bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
eoPred: Predicting the placental phenotype of early-onset preeclampsia using DNA methylation
Authors: Boyano Icíar Fernández , Inkster Amy M , Yuan Victor , Robinson Wendy P 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
A growing body of literature has reported molecular and histological changes in the human placenta in association with preeclampsia (PE). Placental DNA methylation (DNAme) and transcriptomic patterns have revealed molecular subgroups of PE that are associated with placental histopathology and clinical phenotypes of the disease. However, the heterogeneity of PE both across and within subtypes, whether defined clinically or molecularly, complicates the study of this disease. PE is most strongly associated with placental pathology and adverse fetal and maternal outcomes when it develops early in pregnancy. We focused on placentae from pregnancies affected by preeclampsia that were delivered before 34 weeks of gestation to develop eoPred, a predictor of the DNAme signature associated with the placental phenotype of early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE).
Results
Public data from 83 placental samples (HM450K), consisting of 42 EOPE and 41 normotensive preterm birth (nPTB) cases, was used to develop eoPred - a supervised model that relies on a highly discriminative 45 CpG DNAme signature of EOPE in the placenta. The performance of eoPred was assessed using cross-validation (AUC = 0.95) and tested in an independent validation cohort (n = 49, AUC = 0.725). A subset of fetal growth restriction (FGR) and late-PE cases showed a similar DNAme profile at the 45 predictive CpGs, consistent with the overlap in placental pathology between these conditions. The relationship between the EOPE probability generated by eoPred and various phenotypic variables was also assessed, revealing that it is associated with gestational age, and it is not driven by cell composition differences.
Conclusions
eoPred relies on a 45 CpG DNAme signature to predict EOPE, and it can be used in a discrete or continuous manner. Using this classifier should 1) improve the consistency of future placental DNAme studies of PE and placental insufficiency, 2) facilitate identifying cases of EOPE in public data sets and 3) importantly, standardize the placental diagnosis to allow better cross-cohort comparisons. Lastly, classification of cases with eoPred should be useful for testing associations between placental pathology and genetic or environmental variables.
Growth, antioxidant enzyme activities and some physiological properties of lemon balm (Mellissa officinallis L.) in response to arsenic and cadmium stress
Authors: Mohammadi Effat Fakhr , Heidari Mostafa , Firoozabadi Mehdi Baradaran , Babaian Mehdi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) are nonessential elements, toxicants and inhibit various physiological and biochemical processes in plants. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of four concentrations of sodium arsenate (NaH2As4O. 7H2O): As1 = 0, As2 = 10, As3 = 20, and As4 = 30 mg As kg− 1 soil and cadmium sulfate (CdSO4): Cd1 = 0, Cd2 = 10, Cd3 = 20 and Cd4 = 30 mg Cd kg− 1 in soil on root and shoot growth, nutrient uptake and activity of some antioxidant enzymes in lemon balm plant. By increasing Cd and As concentration from 0 to 30 mg kg− 1 in soil, the dry weight of aerial part 50.7% decreased. This reduction for dry weight of roots in Cd treatment was 18.5%, and in As treatment was 32.01%. Cd and As decreased the concentration of chlorophyll “a” and carotenoid and increased the concentration of anthocyanin (77.6%) in the leaves. The activity of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (CAT): 49.4% and superoxide dismutase (SOD): 49.6% increased. Cd and As also decreased the concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in leaves of lemon balm plant. The concentration of Cd in the root reaches from 2.72 to 53.3 µg g dry weight) an increase of about 19.5 times). And in the aerial part it was an increase of about 1.5 times. The concentration of As in the root reached from 1.52 to 27.3 µg g dry weight (an increase of 17.9 times) and in the aerial part it was 15.1 times. Due to the transfer a large amount of As compared to Cd to the aerial part, It can be concluded that the effect of As on this plant was greater than that of Cd.
Twitter-based journal club as a global medical education tool - Insights from the IPNA Journal Club (#IPNAJC)
Authors: Qader Md. Abdul , Chaturvedi Swasti , Pinsk Maury , Loachamin Franklin , Shah Shweta S. , Malina Michal M. , South Andrew M. , Batisky Donald , Kupferman Juan Claudio , Mannemuddhu Sai Sudha 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Free Open Access Medical Education (FOAMed) is successfully utilized by medical professionals worldwide to improve educational equity and networking opportunities. One such novel FOAMed tool is a Twitter-based journal club, #IPNAJC. The summary and infographics of selected pediatric nephrology article(s) are published on the IPNAJC website and emailed to members. Two separate, live, one-hour sessions are conducted in major international time zones in English and Spanish. Authors and experts are invited to the discussion. After #IPNAJC, a wrap-up is distributed across the IPNAJC membership via an email¸ for access on demand. An online, anonymous 11-question survey was distributed to IPNA members by email between Nov–Dec 2021. The response rate was 3.5 % (n=67). Most responses were from Asia (33%) and physicians (72%). Participants learned about #IPNAJC via email (69%), social media (17%), and colleagues (14%). Approximately 42% participated live; the remaining interacted with the materials asynchronously. The median (IQR) overall quality was 4 (3–5), the quality of summaries was 4 (4–5), VA usefulness was 5 (5), and ease of participation in the discussion was 5 (3–5). Analysis of Twitter chat revealed that 24 people participated in the live #IPNAJC, generating 424 tweets and 1.048 million impressions (median (IQR)). Most respondents perceived that the #IPNAJC and its FOAMed resources were of good quality. This survey study reinforces that FOAMed resources have a broad geographical reach, are accessed by users at all career stages, and can be utilized during and after a social media event.
Polymeric Based Mucoadhesive Film for CannabidiolControl Release
Authors: Laoasoke Wacharakul , Choipang Chasuda , Chaiarwut Sonthaya , Suwantong Orawan , Chuysinuan สถาบันวิจัยจุฬาภรณ์ อาคารวิจัยเคมี , Techasakul Supanna , Sangsanoh Pakakrong , Supaphol Pitt 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid isolated from the cannabis plant. Instead of intoxicating effects, Cannabidiol is known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-anxiety effects. Being antagonist to CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, Cannabidiol binds to CB receptors through negative allosteric modulation; reduce binding affinity of endocannabinoids to corresponding receptors decreasing activities without adverse agonist effects. Cannabidiol could be administered via several routes, for example, oral, sublingual, nebulizing, and transdermal. However, due to its low water solubility and first-pass metabolism, Cannabidiol showed low bioavailability in several administrations, including the most common, oral delivery. Mucoadhesive drug delivery is one solution to increase drug retention time at oral absorption sites, buccal and sublingual, in which the drug could be absorbed directly into the bloodstream without passing through the digestive tract and its first-pass metabolism. Among several biocompatible mucoadhesive polymers, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) was found to be a suitable matrix that could be formulated into a thin film with up to 20% cannabidiol content. To prolong the retention and disintegration time, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was added as a backing layer due to its softness and flexibility. The bilayer film showed excellent mechanical properties with tensile strength of 8.54 N/mm2 and elongation of 30 %. The addition of a PVA backing layer not only improves mechanical properties but also prolongs up to 90 minutes of film disintegration time. HPMC-PVA film shows the controlled release of cannabidiol over a 6-hour period. The results indicate that HPMC-PVA bilayer is a suitable polymer matrix for cannabidiol delivery because it provides mucoadhesive properties in oral administration and controls release for higher cannabidiol absorption.
Initial clinical experience with using a 1.5 Tesla MR-Linac for stereotactic body radiotherapy for cancer of the upper abdomen
Authors: Zhao Mengyu , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Yun , Song Yajun , Li Zhenjiang , Yue Jinbo 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Background
Traditional radiation therapy for upper abdominal tumors requires relatively large margins around the tumor to account for respiratory motion, which limits the dose that can be safely delivered to the tumor. Magnetic resonance (MR) -guided radiotherapy provides optimal visualization of soft tissues, which can be improved still further by use of contrast-enhancing agents. We describe our preliminary experience with using a 1.5 T MR-linear accelerator (MR-LINAC) device in combination with liver-specific contrast agents for treating patients with upper abdominal tumors.
Methods
Nine patients with upper abdominal tumors were selected for treatment with stereotactic body radiotherapy under MR guidance; all patients were given a contrast-enhancer before radiotherapy. We also used the same treatment planning system (Monaco, Elekta version 5.40.02) to provide parallel plans for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for each patient, and all treatment plans were reviewed by two experienced radiation oncologists.
Results
The 9 patients (8 men, 1 woman; median age 64 years) had multiple types of upper abdominal tumors. The radiation dose (e.g., 40 Gy in 5 fractions, 50 Gy in 10 fractions) depended on the tumor location and clinical characteristics. MR imaging provided excellent soft tissue contrast, which was improved further by the injection of enhancing agent, which led to a contrast-to-noise ratio of 19.28 with vs 5.165 without (P < 0.05).
Conclusion
MR-LINAC-based radiotherapy combined with contrast agents allowed abdominal tumors to be located precisely, potentially allowing the use of narrow treatment margins and hence less potential irradiation of normal tissues around the target area.
Comparative Evaluation of Chemical, Organic and Integrated Disease Management Modules for Effective Management of Maydis Leaf Blight of Maize
Authors: Aggarwal Sumit Kumar , Hooda K S , Kaur Harleen , Gogoi Robin , Chauhan Prashant , Bagaria P K , Kumar Pardeep , Choudhary Mukesh , Tiwari Rahul Kumar , Lal Milan Kumar 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Maydis leaf blight (MLB) is a prevalent disease affecting maize worldwide, caused by the necrotrophic plant pathogen Bipolaris maydis (Nisikado and Miyake). Depending on environmental conditions, MLB can lead to yield losses of up to 40% or more. To combat this disease, various chemical and biocontrol/botanical agents have been developed and proven effective. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of different combinations of disease management components as an alternative approach. The effectiveness of three modules, namely organic, chemical, and IDM, was tested in hot spot locations, namely Ludhiana, Karnal, and Delhi, during 2019 and 2020. Results indicated that the chemical module demonstrated superior disease control, achieving percentages of 54.16 and 52.92 at Ludhiana and Karnal, respectively. The IDM module also showed promising results, with disease control percentages of 45.87 and 44.69 at Ludhiana and Karnal, respectively. Conversely, the organic module exhibited the least effectiveness. Notably, at the Delhi location, the standard control (Foliar spray with Mancozeb 75 WP @ 2.5 g / l water) proved most effective, achieving a disease control percentage of 64.29, followed by the IDM module at 50.00. The chemical module exhibited the highest percent increase in yield (PIY), with figures of 86.47 and 52.92 at Ludhiana and Karnal, respectively, compared to other treatments. This study highlights the superior efficacy of the chemical and IDM modules in comparison to the positive control (check). Consequently, these modules present alternative strategies for effectively managing MLB.
Significance of VP/VS ratio in locating earthquakes of a long-duration swarm in the western coast of India
Authors: Paul Himangshu , Sunilkumar T. C. , Gahalaut Vineet K. , Srina D. , Shekar M. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The ongoing earthquake swarm in Palghar, western India, since late 2018, is a natural laboratory to understand long-duration seismogenesis. However, to understand the seismogenesis mechanism, accurate estimation of the key parameters like precise earthquake locations and velocity model of the region is important. In 2020, two separate studies undertaken by two organisations in India, viz., CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and National Center for Seismology (NCS) reported significantly differing results from the 8–12 months of earthquake monitoring in Palghar. CSIR-NGRI reported the depth of earthquakes in the range of 4–15 km, whereas NCS reported a much shallower depth down to 7 km only. We investigated the reason for this depth discrepancy using datasets from the networks of both these organisations. We found that for the available velocity models of the region, the earthquake locations using the two datasets are different. The selection criteria for velocity models, viz., travel-time residuals and location errors did not work for these velocity models. The network geometry and source-station separation are found to be some of the important factors for the observed inconsistency. However, the main reason is the inaccuracy of the velocity models in correctly locating the earthquakes. We estimated a velocity model by grid-searching VPand VP/VSratio to minimise the location difference between the two datasets. It consists of a VPlying between 5.55–5.85 km/s and a VP/VSratio between 1.77–1.81 of the shallow crust. For this velocity model, about 80% of the earthquakes of the CSIR-NGRI network were located within ~ 7 km depth. There is a greater overlap of the two seismicities such that the earlier depth discrepancy is resolved. We found strong correspondence between rainfall and seismicity. In the absence of other sources like the reservoir, volcanism, tectonics, fluid injection or other anthropogenic activity, we infer that the high VP/VSratio is caused by the rainfall saturation of cracks in the Palghar seismicity zone.
Green synthesis and characterization of silver nanoparticles using Corchorus aestuans leaf extract and their photocatalytic, antimicrobial and anti- proliferation against MCF-7 cell lines
Authors: Deivanathan Saravana Kumar , Prakash J. Thomas Joseph 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

The researchers are working hard to discover eco-friendly alternatives to chemically synthesized metal nanoparticles. The current study usedCorchorus aestuansto evaluate bio-synthesis, physiochemical characterization and antimicrobial activities against human pathogenic bacteria and also the anti-cancer activity. The bio-synthesizedCorchorus aestuanssilver nanoparticles (CA-AgNPs) were characterized by UV, FT-IR, powder XRD, FE-SEM, EDAX, HR-TEM, DLS and Zeta potential. UV- Visible spectrum of the aqueous solution showed a peak at 426 nm confirming the presence of silver nanoparticles. FT-IR spectrum analysis shows the presence of functional groups. XRD spectrum shows that the bio-synthesized CA-AgNPs were crystalline in nature with a face-centered cubic structure (FCC). The TEM studies revealed that the size of the synthesized CA-AgNPs was about 13 nm. The zeta potential value of -17.9 mV exhibits those bio-synthesized nanoparticles has the excellent stability. The MTT assay also demonstrated improved cytotoxicity against bosom malignant breast cancer (MCF-7) cell lines with IC50value of 56.47 µg/mL. The CA-AgNPs were also found to be anti-microbial effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, after 48 h of interaction, the bio-synthesized CA-AgNPs successfully degraded the Methylene blue (MB) dye nearly 91.19%.
Enterobius infection of the appendix: Is pre-operative distinction from true appendicitis possible?
Authors: Bain Andrew P. , Scrushy Marinda G. , Gee Kristin M. , Jones R. Ellen , Beres Alana L. , Diesen Diana L. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background:
Enterobius vermicularis infection of the appendix can mimic appendicitis. Limited studies exist on preoperative evaluation of pinworm positive patients. We predict pediatric patients with post-operative appendiceal pathology showing Enterobius infection are distinguishable from typical acute appendicitis using clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings.
Materials and Methods:
Single center retrospective review of appendectomy patients was performed. Patients with surgical pathology positive for pinworms were matched with case controls, examining symptoms, pediatric appendicitis score, physical exam, laboratory values, imaging findings and post-operative pathology.
Results:
Of 1153 patients, 13 had pinworms on final pathology. Compared to controls, Enterobiasis patients were more likely to present with fever (p < .005) and less likely to have RLQ rebound tenderness (p < .005). These patients more often required multiple radiologic studies (p < 0.05) with smaller appendiceal diameter (8.1 vs 9.6 mm, p < 0.05). Pathologically, Enterobiasis patients more often had inflammation limited to the mucosa (p < .005).
Conclusion:
Our data aligns with other studies demonstrating limited appendiceal inflammation caused by pinworm infection. These patients presented with less impressive physical exam findings, a smaller appendix on US, and US that were equivocal for appendicitis when compared to controls. These patients could possibly avoid appendectomy via anti-helminth treatment.
Enhanced electrochemical performance of Co3O4:M [M=Ni] nanoparticles for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Mariappan R. , Karthikeyan A. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
We present a comprehensive study on the utilization of Ni-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles for energy storage applications, particularly in supercapacitors. X-ray diffraction analysis confirms the structural integrity and phase purity of the samples, exhibiting the characteristic peaks of the cubic spinel structure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirms the presence of Co, Ni, and O elements, with different valence states observed. Scanning electron microscope images reveal irregular nano-flakes with increased particle size and reduced porosity as Ni doping concentration rises. Electrochemical analysis, including cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests, demonstrates promising performance. Specifically, the 3 wt% Ni-doped Co3O4 sample exhibits a maximum specific capacitance of 299 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s. The GCD profile of all the three Ni doped Co3O4 Nps were carried out. All of them revealed quasi triangular charge-discharge curve that are due to both pseudo capacitive and electric double layer process. Moreover, the 3% Ni-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles demonstrate a maximum specific capacitance of 347 F/g at a scan rate of 1.5 A/g. Additionally, the 5% Ni-doped Co3O4 nanoparticles exhibit an impressive capacity retention of 92.87% even after 1500 cycles. Our findings indicate that appropriate Ni doping on Co3O4 nanoparticles enhances their electrochemical performance, great potential for supercapacitor applications.
Methyl-11C-L-methionine positron emission tomography for radiotherapy planning for recurrent malignant glioma
Authors: Niitsu Hikaru , Fukumitsu Nobuyoshi , Tanaka Keiichi , Mizumoto Masashi , Nakai Kei , Matsuda Masahide , Ishikawa Eiichi , Hatano Kentaro , Hashimoto Tsuyoshi , Kamizawa Satoshi , Sakurai Hideyuki 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Objective To investigate differences in uptake regions between methyl-11C-L-methionine positron emission tomography (11C-MET PET) and gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced MRI, and to examine the effects on dose distribution of changing the threshold value for definition of tumor boundaries.Methods Twenty consecutive patients with grade 3 or 4 glioma who had recurrence after postoperative RT between April 2016 and October 2017 were examined in the study. This study is simulation study assuming all patients received RT. Clinical target volume (CTV) was contoured using the Gd-enhanced region (CTV-Gd), T2-high region (CTV-T2), tumor/normal tissue (T/N) ratios of 11C-MET PET of 1.3 and 2.0 (CTV (T/N 1.3), CTV (T/N 2.0)), and the PET-edge method (CTV(P-E)) for stereotactic radiotherapy planning for recurrent malignant glioma after radiotherapy. Differences among CTVs were evaluated and the dose distribution for the normal brain was simulated for each CTV.Results The Jaccard index (JI) for concordance of CTV (Gd) with CTVs using 11C-MET PET was highest for CTV (T/N 2.0), with a value of 0.7. In a comparison of pixel values of MRI and PET, the correlation coefficient for cases with higher JI was significantly greater than that for lower JI cases (0.37 vs. 0.20, P = 0.007). D50% and D33% of the brain in radiotherapy planning using each CTV differed significantly (P = 0.03, P = 0.02) and those using CTV (T/N 1.3) were higher than with use of CTV (Gd). V90% and V95% for each CTV differed in a simulation study for actual treatment using CTV (Gd) (P = 1.0×10− 7, P = 3.0×10− 9) and those using CTV (T/N 1.3) and CTV (P-E) were lower than with CTV (Gd). Comparing with CTV (T2), the JI showed no significant difference with any CTV using PET. D50% and D33% of the brain were significantly higher than any CTV using PET.Conclusions The region of 11C-MET accumulation is not necessarily similar to the Gd-enhanced or T2 high region. A change of the tumor boundary using 11C-MET PET can cause significant changes in doses to the brain and the CTV.
Do poor institutions cause public investment to crowd out private investment in Africa?
Authors: EZZAHID Elhadj , Rafik Hamid 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Private investment is an important catalyst of long-term growth. In addition to its direct effect on output, it incorporates technical progress which is of paramount importance to the growth of total factor productivity. This work investigates empirically the effect of public investment along with measures of the quality of institutions on private investment share in GDP using system GMM estimators for the case of African countries. Besides, it studies the interaction between different measures of the quality of institutions with the level of public investment. The main results show that improvements in the share of public investment, in most specifications, are associated with lower levels of private investment. That is to say, public investment crowds out private investment. However, the interaction of institutional quality and public investment has a positive impact on private investment. In other words, higher institutional quality causes public investment to crowd in private investment.