bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In-vivo Safety Assessment of a Polyherbal Formulation (Stress-WIN) Proposed for Clinical Hypertension Management
Authors: Agarwal Somesh , Roy Anirban , Tiwari Vinod , Pal Poonam , Kartika A , Singh Amaresh Kumar , Kumar Sanjeev 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Herbal treatments are nowadays considered dietary supplements and nutraceuticals for health maintenance and alternative/complementary therapy. A large range of herbal medications worldwide can easily be accessible in the local market. The polyherbal formulation (Stress-WIN) containing Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera L. Dunal), Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa Hook. F.), and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi (D. Don) DC.) root has been used empirically in the management of hypertension. However, toxicity data for the Stress-WIN is not available yet. The present study aims to evaluate the Stress-WIN's safety profile by 28 days of repeated dose oral toxicity in Wistar rats. Rats received different doses (500 mg/kg/day, 1000 mg/kg/day, and 2000 mg/kg/day) of Stress-WIN, for 28 days. The study was conducted in compliance with the OECD guideline 423. No significant differences were observed in hematological and biochemical parameters as compared to the control group (p > 0.05). Histopathological studies revealed no significant alterations in the macroscopic and microscopic architecture of the liver, kidney, heart, and spleen of the Stress-WIN treated groups in comparison to the control group (p > 0.05). Findings from the present study suggest that Stress-WIN supplementation has not shown any side effects in terms of sub-acute toxicity in both male and female rats. These findings indicated no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of Stress-WIN was higher than 2000 mg/kg/day.
Radial growth response of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica to drought at different elevations in northern Daxing'anling and reconstruction of the SPEI sequence
Authors: zhang xi , Wang Zhaopeng , Zhang Dongyou , Luo Taoran , Wang Bing , Li Xiangyou , Wang Xinrui 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In order to study the historical wet and dry changes in the northern Daxing'anling region of China, this paper established a standard chronology of tree-ring width at high (1150 m), medium (800–900 m), and low (700 m) elevations. The analysis was based on tree-ring cores of Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica from three elevation gradients in the northern Daxing'anling and correlates it with the SPEI (Standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index) of 12-month time scale. The established widths were correlated with the SPEI at a 12-month time scale. Climate-growth correlation analysis revealed that the low elevation chronology exhibited the highest correlation with the SPEI index in July–August (r = 0.665, p < 0.01). Based on this, a linear regression model between the low elevation tree-ring width chronology and the July–August SPEI index was established via regression analysis to reconstruct the dry and wet changes in the study area in the past 210 years. The explained variance (R2) of the reconstructed equation was 44.3%, (the explained variance after adjusting for degrees of freedom was 43.3%), and the F-value was 45.295.The reconstruction satisfied required statistical calibration and validation tests. The inter-annual variations indicate that the study area experienced six wet periods (1809–1818, 1828–1837, 1848–1864, 1928–1948, 1950–1972 and 1996–2003) and six dry periods (1819–1827, 1838–1847, 1865–1904, 1906–1923, 1973–1988 and 2004–2018), with an equal share of wet and dry years (13.8% and 14.8%). The reconstruction results are confirmed by the historical data and the reconstruction results of the surrounding region of the study area. Wavelet analysis reveals oscillatory cycles of 18, 26–29, and 40 years in the reconstructed sequence, which may be related to the North Atlantic Sea Surface Temperature Multi-Year Intergenerational Oscillation (AMO) and the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO).
Predicting risk factors of combined pulmonary infection in patients with idiopathic inflammatory myopathies
Authors: Juanjuan He , Liu Jianwen , Chen Zhihan , DAI Yunfeng , GAO Fei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

This cohort study aims to examine the clinical characteristics of idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) combined with pulmonary infection in hospitalized patients. Additionally, a new prediction model has been developed to evaluate the risk . One retrospective set (N = 371) was conducted to develop a predictive model. The clinical, radiological and laboratory features were collected and subjected to logistic regression analyses. The predictive model was displayed as a nomogram, which was externally validated in an independent set (N = 124). In the IIM patients with pneumonia, 100 strains of pathogenic bacteria were found, with fungal infections accounting for the majority. The novel nomogram model, which included the following parameters: age, combined ILD, albumin, lymphocyte count, C-reactive protein, and fibrinogen, was constructed successfully. The model had the AUC of 0.792 (95% CI: 0.744-0.839) and a C-index of 0.792 (95% CI: 0.744 - 0.839). It maintained good calibration values with an AUC of 0.744 (95% CI: 0.640 - 0.848) in the external validation set. This new nomogram shown high predictive performance in diagnosing IIM paired with pulmonary infection. This novel nomogram model was developed from a retrospective study and externally validated in an independent set based on six easily accessible clinical variables, and it exhibited good diagnostic performance.
Barley-Derived Green Synthesis of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles: Transforming Agricultural Resources into Sustainable Nanomaterials
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Mijakovic Ivan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study presents a novel approach utilizing barley grains for the green synthesis of gold (Barley-AuNPs) and silver nanoparticles (Barley-AgNPs). The study emphasizes the sustainable nature of barley-mediated synthesis, positioning it as an environmentally friendly alternative for nanoparticle production. The rapid synthesis of Barley-AuNPs within 20 minutes and Barley-AgNPs within 30 minutes at 90°C underscores the efficiency of barley as a green precursor. Characterization through advanced techniques, including SEM, TEM, EDX, AFM, DLS, FTIR, MALDI-TOF and sp-ICPMS, reveals the 20–30 nm size for Barley-AuNPs, while Barley-AgNPs demonstrate 2–10 nm size with monodispersity. A notable contribution lies in the stability of these nanoparticles over extended periods, attributed to a thick biological corona layer. This corona layer, which enhances stability, also influences the antimicrobial activity of Barley-AgNPs, presenting an intriguing trade-off. Moreover, the antimicrobial investigations highlight the significant potential of Barley-AgNPs, with distinct minimum bactericidal concentrations (MIC) against P. aeruginosa and E. coli at 8 µg/ml. Overall, this research not only pioneers the use of barley in nanoparticle synthesis but also unveils the unique characteristics and potential applications of these nanoparticles, contributing to the evolving landscape of sustainable nanotechnology.
Perceived importance of emotional intelligence for clinical pharmacy practice and directions for its improvement: a focus group study
Authors: Senćanski Dejan , Tadić Ivana , Jocić Dragana , Marinković Valentina 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background Emotional intelligence (EI) is a critical set of skills that impacts clinical pharmacists’ well-being and positively influences high-level patient-centered care. Providing pharmacists’ perceptions may support the integration of EI development approaches into their professional development continuum.
Objective This research aimed to analyse pharmacists’ perceptions of the characteristics of emotionally intelligent clinical pharmacists, the importance of EI in clinical practice, and educational models and approaches to enhancing EI.
Method A qualitative study with a focus group methodology was conducted with pharmacy practitioners using a semistructured guide grounded in the EI competency framework and existing qualitative research methodology practices. Purposive sampling was conducted until information and meaning saturation had occurred. The focus group recordings were transcribed and independently coded by two researchers. Pharmacists' attitudes were categorized and examined through descriptive statistics. The conventional content analysis of qualitative data was applied.
Results According to the 17 focus group participants, emotionally intelligent clinical pharmacists are perceived as self-confident communicators who control and manage emotions, work well under pressure, and handle every situation effectively. Emotional self-control, self-awareness and awareness of others, and demonstration of tolerance, understanding, and empathy have emerged as key EI competencies required for challenges in clinical practice. EI lectures with clinical application reflections, behavior modelling, and behavior-changing methods were perceived to be of particular importance for pharmacist education and development programs.
Conclusions Clinical pharmacists and other practitioners perceived EI competencies as necessary for their professional success and high-quality patient-centered care. They suggested that they be a focal point in pharmacy professional development programs.
Integrating Durvalumab with Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation and Surgery in Patients with Borderline Resectable Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective Case Series
Authors: Saad Akram , Appel Sarit , Ben-Nun Alon , Daher Sameh , Urban Damien , Daher Qamar , Davidson Tima , Marom Edith , Goldstein Jeffrey , Bar Jair 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Borderline resectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) poses significant clinical challenges. This study evaluated the outcomes of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NA-CRT), durvalumab, and surgery.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective analysis of an institutional database identified patients with borderline resectable stage III NSCLC treated with NA-CRT, durvalumab, and completion surgery. The data collected included radiographic and pathologic responses, surgical and clinical outcomes, and adverse events (AEs).
Results
Between 2017 and2021, 11 patients received NA-CRT, durvalumab, and completion surgery. Patients received a median number of 6 durvalumab treatments. Preoperative imaging revealed partial response (n = 5) or stable disease (n = 6). Surgical procedures included lobectomy (n = 10) or pneumonectomy (n = 1), resulting in R0 resection in all patients. Eight patients (73%) had a pathologic complete response (pCR), and 9 (82%) had a major pathologic response (MPR). At a median follow-up of 27 months, two cases of metastatic recurrence occurred. The median, 1-year, and 2-year estimates of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were: 23 months and 25 months, 82% and 100%, and 72% and 80% respectively. Univariate analysis revealed no factors associated with pCR, MPR, PFS, or OS. Six patients had immune-related AEs (irAEs), 6 had postoperative AEs, and none were grade 4 or 5.
Conclusion
This integrated approach of NA-CRT + durvalumab exhibited promising outcomes and tolerability in patients with borderline resectable stage III NSCLC. These results suggest a rationale for including radiation therapy in future trials examining neoadjuvant strategies for resectable NSCLC patients.
Surgical outcomes of very-early-onset ulcerative colitis: retrospective comparative study with older pediatric patients
Authors: Fumita Takashi , Terui Keita , Shibata Ryohei , Takenouchi Ayako , Komatsu Shugo , Oita Satoru , Yoshizawa Hiroko , Hirano Yuichi , Yoshino Yusaku , Saito Takeshi , Hishiki Tomoro 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Purpose
The study compares the surgical outcomes of very-early-onset ulcerative colitis (VEO-UC), which is a rare disease diagnosed in pediatric patients < 6 years, with those of older pediatric patients with ulcerative colitis (UC).
Methods
A retrospective observational study of 57 pediatric patients with UC was conducted at a single center. The study compared surgical complications and postoperative growth between the two groups.
Results
Out of the 57 patients, 6 had VEO-UC, and 5 of them underwent total colectomy. Compared with the surgical cases of older patients with UC (n = 6), the rate of postoperative complications in patients with VEO-UC (n = 5) was not significantly different, except for high-output ileostomy (80% vs. 0% at 3 weeks postoperatively, p = 0.02). The rate of postoperative central venous catheter (CVC) placement at > 90 days was higher in patients with VEO-UC (100% vs. 17%, P = 0.02). The median change in the Z-score of height before and 2 years after colectomy was not significantly different between VEO-UC and older patients (1.1 vs. 0.3, p = 0.13).
Conclusion
With regards complications and outcomes, total colectomy for VEO-UC patients and that for older pediatric UC patients is comparable. However, high-output ileostomy and long duration of CVC placement may pose management challenges.
Non-enzymatic detection of uric acid in serum and urine by fluorescent and visual dual-mode sensor based on 3- aminophenylboric acid functionalized carbon dots
Authors: Li Xin , Chen Guoqing , Hu Anqi , Xiong Yi , Yang Taiqun , Ma Chaoqun , Li Lei , Gao Hui , Zhu Chun , Wu Yamin , Gu Jiao , Wu Hui , Zhou Yan , Guan Weinan , Zhang Wei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Herein, we developed a sophisticated dual-mode sensor that utilized 3-aminophenylboric acid functionalized carbon dots (APBA-CDs) to accurately detect uric acid (UA). Our innovative process involved synthesizing APBA-CDs that emitted at 369 nm using a one-step hydrothermal method with 3-aminophenylboric acid and L-glutamine as precursors, ethanol and deionized water as solvents. Once UA was introduced to the APBA-CDs, the fluorescence of the system became visibly quenched. The results of Zeta potential, Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR) spectra, fluorescence lifetime, and other characteristics were analyzed to determine that the reaction mechanism was static quenching. This meant that after UA was mixed with APBA-CDs, it combined with the boric acid genes on the surface to form complexes, resulting in a decrease in fluorescence intensity and a blue shift in the absorption peak at about 295 nm in the Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectra. We were pleased to report that we have successfully used the dual-reading platform to accurately detect UA in serum and human urine. It provided a superior quantitative and visual analysis of UA without the involvement of enzymes. We firmly believe that our innovative dual-mode sensor has immense potential in the fields of biosensing and health monitoring.
A Stealthy Backdoor Attack for Code Models
Authors: qu yubin , Huang Song , Chen Xiang , Ju Xiaolin , Li Long , Wang Xingya , Yao Yongming , Xiao Ziqin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Recent studies have shown that code models are susceptible to backdoor attacks. When injected with a backdoor, the victim code model can function normally on benign samples but may produce predetermined malicious outputs when triggers are activated. However, previous backdoor attacks on code models have used explicit triggers, and we aim to investigate the vulnerability of code models to stealthy backdoor attacks in this study. To this end, we propose a backdoor attack approach using Abstract Syntax Tree-based Triggers (ASTT) to obtain stealthiness. We evaluate ASTT on deep learning-based code models and three downstream tasks (i.e., code translation, code repair, and defect detection). With the clustering algorithm, we generated triggers based on abstract syntax trees. We find that the average attack success rate of our ASTT can reach 92.71%. Moreover, our ASTT is stealthy and can effectively bypass state-of-the-art defense approaches. Finally, we verify that the time overhead of our proposed ASTT is small and can meet the needs in real scenarios. Our finding demonstrates security weaknesses in code models under stealthy backdoor attacks.
Allele-level visualization of transcription and chromatin by high-throughput imaging
Authors: Almansour Faisal , Keikhosravi Adib , Pegoraro Gianluca , Misteli Tom 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The spatial arrangement of the genome within the nucleus is a pivotal aspect of cellular organization and function with implications for gene expression and regulation. While all genome organization features, such as loops, domains, and radial positioning, are non-random, they are characterized by a high degree of single-cell variability. Imaging approaches are ideally suited to visualize, measure, and study single-cell heterogeneity in genome organization. Here, we describe two methods for the detection of DNA and RNA of individual gene alleles by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in a high-throughput format. We have optimized combined DNA/RNA FISH approaches either using simultaneous or sequential detection. These optimized DNA and RNA FISH protocols, implemented in a 384-well plate format alongside automated image and data analysis, enable accurate detection of chromatin loci and their gene expression status across a large cell population with allele-level resolution. We successfully visualized MYC and EGFR DNA and RNA in multiple cell types, and we determined the radial position of active and inactive MYC and EGFR alleles. These optimized DNA/RNA detection approaches are versatile and sensitive tools for mapping of chromatin features and gene activity at the single-allele level and at high throughput.
Inactivation of Diutina catenulata isolated from Longan fruit using atmospheric pressure cold plasma DBD in argon, air, and argon-air mixture
Authors: Than Ha An Quoc , Pham Thien Huu , Nguyen Trung Thanh , Do Ngan Kim , Tran Minh Anh Ngoc 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Cold plasma treatment, rapidly emerging as a revolutionary technology in food sterilization, has garnered significant attention due to its high efficacy, environmentally friendly nature, and potential for preserving food. In this study, the effectiveness of cold plasma to sterilize Diutina catenulata using argon (Ar), air, and argon-air mixture at various exposure durations was evaluated by comparing the inhibition zone area. The results indicated that plasma generated from all input gas types have shown the high ability in reducing bacteria density. Notably, the maximum antibacterial circle area was recorded when exposed to argon-air plasma at a flow rate of 4 L/min with a ratio of 1:3 in the shortest treatment time. Moreover, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation revealed structural damage and loss of cell membrane integrity following plasma treatment. These results suggest the promising potential of dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma using Ar and air for applications in food safety and processing.
Long-term detection of glycemic glucose/hypoglycemia by microfluidic sweat monitoring patch
Authors: Xu Wenjie , Lu Lei , He Yuxin , Cheng Lin , Liu Aiping 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Microfluidic sweat monitoring patch that collects human sweat for a long time is designed, which can achieve the effect of detecting the rise and fall of human sweat glucose in a long period of time by increasing the use time of a single patch. Five collection pools, four serpentine channels and two different valves are provided. Among them, the three-dimensional valve has a large burst pressure as a balance between the internal and external air pressures of the patch. The bursting pressure of the two-dimensional diverter valve is smaller than that of the three-dimensional gas valve, and its role is to control the flow direction of the liquid. Through plasma hydrophilic treatment of different durations, the optimal hydrophilic duration is obtained. The embedded chromogenic disc detects the sweat glucose value at two adjacent time intervals and compares the information of the human body to increase or reduce glucose. The patch has good flexibility and can fit well with human skin, and because PDMS has good light transmission, it reduces the measurement error caused by the color taking process and makes the detection results more accurate.
Optimizing Osteoporosis Classification through Femur Bone Volumetric Estimation with Deep Belief Network in X-ray Imaging
Authors: Shankar N , Shanmugham B , Ahamed S Rafi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The accurate classification of osteoporosis is a crucial requirement in the medical field for identifying patients with skeletal disorders associated with aging. Achieving improved accuracy and reduced computational complexity in classification algorithms is essential. To address this, our research proposes a novel classification method utilizing the Hybrid Gradient Particle Swarm (HSG) Optimization-based Deep Belief Network, integrating the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm into the Gradient Descent (GD) algorithm. The osteoporosis classification process comprises five key steps: Preprocessing, Active Shape Model-based Segmentation, Geometric Estimation employing the proposed template search method, Feature Extraction for extracting medical and image-level features, and Osteoporosis Classification using the HSG-based Deep Belief Network. The proposed template search method efficiently and automatically updates the geometric points of the femur segment. Experimental validation using a real-time database demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The results indicate an accuracy of 0.9724, affirming the efficacy of the proposed algorithm in making precise decisions regarding osteoporosis classification.
A Novel Model for Partial and Total Churn Prediction in E-Commerce
Authors: Ahmed Hossam H. , Khafagy Mohamed H. , Kaseb Mostafa R. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The e-commerce market is a rapidly growing industry, with many companies entering the market to provide customers with easy access to a variety of products and services. However, with the increasing number of e-commerce sites, customers are now able to move their purchases from one site to another or split their purchases among multiple sites. This trend creates a challenge for companies, as acquiring new customers is more costly than retaining existing ones. The proposed model is used to predict customer churn in the e-commerce market. Customer churn refers to customers who stop using a particular product or service. The model uses a dataset from a B2C multi-category e-commerce application that describes customer behavior and interactions. The model defines and predicts the types of customer churn, which can be either total (when a customer stops using the e-commerce site altogether) or partial (when a customer reduces their purchases or becomes less profitable), The dynamic churn definition step enables the model to detect the two types of churn. The model uses the Length, Regency, Frequency, and Monitory (LRFM) model combined with the k-means algorithm to define churn status in the first phase. In the second phase of the study, the model uses XGBoost on behavioral and interaction data to predict customer churn status. The results of this study showed that the proposed model achieves an accuracy rate of 98% for the algorithm that detects both partial and total churn, while the accuracy for the partial churn algorithm is 98% and the accuracy for the total churn algorithm is 99%.