bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxic heavy metals in rainwater samples of Tehran
Authors: Malekei Roholah , Sayad Mohammad Hossein , Behrooz Reza Dahmardeh , Kaskaoutis Dimitris G. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study investigates the concentrations and spatial distribution of toxic heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) through chemical analysis of rainwater samples, characterized by different land use, emission sources, traffic conditions and population density. The average concentrations at the five sites were 52.9, 11.8, 14.6 and 0.93 µg l− 1 for Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd, respectively. The concentrations for all heavy metals were significantly higher (p < 0.05) at the central and south Tehran areas compared to the west and north, due to different urban characteristics, higher pollution emission rates from traffic and domestic sectors, and local winds patterns developed within the city. High traffic load in the central part of Tehran also escalates the heavy metal concentrations in this region. The significant correlations between the studied heavy metals at the five sites indicate common, local anthropogenic sources. The heavy metal concentrations were higher in spring than in winter, likely associated with dilution processes in winter and the restriction measures due to COVID-19 pandemic. During the lockdown period, a drastic decrease in traffic load was observed in Tehran, confirming that motor vehicles is the main regulatory factor for air pollution and potential toxic elements in the city.
Efficacy evaluation of r-SaK in a novel canine acute cerebral vessel thromboembolism model
Authors: HONG Qian , LI Ming , ZHANG Peng , WANG Yu , Zhou Jianming , XIAO Lu , WANG Ying , LIAN Li , YAN Zhao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In order to evaluate the thrombolytic effect of Recombinant staphylokinase for injection (r-SaK) in acute ischemic cerebral infarction, an intracranial large vessel occlusion animal model was generated by pushing an autologous thrombus to the internal carotid artery under X-ray angiography. Thirty dogs were divided into five groups: model group, alteplase group, and r-SaK group (three dosages). Autologous thrombi/saline were injected into the internal carotid artery, and thrombolytic agents were then administrated. Thrombus formation and dissolution were monitored by real-time digital subtraction angiography (DSA), blood coagulation and histopathologic examinations were used as subsidiary methods. The results in the present study showed that the left cerebral vascular thrombotic occlusion model was established stably after the autologous thrombus pushed through the internal carotid artery in dogs. Administration of r-SaK (0.25, 0.5, 1.0 mg/kg) produced effective thrombus dissolution with a recovery of over 80% blood flow, as effective as alteplase (1.68 mg/kg). Correspondingly, blood coagulation was changed by r-SaK, with a dramatic elongation of prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) and reduction of fibrinogen (FIB). In contrast to the model group, pathological improvement in the two thrombolytic groups were mainly manifested in the improvement of the structural integrity of the gray matter, and the reduction of the infiltration of inflammatory cells and neuronal damage in the intracranial blood vessels. Besides, no adverse reactions related to bleeding in this model were found. The results indicate that intravenous infusion of r-SaK has a significant thrombolytic effect on intracranial large vessel occlusion model, and can prevents brain tissue and neuron damage induced by thromboembolism. We also provide a new preclinical pharmacodynamic evaluation method (DTICI) of cerebral thrombolytics using beagle dogs with an acute thrombotic cerebrovascular occlusion, The efficacy of r-SaK against acute thrombotic cerebral vessel occlusion in comparison to alteplase was also clarified for the first time, and this model could be further applied to studies of novel thrombolytic therapies.
Efficiency and complications in root canal retreatment using nickel titanium rotary file with continuous rotation, reciprocating, or adaptive motion in curved root canals: A laboratory investigation
Authors: Tantiwanichpun Benjaporn , Kulvitit Sirinya 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Objectives
Study compared efficacy, efficiency, and complications of curved root canal retreatment using single-use NiTi rotary files with different motions.
Materials and Methods
Forty mesial curved root canals of extracted mandibular molars, obturated with gutta-percha and AH Plus sealer, were randomly divided into four groups. Reciproc blue R25 was used with reciprocating motion (RB), VDW.ROTATE retreatment files with continuous rotation (VR), and ProTaper Next X2 with continuous rotation (X2c) or adaptive motion (X2a). The percentage of root canal filling removal was analyzed using Micro-Computed Tomography. The retreatment time and complications were recorded and statistically analyzed (p-value < 0.05).
Results
The study found a statistically significant difference in the percentage of root canal filling removal between the X2c and VR groups in both the whole canal and apical-third. Additionally, VR demonstrated a shorter retreatment time compared to RB and X2a. Instrument fracture occurred in 40% of the VR group and 20% of the X2a group.
Conclusions
X2 (continuous rotation) and RB files are highly effective and efficient for curved root canal retreatment. Continuous rotation is more efficacious and efficient than adaptive motion with NiTi rotary files.
Clinical Relevance
Single-file retreatment is highly efficacious, cost-effective, and time-efficient in small curved canals.
Antimicrobial Effect of Silver Nanoparticles Biosynthesized using Cladosporium herbarum against Pathogenic Microorganisms
Authors: Basheer Manar A. , Abed Nermine N. , Abutaleb Khaled , Mekawey Amal A. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Green, eco-friendly, cost effective, safe, and reliable processes for the synthesis of nanoparticles using microorganisms as bio-nanofactories have attracted interest due to its ability in transforming metals into nanosize to their use in various fields. In this study silver nitrate and supernatants of Cladosporium herbarum isolated from water samples of Qarun Lake, Egypt was used for extracellular biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and their activity against different pathogenic microorganisms was tested.
Methods
Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using four isolated marine fungi, the reaction parameters were optimised and the biosynthesized nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques such as Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and X-Ray analysis. Antimicrobial activity and mode of action of the biosynthesized silver nanoparticles were tested against variety of pathogens (Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi).
Results
The results revealed that biosynthesized silver nanoparticles mediated by marine fungus Cladosporium herbarum are proven to have potent antimicrobial effect against different pathogens with optimum substrate concentration of 5 Mm at 37 oC, 6 pH, and 24 h incubation time. TEM analysis revealed the formation of spherical, well-dispersed nanoparticles with size ranging between 4 and 23.1 nm and FTIR shows the bands at 556, 762, 1349, 1451, 1562, 1620, and 3352 cm− 1 corresponding to the binding vibrations of stretch of alkyl halides, C-H group, O-H group of phenol, C-N group of amides, NH2 group, N-H group, and–OH group, respectively.
Conclusions
Biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles mediated by Cladosporium herbarum could be a promising product used as antimicrobial agents against various pathogenic microbes.
Total body surface area burned and intensive care unit admission greatly influence scar microbiome composition in patients with burns
Authors: Jung Yeongyun , Joo So Young , Seo Cheong Hoon , Cui Hui Song , Lee Eun Kyung , Cho Yoon Soo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Skin microbiome dysbiosis has deleterious effects. Factors influencing pathological burn scar formation, which affects the scar microbiome composition, are unknown. Therefore, we investigated the effects of various factors influencing pathological scar formation on scar microbiome composition in patients with burns. We collected samples from the burn scar center and margin of 40 patients with burns, subgrouped by factors influencing pathological scar formation. Scar microbiome composition-influencing factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Skin graft, hospitalization period, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, burn degree, sex, age, total body surface area burned (TBSA), time post-injury, transepidermal water loss, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein levels were factors influencing burn scar microbiome composition. Only TBSA and ICU admission showed significant differences in alpha diversity. Alpha diversity significantly decreased with the increase in TBSA and was significantly lower in patients admitted than in those not admitted to ICU. Furthermore, we identified microorganisms associated with various explanatory variables. Our cross-sectional systems biology study confirmed that various variables influence the scar microbiome composition in patients with burns, each of which is associated with various microorganisms. Therefore, these factors should be considered during application of skin microbiota for burn treatments.
Electrical stimulation of the diaphragm may counteract muscle degradation during prolonged mechanical ventilation: A pilot study using transcriptome analyses
Authors: Nakai Hideki , Hirata Yutaka , Furue Hidemasa , Oku Yoshitaka 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD), a dysfunction of the diaphragm muscle caused by prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV), is an important factor that hinders successful weaning from ventilation. We aimed to evaluate the effects of electrical stimulation of the diaphragm muscle on genetic changes during 12 hours of MV (E-V12). Rats were divided into four groups: control, 12-hour MV, sham operation, and E-V12 groups. Transcriptome analysis using an RNA microarray revealed that 12-hour MV caused upregulation of genes promoting muscle atrophy and downregulation of genes facilitating muscle synthesis, suggesting that 12-hour MV is a reasonable method for establishing a VIDD rat model. Of the genes upregulated by 12-hour MV, 18 genes were not affected by the sham operation but were downregulated by E-V12. These included genes related to catabolic processes, inflammatory cytokines, and skeletal muscle homeostasis. Of the genes downregulated by 12-hour MV, 6 genes were not affected by the sham operation but were upregulated by E-V12. Those included genes related to oxygen transport and mitochondrial respiration. These results suggested that 12-hour MV shifted gene expression in the diaphragm muscle toward muscle degradation and that electrical stimulation counteracted this shift by suppressing catabolic processes and improving mitochondrial respiration.
FAT4 Expression in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells is Associated with Prognosis and Immune Cell Infiltration in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Li Jing , Lv Minling , Huang Qi , Hu Rui , Zhong Xin , Sun Xinfeng , Feng Wenxing , Han Zhiyi , Ma MengQing , Zhang Wei , Zhou Xiaozhou 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background：Studies have reported that peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) mRNA is a biomarker associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor immune infiltration. This study aimed to identify prognostically relevant genes in HCC PBMCs and to investigate whether gene expression in HCC PBMCs can be employed as a biomarker associated with HCC tumor immune infiltration.
Methods：Using RNA sequencing analysis, gene expression in PBMCs from patients with advanced (stage C) or terminal (stage D) HCC that had survived or died, was examined, and the expression of the top ten genes was validated. Additionally, correlations among FAT atypical cadherin 4 (FAT4) expression, cancer immune characteristics, and infiltrated immune cell gene marker sets in patients with HCC were analyzed using data from the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource, Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis, and Tumor-Immune System Interactions databases. Subsequently, microRNAs regulating FAT4 expression were identified using correlation, expression, and survival analyses.
Results：FAT4 expression was lower in the PBMCs of patients with advanced or terminal HCC that had died, compared with those that had survived. Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated that downregulated FAT4 was associated with a relatively poor prognosis, whereas FAT4 overexpression was positively correlated with immune cell infiltration, several immune cell markers, and immune checkpoint expression. Hsa-miR-93-5p was identified as the most probable upstream microRNA of FAT4 in HCC.
Conclusions：These results suggest that increased FAT4 expression in PBMCs and HCC tissues might be associated with a favorable prognosis and increased immune cell infiltration, while miRNA-93-5p-mediated downregulation of FAT4 may have an important role in HCC prognosis and tumor immune infiltration. Collectively, these findings suggest potential directions for the development of novel immunotherapy targets for HCC.
Reliability and validity of a questionnaire measuring knowledge, attitude and practice regarding “oil, salt and sugar” among canteen staff
Authors: Mo Zhenhan , Li Xiaofan , Zhai Yuting , Men Yanyan , Tang Yuying , Qiao Jiarui , Jia Xue , Huang Yujie , Wang Baozhen 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Excessive intake of oil, salt and sugar is closely associated with the prevalence of NCDs. Canteen staff’s knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) about oil, salt and sugar directly affect the content of them in dishes and the consumers’ intake. However, there is no valid questionnaire used to assess KAP among canteen staff about the “oil, salt and sugar”. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to establish and validate a questionnaire to evaluate the KAP of canteen staff about the “oil, salt and sugar”.
Methods: A total of 100 canteen staff randomly selected from three different college canteens in Shandong Province. Participants completed the questionnaire and retested 1 month later. Internal reliability and test-retest reliabilitywere assessed using Cronbach’s α and Pearson correlation coefficients, respectively. Validity was assessed using the exploratory factor analysis.
Results: A total of 100 participants finished the questionnaire of which 66% were females with a mean age of 40.3 years. The Cronbach’s α coefficients of the questionnaire and each dimension were 0.822, 0.830, 0.752 and 0.700, respectively. The test-retest reliability coefficient is 0.968; In exploratory factor analysis, 9 common factors are extracted, with a total of 26 items, and the cumulative contribution rate is 70.923%.
Conclusions: The questionnaire had asatisfactory property for measuring the KAP of the “oil, salt and sugar” among canteen staff in China.
Proteomics and Phosphoproteomics reveal Mechanism of Tuina in the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder：A research report based on rats
Authors: Qiao Yingjie , Wang Jianmin , Zheng Lijun , Yang Yanhong , Li Huadong , Li Muzhen , Zhang Shidong , Wang Hongyi , Zhang Tiantian 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common disorder often treated with tuina, but the mechanisms involved remain unknown. We established proteomics and phosphoproteomics to investigate the mechanisms associated with the treatment of capsule fibrosis in FS rats. We used a method consisting of three weeks of cast immobilisation to establish a model of FS. We then administered Tuina once daily for 14 days, evaluated histological changes and screened for differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) using proteomics and phosphoproteomics. This study showed that Tuina could inhibit capsule fibrosis in FS rats. Proteomics revealed proteins regulated by Tuina belonging to the PI3K-AKT and ECM receptor interaction signaling pathways. Thbs1, Vtn and Tnn were significantly enriched in these pathways and highly expressed in the model rat. Tuina resulted in suppressed expression of these proteins. Phosphoproteomics detected differentially expressed proteins regulated by Tuina were enriched in MAPK, endocrine resistance, FoxO and central carbon metabolism in cancer pathways. The combination of proteomics and phosphoproteomics for PPI network analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of Myh3 and Srsf1 have an important regulatory effect. Our results demonstrated the mechanisms behind the inhibition of FS capsule fibrosis following Tuina, a scientific medical therapy for FS patients.
Downregulation of long noncoding RNA B4GALT1-AS1 is associated with Breast Cancer development
Authors: ahvaz Samaneh , Amini Mohammad , Yari Amirhossein , Baradaran Behzad , Jebelli Asiyeh , Mokhtarzadeh Ahad 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The misregulation of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) is related to the progressive evolution of various human cancers, such as Breast cancer (BC). The role of lncRNA B4GALT1-AS1 has been investigated in some human cancers. Therefore, studying B4GALT1-AS1 expression was aimed for the first time in the tumor and marginal tissues of BC in this study. The cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database was utilized to evaluate the relative expression of B4GALT1-AS1 in BC and other cancers. RNA was extracted from twenty-eight paired BC and marginal tissues and cDNA was synthesized. The quantitative expression level of B4GALT1-AS1 was evaluated using real-time PCR. The bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify co-expression genes and related pathways. B4GALT1-AS1 was significantly downregulated in BC specimens compared to tumor marginal samples. The TCGA data analysis confirmed the downregulation of B4GALT1-AS1 in BC. The bioinformatics analysis discovered the correlation between 700 genes and B4GALT1-AS1 and identified GNAI1 as the high degree gene which was positively correlated with B4GALT1-AS1 expression. It seems B4GALT1-AS1 provides its function, at least partly, in associated with one of the hippo pathway components, YAP, in other cancers. This protein has the opposite role in BC and its loss of function can result in the poor survival in BC. Further researches are needed to investigate the interaction between B4GALT1‐AS1 and YAP in various subtypes of BC.
Molecular Docking Investigation and Pharmacokinetic Properties Prediction of Some Benzimidazole Analogues as Dihydropteroate Synthase (DHPS) Inhibitors
Authors: Salubi Christiana Abimbola 
Published: July 2023

AbstractRecent research has established the classification of benzimidazole as a privileged structure owing to its strong binding affinity to protein receptors and diverse enzymes. Extensive investigations have consistently shown the antimicrobial potential of benzimidazole derivatives against a wide range of microbial strains. In order to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between structural modifications and the antibacterial effectiveness of sulfonamide compounds, we have developed targeted derivatives with subtle alterations in the aromatic ring of sulfonamides and the substituent groups. Furthermore, we present the results of molecular docking analyses, ADMET properties, and drug-likeness assessment to evaluate the potential of these compounds to interact with dihydropteroate synthase, a key enzyme involved in bacterial growth. The compounds exhibited a favourable binding affinity, ranging from 7.1 to 7.9 kcal/mol, which surpasses that of the standard drugs sulfamethazine and sulfamethoxazole, with binding affinities of 5.9 and 6.1 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, these compounds demonstrated good oral bioavailability and exhibited favourable drug-like properties.
Treadmill exercise improve cognitive function of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion rats by weakening endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Lu Xia , Li luxin 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackground:Recent evidence has suggested the neuroprotective effects of exercise preconditioning on cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CI/R) rats. However, the mechanism is still unclear. So, the aim of the present study was to explore the possible mechanism of 4 weeks treadmill exercise preconditioning in improving cognitive function and impairment of neurological function in the cerebral ischemia reperfusion (CI/R) rats by measuring the blood-brain barrier(BBB), cerebral water content, neural cell apoptosis and the expressions of endoplasmic retieulum (ER) stress and apoptosis related protein in CI/R rats. 63 healthy adult male SD rats were randomly divided into sham group, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion group (CI/R group) and CI/R treated with exercise preconditioning group (CI/R+Ex group). Then rats in CI/R+Ex group were submitted to 4 weeks of incremental load treadmill exercise (5 days per week for 4 weeks). After exercise, rats of CI/R model group and CI/R exercise group underwent cerebral ischemia induction through occlusion of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by reperfusion. Subsequently, the neurological deficits score was assessed at 24 h after CI/R and learning and memory abilities of rats were evaluated at 72 h after CI/R using water maze test in all group rats. Then the water content of rat brain tissue was measured by dry-wet method, BBB permeability based on the extravasation of evans blue. The ER-stress and apoptosis-related protein expression were detected by western blot.Results:Treadmill exercise preconditioning significantly prevented ischemia-induced memory dysfunction and impairment of neurological function, reduced brain edema and BBB leakage. Western blot showed that exercise preconditioning significantly reduced the expression of the ER-stress-related proteins PERK, EIf2a, ATF4, CHOP and the apoptotic protein caspase-12 expression.Conclusions:Our results suggest that the treadmill exercise preconditioning improves neurobehavioral deficits and cognitive function by inhibiting ER stress via the PERK/Eif2a/ATF4/CHOP pathway and ameliorating BBB disruption which reduces the brain edema.
New Benchmarks on Protocol Amendment Practices, Trends and their Impact on Clinical Trial Performance
Authors: Getz Kenneth , Smith Zachary , Botto Emily , Murphy Elisabeth , Dauchy Arnaud 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The Tufts Center for the Study of Drug Development (Tufts CSDD) conducted a follow-up study in 2022 to assess trends in protocol amendment experiences and the impact amendments have had on clinical trial performance, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Sixteen pharmaceutical companies and contract research organizations provided data on 950 protocols and 2,188 amendments. The results show that, since 2015, the prevalence of amendments in phase I – IV protocols has increased substantially (from 57–76%) and the mean number of amendments per protocol has increased 60% to 3.3, up from 2.1. Phase I and III protocols saw the highest increases in the mean number of amendments implemented per protocol. A much higher percentage of amendments — 77% —were deemed unavoidable with regulatory agency requests and changes to the study strategy as the top reasons cited for amending a protocol. In addition, the total average time to implement an amendment has nearly tripled during the past decade. The time from identifying the need-to-amend to last oversight approval now takes an average of 260 days and the mean duration during which investigative sites operate with different versions of the clinical trial protocol spans 215 days. Protocols that implemented at least one amendment were more effective at increasing patient screening volume and reducing the actual number of patients enrolled relative to plan. Lastly, the prevalence and mean number of amendments was significantly higher for protocols conducted during the pandemic.