bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of TRMM rainfall data for flood modelling in three contrasting catchments in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Suroso Suroso , Santoso Purwanto Bekti , Birkinshaw Stephen , Kilsby Chris , Bardossy Andras , Aldrian Edvin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

This study investigates the use of the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission's (TRMM) rainfall data for predicting water flows and flood events in three catchments on the island of Java, Indonesia, namely, Ciliwung, Citarum and Bengawan Solo. The Shetran model was used for rainfall-runoff simulations, with rainfall input obtained from measured rain gauges (hourly and daily) and TRMM (3-hourly and daily). The daily Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE) values for the model calibration period were 0.75, 0.70 and 0.85 using rain gauge data and 0.44, 0.44 and 0.75 using the TRMM rainfall data. For the validation period, the NSE values were 0.71, 0.62 and 0.89 using rain gauge data and 0.26, 0.61 and 0.58 for the TRMM data. The Critical Success Index for predicting flooding events was improved using rain gauge data compared to using TRMM data. The results demonstrate that rain gauge data are systematically superior to TRMM rainfall data when used for simulating discharges and predicting flooding events. These findings suggest that rain gauge data are preferred for flood early warning systems in tropical rainfall regimes and that if TRMM or similar satellite rainfall data are used, the evaluated flood risks should be treated with extreme caution.
Artificial intelligence for decentralized water systems: A smart planning agent based on reinforcement learning for off-grid camp water infrastructures
Authors: Makropoulos Christos , Bouziotas Dimitrios 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

The planning and management of decentralized technologies in water systems is one of the promising, yet overlooked, domains where artificial intelligence (AI) can be successfully applied. In this study, we develop and deploy a reinforcement learning (RL)-based ‘smart planning agent’ capable of designing alternative decentralized water systems under demanding operational contexts. The agent's aim is to identify optimal water infrastructure configurations (i.e., proposed decisions on water management options and interventions) for different conditions with regard to climate, occupancy and water technology availability in a demanding, off-grid setting, i.e., a water system with high requirements of independence from centralized infrastructure. The agent is coupled with a source-to-tap water cycle simulation model capable of assessing and stress-testing the proposed configurations under different conditions. The approach is demonstrated in the case of a military camp deployed abroad for peacekeeping operations. The agent is tasked with selecting optimal interventions from an array of real-world camp water management technologies and evaluating their efficiency under highly variable, operational conditions explored through simulation. The results show that RL can be a useful addition to the arsenal of decision support systems (DSS) for distributed water system planning and management, especially under challenging, highly variable conditions.
Periplaneta americana(Blattodea: Blattidae) fungal pathogens in hospital sewer systems: molecular and phylogenetic approaches
Authors: Madani Mahboobeh , Safari Fatemeh , Khodabandeh Maryam , Izadi Shahrokh , Zahraei-Ramazani Alireza 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCockroaches are known as mechanical vectors of some pathogens that can infect humans. The present study aims to rapidly identify Periplaneta americana fungal pathogens from sewer systems of public hospitals in Esfahan using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique. A total of 55 P. americana cockroaches were randomly collected by direct trapping from sewer systems of seven hospitals and screened for fungal infectious agents using standard morphological methods and the PCR sequencing. From the American cockroach, we isolated 62 yeasts and 31 molds from the surface, hemocoel, and digestive tract of P. americana. Based on DNA sequence comparisons and other taxonomic characteristics, they were identified as more than four species of yeast and four species of mold. Yeast species including Pichia kudriavzevii, Candida glabrata, Pichia kluyveri, and Candida viswanathii, and molds such as Aspergillus niger, Penicillium italicum, Mucor plumbeus, and Rhizopus oryzae were isolated repeatedly from the surface, hemocoel, and digestive tract of P. americana. Our results show that the use of a combination of morphological, molecular techniques, and phylogenetic analysis can lead to the identification of pathogenic fungal agents in American cockroaches and also knowledge of fungal pathogens-arthropod host relationships.
New Generation Smart Drug Delivery Systems for Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Singh Raghuraj , Jadhav Krishna , Vaghasiya Kalpesh , Ray Eupa , Shukla Rahul , Verma Rahul Kumar 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common form of the chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease
characterized by chronic synovitis, synovial proliferation, and cellular infiltration. Further, it leads to bone
erosion, destruction of articular cartilage, intense joint pain, swelling, and a high rate of disability, causing an
immense load on human health. If the disease is identified early on, and the patient has continuous and timely
treatment, many patients can achieve remission. Although research in RA has made considerable progress, conventional
therapies are still the most popular treatment options for most people with RA. But, conventional therapies
are hampered by various drawbacks, including higher doses, low solubility and permeability, poor bioavailability,
a high level of first-pass metabolism, adaptive treatment tolerance (ATT), and long-term drug use. These
drawbacks can result in severe side effects and drug toxicity in patients. Advances in polymer science and
the application of nanotechnology in drug delivery systems have provided new possibilities in the treatment of
RA by developing new-generation smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs). The shortcomings of non-specific
drug distribution and uncontrollable drug release by traditional delivery systems have motivated the creation of
next-generation SDDSs. These new smart drug delivery treatment methods have significantly changed the
course of RA. Such systems can improve drug delivery by virtue of their multi-functionality and targeting capabilities.
The ultimate objective of next-generation SDDSs is to deliver medication at the optimal time with precise
dosage and efficiency and specificity to the targeted site (such as cells, tissues, and organs), which can aid
patients to adhere better to their therapy. This review highlights and discusses the various next-generation
SDDSs along with the conventional treatment options available for RA management.
Emerging Strategies to Combat Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA): Natural Agents with High Potential
Authors: Ueda Jonata M. , Milho Catarina , A. Heleno Sandrina , Soria-Lopez Anton , Carpena Maria , Alves Maria J. , Pires Tânia , Prieto Miguel A. , Simal-Gandara Jesus , C. Calhelha Ricardo , Ferreira Isabel C.F.R. , Barros Lillian 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Infectious diseases have always been a concern for human health, responsible for numerous pandemics
throughout history. Even with the advancement of medicine, new infectious diseases have been discovered
over the years, requiring constant effort in medical research to avoid future problems. Like the emergence of
new diseases, the increase in resistance of certain bacterial strains also becomes a concern, carried out through
the misuse of antibiotics, generating the adaptation of certain microorganisms. Worldwide, the resistance developed
by several bacterial strains is growing exponentially, creating awareness and developing novel strategies
to control their evolution a mandatory research topic. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
is an example of a bacterial strain that causes serious and mortal infections. The fact is that this bacterial strain
started to develop resistance against commonly used antibiotics, first to penicillin and against methicillin. Thus,
the treatment against infections caused by MRSA is limited and difficult due to its capacity to develop defense
mechanisms against the antibiotic's action. Given the urgency to find new alternatives, the scientific community
has been developing interesting research regarding the exploitation of natural resources to discover bioactive
molecules that are able to inhibit/kill MRSA. In this sense, several natural matrices, namely plants, have shown
great potential against MRSA, due to the presence of phenolic compounds, molecules with high antimicrobial
capacity due to their chemical structure and arrangement.
HDL-Chitosan Nanoparticles for siRNA Delivery as an SR-B1 Receptor
Targeted System
Authors: Masimov Rasim , Büyükköroğlu Gülay 
Published: April 2023

Aims:
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) is a complex structure unique to the human body. ApoA-1 protein is a significant structural/functional protein of HDL and provides a natural interaction with the SR-B1 receptors on the cell membrane. The overexpression of the SR-B1 receptor in the membrane of malignant cells suggests that targeting cancer cells can be possible using HDL. The objective of this study was to prepare HDL-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles containing a genetic material that can be used for liver cancer.

Methods:
HDL used in the preparation of the formulations have been obtained by isolating from blood samples taken from healthy volunteers. Bcl-2 siRNA inhibiting BCL-2 oncogene was selected as the genetic material. Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared using the ionic gelation method utilizing low molecular weight chitosan. Physicochemical properties of formulations, transfection efficacy, and cytotoxicity of them on 3T3 and HepG2 cell lines were examined.

Results:
The average diameters of the selected formulations were below 250 nm with a positive zeta potential value between +36 ± 0.1 and +34 ± 0.5 mV. All formulations protected Bcl-2 siRNA from enzymatic degradation in the presence of serum. Cellular uptake ratios of particles by HepG2 cells were found to be between 76% and 98%. HDL/chitosan nanoparticles/Bcl-2 siRNA complex was found to be more toxic when compared to chitosan nanoparticles/Bcl-2 siRNA complex and naked Bcl-2 siRNA.

Conclusion:
According to attained results, the HDL-conjugated chitosan nanoparticles can bring advantages for targeted siRNA delivery to malignant cells that overexpress SR-B1 receptors, such as HepG2.
Research Progress of Epigenetic Modification on the Regulation of Transporters
Under Hypoxia
Authors: Wang Rong , Zhao Yilan , Mu Hongfang , Zhao Anpeng , Feng Shilan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Epigenetic modification refers to the heritable changes caused by chromosomal changes without changing
the DNA sequence. Epigenetics runs through the entire growth and differentiation process of the body, which causes
varied diseases. Hypoxia is a physiological astate of lowered partial oxygen partial pressure that affects cell and
tissue function. Transporters are proteins that maintain a normal and stable state of cells. Transporter's expression
levels when hypoxia occurs influence the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs, thereby affecting
the utilization and efficacy of drugs. Epigenetic modification is assumed to play an important role in the metabolism
of drugs. Changes in epigenetic modification and transporter expression levels under hypoxia are explored in
our work, and the effect of epigenetic modification on transporter expression and how this regulatory mechanism
works and affects drugs under hypoxia are questioned. It is important for drug development, treatment of diseases
and rational use of drugs.
Application of Nucleic Acid Nanomaterials in the Treatment of Endocrine and
Metabolic Diseases
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Xie Yuping , Fu Ting , Shi Chengji , Bai Long , Liu Lin , Xiao Jingang 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Endocrine and metabolic diseases are the most prevalent chronic diseases globally, posing the greatest
hazard to human health. Although various medications are applied in treating endocrine and metabolic illnesses,
numerous obstacles exist to overcome. Nucleic acid nanomaterials are novel materials synthesized and engineered in
the laboratory. In this case, Nucleic acids are employed as non-biological nanomaterials instead of serving as carriers
of genetic information in live cells. Because of their high biocompatibility and editability, nucleic acid nanomaterials
were frequently employed in disease diagnosis and therapy. In this review, recent developments and new viewpoints
on nucleic acid nanomaterials are highlighted in the fields of diabetes mellitus and other endocrine and metabolic
diseases.
Clinical Efficacy of Probiotics on Oral Health: A Systematic Review of
Clinical Trials
Authors: Navidifar Tahereh , Mahdizade Ari Marzie , Alipourkermani Asma , Afifirad Roghayeh , Asadollahi Parisa , Veisi Ali , Ghanavati Roya , Darbandi Atieh 
Published: April 2023

Aim:
The aim of the present study was to review the clinical efficacy of probiotics for
oral health in randomized controlled trials.

Objective:
The aim of the present study was to review the clinical efficacy of probiotics for oral
health in randomized controlled trials.

Methods:
An electronic search was conducted in December 2021 in Embase, Medline, The
Cochrane Library, ProQuest, and Google Scholar using the following keywords: “mouthwash” and
“probiotics”. The titles and abstracts of 3,775 articles were screened and 24 publications that fulfilled
the inclusion criteria were included.

Results:
A total of 24 clinical trials were reviewed, including 1612 participants receiving either
probiotics or mouth treatments. The results of this review indicated that individuals receiving probiotic
products have a significant reduction (65% reduction; p < 0.05) in the count of Streptococcus
mutants in their mouths. It was also found that probiotic products were more effective or equal
in effect compared to chlorhexidine in reducing oral pathogens, gingival index, and plaque index
scores. On the other hand, the consumption of xylitol mouthwash was shown to cause an improvement
in salivary parameters. Considering their safety and effectiveness, the use of probiotic
products, such as kefir and mouthwashes, has been recommended against cariogenic bacteria and
periodontal diseases.

Conclusion:
Probiotics are considered a safe alternative to conventional therapies, such as chlorhexidine
and fluoride. Co-administration of chlorhexidine, fluoride, and probiotics seems to be a
perfect package.
Potential role of Nigella Sativa and its Constituent (Thymoquinone) in Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Azami Shakiba , Forouzanfar Fatemeh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:Ischemic stroke is one of the major causes of global mortality, which puts great demands on health systems and social welfare. Ischemic stroke is a complex pathological process involving a series of mechanisms such as ROS accumulation, Ca2+ overload, inflammation, and apoptosis. The lack of effective and widely applicable pharmacological treatments for ischemic stroke patients has led scientists to find new treatments. The use of herbal medicine, as an alternative or complementary therapy, is increasing worldwide. For centuries, our ancestors had known the remedial nature of Nigella sativa (Family Ranunculaceae) and used it in various ways, either as medicine or as food. Nowadays, N. sativa is generally utilized as a therapeutic plant all over the world. Most of the therapeutic properties of this plant are attributed to the presence of thymoquinone which is the major biological component of the essential oil. The present review describes the pharmacotherapeutic potential of N. sativa in ischemic stroke that has been carried out by various researchers. Existing literature highlights the protective effects of N. sativa as well as thymoquinone in ischemia stroke via different mechanisms including anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, neuroprotective, and vascular protective effects. These properties make N. sativa and thymoquinone promising candidates for developing potential agents for the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke.
Engineered Clay-Polymer Composite for Biomedical Drug Delivery and
Future Challenges: A Survey
Authors: Swain Rakesh , Nandi Souvik , Mohapatra Sujata , Mallick Subrata 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Clay materials are widely used in drug delivery systems due to their unique characteristics.
Montmorillonite is a major component of bentonite and it has a large surface area, better swelling capacity,
and high adsorption capacity. The modification of natural bentonite could improve its sorption
ability for new emerging applications. Recent advancements in the polymer-silicate composite have
novel biomedical applications in drug delivery, tissue regeneration, wound healing, cancer therapy,
enzyme immobilization, diagnostic and therapeutic devices, etc. Perspective view of the montmorillonite-
polymer composite as a pharmaceutical carrier in drug delivery systems has been discussed in this
review. Different types of modification of montmorillonite for the development of pharmaceutical formulations
have also been documented. Many challenges in clay nanocomposite systems of polymer of
natural/synthetic origin are yet to be explored in improving antimicrobial properties, mechanical
strength, stimuli responsiveness, resistance to hydrolysis, etc. Drug interaction and binding capability,
swelling of clay may be carried out for finding possible applications in monitoring delivery systems.
Pharmaceutical properties of active drugs in the formulation could also be improved along with dissolution
rate, solubility, and adsorption. The clay-incorporated polymeric drug delivery systems may be
examined for a possible increase in swelling capacity and residence time after mucosal administration.
Sexual Dysfunction in Diabetic Patients: Τhe Role of Advanced Glycation
End Products
Authors: Peppa Μelpomeni , Manta Aspasia 
Published: April 2023

Abstract:
Sexual dysfunction is a common but underestimated disorder of diabetic patients of both genders, entailing specific and complex pathogenesis and severely affecting reproductive health and quality of life. Hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hypertension, obesity, aging, and psychological factors underlie its pathogenesis. A large body of evidence indicates that advanced glycation end products and oxidative stress have a distinct impact on the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications, including hypogonadism, which is closely related to sexual dysfunction. Advanced glycation end products seem to affect sexual function either directly by accumulation in various regions of the reproductive system and/or correlation or indirectly through oxidative stress induction via several mechanisms. They are also involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications, which are related to sexual dysfunction. Herein, we review the issue of sexual dysfunction in diabetic males and females, with special emphasis on the impact of advanced glycation end products in the pathogenesis of sexual dysfunction, the relationship of advanced glycation end products with low testosterone levels in diabetic subjects, which account for the proportion of disorder and the available therapeutic interventions.
Assessment of Thyroid Function in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis in
Kunming, China: A Case-control Study
Authors: He Fang , Li Fayou , Zuo Dachen , Ma Sha , Chen Yang , Ying Jihui , Zhu Lixuan 
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
The present study aimed to analyze the prevalence of hypothyroidism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition, the study aimed to elucidate the correlation of hypothyroidism with RA activity and to investigate the relationship between RA and thyroid dysfunction.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 314 patients were categorized into two groups according to thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level: RA without hypothyroidism and RA with hypothyroidism. All patients underwent routine laboratory investigation, including thyroid function testing, and complete clinical assessment. These included the determination of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate as well as the level of TSH, free triiodothyronine, free thyroxine, total triiodothyronine level, total thyroxine level, C-reactive protein, rheumatoid factor immunoglobulin (RF-Ig), RF-IgA, RF-IgG, RF-IgM, cyclic citrullinated peptide immunoglobulin G (CCP IgG), complement component 3, and complement component 4. Based on these data, thyroid function, and rheumatoid factor levels were analyzed.

Results and Discussion:
Curve estimation using linear regression revealed that CCP Ig level was significantly correlated with the TSH level (r=0.122, P=0.031).

Conclusion:
TSH level may be used as an auxiliary test to assess disease severity in patients with RA and to evaluate thyroid function. This evaluation parameter may be considered for determining clinical prognosis in patients with RA.
Calcific Tendinopathy Atypically Located Outside the Rotator Cuff: A
Systematic Review
Authors: Delbello Federica , Spinnato Paolo , Aparisi Gomez Maria Pilar 
Published: April 2023

Background and Purpose:
Calcific tendinopathy is a common cause of painful shoulder easily identified with ultrasound or conventional radiography. Although the rotator
cuff is by far the most common location of the disease and diagnostic or treatment strategies are well known in clinical practice, a lack of
awareness characterizes the assessment of the other sites affected by this condition; consequently, the risk of underestimating the prevalence of
atypical non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy is high. This may lead to expensive or invasive diagnostic exams and/or inappropriate treatment,
whereas the condition is usually self-limited.

:
The present study aims at analysing the frequency of calcific tendinitis in uncommon sites, in order to fill a gap in knowledge and awareness
regarding non-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy, thus avoiding improper clinical choices and helping to identify this condition.

Methods:
This systematic review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. We performed a search on Pubmed and Scopus databases concerning
atypically sited extra-rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy published since 1950.

Results:
The research found a total of 267 articles and 793 non-rotator cuff cases of calcific tendinopathy registered. The spine (213 – 26.86%), foot and
ankle (191 – 23.95%), and hip (175 – 22.06%) appeared to be the most common sites of calcific tendinopathy after the rotator cuff, whereas the
longus colli C1-C2 (204 – 25.72%), Achilles (173 – 21.81%), and rectus femori (61 – 7.69%) were the most commonly affected tendons.

Conclusion:
A better awareness of this condition in several different sites of the body than the rotator cuff could avoid unnecessary choices both in assessment
and treatment.