivatives exhibited variations in distribution based on species and leaf age, with a decreasing trend observed across most species as the developmental stage progressed. Noticeable differences among Artemisia species were observed in leaf shape, morphology, and trichome distribution. Although the observed data did not evidently differentiate between species, developmental stage, and leaf age groups, principal component analysis revealed that artemisinin was positively associated with the NGTs density, indicating a correlation coefficient of 0.56 (p < 0.0001). Therefore, the number of NGTs may affect the artemisinin content in different Artemisia species.
Household food security in the agropastoral communities of rural southern Kyrgyzstan
Authors: Scott Christian Kelly , Chi Guangqing , Glenna Leland 
Published: March 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn mountainous nations like Kyrgyzstan households face substantial environmental and infrastructural challenges as they strive to achieve food security. Measuring food security in montane and agropastoral communities is difficult due to seasonal variations, varied livelihood strategies, and the difficulty of reaching respondents. This study examines intricacies associated with measuring household food security in the southern Kyrgyz highlands and discusses the wider implications for measuring food security in an agropastoral setting. To do this, we deployed multiple types of household food security measures (economic, experiential, and consumptive) via survey (n = 1234) within one southernrayon(district).ResultsHouseholds are largely successful in mitigating acute food insecurity, yet issues of chronic food insecurity persist. Conceptual and statistical similarities between measures support the identification of food security indicator typologies. However, comparing measures of different types presented contradictory narratives in which one type indicates advantageous and the other disadvantageous results. In analyzing the disconnect, natural and socioeconomic shocks are found to be highly influential.ConclusionIt is posited households are successful in responding to shocks through the deployment of coping strategies, such as using loan funds to purchase food. Socioeconomic indicators, such as asset ownership, are implicated as drivers of food security. Findings, discussion, and conclusions contribute to the shared understanding of the measurement of food security in agropastoral communities.
Effects of the application of low-temperature atmospheric plasma on titanium implants on wound healing in peri-implant connective tissue in rats
Authors: Harada Atsuro , Sasaki Hodaka , Asami Yosuke , Hanazawa Kiyotoshi , Miyazaki Sota , Sekine Hideshi , Yajima Yasutomo 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to clarify the effects of surface modification of titanium (Ti) implants by low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma treatment on wound healing and cell attachment for biological sealing in peri-implant soft tissue.

Methods
Hydrophilization to a Ti disk using a handheld low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma device was evaluated by a contact angle test and compared with an untreated group. In in vivo experiments, plasma-treated pure Ti implants using a handheld plasma device (experimental group: PL) and untreated implants (control group: Cont) were placed into the rat upper molar socket, and samples were harvested at 3, 7 and 14 days after surgery. Histological evaluation was performed to assess biological sealing, collagen- and cell adhesion-related gene expression by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, collagen fiber detection by Picrosirius Red staining, and immunohistochemistry for integrins.

Results
In in vivo experiments, increased width of the peri-implant connective tissue (PICT) and suppression of epithelial down growth was observed in PL compared with Cont. In addition, high gene expression of types I and XII collagen at 7 days and acceleration of collagen maturation was recognized in PL. Strong immunoreaction of integrin α2, α5, and β1 was observed at the implant contact area of PICT in PL.

Conclusions
The handheld low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma device provided hydrophilicity on the Ti surface and maintained the width of the contact area of PICT to the implant surface as a result of accelerated collagen maturation and fibroblast adhesion, compared to no plasma application.
A novel biocontrol strain Pseudomonas canadensis FRPC18 against box blight (causative agent Calonectria pseudonaviculata)
Authors: Samavat Samaneh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Recent box blight epidemics caused by Calonectria pseudonaviculata (Cps) have created the need for finding eco-friendly management strategies, especially in natural habitats. In the present research, the biocontrol activity of 26 bacterial isolates against Cps was investigated under laboratory and greenhouse conditions in a completely randomized design (n = 3; P < 0.05).

Results
Strains FRPC18, FRPF4, and FRPF6 showed the most efficiency in the inhibiting Cps colony by 72.4, 46.8, and 34.2% through a dual culture test, respectively. The superior strain, FRPC18, identified belonged to Pseudomonas canadensis. FRPF6 volatile and FRPC18 non-volatile antifungal compounds resulted in the highest inhibition rate of 27.67 and 59.43%, respectively. Strain FRPC18 could also produce the maximum amount of chitinase, significantly, while the highest amount of siderophores was detected in FRPF4. There were non-significant differences among the bacterial strains in producing protease and pectinase. In the greenhouse, FRPC18 reduced box blight severity by 30% and had non-statistically significant differences with Serenade® as a biofungicide (P < 0.05).

Conclusion
The results of this study suggest that P. canadensis may be a new biocontrol agent for controlling box blight in disease hotspots during epidemics in boxwood forests.
Silver nanoparticles in diabetes mellitus: therapeutic potential and mechanistic insights
Authors: Paul Susanta , Sarkar Ishita , Sarkar Nilanjan , Bose Anannya , Chakraborty Mainak , Chakraborty Amrita , Mukherjee Swarupananda 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Research on the use of silver nanoparticles in the context of diabetes mellitus has gained attention due to the unique properties of these nanoparticles, such as their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics. While the field is still in its early stages, several studies have explored the potential applications and effects of silver nanoparticles in managing diabetes.

Main body of the abstract
Diabetes mellitus, a global health concern marked by impaired insulin function and high blood glucose levels, has spurred innovative therapeutic investigations, including nanotechnology. Silver nanoparticles have emerged as promising candidates in this pursuit. This abstract provides an overview of current research on silver nanoparticles’ application in managing diabetes mellitus, highlighting their therapeutic potential and mechanisms of action. With unique physicochemical properties like high surface area and bio-compatibility, silver nanoparticles are ideal for diverse biomedical applications. Recent studies show their ability to modulate key pathways in diabetes pathogenesis, enhancing insulin sensitivity, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting pancreatic beta-cell function. Their antimicrobial properties are particularly beneficial for diabetes patients prone to infections. Moreover, using silver nanoparticle-based carriers for anti-diabetic drugs improves drug bio-availability and reduces side effects, potentially enhancing conventional medication efficacy. However, addressing safety and toxicity concerns is crucial. Ongoing research focuses on optimizing nanoparticle size, shape, and surface modifications to enhance bio-compatibility and minimize adverse effects.

Short conclusion
In conclusion, silver nanoparticles represent a novel and multifaceted approach in the management of diabetes mellitus. Their ability to target multiple facets of diabetes pathogenesis, including insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation, positions them as potential candidates for future therapeutic interventions. However, further research is warranted to elucidate their long-term safety profile and optimize their application in clinical settings.
PlaqueNet: deep learning enabled coronary artery plaque segmentation from coronary computed tomography angiography
Authors: Wang Linyuan , Zhang Xiaofeng , Tian Congyu , Chen Shu , Deng Yongzhi , Liao Xiangyun , Wang Qiong , Si Weixin 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCardiovascular disease, primarily caused by atherosclerotic plaque formation, is a significant health concern. The early detection of these plaques is crucial for targeted therapies and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This study presents PlaqueNet, a solution for segmenting coronary artery plaques from coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) images. For feature extraction, the advanced residual net module was utilized, which integrates a deepwise residual optimization module into network branches, enhances feature extraction capabilities, avoiding information loss, and addresses gradient issues during training. To improve segmentation accuracy, a depthwise atrous spatial pyramid pooling based on bicubic efficient channel attention (DASPP-BICECA) module is introduced. The BICECA component amplifies the local feature sensitivity, whereas the DASPP component expands the network’s information-gathering scope, resulting in elevated segmentation accuracy. Additionally, BINet, a module for joint network loss evaluation, is proposed. It optimizes the segmentation model without affecting the segmentation results. When combined with the DASPP-BICECA module, BINet enhances overall efficiency. The CCTA segmentation algorithm proposed in this study outperformed the other three comparative algorithms, achieving an intersection over Union of 87.37%, Dice of 93.26%, accuracy of 93.12%, mean intersection over Union of 93.68%, mean Dice of 96.63%, and mean pixel accuracy value of 96.55%.
Low heterozygosity for rs3811050, a 5 prime untranslated region variant of the gene encoding interleukin-38 (IL1F10), is associated with a reduced risk of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Nijeeb Rawan A. , Aljber Adnan A. , Ad’hiah Ali H. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Interleukin-38 (IL-38), an inflammatory cytokine discovered in recent years, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). IL-38 is encoded by the IL1F10 (interleukin 1 family member 10) gene. Genetic variants of this gene have been associated with susceptibility to a number of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, while their association with SLE risk has not been explored. In this case–control study, two novel variants of the 5 prime untranslated region (5′UTR) of the IL1F10 gene, rs3811050 C/T and rs3811051 T/G, were investigated in 120 women with SLE and 120 age-matched control women. The TaqMan allelic discrimination assay was used for genotyping of rs3811050 and rs3811051.

Results
The frequency of the rs3811050 CT genotype was significantly lower in SLE patients compared to controls (30.8 vs. 50.0%; odds ratio = 0.49; 95% confidence interval = 0.28–0.86; corrected probability = 0.045). The rs3811051 genotype frequencies did not show significant differences between patients and controls. Rs3811050 and rs3811051 showed weak linkage disequilibrium (LD) as indicated by the estimated LD coefficient and correlation coefficient values (0.32 and 0.05, respectively), and two-locus haplotype analysis revealed no significant differences between patients and controls. The frequencies of the rs3811050 T allele (38.8 vs. 20.6%; probability = 0.029) and the rs3811051 G allele (56.3 vs. 38.2%; probability = 0.038) were significantly higher in patients with mild/moderate disease activity than in patients with high disease activity, but significance was not maintained after applying Bonferroni correction (corrected probability = 0.058 and 0.076, respectively). Serum IL-38 concentrations (median and interquartile range) were significantly decreased in patients compared with controls (69.5 [64.1–74.8] vs. 73.5 [66.1–82.9] pg/mL; probability = 0.03), but were not influenced by SNP genotypes.

Conclusions
The heterozygous genotype of rs3811050, a 5'UTR variant, of the IL-38 encoding gene, IL1F10, is associated with a reduced risk of SLE among women. Furthermore, the rs3811050 T and rs3811051 G alleles may influence disease activity. In addition, serum IL-38 concentrations were down-regulated in SLE patients but were not affected by the rs3811050 and rs3811051 genotypes.
Tinnitus treatment: an experimental study
Authors: Makar Sujoy Kumar 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objective
The objective of the present study was to compare the effectiveness of the selected tinnitus management protocols for the experimental groups, based on the scores obtained for psychosocial variables, quality of life and severity of tinnitus between the four experimental groups following the various treatment protocols.

Method
Two-hundred adults ages ranged from 20 to 55 years (mean age 44.14, SD = 6.16) with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss without tinnitus were randomly selected for the control group, whereas the experimental group comprised 200 adults with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss with tinnitus without any other associated medical problems. Participants of both control and experimental groups underwent audiological tests and were administered the QoL questionnaire. The experimental group, in addition, was also administered the PSQ, TSI and THI questionnaire and psychoacoustic tests, i.e. measuring pitch, loudness and MML of tinnitus. Participants of experimental group were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each of 50 participants, and treatment was given as below: Group 1: only tinnitus masking sound was administered, Group 2: only counselling was given, Group 3: masking with counselling was given and Group 4: tinnitus masking combined with counselling and attention diversion task therapy was given.

Result
The patients without tinnitus had significantly better quality of life in comparison to the patients with tinnitus. Pre-post comparisons of the treatment groups revealed that “masking + counselling + attention diversion task” group showed highly significant differences for psychosocial aspects, QoL and severity of tinnitus. Further, pairwise comparison based on differences in mean scores indicated significant impact of “masking + counselling + attention diversion task” as compared to both in combination like “masking + counselling” or independently, i.e. masking or counselling alone.

Conclusion
It appears that an integrated package of intervention (masking + counselling + attention diversion task) might be preferable for providing immediate tinnitus relief by masking through reducing tinnitus loudness and pitch by altering neuroplasticity (tonotopicity); in the long term, it reduces tinnitus impact through positive thinking by counselling treatment and also diverts attention to daily activity through attention training.
Post-Thymectomy Autoimmune Flare-Up With New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Al-Bkoor Tareq , Ata Fateen , Bint I Bilal Ammara , Abdulgayoom Mohammed , Cherif Honar , Surchi Haval 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The thymus gland aids in the maturation of the immune system. An overactive or malfunctioning thymus gland, as seen in thymomas, can lead to disrupted immune systems. Thymectomy, the usual treatment, can paradoxically lead to further derangements in the immune system, leading to new autoimmune disorders. Most of these reported disorders are rheumatological. Except preclinical studies, there are no reported cases of autoimmune diabetes post-thymectomy. A 25-year-old woman who had malignant thymoma underwent chemotherapy, followed by thymectomy and radiotherapy. She developed autoimmune diabetes mellitus (AID) approximately 1 year post-thymectomy, evident from raised glycated hemoglobin, anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) antibodies, ineffectiveness of oral glucose-lowering agents, and positive response to insulin. AID can occur after thymectomy, as evidenced by animal studies and this case report. Whether these patients would have long-term outcomes and control of diabetes differently than classic type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is uncertain. Further research is needed to prove causality between thymectomy and diabetes.