bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Early diagnosis and bevacizumab-based chemotherapy for primary pericardial mesothelioma: a case with occupational asbestos exposure history
Authors: Wang Daniel , Wang Yung Hsuan , Chu Sung Chao 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundPrimary pericardial mesothelioma (PPM) is an exceedingly rare malignant cancer and has a poor prognosis, which has been partly attributed to its frequently delayed diagnosis due to its nonspecific syndromes, its similar presentation to benign pericardial diseases, and its non-definitive etiology. In many PPM cases, the time from presentation to definite diagnosis may last for several months or even over one year. Unlike pleural mesothelioma, the relationship between PPM and asbestos exposure remains unsettled. To date, there is no consensus on the treatment of PPM.Case reportThe patient is a 57-year-old male who had nonspecific syndromes and inconclusive image findings. The occupational long-term asbestos exposure history of this patient raised our concerns regarding potential malignancy when confronted with unexplained pericardial effusion accompanied by cardiac tamponade. The heightened suspicion prompted us to perform pericardiocentesis and biopsy on the third day after admission to our department. An early diagnosis of PPM was established by the pathological and immunohistochemical evaluation of the biopsy specimen two weeks after admission. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography revealed that the lesion was localized at the anterior part of the mediastinum without distant metastasis. This patient refused to receive cardiac surgery. He subsequently underwent six cycles of chemotherapy (cisplatin plus pemetrexed) in combination with bevacizumab (a humanized anti-VEGF antibody) as the first-line treatment, resulting in complete relief of symptoms and satisfactory outcomes with no complications. Four months after the first course, the patient initiated a second course of chemotherapy with a similar regimen, but he opted to discontinue the medical treatment after the initiation of the second course. The patient was transferred to the hospice care unit and unfortunately expired one year after the initial presentation.ConclusionWe present a case of an early multidisciplinary clinical approach to diagnose and manage PPM with consideration of occupational asbestos exposure history and clinical symptoms. Bevacizumab-based chemotherapy remains an option for the treatment of PPM.
Development and pre-clinical evaluation of a Zika virus diagnostic for low resource settings
Authors: Balea Rickyle , Pollak Nina M. , Hobson-Peters Jody , Macdonald Joanne , McMillan David J. 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionZika virus (ZIKV) is a re-emerging flavivirus that poses a significant public health threat. ZIKV exhibits a wide array of non-vector borne human transmission routes, such as sexual transmission, transplacental transmission and blood transfusion. Detection and surveillance of ZIKV is considered paramount in prevention of major outbreaks. With the majority of cases reported in low-resource locations, simple, low-cost detection methods are considered highly desirable.Materials and MethodsHere we have developed a sensitive and specific ZIKV diagnostic using reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) coupled with lateral flow detection (LFD) targeting a highly conserved region of the ZIKV NS1 gene.ResultsWe show our rapid, isothermal-ZIKV-diagnostic (Iso-ZIKV-Dx) can detect 500 copies of synthetic ZIKV RNA/μL in under 30 min at a constant 39°C. Using simulated urine samples, we observed that Iso-ZIKV-Dx also detects as low as 34.28 RNA copies/reaction of ZIKV (MR766 strain). Specificity testing confirmed that our test does not detect any co-circulating flaviviruses (dengue, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, Murray Valley encephalitis and yellow fever viruses) or chikungunya virus. Sample processing results show complete inactivation of ZIKV (MR766 strain) in 5 min at room temperature using our novel viral RNA sample preparation reagent. Furthermore, lateral flow strips testing demonstrates positive diagnoses in as little as 5 min in running buffer.DiscussionContrary to conventional RT-qPCR, our Iso-ZIKV-Dx does not require expensive machinery, specialised laboratory settings or extensively trained personnel. Pre-clinical evaluation demonstrates that our test exhibits robust, in-field capabilities without compromising sensitivity or specificity. When compared to the gold-standard RT-qPCR, our Iso-ZIKV-Dx test offers an array of applications that extend beyond diagnostics alone, including potential for surveillance and monitoring of ZIKV vector competency.
Chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic fertilizer affects the soil microbial community and diversity and yield of cotton
Authors: Shi YingWu , Niu XinXiang , Chen BaoZhu , Pu ShengHai , Ma HongHong , Li Pan , Feng GuangPing , Ma XingWang 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionThe soil microbial community plays an important role in modulating cotton soil fertility. However, the effects of chemical fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer on soil chemical properties, microbial community structure, and crop yield and quality in arid areas are still unclear. This study aimed to explore the effects of different organic fertilizers on soil microbial community structure and diversity and cotton growth and yield.MethodsHigh-throughput sequencing was used to study the soil bacteria and fungi in different growth stages of cotton. The field fertilization experiment had five treatments.ResultsThe results indicated that the treatments of chemical fertilizer reduction combined with organic fertilizer significantly increased soil available nitrogen and phosphorus in cotton field. There were significant differences in the abundance of the bacterial and fungal communities in the dominant phyla among the treatments. At the phyla level, there were not significantly different in the diversity of bacteria and fungi among treatments. There were significant differences in the composition and diversity of bacterial and fungal communities during the entire cotton growth period (p = 0.001). The rhizosphere bacterial and fungal community structure was significantly affected by soil TK, NH4+, AK, TP, AN, and NO3−. The different fertilization treatments strongly influenced the modular structure of the soil bacterial and fungal community co-occurrence network. A reduction in chemical fertilizer combined with organic fertilizer significantly improved cotton stem diameter and seed yield, and the effect of the biological organic fertilizer on plant growth and yield formation was greater than that of ordinary organic fertilizer.DiscussionThis study provide a scientific and technical basis for the establishment of environmentally friendly green fertilization technology for cotton in arid areas and the promotion of sustainable development of cotton industry.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound enhances neurite growth in serum-starved human neuroblastoma cells
Authors: Ye Xuanjie , Wang Zitong , van Bruggen Rebekah , Li Xin-Min , Zhang Yanbo , Chen Jie 
Published: November 2023

IntroductionLow-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a recognized tool for promoting nerve regeneration and repair; however, the intracellular mechanisms of LIPUS stimulation remain underexplored.MethodThe present study delves into the effects of varying LIPUS parameters, namely duty cycle, spatial average-temporal average (SATA) intensity, and ultrasound amplitude, on the therapeutic efficacy using SK-N-SH cells cultured in serum-starved conditions. Four distinct LIPUS settings were employed: (A) 50 mW/cm2, 40%, (B) 25 mW/cm2, 10%, (C) 50 mW/cm2, 20%, and (D) 25 mW/cm2, 10%.ResultsImmunochemistry analysis exhibited neurite outgrowth promotion in all LIPUS-treated groups except for Group D. Further, LIPUS treatment was found to successfully promote brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and enhance the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2, protein kinase B (Akt), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, as evidenced by western blot analysis.DiscussionThe study suggests that the parameter combination of LIPUS determines the therapeutic efficacy of LIPUS. Future investigations should aim to optimize these parameters for different cell types and settings and delve deeper into the cellular response mechanism to LIPUS treatment. Such advancements may aid in tailoring LIPUS treatment strategies to specific therapeutic needs.
IL-37 counteracts inflammatory injury in the temporomandibular joint via the intracellular pathway
Authors: Li Jun , Peng Sisi , Yan Ying , Yan Shan , Cao Xin , Li Yong , Zhu Luying , Xu Jie 
Published: November 2023

Background: The temporomandibular joint is often afflicted by osteoarthritis (TMJOA), causing pain and dysfunction, which is particularly prevalent in the elderly population. IL-37 is effective in avoiding excessive inflammatory damage to the organism. This article investigates the role and mechanism of intracellular IL-37 in TMJOA.Methods: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, Senescence-associated β-galactosidase staining, immunofluorescence, and lentivirus were performed to elucidate the underlying mechanism.Results: The results confirmed that IL-37 in synovial cells decreased with aging. Inflammatory stimulus elevated intracellular IL-37 in synoviocytes, while lentiviral knockdown of IL-37 resulted in more inflammatory factor production. Dynamic changes of IL-37 were observed in the nucleus and supernatant. In addition, Caspease-1 inhibitor hindered intracellular IL-37 maturation, and Smad3 inhibitor caused the loss of nuclear translocation of mature IL-37. Transfection of synovial cells with IL-37-expressing lentivirus resulted in relief not only of synovitis but also of the cartilage damage and inflammation caused by synovitis.Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the intracellular anti-inflammatory mechanism of IL-37. It also confirms that IL-37 decreases with cellular senescence and that increasing intracellular IL-37 can effectively treat synovitis and synovitis-induced inflammatory damage to cartilage.
Increased sinusoidal export of drug glucuronides is a compensative mechanism in liver cirrhosis of mice
Authors: Fendt Rebekka , Ghallab Ahmed , Myllys Maiju , Hofmann Ute , Hassan Reham , Hobloss Zaynab , González Daniela , Brackhagen Lisa , Marchan Rosemarie , Edlund Karolina , Seddek Abdel-Latif , Abdelmageed Noha , Blank Lars M. , Schlender Jan-Frederik , Holland Christian H. , Hengstler Jan G. , Kuepfer Lars 
Published: November 2023

Rationale: Liver cirrhosis is known to affect drug pharmacokinetics, but the functional assessment of the underlying pathophysiological alterations in drug metabolism is difficult.Methods: Cirrhosis in mice was induced by repeated treatment with carbon tetrachloride for 12 months. A cocktail of six drugs was administered, and parent compounds as well as phase I and II metabolites were quantified in blood, bile, and urine in a time-dependent manner. Pharmacokinetics were modeled in relation to the altered expression of metabolizing enzymes. In discrepancy with computational predictions, a strong increase of glucuronides in blood was observed in cirrhotic mice compared to vehicle controls.Results: The deviation between experimental findings and computational simulations observed by analyzing different hypotheses could be explained by increased sinusoidal export and corresponded to increased expression of export carriers (Abcc3 and Abcc4). Formation of phase I metabolites and clearance of the parent compounds were surprisingly robust in cirrhosis, although the phase I enzymes critical for the metabolism of the administered drugs in healthy mice, Cyp1a2 and Cyp2c29, were downregulated in cirrhotic livers. RNA-sequencing revealed the upregulation of numerous other phase I metabolizing enzymes which may compensate for the lost CYP isoenzymes. Comparison of genome-wide data of cirrhotic mouse and human liver tissue revealed similar features of expression changes, including increased sinusoidal export and reduced uptake carriers.Conclusion: Liver cirrhosis leads to increased blood concentrations of glucuronides because of increased export from hepatocytes into the sinusoidal blood. Although individual metabolic pathways are massively altered in cirrhosis, the overall clearance of the parent compounds was relatively robust due to compensatory mechanisms.
Farnesol as an antifungal agent: comparisons among MTLa and MTLα haploid and diploid Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Boone Cory H. T. , Parker Kory A. , Gutzmann Daniel J. , Atkin Audrey L. , Nickerson Kenneth W. 
Published: November 2023

Aims: Farnesol was identified 20 years ago in a search for Candida albicans quorum sensing molecules (QSM), but there is still uncertainty regarding many aspects of its mode of action including whether it employs farnesol transport mechanisms other than diffusion. Based on the structural similarity between farnesol and the farnesylated portion of the MTLa pheromone, we explored the effects of ploidy and mating type locus (MTL) on the antifungal activity of exogenous farnesol.Methods and results: We approached this question by examining five MTLa and five MTLα haploid strains with regard to their farnesol sensitivity in comparison to six heterozygous MTLa/α diploids. We examined the haploid and diploid strains for percent cell death after exposure of exponentially growing cells to 0–200 µM farnesol. The heterozygous (MTLa/α) diploids were tolerant of exogenous farnesol whereas the MTLa and MTLα haploids were on average 2- and 4-times more sensitive, respectively. In the critical range from 10–40 µM farnesol their cell death values were in the ratio of 1:2:4. Very similar results were obtained with two matched sets of MATa, MATα, and MATa/α Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains.Conclusion: We propose that the observed MTL dependence of farnesol is based on differentially regulated mechanisms of entry and efflux which determine the actual cellular concentration of farnesol. The mechanisms by which pathogens such as C. albicans tolerate the otherwise lethal effects of farnesol embrace a wide range of physiological functions, including MTL type, ubiquinone type (UQ6-UQ9), energy availability, and aerobic/anaerobic status.
Validation of an instrumented mouthguard in rugby union—a pilot study comparing impact sensor technology to video analysis
Authors: Field Byron , Waddington Gordon , McKune Andrew , Goecke Roland , Gardner Andrew J. 
Published: November 2023

BackgroundTo better understand the biomechanical profile of direct head impacts and the game scenarios in which they occur in Rugby Union, there is a need for an on-field validation of a new instrumented mouthguard (IMG) against the reference standard. This study considers the potential of a combined biomechanical (IMG) and video analysis approach to direct head impact recognition, both of which in isolation have limitations. The aim of this study is to assess the relationship between an instrumented mouthguard and video analysis in detection of direct head impacts in rugby union.DesignPilot Study - Observational Cohort designMethodsThe instrumented mouthguard was worn by ten (3 backs, 7 forwards) professional Rugby Union players during the 2020–21 Gallagher Premiership (UK) season. Game-day video was synchronized with timestamped head acceleration events captured from the instrumented mouthguard. Direct Head Impacts were recorded in a 2 × 2 contingency table to determine sensitivity. Impact characteristics were also collected for all verified head impacts to further the understanding of head biomechanics during the game.ResultsThere were 2018 contact events that were reviewed using video analysis. Of those 655 were categorized as direct head impacts which also correlated with a head acceleration event captured by the IMG. Sensitivity analysis showed an overall sensitivity of 93.6% and a positive predictive value (PPV of 92.4%). When false positives were excluded due to ball out of play, mouthguard removal or handling after a scoring situation or stoppage, PPV was improved (98.3%). Most verified head impacts occurred in and around the ruck contest (31.2%) followed by impacts to the primary tackler (28.4%).ConclusionThis pilot validation study demonstrates that this IMG provides a highly accurate measurement device that could be used to complement video verification in the recognition of on-field direct head impacts. The frequency and magnitude of direct head impacts derived from specific game scenarios has been described and allows for greater recognition of high-risk situations. Further studies with larger sample sizes and in different populations of Rugby Union players are required to develop our understanding of head impact and enable strategies for injury mitigation.
Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Jacobaea maritima and the Evaluation of Their Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Althubiti Amal A. , Alsudir Samar A. , Alfahad Ahmed J. , Alshehri Abdullah A. , Bakr Abrar A. , Alamer Ali A. , Alrasheed Rasheed H. , Tawfik Essam A. 
Published: November 2023

Much attention has been gained on green silver nanoparticles (green-AgNPs) in the medical field due to their remarkable effects against multi-drug resistant (MDR) microorganisms and targeted cancer treatment. In the current study, we demonstrated a simple and environment-friendly (i.e., green) AgNP synthesis utilizing Jacobaea maritima aqueous leaf extract. This leaf is well-known for its medicinal properties and acts as a reducing and stabilizing agent. Nanoparticle preparation with the desired size and shape was controlled by distinct parameters; for instance, temperature, extract concentration of salt, and pH. The characterization of biosynthesized AgNPs was performed by the UV-spectroscopy technique, dynamic light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared. The successful formation of AgNPs was confirmed by a surface plasmon resonance at 422 nm using UV-visible spectroscopy and color change observation with a particle size of 37± 10 nm and a zeta potential of −10.9 ± 2.3 mV. SEM further confirmed the spherical size and shape of AgNPs with a size varying from 28 to 52 nm. Antibacterial activity of the AgNPs was confirmed against all Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacterial reference and MDR strains that were used in different inhibitory rates, and the highest effect was on the E-coli reference strain (MIC = 25 μg/mL). The anticancer study of AgNPs exhibited an IC50 of 1.37 μg/mL and 1.98 μg/mL against MCF-7 (breast cancer cells) and A549 (lung cancer cells), respectively. Therefore, this green synthesis of AgNPs could have a potential clinical application, and further in vivo study is required to assess their safety and efficacy.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT BEHAVIOR OF WORKING STUDENTS IN THE CREATIVE INDUSTRY IN SURABAYA
Authors: Manopo Felicia Angelica , Malelak Mariana Ing 
Published: November 2023

This study examined the effect of financial knowledge and internal locus of control on financial management behavior with financial attitude as a mediating variable among working students in the creative industry in Surabaya. This study used a quantitative approach with a survey method obtained through an online questionnaire made with Google Forms. The analysis method used in this study is Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), with Partial Least Squares (PLS) using SmartPLS. Samples were chosen using the purposive sampling method so that the total sample size was 270 people. The results of this study proved that financial knowledge, financial attitude, and internal locus of control had a significant effect on financial management behavior. Also, financial attitude mediates the effect of financial knowledge on financial management behavior. However, the results of this study should be treated with caution due to the small sample size, which results in narrowing this study.
Keywords: Financial Knowledge; Financial Attitude; Financial Management Behavior; Internal Locus of Control
ASSESSING THE INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL INCLUSION AND DIGITAL FINANCE ON SMES PERFORMANCE: THE MODERATING ROLE OF TECHNOLOGICAL ADAPTATION
Authors: Zulqarnain Muhammad , Mustehsan Muhammad , Balouch Usman Khan , Munir Samavia 
Published: November 2023

The study's overarching goal is to shed light on the connections between technical progress, the success of Pakistani SMEs, and broadening access to financial services. The survey was administered to 212 different SMEs through an online system. Experts in various fields will be selected at random. Statistical tools such as correlation tests, reliability analyses, regression analyses, and moderation analyses will be utilized to investigate the information gathered. Having many financial options available to them increases the likelihood of success for small and medium-sized businesses (also known as SMEs). The favorable correlation between digital finance and productivity, financial inclusion, and economic development was tempered by the degree to which small and medium-sized firms were receptive to embracing new technology. Financial inclusion and digital banking are more beneficial to technologically innovative SMEs than to less adaptable rivals. This is because SMEs are the most open to using cutting-edge tools. Based on our findings, we conclude that politicians and financial institutions need to advocate for increased financial inclusion and digital banking, while small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) should emphasize technological adaptation.
Keywords: Financial Inclusion; Digital Finance; Technological adaptation; SMEs Performance
PENGARUH E-SERVICE QUALITY TERHADAP KEPUASAN PENGGUNA APLIKASI GRAB DI KOTA KUPANG
Authors: Bessie Juita L D , Taek Lea Susanti 
Published: November 2023

This study aims to determine and analyze (1) the partial effect of e-service quality (website design, reliability, responsiveness, security/privacy, fulfillment, personalization, information, and empathy) on Grab Application users in Kupang City and (2) the effect of e-service quality (website design, reliability, responsiveness, security/privacy, fulfillment, personalization, information, and empathy) simultaneously on Grab Application users in Kupang City. The number of samples is 100 respondents, and the sampling technique used is purposive sampling. Data was collected using questionnaires. The data analysis techniques used are descriptive quantitative, multiple linear regression analysis, and hypothesis testing through t-tests and F-test using the SPSS 26 application. The results of the descriptive analysis show that the respondents gave a very good perception of the e-service quality implemented by Grab. The results of the t-test and F-test show that, partially and simultaneously, e-service quality (website design, reliability, responsiveness, security/privacy, fulfillment, personalization, information, empathy) has a significant effect on customer satisfaction. Based on the adjusted R2 value, it shows the contribution of the e-service quality variable to customer satisfaction, which is 89.4%, and 10.6% is influenced by other variables outside the focus of this study. The other variable is efficiency, which can be taken into consideration by further researchers in addition to the existing variables.
Keywords: e-Service Quality; Website Design; Reliability; Responsiveness; Security/Privacy; Fulfillment; Personalization; Information; Empathy; Customer Satisfaction