bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotics Show Promise as a Novel Natural Treatment for Neurological
Disorders
Authors: Jha Preeti , Dangi Neha , Sharma Shikha 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Probiotics are beneficial microorganisms shown to improve human health when consumed
regularly and in sufficient quantities. Numerous health benefits can be attained by possessing
important metabolites with nutritional and medicinal qualities. It has been shown through
scientific research that these living microbial consortiums can influence a variety of mental
health outcomes, including but not limited to anxiety, depression, cognitive processes, stress
responses, and behavioral patterns. Selected strains of bacteria and yeasts control how the central
nervous system (CNS) communicates with the gut-brain axis (GBA) through neuronal, humoral,
and metabolic pathways to ease mood. Psychobiotics are substances that can affect the digestive
system as well as mood and anxiety. There is scant evidence to validate the beneficial effects of
psychiatric drugs in treating neurological diseases or disorders. The therapeutic method of research
into psychobiotics opens exciting prospects for the future of the field of development.
This review compiles the current evidence available in the scientific literature on the use of probiotics
to influence neurological disorders.
Role of Flavonoids in Modulation of Mitochondria Dynamics during
Oxidative Stress
Authors: Kumar Sachindra , Chhabra Vishal , Shenoy Smita , Daksh Rajni , Ravichandiran Velayutham , Swamy Ravindra Shantakumar , Kumar Nitesh 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Flavonoids are a widespread category of naturally occurring polyphenols
distinguished by the flavan nucleus in plant-based foods and beverages, known for their various
health benefits. Studies have suggested that consuming 150-500 mg of flavonoids daily is beneficial
for health. Recent studies suggest that flavonoids are involved in maintaining mitochondrial activity
and preventing impairment of mitochondrial dynamics by oxidative stress.

Objective:
This review emphasized the significance of studying the impact of flavonoids on
mitochondrial dynamics, oxidative stress, and inflammatory response.

Methods:
This review analysed and summarised the findings related to the impact of flavonoids on
mitochondria from publicly available search engines namely Pubmed, Scopus, and Web of Science.

Description:
Any disruption in mitochondrial dynamics can contribute to cellular dysfunction and
diseases, including cancer, cardiac conditions, and neurodegeneration. Flavonoids have been shown
to modulate mitochondrial dynamics by regulating protein expression involved in fission and fusion
events. Furthermore, flavonoids exhibit potent antioxidant properties by lowering the production of
ROS and boosting the performance of antioxidant enzymes. Persistent inflammation is a
characteristic of many different disorders. This is because flavonoids also alter the inflammatory
response by controlling the expression of numerous cytokines and chemokines involved in the
inflammatory process. Flavonoids exhibit an impressive array of significant health effects, making
them an effective therapeutic agent for managing various disorders. Further this review summarised
available mechanisms underlying flavonoids' actions on mitochondrial dynamics and oxidative
stress to recognize the optimal dose and duration of flavonoid intake for therapeutic purposes.

Conclusion:
This review may provide a solid foundation for developing targeted therapeutic
interventions utilizing flavonoids, ultimately benefiting individuals afflicted with various disorders.
Tumor Mutational Burden as a Biomarker of Immunotherapy Response: An Immunogram Approach in Onco-immunology
Authors: Ansari Afzal , Ray Suman  Kumar , Sharma Mukul , Rawal Rakesh , Singh Pushpendra 
Published: December 2023

:
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer treatment by
allowing T cells to reactivate. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) is a biomarker that has
emerged as a viable diagnostic for locating patients who would benefit from
immunotherapy in particular cancer types. Greater neo-antigens mean more
opportunities for T cell identification, and TMB is clinically linked to better immune
checkpoint inhibitors. Tumor foreignness is a cancer immunogram, and TMB can be
used as a substitute for foreignness. The role of TMB analysis as an independent
predictor of immunotherapy response in the context of immune checkpoint inhibitor
medications is the subject of this mini-review.
Nanoencapsulation of Bixin and Norbixin in Sodium Alginate: Preparation,
Characterization, and Release in Food Simulant
Authors: Savazzi Suiane , Queiroz Assis Renato , de Oliveira Rios Alessandro 
Published: December 2023

Aims:
Bixin and norbixin are natural antioxidants used as pigments in the food industry, but their chemical structure makes them susceptible to environmental factors (light, oxygen, and temperature).

Background:
Nanoencapsulation techniques can improve the stability and solubility of these compounds in addition to reducing particle size which can increase surface:volume ratio and provide many attractive and unique properties to the nanoparticles.

Objective:
In this study, sodium alginate was used as wall material for the encapsulation of bixin and norbixin in different concentrations (1.25, 2.5, 5, and 7.5 g/g of biopolymer), by emulsification/internal gelation method.

Methods:
The emulsification/internal gelation method was used to elaborate bixin or norbixin-loaded nanospheres. The internal phase of the water-in-oil (W/O) emulsion was prepared with an aqueous solution of sodium alginate (1.5% w/v – 40 mL), 0.12 g of CaCO3, bixin or norbixin pigments, and mechanically stirred for 15 min at 700 rpm.

Results:
Nanospheres containing the highest concentration of both carotenoids showed better encapsulation efficiency, with 37.86% for bixin and 51.47% for norbixin, and these formulations were used for characterization analyses. The mean size of the nanospheres was 741.9 ± 41.0 nm, 622.9 ± 71.0 nm, and 589.5 ± 99.1 nm for control particles, bixin, and norbixin, respectively. The addition of both carotenoids resulted in particles with a yellow-red color, which demonstrates the encapsulation of natural antioxidants. The thermal analysis results may indicate an increase in the thermal stability of the pigments after encapsulation, in addition, the nanospheres exhibited the ability to scavenge the ABTS+ radical. Carotenoids release test in food simulant (95% ethanol) presented a rapid release in the first hours and maintenance of concentration for 10 days.

Conclusion:
Results showed that these nanospheres could be an alternative to the application of these carotenoid pigments in food matrices and food packaging.
Effect of Carbonization Temperature on the Structure of Pitch
Carbon and Its Low-temperature Lithium Storage Properties
Authors: Dong Wei , Zhu Xuanyi , Meng Lingqiang , Ji Lingxiao , Yang Fang , Shen Ding , Xue Minghu , Zhang Qiao 
Published: December 2023

Introduction::
Lithium-ion batteries were one of the most promising battery systems
for electric vehicles. Currently, lithium-ion batteries are required to have higher energy density
and cycle stability. The traditional graphite negative electrode cannot meet the requirements.
Pitch has many advantages such as wide source, low cost, high carbon residue rate and easy
graphitization, as a carbon precursor has been widely used in lithium-ion battery anode and anode
materials.

Method::
In this paper, pitch carbon was prepared by carbonization at different temperatures and
studied.

Result::
The results showed that with the increase of carbonization temperature, the interlayer
spacing decreased gradually, the degree of amorphousness decreases gradually, the specific surface
area and pore volume also decrease gradually, the initial coulombic efficiency and capacity
retention increased, and the discharge-specific capacity decreased. Galvanostatic Intermittent
Titration Technique (GITT) tests show that there are two main mechanisms of lithium ions intercalation
in the material, surface adsorption and interlayer intercalation.

Conclusion::
The difficulty of diffusion of lithium ions between pitch carbon layers at low temperatures
is the main reason for the decrease of its capacity at low temperature. The carbon material
obtained by carbonization of pitch at 800℃ has the best low temperature performance,
with discharge specific capacities of 335, 272, 232 and 187mAh/g at 25, 0, -20 and -40℃, of
which 55.8% of the discharge specific capacity at room temperature can be retained at -40℃.
The amorphous carbon material has certain low temperature charge-discharge performance.
Leveraging Social Networks to Integrate Depression Treatment
into Primary Health and Tuberculosis Care in Brazil
Authors: Sweetland Annika C. , Mann Claudio Gruber , Fernandes Maria Jose , Matsuzaka Camila , de Silva Fatima Virginia , Lee Jae , McCarty Christopher , Kritski Afranio , Fortes Sandra , Cavalcanti Maria , Mello Marcelo Feijó , Oquendo Maria A. , Valente Thomas , Pincus Harold , Wainberg Milton L. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Tuberculosis (TB) and depression are highly comorbid and linked
to higher rates of death and disability. Several evidence-based treatments for depression have
been successfully implemented in low- and middle-income countries, but more knowledge is
needed on how to bring these innovations to scale within complex ’real world’ public health
systems.

Objective:
To explore whether the principles of social network analysis could be used to
enhance receptivity to integrating depression treatment into primary care for individuals
with and without TB in Brazil.

Methods:
We used existing scales to identify settings and providers with high receptivity
and connectivity within the primary care network. We trained and supervised existing staff
in three primary care sites to deliver a brief evidence-based intervention over one year,
coupled with active dissemination activities. Afterwards, we reassessed receptivity among
individuals involved, and not involved, in the pilot.

Results:
Highly significant changes were observed in mental health literacy, attitudes towards
evidence-based practices, work self-efficacy, and implementation leadership supporting
our hypothesis. Limited social connections between primary care clinics precluded
the examination of the hypothesis that targeting settings with high connectivity could capitalize
on the information flow between and transcend the decentralized structure of the
network, but leveraging the centralized nature of the TB program to integrate mental health
services emerged as a promising alternative.

Conclusions:
The findings of this study strongly suggest that social networks may be leveraged
to change individual providers’ attitudes, thereby contributing to the enhanced dissemination
of evidence-based interventions.
Segmentation Method of Concrete Small Cracks Based on UAV Images
Authors: Pan Yong , Zou Wei , Xv Qiang , Zhao Yan , Liang Qifan , Zhao Tong 
Published: December 2023

Introduction::
Cracks are one of the major problems in modern concrete buildings,
especially in locations that are difficult to map manually, such as bridges and high-rise buildings.
Accurate analysis of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) images has become the key to determining
whether a building needs maintenance.

Methods::
Traditional image processing methods are easily interfered by high-frequency background.
Neural network methods need fine datasets, which increase labor costs. Therefore, this
paper proposes a segmentation algorithm based on UNet3+ network. After obtaining the UAV
image, the rough location of the crack can be obtained by only rough labeling. And then, the
sample balance can be carried out by clipping the target area. The UNet3+ network is used to
train the processed datasets and extract the region of interest to ignore the non-target texture.
Finally, the region of interest is further segmented by color clustering and edge detection methods.

Results::
The proposed method can detect the cracks accurately. In all test images, the relative
errors are less than 13%. Especially in test images whose width is less than 0.2mm, the maximum
absolute error is only 0.0237mm, which is completely acceptable in actual production.
The proposed method has higher practicability in the detection of concrete crack images taken
by UAV. The results show that the proposed method outperforms the cutting-edge method published
in the journal "Sensor", when the background is complex.

Conclusion::
The proposed method can segment and detect cracks effectively, which can remove
the high-frequency interference region from the images.
Formulation and Antimicrobial Screening of Tea Tree Oil Gel
Authors: Agrawal Karan , Kumari Vibha , Singh Talever , Pathak Devender , Kulshreshtha Mayank 
Published: December 2023

Objective:
An acne is a frequent form of skin condition brought on by an overproduction of the particular oil “sebum”, which is produced by the sebaceous gland. This oil accumulates in the fol-licles and causes the swelling of pores. Many microbial species such as Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtills, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Aspergillus tubingensis etc. are responsible for acne directly or indirectly. The aim of this study was to synthesise the herbal gel of tea tree oil obtained from the plant M.alternifolia.

Material and Methods:
The gel was prepared using Carbopol-940 as a gelling agent using the swelling method and parameters like spreadability, extrudability, pH, etc were also determined. Zone of inhibi-tion (ZOI) was estimated with renowned standards (Ciprofloxacin and fluconazole).

Results:
Studies revealed that the gel was highly effective against the selected species except fungal strains. ZIC was observed ranging from 1.6±0.01mm to 14.9±0.43mm. The maximum ZOI was ob-served (14.9±0.43) against Staphylococcus aureus. The physical properties of the gel satisfied the stand-ard parameters.

Conclusion:
The herbal gel was found to be highly promising activity against bacterial species associ-ated with acne in a concentration-dependent manner, but more research is needed.
Sputtering Heterogeneous Tungsten Carbide Targets by Light Ions
Bombardment
Authors: Manukhin Vladimir 
Published: December 2023

Background::
This paper presents a model for sputtering heterogeneous two-component
materials with light ions.

Method::
The model, based on two sputtering mechanisms, makes it possible to calculate the total
sputtering coefficients of the target components, and it is easily transformed for the case of sputtering
different types of targets. Model testing was conducted for the case of sputtering homogeneous
tungsten carbide targets with ions of different energies.

Results::
The results of the calculations are given in comparison with experimental data and the
results of computer simulation. The comparison shows good agreement of the calculated values
with the data of other authors. The proposed model was used to describe stationary (stoichiometric)
sputtering of tungsten carbide targets. Using this model, the concentrations of components
in the modified target layer were calculated, and the thickness of the modified layer was also estimated.

Conclusion::
The method of calculating the concentration of target components in the modified
layer and the thickness of this layer can be the basis of the technology of creating materials with
given properties of the surface layer.
Glucose Transporter and Sensor Mechanisms in Fungal Pathogens as
Potential Drug Targets
Authors: Mohit Navale Archana 
Published: December 2023

Abstract:
Fungal infections are emerging as major health challenges in recent years. The development
of resistance against existing antifungal agents needs urgent attention and action. The limited
classes of antifungal drugs available, their tendency to cause adverse effects, lack of effectiveness,
etc., are the major limitations of current therapy. Thus, there is a pressing demand for new antifungal
drug classes to cope with the present circumstances. Glucose is the key source of energy for all
organisms, including fungi. Glucose plays a crucial role as a source of carbon and energy for processes
like virulence, growth, invasion, biofilm formation, and resistance development. The glucose
transport and sensing mechanisms are well developed in these organisms as an important strategy to
sustain survival. Modulating these transport or sensor mechanisms may serve as an important strategy
to inhibit fungal growth. Moreover, the structural difference between human and fungal glucose
transporters makes them more appealing as drug targets. Limited literature is available for fungal
glucose entry mechanisms. This review provides a comprehensive account of sugar transport mechanisms
in common fungal pathogens.
Combined pathogenetic therapy of erectile dysfunction
Authors: Krasnyak S. S. , Efremov E. A. 
Published: December 2023

Introduction. Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common condition that reduces the quality of life of numerous men. Therefore, optimising treatment protocols is always a challenge.Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of "Edelim®" for pathogenetic therapy for erectile dysfunction.Materials and methods. The study included 67 men (40 – 65 years old) with ED. The patients were divided into two treatment groups: the main group received tadalafil 5 mg PO o.d. + “Edelim®”, the control group received tadalafil 5 mg PO o.d. only. As effectiveness criteria anthropometric studies were used, IIEF-5 scale, metabolic profile blood tests, and systemic endothelial function was assessed.Results. Over 12 months of therapy, the IIEF-5 score increased by 28.2% in the main group and by 10.3% in the control group. After 12 months in the main group total cholesterol, LDL, triglycerides decreased by 14.8%, 10.7% and 13.9% respectively. The reactive hyperaemia index after 3, 6 and 12 months increased by 6.6%, 10.9% and 22.0%, respectively. In the control group these indices did not change significantly. The main group showed a stable decrease in body mass and waist circumference by an average of 2.6% and 3.8% respectively after 12 months. In the control group, body mass did not change significantly.Conclusion. Some patients require combination therapy to address metabolic risk factors and disorders, despite the high efficacy of PDE-5 inhibitors in improving erection quality. “Edelim®” is the first product created specifically for long-term combined pathogenetic therapy of ED with metabolic disorders.
COVID-19 National Football League (NFL) Injury Analysis: Follow-Up Study
Authors: Puga Troy B , Schafer Joshua , Thiel Grace , Scigliano Nicholas , Ruan Tiffany , Toledo Andres , Agbedanu Prince N , Treffer Kevin 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
In 2020, COVID-19 spread across the world and brought normal daily life to a halt, causing the shutdown of nearly everything in order to prevent its spread. The National Football League (NFL) similarly experienced shutdowns and the resulting effects, leaving athletes unable to train in some of the most advanced facilities with many of the best trainers in the world. A previous study, titled COVID-19 Return to Sport: NFL Injury Prevalence Analysis, determined that there was increased injury prevalence during the 2020 season, likely due to decreased physiological adaptations within athletes’ bodies as a result of facility shutdowns. Understanding injury epidemiology is vital to the prevention of injuries and the development of return-to-play protocols.

Objective
The objective of this study is to perform a follow-up study to COVID-19 Return to Sport: NFL Injury Prevalence Analysis in order to examine the longitudinal effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on injury epidemiology. This study examines if there was a recovery to baseline levels of injuries or if there are still lingering effects from the COVID-19 pandemic–induced spike in injuries.

Methods
To determine if there was change in the number of injuries for each season, injury tallies collected from the 17-week-long 2018, 2019, and 2020 NFL regular seasons were compared with those from the 18-week-long 2021 and 2022 NFL regular seasons. A Kruskall-Wallis test with post hoc Dunn analysis was conducted to compare the rate of injuries per team per week between each of the 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022 regular seasons.

Results
The Kruskall-Wallis test revealed an H statistic of 32.61 (P<.001) for the comparison of the injury rates across the 5 seasons. The post hoc Dunn analysis showed that 2020 had a statistically significant difference when compared with each of the 2018 (P<.001), 2019 (P=.04), 2021 (P=.02), and 2022 (P=.048) seasons. The 2019 season showed no statistical significance when compared with the 2021 (P=.23) and 2022 (P=.13) seasons.

Conclusions
The results of this follow-up study, combined with the previous study, show that extended training interruptions stemming from COVID-19 in 2020 induced detraining and led to increased injuries. Additionally, the results of this study show that retraining can occur, resulting in the development of injury protective factors, as injury rates returned to baseline levels after 2020. This is the first large-scale and long-term opportunity to demonstrate the effects of these principles and how they are important to understanding injury epidemiology.
Assessing the Labeling Information on Drugs Associated With Suicide Risk: Systematic Review
Authors: Jeon Soo Min , Lim HyunJoo , Cheon Hyo-bin , Ryu Juhee , Kwon Jin-Won 
Published: December 2023

Background
Drug-induced suicide (DIS) is a severe adverse drug reaction (ADR). Although clinical trials have provided evidence on DIS, limited investigations have been performed on rare ADRs, such as suicide.

Objective
We aimed to systematically review case reports on DIS to provide evidence-based drug information.

Methods
We searched PubMed to obtain case reports regarding DIS published until July 2021. Cases resulting from drugs that are no longer used or are nonapproved, substance use, and suicidal intentions were excluded. The quality of each case report was assessed using the CASE (Case Reports) checklist. We extracted data regarding demographics, medication history, suicide symptoms, and symptom improvement and evaluated the causality of DIS using the Naranjo score. Furthermore, to identify the potential suicidal risk of the unknown drugs, we compared the results of the causality assessment with those of the approved drug labels.

Results
In 83 articles, we identified 152 cases involving 61 drugs. Antidepressants were reported as the most frequent causative drugs of DIS followed by immunostimulants. The causality assessment revealed 61 cases having possible, 89 cases having probable, and 2 cases having definite relationships with DIS. For approximately 85% of suspected drugs, the risk of suicidal ADRs was indicated on the approved label; however, the approved labels for 9 drugs, including lumacaftor/ivacaftor, doxycycline, clozapine, dextromethorphan, adalimumab, infliximab, piroxicam, paclitaxel, and formoterol, did not provide information about these risks.

Conclusions
We found several case reports involving drugs without suicide risk information on the drug label. Our findings might provide valuable insights into drugs that may cause suicidal ADRs.