bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Network pharmacology-based investigation of potential targets of Vitamin K2MK7 in treatment of diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Patel Shivangi , Shirodkar Sanket Sunil , Majumdar Anuradha Sandeep 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The emerging field of network pharmacology is gaining attention in the field of drug discovery and development. One area of interest is the treatment of diabetic neuropathy (DN) which poses a global threat due to its lifelong therapies, incomplete symptomatic cure, and negative impact on patients' quality of life. DN includes diabetic encephalopathy and diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which are characterized by learning and memory decline, chronic pain or loss of sensation, foot ulcerations, and the risk of amputation. Unfortunately, there is currently no specific treatment available for DN that can provide complete remission. As a result, researchers are exploring natural therapies that may alleviate the symptoms of DN. In this study, we employed a network pharmacology approach to investigate the potential of Vit. K2MK7 in ameliorating DN. The targets for Vit K2MK7 were collated from ChEMBL, Prediction Charite and SEA Search Server. while genes associated with DN were collected from DisGeNET, CTD and GeneCards database. By analyzing the interactions between these targets and genes, a network using Cytoscape software was constructed and gene ontology and pathway enrichment analysis was performed to gain further insights into the potential mechanisms of action using functional enrichment databases.The study revealed that Vit. K2MK7 shares 69 common targets with genes implicated in the pathogenesis of DN. It was also suggested that Vit. K2MK7 may exert its pharmacological effects by influencing inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial biogenesis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Overall, this study demonstrates the utility of network pharmacology in identifying natural therapeutic compounds for diseases like DN. The findings provide valuable information for future preclinical and clinical investigations on the use of Vitamin K2MK7 in the treatment of DN. This could pose to be an initial inherent approach in identifying natural therapeutic moieties.
Assessment of the magnitude of genetic diversity among sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam) accessions collected from Nigeria and Niger based on agro- morphological and nutritional attributes
Authors: Abed Ndamononghenda Josefina , Oselebe Happiness Ogba , Chukwu Samuel Chibuike , Mourtala Issa Zakari Mahaman 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Most tropical nations regard the sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.) to be their most significant staple crop. It is mostly recognized for its ability to withstand drought, grow quickly, and produce with few inputs. A study was carried out during the 2020 and 2021 growing year a field experiment was conducted at the University of Ebonyi State–CAS Campus, to determine variability among sweetpotato accessions, identify traits which are positively and significantly associated with yield and accessions with high yield. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used to compare the performance of improved and local accessions The results of both years and over year combined statistical analysis indicated that the varieties significantly varied in terms of all yield and yield-related traits. As a result, the Umu SPO 3 acquired the greatest values of average root girth in both the 2020 (5.2cm) and 2021 (2.4cm) growing seasons. In both 2020 and 2021 growing seasons and over year combined analysis, the highest average root yield (2.67 Kg), total root yield (8.89 t/ha), were recorded for Koudakou 4 whereas accessions TIS-87/0087 and Dan Maradi had significantly higher mean dry matter content. PCV was found to be higher than GCV suggesting major environmental influence on gene expression controlling those characters. Low heritability coupled with high, moderate and low genetic advance in percent of mean was observed in all characters. Traits considered in the study revealed positive and significant correlations. The two major clusters could be utilized in further breeding programme as newly selected lines to exploit their contrasting traits. The lines could be studied using marker-assisted backcross breeding method or marker-assisted pedigree selection method involving the two lines and the newly selected superior variety, Koudakou-4.
Evaluation of application of a novel disposable endoscope for retroflexed endoscopic rubber band ligation of internal hemorrhoids: A pilot study
Authors: Xu Wen , Xia Guili , Li Laihe , Cao Ge , Yan Xianhuan , Dong Ling , Zhu Ying 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Retroflexed endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL) for treating grade II and III internal hemorrhoids using disposable endoscopes has not been previously assessed. We therefore compared the safety and effectiveness of ERBL for internal hemorrhoids using novel disposable endoscopes versus traditional reusable endoscopes. This prospective randomized controlled trial involved 42 patients who underwent ERBL for grade II and III internal hemorrhoids using either a disposable endoscope (n = 21) or a reusable endoscope (n = 21). In terms of safety, no life-threatening events, equipment failure, or device-related adverse effects occurred during the procedures in either group. In terms of effectiveness, the therapeutic effects on postoperative day 30 were similar in both groups. Image clarity and endoscopic flexibility in the disposable endoscope group were mildly inferior to those in the reusable endoscope group, but without statistical significance. Matching between the endoscope and ligating device was 100% in both groups. The incidence of complications on postoperative days 1 and 10 was not significantly different between the two groups. Compared with reusable endoscopes, disposable endoscopes are equally safe, feasible, and reliable in ERBL for internal hemorrhoids.
Simultaneous photocatalytic degradation and SERS detection of tetracycline by self-sustainable and recyclable ternary PI/TiO2/Ag flexible microfibers
Authors: Han Donglai , Guo Boyang , Li Yanru , Feng Wei , Liu Keyan , Wu Tianna , Wan Yuchun , Wang Lili , Yang Lili , Liu Yang , Gao Ming , Wei Maobin , Yang Shuo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Facile and highly efficient photocatalysts under sunlight irradiation, as well as fast and sensitive surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate are in urgent needs for practical degradation of tetracycline (TC). In order to meet the aforementioned requirements, a new paradigm of PI/TiO2/Ag organic-inorganic ternary flexible microfibers based on semiconductor oxide titanium dioxide (TiO2), noble metal silver (Ag) and conjugated polymer polyimide (PI) are successfully developed via engineering an easy method. Under sunlight illumination, the photocatalytic characteristics of PI/TiO2/Ag flexible microfibers with varying loadings of Ag quantum dots (QDs) are evaluated by investigating their photocatalytic degradation of TC aqueous solution. The results demonstrate that the concentration of Ag largely affected the photocatalytic activity. Among the tested samples, PI/TiO2/Ag-0.07 (93.1%) exhibited superior photocatalytic degradation performance compared to PI/TiO2 (25.7%), PI/TiO2/Ag-0.05 (77.7%), and PI/TiO2/Ag-0.09 (63.3%). This observation is strongly supported by the charge transfer mechanism discussions and evaluations conducted in the present work. Moreover, the PI/TiO2/Ag-0.07 flexible microfibers exhibit highly sensitive SERS detection capabilities, as demonstrated by the clear observation of Raman characteristic peaks even at an extremely low concentration of 10− 10 moles per liter for TC. The excellent photocatalytic performance and SERS detection capability of PI/TiO2/Ag flexible microfibers not only from the Schottky barrier formed between Ag and TiO2, but also from the outstanding plasmonic resonance and visible light absorption properties of Ag, along with the immobilization capability of PI. The successful synthesis of PI/TiO2/Ag flexible microfibers hold significant promise for advancing the fields of sensitive detection and efficient photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics.
Research on Risk and Disaster Prediction of Tailings Dam Break in Complex Environments
Authors: LUO Changtai , LI Dongwei 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
In response to the challenges posed by rapid development, wide-ranging disaster impact, and untimely warning of debris flow resulting from tailing dam failure, it is of great significance to study the mechanism of dam failure as well as the evolution law and affected area of debris flow for effective disaster prediction and risk assessment. Establish a 1:150 physical model for tailing dam failure test and combine it with RAMMS debris flow software to study the mechanism of tailing dam failure and the evolution law of rock flow in complex environments. By analyzing and comparing experimental data, the consequences of disaster risk following dam failure were summarized in a comprehensive manner. The results show that: The particle size distribution of the model sand should be moderate; The composition of particle size distribution has a significant impact on the collapse morphology of dam body after dam failure. The saturation line is the lifeline for tailing reservoir stability, and its level determines the degree of tailing saturation in the reservoir. The breach is situated at the midpoint of the dam crest. When the breach occurs, the inflow volume is 0.313m3. According to the flow ratio relationship, the inflow volume at breach occurrence is equivalent to 1.78 times the total amount of a 1000-year flood and 1.19 times the total amount of a probable maximum flood (PMF). The analysis of the surface flow field reveals that the region with the highest flow velocity extends from the dam toe to Shangdi village; The impact on Shizhou village is limited to the backwater of the dam break water flow and gradual sedimentation of tailings.
Evaluation of Time-to-onset and Outcome of Cardiac Adverse Events Related to Pembrolizumab Using Post-Marketing Surveillance
Authors: Kanbayashi Yuko , Tsuchiya Eren , Shimizu Tadashi , Uchida Mayako 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Pembrolizumab has been widely used in patients since its release, but information on cardiac Adverse Events (AEs) from pembrolizumab remains lacking, particularly in Japanese populations.
Aim The aim of this study is to evaluate time to onset, incidence rates, and outcomes for pembrolizumab-induced cardiac AEs in patients with cancer using the Japanese Adverse Drug Event Report database.
Method We analysed data for the period from April 2004 to March 2022. Data on cardiac AEs were extracted and relative risks of AEs were estimated using the reporting odds ratio.
Results We analysed 2,021,907 reports and identified 15,306 reports of AEs caused by pembrolizumab. Of these, 399 cardiac AEs were associated with pembrolizumab. Signals were detected for six cardiac AEs: myocarditis, immune-mediated myocarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, pericarditis, and pericarditis malignant. A histogram of median times to onset showed occurrence from 33 to 138 days, but some cases occurred even more than 1 year after the start of administration. Among these, myocarditis was the most frequently reported (27.1%), with fatal cases also reported.
Conclusion This study focused on cardiac AEs caused by pembrolizumab as post-marketing AEs. Patients should be monitored not only at the time of administration, but also over time for signs of these AEs, especially myocarditis, as some patients may have serious outcomes.
Long-term retention and associated practices among Community Client Led Antiretroviral Distribution groups (CCLADs) in Uganda: A mixed methods study
Authors: Natukunda Julian , Baleeta Keith , Kiriya Junko , Ong Ken Ing Cherng , Carandang Rogie Royce , Muhwezi Augustin , Shibanuma Akira , Jimba Masamine 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: HIV testing and the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) are critical steps in treating people living with HIV (PLHIV), but maintaining PLHIV on treatment over time remains challenging. This study was conducted to assess retention and attrition among PLHIV who were enrolled in community client-led antiretroviral distribution groups (CCLADs) in Uganda. Then, positive deviants were identified and their uncommon practices were explored for promoting long-term retention.
Methods: In this explanatory mixed methods study, for quantitative part, longitudinal medical data of PLHIV were collected from 65 health facilities in 12 districts in East Central, Uganda. Survival analysis and Cox regression were used to assess retention and risk factors for attrition. For qualitative part, medical data were used from four districts with high attrition rates. Within the four districts, nine health facilities were identified where retention of PLHIV in CCLADs was high. Then, 50 clients were purposively selected for in-depth individual interviews (n=22) or five focus group discussions (n=28). A thematic analysis was conducted to identify uncommon but successful practices. Joint displays were created integrating quantitative and qualitative results.
Results: A total of 3,055 PLHIV in CCLADs were included in the study. Retention rates at 6, 12, 24, 36, and 96 months, were 97.4%, 95.8%, 94.4%, 93.7%, and 88.6%, respectively. Factors for attrition were small CCLAD group sizes (Hazard ratio [HR] 3.84 Confidence Interval [CI], 95% CI 2.08-7.06); receiving older regimens (HR 1.70, 95%CI 1.13-2.56); virologic failure (HR 3.43, 95% CI 12.23-15.26); and duration on treatment [less than five (HR 2.04, 95% CI 1.16-3.59), six to ten years (HR 1.71, 95% CI 1.03-2.83)]. Of the 22 clients interviewed, eight were positive deviants. Positive deviants were PLHIV who stayed in their initial CCLADs the longest while remaining virally suppressed. Positive deviants' practices were as follows: fostering family-like settings, providing financial or self-development advice, and promoting a healthy lifestyle.
Conclusions: Retention of PLHIV in CCLADs was high in the initial twelve months, but steadily declined thereafter. Effective interventions such as the positive deviance approach could help identify affordable, culturally acceptable, and local methods that promote long-term retention of PLHIV in CCLADs.
The association between serum cadmium and cardiovascular diseases is modified by alcohol consumption with a gender difference
Authors: Hu Tianyang , Cai Min , Gong Rongpeng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Cadmium is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant and carcinogenic heavy metal. There was a clear association between elevated serum cadmium levels and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), however, this association varied by subgroup, and previous studies have not explored the sex differences in this association or investigated whether alcohol consumption affects this association. Here, we enrolled 37,729 participants from 11 cycles (1999–2020) of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to explore the association between serum cadmium and CVDs in depth. After grouping the population by gender and adjusting for potential confounders using a multivariable logistic regression modeling strategy, we observed an independent association between serum cadmium levels and CVDs. Moreover, we further included alcohol consumption as a subgroup variable, performed a subgroup multivariable logistic regression to observe whether this association was modified by alcohol consumption. We found that serum cadmium levels were significantly positively associated with most CVDs, and that this association was gender-differentiated, which was also modified by alcohol consumption. Our study provides a new perspective for further exploring the relationship between serum cadmium levels and CVDs.
Global estimates on the number of people blind or visually impaired by age-related macular degeneration: A meta-analysis from 2000 to 2020
Authors: Furtado João , Bourne Rupert , Bourne Rupert 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background:We aimed to update estimates of global vision loss due to age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Methods:We did a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based surveys of eye diseases from January, 1980, to October, 2018. We fitted hierarchical models to estimate prevalence of moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI; presenting visual acuity from <6/18 to 3/60) and blindness (<3/60) caused by AMD, stratified by age, region, and year.
Results:In 2020, 1.85 million (95%UI: 1.35-2.43 million) people were blind due to AMD, and another 6.23 million (95%UI: 5.04-7.58) million presented with MSVI globally. High-income countries hadthe highest number of individuals with AMD-related blindness (0.60 million people; 0.46-0.77). The crude prevalence of blindness due to AMD in 2020 (among those aged ≥ 50years) was 0.10% (0.07-0.12) globally, and the region with the highest prevalence of blindness due to AMD was North Africa/Middle East (0.22%; 0.16-0.30). Age-standardized prevalence of MSVI due to AMD in people aged ≥ 50 years in 2020 was 0.34% (0.27-0.41) globally, and the region with the highest prevalence of MSVI due to AMD was also North Africa/Middle East (0.55%; 0.44-0.68). From 2000 to 2020, the crude prevalence of blindness due to AMD decreased globally by 19.29% (19.57 to 19.01%), while the prevalence of MSVI increased by 10.08%(9.81 to 10.34%).
Conclusions:The increase in the number of individuals with AMD-related blindness and MSVI globally due to population growth and ageing urge for creation of novel treatment modalities and the expansion of rehabilitation services.
An unusual Case of Pulmonary Sarcomatoid Carcinoma mimicking Aspergillus
Authors: Qian YingYing , Xu Xia , Li TianLang 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare malignancy with strong invasion and high malignancy, and it contains epithelial cells and sarcoma or sarcoma-like components. Here we reported one case of pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma in a 55-year-old COPD male who presented with wet coughing and hemoptysis, chest CT showed a mass in the left lung. According to tracheoscopy, the patient was initially diagnosed as Aspergillus, but was eventually corrected by histology and Immunohistochemistry of lung puncture specimens. In this study, we describe the diagnostic procedure, as well as chemotherapy and targeted therapy response in this pulmonary sarcomatoid carcinoma patient with EGFR mutation, and review relevant literature.
Thin film ferroelectric photonic-electronic memory
Authors: Zhang Gong , Chen Yue , Zheng Zijie , Shao Rui , Zhou Jiuren , Zhou Zuopu , Jiao Leming , Zhang Jishen , Wang Haibo , Kong Qiwen , Sun Chen , Ni Kai , Wu Jixuan , Chen Jiezhi , Gong Xiao 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
To reduce system complexity and bridge the interface between electronic and photonic circuits, there is a high demand for a non-volatile memory that can be accessed both electrically and optically. However, practical solutions are still lacking when considering the potential for large-scale CMOS compatible integration. Here, we present an experimental demonstration of a non-volatile photonic-electronic memory based on a ferroelectric-silicon ring resonator. We successfully demonstrate programming and erasing the memory using both electrical and optical methods. The memory cell exhibits a high optical extinction ratio of 6.6 dB at a low working voltage of 5 V and an endurance of 4×104 cycles. Furthermore, the multi-level storage capability is analysed in detail, revealing stable performance with a raw bit-error-rate smaller than 8.8×10-3. This ground-breaking work could be a key technology enabler for future hybrid electronic-photonic systems, targeting a wide range of applications such as photonic interconnect, high-speed data communication, and neuromorphic computing.
Morphology and Optical Properties of Wet Chemistry Synthesized Submicron Cepo4:Tb3+ Hollow Spheres
Authors: Trinh Chinh Dung , Le Diep Ngoc , Truong An Thu Thi , Nguyen Nguyen Phuc , Mai Khang Viet , Dang Chien Mau 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study employed a wet chemistry route to synthesize submicron and luminescent CePO4:Tb3+ hollow spheres with citric acid functioning as a structure-directing agent. Citric acid amount, reaction time and temperature, and annealing temperature were found to adjust particles’ size and shape. At 20 mg of citric acid, 35 mins of reaction time at 80 oC, and 500 oC annealing temperature, the CePO4:Tb3+ particles appeared to have a well-defined hollow sphere shape and inner structure with the highest luminescent intensity. The characteristics were revealed by scanning electron microscopy images and photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL). At optimal synthesis conditions, the X-ray diffractometer recorded the crystalline phase conversion from hexagonal to monoclinic, and PL spectra revealed a green emission at 543 nm attributable to [Tb3+] 5D4 – 7F5 transition.
New artificial hematophagy system with attractive polymeric biofilm for maintenance of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the laboratory
Authors: Milech Angelita , Braga Caroline Quintana , Bermann Carolina dos Santos , Souza Jaqueline Ferreira , Fajardo André Ricardo , Vianna Élvia Silveira , Oliveira Camila Belmonte 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Maintaining mosquito colonies in the laboratory implies the need for a blood supply so that females can mature their oocytes and perform oviposition. In this study, a new artificial hematophagy system for colonization and maintenance of Cx quinquefasciatusin the laboratory, was developed and tested.
Methods: We developed an attractive polymeric biofilm with 25% L-lactic acid in its composition, to be used as a membrane in the artificial hematophagy system and compared the feeding rate of females with Parafilm - M®. We also evaluated the oviposition rate, larval survival, and adult emergence of females fed through the attractive biofilm.
Results: The average percentage of females of Cx. quinquefasciatusfed through the Attractive biofilm was 87%, while only 20% engorged with Parafilm-M® (p<0.0001). Feeding through the attractive biofilm developed by us was able to produce high rates of the evaluated biological parameters, the percentage of laying of females who performed artificial hematophagy through the biofilm was 90%, with an average of 158 eggs per raft. Of these eggs, 97% of the larvae hatched, of which 95% reached the pupal stage. The adult emergence rate corresponded to 93% of the pupae.
Conclusions: The attractive biofilm was superior to Parafilm-M® in terms of engorgement rate. In addition, feeding with the biofilm ensured significant rates of the evaluated biological parameters and there was no interference of the biofilm components in the biological parameters.
Acute Epididymo-orchitis in Children Leading to Testicular Ischemia: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Fan Songqiao , Zhang Weiping , He Meng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Epididymo-orchitis is a common pediatric urological emergency, which can typically be managed conservatively with antibiotics. However, if symptoms persist or worsen without an obvious cause, ultrasound evaluation is recommended and surgical exploration may be required.
Case presentation: We report a case of rapidly progressing epididymo-orchitis in a child, leading to testicular ischemia within one day. Intraoperatively we identified that high-tension tunica vaginalis caused compression of the swollen testis, leading to ischemia. After incision and decompression, partial blood flow was restored. However, at follow-up, the affected testicle was significantly reduced in size and hardened, with central ischemia.
Conclusion: In extremely rare cases, epididymo-orchitis can lead to ischemic necrosis of the testicle. This may be due to early spermatic cord compression, for example, by an enlarged thecal tunica vaginalis sac or epididymis. Early invasive treatment can provide better opportunities to preserve the testicles.