bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyphenolic profile and evaluation of the antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer and larviscidal activities of Linum trigynum L.
Authors: Chebchoub Soumiya , Kabouche Zahia , Bellouche Djedjiga , Kabouche Ahmed 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the polyphenolic composition of the n-butanol fraction of Linum trigynum L. (BELTr), a medicinal plant from the Linaceae family that grows in Algeria, using RP–UHPLC–ESI–QTOF–MS technique and evaluated its antimicrobial, larviscidal and inhibition of α-amylase and butyrylcholinestrase (BChE) potentials. Fifty six polyphenols were identified in the BELTr with isomers of vicenin-2 and orientin, and isovitexin as the major compounds. The extract showed a significant inhibition of BChE (IC50: 112.45 ± 3.93 µg/mL) and a good inhibition of α-amylase (IC50: 2.25 ± 4.05 mg/mL). In addition, the BFLTr exhibited antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538P, Salmonella enterica ATCC 13076, Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6633, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 13883, Enterococcus faecalis ATCC 19433, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, as well as a yeast strain, Candida albicans ATCC 1031, with MICs values ranging between 250 and 500 µg/mL and a weak larviscidal effect. Hence, the extract could be used as alternative treatment for the management of oxidative stress and for prevention from diabetes and Alzheimer's diseases.
Crossing planetary boundaries could lead to Hothouse Earth
Authors: Chavez Erik , Ghil Michael , Rombouts Jan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The climate system is nonlinear and affected by both natural variability and several types of forcing(1). The impact of anthropogenic forcing and environmental change on several of the system’s nonlinear processes has led to considerable concern about the crossing of planetary boundaries(2) and the tipping of regional subsystems(3–5), due to their potentially irreversible consequences. On the global level, these nonlinear effects have been shown to have given rise to bistability(6) and chaotic behavior(7) in the system’s past(8–10) and could do so in its future(11). However, specific mechanisms for a sudden tipping to an alternate stable “hothouse,”(12) several degrees warmer than the present climate, have not been explored so far to a satisfactory extent(13,14). Here we show that a highly simplified energy balance model of globally averaged temperature T representing the radiative budget, coupled with global carbon dioxide dynamics, does exhibit such an alternate stable hothouse climate with T higher by roughly 10 C than the present. The model captures two biogeophysical mechanisms, which lead to the crossing of planetary boundaries that in turn trigger a global tipping to such a hothouse. The two regional mechanisms are (i) the decrease of terrestrial albedo due to the darkening of ice sheets by pervasive algal blooming(15–19); and (ii) the limits of vegetation adapting to increased environmental stress and, hence, the reduction of its carbon absorbtion(20–22).
Rapid and Efficient Route for Chitosan Blends with Fish Collagen and Aloe Vera Exudate
Authors: Gonçalves Pâmella Rayo de Luar Campos , Penha Roseane Silva , Rocha Jaciene Jesus Cardoso , Guimarães Amanda Ribeiro , Bezerra Cicero Weelington Brito 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Biomaterials based on chitosan (CS), in combination with other biopolymers such as collagen (CL) and aloe vera (AV), are of interest to medicine as well as the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, with a wide range of applications in those fields due to their characteristics of non-toxicity, biocompatibility, low cost and biodegradability. The combination of chitosan and those biopolymers has been frequently used as ointments for burns and other skin injuries. In this work, the selective precipitation and co-precipitation techniques were used to prepare and characterize chitosan blends combined with different portions of fish collagen and aloe vera biopolymers. The employed methods are simple, fast and safe, and require minimal infrastructure and prioritize the interaction between the biopolymers or their miscibility, with no segregated phases observed in the obtained blends. The syntheses were analyzed according to their yields, 4-hydroxyproline content (in CS/CL blends), and the materials were characterized by bromatological analyses (CS, CL, and AV), viscosity, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results have confirmed the occurrence of spontaneous interactions between the biopolymers through the formation of blends, which exhibited individual characteristics proportional to the variation of biopolymers in chitosan, thus indicating the efficiency of the syntheses routes.
Correlation analysis of vertebral artery hemodynamic differences and clinical symptoms due to craniocervical junction abnormalities: based on computational fluid dynamics
Authors: Zhang Zeyuan , Ai Xin , Xu Yuanzhi , Wang Yuqiang , Zhang Shuhao , Zhao Yao , Zhou Ruifang , Tang Rui , Wang Limin , Liu Yilin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background and purpose
Patients with craniocervical junction abnormalities (CJA) often exhibit vertebral artery (VA) abnormalities, and identifying these abnormalities can be beneficial for assessing patient symptoms and developing treatment plans.
Material and Methods
Sixty patients with CJA were admitted to our department from January 2018 to June 2022. Sixty healthy people were selected to undergo combined head and neck CTA, and the CTA images were imported into CFD-related software. The results were used to visualize and derive the lumen diameter (D), peak systolic velocity (PSV), mean blood flow velocity (MV), wall pressure (WP), wall shear stress (WSS) and other related data of vertebral arteries in different segments, and cross-sectional planes of the vertebral arteries at different segments were constructed to calculate the quantity of blood flow (Q) and the ratio of each index in each segment. The dizziness handicap inventory (DHI) was chosen to assess patient dizziness symptoms, and a multinomial logistic model was used to analyze the correlation between differences in vertebral artery hemodynamics due to patients with CJA and clinical symptoms such as dizziness.
Results
Compared with those in the control group, the mean DV3−V4, D\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\)、QV3−V4、Q\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\) of VA in the CJA group were significantly lower; the PSVV3−V4, PSV\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\)、MVV1−V2、MVV3−V4、MV\(\frac{\text{V}3-\text{V}4}{\text{V}1-\text{V}2}\), WP and WSS in the CJA group were significantly greater; and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). According to the multinomial logistic regression analysis, for every 0.02 unit decrease in QV3−V4, the risk of increasing the DHI score to a higher grade increased by 40.49% compared with the original basis.
Conclusions
The V3-V4 segment of the vertebral artery in patients with CJA differs from that in the normal population in terms of hemodynamics, such as D, V, WP, and WSS, especially Q, and these differences lead to the occurrence of clinical symptoms such as dizziness and vertigo. The quantity of blood flow is negatively correlated with DHI, and age is positively correlated with DHI.
Dexamethasone and vitamin D loaded scaffolds for bone engineering
Authors: Boaro Leticia , de Azevedo Tarciso , Barbosa Kawane , Camarena Denisse , Troncoso Caio , Catalani Luiz , Moreira Maria Stella , Goncalves Flavia 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Vitamin D and dexamethasone are known for their anti-inflammatory effects and have shown promise in promoting bone regeneration due to their role in mineralizing hard tissues. The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize PLLA electrospun membranes that incorporate both vitamin D and dexamethasone and evaluate their potential for in vitro bone conduction and differentiation. PLLA membranes were synthesized, associating 5% dexamethasone and vitamin D in the ratios 1:1; 1:2; and 2:1, along with a drug-free control group. The membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The biological aspects of the scaffold were assessed using human cells from the periodontal ligament (hPDLSC). Cell proliferations were evaluated by Alamar Blue assay on days 1, 7, and 14 of culture. Cell differentiation in scaffolds was assessed by alizarin red assay after 21 days. The results were analysed using to one-way ANOVA (fibber diameter and alizarin red assay) or Kruskal –Wallis test (proliferation assay). Scanning electron microscopy showed an increase in fibber diameter with the addition of drugs, with the membrane with a 2:1 ratio of vitamin D/dexamethasone having the greatest average diameter. There was no difference in the proliferation of hPDLSCs with materials at 1 and 14 days; PLLA membrane with 5% vitamin D/ dexamethasone at 1:1 showed the greatest mineralization of the extracellular matrix, indicating better bone differentiation of hPDLSCs. It can be concluded that among the synthesized membranes, the membrane with the same ratio between vitamin D and dexamethasone was the one with the best osteodifferentiation ability of hPDLSCs.
A model for predicting risk of early recurrence in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yen Yi-Hao , Kee Kwong-Ming , Hung Chao-Hung , Chen Chien-Hung , Hu Tsung-Hui , Wang Jing-Houng , Lin Chih-Yun 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Few studies have reported models predicting early recurrence in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for early-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to present such a model. We enrolled 791 patients with newly diagnosed early-stage HCC (i.e., within Milan criteria) and Child–Pugh class A liver disease undergoing percutaneous RFA. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan − Meier method with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify prognostic factors associated with early recurrence (i.e., recurrence within two years after RFA). Internal validation was performed with a bootstrapping method. Early recurrence was identified in 270 (34.1%) patients. Multivariate analysis showed that multiple tumors (HR = 1.450; 95% CI = 1.098–1.914; p = 0.009), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ≥ 20 ng/ml (HR = 1.614; 95% CI = 1.268–2.054; p < 0.001), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (HR = 1.026; 95% CI = 1.003–1.049; p = 0.025) were associated with early recurrence. We constructed a predictive model with these variables. This model provided three risk strata for recurrence-free survival (RFS): low risk, intermediate risk, and high risk, with two-year RFS of 63%, 57%, and 40%, respectively (p < 0.001). Calibration plots showed overall high agreement between the predictions made by the model and observed outcomes. In conclusion, we developed a risk prediction model to predict early recurrence in patients undergoing RFA for early-stage HCC.
Chemical profiling and cytotoxicity screening of agarwood essential oil (Aquilaria sinensis) in brine shrimp nauplii and cancer cell lines
Authors: Chan Sook Wah , Lakeh Mahmoud Valizadeh , Wang Xin , Teoh Ming-Li , Loh Kar Min , Wong Won Fen , Looi Chung Yeng 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Agarwood essential oil (AEO) has gained attention from healthcare industries due to its numerous pharmacological properties. However, a comprehensive understanding of the chemical composition and its cytotoxic property is lacking. The objective of this study was to investigate the chemical profile as well as the cytotoxic concentration range of AEO derived from Aquilaria sinensis wood. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to identify the AEO components. Results showed that sesquiterpenes and sesquiterpenoids constitute 95.85% of the AEO. Among the major compounds identified are allo-aromadendrene (13.04%), dihydro-eudesmol (8.81%), α-eudesmol (8.48%), bulnesol (7.63%), τ-cadinol (4.95%), dehydrofukinone (3.83%), valerenol (3.54%), cis-nerolidol (2.75%), agarospirol (2.72%), dehydrojinkoh-eremol (2.53%), selina-3,11-dien-9-al (2.36%), guaiol (2.12%) and caryophyllene oxide (2.0%). The presence of volatile quality marker compounds such as 10-epi-ϒ-eudesmol, aromadendrane, β-agarofuran, α-agarofuran, γ-eudesmol, agarospirol and guaiol, indicates that the extracted AEO is of premium grade. Interestingly, the AEO displayed moderate to high toxicity in brine shrimp lethality test (BLST). All studied tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231, HepG2, B16F10) exhibited varying degrees of sensitivity to AEO, which resulted in time and dose-dependent reduction of cell proliferation. Our findings showed that AEO contains bioactive components that may be exploited in future studies for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics.
An Accreting Supermassive Black Hole Buried in a Faint Dwarf Galaxy
Authors: Paswan Abhishek , das mousumi , K Rubinur 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the last decade, there have been several discoveries of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) in dwarf galaxies including an AGN in an ultra-compact dwarf galaxy with a Black Hole mass >106 M⊙. However, finding a Supermassive Black Hole (SMBH) in a dwarf Low Surface Brightness (LSB) galaxy is rare. We report the discovery of a Seyfert type-2 class AGN which is associated with a nuclear SMBH of mass 1.4+0.7-0.8 × 107 M⊙ in a dwarf, LSB galaxy (μ0,r > 23.8 mag/arcsec2), which was previously thought to be an outlying emission blob around a large spiral galaxy LEDA 1678924. The AGN is also associated with an extended narrow-line region (ENLR) of projected length ∼ 14.5 kpc. The dwarf LSB galaxy, which we call MJ0818+2257, is separated by an absolute distance of ∼ 4 Mpc from the galaxy LEDA 1678924. Our current analyses, which includes the detection of the optical counterpart of MJ0818+2257 and its ionized gas kinematics, indicates that the dynamical mass within the ionized gas disk is > 5.3 × 109 M⊙. This is large compared to its stellar mass < 3 × 109 M⊙ and suggests that MJ0818+2257 is moderately dark matter-dominated. Our detection of a SMBH in a bulgeless, LSB dwarf galaxy raises questions about the growth of SMBHs in low-luminosity galaxies and suggests the possibility of detecting heavy, seed black holes from early epochs in LSB dwarf galaxies in the low redshift universe.
On the effectiveness of Settlement Procedure in the presence of bilateral cross ownerships
Authors: Fotis Panagiotis N , Tselekounis Markos 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

According to the Settlement Procedure, a reduction on cartel fines is granted to firms admitting their participation in a cartel agreement. In this paper, we derive the required cartel fine reduction that fulfils the objective of competition authorities to induce all cartel firms to settle. Our results reveal that for any given cartel reduction fine, there is a particular level of cartel detection probability that makes each firm indifferent between staying in the cartel and settling with the competition authority. We show that such reduction is negatively correlated with the likelihood that the cartel would be detected. The presence of bilateral cross ownership provides each firm with higher incentives to enter the Settlement Procedure. The intuition behind this result is that bilateral cross ownerships soften competition, which, in turn, increases the preference of firms for settling. Therefore, the presence of bilateral cross ownerships among rival firms may enhance the effectiveness of the settlement procedure, as opposed to their negative impact on competition under a Leniency Program. Lastly, as firms become more asymmetric, the inefficient firm has more incentives to settle, as opposed to the efficient firm which prefers the cartel formation.
JEL Classification: D43; K21; L13; L41
Breastfeeding and lung function of children: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Ming , Wang Chao , Wang Jiamin , Li Gang 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
There are many benefits of breastfeeding for children, women and society but robust evidence that breastfeeding is favorable for the lung function of children is lacking. To evaluate the associations of breastfeeding with the lung function of children with no known respiratory disease and to determine which lung function parameters are related to breastfeeding, the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to 11 Oct 2023. Observational studies (cohort, cross-sectional or case-control designs) were included. A random-effects model was used to estimate the combined β if significant heterogeneity was detected(P < 0.05 or I2 > 50%); otherwise, the fixed-effects model was applied. The outcomes measured were forced expiratory volume in one second(FEV1), forced vital capacity(FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity(FEV1/FVC), peak expiratory flow(PEF) and other relevant lung function parameters. Compared with children with never-breastfeeding, children with ever-breastfeeding had better FEV1(β:19.34 ml; 95%CI:6.05,32.64; P = 0.004) and FVC(β:75.68 ml; 95%CI:24.40,126.97; P = 0.004). Additionally there was a slight statistical significance for FVC(β:17.45 ml; 95%CI:-0.43,35.33; P = 0.06). Furthermore, compared with the breastfed for less than 3 to 4 months, Children who had been breastfed for 3 to 4 months or more had better FEV1(β:19.86 ml; 95%CI:4.21,35.51; P = 0.01),FVC(β:31.90 ml; 95%CI:7.87,55.93; P = 0.009) and PEF(β:75.68 ml; 95%CI:24.40,126.97; P = 0.004). No significant difference was detected in FEV1/FVC between breastfed and non-breastfed children(β:-0.28; 95%CI:-0.99,0.44; P = 0.44) or between those breastfed for less than 3 to 4 months and those breastfed for more than 3 to 4 months(β:-0.48; 95%CI:-1.45,0.48; P = 0.33). This systematic review and meta-analysis revealed that being breastfed or breastfed for more than 3 to 4 months seemed to be favorable for the improvement of lung function in children aged 6–16 years. And additional high-quality evidence is needed.
Comparing Cb1 Receptor Girk Channel Responses to Receptor Internalization Using a Kinetic Imaging Assay
Authors: Andersen Haley , Vardakas Duncan , Lamothe Julie , Perault Tannis , Walsh Kenneth , Laprairie Robert 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1R) mediates neurotransmitter release and synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system. Endogenous, plant-derived, synthetic cannabinoids bind to CB1R, initiating the inhibitory G-protein (Gi) and the β-arrestin signaling pathways. Within the Gi signaling pathway, CB1R activates G protein-gated, inwardly-rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. The β-arrestin pathway mediates CB1R expression on the cell surface through receptor internalization. Because of their association with analgesia and drug tolerance, GIRK channels and receptor internalization are of interest to the development of pharmaceuticals. This research used immortalized mouse pituitary gland cells transduced with a pH-sensitive, fluorescently-tagged human CB1R (AtT20-SEPCB1) to measure GIRK channel activity and CB1R internalization. Cannabinoid-induced GIRK channel activity is measured by using a fluorescent membrane-potential sensitive dye. We developed a kinetic imaging assay that visualizes and measures CB1R internalization. All cannabinoids stimulated a GIRK channel response with a rank order potency of WIN55,212-2 > (±)CP55,940 > Δ9-THC > AEA. Efficacy was expressed relative to (±)CP55,940 with a rank order efficacy of (±)CP55,940 > WIN55, 212-2 > AEA > Δ9-THC. All cannabinoids stimulated CB1R internalization with a rank order potency of (±)CP55,940 > WIN55, 212-2 > AEA > Δ9-THC. Internalization efficacy was normalized to (±)CP55,940 with a rank order efficacy of WIN55,212-2 > AEA > (±)CP55,940 > Δ9-THC. (±)CP55,940 was significantly more potent and efficacious than AEA and Δ9-THC at stimulating a GIRK channel response; however, no significant differences between potency and efficacy were observed with CB1R internalization. No significant differences were found when comparing a cannabinoid’s GIRK channel and CB1R internalization response. In conclusion, AtT20-SEPCB1 cells can be used to outline cannabinoid-induced CB1R internalization. While cannabinoids display differential Gi signaling when compared to each other, this does not extend to CB1R internalization, which is mediated by β-arrestins.
Mineral Characterization, fruit and leaf physiology of Citrus reticulata comparative to citrus canker stress in Sargodha, Punjab
Authors: Nawaz Rab , Nadeem Muhammad , Abbas Toqeer , Shah Anis Ali 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Pakistan's economy greatly benefits from citrus production since these fruits are sold and consumed all over the world. Nevertheless, there are difficulties associated with cultivating citrus fruits, such as illnesses brought on by bacteria, viruses, and fungus. The quantity and quality of fruit that is produced might be negatively impacted by these challenges as well as difficulties obtaining the proper nutrients. One tough problem is citrus canker, which is caused by a harmful germ called Xanthomonas axonopodis. This germ affects many types of citrus fruits all over the world. This study looked closely at how citrus canker affects the leaves and the quality of the fruit in places like Sargodha, Bhalwal, Kotmomin, and Silanwali, which are big areas for growing citrus in the Sargodha district. What we found was that plants without the disease had more chlorophyll in their leaves compared to the sick plants. Also, the healthy plants had better amounts of important minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus in their fruits. But the fruits with the disease had too much sodium, and the iron levels were a bit different. The fruits with the disease also didn't have as much of something that protects them called antioxidants, which made them more likely to get sick. This study helps us understand how citrus canker affects plants and fruit, so we can think of ways to deal with it.
Superposition Formula of arbitrary functions to a (3+1)-demensional Boiti-Leon-Manna-Pempinelli equation
Authors: Wang Wenjing , Sudao Bilige , Shao Hangbing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The (3+1)-dimensional Boiti-Leonon-Manna-Pempinelli equation was studied by using Hirita bilinear method. In this paper, we successfully derived the multi-solutions of this equation by superposition $M$-arbitrary functions. Some solutions from previous studies were found when $M$ took a specific value and the test functions took particular functions. Thus, the recieved solutions were more general compared to the previous studies. A variety of new solutions can be obtained by choosing different values of the parameter $M$ and test functions $f$ in this paper, i.e., the localized solutions generated by $M$-positive quadratic functions, the mixed solutions consisting of the localized wave solutions and the kink wave solutions, and the mixed solutions consisting of a trigonometric function and exponential functions. Meanwhile, their corresponding physical plots are displayed to analyze their physical significance and dynamic properties.