bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective release of Ciprofloxacin and Rifampicin antibiotics from alginate-chitosan complex and its application against clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nejabatdoust Armin , Mirmiran Seyyed Danial , Salehzadeh Ali , Masouleh Farzaneh Reza 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study aimed to characterize the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of ciprofloxacin (CIP) and rifampicin (RMP) loaded on the calcium alginate (CaAlg) backbone through the electrostatic interaction of CaAlg/antibiotic (s) and chitosan-TPP nanoparticles (Cs-TPP NPs). The shape and functional groups were identified by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. SEM images show that the nanoparticles are spherical and granular with an average size of about 100–500 nm. FT-IR results showed bonds corresponding to the Cs-TPP NPs and CaAlg-Antibiotics (CaAlg-CIP, CaAlg-RMP) after the loading process. The tube adherence method (TM) was used to screen potent biofilm producers. The anti-biofilm capacity of Cs/CaAlg-CIP and Cs/CaAlg-RMP, along with free antibiotics was used against clinical strains in the tube method and results showed that the use of sub-MICs of nano-drugs (1/2 MIC) inhibited biofilm formation in the tested strains compared to free CIP and RMP (P < 0.05). The potential antimicrobial effect of Cs/CaAlg-CIP and Cs/CaAlg-RMP NPs against clinical strains was also evaluated using minimum inhibitory concentration (MICs) and a time-depending killing method. A robust inhibitory effect on bacterial growth even at low concentrations of Cs/CaAlg-CIP and Cs/CaAlg-RMP NPs (CONC 4 and 2 µg.mL─1) was observed compared with free drugs (CIP at 32 and RMP at 8.0 µg.mL─1), (P < 0.05). The time-kill kinetics assay showed that Cs/CaAlg-CIP and Cs/CaAlg-RMP NPs had faster and more lasting antibacterial effects than the free drug (s) on the tested strains. This study shows that loading CIP and RMP into CaAlg scaffolds and complexes with chitosan-TPP nanoparticles using the emulsification/internal gelation method increases the antimicrobial activity of antibiotics against clinical strains of S. aureus and thus might serve as a new type of antimicrobial compounds for the treatment of bacterial infections.
Gender-specific Vulnerability on Climate Change and Food Security Status - A catchment approach on agroforestry systems - a multi-country case study
Authors: Amare Zerihun Yohannes , Freyer Bernhard , Stephane Ky Serge , Adama Ouéda , Mudombi Blessing , Nzuma Jean , Abebe Mekonen Getachew , Tesfaye Adane , Atinkut Birtukan , Asmamaw Tesfahun 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The objective of this study was to assess gender specific smallholder farmers’ vulnerability levels against CC and food security, and the specific role of Agroforestry System. The study was conducted in Ethiopia (Zege Catchment) (ZC), Zimbabwe (Upper Save Catchment) (USC), and Burkina Faso (Nakambe Catchment) (NC).
The study employed a quantitative approach (n= 180) with a complement of a qualitative approach (n= 33 key informant interviews and 6 focus group discussions).
Households in ZC (58%), in NC (55%), and US (40%) do not cover their household food consumption from crop production. The focus group discussion and key informants’ interviews result confirmed that households are highly dependent in perennial (cash crops like Coffee, Mango, and Avocado) production than annual crop production. Exposure indicators in ZC (0.758), USC (0.774) and NC (0,944); and sensitivity indicators in ZC (0.849), and NC (0.937) are statistically significant and highly correlated with vulnerability and in the USC, the adaptive capacity (0.746) and exposure (0.774) are statistically significant and highly correlated with vulnerability.
Vulnerability levels of the NC are very high (0.75) (0.85 female and 0.65 male participants) as compared to the USC (0.66) (0.69 female and 0.61 male participants) and ZC (0.47) (0.34 female and 0.58 male participants). Female-headed households had statistically significantly lower vulnerability index compared to male in ZC, while male-headed households had statistically significantly lower vulnerability index compared to female in USC and in NC. The reason is land certification in ZC (80%), higher than US (10%) and NC (8%), which contribute is strengthening land holding rights of women.
Agroforestry practices variables across the study catchments had statistically significant contribution for households’ adaptive capacity. For example, average income (0.804) and TLU (0.780) in ZC and TLU (0.629) in USC; and average income (0.812), and TLU (0.705) in NC has the highest load and positively associated with adaptive capacity. In NC, households with no accessibility of agroforestry information (-0.745) have a significant negative correlation with adaptive capacity. We conclude that, agroforestry practices do have substantial benefit to increase women adaptive capacity and reduce their vulnerability to climate change and food insecurity.
Orbital Fractures Treated in a University Hospital of Southern Italy: Epidemiology, Outcomes and Prognostic Factors Resulting From 538 Retrospectively Analyzed Cases.
Authors: Colangeli Walter , Ferragina Francesco , Kallaverja Elvis , Celano Chiara , Cristofaro Maria Giulia 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Purpose: Orbital fractures are common injuries and represent an interesting chapter in maxillofacial surgery. This retrospective study analyses data collected from 528 patients surgically treated at the University Hospital "Magna Graecia", Catanzaro, Italy, from 1st January 2007 to 31st January 2021.
Methods: The inclusion criteria were diagnosis of orbital bone fracture, complete clinical and radiological records, and a minimum follow-up of 12 months. Gender, age, aetiology, fracture type, treatment, surgery timing, and associated complications were analysed.
Results: The most frequent cause of trauma was road accidents (37.88%), followed by domestic accidents (25.95%). The manifestation of diplopia (72.35%), infraorbital nerve hypoesthesia (53.41%), extrinsic eye movement limitation (51.70%), and enophthalmos (41.29%), determined the indication for surgery. The sub-eyelid approach was preferred (79.36%). The study shows a statistical significance in the correlation between the severity of the herniation of the lower rectus muscle and the presence of preoperative diplopia (p-value = 0.00416); the same statistical significance has been found for the post-postoperative diplopia (p-value = 0.00385). Patients treated after two weeks after the trauma show a higher rate of diplopia and a greater limitation of long-term post-operative eye movements than those treated within two weeks (diplopia 23.08% vs. 15.56%; eye movements limitation 13.33% vs. 7.69%). Early surgical treatment (>14 days) appears to reduce the likelihood of functional and structural damage to the lower rectus muscle.
Conclusion: Our data will support future maxillofacial traumatology studies and the education and prevention measures taken will reduce the incidence of orbital trauma.
Update on the abundance and distribution of Macaroni penguins (Eudyptes chrysolophus) in the Antarctic Peninsula region
Authors: Hallet Madeline , Lynch Heather J. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Several studies have examined the potential impacts of climate change on the abundance and distribution of Antarctic penguin species, particularly in the genus Pygoscelis. However, less attention has been given to traditionally sub-Antarctic penguin species. The Macaroni penguin (Eudyptes chrysolophus) is one such sub-Antarctic species whose presence in Antarctica has historically been restricted to colonies on the South Shetland Islands and adjacent islands, but their status in the region has not been updated in decades. We compiled census data on all known Macaroni penguin breeding colonies in the Antarctic Peninsula region in order to estimate the total Antarctic population. We estimate a population of 8,053 breeding pairs for the region, which represents an approximately 10.7% increase since the last regional census in 1993. We identify local population changes at different colonies in comparison to historical census data. We also identify vagrant sightings in the region, as they may reflect prospecting of new breeding habitat, especially as ice-free areas continue to expand due to climate change. Our assessment identifies the South Shetland Islands and South Orkney Islands as notable data gaps.
Fe-doped Carbon Dots: A Novel Biocompatible Nanoplatform for Multi-level Cancer Therapy
Authors: Yang Mingxi , Li Haiqiu , Liu Xinchen , Huang Lei , Zhang Boya , Liu Kexuan , Xie Wangni , Cui Jing , Li Daowei , Lu Laijin , Sun Honchen , Yang Bai 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Tumor treatment still remains a clinical challenge, requiring the development of biocompatible and efficient anti-tumor nanodrugs. Carbon dots (CDs) have become promising nanomedicines for cancer therapy due to its low cytotoxicity and easy customization.
Results
Herein, we introduced a novel type of “green” nanodrug for multi-level cancer therapy utilizing Fe-doped carbon dots (Fe-CDs) derived from iron nutrient supplement. With no requirement for target moieties or external stimuli, the sole intravenous administration of Fe-CDs demonstrated unexpected anti-tumor activity, completely suppressing tumor growth in mice. Continuous administration of Fe-CDs for several weeks showed no toxic effects in vivo, highlighting its exceptional biocompatibility. The as-synthesized Fe-CDs could selectively induce tumor cells apoptosis by BAX/Caspase 9/Caspase 3/PARP signal pathways and activate antitumoral macrophages by inhibiting the IL-10/Arg-1 axis, contributing to its significant tumor immunotherapy effect. Additionally, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process was inhibited under the treatment of Fe-CDs by MAPK/Snail pathways, indicating the capacity of Fe-CDs to inhibit tumor recurrence and metastasis.
Conclusions
A three-level tumor treatment strategy from direct killing to activating immunity to inhibiting metastasis was achieved based on “green” Fe-CDs. Our findings reveal the broad clinical potential of Fe-CDs as a novel candidate for anti-tumor nanodrugs and nanoplatform.
Crim1 involves in mechanical overloading-caused extracellular matrix degradation and type H vessels formation through the FAK-MAPK signaling pathway in osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Gang , Wang Tongyi , Yang Fei , Xue Bin , Zhang Pengfei , Kang Hui , Sang Chenglin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common bone disease with the high disability rate. Mechanical overloading is vital for the pathogenesis of OA, and the precise mechanisms by which mechanical overloading regulates chondrocytes remain largely unclear.
Methods
The expression of Crysteine-Rich Transmembrane BMP Regulator-1 (Crim1) was assessed in vitro, in mice with experimental OA, and in cartilage of humans with OA. Destabilized medial meniscus surgery was performed to induce OA and mice with Crim1 knockout in chondrocytes were made. The effects of Crim1 gene silencing in chondrocytes on extracellular matrix metabolism and angiogenesis were observed in vivo and in vitro.
Results
Elevated the Crysteine-Rich Transmembrane BMP Regulator-1 (Crim1) levels are found in OA patients and OA mouse model. The silencing of Crim1 in human chondrocytes significantly alleviates the imbalance of extracellular matrix metabolism induced by mechanical overloading. Furthermore, chondrocytes with silenced Crim1 inhibits tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and endothelial cells migration through VEGF production. Col2a1cre; Crim1flox/flox mice protects against the development of OA by alleviating the degradation of articular cartilage and inhibiting the formation of type H vessels in the subchondral bone. Mechanistically, Crim1 is involved in the activation of the FAK/MAPK signaling pathway by mechanical overloading in chondrocytes.
Conclusions
The findings indicate that Crim1 is a promising candidate for targeting in the regulatory network of OA.
A Meta-Analysis for the Association of MATN1 Gene rs20566 Polymorphism with Mandibular Prognathism
Authors: Kurmi Pooja , Bhaskar LVKS 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Mandibular prognathism (MP) is disfigurement of mandible which can be seen as an overgrowth of mandible without proper development of maxilla. Matrilin-1 was shown to regulate the formation of cartilage matrix and to promote chondrocyte differentiation. The aim of this meta-analysis is to synthesize evidence regarding the link between MP risk and the rs20566 polymorphism in the MATN1 gene. Relevant publications were retrieved by searching the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The association between MP and the MATN1 gene rs20566 polymorphism was assessed by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs. Between study heterogeneity was identified using Cochrane Q test and I2 statistics. To assess robustness of the meta-analysis sensitivity analysis was performed. Funnel plots and Egger’s test were used to know publication bias. The web tool MetaGenyo was used to conduct a meta-analysis. A total of three Asian studies with 246 MP subjects and 204 healthy controls were eventually taken for meta-analysis. Overall, the MATN1 rs20566 polymorphism is not associated with elevated risk of MP (Dominant genetic model / AA + AG versus GG OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 0.32–5.67). The degree of heterogeneity is found to be large as it falls between 75–100% (I2=89% p = < 0.01). Furthermore, this meta-analysis provides no evidence of publication bias (p = 0.696). In conclusion, this meta-analysis did not provide the evidence for the link between MATN1 gene polymorphism in MP. As the present meta-analysis included only three studies related Asian populations and results also conflict with the biological plausibility that matrilin-1 levels modulate cartilage development, need careful interpretation and future research.
Predicting preterm birth using machine learning techniques in oral microbiome
Authors: Hong You Mi , Lee Jaewoong , Cho Dong Hyu , Jeon Jung Hun , Kang Jihoon , Kim Min-Gul , Lee Semin , Kim Jin Kyu 
Published: July 2023

AbstractBackgroundPreterm birth prediction is essential for improving neonatal outcomes. While many machine learning techniques have been applied to predict preterm birth using health records, inflammatory markers, and vaginal microbiome data, the role of prenatal oral microbiome remains unclear. This study aimed to compare oral microbiome compositions between a preterm and a full-term birth group, identify oral microbiome associated with preterm birth, and develop a preterm birth prediction model using machine learning of oral microbiome compositions.MethodsParticipants included singleton pregnant women admitted to Jeonbuk National University Hospital between 2019 and 2021. Subjects were divided into a preterm and a full-term birth group based on pregnancy outcomes. Oral microbiome samples were collected using mouthwash within 24 hours before delivery and 16S ribosomal RNA sequencing was performed to analyze taxonomy. Differentially abundant taxa were identified using DESeq2. A random forest classifier was applied to predict preterm birth based on the oral microbiome.ResultsA total of 59 women participated in this study, with 30 in the preterm birth group and 29 in the full-term birth group. There was no significant difference in maternal clinical characteristics between the preterm and the full-birth group. Thirty-two differentially abundant taxa were identified, including 26 full-term birth-enriched taxa and six preterm birth-enriched taxa. The random forest classifier achieved high balanced accuracies (0.778 ± 0.061) using the 20 most important taxa.ConclusionOur study identified 32 differentially abundant taxa that could differentiate preterm and full-term birth groups. A preterm birth prediction model was developed using machine learning of oral microbiome compositions in mouthwash samples. Findings of this study suggest the potential of using oral microbiome for predicting preterm birth. Further multi-center and larger studies are required to validate our results before clinical applications.
Effects of combined application of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut microflora and systemic inflammation levels of weaned piglets
Authors: Wei Kai , Yang Xia , Zhao Huasheng , Chen Huanchun , Bei Weicheng 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
Our previous study found that benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin have synergistic bactericidal effect, and the improvement effect of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin on the growth performance and diarrhea of weaned piglets was better than that of the two feeding alone. However, it is not clear how the combination of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin affects the growth performance of weaned piglets. Therefore, 100 weaned piglets (mean weight 7.03 ± 1.04 kg, mean weaning age 26 d) were randomly divided into 2 groups: (1) basal diet control group (CON); (2) basal diet supplemented with 0.6% benzoic acid and 0.1% 1-monolaurin experimental group (CA). The experiment lasted from day 1 to day 28 after weaning. The effects of benzoic acid and 1-monolaurin supplementation on growth performance, apparent digestibility of nutrients, intestinal flora composition and function, and systemic inflammation level of weaned piglets were investigated.
Results
And it turns out, the feed conversion efficiency of piglets in CA group during 15–28 d and 1–28 d after weaning was significantly higher than that in CON group (P < 0.05), and the proportion and frequency of diarrhea of piglets in CA group 1–14 days after weaning were significantly reduced (P < 0.05). The apparent digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein of piglets in CA group were significantly higher than that in CON group on the 14 d and 28 d of the experiment (P < 0.05). The microbial composition in cecal digesta of piglets was detected. The results showed that piglets in CA group were significantly enriched in g_YRC22 at day 14 and g_Treponema, g_Pseudomonas and g_Lachnobacterium at day 28 (P < 0.05; log LDA > 2). There was no significant difference in the content of short-chain fatty acids between CON and CA group. In addition, compared with CON group, serum IL−1β level in CA group was significantly decreased at day 28 and serum endotoxin content was significantly decreased at day 14.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.6% benzoic acid and 0.1% 1-monolauryl improved growth performance and nutrient digestibility, affect gut microflora composition, and reduce systemic inflammatory response and intestinal permeability of weaned piglets. This provides a theoretical basis for the application of benzoic acid and 1-monolauryl on weaned piglets.
An efficient image cryptosystem based on the residue number system and hybrid chaotic maps
Authors: Kari Ahmad Pourjabbar , Ghomian Taher 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This paper presents a new method for encrypting gray-scale digital images. The proposed method uses a combination of the residue number system and chaotic maps to avoid the complexities of high-dimensional chaotic maps and improve the security of encryption and processing speed. In this method, the image pixel coordinates confusion operation is performed by Arnold's cat map, and the pixel content diffusion step is performed in two phases. In the first phase, the contents of the image pixels are converted to the introduced {(r-1)a, rb, (r + 1)c} residue number system and stored in a matrix. At the same time, a chaotic system produces a combination of Sinusoidal and Logistic maps of chaotic sequences, and after quantization, they are converted into the introduced residue number system and stored in another matrix of the same size. In the second phase of diffusion, XOR operation is performed between these two matrices. The implementation results show that the use of the residue number system, in addition to improving the evaluation parameters, improves the processing time, and the average processing time for encryption is 0.15 seconds. Also, the uniform histogram, the entropy of about 8, and the correlation coefficient close to 0 of the encrypted images all demonstrate the high security of the proposed method.
Increased cerebral lactate levels in adults with autism spectrum disorders compared to non-autistic controls: a magnetic resonance spectroscopy study
Authors: Maier Simon , Nickel Kathrin , Lange Thomas , Oeltzschner Georg , Dacko Michael , Endres Dominique , Runge Kimon , Schumann Anke , Domschke Katharina , Rousos Michalis , Elst Ludger Tebartz van 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a heterogeneous group with varied phenotypes and etiologies. Identifying pathogenic subgroups could facilitate targeted treatments. One promising avenue is investigating energy metabolism, as mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in a subgroup of ASD. Lactate, an indicator of energy metabolic anomalies, may serve as a potential biomarker for this subgroup. This study aimed to examine cerebral lactate (Lac+) levels in high-functioning adults with ASD, hypothesizing elevated mean Lac+ concentrations in contrast to neurotypical controls (NTCs).
Materials and Methods: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) was used to study cerebral Lac+ in 71 adults with ASD and NTC, focusing on the posterior cingulate cortex (PCC). After quality control, 64 ASD and 58 NTC participants remained. Lac+ levels two standard deviations above the mean of the control group were considered elevated.
Results: Mean PCC Lac+ levels were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the NTC group (p=0.028; Cohen's d = 0.404), and 9.4% of the ASD group had elevated levels as compared to 0% of the NTCs (p=0.029). No significant correlation was found between blood serum lactate levels and MRS-derived Lac+ levels.
Limitations: A cautious interpretation of our results is warranted due to a p-value of 0.028. In addition, a higher than anticipated proportion of data sets had to be excluded due to poor spectral quality.
Conclusion: This study confirms the presence of elevated cerebral Lac+ levels in a subgroup of adults with ASD, suggesting the potential of lactate as a biomarker for mitochondrial dysfunction in a subgroup of ASD. The lower-than-expected prevalence (20% was expected) and moderate increase require further investigation to elucidate the underlying mechanisms and relationships with mitochondrial function.