bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Technological, nutritional, and biological properties of apricot kernel protein hydrolyzates affected by various commercial proteases
Authors: Sarabandi Khashayar , Mohammadi Maryam , Akbarbaglu Zahra , Ghorbani Marjan , Najafi Shahla , Safaeian Laein Sara , Jafari Seid Mahdi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe effect of enzymatic hydrolysis of apricot kernel protein with different proteases (Alcalase, pancreatin, pepsin, and trypsin) on the amino acid content, degree of hydrolysis (DH), antioxidant, and antibacterial characteristics of the resulting hydrolyzates was investigated in this study. The composition of amino acids (hydrophobic: ~35%; antioxidant: ~13%), EAA/TAA ratio (~34%), and PER index (~1.85) indicates the ability of the hydrolyzate as a source of nutrients and antioxidants with high digestibility. Enzymatic hydrolysis with increasing DH (from 3.1 to a maximum of 37.9%) led to improved solubility (especially in the isoelectric range) and changes in water‐ and oil‐holding capacity. The highest free radical scavenging activity of DPPH (83.3%), ABTS (88.1%), TEAC (2.38 mM), OH (72.5%), NO (65.7%), antioxidant activity in emulsion and formation of TBARS (0.36 mg MDA/L), total antioxidant (1.61), reducing power (1.17), chelation of iron (87.7%), copper (34.8%) ions, and inhibition of the growth of Escherichia coli (16.3 mm) and Bacillus cereus (15.4 mm) were affected by the type of enzymes (especially Alcalase). This research showed that apricot kernel hydrolyzate could serve as a nutrient source, emulsifier, stabilizer, antioxidant, and natural antibacterial agent in functional food formulations.
Tunnelling impacts and mitigation on existing structures for Bangkok MRT Orange Line
Authors: Duangsano Ochok , Yensri Phatharaphong , Chayaroon Arthit , Timpong Sahaphol , Jongpradist Pornkasem 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe Bangkok MRT Orange Line East Project consists of 6 km long twin tunnels and seven stations. The tunnel alignment runs along one of the most congested road corridors of the city. Due to adverse conditions of limited road right of way, obstructions from existing structures such as buildings, infrastructure, tunnels, and other utilities, the design and construction of the tunnel require careful consideration and implementation of excavation works to limit excessive ground movements and mitigate the potential impacts on existing structures. This article presents the concepts and procedures in detail on assessing the impact on each type of adjacent structure due to tunnel construction which contribute to the successful completion of the MRT Orange Line Project. Additionally, some mitigation measures for critical cases are highlighted.
Spontaneous and multifaceted ATP release from astrocytes at the scale of hundreds of synapses
Authors: Hatashita Yoshiki , Wu Zhaofa , Fujita Hirotaka , Kumamoto Takuma , Livet Jean , Li Yulong , Tanifuji Manabu , Inoue Takafumi 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAstrocytes participate in information processing by releasing neuroactive substances termed gliotransmitters, including ATP. Individual astrocytes come into contact with thousands of synapses with their ramified structure, but the spatiotemporal dynamics of ATP gliotransmission remains unclear, especially in physiological brain tissue. Using a genetically encoded fluorescent sensor, GRABATP1.0, we discovered that extracellular ATP increased locally and transiently in absence of stimuli in neuron–glia co‐cultures, cortical slices, and the anesthetized mouse brain. Spontaneous ATP release events were tetrodotoxin‐insensitive but suppressed by gliotoxin, fluorocitrate, and typically spread over 50–250 μm2 area at concentrations capable of activating purinergic receptors. Besides, most ATP events did not coincide with Ca2+ transients, and intracellular Ca2+ buffering with BAPTA‐AM did not affect ATP event frequency. Clustering analysis revealed that these events followed multiple distinct kinetics, and blockade of exocytosis only decreased a minor group of slow events. Overall, astrocytes spontaneously release ATP through multiple mechanisms, mainly in non‐vesicular and Ca2+‐independent manners, thus potentially regulating hundreds of synapses all together.
A systematic review on prognostic factors and models for changes in quality of life and depressive symptoms after multi‐domain cognitive training in healthy older adults: Who benefits?
Authors: Liebermann‐Jordanidis Hannah , Roheger Mandy , Folkerts Ann‐Kristin , Alfter Annegret , Krohm Fabian , Adams Anne , Kalbe Elke 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundAs we age, cognitive abilities decline which can lead to a decrease in quality of life (QoL) and an increase in depressive symptoms even in healthy (i.e., non‐clinical) older adults. Cognitive trainings (CT) are a promising approach to not only improve cognition, but also QoL and mood. However, it is unclear which prognostic factors are associated with changes in QoL and depression after CT.ObjectiveTo identify prognostic factors and models of changes in QoL and depressive symptoms after a multi‐domain CT in healthy older adults.MethodsMEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, CENTRAL and PsycInfo were systematically searched for multi‐domain CT studies in healthy older adults until August 2022. Studies investigating prognostic factors and/or models on QoL and depressive symptoms were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUIPS and the PROBAST tool.ResultsOur search revealed N = 12,916 studies, of which only 6 could be included in the review. Prognostic factors included were sociodemographics, cognitive reserve, cognitive baseline level, and cognitive change. However, data were too rare and heterogenous regarding the assessment measures of QoL and depressive scores, the used multi‐domain CT and the investigated prognostic factors to draw clear conclusions or conduct meta‐analyses.ConclusionThere is an urgent need for research on prognostic factors and models of changes in QoL and depressive symptoms after CT in healthy older participants as they could help to tailor interventions to individuals in terms of future precision medicine approaches.
The burden of ocular morbidities among elderly patients visiting a district healthcare facility in Malawi: A retrospective study
Authors: Banda Owen , Mzumara Thokozani , Ogbonna Grace 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe population of older adults is growing dramatically. Sadly, this populace is highly prone to develop various ocular morbidities, which if left unattended can lead to blindness.AimTo determine the distribution of ocular morbidities among older adults at a secondary hospital in Malawi.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross‐sectional study conducted at Mzimba North District Hospital in Malawi. We retrieved 314 patient records from the hospital's ophthalmic outpatient registry from August 2020 to July 2022 using a nonprobability census sampling technique. Data entry and analysis were done employing SPSS (v.26).ResultsMore females 164 (52.2%) than males 150 (47.8%) had ocular morbidities. Cataract 108 (34.4%) was the most common ocular morbidity followed by allergic conjunctivitis 104 (33.1%), then pingueculae 44 (14%), and glaucoma 8 (2.5%) Cataract showed a statistically significant difference between males and females (p < 0.05). And Glaucoma portrayed a statistically significant variation according to age groups (p < 0.05). According to the time of the year, most cases were attended to in March compared to August.ConclusionThe majority of blinding conditions among the elderly in Malawi are preventable similar to other geographical settings. Therefore, it is feasible to enhance the quality of life for senior Malawians and lessen the impact of blindness on individuals, families, and communities by addressing preventable causes of blindness through focused interventions.
Invisible illness: The consequences of limited health insurance in Africa
Authors: Nicholas Aderinto , Deji Olatunji 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundLimited health insurance coverage in Africa poses a significant challenge, impeding access to quality healthcare for millions of individuals.MethodsThis paper synthesizes information from existing literature and research on the topic of limited health insurance coverage in Africa. The identified consequences and root causes are presented in a structured format.ResultsThe consequences of limited health insurance coverage in Africa include increased financial burden on households, decreased access to health services, and inadequate coverage for essential health services. These consequences contribute to reduced utilization of healthcare services and negative health outcomes, including the deterioration of existing health conditions and the development of new health problems. The financial burden is particularly significant due to high poverty rates in Africa, forcing households to pay for healthcare services out of pocket and leading to considerable financial strain and even financial ruin. Additionally, limited health insurance coverage restricts access to necessary health services, resulting in delayed treatment, missed diagnoses, and poor health outcomes.ConclusionThe root causes of limited health insurance coverage in Africa are multifaceted and include factors such as poverty, lack of government support, and limited private‐sector involvement. These systemic issues contribute to the persistence of inadequate health insurance coverage and hinder efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for African populations.
Alterations in lipid and hormonal titers in patients with acne and their relationship with severity: A case‐control study
Authors: Mohammed Ghada Farouk , Al‐Dhubaibi Mohammed Saleh , Bahaj Saleh Salem , AbdElneam Ahmed Ibrahim 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsAcne is a frequently diagnosed skin condition that causes pilosebaceous apparatus clogs and/or inflammatory responses in the majority of teenagers. It is a multifactorial disease that can develop due to various factors. We aimed to evaluate lipid profiles and hormonal levels in patients with acne and correlate them to acne severity. We also aim to explore the alteration of lipid profiles and hormonal levels and their effect on the occurrence of acne.MethodsA case‐control study was performed on 100 individuals with acne vulgaris and 100 healthy controls. The biochemical analysis included; lipid profiles such as triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), and hormonal levels such as estradiol (E), total testosterone (TT), and free testosterone (FT) were measured for both patients and controls.ResultsComparison between patients with acne and controls disclosed that; TC, TG, LDL‐C, and HDL‐C levels were significantly higher in patients, especially when compared to controls (p ≤ 0.05); also, the same results were found in hormonal levels results (p ≤ 0.05).ConclusionThese altered lipid profiles and androgen levels should be considered in the pathophysiology of acne and taken into consideration when treating patients with acne.
Multiple slip impacts on unsteady MHD micropolar fluid past a stretching sheet with non‐Darcy porous medium and uneven heat source/sink
Authors: Kanimozhi N. , Vijayaragavan R. , Karthikeyan S. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe major scope of this research is to scrutinize the effects of multiple slips on unstable magnetohydrodynamic micropolar fluid past a stretched sheet with a non‐Darcy porous medium. In the momentum equation, the non‐Darcy porous medium effect is also taken into consideration. The effects of uneven heat source/sink and thermal radiation in the energy equation are also analyzed. By implementing the similarity transmission, the mathematical modeling of the set of managing partial differential equations is reframed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. These equations are numerically solved by applying Matlab built‐in solver bvp5c. The implications of foremost parameters such as micropolar parameter, magnetic parameter, permeability parameter, Prandtl, Eckert, and Schmidt numbers, Chemical reaction, slip parameters on velocity, microrotation, temperature as well as concentration profiles are displayed pictorially and explained. It is worthwhile to mention that the improving values of micropolar parameter escalate the velocity as well as microrotation profiles. However, the upsurge in non‐Darcy porous medium will cause a declining nature in the velocity profile. Also, an enhancement in the unsteadiness parameter brings about a lessening in all the profiles. Increment in all the three usual slip parameters will bring a declining nature in the respective profiles. An increase in Schmidt number will give a deduction nature in velocity as well as concentration profile. Moreover, the physical quantities are defined and Nusselt numbers are formulated in the table, and it enlarges while boosting up and , whilst a reverse nature is noticed for others. This present study compared with the earlier studies in special cases holds a better agreement.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on the hospital attendance of patients with primary cervical cancer in Heilongjiang, China
Authors: Qi Lei , Wang Mingxing , Jia Yuehui , Wang Yuanyuan , Xue Liangfang , Du Linlin , Hao Shuxiu , Su Shengqi , Wang Ruixiang , Sun Huixin , Feng Chen , Li Guijin , Zeng Qingyu , Lv Cunqi , Li Jiacheng , Li Qi , Zhang Yunyan , Wang Tong 
Published: June 2023

AbstractInformation regarding the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic on cervical cancer in mainland China is lacking. We explored its impact on the hospital attendance of patients with primary cervical cancer. We included 1918 patients with primary cervical cancer who initially attended Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital between January 23, 2019, and January 23, 2021. Attendance decreased by 31%, from 1135 in 2019 to 783 in 2020, mainly from January to June (𝜒2 = 73.362, P < .001). The percentage of patients detected by screening decreased from 12.1% in January‐June 2019 to 5.8% in January‐June 2020 (𝜒2 = 7.187, P = .007). Patients with stage I accounted for 28.4% in 2020 significantly lower than 36.6% in 2019 (𝜒2 = 14.085, P < .001), and patients with stage III accounted for 27.1% in 2020 significantly higher than 20.5% in 2019 (𝜒2 = 11.145, P < .001). Waiting time for treatment was extended from 8 days (median) in January‐June and July‐December 2019 to 16 days in January‐June (𝜒2 = 74.674, P < .001) and 12 days in July‐December 2020 (𝜒2 = 37.916, P < .001). Of the 179 patients who delayed treatment, 164 (91.6%) were for the reasons of the healthcare providers. Compared to 2019, the number of patients in Harbin or non‐Harbin in Heilongjiang Province and outside the province decreased, and cross‐regional medical treatment has been hindered. The COVID‐19 pandemic has negatively impacted cervical cancer patient attendance at the initial phase. These results are solid evidence that a strategy and mechanism for the effective attendance of cervical cancer patients in response to public health emergencies is urgently needed.
Comparing a modified simple‐conditional with the conditional‐only methods in teaching Chinese children with autism
Authors: Yuan Chengan , Deng Xiaolei , Zhu Jing , Wang Chongying 
Published: June 2023

AbstractInstruction in auditory–visual conditional discriminations for young children with autism spectrum disorder is typically based on either a conditional‐only or a simple‐conditional method. In this study, we evaluated a modified simple‐conditional method in which we removed the steps for which visual comparisons were presented in isolation. We compared this modified simple‐conditional method with the conditional‐only method when teaching auditory–visual conditional discriminations to six young Chinese children with autism spectrum disorder. We included two efficiency measures: total sessions and time to mastery. Our results replicated the findings of previous research in that both methods were efficacious for all but one participant. Although efficacy outcomes were similar across methods, the conditional‐only method was more efficient across participants according to sessions and time to mastery. Thus, the results add to support for the use of the conditional‐only method to teach auditory–visual conditional discriminations.
Laser speckle contrast imaging based on spatial frequency domain filtering
Authors: Zhai Linjun , Du Yongzhao , Fu Yuqing , Wu Xunxun 
Published: June 2023

AbstractWe proposed a novel method to separate static and dynamic speckles based on spatial frequency domain filtering. First, the raw speckle image sequence is processed frame by frame through 2D Fourier transform, low‐pass and high‐pass filtering in the spatial frequency domain, and inverse Fourier transform. Then, we can obtain low‐ and high‐frequency image sequences in the spatial domain. Second, we averaged both sequences in the time domain. After the above processing, we obtain the mean intensities of the dynamic and static speckle components in the spatial domain. Finally, we calculated the time‐averaged modulation depth to map the 2‐D blood flow distribution. Both phantom and vivo experiments demonstrated that the proposed method could effectively suppress the background non‐uniformity and has the advantage of high computational efficiency. It also can effectively improve image contrast, contrast‐to‐noise ratio, and imaging dynamic range.
Total, Unbound, Renal, and Hepatic Clearances of Raltegravir and the Formation and Elimination Clearances of Raltegravir Glucuronide in Pregnant Women
Authors: Moreira Fernanda de Lima , Paz Tiago Antunes , Melli Patrícia Pereira dos Santos , Thomaz Matheus de Lucca , Marques Maria Paula , Rocha Adriana , Duarte Geraldo , Lanchote Vera Lucia 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThis work aimed to evaluate the total, unbound, renal, and hepatic clearances of raltegravir (RAL) and the formation and elimination clearances of raltegravir glucuronide (RAL GLU) in pregnant women living with HIV. The participants received RAL 400 mg twice daily during the third trimester (n = 15) of gestation, delivery (n = 15), and the postpartum period (n = 8). Pharmacokinetic parameter values were calculated on the basis of plasma and urine data using noncompartmental methods. RAL clearances for the third trimester of gestation were as follows: total clearance: geometric mean, 63.63 L/h (95% CI, 47.5–85.25); renal clearance: geometric mean, 2.56 L/h (95% CI, 1.96–3.34); hepatic clearance: geometric mean, 60.52 L/h (95% CI, 44.65–82.04); and unbound clearance: geometric mean, 281.14 L/h (95% CI, 203.68–388.05). RAL GLU formation and elimination clearances for the third trimester of gestation were 7.57 L/h (95% CI, 4.94–11.6) and 8.71 L/h (95% CI, 6.71‐11.32), respectively. No differences were observed in RAL GLU pharmacokinetic parameters between the third trimester of gestation and the postpartum period, except for higher formation (7.57 vs 4.03 L/h) and elimination (8.71 vs 4.92 L/h) clearances during the third trimester. The findings based on plasma and urine data are consistent with an increase in the hepatic uridine 5′ diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase isoenzymes activities involved in RAL metabolism during pregnancy, and the formation of RAL GLU is a minor route of RAL elimination. Compared to the postpartum period, in the third trimester of gestation, the similar RAL plasma exposure in pregnant women reinforces the maintenance of an RAL regimen including a 400‐mg oral dose twice daily during pregnancy.
Comprehensive analysis on the diagnostic role of circulatory exosome‐based miR‐92a‐3p for osteoblastic metastases in prostate adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ashok Gayathri , Das Rohini , Anbarasu Anand , Ramaiah Sudha 
Published: June 2023

AbstractProstate adenocarcinoma (PRAD) is the second leading cause of death in men and the key factor that attributes to the severity and higher mortality rates is the tumor's ability to promote osteoblastic metastases (OM). Currently, no blood‐based biomarkers are present that bridges the crosstalk between PRAD and OM progression. Conversely, circulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) are gaining interest among the scientific community for its potential as blood‐based markers for cancer detection. Using computational pipeline, this study screened exosome‐based miRNA that is functionally regulating OM in PRAD. We retrieved the expression profile of miRNA, mRNA from PRAD microarray, and RNA‐Seq samples deposited in global repositories and identified the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and differentially expressed genes. Thereafter, the average expression of the miRNAs was identified in extracellular vesicle specifically in exosomes. Survival analysis and clinical profiling identified functionally significant miR‐92a‐3p to be a key factor in OM. This was further examined by the interactions with various noncoding RNA elements, transcription factors, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, and protein kinases regulated by miR‐92a‐3p. Identifying the expression pattern, nodal metastasis, Gleason score, and hazard ratio deciphered the critical role of the targets regulated by miR‐92a‐3p. Further, binding association analyzed through energy, seed match and accessibility showed the miRNA‐targets involved in cytokine, TGF‐β, and Wnt signaling having close regulatory role in promoting OM. Our findings highlight the potent role of miR‐92a‐3p as blood‐based diagnostic biomarker for OM. The comprehensive insights from our study can be elemental in designing diagnostic biomarker for PRAD.
Quantification of Cerebral Glucose Concentrations via Detection of the H1‐α‐Glucose Peak in 1H MRS at 7 T
Authors: Kuribayashi Hideto , Urushibata Yuta , Imai Hirohiko , Ahn Sinyeob , Seethamraju Ravi Teja , Isa Tadashi , Okada Tomohisa 
Published: June 2023

BackgroundSensitive detection and quantification of cerebral glucose is desired.PurposeTo quantify cerebral glucose by detecting the H1‐α‐glucose peak at 5.23 ppm in 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7 T.Study TypeProspective.SubjectsTwenty‐eight non‐fasted healthy subjects (aged 20–28 years).Field Strength/SequenceShort echo time stimulated echo acquisition mode (short‐TE STEAM) and semi‐localized by adiabatic selective refocusing (semi‐LASER) at 7 T.AssessmentSingle voxel spectra were obtained from the posterior cingulate cortex (27‐mL) using a 32‐channel head coil. The H1‐α‐glucose peak in the spectrum with retrospective removal of the residual water peak was fitted using LCModel with a glucose basis set of only the H1‐α‐glucose peak. Conventional spectral analysis was performed with a glucose basis set of a full spectral pattern of glucose, also. Fitting precision was evaluated with Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLBs). The repeatability of glucose quantification via the semi‐LASER sequence was tested.Statistical TestsPaired or Welch's t‐test were used for normally distributed values. A P value of <0.05 was considered significant. The repeatability of measures was analyzed using coefficient of variation (CV).ResultsRemoval of the residual water peak improved the flatness and stability of baselines around the H1‐α‐glucose peak and reduced CRLBs for fitting the H1‐α‐glucose peak. The semi‐LASER sequence was superior to the short‐TE STEAM in the higher signal‐to‐noise ratio of the H1‐α‐glucose peak (mean ± SD 7.9 ± 2.5, P < 0.001). The conventional analysis overfitted the H1‐α‐glucose peak. The individual CVs of glucose quantification by detecting the H1‐α‐glucose peak were smaller than the corresponding CRLBs.Data ConclusionCerebral glucose concentration is quantitated to be 1.07 mM by detecting the H1‐α‐glucose peak in the semi‐LASER spectra. Despite requiring long scan times, detecting the H1‐α‐glucose peak allows true glucose quantification free from the influence of overlapping taurine and macromolecule signals.Evidence Level2Technical Efficacy Stage1