bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dexamethasone acetate loaded poly(ε-caprolactone) nanofibers for the treatment of rat corneal chemical burn
Authors: Kim Da Ran , Park Sun-Kyung , Kim Eun Jeong , Kim Dong-Kyu , Yoon Young Chae , Myung David , Lee Hyun Jong , Na Kyung-Sun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Nanofibers serve to overcome the limitation of the short duration of action of topical eye drops used against ocular inflammation in dry eyes. Several attempts to develop suitable nanofibers have been made; however, there is no ideal solution. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers with encapsulated dexamethasone on alkali-injured cornea in rats. Thirty-nine Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (7 weeks old males) were divided into four treatment groups after alkaline burns of the cornea; negative control (no treatment group); dexamethasone eyedrops (DEX group); PCL fiber (PCL group); dexamethasone loaded PCL (PCL/DEX group). Corneal neovascularization was lower in the group treated with PCL + DEX than in that treated with DEX eyedrops, while PCL alone did not cause corneal neovascularization by irritation or inflammation. Histological analysis revealed lower infiltration of stromal inflammatory cells in corneas treated with PCL + DEX than in those treated with DEX eyedrops. Proinflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, MK2, TGFβ1, TGFβ2, and VEGF-A showed lower expression in corneas treated with PCL + DEX than in those treated with DEX eyedrops. Based on the results, PCL + DEX may be a promising approach to effective drug delivery in corneal burn injuries. In particular, anti-inflammatory function of DEX observed in the acute phase of ocular inflammation appears to be significantly improved on the first day in the PCL + DEX group.
Targeted Gene-Hormone Therapy of Colorectal Cancer with Guanylin Expressing Nano-system
Authors: Samadi Pouria , Rahbarizadeh Fatemeh , Nouri Fatemeh , Soleimani Meysam , Najafi Rezvan , Jalali Akram 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Addressing colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant challenge, demanding the precise delivery of therapeutic agents to eliminate cancer cells while minimizing impact on healthy cells. The strategic selection of therapeutic targets, the utilization of nanocarriers with optimal efficacy and low toxicity, and the development of gene constructs with controlled induction in cancer cells are crucial aspects in this pursuit.
Materials and Methods
This study employed a systems biology approach to comprehensively investigate the guanylin hormone-encoding gene (GUCA2A). Exploration encompassed expression patterns across tissues and single cells, clinical endpoints, methylation profiles, mutations, immune and functional analyses. Subsequently, GUCA2A was identified as a potential target for gain of function studies, leading to its amplification and cloning into gene constructs featuring both a robust CMV promoter and a cancer-specific MUC1 promoter. The succinylated PEI-9, characterized by low toxicity and high gene transfer efficiency, was then fabricated and characterized on HCT-116 cancer cells and normal Vero cell lines.
Results
systems biology studies revealed GUCA2A’s aberrant expression patterns, methylation variations, mutational changes as well as its remarkable association with immune engagement and poor survival outcomes in CRC. Moreover, SPEI-9 was introduced as a highly efficient and safe nanocarrier for gene delivery purposes. Additionally, in vitro studies revealed that both guanylin-expressing gene constructs exhibited potential in inhibiting cell growth and proliferation, inducing apoptosis, suppressing cell migration, and curtailing colony formation. Notably, these effects were more robust but non-specific in cancer cells treated with constructs containing the CMV general promoter, while, induction via the MUC1 promoter was more specific.
Conclusion
A genetic construct featuring the strong universal CMV and specific MUC1 promoter, expressing the guanylin peptide hormone, demonstrated highly effective and specific anticancer effects when transfected with nanocarriers characterized by high efficiency and low cytotoxicity. This nano-system holds promising implications for targeted CRC therapy.
Optimization of fermentation conditions and medium components for chrysomycin A production by Streptomyces sp. 891-B6
Authors: Hu Zhe , Weng Qiangang , Cai Zhehui , Zhang Huawei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Chrysomycin A (CA) is a promising antibiotic for treatment of Gram-positive bacterial infections and cancers. In order to enhance CA yield, optimization of fermentation conditions and medium components was carried out on strain Streptomyces sp. 891-B6, an UV-induced mutant with improved CA titer compared with its wide-type marine strain 891.
Results
Using one-way experiment, the optimal fermentation conditions for CA production in 1-L shake flask were obtained as follows: 12 days of fermentation time, 5 days of seed age, 5% of inoculum volume ratio, 200 mL of loading volume and 6.5 of initial pH. By response surface methodology, the optimal medium components determined as glucose (39.239 g/L), corn starch (20.208 g/L), soybean meal (15.599 g/L) and CaCO3 (2.000 g/L).
Conclusion
Validation tests showed that the maximum yield of CA reached 1601.9 ± 56.7 mg/L, which was a 60% increase compared to the initial yield (952.3 ± 53.2 mg/L). These results provided an important basis for scale-up production of CA by strain 891-B6.
Diagnosing Aceruloplasminemia: Navigating through Red Herrings
Authors: Kharel Zeni , Kharel Himal , Phatak Pradyumna D. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

A 58-year-old female was found to have hyperferritinemia (Serum ferritin:1683 ng/mL) during work-up for mild normocytic anemia. Transferrin saturation was low normal. Genetic analysis for hereditary hemochromatosis(HH) related HFE mutations showed absence of the common mutations (C282Y, H63D and S65C). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) abdomen showed evidence of hepatic iron deposition. Liver biopsy showed 4 + hepatic iron deposition without any evidence of steatosis or fibrosis. Quantitative liver iron was elevated at 348.3 µmol/g dry liver weight [Reference range(RR): 3–33 µmol/g dry liver weight]. She was presumptively diagnosed with tissue iron overload, cause uncertain. A diagnosis of ferroportin disease(FD) was entertained but the distribution of iron in the liver was largely parenchymal making this atypical. She was treated with intermittent phlebotomy for over a decade with poor tolerance due to worsening microcytic anemia. During the course of treatment, her ferritin level decreased. Over the past 1.5 years, she developed progressively worsening neurocognitive decline. MRI brain showed areas of susceptibility involving basal ganglia, midbrain and cerebellum raising suspicion for metabolic deposition disease. Neuroimaging findings led to testing for serum copper and ceruloplasmin levels which were both found to be severely low. The diagnosis of aceruloplasminemia was ultimately made. The biochemical triad of hyperferritinemia, low/normal transferrin saturation and microcytic anemia should raise the possibility of aceruloplasminemia. Since neurological manifestations are rare in most inherited iron overload syndromes, neurological symptoms in a patient with tissue iron overload should prompt consideration of aceruloplasminemia as a differential diagnosis.
Heterotopic Pregnancy and Amniotic Embolism: a Case Report
Authors: Soecki Gabriella , Hlatchuk Elisa Carolina , Raymundo Caroline Thereza , Andrade Ana Carolina Sater , Ferreira Marcela Clarissa Padeski , Percicote Ana Paula , Sobieray Narcizo Leopoldo Eduardo da Cunha , Nascimento Denis José 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Heterotopic pregnancy and amniotic embolism are rare conditions that can be challenging to diagnose. To date, there are no cases of heterotopic pregnancy associated with amniotic embolism described in the literature. Therefore, we report the case of a pancreatic heterotopic pregnancy, which led to amniotic embolism and an unfavorable maternal outcome.
CASE PRESENTATION:
A 20-year-old pregnant woman presented with nausea and abdominal pain refractory to drug treatment. She had a increased lipase of 205 U/L (reference 8 to 78 U/L) and a total abdominal ultrasound with biliary sludge. The pregnant woman had no known risk factors for ectopic and/or heterotopic pregnancy. The initial diagnostic suspicions were hyperemesis gravidarum or acute pancreatitis. During hospitalization, she fluctuated between periods of clinical improvement and worsening of abdominal pain, but serial laboratory control had a favorable and benign evolution. On the 30th day of hospitalization, the patient developed spontaneous abortion, respiratory failure, and cardiorespiratory arrest. Necropsy showed heterotopic pregnancy in the pancreas, amniotic embolism, and consequent disseminated intravascular coagulation.
CONCLUSION
Obstetricians should suspect heterotopic pregnancy in patients with an acute abdomen. The gold standard diagnostic method for this condition is laparoscopy. In the present case, the authors consider that pancreatic pregnancy allowed the introduction of fetal antigens and/or amniotic fluid into the maternal bloodstream, leading to amniotic embolism and consequent disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Experimental Study on Seismic Behavior of Steel Tube Column with Recycled Aggregate Concrete infilled Profile Steel and H-shaped Steel Beam Frame-Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall Structures
Authors: Liu Jian , yang qinpeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In order to investigate the seismic behavior of recycled aggregate concrete structures, a total of two specimens at 1:2 scale are designed and constructed. The specimen KJ-1 is a frame structure composed of the steel tube column with recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) infilled profile steel and the H-shaped steel beam, and the specimen KJ-W is a frame-shear wall structure composed of the steel tube column with RAC infilled profile steel, the H-shaped steel beam and reinforced concrete shear wall. Quasi-static cyclic tests are made on those two specimens respectively. The failure modes, failure processes, and failure mechanisms of the two specimens are investigated. The comparisons between them in hysteretic curves, skeleton curves, bearing capacity, deformation characteristics, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, energy consumption capacity and strain is obtained. The results indicate that the KJ-1 exhibited more severe damage at the connection between the H-shaped steel beam and the steel tube column with RAC infilled profile steel, as well as at the column base, compared to the KJ-W under the loading of the same drift. The bearing capacity of the KJ-W is almost the same as that of the KJ-1, but the ductility of the former (1.49) is slightly improved compared with the latter (1.38). The KJ-W shows worse coordinate performance with the frame after the cracking of reinforced concrete shear wall, while in the KJ-1 the steel tube column with RAC infilled profile steel can effectively resist horizontal load, which can effectively protect the specimen from stiffness degradation in a relatively slow speed. The numerical simulation results of the two specimens coincide with the initial stiffness, peak bearing capacity, and skeleton curve of the experiment results
Exploring the Determinants of Pedestrian Crash Severity: A Comparative Study Using Ordered Probit, Stacking Ensemble, and TabNet
Authors: Rafe Amir , Arman Mohammad Ali , Singleton Patrick A. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore the determinants influencing the severity of pedestrian crashes, focusing particularly on the novel application of the TabNet model in pedestrian crash severity analysis. Utilizing pedestrian crash data from Utah for the years 2010 to 2022, our methodology incorporated the ordered probit model, a stacking ensemble approach including a multinomial logistic model, XGBoost, and extremely randomized trees, as well as the innovative use of the TabNet model. A significant advancement in our approach was the application of SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for the first time to interpret the results of the TabNet model in this specific research area, providing new insights into the interpretability of deep learning models in pedestrian crash severity analysis. Our findings indicated that the TabNet model outperformed other models in predictive accuracy, effectively identifying key factors such as pedestrian age, involvement in left and right turns, lighting conditions, and alcohol consumption as significant in influencing crash severity. These results highlight the effectiveness of using advanced analytical models like TabNet to gain a deeper understanding of the factors impacting pedestrian crash severity, offering valuable insights for transportation safety engineers and policymakers in developing targeted safety measures to improve pedestrian safety in urban environments.
Foraminifera assemblages in Pulau Redang: Uncovering Discrepancies and the Importance of FoRAM Index Calibration for Precise Reef Monitoring
Authors: MINHAT FATIN IZZATI , Safuan Che Din Mohd , Emran Sabrina Alia Mohd , Hasnizul Aida Farisah Mohd , Afiq-Firdaus Aminudin Muhammad , Bachok Zainudin , Talaat Wan Izzatul Asma Wan 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
To mitigate the adverse effects of ocean warming on coral reef degradation, resource managers increasingly explore the management and regulation of local stressors to bolster coral resilience and recovery. Comprehensive assessments and monitoring efforts offer a holistic understanding of reef dynamic ecosystems. Using the Foraminifera-based Reef Assessment (FoRAM) index, we documented the distribution of benthic foraminiferal assemblages surrounding Pulau Redang, Malaysia, and assessed their potential for monitoring coral reef health. Undeveloped (R1–R3) and developed (R4–R6) reef sites revealed distinct differences in reef conditions. The significant presence of dead corals in R4–R6 is linked to Tropical Storm Pabuk. Foraminiferal distribution showed Amphistegina lessonii (14–34%) as the dominant species, followed by Calcarina hispida (21%) and Calcarina mayori (19%). Surprisingly, FoRAM consistently yielded high values across the study area despite varying coral reef conditions, probably due to the prevalence of Calcarina mayori in mesotrophic reefs (R4, R5, and R6), potentially skewing FoRAM values and providing a misleading indicator of reef conditions. We recommend calibrating the FoRAM Index, particularly in mesotrophic reefs where calcarinids dominate foraminiferal assemblages, to enhance its precision and reliability for coral reef health monitoring and assessment within the region.
Numerical algorithms for recovering a fractional Sturm-Liouville operator based on trace formulae
Authors: Li Xiaowen , Jiang Xiaoying , Xu Xiang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

This paper explores numerical methods for recovering a density term in a fractional Sturm-Liouville problem using a set of spectra. By applying Lidskii's theorem, a sequence of trace formulae are derived to elucidate the connections between the unknown coefficients and the eigenvalues of a fractional spectra problem. Two efficient algorithms are proposed based on these trace formulae, and their effectiveness is demonstrated through numerical experiments.
ESTSS – Energy System Time Series Suite: A declustered, application-independent, semi-artificial load profile benchmark set
Authors: Günther Sebastian , Brandt Jonathan , Bensmann Astrid , Hanke-Rauschenbach Richard 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
This paper introduces an univariate application-independent set of load profiles or time series derived from real-world energy system data. The generation involved a two-step process: manifolding the initial dataset through signal processors to increase diversity and heterogeneity, followed by a declustering process that removes data redundancy. The study employed common feature engineering and machine learning techniques: the time series are transformed into a normalized feature space, followed by a dimensionality reduction via hierarchical clustering, and optimization.
The resulting dataset is uniformly distributed across multiple feature space dimensions while retaining typical time and frequency domain characteristics inherent in energy system time series.
This data serves various purposes, including algorithm testing, uncovering functional relationships between time series features and system performance, and training machine learning models. Two case studies demonstrate the claims: one focused on the suitability of hybrid energy storage systems and the other on quantifying the onsite hydrogen supply cost in green hydrogen production sites.
The declustering algorithm, although a byproduct in this study, shows promise for further scientific exploration. The data and source code are openly accessible, providing a robust platform for future comparative studies. This work also offers smaller subsets for computationally intensive research. Data and source code can be found at https://github.com/s-guenther/estss and https://zenodo.org/records/10213145.
Factors that determine patients considering medication for the disease of obesity: an IMI2 SOPHIA study
Authors: Craig Hilary , Roux Carel Le , Alsaeed Dalal , Al-Ozairi Ebaa , Heneghan Helen , Al-Najim Werd 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Objective: Obesity-related problems can now be managed with effective nutritional therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgeries that achieve >10% weight loss. Assessing patient preferences, treatment choices, and factors affecting patients can improve treatment compliance and efficacy. Our aim was to identify factors affecting patient preference and subsequent choice of pharmacotherapy among those seeking treatment for obesity-related disorders.
Methods: A participatory action study using purposeful sampling recruited 33 patients with obesity complications. They were referred to specialist clinics in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and chronic kidney disease. Sixteen males and seventeen females aged 18-70 years, with BMI>35kg/m2 were recruited. Before the interview, participants watched a 60-minute video explaining nutritional therapy, pharmacotherapy, and surgery in equipoise. Data were collected in semi-structured interviews; Reflective thematic analysis was used. This sub study focuses only on patients who expressed specific attitudes (positive or negative) towards pharmacotherapy.
Results: 30% of patients expressed a view on pharmacotherapy. 24% of all patients chose pharmacotherapy alone, whereas 6% chose pharmacotherapy combined with nutritional therapy. In this sub study focusing on pharmacotherapy, five themes were identified related to choosing whether or not to take medication: 1) attitudes towards pharmacotherapy, 2) attitudes toward size of obesity and its complications, 3) weighing the benefits and risks of treatment, 4) knowledge and reassurance of health professionals, and 5) costs associated with drug therapy.
Conclusion: The primary concerns regarding pharmacotherapy for intentional weight loss were efficacy, side effects, lifelong dosing, pharmacokinetics, and cost. Providing access to information about all the pharmacotherapies and the benefits is likely to result in greater penetrance of treatment.
Factors associated with non-fatal heart failure and atrial fibrillation or flutter within the first 30 days post COPD exacerbation: a nested case-control study
Authors: Graul Emily L. , Nordon Clementine , Rhodes Kirsty , Menon Shruti , Ammouri Mahmoud Al , Kallis Constantinos , Ioannides Anne E. , Whittaker Hannah R. , Peters Nicholas S. , Quint Jennifer K. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
An immediate, temporal risk of heart failure and arrhythmias after a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) exacerbation has been demonstrated, particularly in the first month post-exacerbation. However, the clinical profile of patients who develop heart failure (HF) or atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF) following exacerbation is unclear. Therefore we examined factors associated with people being hospitalized for HF or AF, respectively, following a COPD exacerbation.
Methods
We conducted two nested case-control studies, using primary care electronic healthcare records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink Aurum linked to Hospital Episode Statistics, Office for National Statistics for mortality, and socioeconomic data (2014-2020). Cases had hospitalization for HF or AF within 30 days of a COPD exacerbation, with controls matched by GP practice (HF 2:1;AF 3:1). We used conditional logistic regression to explore demographic and clinical factors associated with HF and AF.
Results
Odds of HF (1,569 cases, 3,138 controls) increased with age, type II diabetes, obesity, HF and arrhythmia history, exacerbation severity (hospitalization), most cardiovascular medications, GOLD airflow obstruction, MRC dyspnea score, and chronic kidney disease. Strongest associations were for severe exacerbations (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=6.25, 95%CI 5.10-7.66), prior HF (aOR=2.57, 95%CI 1.73-3.83), age≥80 years (aOR=2.41, 95%CI 1.88-3.09), and prior diuretics prescription (aOR=2.81, 95%CI 2.29-3.45).
Odds of AF (841 cases, 2,523 controls) increased with age, male sex, severe exacerbation, arrhythmia and pulmonary hypertension history and most cardiovascular medications. Strongest associations were for severe exacerbations (aOR=5.78, 95%CI 4.45-7.50), age≥80 years (aOR=3.15, 95%CI 2.26-4.40), arrhythmia (aOR=3.55, 95%CI 2.53-4.98), pulmonary hypertension (aOR=3.05, 95%CI 1.21-7.68), and prescription of anticoagulants (aOR=3.81, 95%CI 2.57-5.64), positive inotropes (aOR=2.29, 95%CI 1.41-3.74) and anti-arrhythmic drugs (aOR=2.14, 95%CI 1.10-4.15).
Conclusions
Cardiopulmonary factors were associated with hospitalization for HF in the 30 days following a COPD exacerbation, while only cardiovascular-related factors and exacerbation severity were associated with AF hospitalization. Understanding factors will help target people for prevention.
The effects of knee ligament loading during running in different foot strike patterns
Authors: Kim Sungmin , Wang Yi , Lam Wing-kai 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background The purpose of this study is to examine the kinematic and kinematic variables during running with various foot strike patterns and to calculate the knee ligament loading using musculoskeletal modeling techniques. Methods Twenty participants were instructed to run overground at 4.3 ± 0.2 m/s along the instrumented runway, with landing their feet on the force plate under three foot strike patterns: forefoot (foot strike angle < -1.6°), midfoot (-1.6° < foot strike angle < -8.0°), rearfoot (foot strike angle > 8.0°). The angle, angular velocity, ground reaction force (GRF), and moment of the knee joint were calculated, and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) forces were determined through musculoskeletal modeling. Results The forefoot strike had a significant shorter contact time than the midfoot and rearfoot strike (p < .05). The forefoot strike was lower than other foot strike patterns for flexion angle (F = 7.261, p = .005). In the kinetic variables, the forefoot strike showed single vertical GRF peak that was higher than the first or second peaks in other foot strike patterns (p < .05). The anterior and posterior ACL loading of the rearfoot strike were lower than forefoot and midfoot strike patterns (p < .05), while no significant between strike patterns were found in PCL loading. Conclusion This suggests that the lower ACL load of the rearfoot strike would be associated with the two-peak GRF characteristics with the impact attenuation at initial contact, and that forefoot strike showed a relatively high ACL load due to the small foot contact area for both landing and propulsion.