bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of progression rate of idiopathic macular hole and optimal cut-off for baseline minimum linear diameter and base diameter
Authors: Kim Joo Young , Kim Rae Young , Kim Mirinae , Park Young Gun , Yim Hyeon Woo , Park Young-Hoon 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This retrospective study aimed to determine the cut-off points of minimum linear diameter (MLD) and base diameter (BD) at which the progression rate of idiopathic full-thickness macular hole (MH) decreases before vitrectomy. We investigated the difference in MLD and BD between baseline and operation days in 282 eyes of 269 patients with stages 2, 3, and 4 MH using optical coherence tomography (OCT). Each difference in the OCT parameters was divided by the time interval to calculate the MH progression rate. The average time from baseline to operation was 36.02 ± 24.69 (7–197) days. MLD and BD progressed faster in stages 2 and 3 without posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) than in stage 4 with PVD (MLD: p < 0.001, p = 0.007; BD: p < 0.001, p = 0.019, respectively). The progression rate decreased as baseline MLD and BD increased (p = 0.004 and p < 0.001, respectively). For baseline MLD and BD, the optimal cut-off points where the progression rate decreased were 306.0 µm and 470.0 µm, respectively. The progression rates were significantly higher in MH with MLD < 306.0 µm and BD < 470.0 µm. Vitrectomy without delay is expected to improve the visual prognosis in these patients.
Investigation of VGLL3 and sub-target genes in the aetiology of acute appendicitis
Authors: Tartar Tugay , Akdeniz Ibrahim , Onalan Ebru , Bakal Unal , Sarac Mehmet , Genc Ercan , Kaymaz Tugce , Kazez Ahmet 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose: Vestigial like family member 3(VGLL3) and its sub-target genes have been determined to have significant transcriptomic overlap many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated the role of VGLL3 rs13074432 polymorphism and its sub-target genes in the etiology of acute appendicitis (AA).
Methods: 250 patients aged 0-18 years, who underwent appendectomy with the diagnosis of AA (patient group; blood and appendix tissue samples), and 200 healthy children (control group; only blood samples) without appendectomy were included in the prospective case-control study. ELISA method was used for protein level detection of VGLL3 and sub-target genes expression change in obtained tissue samples, and Real-Time Quantitative Reverse Transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used for mRNA level detection. Genotyping analyses were performed on DNA samples isolated from blood using TaqMan SNP genotyping test.
Results: The frequency of TT variant genotype (p=0.000) and T allele (p=0.002) decreased statistically in the patient group compared to the control. No significant correlation was observed between the expression of VGLL3 in the appendiceal tissue and the clinical and demographic data of the patient (p>0.05).
Conclusion: This study revealed that the VGLL3 gene and its sub-target genes are associated with the etiology of AA.
‘A spade was called a spade...it was not called a garden tool...’: Youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention for reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa
Authors: Mbengo Fungai , Adama Esther , Towell-Barnard Amanda , Zgambo Maggie 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background: Youth (15-24 years) in South Africa remain at high risk of HIV infection despite interventional efforts to control the disease. Programs directed at promoting resilience or protective factors in youth have been recommended as a multifaceted approach to mitigate risky sexual behaviors associated with HIV infection among youth. However, limited research exists on how relevant stakeholders, such as youth and intervention implementers perceive resilience-based HIV prevention interventions targeting youth. Views of all relevant stakeholders, including youth and intervention implementers is important to guide future research, intervention design and implementation. This study explored youth and intervention implementers’ perceptions of a resilience-based HIV prevention intervention (You Only Live Once) aimed at reducing risky sexual behaviors among youth in South Africa.
Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 10 youth who participated in the intervention and four intervention implementers at a not-for-profit organization in Maluti-a-Phofung Local Municipality, South Africa. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results: Three main themes emerged from the data: (1) Acceptability and impact of the intervention – the intervention was perceived as important and helpful in fostering positive behavior change among youth and enhancing their sexual health and social skills knowledge; self-confidence; and relationships with parents and peers. (2) Factors influencing intervention implementation – participants reported several multi-level factors which impeded or promoted the implementation of the intervention. (3) Recommendations to improve intervention implementation – participants made suggestions on how intervention implementation could be enhanced.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that resilience-based HIV prevention interventions are acceptable to young people in South Africa and have potential to mitigate their vulnerability to HIV. Findings also suggest that several multi-level factors influence implementation of resilience-based HIV prevention interventions for young people. The study contributes to knowledge on the acceptability, impact and barriers and facilitators to implementation of resilience-based HIV prevention interventions targeting youth in South Africa and similar contexts. Approaches to improve future interventions should remove barriers and strengthen facilitators at intervention, intervention recipient, intervention implementer, implementing organization and external context levels to promote successful implementation.
Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Through Scattering Media
Authors: Nilsson Sebastian , Kristensson Elias , Aldén Marcus , Bood Joakim , Ehn Andreas 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Fluorescence lifetime determination has proven to be useful for e.g. identification of molecules, quantitative estimation of species concentration and determination of temperatures. Lifetime determination of exponentially decaying signals is challenging if signals of different decay rates are being mixed, resulting in erroneous results. Such issues occur when the contrast of the measurement object is low, which can be limiting in applied measurements due to spurious light scattering. A solution is here presented where structured illumination is used to enhance image contrast in fluorescence lifetime wide-field imaging. Lifetime imaging determination was carried out using Dual Imaging Modeling Evaluation (DIME) and spatial lock-in analysis was used for removing spurious scattered signal to enable fluorescence lifetime imaging through scattering media.
An Efficient DDoS Attack Detection Mechanism in SDN Environment
Authors: Hnamte Vanlalruata , Hussain Jamal 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
As cyberattacks get more sophisticated, it becomes more difficult to identify advanced attacks in a wide variety of industries, including business, national defence, and healthcare. Traditional intrusion detection systems are insufficient to identify these sophisticated attempts with unpredictable patterns. Attackers evade recognised signatures and spoof legitimate users. While Software-Defined Network (SDN) provides greater innovation to the design of future networks, it is also more susceptible to network attacks. We present a system for the detection and protection of network attacks in the SDN environment using Deep Learning (DL) for addressing challenges. We use InSDN, the most recent IDS dataset specially developed for SDN environment. InSDN includes sophisticated DoS and network attacks and, it is a publicly accessible dataset. Additionally, we compare the model performance trained using CIC-IDS2017 and CIC-DDoS2019 datasets respectively. We focus on the DDoS attack category in this study and create an intrusion detection DL model for SDN. We construct our model using a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and assess its performance. Additionally, we propose the optimized CNN design for improved performance based on various evaluations.
A Transfer Learning approach to develop natural molecules with specific flavor requirements
Authors: Queiroz Luana P. , Rebello Carine M. , Costa Erbet A. , Santana Vinícius V. , Rodrigues Bruno C. L. , Rodrigues Alírio E. , Ribeiro Ana M. , Nogueira Idelfonso B. R. 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In the past decades, the flavor industry's investment in research and development has increased to take innovative steps. Therefore, a new field to acknowledge the flavor industry challenges and concerns has arisen, developing innovative tools for the area of flavor engineering. Meanwhile, the lack of information and datasets regarding the flavored molecules and specific flavorings properties are obstacles to advances in this sector. In this context, this work presents the implementation of three Scientific Machine Learning techniques as an approach to specify flavoring characteristics in newly designed molecules. Therefore, this work brings an innovative methodology to design new natural flavor molecules with specific desired properties to product development. The Transfer Learning technique is presented, alongside a deep generative and a deep reinforcement learning models, to tackle the lack of data available when analyzing and studying flavor molecules and developing flavor-based products. This work brings as contributions the utilization of a web scrapper code to sample specific flavors’ databases, apply a generative model as well as a reinforcement learning one in a transfer learning context, integrates three Scientific Machine Learning techniques in a complex system as a framework, and approaches the transfer learning model training one-by-one keeping the parameters constant but training the neural networks specifically for each case. The deep transfer learning implementation in this purpose presented excellent results, regarding the generation of molecules based on specific flavor descriptors. Nine flavor descriptors were studied along this work and all of them presented more than 50% of new molecules generated within the outstanding results considered for the evaluation metric, Natural Product Likeness Score and Synthetic Accessibility Score. Finally, a discussion of the results is constructed based on the data availability, the presence in nature, and the multisensorial components of flavor impact for the specific flavors’ results.
Ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction in extremely preterm infants: A pilot ultrasound study
Authors: Hoshino Yusuke , Arai Junichi , Hirono Koji , Miura-Fuchino Rena , Yukitake Yoshiya , Kajikawa Daigo , Kamakura Tae , Hinata Ayako 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the development of diaphragmatic dysfunction in ventilated extremely preterm infants (EPI) using diaphragm ultrasound (DU).
Methods: EPI of less than 28 weeks’ gestational age who required mechanical ventilation within six hours of birth were included in this prospective, observational study. The DU was performed once a day until four days of life. End-inspiratory and end-expiratory thicknesses of the diaphragm were measured and the diaphragm thickening fraction was calculated.
Results: A total of 20 EPI were enrolled. After intubation, there was a progressive reduction in end-inspiratory thicknesses of the diaphragm from baseline to day 1 (P < 0.001), but not from day 1 to day 2 (P = 0.078), day 2 to day 3 (P = 1.0), or day 3 to day 4 (P = 1.0). There was also a significant reduction in the diaphragm thickening fraction from baseline to day 1 (P < 0.001), but not from day 1 to day 2 (P = 1.0), day 2 to day 3 (P = 1.0), or day 3 to day 4 (P = 1.0).
Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of diaphragmatic dysfunction in ventilated EPI. We demonstrated a rapid progression of ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction, with a significant reduction in diaphragm thickness and thickening fraction within 24 hours of ventilation.
Novel Bispecific Aptamer Targeting PD-1 and Nucleolin for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Fu Junjun , Yao Fengjiao , An Yacong , Li Xundou , Wang Wenya , Yang Xian-Da 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Background
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) is a promising strategy for cancer treatment and has achieved remarkable clinical results. Further improvement of ICB efficacy may advance cancer immunotherapy and has evident medical importance. Here in this study, a PD-1 aptamer was functionalized with a tumor-homing nucleolin aptamer (AS1411) to build a novel bispecific agent (BiApt) for boosting the efficacy of ICB therapy.
Results
The two aptamers were coupled together via sticky ends to form BiApt, which had an average size of 11.70 nm. Flow cytometry revealed that BiApt could bind with both the activated T cells and the nucleolin-expressing tumor cells. In addition, BiApt could recruit more T cells to the vicinity of nucleolin-positive tumor cells. Functionally, BiApt enhanced the PBMC-mediated anticancer cytotoxicity in vitro compared with free PD-1 aptamer. Moreover, in an animal model of CT26 colon cancer, BiApt significantly boosted the antitumor efficacy vs. free PD-1 aptamer.
Conclusion
The results suggest that bispecific agent combining ICB and tumor-homing functions has potential to improve the efficacy of ICB immunotherapy.
Efficient tumor synergistic chemoimmunotherapy by self-augmented ROS- responsive immunomodulatory polymeric nanodrug
Authors: cheng mingyang , xie yi , song Jinxiao , Li Kangkang , Zang Xinlong 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer therapy. However, the therapeutic efficacy has been distracted due to poor immunogenicity and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In this study, a self-augmented reactive oxygen species (ROS) responsive nanocarrier with immunogenic inducer paclitaxel (PTX) and indoleamine 2,3-dixoygenase 1 (IDO1) blocker 1-methyl-D, L-tryptophan (1-MT) co-entrapment was developed for tumor rejection. The carrier was composed of poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) as hydrophilic segments, enzyme cleavable 1-MT ester and ROS-sensitive peroxalate conjugation as hydrophobic blocks. The copolymer could self-assemble into prodrug-based nanoparticles with PTX, realizing a positive feedback loop of ROS-accelerated PTX release and PTX induced ROS generation. Our nanoparticles presented efficient immunogenic cell death (ICD) which provoked antitumor immune responses with high effector T cells infiltration. Meanwhile immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment was simultaneously modulated with reduced regulatory T cells (Tregs) and M2-tumor associated macrophages (M2-TAMs) infiltration mediated by IDO inhibition. The combination of PTX and 1-MT achieved significant primary tumor regression and reduction of lung metastasis in 4T1 tumor bearing mice. Therefore, the above results demonstrated co-delivery of immunogenic inducer and IDO inhibitor using the ROS amplifying nanoplatform with potent potential for tumor chemoimmunotherapy.
Synthesis of the trans-bidentate ligand 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene and the X-ray crystal structure of its complex with palladium(II) chloride
Authors: Hair Luke L. , Smart Megan M. , McMillen Colin D. , Ribeiro Nicholas A , Pienkos Jared A 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A new trans-bidentate ligand, 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene, was synthesized and coordinated to PdCl2. The structure of the acetonitrile solvate of this species was determined by single-crystal X-Ray diffraction. The complex crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam, with a = 25.0726(18) Å, b = 11.7373(6) Å, and c = 18.9700(10) Å in a layered structure. When bound to 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene, the Pd(II) metal center displays a rectangular planar geometry. This coordination complex was compared to PdCl2-coordinated 1,2-bis(2-pyridylethynyl)benzene, a previously reported trans-bidentate ligand. Structural comparison of these two species indicated that the binding pocket for these two trans-bidentate ligands are similar, though the 1,2-bis(quinolin-2-ylethynyl)benzene ligand is somewhat more planar.
Hollow Fiber-Protected Liquid-Phase Microextraction combined with GC-MS for determination of Endrin, Chlordane and Dieldrin in rice sample
Authors: Raoufi Arastou , Raoufi Amir Mahdi , Ismailzadeh Amir , Rad Ehsan Soleimani , Kiaeefar Ali 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
A novel and minimized sample preparation technique based on hollow fiber-protected liquid-phase micro-extraction has been developed for the extraction of three organochlorine pesticides, including Endrin, Chlordane, and Dieldrin from rice samples followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) detection. Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and a proper ionic liquid (IL) were ultrasonically dispersed and injected in the lumen of hollow fiber as the extraction phase for preconcentrating and extracting the target analytes from the rice samples. Effects of type of nanoparticles, ILs, and desorption solvent in the extraction efficiencies of the analytes were investigated by one factor at a time approach. In addition, other parameters influencing the extraction procedure were optimized using an experimental design method to decrease the number of experiments, reagent consumption, and cost. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection and quantification for determining three organochlorine pesticides were varied between 0.019–0.029 and 0.064–0.098 ng.mL− 1, respectively. The calibration graphs were linear over the concentration range of 0.064–13.2, 0.098–16.7, and 0.092–11.4 ng.mL− 1 for measuring Endrin, Chlordane, and Dieldrin in the rice samples, respectively. The relative standard deviations for inter-day and intra-day analysis were lower than 7.06 and 4.75% for the triplicate determination of three organochlorine pesticides. Besides, the relative recoveries and standard deviations of Endrin, Chlordane, and Dieldrin for analyzing several Iranian rice samples were between 86.0-92.9% and 4.5–5.8%, respectively. The results were compared with other similar works in literature, proving that the proposed method is reliable and valuable for routine monitoring of the organochlorine compounds in food samples.
Germination, cytotoxicity and mutagenicity in Lactuca sativa L. and Passiflora alata Curtis in response to sewage sludge application
Authors: Freitas Allan Rocha , Fávaris Nathália Aparecida Bragança , Alexandre Rodrigo Sobreira , Souza Tatiana Silva , Galter Iasmini Nicoli , Baptista Julcinara Oliveira , Lima Paula Aparecida Muniz , Mello Tamyris , Otoni Wagner Campos , Lopes José Carlos 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
The physical and chemical characteristics of the soil can influence plant growth. When sewage sludge (SS) is applied as a soil fertilizer, the accumulation of non-essential elements contained in it can be toxic for plants. The aim of this study was to understand the effect of SS dosage on the cell cycle of Lactuca sativa L. meristematic cells and on the initial growth of L. sativa and Passiflora alata Curtis. Nine concentrations of SS + distilled water (mg dm− 3) corresponding to 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, 120, 160, 320, and 520 t ha− 1 were tested in four replicates of 25 seeds. Chemical analysis showed an increase in pH of the sludge from 0 to 80 t ha− 1 SS followed by its stabilization thereafter. The highest electrical conductivity was observed at 520 t ha− 1 SS. SS negatively affected the germination and initial growth of seedlings from P. alata and L. sativa. Cytogenetic analysis on 6000 L. sativa meristematic cells for each treatment revealed that SS could adversely affect the genetic stability of this species.
Chemical composition, pharmacodynamic activity of processed Aconitum Brachypodum Diels. and molecular docking analysis of its active target
Authors: Niu Yanfei , Li Xiaohui , Wu Chunhua , Shi Zhengjun , Lin Xu , Helal Mohamed H. , Ali Ola A. Abu , Algadi Hassan , Xu Ben Bin , Wang Zhe 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Aconitum Brachypodum Diels (AB) is a plant of Aconitum L. The dried roots of AB have analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity. However, the processing is required to reduce toxicity before use because of its high toxicity. Studies on the toxicity, pharmacodynamics, and chemical composition of processed Aconitum Brachypodum Diels. (PAB) are still lacking at present. In this study, the composition changes of AB and PAB were determined by UPLC-QE-Orbitrap-MS. The intensity of diester alkaloids was greatly reduced, while the monoester alkaloids were significantly increased. An acute toxicity experiment was used to evaluate the toxicity differences between AB and PAB, while the acetic acid-induced writhing pain experiment and croton oil-induced ear edema experiment were applied to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The acute toxicity test of AB showed that the median lethal dose (LD50) was 1.37 g / kg, while the maximum tolerance of PAB was 30.0 g/kg. It was apparent that the toxicity of PAB was significantly reduced. The alkaloid component of PAB could significantly inhibit the mice’s ear edema and significantly reduce the number of mice writhing. Based on the above findings, 10 compounds, including songoramine (1), neoline (2), bullatine C (3), dihydroatisine (4), bullatine A (5), maltol (6), 15-O-acetylsongorine (7), 15-O-acetylsongoramine (8), songorine (9), and aldohypaconitine (10) were separated and identified from the alkaloid component of PAB. Compounds 4, 6, 8, and 10 were firstly separate from Aconitum. Finally, molecular docking to anti-inflammatory analgesic target protein was carried out. The results showed that the 10 compounds and target proteins had good binding capabilities, wherein 15-O-acetylsongoramine could interact with the key protein Akt1 of Pi3k-Akt pathway and adjust the downstream NF-κB critical pathway to play an anti-inflammatory analgesic effect.
Study on Modification Mechanism of Rice Protein Network Based on Sodium Pyrosulfite Combined with TGase
Authors: Chen Fenglian , Ji Yuning , Yang Chunhua , He Yinyuan , Liu Linlin , Zhang Guang , Tang Xiaozhi 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
In order to improve the quality of fermented solid bubble food of rice, unmodified rice dough (URD) was modified by sodium metabisulfite combinated with TGase. Sodium metabisulfite was used to break the disulfide bond in the protein, and then TGase was used to crosslink it, in order to change the state of strong rigidity and toughness of URD, poor starting ability and no chewiness of rice food. In this study, the effects of chemical combined enzyme modification methods on the mesoscopic, structural properties and bonding of URD and unmodified rice protein (URP) were explored, with wheat dough (WD) and URD as reference. The mechanical and nuclear magnetic analysis showed that the tan δ and texture characteristic index of modified rice dough (MRD) is closer to that of wheat flour, the content of weak bound water increased, and the structure became more compact. Modified rice protein (MRP) microstructure were more looser. Electrophoretic analysis (SDS-PAGE) showed that MRP would form a new aggregation form, so its degradation temperature also increased, and the average particle size became larger. The secondary structure of the protein changed, α-helix and β-corners increased, β-sheet was reduced, and there was no obvious change in irregular crimping. The contents of hydrogen bond, ionic bond and hydrophobic bond in MRP were significantly higher than those in URP, and the increase of ionic bond was the largest. The results showed that the modification method of sodium pyrosulfite combined with TGase could change the original network structure of URP, thus effectively regulating the viscoelastic balance of URD.