bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of nickel electrode's morphology on glucose detection
Authors: Hu Hailong , Ma Guohua , Guo Baogang , Zhang Xingquan , Xie Ruishi , Liu Haifeng , Huang Heyan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Different morphology metal nickel nanoelectrodes, such as nano spikes, layered nanosheets, layered flat particles, and hierarchical nanosheets were prepared on FTO glass by hydrothermal method, and were used to determine glucose concentration in aqueous solution under alkaline condition. All electrodes exhibit different electrochemical catalytic characteristics such as surface area, mass transfer, and catalytic rate in the progress of glucose oxidation. It was to note, larger surface area can produce a larger redox current in the absence of glucose, and a larger current noise, longer response time in the present of glucose. All of the electrodes have a similar surface coverage, and electrodes with larger surfaces have more Ni2+/Ni3+ redox couples and yield more redox current in alkaline solution. However, poor catalytic rate for glucose can result in low sensitivity for glucose detection for electrodes. That means not all of the redox couples on the electrodes surface involved in the glucose oxidation, even if the electrodes have large glucose coverage and more redox couples. Furthermore, electrodes with a larger surface area have larger surface roughness, which decreases glucose diffusion and results in a longer response time in amperometric detection.
BatchEncryption: Localized Federated Learning in Preserving-privacy with Efficient Integer Vector Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Xie Tianying 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Deep Learning as a Service (DLaaS) provides an efficient way to facilitate deep neural networks (DNNs) in various applications. Despite the accuracy of deep learning models, there is a paramount need for robust protocols to protect the privacy and security of data, particularly sensitive information. Currently, It is not a good way to permit cloud models to process such data without proper safeguards, leading to potential privacy breaches. Especially in the training phase of the model, most models are trained by plaintext rather than ciphertext, which will pose potential privacy leakage of data owners. While some researchers have begun to use homomorphically encrypted data for training, most researchers only implement a single pair of keys for encryption and decryption, neglecting the importance of encryption scheme robustness when unique keys are employed by users. To address these issues, this paper presents a practical localized Federated Learning (FL) method named BatchEncryption using Efficient Integer Vector Homomorphic Encryption (EIVHE) for privacy-preserving training and inference phases. BatchEncryption encrypts raw datasets in blocks using different pairs of keys, which holds the diversity and robustness of the model. Our experiments demonstrate that deploying different pairs of keys to train neural networks holds higher accuracy than implementing a single pair of keys, and the proposed method achieves around 97% accuracy on the data encrypted by different pairs of keys on the MNIST dataset.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging with Upconversion Nanoprobes Capable of Crossing the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier
Authors: Han Fang , Gao Jiahao , Lv Guanglei , Liu Tao , Hu Qingfeng , Zhu Meilin , Du Zunguo , Yang Jing , Yao Zhenwei , Fang Xiangming , Ni Dalong , Zhang Jiawen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) maintains homeostasis with its surrounding environment by restricting the ingress of large hydrophilic molecules, immune cells, pathogens, and other external harmful substances to the brain. This function relies heavily on the blood-cerebrospinal fluid (B-CSF) and blood-brain barrier (BBB). Although considerable research has examined the structure and function of the BBB, the B-CSF barrier has received little attention. Therapies for disorders associated with the central nervous system have the potential to benefit from targeting the B-CSF barrier to enhance medication penetration into the brain. In this study, we synthesized a nanoprobe (ANG/PEG-UCNP) capable of crossing the B-CSF barrier with high targeting specificity using a hydrocephalus model for noninvasive magnetic resonance ventriculography to understand the mechanism by which the CSF barrier may be crossed and identify therapeutic targets of CNS diseases. This magnetic resonance nanoprobe may provide a safe and effective means for accurately defining the ventricular anatomy and correctly locating sites of CSF obstruction and CSF leakage, facilitating individualized treatment.
Identification and experimental validation of the spinal cord hub genes of aging and neuropathic pain
Authors: Pang Jiahui , Zhao Yubai , Hu Ziwei , Xu Yin , Liu Xinli , Hu Yingxuan , Wu Wen 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Pain is considered the most frequent health problem encountered by the elderly. In this study, we used bioinformatics to analyze hub genes related to aging and NP, in order to identify more effective targets for treating NP in older adults. Aging and neuropathic pain (NP) datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database for transcriptome difference analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) functional annotation analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis of overlapping genes between aging and NP datasets were made. We constructed the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network based on the STRING database for identification of hub genes, and used the miRDB database to predict the miRNAs that regulated the hub genes. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis was made to verify the expression changes of the hub genes in the spinal cord of aging rats and spared nerve injury (SNI) rats. A total of 56 overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from GSE18803 and GSE3305 datasets. Eight hub genes were identified by the CytoHubba plugin and MCODE plugin in Cytoscape software, and qPCR confirmed that 6 of them were expressed in the spinal cords of NP and aging rats. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (PTPRC), integrin subunit alpha M (ITGAM), CD53, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFB1), CD68 and CD74 are the hub genes in aging rats and SNI rats.
Machine learning modification of metabolic syndrome definition with serum uric acid for diabetes risk prediction
Authors: Mirjalili Seyed Reza , Soltani Sepideh , Meybodi Zahra Heidari , Vidal Pedro Marques , Seyedhosseini Seyed Mostafa , Bafghi Seyed Mahmood Sadr , Clark Cain C. T. , Sarebanhassanabadi Mohammadtaghi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Although metabolic syndrome (MetS) is intended to identify people at risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease, it is not a reliable predictor of diabetes. Studies have demonstrated that evaluating blood glucose is as effective as MetS in predicting diabetes. Therefore, refining the MetS definition to include other diabetes risk factors may increase its efficacy.
Methods
Two thousand individuals, aged 20 to 74, were followed over a period of 9.9 years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine the association between serum uric acid (SUA) and diabetes incidence. Random forest was developed for predicting diabetes based on MetS components and SUA. We explained how each component in the machine learning model affects diabetes prediction using Shaply Additive exPlanation (SHAP), mean decrease in impurity (MDI), Ceteris Paribus (CP) profiles and the drop-out-loss method. Diabetes-predicting SUA cutoff points were calculated.
Results
The fourth quartile of SUA had a hazard ratio of 1.80 (1.03–3.24) for diabetes incidence compared to the lowest quartile. The revised definition of metabolic syndrome based on random forest reached an area under the curve (AUC) of 86.0 ± 3.32 and an F1-score of 86.48 ± 3.16 after 10-fold cross-validation. According to this machine learning model, adding SUA to the metabolic syndrome criteria can increase the AUC of diabetes prediction by 4.2 percent, just as it can be decreased by eliminating TG and blood pressure. Although FBS and waist circumference were found to be the two main predictors of diabetes, SUA had nearly the same impact as other variables, such as triglyceride (TG), high-density-lipoprotein (HDL) and blood pressure. Higher SUA does not necessarily predict diabetes better; the prediction starts increasing at 3 mg/dl and reaches a plateau at approximately 5 mg/dl. Our study suggests that SUA levels above 4 mg/dl in women and 5.1 mg/dl in men have the highest sensitivity and specificity for the prediction of T2DM.
Conclusion
SUA was as effective as TG, HDL, and blood pressure at predicting diabetes. The MetS definition's ability to predict diabetes can be improved slightly by incorporating SUA. Moreover, current hyperuricemia cutoffs require revision.
Brain-movement relationship during upper-limb functional movements in chronic post-stroke patients
Authors: Muller Camille , Faity Germain , Muthalib Makii , Perrey Stéphane , Dray Gérard , Xu Binbin , Froger Jérôme , Mottet Denis , Laffont Isabelle , Delorme Marion , Bakhti Karima 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Following a stroke, brain activation reorganisation, movement compensatory strategies, motor performance and their evolution through rehabilitation are matters of importance for clinicians. Two non-invasive neuroimaging methods allow for recording task-related brain activation: functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and electroencephalography (fEEG), respectively based on haemodynamic response and neuronal electrical activity. Their simultaneous measurement during movements could allow a better spatiotemporal mapping of brain activation, and when associated to kinematic parameters could unveil underlying mechanisms of functional upper limb (UL) recovery. This study aims to depict the motor cortical activity patterns using combined fNIRS-fEEG and their relationship to motor performance and strategies during UL functional tasks in chronic post-stroke patients.
Methods
Twenty-one healthy old adults and 21 post-stroke patients were recruited and realized two standardised functional tasks of the UL: a paced-reaching task where they had to reach a target in front of them and a circular steering task where they had to displace a target using a hand-held stylus, as fast as possible inside a circular track projected on a computer screen. The activity of the bilateral motor cortices and motor performance were recorded simultaneously utilizing a fNIRS-fEEG and kinematics platform.
Results and conclusions
Kinematic analysis revealed that post-stroke patients performed worse in the circular steering task and used more trunk compensation in both tasks. Brain analysis bilateral motor cortices revealed that stroke individuals over-activated during the paretic UL reaching task, which was associated with more trunk usage and a higher level of impairment (clinical scores). This work opens up avenues for using such combined methods to better track and understand brain-movement evolution through stroke rehabilitation.
Tobacco-Derived and Tobacco-Free Nicotine cause differential inflammatory cell influx and MMP9 in mouse lung
Authors: Lamb Thomas , Kaur Gagandeep , Rahman Irfan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG) as humectants, flavoring chemicals, and nicotine. Nicotine naturally occurs in two isomers R- and S-nicotine, with both tobacco-derived nicotine (TDN) composed of S-nicotine and synthetic nicotine (TFN) composed of a racemic mixture of R- and S-nicotine. Currently there is limited knowledge of the potential differences in the toxicity of TFN vs TDN. We hypothesized that exposure of TFN salts to C57BL/6J mice will result in a differential response in inflammation and lung protease and antiprotease imbalance compared to TDN salts exposed mice. We studied the toxicological impact of these isomers by exposing mice to air, PG/VG, PG/VG with TFN salts, or PG/VG with TDN salts by nose-only exposure and measured the cytokine levels in BALF and lung homogenate along with MMP protein abundance in the lungs of exposed mice. Exposure to the humectants, PG/VG, used in e-cigarettes alone was able to increase cytokine levels- IL-6, KC, and MCP-1 in BALF and KC levels in lung homogenate. Further, it showed differential responses on exposure to PG/VG with TDN salts and PG/VG with TFN salts since PG/VG with TDN salts did not alter the cytokine levels in lung homogenate while PG/VG with TFN salts resulted in an increase in KC levels. PG/VG with TDN salts increased the levels of MMP9 protein abundance in female exposed mice, while PG/VG with TFN salts did not alter MMP9 levels in female mice. The metabolism of nicotine or the clearance of cotinine from TFN may differ from the metabolism of nicotine or the clearance of cotinine from TDN. Thus exposure of humectants alone to induce an inflammatory response while PG/VG with TFN salts and PG/VG with TDN salts may differentially alter inflammatory responses and lung proteases in acute exposures. These data suggest the harmful effects of synthetic/natural nicotine and PG/VG and potential toxicological risk for users.
Analysis of pathogenic factors and clinical features of infectious endophthalmitis
Authors: Li Chunhui , Zhou Guohong , Cheng Peini 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose To analyze the etiology and etiological characteristics of infectious endophthalmitis, improve the cognition of infectious endophthalmitis, guide rational choices of early-stage empirical drugs in clinical practice.
Methods A cross-sectional study. The medical records of 248 patients diagnosed with endophthalmitis in Shanxi Eye Hospital from January 2016 to December 2020 were reviewed and analyzed.
Rrsults Of all patients with infectious endophthalmitis, 185 were male and 63 were female, aged 4 to 87 (51.28±18.33) years. Open eye trauma and intraocular surgery were the main causative factors. Positive case of specimen culture was detected in 93 cases, accounting for 42.66%. Regarding the composition of the pathogenic bacterial spectrum, 77 cases were Gram-positive, 17 were Gram-negative, 1 was fungal, and 1 was viral. Staphylococcus epidermidis, the most common pathogen, accounted for 33.33%, mainly in traumatic endophthalmitis and postoperative endophthalmitis, and was extremely sensitive to vancomycin. The Gram-positive bacteria were highly sensitive to vancomycin and relatively sensitive to levofloxacin . Gram-negative bacteria were highly sensitive to levofloxacin . 10.89% of patients with visual acuity > 0.02 at admission and 24.60% at discharge, the difference was statistically significant (c2=17.449, P < 0.001).
Conclusion The main causative factors of infectious endophthalmitis were open eye trauma and intraocular surgery. Vitrectomy and/or intravitreal injection were the main effective treatments. The most common pathogen was staphylococcus epidermidis. The vast majority of pathogen were Gram-positive. Levofloxacin was sensitive to both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Vancomycin was highly sensitive to Gram-positive bacteria. Levofloxacin was highly sensitive to Gram-negative bacteria. Clarifying the different causative factors and etiological characteristics of infectious endophthalmitis can helps to provide appropriate clinical treatment.
Prevalence and factors associated with hypercholesterolemia among patients with visual impairment at Ruharo Eye Center in Mbarara, Uganda
Authors: Kaizirege Fred , Karungi Immaculate , Wafwoyo Jesca Akoth , Lanyero Patricia Angeyo , Musaazi Charles , Ssedyabane Frank , Mbalibulha  , Ampaire Lucas , Okongo Benson , Bagenda Charles Nkubi , Kiconco Ritah 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background: Hypercholesterolemia is characterized by elevated blood cholesterol level which can predispose one to atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Our research explored the occurrence and determinants of hypercholesterolemia among individuals with visual impairment at the Ruharo Eye Center in Mbarara, Uganda.
Methods: We conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study between June and August 2023 among patients who were visually impaired. Our outcome variable was defined as the visual acuity measured using a Snellen chart set at a distance of 6 meters. In a well-lit environment, participants underwent independent tests for each eye and for both eyes. Patients were deemed to have visual impairment if their better eye's visual acuity was less than 6/12. We recruited eligible participants using a convenience sampling method. A questionnaire was used collect sociodemographic data. Anthropometric measurements and cholesterol assessment were also done using appropriate tools. Using STATA version 17, data were cleaned and analyzed after being imported into Excel. We conducted a logistic regression analysis and used the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) at a 95% confidence interval to present our findings. Spearman rank correlation was used to measure the correlation between visual impairment and hypercholesterolemia.
Results: A total of 236 participants, diagnosed with visual impairment were recruited into the study. The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was 20.34 %( 95% C.I 15.66 - 25.99%). Alcohol intake (AOR = 0.34 (95%CI 0.14-0.85), family history of hypercholesterolemia (AOR=3.69 95%CI 1.13-12.04), chronic condition (AOR=5.00 95%CI 1.77-14.14), Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (AOR 3.17 95%CI 1.13-8.83) were the only factors with significant association with hypercholesterolemia. There was no significant correlation between hypercholesterolemia and visual impairment.
Conclusion: One in five visually impaired patients had hypercholesterolemia in this study. Chronic alcohol consumption, having chronic diseases and a deranged systolic and diastolic blood pressure as well as a familial history of hypercholesterolemia significantly contributed to the chances of a hypercholesterolemia diagnosis in this study population.
Field efficacy in controlling mango diseases of antagonist Talaromyces tratensis KUFA 0091 in fresh and dry formulations
Authors: Dethoup Tida , Kaewkrajay Chutima , Nujthet Yarida 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The application times and doses of fresh and dry formulations of Talaromyces tratensis KUFA 0091 were evaluated for their antagonistic activity in controlling mango diseases, anthracnose and stem-end rot diseases, under field conditions on two mango cultivars—namely, Nam Dok Mai Si Thong and Nam Dok Mai No. 4. The results show that three applications result in significantly reduced disease severity than two and one applications in all treatments. However, a high dose of the fresh formulation at 108 spores/ mL of the antagonistic fungus resulted in antagonistic activity in controlling mango diseases than the dry formulation and lower doses in both mango cultivars. Treatment of three applications at the flowering, fruit-setting, and fruit-developing stages of the fresh formulation at 108 spores/ mL displayed the best disease reduction at 80–87%, followed by the dry formulation, which caused 75–78% disease reduction. Meanwhile, the three applications of fresh and dry formulations at 106 spores/mL also displayed significant biocontrol efficacy via 70–79% disease reduction. Its culture filtrate at 50% completely inhibited the spore germination of the anthracnose pathogen. The dry formulation also showed high efficacy suppression on post-harvest disease on mango fruits. Moreover, the antagonistic fungus showed compatibility fungicides at a label rate with propineb (1,750 ppm), azoxystrobin (250 ppm), and mancozeb (1,600 ppm). The results indicate that this fungus can act as an effective biological control or be combined with fungicides for integrated mango disease management.
Inhibition of ALKBH5 Inhibits Inflammation and Excessive Proliferation by Alleviating TRIM13 m6A Modifications in Glomerular Mesangial Cells
Authors: Hu Xingmin , Liu Tao , Zhuang Xingxing , Wei Liangbing , Gao Jiarong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objectives; Chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN) refers to the inflammation of glomeruli in the kidneys. Glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs) play a pivotal role in the development of CGN. In the present study, we investigated the impact of ALKBH5, a m6A demethylase, on inflammation and hyperproliferation in mouse glomerular mesangial cells (MMCs) and elucidated the molecular mechanisms contributing to CGN. Materials and methods; Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were employed to evaluate the expression of relevant genes, including ALKBH5 and TRIM13. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of inflammatory factors (interleukin [IL]-1β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and IL-10) in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced MMCs supernatant. Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation (MeRIP) was performed to investigate the effect of ALKBH5 on the levels of TRIM13-m6A mRNA. The stability of TRIM13 mRNA was evaluated using an actinomycin D assay. Results; Significantly elevated expression of ALKBH5 was found in LPS-induced MMCs. Interference with ALKBH5 expression inhibited inflammation and excessive proliferation in LPS-induced MMCs. Moreover, interfering with ALKBH5 expression significantly reduced the levels of TRIM13-m6A modification. The overexpression of TRIM13 in MMCs reversed the inflammation and proliferation induced by ALKBH5 interference. In addition, interference with TRIM13 expression inhibited the activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway and suppressed inflammation and proliferation in MMCs. Conclusion; Inhibiting ALKBH5 hinders inflammation and hyperproliferation by improving TRIM13-m6A modification in glomerular MCs. We believe these findings will further provide insights into the molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for CGN.
Investigation of latent iron deficiency and search for items that affect ferritin levels
Authors: Fujii Takako 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Recently, much attention has been paid to the mechanism by which IL-6, an inflammatory cytokine secreted by exercise and training, increases hepcidin production from hepatocytes and suppresses iron metabolism. It has been reported that serum ferritin levels decrease even when hemoglobin levels are normal. Although some believe that iron deficiency anemia can be diagnosed when ferritin levels are <12 ng/ml, this has not yet been clarified. Therefore, we investigated the actual situation of latent iron deficiency and explored blood indices that affect serum ferritin levels.
The results showed that anemia (<13.0 g/dl in males and <12.0 g/dl in females) was present in two males and 15 females. In addition, 3 boys and 19 girls (13%) had serum ferritin concentrations of <10 ng/ml. After exploring the items associated with the serum ferritin concentration, a strong correlation was found for leukocytes, sex, uric acid, and MCHC (p<0.01, p<0.01, p=0.015, and p=0.02, respectively).