bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of organic pollution on the seasonal dynamics of water quality of Hammam Boughrara Dam that is located in a semi-arid zone in the northwestern city of Tlemcen (Algeria)
Authors: Rezak Salima , Bergane Cheikh , Bahmani Abdellah 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The present study aims to assess the impact of human activities on the water quality of Hammam Boughrara Dam, while highlighting the importance of seasonal variations of the organic pollution indicator parameters. The COD/BOD5 Ratio (CBR) values, over the period mentioned above, revealed the dominance of two categories, namely Moderately Biodegradable Effluent (MBE) and Difficult to Biodegrade Effluents (DBE) or Non-Biodegradable Effluents (NBE), with significant seasonal variations. The MBE category showed a maximum frequency in autumn (29 occurrences) and a minimum frequency in spring (20 occurrences), while the DBE or NBE category had a maximum frequency of 26 during winter and a minimum frequency of 21 during the autumn season. The analysis of Organic Pollution Index (OPI) revealed that the water of the dam under study is strongly impacted by organic pollution, with significant seasonal variations. This is confirmed by the predominance of the Organic Pollution (OP) category, with a maximum frequency in autumn and summer seasons (25 occurrences) and minimum in spring (21 occurrences), as well as by the Very Strong Organic Pollution (VSOP) category, with a maximum frequency in winter (23 occurrences) and minimum in summer (11 occurrences). The box-plot graphs showed positive skew, while others exhibited a negative one, with significant seasonal variations in the InterQuartile Range (IQR). It should also be mentioned that the correlation of the Organic Pollution Index (OPI) with the concentrations of NH₄⁺ and PO₄³⁻ ions is higher than that of the OPI with BOD5 and NO₂⁻. However, it must be recognized that the correlation between the OPI and BOD5 as well as NO₂⁻ remains significant at 1% threshold level. Moreover, the correlation coefficients showed significant seasonal variations. It is worth noting that the OPI showed a positive correlation with the dam’s water volume, during all four seasons, with correlation coefficients varying significantly for each season. On the other hand, the OPI exhibited negative correlation with COD, TDS and \({NO}_{3}^{-}\) concentrations in some seasons. In addition, positive correlations were observed between the concentrations of \({NH}_{4}^{+}\)and \({PO}_{4}^{3-}\) ions, as well as between the concentrations of \({NH}_{4}^{+}\) and \({NO}_{2}^{-}\) ions, throughout the four seasons.
Identification of CXCL16 as Diagnostic Biomarker Related to Obesity and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration based on Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Jiahao , Zhang Jian , Zhao Xiaokun , Pan Chongzhi , Liu Yuchi , Luo Shengzhong , Miao Xinxin , Wu Tianlong , Cheng Xigao 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) of the spine stands as the primary cause of neck and back pain. Obesity has been established as a significant risk factor for IDD. The objective of this study is to explore the molecular mechanisms attributable to the influence of obesity on IDD by identifying the overlapping causative genes associated with both conditions. The identification of specific diagnostic biomarker in obese patients with IDD would have crucial clinical implications.We obtained gene expression profiles of GSE70362 and GSE152991 from GEO, followed by their analysis using two machine learning algorithms, Lasso and SVM-RFE, which enabled the identification of CXCL16 as a shared diagnostic biomarker for obesity and IDD. Additionally, In addition, gene set variant analysis (GSVA) was used to explore the potential mechanism of CXCL16 in the disease, and CXCL16 was found to have an effect on disc degeneration by affecting fatty acid metabolism. Further, correlation analysis between CXCL16 and immune cells demonstrated that CXCL16 negatively regulated T helper 17 cells to induce IDD. Finally, independent external datasets (GSE124272 and GSE59034) were used to verify the diagnostic efficacy of CXCL16. In conclusions, a common diagnostic biomarker of obesity and IDD, CXCL16, was identified using a machine learning algorithm, providing a new perspective for exploring possible mechanisms of secondary IDD in obesity.
Real-world effectiveness of GLP-1RAs on Time in Range in pati ents with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Yongru , Chen Jingxian , Chen Fengwu , Zhang Shuo , Deng Feiying , Liang Yun , Zheng Jiaxiong , Duan Yale , Hou Kaijian , Zhao Yue 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Presently, there is a lack of real-world evidence on the efficacy of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) for improving Time in Range (TIR). To address this, we investigated the effect of GLP-1RAs on TIR among type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients in real-world clinical practice. This multi-center, retrospective, real-world study included T2DM patients who previously used a Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) system and received treatment with GLP-1RAs or oral antidiabetic drugs (OADs). According to propensity score matching, 238 patients were equally divided between the GLP-1RA and OAD groups. After 3–6 months of treatment, the TIR for the GLP-1RA and OAD groups was 75.2% and 67.2%, respectively (p < 0.001). The GLP-1RA group displayed a significantly lower Time above Range (TAR) and mean glucose than the OAD group (p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis revealed that, compared with that of liraglutide, administration of semaglutide and polyethylene glycol loxenatide (PEG-Loxe) significantly improved TIR over 3–6 months of treatment (p < 0.001). Taken together, these real-world findings indicate that GLP-1RAs are superior to OADs for improving TIR among T2DM patients and that a once-weekly GLP-1RA may be more effective than a once-daily GLP-1RA.
Research on the antioxidant activity and plant growth-promoting effect of extracts from Fagopyrum esculentum grown under the conditions ofPrimorsky kray, Russia
Authors: Klykov A. G. , Borovaya S. A. , Murugova G. A. , Timoshinova O. A. , Chaikina E. L. , Chingizova E. A. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Currently, a promising direction for the development of organic agriculture is research on the potential and action spectrum of biologically active compounds produced by vascular plants and the improvement of technologies for their application in production. Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) is a plant species with an exceptional ability to produce secondary metabolites, including flavonoids. It was discovered that F. esculentum plants, especially those with red and red-green stems, were a promising source of flavonoid compounds (up to 3%). Buckwheat extracts had high antioxidant activity, which varied from 19.8–99.4% depending on their concentration, and positively influenced root formation in F. esculentum plants. The strongest growth-promoting effect on plant roots was produced by 0.1-1.0% extracts from buckwheat variety Bashkirskaya krasnostebel’naya and local varieties Izumrud and Pri 7 with red and red-green stems. Treating buckwheat plants with the extracts from F. esculentum under the conditions of Primorsky kray (Russia) at the stages of bud formation increased the accumulation rate of flavonoids in their fruits up to 0.22%. The extracts from F. esculentum might be used in organic agriculture as the natural sources of biologically active compounds for promoting the growth of cultivated plants.
An integrated machine learning model for soil category classification based on CPT
Authors: Bai Ruihan , Shen Feng , Zhang Zhiping 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Soil classification is a critical issue in geological engineering, with the Cone Penetration Test (CPT) being an effective in-situ testing technique to record the variation of soil characteristics. Despite many studies that have been conducted on the relationship between CPT parameters and soil categories, analyzing soil in specific areas is essential due to the high uncertainty of geotechnical. In this study, we analyzed CPT parameters and soil categories based on geological soil layers in the Shanghai region. The CPT-based indirect method requires additional geotechnical parameters, which are limited due to the lack of advanced equipment to measure pore pressure in China. To satisfy practical application requirements, we proposed a new CPT-based direct method based on an integrated machine-learning model. By establishing multiple classification models and using Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to determine each model's weights, the results of multiple models were integrated to improve classification accuracy and robustness. The experimental results show that the integrated model has high accuracy and robustness in multiple engineering sites, with significant advantages over conventional CPT-based direct methods.
Mechanical properties of the combined medium-diameter anti-slide piles and tunnels under landslide loads at different sliding zone angles
Authors: Li Tao , Tian Yongtao , Chen Gang , Li Jiaxing , Luo Bo 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The interaction of landslides and existing tunnels in the field of geotechnical engineering is currently a hot research topic. This paper introduces a novel combined medium-diameter pile support system for existing tunnels. The main objective is to investigate the accumulation landslide tunnel as a prototype. The study examines the deformation characteristics of both the existing tunnel and the combined medium-diameter pile support system through a combination of model tests and numerical simulations. The following conclusions were obtained: As the angle of the sliding zone increases, the deformation of the pile body and the tunnel lining structure gradually decreases, leading to a reduction in both earth pressure and bending moment values. When the angle of the sliding zone is ≤ 30°, the horizontal thrust from the landslide has a significant impact on the tunnel lining structure. However, when the angle of the sliding zone >30°, the influence of the horizontal thrust decreases significantly, while the proportion of vertical load on the arch foot gradually increases. Factors such as pile spacing, pile type, and anchorage depth were analyzed through numerical simulation. The findings suggest that for sliding zone angles ≤ 30°, the primary concern lies in the impact of the landslide’s horizontal thrust on the tunnel structure. Conversely, for angles >30°, the attention shifts to the effects of the vertical load induced by the landslide body on the tunnel lining structure.
Nanoencapsulation of Green Tea Catechins : Cellular uptake, Transepithelial transport, and Bioefficacy of Epigallocatechin-3-gallate
Authors: Tyagi Taniya , Kumar G. Phani 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Green tea catechins (GTCs) are known for their anti-oxidant activity due to presence of Epigallaocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Excessive degradation and poor intestinal absorption render it ineffective. Present study is focused on enhancing the cellular uptake and intestinal absorption of EGCG through nanoencapsulated GTCs (GTC-NPs) in Caco-2 cell lines, with the ultimate goal of enhancing its bioefficacy using chitosan nanocarriers. The stability, cytotoxicity and cellular uptake studies of EGCG from GTCs and GTC-NPs were studied. The net flux and net efflux were estimated to understand the overall transepithelial transport in a polarised Caco-2 monolayer. Intestinal absorption prediction studies were carried out at different temperatures as well using different absorption stimulators. H2O2-induced oxidative stress was applied to determine the protective effect of EGCG from GTCs and GTC-NPs. The results of the study showed stability of EGCG from GTCs and GTC-NPs in HBSS buffer (pH 7.4 and pH 6.5) with reducing agent (ascorbic acid) up to 95% and 97%, respectively. Cellular uptake studies showed 3-fold improvement in the uptake of EGCG from GTC-NPs. Transepithelial transport studies have confirmed 5.6-fold increase in flux and 3.9-fold decrease in the efflux of EGCG with nano-encapsulation. The cytotoxicity studies against H2O2-induced oxidative stress confirmed the increased bioefficacy of nano-encapsulated GTCs. These findings are encouraging and demonstrates that the use of EGCG in drug delivery systems with the enhanced bio-asbsorption and bio-efficacy.
Construction and validation of eight cuproptosis-related lncRNAs signature for predicting prognosis and immune response in melanoma
Authors: Guan Yuanyuan , Dong Quping , Deng Huiling , Chen Yuxuan , Wang Jiecong , An Ran 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background:Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is the highly heterogeneous and fatal form of skin cancer with a very high incidence. A recently identified copper-dependent regulated cell death process called cuproptosis has been linked to apoptosis in several tumor species. Nevertheless, its role in melanoma metastasis is unclear. This investigation seeks to investigate the relationship between cuproptosis associated genes (CRGs) and the prognosis of melanoma patients.Methods:The TCGA database was used to find clinical information on patients with SKCM. 80% of the data was randomly selected for analysis. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associated with cuproptosis were identified using the Pearson correlation algorithm. Genes related with cuproptosis were screened from previous studies, and lncRNAs related with them were validated as candidates for prognostic features of SKCM. The least absolute shrinkage selection operator (LASSO) algorithm and univariate as well as multivariate COX regression analyses were used in the study to develop a prognostic model. In addition, the efficacy of this model was confirmed using the remaining 20% of the data.Results: A new prognostic model was established by screening eight lncRNAs associated with cuproptosis. Furthermore, functional enrichment analysis, the immune microenvironment analysis, and immune escape analysis were carried out. The results demonstrated that in the landscape of the immunological microenvironment, the low-risk group exhibited greater immunocompetence than the high-risk group.Conclusions:The tests assessing the reliability and validity of the model demonstrated that the established prognostic model for CRGs can accurately predict the prognosis of melanoma and could be useful in guiding subsequent treatment.
Increased risk of colon cancer with levothyroxine supplementation: A two-sample Mendelian randomized study
Authors: Yao Zhaoying , Wu Guoqing , Li Yao , Zhang Xue , Xia Min , Pan Lulu , Li Huixin , Li Xi , Zhang Dengshan , Tan Xiying 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Purpose
Findings from observational studies have yielded conflicting results on the relationship between levothyroxine supplementation and the beginning of colorectal cancer (CRC). We used the largest genetic epidemiological methods to investigate whether levothyroxine medication treatment is causally associated with new-onset CRC.
Methods
The causal effect of levothyroxine use on the incidence of CRC was investigated using a comprehensive two-sample Mendelian randomization (TSMR) analysis. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for levothyroxine sodium use were identified from Genome-wide association study (GWAS) of UK Biobank. Causal estimate was determined by inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method. To assess the validity of the causality, we also performed additional sensitivity tests.
Results
We included 40 SNPs. Levothyroxine sodium use was associated with an increased risk of CRC (IVW OR = 1.01; 95% CI 1.002–1.019, p = 0.01). No indication of pleiotropy/heterogeneity of effect sizes was found in the current study.
Conclusion
Using a TSMR method, we found that levothyroxine treatment is linked to a greater CRC risk. Our results highlight the need to increase colonic screening among levothyroxine users.
Green pathway for the Construction of Aryl-1,8-Naphthyridine-Thiazole Scaffolds And In Vitro-Antimicrobial Evaluation, DNA-Binding Interactions, Viscosity Measurements, Molecular modeling Studies And ADME Properties
Authors: Sonyanaik Banoth , Ravi Dharavath , kishore Kamal , Shyam Perugu , Sakram Boda 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Environmentally friendly research can be bringing cost-effective technology it is essential and desirable in the current state-of-the-art research. Eco-friendly green synthesis of substituted aryl-1,8-naphthyridine-thiazole-4-carboxamide derivatives and evaluation of their biological studies antibacterial and antifungal activity of all the synthesized compounds demonstrated remarkable in-vitro microbial activity as well as DNA binding studies Viscosity Measurements by electronic absorption spectroscopy. The intrinsic binding constants (Kb) values of (5a-f) molecules with Ct-DNA obtained from UV-Vis spectroscopy. Molecular docking studies results and ADME properties were well complemented to the DNA-binding intercalative studies.
Randomized controlled phase III trial to investigate superiority of robot-assisted gastrectomy over laparoscopic gastrectomy for clinical stage T1-4aN0-3 gastric cancer patients (JCOG1907, MONA LISA study): A study protocol
Authors: Rie Makuuchi , Terashima Masanori , Terada Mitusmi , Mizusawa Junki , Kita Ryosuke , Tokunaga Masanori , Omori Takeshi , Ojima Toshiyasu , Ehara Kazuhisa , Watanabe Masaya , Yanagimoto Yoshitomo , Nunobe Souya , Kinoshita Takahiro , Ito Seiji , Nishida Yasunori , Hihara Jun , Boku Narikazu , Kurokawa Yukinori , Ypshikawa Takaki 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) is considered a standard treatment for clinical stage I gastric cancer. Nevertheless, LG has some drawbacks, such as motion restriction and difficulties in spatial perception. Robot-assisted gastrectomy (RG) overcomes these drawbacks by using articulated forceps, tremor-filtering capability, and high-resolution three-dimensional imaging, and it is expected to enable more precise and safer procedures than LG for gastric cancer. However, robust evidence based on a large-scale randomized study is lacking.
Methods
We are performing a randomized controlled phase III study to investigate the superiority of RG over LG for clinical T1-2N0-2 gastric cancer in terms of safety. In total, 1,040 patients are planned to be enrolled from 46 Japanese institutions over 5 years. The primary endpoint is the incidence of postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications, including anastomotic leakage, pancreatic fistula, and intra-abdominal abscess of Clavien–Dindo (CD) grade ≥ II. The secondary endpoints are the incidence of all CD grade ≥ II and ≥ IIIA postoperative complications, the incidence of CD grade ≥ IIIA postoperative intra-abdominal infectious complications, relapse-free survival, overall survival, the proportion of RG completion, the proportion of LG completion, the proportion of conversion to open surgery, the proportion of operation-related death, and short-term surgical outcomes. The Japan Clinical Oncology Group Protocol Review Committee approved this study protocol in January 2020. Approval from the institutional review board was obtained before starting patient enrollment in each institution. Patient enrollment began in March 2020. We revised the protocol to expand the eligibility criteria to T1-4aN0-3 in July 2022 based on the results of randomized trials of LG demonstrating non-inferiority of LG to open surgery for survival outcomes in advanced gastric cancer.
Discussion
This is the first multicenter randomized controlled trial to confirm the superiority of RG over LG in terms of safety. This study will demonstrate whether RG is superior for gastric cancer.
Trial registration:
The protocol of JCOG1907 was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000039825 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm). Date of Registration: March 16, 2020. Date of First Participant Enrollment: April 1, 2020.
Mechanisms of Silk-Derived Protein (SDP) Hydrolysate Stability within Aqueous Formulation and In Vitro Assessment of NF-kB Inflammatory Pathway Inhibition
Authors: Lawrence Brian D. , Infanger David W. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Background
Silk fibroin is a structural protein that can be regenerated into aqueous solution, and then used for a variety of biomedical and advanced material applications due to its high biocompatibility and controllable material properties. Conversely, fibroin solution can have limited utility due to its inherent physical instability to self-associate into higher order structures. Here we describe a fibroin hydrolysate, termed silk-derived protein (SDP), which mimics the same manufacturing process as aqueous silk fibroin but introduces an additional hydrolysis step.
Methods
The biochemical properties and material stability mechanisms of SDP were characterized through various assessments, including MWD, amino acid content, solubility measurements, surface interaction, and protein secondary structure formation. Additional in vitro studies were undertaken to assess SDP’s ability to inhibit NF-kB-mediated inflammation and mRNA transcription.
Results
SDP was found to have enhanced solubility, stability, and surface wetting properties when added to aqueous formulation reaching over 40% wt./vol. concentration and a viscosity of 140 mPa. Mechanistic stability studies indicate that the combination of heating, pressure and LiBr is required to enhance hydrolysate stability by abolishing fibroin’s ability to self-associate through the formation of β-sheet secondary structures. In vitro assays using the HCLE cell lines indicated SDP had dose dependent potency for inhibiting translocation of the p65 transcription factor into the nucleus with, while showing multi-fold reduction in NF-kB driven TNF-α and MMP-9 gene expression.
Conclusions
Collectively, the results support SDP’s use as an anti-inflammatory wetting agent compatible with a wide range of both biomedical and industrial applications, and offers a sustainable biomaterial alternative to existing anti-inflammatories, surfactants, and demulcents that possess higher toxicity profiles.
Guideline to Guidelines. Implementation of scientific evidence into clinical guidelines
Authors: Koller Akos , Takács Johanna 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background: The knowledge and help provided by the medical guidelines are essential to make informed clinical decisions. However, there are no systematic methods to assess the efficacy of guidelines, i.e., how much contribution they provide to informed decisions in various health conditions.
Methods: A mathematical analysis was developed to assess the efficacy of guidelines. As an example, the “2020 ESC Guidelines on sports cardiology and exercise in patients with cardiovascular disease” (GL-SCE) was analysed/assessed. The analysis was conducted on the Classes of Recommendations (CLASS) and the Levels of Evidence (LEVEL). LEVEL areas under CLASS were calculated to form a Certainty Index (CI:–1 to+1).
Results: The frequency of CLASS I (‘to do’) and CLASS III (‘not to do’) was relatively high in GL-SCE. Yet, the most frequent LEVEL was C, indicating a low quality of scientific evidence. The GL-SCE showed a relatively high CI (+0.57), 78.4% Certainty and 21.6% Uncertainty.
Conclusions: GL-SCE provides a substantial help to decision-making through the recommendations, but the supporting evidence in most CLASS-es has low quality, which is well-reflected in the developed Certainty Index identifying issues that should be clarified and investigated in future studies. We propose that the developed mathematical analysis should be used as a Guideline to Guidelines to assess their efficacy and support their implementation in clinical practice thus providing a ‘quality control’.