bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Molecular Effects of Detergents and Soaps on Biological Stains: Implications for Forensic Investigations
Authors: Judah Gbayisomore Tolulope , Temitope Ogunjobi Taiwo , .I. Ologbonjaye Kehinde , Adeleke Olaoluwa John 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
In forensic investigations, the precise quantification of DNA from biological stains is essential because it offers helpful details for identifying people and connecting them to crime scenes. However, the presence of contaminants in biological stains, such as detergents and soaps, can impact the DNA quantification procedure and jeopardize the accuracy of the findings. The objective of this study was to assess how different soaps and detergents affected the quantification of DNA from biological stains. For this experiment, a number of detergent and soap solutions were chosen, including standard household detergents and industrial cleaners. By applying known amounts of blood stains to fabric swatches, biological stain samples were created. After that, the stains were treated with various ratios of each detergent or soap solution. For comparison, control samples made up of untreated stains were also used. After treatment, DNA was recovered according to a conventional extraction process from the stained cloth swatches. Utilizing a sensitive fluorescence based technique that offered precise and trustworthy measurements of DNA concentration, the isolated DNA was measured. To evaluate the effect of the detergents and soaps on DNA recovery, the DNA quantitation findings from the treated samples and the control samples were compared. According to preliminary studies, the detergent or soap used had a substantial impact on how much DNA could be quantified from biological stains. Higher detergent and soap concentrations often result in increased DNA loss, so these concentrations also had an impact.
Assessment of Virulence Potential and Antibiotic Resistance Profiles in E. coli Isolates from Selected Control Open Dump Sites in Sri Lanka
Authors: Liyanage G.Y. , Wijerathna P. A. K. C. , Bandara S.M.T.V. , Manage Pathmalal 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Urbanization and accelerated industrialization have led to significant waste generation following the accumulation of massive amounts of solid waste in open dump sites. Ground water contamination is one of the critical ecological concerns associated with the percolation of leachate from dump sites. Escherichia coli is one of the facultative anaerobic bacterial types predominantly colonize the gastrointestinal tract of homoeothermic organisms. E.coli O157 is a particular virulent serotype which produces intimin and Shiga toxins, that causing for severe diseases including Hemorrhagic Colitis, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura in human. The focus of the present study is to study the virulence potential and antibiotic resistance profiles in E. coli isolates from selected Karadiyana, Methotamulla and Kerawalapitiya control open dump sites in Sri Lanka. The total coliform count was ranged from 0–120 MPN/mL around the Kardiyana dump site whereas 0–75 MPN/mL and 3-115 MPN/mL recorded in the Methotamulla and Kerawalapitiya dump sites. Overall, resistance in isolated E.coli against AMX, AMP, SUF/ TRI, SDI, CLOX, TET and ERM was high (> 70%) compared with the other tested antibiotics namely CIP, GEN and AZY (< 40%). According to the results, the Enteropathogenic E. coli pathotype was identified in 17 samples, whereas the Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli pathotype was found in only 3 samples. Thus, the current study was conducted to investigate control open dump sites as potential environmental reservoirs of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic E. coli as these organisms could represent a potential health threat through the contamination of groundwater.
High and Low Pitch Sound Stimuli Effects on Heart-Brain Coupling
Authors: vonJakitsch Camila Bomfim , Neto Osmar Pinto , Pinho Tatiana Okubo Rocha , Ribeiro Wellington , Pereira Rafael , Baltatu Ovidiu Constantin , Osório Rodrigo Aléxis Lazo 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Purpose: This study aimed to explore the influence of sound stimulation on heart rate and the potential coupling between cardiac and cerebral activities.
Methods: Thirty-one participants underwent exposure to periods of silence and two distinct continuous, non-repetitive pure tone stimuli: low pitch (110 Hz) and high pitch (880 Hz). Electroencephalography (EEG) data from electrodes F3, F4, F7, F8, Fp1, Fp2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 were recorded, along with R-R interval data for heart rate. Heart-brain connectivity was assessed using wavelet coherence between heart rate variability (HRV) and EEG envelopes (EEGE).
Results: Heart rates were significantly lower during high and low-pitch sound periods than in silence (p<0.002). HRV-EEGE coherence was significantly lower during high-pitch intervals than silence and low-pitch sound intervals (p<0.048), specifically between the EEG Beta band and the low-frequency HRV range. These results imply a differential involvement of the frontal and temporal brain regions in response to varying auditory stimuli.
Conclusion: Our findings highlight the essential nature of discerning the complex interrelations between sound frequencies and their implications for heart-brain connectivity. Such insights could have ramifications for conditions like seizures and sleep disturbances. A deeper exploration is warranted to decipher specific sound stimuli's potential advantages or drawbacks in diverse clinical scenarios.
Nucleobindin 2 inhibits senescence in gastric carcinoma
Authors: Ishibashi Yu , Itoh Takashi , Oguri Yasuko , Hashimura Miki , Yokoi Ako , Harada Yohei , Fukagawa Naomi , Hayashi Misato , Ono Mototsugu , Saegusa Makoto 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Nucleobindin 2 (NUCB2) is a multifunctional protein that is associated with a variety of biological processes. Here, we focused on the functional role of NUCB2 on progression of gastric carcinoma (GC).
Methods
NUCB2 expression was investigated in 150 GC cases by immunohistochemistry (IHC), as well as in situ hybridization for detection of the mRNA in 10 cases. GC cell lines were used to determine whether NUCB2 expression was associated with specific cellular phenotypes.
Results
In GC clinical samples, NUCB2 expression was transcriptionally upregulated when compared to the non-tumoral lesions. High NUCB2 expression was significantly associated with several aggressive clinicopathological factors including deep tumor invasion, lymphovascular invasion, lymph node metastasis, and advanced clinical stages, and was a significant independent prognostic factor for predicting unfavorable progression-free survival in GC patients. In cell lines, NUCB2 knockout inhibited proliferation, susceptibility to apoptosis, and migration capability through an induction of cellular senescence; this was consistent with the significantly higher proliferation and apoptotic indices in NUCB2 IHC-high category as compared to NUCB2 IHC-low GC cases.
Conclusions
NUCB2-dependent inhibition of senescence in GC leads to aggressive tumor behavior by modulating proliferation, apoptosis, and migration.
Site Suitability Analysis for Waste to Energy Facility in Onitsha North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria
Authors: Isma'il Muhammad 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Onitsha North Local Government Area (LGA) in Anambra State is an industrial and commercial city in south eastern Nigeria that is currently facing serious environmental problems resulting from poor solid waste management system. Also, the city is experiencing poor electricity supply at a time of increasing energy demand for domestic and industrial activities. The rate of solid waste generation in the city has increased with rapid urbanisation, population growth and economic expansion. Exploiting the energy potentials of the huge amount of waste generated in the area through Waste to Energy (WtE) technology is an efficient and sustainable waste management strategy that can be deployed in order to boost the energy supply mix in the area. However, the viability of WtE adoption has not been investigated in the study area. As a first and critical step in that direction, this study combined Geographic Information System (GIS) and Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) techniques to identify suitable sites for WtE facility in Onitsha North with a view to determining the viability of adopting WtE in the area. The factors used for multicriteria evaluation are Land use/Land cover, distance from road, distance from surface water, distance from existing dumpsite and slope. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to assign relative weights to these factors. The Weighted Overlay method was used to integrate these factors in ArcGIS environment to produce suitability map for WtE facility in the study area. Results showed that less than 1% and 77% of the study area were found to be moderately suitable and marginally suitable respectively for siting WtE facility; while 21% and 0.33% of the study area were found to be less suitable and not suitable respectively. The study has provided the basic information required for harnessing waste energy potential for sustainable development in Onitsha North. The waste energy potentials can be exploited to provide alternative energy source for industrialisation and economic activities in the area. The WtE will also serve as an alternative efficient waste management strategy in the study area. The combination of GIS and MCDA techniques has proven to be efficient in site suitability analysis, hence it can be applied in solving multicriteria decision problems.
Feasability and effectiveness of scaling up hepatitis-C treatment in West and Central Africa: the TAC ANRS 12311 clinical trial
Authors: Lacombe Karine , Moh Raoul , Chazallon Corine , Lemoine Maud , Sylla Babacar , Fadiga Fatoumata , Carrou Jerôme Le , Marcellin Fabienne , Kouanfack Charles , Ciaffi Laura , Sartre Michelle Tagni , Sida Magloire Biwole , Diallo Alpha , Gozlan Joel , Seydi Moussa , Cissé Viviane , Danel Christine , Girard Pierre Marie , Toni Thomas , Minga Albert , Boyer Sylvie , Carrieri Patrizia , Attia Alain 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background Access to direct-acting antivirals for chronic hepatitis C treatment in Sub-Saharan Africa is a clinical, public health and ethical concern. The multicenter open-label trial TAC ANRS 12311 was conducted to assess the feasibility, effectiveness and safety of an implementation model of HCV treatment and retreatment in patients with hepatitis C in Sub Saharan Africa.Methods Between November 2015 and March 2017, with follow-up until mid 2019, treatment-naïve patients with HCV without decompensated cirrhosis or liver cancer were recruited to receive 12 week-treatment with either sofosbuvir + ribavirin (HCV genotype 2) or sofosbuvir + ledipasvir (genotype 1 or 4) and retreatment with sofosbuvir + velpatasvir + voxilaprevir in case of virological failure. The primary outcome was sustained virological response at 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR12). Secondary outcomes included treatment adherence, safety and SVR12 in patients who were retreated due to non-response to first-line treatment.Results The study recruited 120 participants, 36 HIV-co-infected, and 14 cirrhotic. Only one patient discontinued treatment because of return to home country. Neither death nor severe adverse event occurred. SVR12 was reached in 107 patients (89%): (90%) in genotype 1 or 2, and 88% in GT-4. All retreated patients (n = 13) reached SVR12.Conclusions This model implemented for access to HCV treatment and retreatment of viral failures appeared to be feasible, safe and effective. With the expanded access to HCV generic drugs, scaling up of HCV test-and-treat strategies should now be considered a priority for HCV elimination in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Iliocaval and Iliofemoral Venous Stenting for Obstruction Secondary to Tumor Compression: Single Center Experience
Authors: Aly Ahmed K , Moussa Amgad , Chevallier Olivier , Kishore Sirish , Petre Elena , Friedman Adie , Bryce Yolanda , Gonzalez-Aguirre Adrian , Camacho Juan , Santos Ernesto , Ridouani Fourat 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Cancer patients with pelviabdominal masses can suffer from lower extremity symptoms due to venous compression. The effectiveness of venous stenting has been established in extrinsic venous compression in benign conditions like May-Thurner syndrome. In this retrospective study we evaluate the efficacy and safety of caval, iliocaval and iliofemoral venous stenting for cases of extrinsic venous compression caused by malignant masses in cancer patients.
Methods
IRB-approved retrospective review of patients who underwent iliofemoral venography with venoplasty and stenting between January 2018 and February 2022 was performed. Patients with extrinsic venous compression caused by malignant masses were included. Data on patient demographics, pre-procedure symptoms, procedural technique, stent characteristics, outcomes and follow-up were collected. Descriptive statistics were used to assess technical success, clinical success, primary stent patency and adverse events of the procedure.
Results
Thirty-seven patients (19 males, 18 females) who underwent 45 procedures were included. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) was present in 21 (57%) patients. Twenty-nine patients (78%, 95% CI 62-90%)
reported clinical improvement of the presenting symptoms. The median overall survival after the procedure was 4.7 months (95% CI 3.58-5.99). Eight (22%) patients were alive at last follow up with median follow up of 10.33 months (Range 2-25 months). Twenty-six patients had patent stents on their last follow up imaging (70%, 95% CI 61%-91%). Two patients had a small access site hematoma which resolved spontaneously. Two patients developed moderate, and 1 patient developed severe adverse events related to post procedure therapeutic anticoagulation
Conclusion
Venous stenting is a safe procedure and should be considered as part of the palliative care for patients with debilitating lower extremity symptoms related to iliocaval and iliofemoral venous compression.
Novel multitasking gold nanoparticles biosynthesized by Cassia fistula: antifungal, anti- obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-ulcer activities
Authors: Ajayi V. A. , Adebayo T. E. , Lateef A. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

In this study, an aqueous extract of Cassia fistula leaves (CFLE) was employed for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (CFL-AuNPs). The CFL-AuNPs were characterized and evaluated for antifungal, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-ulcer activities in vitro. The characteristic change in color from colorless to wine red and the UV-visible absorption at 560 nm confirmed the phytosynthesis of CFL-AuNPs. The particles were anisotropic, with spherical and irregular shapes. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis revealed peaks that correspond to the -OH compound of phenols or alcohol, -NH2, -N-H amines of protein, and -C=O/-C-O of carbonyl groups. CFL-AuNPs were active against Aspergillus flavus (50.70%), A. fumigatus (47.73%), A. niger (44.29%), and Fusarium solani (47.65%). Similarly, CFL-AuNPs exhibited lipase inhibitory activity of 88.93±0.81% with an IC50 of 121.38 µg/ml comparable with standard Orlistat (89.46±0.50%) having an IC50 of 120.51 µg/ml showing anti-obesity potential. CFL-AuNPs also inhibited alpha-glucosidase activity by 42.93±4.12%. Proton potassium (H+-/K+-) ATPase inhibitory assay of CFL-AuNPs showed activity of 84.60±9.54% at IC50 <75 µg/ml which was more efficient than acetaminophen (IC50 of 187.6 µg/ml) with promising anti-ulcer activity. The phytosynthesized CFL-AuNPs exhibited a multitasking nature as demonstrated by the antifungal, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-ulcer activities, making it a promising candidate for further study as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of multiple diseases. As far as we are aware, this is the foremost report on the in vitro evaluation of the anti-ulcer activities of AuNPs.
Diagnostic utility of cytomegalovirus (CMV) DNA quantitation in ulcerative colitis
Authors: Esen Sema , Saglik Imran , Dolar Enver , Cesur Selcan , Ugras Nesrin , Agca Harun , Merdan Osman , Ener Beyza 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background Cytomegalovirus (CMV) colitis is a critical clinical condition associated with severe complications in ulcerative colitis (UC). This study aims to investigate the diagnostic value of CMV DNA in intestinal mucosa tissue and blood samples in patients with active UC.
Methods The study included 81 patients experiencing exacerbations of UC symptoms. The patients' demographics, symptoms, disease activity, endoscopic findings, and medications were obtained from the Hospital Information System. CMV DNA was analyzed with the real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method on patients' colorectal tissue samples and plasma. CMV markers were investigated with immunohistochemistry (IHC) and hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E).
Results It was found that older age, active tissue inflammation, a previous CMV infection, and corticosteroids are risk factors for CMV infection. CMV positivity was 9.8% in the tissue samples of patients by IHC and 1.2% by H&E. CMV DNA was detected in 63% of tissue and 58.5% of plasma samples. The sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) for qPCR were excellent (100.0%), while the specificity and positive predictive value (PPV) for tissue were low (41.9% and 15.7%, respectively). Similarly, sensitivity and NPV in plasma were higher (100.0%) for qPCR, while specificity and PPV were low (48.6% and 24.0%, respectively). The viral load was ≥ 392 copies/mg in tissue (sensitivity 100.0% and specificity 83.6%) and ≥ 578 copies/mL (895 IU/mL) in plasma (sensitivity 66.7% and specificity 100.0%), ensuring optimal diagnosis.
Conclusions The qPCR method can potentially enhance patient management by timely identifying CMV colitis in UC patients. However, exclusive reliance on qPCR positivity for diagnosis can lead to overdiagnosis, which in turn may result in unnecessary antiviral therapy. To improve diagnostic specificity, quantification of CMV DNA is helpful, although standardization is required.
Molecular Docking of Compounds from Plectranthus amboinicus against Target Protein p53 as a Candidate for Anti-Aging Medicine
Authors: Arifaputri Naila Ramadhanty , Auerkari Elza Ibrahim , Gultom Ferry Pergamus , Suhartono Antonius Winoto , Suniarti Dewi Fatma , Amir Lisa Rinanda , Sulijaya Benso , Auerkari Pertti 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Aging is an inevitable process that significantly impacts oral and dental health, especially among individuals aged 65 and older. The protein p53 is thought to be involved in the aging process by regulating cellular senescence. Molecular docking techniques can assist in assessing the potential of compounds derived from various plants for use as herbal medicines. Indonesia alone possesses a wealth of medicinal plants known to contain herbal compounds believed to offer remedies for a wide range of illnesses. As an illustration, among these plants is Mexican mint, scientifically known as Plectranthus amboinicus. Compounds of thymol, carvacrol, and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, rutin, eriodictyol) from the extract of the Plectranthus amboinicusplant which are rich in antioxidants are believed to have the potential to inhibit the cellular senescence process to suppress the aging process. The purpose of this research is to investigate the interaction between the ligand of thymol, carvacrol, and flavonoid compounds from Plectranthus amboinicuswith the p53 target protein which is associated with cellular senescence activity in the aging procress.
Methods: In silico study through molecular docking to examine the molecular interactions of the ligands of thymol, carvacrol, and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, rutin, eriodictyol) from the Plectranthus amboinicus plant against the target protein receptor p53 which is responsible for the process of cellular senescence. The interaction results obtained is a histogram which will be analyzed and interpreted to determine the binding affinity of the interactions that occurred.
Results: Interactions existed between the ligands of thymol, carvacrol, and flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, apigenin, rutin, eriodictyol) from the Plectranthus amboinicus plant against the target protein receptor p53.
Conclusion: Plectranthus amboinicushas the potential to be an anti-aging agent that can inhibit and slow down the process of aging through in silico studies. However, it is important to conduct additional research regarding the properties of Plectranthus amboinicusto determine the unknown potential of this plant to the human body.
A nomogram of non-invasive diagnostic models for CHB-related early cirrhosis: a prospective study
Authors: Chen Yuxia , Wei Meijuan , Chen Meng , Wu Chenyu , Ding Hongbing , Pan Xingnan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Objective: To construct a non-invasive diagnostic nomogram for chronic hepatitis B(CHB)- related early cirrhosis.
Methods 72 patients with CHB were enrolled in a prospective study, and divided into S4 stage of liver cirrhosis and S0-S3 stage of non-liver cirrhosis according to pathological findings. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors, and a diagnostic nomogram was constructed for CHB-related early cirrhosis. It was validated and calibrated by bootstrap self-extraction.
Results Binary logistic regression analysis showed that age, right hepatic vein diameter, presence or absence of nodules, and echogenicity grade of liver parenchyma were identified as independent risk factors. The AUC value of the diagnostic nomogram was 0.955, and the calibration curve fitted well with the ideal curve. Decision curve analysis showed that the net benefit of the nomogram was significant.
Conclusion The non-invasive diagnostic nomogram can achieve accurate diagnosis of CHB-related early cirrhosis, which may facilitate clinical management.
How Have Socio-Economic Factors Affected Regional Mortality Pattern in China?
Authors: Li Tiantian , Zhang Shuyin , Li Handong 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The level of regional population mortality is closely related to the degree of regional socio-economic development. This paper attempts to identify the key socio-economic factors influencing the mortality patterns among China's provincial regions and analyze the mechanisms driving these patterns. We first used the data of the Chinese Seventh Population Census to obtain mortality patterns by age, gender, and urban-rural divided for 31 provincial-level administrative regions. Then, stepwise regression was used to screen out twelve socio-economic indicators affecting mortality patterns, and we employed a functional regression model to analyze the influence of these indicators on mortality probabilities across different age groups. The main findings of this study include: (1) Significant gender and urban-rural disparities are evident in China's regional mortality patterns, affecting nearly all age groups. (2) The substantial marginal impact of socio-economic factors on the mortality pattern generally becomes evident after the age of 45, with less pronounced differences in their impact on early-life mortality patterns. (3) The influence of socio-economic factors on mortality patterns varies across different age groups, suggesting the complexity and heterogeneity of this impact in regional mortality patterns, while also acknowledging certain limitations.