bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in the treatment of atherosclerosis with ligand‐modified nanocarriers
Authors: Deng Xiujiao , Wang Jinghao , Yu Shanshan , Tan Suiyi , Yu Tingting , Xu Qiaxin , Chen Nenghua , Zhang Siqi , Zhang Ming‐Rong , Hu Kuan , Xiao Zeyu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAtherosclerosis, a chronic disease associated with metabolism, poses a significant risk to human well‐being. Currently, existing treatments for atherosclerosis lack sufficient efficiency, while the utilization of surface‐modified nanoparticles holds the potential to deliver highly effective therapeutic outcomes. These nanoparticles can target and bind to specific receptors that are abnormally over‐expressed in atherosclerotic conditions. This paper reviews recent research (2018–present) advances in various ligand‐modified nanoparticle systems targeting atherosclerosis by specifically targeting signature molecules in the hope of precise treatment at the molecular level and concludes with a discussion of the challenges and prospects in this field. The intention of this review is to inspire novel concepts for the design and advancement of targeted nanomedicines tailored specifically for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Assessment, creativity and learning: A personal perspective
Authors: Hickman Richard 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis paper presents a personal view (a view coloured by my cultural environment and upbringing) of young people's education. I look in particular at assessment practices and detail my understanding of the nature of learning, focusing on creativity and the tensions associated with schooling and creative behaviour. Drawing upon and developing my earlier work in the light of further research and experience, I give an overview of assessment practices and approaches to teaching and learning and argue for a learner‐centred approach with a focus on practical work and an environment that promotes creative problem‐solving across the whole curriculum. A pedagogical strategy is presented that is based on four areas of activity: reacting, researching, responding, and reflecting.
Unveiling the pharmacological potential of Coelogyne suaveolens: An investigation of its diverse pharmacological activities by in vivo and computational studies
Authors: Eva Taslima Akter , Mamurat Husnum , Rahat Md. Habibul Hasan , Hossen S. M. Moazzem 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe medicinal potential of Coelogyne suaveolens, a traditional medicinal plant, was investigated through in vivo and molecular docking studies. The ethyl acetate fraction of the plant's acetonic extract was subjected to various bioactivity tests to assess its analgesic, anxiolytic, and sedative effects on Swiss albino mice. Furthermore, we used GCMS to identify the bioactive chemicals in the extract's ethyl acetate fraction. The root and bulb extracts demonstrated significant analgesic activity in acetic acid‐induced writhing, hot plate, and tail immersion tests in a dose‐dependent manner when compared to the control. Again, the extract exhibited moderate anxiolytic activity in the elevated plus maze test at a dosage of 400 mg/kg body weight, while the root extract showed significant anxiolytic activity in the hole board test at the same dosage. Significant sedative activity was observed in the hole cross, open field, and rotarod tests at a dosage of 400 mg/kg. According to molecular docking studies, the extract has the potential to serve as an analgesic medication by reducing the enzymatic activity of cyclooxygenases 1 and 2. Overall, the findings suggest that C. suaveolens has substantial therapeutic potential for the development of novel treatments for pain, anxiety, and sleep disorders.
Isolation of phenolic compounds from eco‐friendly white bee propolis: Antioxidant, wound‐healing, and anti‐Alzheimer effects
Authors: Necip Adem , Demirtas Ibrahim , Tayhan Seçil Erden , Işık Mesut , Bilgin Sema , Turan İsmail Furkan , İpek Yaşar , Beydemir Şükrü 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study presents the first findings regarding extraction, isolation, enzyme inhibition, and antioxidant activity. The oral mucosal wound‐healing process was investigated using propolis water extract (PWE) incubation with gingival fibroblast cells and concluded that propolis was effective on the oral mucosal wound‐healing pattern compared to untreated controls. Additionally, phenolic compounds (fraxetin, apigenin, galangin, pinobanksin, chrysin, etc.) were isolated from propolis, and their chemical structures were elucidated using comprehensive spectroscopic methods. The antioxidant and anti‐Alzheimer potential activities of PWE and some isolated compounds were screened and revealing their inhibitory effects on acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with IC50 values ranging from 0.45 ± 0.01 to 1.15 ± 0.03 mM, as well as remarkable free‐radical scavenging and metal reduction capacities. The results suggest that these compounds and PWE can be used as therapeutic agents due to their antioxidant properties and inhibitory potential on AChE. It can also be used for therapeutic purposes since its wound‐healing effect is promising.
Magnitude and trends in inequalities in healthcare‐seeking behavior for pneumonia and mortality rate among under‐five children in Bangladesh: Evidence from nationwide cross‐sectional survey 2007 to 2017
Authors: Kundu Satyajit , Nizum Md Wahidur Rahman , Fayeza Fahmida , Chowdhury Syed Sharaf Ahmed , Bakchi Jhantu , Sharif Azaz Bin 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsBangladesh did not have enough evidence on the current estimates and trend in inequities in the under‐five mortality rate (U5MR). There is also a shortage of evidence on trends and inequalities in healthcare‐seeking for pneumonia among under‐five children (U5C) in Bangladesh. Hence, this study investigated the inequalities in U5MR and health care seeking for pneumonia in U5C through socioeconomic and geographic disparities in Bangladesh between 2007 and 2017.MethodsData from 2007, 2011, 2014, and 2017 Bangladesh Demographic and Health surveys were analyzed using the Health Equity Assessment Toolkit (HEAT) software by World Health Organization (WHO). The data on U5MR and healthcare‐seeking for pneumonia were first disaggregated into five equity dimensions: wealth status, education, child sex, place of residence, and administrative divisions. Second, using summary metrics such as difference (D), population attributable risk (PAR), ratio (R), and population attributable fraction (PAF), inequalities were assessed.ResultsThe U5MR declined from 73.9 deaths per 1000 live births in 2007 to 48.6 deaths in 2017, while the prevalence of healthcare‐seeking for pneumonia in U5C fluctuated over time (34.6% in 2007, 35.4% in 2011, 42.0% in 2014, and 39.8% in 2017). Profound socioeconomic and geographic disparities in U5MR and the prevalence of healthcare‐seeking for pneumonia in U5C favored the wealthy, educated, and urban residents. At the same time, the Sylhet division showed the worst situation for U5MR. There were also sex‐related disparities in U5MR (PAR = −4.5, 95% confidence interval: −5.3 to −3.7) with higher risk among male children than females.ConclusionThese results indicate that improving disadvantaged women, such as the poor, uneducated, and rural inhabitants, who exhibit disproportionate disparities in U5MR and healthcare‐seeking behavior is important. To reduce childhood mortality, it is essential to improve healthcare‐seeking for pneumonia among U5C. Facilitating women for better education and economic encompasses would help reducing disparity.
How do credit ratings affect corporate investment efficiency?
Authors: Xiao Di , Yu Xinyu 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThis study examines the impact of credit ratings on the efficiency of firms' investments. Using a large sample of US firms, we find a positive relationship between the existence of credit ratings and investment efficiency. The cross‐sectional analyses show the positive relationship is more pronounced for firms with greater information asymmetry and weaker corporate governance. Our results are robust to different methods to address potential endogeneity concerns, alternative measures of key variables, and the inclusion of additional control variables. Overall, the findings support the notion that credit rating agencies enhance information transparency and external monitoring, thereby allowing rated firms to promote investment efficiency. The findings contribute to our understanding of the significant role played by credit rating agencies in shaping firms' investment behaviour and efficiency.
Deep learning based Glaucoma Network Classification (GNC) using retinal images
Authors: Kiyani Iqra Ashraf , Shehryar Tehmina , Khalid Samina , Jamil Uzma , Muzaffar Syed Adeel 
Published: December 2023

AbstractThe proposed deep learning framework for glaucoma classification addresses critical challenges of limited data and computational costs. Employing data augmentation and normalization techniques, the three‐stage model, utilizing InceptionV3 and ResNet50, achieves high training (99.3% ‐ 99.8%) and testing accuracy (91.6% ‐ 92.12%) on a dataset comprising 16,328 images from fused public datasets. This outperforms existing automated models. The approach leverages transfer learning and convolutional neural networks, showcasing its potential for accurate and timely glaucoma diagnosis. However, ongoing validation on diverse datasets and ethical considerations regarding fairness and transparency in medical applications remain essential. The model's reliability suggests its promising role in aiding early glaucoma detection, potentially averting irreversible vision impairment.
Computational investigation of pyrazinamide drugs and its transition metal complexes using aDFTapproach
Authors: Khan Muhammad Sanwal , Maha Nasir , Riaz Maira , Yasmin Tahira , Irfan Ahmad , Basra Muhammad Asim Raza 
Published: December 2023

AbstractPyrazinamide, an antituberculosis but documented toxic drug, is subjected to computational investigation along with the metal complexes via a DFT approach to predict the structure–activity and structure‐toxicity relationship. 6‐31G(d,p) basis set was used for Zn, Ni, Mn, Fe, and Co, while the SDD basis set was applied to Cu, Cr, Cd, and Hg. Several reactivity parameters and charge distribution were calculated and the reactivity profile was estimated. The complexes were found to be soft and polarizable which could be responsible for their binding with bacterial targets to inhibit their growth. In contrast, pyrazinamide which is found to be hard among all is susceptible to being toxic. Moreover, the electronegative nature of the complexes can endow them with a better antibacterial effect. Since metal complexes have been found to be less toxic and more biologically interactive by computational methods, they can be employed as potent drugs for the cure of tuberculosis.
MIBlood‐EV: Minimal information to enhance the quality and reproducibility of blood extracellular vesicle research
Authors: Lucien Fabrice , Gustafson Dakota , Lenassi Metka , Li Bo , Teske Jacob J. , Boilard Eric , von Hohenberg Katharina Clemm , Falcón‐Perez Juan Manual , Gualerzi Alice , Reale Antonia , Jones Jennifer C. , Lässer Cecilia , Lawson Charlotte , Nazarenko Irina , O'Driscoll Lorraine , Pink Ryan , Siljander Pia R‐M , Soekmadji Carolina , Hendrix An , Welsh Joshua A , Witwer Kenneth W. , Nieuwland Rienk 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBlood is the most commonly used body fluid for extracellular vesicle (EV) research. The composition of a blood sample and its derivatives (i.e., plasma and serum) are not only donor‐dependent but also influenced by collection and preparation protocols. Since there are hundreds of pre‐analytical protocols and over forty variables, the development of standard operating procedures for EV research is very challenging. To improve the reproducibility of blood EV research, the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) Blood EV Task Force proposes standardized reporting of (i) the applied blood collection and preparation protocol and (ii) the quality of the prepared plasma and serum samples. Gathering detailed information will provide insight into the performance of the protocols and more effectively identify potential confounders in the prepared plasma and serum samples. To collect this information, the ISEV Blood EV Task Force created the Minimal Information for Blood EV research (MIBlood‐EV), a tool to record and report information about pre‐analytical protocols used for plasma and serum preparation as well as assays used to assess the quality of these preparations. This tool does not require modifications of established local pre‐analytical protocols and can be easily implemented to enhance existing databases thereby enabling evidence‐based optimization of pre‐analytical protocols through meta‐analysis. Taken together, insight into the quality of prepared plasma and serum samples will (i) improve the quality of biobanks for EV research, (ii) guide the exchange of plasma and serum samples between biobanks and laboratories, (iii) facilitate inter‐laboratory comparative EV studies, and (iv) improve the peer review process.
Activation of toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling by triggering a receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 promotes alveolar macrophage M1 polarization and exacerbates septic acute lung injury
Authors: Liao Qingwu , Su Xiaojuan , Tao Zhengang , Li Zheng , Wang Huilin , Yuan Ying 
Published: December 2023

AbstractBackgroundSeptic acute lung injury (ALI) is a life‐threatening condition commonly occurring in the intensive care unit. Inflammation is considered as the basic pathological response of septic ALI. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1) is a member of the immunoglobulin superfamily receptors that regulates the inflammatory response. However, the role of TREM1 in septic ALI has not yet been reported.MethodsCell viability was tested using the MTT assay. TdT‐mediated dUTP nick end labeling assay and flow cytometry were used for apoptosis. The level of protein was detected using western blot analysis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor‐α and interleukin‐1β were assessed using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. The lactate dehydrogenase content was assessed using the assay kit. Myeloperoxidase activity was determined using an assay. Histology of lung tissue was further analyzed through hematoxylin–eosin staining.ResultsWe found that TREM1 knockdown by transfection with si‐TREM1 inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced cell apoptosis of alveolar macrophage cell line MH‐S. The LPS stimulation caused M1 polarization of MH‐S cells, which could be reversed by TREM1 knockdown. In vivo assays proved that si‐TREM1 injection improved lung injury and inflammation of cecal ligation and puncture‐induced ALI in mice. In addition, TREM1 knockdown suppressed the activation of toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor‐kappa B signaling, implying the involvement of TLR4 in the effects of TREM1 in response to LPS stimulation.ConclusionsThis study examined the proinflammatory role of TREM1 in septic ALI and its regulatory effect on alveolar macrophage polarization. These results suggest that TREM1 could potentially serve as a therapeutic target in the prevention and treatment of ALI.
Prevalence of homelessness among hospitalized patients: A point‐in‐time survey
Authors: Mistry Neelam , Knoeckel Julie , McBeth Lauren , Johnson Amanda , Bredenberg Erin , Raffel Katie , Cunningham John , Sarcone Ellen , Misky Gregory , Stella Sarah A. 
Published: December 2023

AbstractAlthough homelessness is associated with increased acute healthcare utilization and poorer health outcomes, the prevalence of homelessness and housing insecurity in hospitalized patients is poorly characterized. We conducted an in‐person survey to determine the prevalence of housing insecurity and homelessness among hospitalized patients at two hospitals in metropolitan Denver in conjunction with the Housing and Urban Development point‐in‐time count on January 24, 2022. Of the 271 surveyed patients, 79 (29.2%) reported experiencing either housing insecurity (17.3%) or homelessness (11.8%). Of those experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness, 69.6% reported chronic health conditions, 55.7% reported multiple hospitalizations in the preceding year, 38% reported mental health concerns and 39.2% reported substance use. The prevalence of homelessness among a hospitalized patient population was over 20‐fold higher than community prevalence estimates. Housing insecurity also impacted a substantial proportion of hospitalized patients and was associated with high rates of co‐morbid conditions.
Sliding Wear Behavior of Pineapple Leaf/Glass Fiber Reinforced Polyester Composites
Authors: Takle Balasaheb , Munde Yashwant , Shinde Avinash , Deore Vishal , Irulappasamy Siva 
Published: December 2023

AbstractIn this work, the effect of the kind of reinforcement on the sliding wear performance of a polyester matrix composite reinforced with glass fiber and pineapple leaf fiber is investigated. The purpose of this study is to ascertain the effects of the type of reinforcement on the sliding wear performance of a polyester matrix composite reinforced with glass fiber and pineapple leaf fiber. By using hot press molding and the 30% weight fraction of fiber reinforcement, polyester composites with four distinct compositions—PPP, GGG, PGP, and GPG—have been created. These composites' dry sliding wear experiment is carried out using a Pin on Disc wear testing device. The following parameters are used in experiments: a track radius of 50 mm, a sliding distance (SD) of 500 m, an applied load of 50, 70, or 90 N, and a sliding velocity of 3.14, 4.71, or 6.28 m s−1. For dedicated (PPP, GGG) and hybrid (PGP, GPG) polyester composites, the effects of load, sliding velocity (SV), and wear rate (WR) are studied. At 50 N and 3.14 m s−1 the COF for PPP and GGG dedicated composites is 0.68 and 0.70, respectively, whereas for PGP and GPG hybrid composites, it is 0.41 and 0.64. The PGP/GPG hybrid composites have a minimal wear rate of 3.34e‐8 m3 s−1 and are 80% more effective than dedicated composites. Utilizing the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Taguchi L9 orthogonal array, regression models are created to optimize the influence of various parameters, such as load, sliding velocity, and composition. Results of confirmation tests show excellent agreement with predictions generated using the developed mathematical model.
Effects of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles on Delamination in CFRP and Optimization Using Response Surface Modeling
Authors: Chandran P Sarath , Kumar Nishanth S. , Narayanan Pebble , Pratheepan Prithviraj Chengot , Reghunath Rakesh , Pilla Unnikrishnan Thekkeparambil Gopalaswamy 
Published: December 2023

AbstractCarbon fiber composites recently have captured the attention of many for their wide array of properties surpassing those of traditional metals. Carbon fiber‐reinforced plastic (CFRP) has several excellent properties like a high strength‐to‐weight ratio, better chemical resistance, and other strength characteristics. But one problem affecting the use of CFRP is its delamination. This occurs during drilling holes for various operations. It is a known fact that the aircraft industry is one such industry very much dependent on such drilling operations. Failures such as fiber rupture, surface irregularities, micro‐crack formation, and deformations around drilling regions are commonly encountered during the machining of CFRP composite. This research has studied the effects of graphene oxide nanoparticles on delamination in the drilling of CFRP composite. Carbon fiber is manufactured using a vacuum bag process. The optimum conditions for the drilling process are found by using response surface modeling (RSM) which leads to minimum delamination in CFRP fabricated.
Cannabidiol Inhibits IgE‐Mediated Mast Cell Degranulation and Anaphylaxis in Mice
Authors: Yang Xiaohui , Lee Dohyeon , Kim Hyun‐Woo , Park Byung‐Hyun , Lim Changjin , Bae Eun Ju 
Published: December 2023

ScopeCannabidiol (CBD), the most abundant non‐psychoactive constituent of the plant Cannabis sativa, is known to possess immune modulatory properties. This study investigates the effects of CBD on mast cell degranulation in human and mouse primary mast cells and passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice.Methods and resultsMouse bone marrow‐derived mast cells and human cord‐blood derived mast cells are generated. CBD suppressed antigen‐stimulated mast cell degranulation in a concentration‐dependent manner. Mechanistically, CBD inhibited both the phosphorylation of FcεRI downstream signaling molecules and calcium mobilization in mast cells, while exerting no effect on FcεRI expression and IgE binding to FcεRI. These suppressive effects are preserved in the mast cells that are depleted of type 1 (CB1) and type 2 (CB2) cannabinoid receptors, as well as in the presence of CB1 agonist, CB2 agonist, CB1 inverse agonist, and CB2 inverse agonist. CBD also inhibited the development of mast cells in a long‐term culture. The intraperitoneal administration of CBD suppressed passive cutaneous anaphylaxis in mice as evidenced by a reduction in ear swelling and decrease in the number of degranulated mast cells.ConclusionBased on these results, the administration of CBD is a new therapeutic intervention in mast cell‐associated anaphylactic diseases.
DEM filtration modelling for granular materials: Comparative analysis of dry and wet approaches
Authors: Abdallah Ali , Vincens Eric , Magoariec Hélène , Picault Christophe 
Published: December 2023

AbstractA detailed study comparing two – dry and wet – numerical approaches to model filtration processes at stake in actual granular filters is presented using the discrete element method (DEM). In the first approach, the migration of fines is provided by gravitational forces, while in the second, hydrodynamic forces induce their movement. Numerical filtration tests were performed on granular filters involving materials with different gradings and porosities. The study demonstrated that the wet filtration approach generates higher tortuosity due to the possibility for fines to deviate from direct paths towards more open sideways. It leads to a lower coefficient of retention for the filter than if it were characterised using a dry filtration approach. However, the intensity of this feature greatly depends on the grading and the porosity of the granular filter. Finally, an enhanced dry filtration model designated as the “equivalent cyclic wet filtration model” is presented, which better mimics the results obtained through the preferable wet filtration model compared to the original dry filtration model. This new model constitutes a valuable alternative tool for studies of filtration properties in granular materials.