bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artemisinin combined with allicin on improving cardiac function, fibrosis, and NF-κB signaling pathway in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Xiuji , Wang Hongrui 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
This study aimed to see how artemisinin & allicin affected heart function, myocardial fibrosis, and regulating the nuclear factor-B (NF-B) signaling pathways in the myocardial tissue of diabetic cardiomyopathy rats.
Methods
50 rats were selected, 10 of which were kept normally without any intervention as the rest 40 were in the normal group injected intraperitoneally 65 µg/g streptozotocin at one time to construct diabetic cardiomyopathy model.37 rats meeting the criteria for successful model establishment were randomly divided into ten rodents in the model category, 9 rats each in the Artemisinin, Allicin, & Combination groups. For four weeks, the Artemisinin group received 75 mg/kg of artemisinin, the Allicin group received 40 mg/kg of allicin, & the combination group received the same doses of artemisinin & allicin gavage as the Artemisinin & Allicin groups. We investigated the cardiac function, myocardial fibrosis, and the aberrant expression of protein levels in NF-κB signaling pathways in each group after the end of the intervention.
Results
The model group, Artemisinin group, Allicin group, and combination group showed significantly greater cardiac function indexes, including LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF, FS, and E/A with higher expression of NF-B signaling pathway proteins NF-B-p65 and p-NF-B-p65 than the normal group (P < 0.05). LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF, FS, E/A, and NF-B signaling pathway protein NF-B-p65, and p-NF-B-p65 were significantly decreased in the Artemisinin, Allicin, and combination groups when compared with the modeled group (P < 0.05). The combined group had significantly lower expression of LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF, FS, E/A, NF-B signaling pathway protein NF-B-p65, and p-NF-B-p65 than the Artemisinin and Allicin groups (P < 0.05). For comparing the cardiac function indicators LVEDD, LVESD, LVEF, FS, E/A, NF-B signaling pathway protein NF-B-p65, & p-NF-B-p65 expressions, there was no statistical difference here between Artemisinin & Allicin groups (P > 0.05). After observing the myocardial fibrosis in each group, we found the collagen fibers-associated disorder arrangement of the proliferative network in the modeled group, formation of the fibrous scar with large volume, cardiac hypertrophy, inconsistent coloration, nucleus consolidation, disintegration, and even removal. When compared to the model group, the Artemisinin group, Allicin group, & combined group all demonstrated various degrees of improvement in the problematic structure with more intact muscle fibers, neater arrangement, more normal cell morphology, and more homogeneous staining, with the most significant improvement in the combined group.
Conclusion
Compared with artemisinin and allicin alone, artemisinin combined with allicin improved cardiac dysfunction and reduced myocardial fibrosis in rats with diabetic cardiomyopathy, and both may act via promoting the inactivation of the NF-κB signaling cascade.
Improving the Collection of National Health Data: The Case for the Middle Eastern and North African Checkbox in the United States
Authors: Kindratt Tiffany B 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
On June 15, 2022, the Chief Statistician of the United States announced that the Office of Management and Budget would conduct a formal review of the current minimum standards for collecting race/ethnicity data on the US Census and other federal forms. This review is extremely important for communities that have been overlooked and unable to receive federal funding for their programs, most notably Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) Americans. MENA individuals are defined as “White” in the US, which is particularly concerning given that research continues to identify that their health behaviors, disabilities, health conditions, mortality and lived experiences differ from Whites. The initial OMB proposals were published in January 2023 with a request for public comment for up to 75 days. Specifically, the OMB is requesting comments on a separate MENA checkbox. The purpose of this study was to summarize the initial comments posted on the federal registrar’s website during February 2023. Comments were reviewed to determine whether MENA was mentioned, whether comments indicated support for the MENA checkbox, and whether comments mentioned support for reasons related to health. There were 2,950 comments reviewed. Most (71.76%) mentioned the inclusion of a MENA checkbox. Of those, 98.82% were in support of adding the MENA checkbox. Among those, 31.98% mentioned the need for a MENA checkbox to improve data collection for health-related topics. These findings are encouraging and indicate strong support for including a MENA checkbox on the next US Census and other federal forms.
Softwood ray height based on tangential section images by using YOLOv5
Authors: Guo Yong , Lin Qizhao , Weng Jinfang , Wang Weisheng , Wang Hong , Wang Wenyin 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In order to achieve rapid acquisition, identification and measurement of the average ray height of softwood based on tangential section photographs, a new method is proposed. Firstly, labels the digital image of the softwood tangential section with the 100 magnification, that is, mark the rays and scales on the image, and establish the dataset; Secondly, the dataset is randomly divided into training set and validation set. YOLOv5s is used for model training to obtain the best target recognition model of rays and scale. The experimental results show that the model trained with YOLOv5s can achieve 93.5% accuracy, 95.6% recall and 96.7% average accuracy in the validation set; Thirdly, using the YOLOv5s trained model, a visual program for automatically calculating the ray height and obtaining the ray characteristics of softwood is designed, which lowered the threshold for wood identification workers to use such software.
Hydrological assessment of the Tungabhadra River Basin based on CMIP6 GCMs and multiple hydrological models
Authors: Rudraswamy G. K. , Manikanta Velpuri , Umamahesh Nanduri 
Published: April 2023

AbstractClimate change significantly impacts the natural systems, accelerating the global water cycle, and impacting various ecosystem services. However, the expected effects of climate change on the frequency and severity of extreme events on hydrological systems vary significantly with location. The present study investigates the uncertainties engulfed in hydrological predictions for the Tungabhadra River Basin. The ensemble streamflow projections were generated using four hydrological models, five climate models, and four climate scenarios to illustrate the associated uncertainties. The uncertainty in hydrological components such as streamflow (QQ), water availability (WA), and potential evapotranspiration (PET) was analysed in the future period (2015–2100). The results suggest that, in the monsoon period, precipitation projections increase by about 10.43–222.5%, whereas QQ projections show an increment between 34.50 and 377.7%. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) technique is used to further quantify the contribution of different sources to the total uncertainty. Furthermore, the ensemble spread is optimized using quantile regression forests (QRF), and the post-processed flows are likely to decrease up to 7% in June and increase up to 70% in September. This study is envisaged to give insights into the quantification of uncertainties in the prediction of future streamflow for rational and sustainable policymaking.
Multifractal analysis of malaria cases in India in a global warming scenario
Authors: Dwivedi Suneet , Chaturvedi Shweta 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

An effort is made to evaluate the multifractal properties of malaria cases in India from 1980 to 2014. The possible changes in these properties in a global warming scenario (during 2015–2049) are also quantified. The malaria cases for this purpose are derived from the VECTRI dynamical malaria model, which uses rainfall and temperature data of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 models for the historical and SSP5–8.5 projection scenario, respectively. It is found that the generalized Hurst exponent h (q) and multifractal spectrum width Δα are strongly nonlinear decreasing functions of order q, thus confirming the multifractal nature (and heterogeneous distribution) of the malaria cases in India. The multifractal spectrum of the malaria cases exhibits right-tailed nature along with high inter-model variability, suggesting that the time series under consideration are fine scale and highly complex in nature. The multifractal spectrum width and change in singularity dimension are used to quantify the strength of multifractality for the historical and future projection scenario. It is demonstrated that the strength of multifractality of malaria cases is likely to decrease with an increase in greenhouse gas concentration, which may be happening due to a persistent increase in malaria cases in India as a result of global warming.
Flood mitigation of Bila River in Sidrap Regency Indonesia based on eco-drainage retention pond
Authors: Suleman Abdul Rivai , Badaruddin Sugiarto , Mustamin Mustamin , Saing Zubair , Mustamin Muhammad Rivaldi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the distribution of floods in the Bila River and its countermeasures in reducing the impact that occurred in Sidrap Regency. The study performs hydrological analysis using the Bila watershed rainfall data, calculates the planned flood discharge using the HSS Soil Conservation Service (SCS) model, and simulates the flood flow profile using the HEC-RAS 2D numerical model. It is found that the Q20 flood discharge of the Bila and the Bulucenrana Rivers entered the Bila River downstream calculated from the HSS SCS analysis are 738.60 and 779.50 m3/s, respectively. The overflow of the Bila River flood affects nine villages, namely Kalola Village (0.06 km2), Sogi Village (0.01 km2), Kalosi Alau Village (0.32 km2), Kampale Village (0.11 km2), Salomalori Village (0.42 km2), Tanru Tedong Village (2.12 km2), Kalosi Village (0.91 km2), Salobukkang Village (1.70 km2), and Taccimpo Village (4.01 km2). It is proposed that the best solution to deal with the issue is by introducing an eco-drainage system, namely by constructing a retention pond with a maximum storage volume of 3.81 million m3 or with a normal storage of 2.4 million m3. The existence of a retention pond can reduce the inundated area around 8.28 km2 or 85.71%.
Risk-based decision-making systems in water and food security of global drylands
Authors: Wang Manman , Du Yiming , Jiang Tianlong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study introduces the foundational principles behind the water footprint in water and food security for evaluating the managerial strategies of agricultural water management in arid areas. The role of green, grey, blue and white water footprints in yield production has been critically investigated to analyze the climate and economic risks. Therefore, a nonlinear hydro-economic framework, which integrates soil water content, food production and economics has been used for the semi-arid regions of China. Non-dimensional form of net benefit per drop was formulated to analyze the uncertainty of economic parameters. Root zone moisture was simulated to estimate crop yield, transpiration, evaporation, water required for irrigation and increase water quality. Five plants of potato, onion, tomato, eggplant and carrot were selected due to similarity in the plant growth season and market criteria. The results showed that the average effective rainfall contributed less than 15% to food production. The impact of the risk of economic fluctuations in achieving the expected net profit has been more than water.
Variances in the Expression Profile of DUSP1-7 and miRNAs Regulating
their Expression in the HaCat Line under LPS and Cyclosporine A
Authors: Dąbala Maciej , Świder Magdalena , Kasela Tomasz , Buda Paulina , Grabarek Beniamin Oskar 
Published: April 2023

Introduction:
Cyclosporin A (CsA) treats moderate to severe psoriasis vulgaris. Psoriasis
is a chronic inflammatory disease in which hyperproliferation of keratinocytes occurs. One of
the most relevant signaling cascades in the development of psoriasis is the mitogen-activated protein
kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. It has been observed that dual-specificity phosphatases
(DUSPs) dephosphorylate signaling molecules, such as MAPKs.

Aims:
This study aims to determine changes in the expression pattern of Dual Activity Protein
Phosphatase (DUSP1-7) and micro RNAs (miRNAs), potentially regulating their expression in the
human adult, low-calcium, high-temperature keratinocytes cell line (HaCaT) cultures exposed to
lipopolysaccharide A (LPS)-induced inflammation, followed by CsA.

Methods:
HaCaT cell line was exposed for 8 hours to 1 μg/mL LPS and then to 100 ng/mL CsA
for 2, 8, and 24 hours compared to cultures not exposed to LPS and the drug. The molecular analysis
included determining the DUSP1-7 expression and the miRNAs potentially regulating it using
an expression microarray technique. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was also
performed to assess the concentration of DUSP1-7 in the culture medium. Statistical evaluation
was performed assuming a statistical significance threshold (p) of < 0.05.

Results:
Statistically significant differences were found in the expression of DUSP1-7 mRNAs
and the miRNAs that regulate their expression. The most significant changes in expression were
observed for DUSP1 and DUSP5, with the differences being most pronounced during the eighthour
incubation period of the cells, with the drug predictive analysis showing that miR-34 potentially
regulates the expression of DUSP1-4,7, miR-1275: DUSP2, mir-3188: DUSP4, miR-382:
DUSP4, miR-27a and miR-27b: DUSP5,6 and miR-16: DUSP7. No expression of DUSP1-7 was
demonstrated at the protein level in CsA-exposed cultures.

Conclusion:
Our evaluation of the efficacy of CsA therapy on an in vitro model of HaCaT indicates
that treatment with this drug is effective, resulting in changes in the expression of DUSP1-7
and, potentially, the miRNAs that regulate their expression. We also confirmed that the different
expression pattern of mRNA and protein encoded by a given transcript is not only due to the regulatory
role of miRNAs but also the lack of synchronization between transcription and translation
processes.
Delivering Relaxin Plasmid by Polymeric Metformin Lipid Nanoparticles
for Liver Fibrosis Treatment
Authors: Li Yujie , Ma Lisha , Xiong Yang , Shi Jingbin , Zhang Feifeng , Chai Qian , Hu Gengshan , Liu Yun 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Liver fibrosis usually progresses to liver cirrhosis and even results in hepatocellular
carcinoma, which accounts for one million deaths annually worldwide. To date, anti-liver fibrosis
drugs for clinical treatment have not yet been approved. Nowadays, as a natural regulator, Relaxin
(RLX) has received increased attention because the expression of RLX could deactivate the activation
of hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) and resolve liver fibrosis. However, its application in treatment is limited
due to the short half-life in circulation and low accumulation within the target organ.

Methods:
To address these problems, a kind of polymeric metformin (PolyMet)-loaded relaxin plasmid
(pRLX) core-membrane lipid nanoparticle (PolyMet-pRLX-LNPs, PRLNP) was prepared. Here,
PolyMet was used as a carrier to replace the traditional polymer polyethylene diene (PEI), which is of
higher toxicity, to prolong the circulation time of pRLX in vivo. Then, the antifibrotic ability of PRLNP
to overcome liver fibrosis was carried out in C57BL/6 mice. It is worth mentioning that this is the first
time to investigate the potential of PRLNP in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis.

Results:
The results showed that PRLNP effectively downregulated fibrosis-related biomarkers such as
alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Meanwhile, histopathological
examinations also showed low collagen accumulation, revealing that PRLNP could histologically and
functionally alleviate liver fibrosis. In addition, no significant difference in serum biochemical value
between the PRLNP and the normal group, suggesting the safety profile of PRLNP.

Conclusion:
This research proposed a novel non-toxic treatment method for liver fibrosis with a nanosystem
to effectively treat liver fibrosis.
Evaluation of Systolic Function using Global Longitudinal Strain in Isolated
Obese and Overweight People
Authors: Bayat Fariba , Khani Mohammad , Hooshmand Elham 
Published: April 2023

Background:
The association of obesity with left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction
is fully understood, but there are few investigations regarding its effect on LV systolic function in
the absence of other risk factors. This study aimed to identify the global longitudinal strain (GLS)
changes in isolated overweight and obese people in the absence of other risk factors.

Methods:
A total of 120 individuals, including 60 obese, 30 overweight, and 30 healthy controls
with no underlying disease and no history of hypertension, diabetes, CAD, or CKD were included in
the study. Echocardiographic findings were measured, including apical 2-, 3- and 4-chamber GLS,
GLS total, LV diameter, interventricular septum thickness, and PAP. These findings were then
compared between the three groups (obese, overweight, and normal controls).

Results:
Analyses showed that LV diameter in healthy controls was significantly lower compared to
overweight (p = 0.02) and obese (p < 0.0001) participants. Also, the interventricular septal thickness
was significantly increased in overweight (p = 0.007) and obese (p < 0.0001) individuals compared
to healthy controls. The mean and standard deviation (Mean ± SD) of total GLS values were -
22.29% ± 1.89% for normal weight, -22.09% ± 1.91% for overweight, and -19.88% ± 2.34% for
obese individuals. The total GLS of obese participants was significantly lower than overweight and
normal controls (p < 0.0001). It was observed that the GLS values were significantly lower in people
with BMI higher than 40. The mean ± SD of total GLS values were -20.68% (1.84%) for BMI ≤
40 patients and -18.51% (2.52%) for BMI > 40 patients.

Conclusion:
Data revealed that all GLS values had a moderately strong correlation with BMI values.
Also, subclinical LV dysfunction was detected in overweight and obese subjects.
The Impact of Illness Perception on Delay in Seeking Medical Help in Patients with Acute Chest Pain: A Cross-sectional Study in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Mosleh Sultan M. , Alnajar Malek K. , Darawad Muhammad 
Published: April 2023

Background:
The concern of contracting COVID-19 has prevented numerous individuals with ambiguous myocardial infarction symptoms from seeking medical attention, leading to delayed presentation and treatment of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). This delay could increase the risk of long-term consequences.

Aim:
The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of illness perception on delay in seeking medical help in patients with acute chest pain in UAE during COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods:
A descriptive cross-sectional design was used.

Results:
A total of 222 in-patients participated in the study, with an average age of 54.3 years (SD=14, Range= 20-86). The average score of illness perception was 5.66 (SD=0.92), which indicates that CVD was perceived as moderately threatening to physical and emotional status. Univariate analysis showed that illness coherence having previous cardiac catheterization, diabetes and asthma were factors associated with delay in seeking medical services. The linear regression showed that college education was a strong predictor of delay, while a history of asthma and undergoing cardiac catheterization were independent predictors of shorter delay.

Conclusion:
Illness coherence perception and time of seeking medical help are correlated. In addition, illness perception of personal control is low, which indicates the need for educational intervention. Other clinical factors also impact patients’ decisions, such as previous cardiac intervention and comorbidity, highlighting the target group for further attention from the healthcare team.
Evaluation the Effect of Chronic Obestatin Therapy on the Serum Glucose, Insulin And Lipid Levels in Type 2 Diabetic Rats
Authors: Al-Halbouni Safa , Homsi Shadi , koshji Nabil 
Published: April 2023

Background:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common health disorders, which has become increasingly common in recent years. Type 2 diabetes affects about 90-95% of all diabetic patients, and is often associated with obesity and insulin resistance in most patients. The medical treatment aims to reduce insulin resistance and increase the production of insulin by pancreatic β-cells.
Obestatin is a new hormone encoded by the Preghrelin gene. Obestatin is an anorexic hormone that reduces food intake. It has also been shown to play an important role in regulating glucose and lipid levels in the blood.

Study Aim:
Our study aims to evaluate the therapeutic benefit of obestatin in rats with experimental type 2 diabetes in reducing blood glucose and improving insulin levels, and its effect on insulin resistance, TG, TC and pancreatic β-cell survival.

Methods:
A total of 30 male Wister rats (150 -200g) were randomly divided into three groups: group I (control group), group II (T2DM group) induced by administration fructose solution 10% for 14 days, and single injection IP of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/Kg), group III (T2DM treated with obestatin) (25 μg/kg) IP twice daily for 30 days. Blood samples were collected at the end of the experiment by terminal intracardiac sampling for bioassays to estimate fasting glucose, insulin, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and assessment of HOMA-IR. Body weight was also measured. Mean ± STD was calculated. The statistical significance of differences across the groups was determined by one-way ANOVA followed by a post Hoc Turkey’s test. The differences were considered significant at 0.05˃P.

Results:
After 30 days of obestatin treatment, the diabetic group showed a significant increase in glucose, TG, TC and HOMA-IR values and a significant decrease in insulin levels compared to the control group. In comparison, the obestatin-treated group of diabetic patients showed a significant decrease in glucose, TG and TC levels, with a slight increase in the insulin level compared to the diabetic group. In addition, the histological study (H&E) of isolated pancreatic tissue from the second group showed deformed, shrunken Langerhans islets with significant loss of their β- cells, and some cells with vacuolated cytoplasm. Moreover, the histological features of the treatment group were somewhat similar to those of the control group.

Conclusion:
The results of our study showed the efficacy of obestatin as a treatment in reducing the levels of all glucose, triglycerides and total cholesterol in the blood to normal limits in induced experimental rats with type 2 diabetes. Moreover, the improvement of insulin levels in the blood, and the results of the histological study showed an improvement in the size of the islet and an increase in the number of β-cells. Thus, obestatin can be used as a promising target in the treatment of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.