bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The preventive role of the red gingeng ginsenoside Rg3 in the treatment of lung tumorigenesis induced by benzo(a)pyrene
Authors: Xiong Jie , Yuan Hongmei , Fei Shihong , Yang Shengli , You Ming , Liu Li 
Published: March 2023

AbstractRed ginseng has been used in traditional medicine for centuries in Asia. In this study, we evaluated four types of red ginseng grown in different areas (Chinese red ginseng, Korean red ginseng A, Korean red ginseng B, and Korean red ginseng C) for their ability to inhibit lung tumor formation and growth induced by the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) in A/J mice and found that Korean red ginseng B was the most effective at lowering the tumor load among the four red ginseng varieties. Moreover, we analyzed the levels of various ginsenosides (Rg1, Re, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, Rb1, Rh1, Rd, Rg3, Rh2, F1, Rk1, and Rg5) in four kinds of red ginseng extract and found that Korean red ginseng B had the highest level of ginsenoside Rg3 (G-Rg3), which suggested that G-Rg3 may play an important role in its therapeutic efficacy. This work revealed that the bioavailability of G-Rg3 was relatively poor. However, when G-Rg3 was coadministered with verapamil, a P-glycoprotein inhibitor, the G-Rg3 efflux in Caco-2 cells was lowered, the small intestinal absorption rate of G-Rg3 in the rat models was increased, the concentration levels of G-Rg3 were elevated in the intestine and plasma, and its tumor-preventive abilities in the tumorigenesis rat model induced by B(a)P were also augmented. We also found that G-Rg3 reduced B(a)P-induced cytotoxicity and DNA adduct formation in human lung cells and rescued phase II enzyme expression and activity through Nrf2 pathways, which may be the potential mechanisms underlying the inhibitory effects of G-Rg3 on lung tumorigenesis. Our study showed a potentially vital role of G-Rg3 in targeting lung tumors in murine models. The oral bioavailability of this ginsenoside was augmented by targeting P-glycoprotein, which allowed the molecule to exert its anticancer effects.
Minimally invasive colonoscopy treatment of inflammatory fibroid polyps in the terminal ileum
Authors: Tang Yin-Si , Liu Lu , Gao Ying , He Qiao-Chu , Guo Hai-Mei , Zhao Zhi-Feng 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo identify the characteristics of inflammatory fibroid polyps (IFP) in the terminal ileum and to investigate the methods, safety, and efficacy of colonoscopic minimally invasive dissection and resection therapies for its treatment. Colonoscopy and colonoscopic ultrasonography were used to diagnose patients with protruding mucosal lesions in the terminal ileum, and the results suggested a high suspicion of IFPs. Colonoscopic minimally invasive dissection and resection were performed for these patients, and IFP was confirmed by postoperative pathological examination and immunohistochemical staining. Twelve cases of IFP from April 2016 to December 2020 in our hospital were examined pathologically and immunohistochemically. The IFPs in the terminal ileum were all successfully excised by colonoscopy. There were no postoperative perforation, bleeding, or recurrence cases during the follow-up. The features of the lesions, as well as the efficacy of colonoscopic minimally invasive dissection and resection, were reviewed. Terminal ileum IFPs have corresponding colonoscopic and endoscopic ultrasonographic features. For IFPs less than 2 cm in size and within 10 cm of the ileocecal valve, removal by colonoscopy was proven less invasive, safe, and effective.
Enhancing earthquake preparedness knowledge and practice among Nepalese immigrants residing in Japan
Authors: Bhandari Aliza K. C. , Rahman Mahbubur , Takahashi Osamu 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study aims at increasing earthquake preparedness knowledge perception and practice among Nepalese immigrants residing in Japan through an educational intervention. A single arm quasi experimental study was conducted among Nepalese immigrants residing in Japan. An educational intervention was prepared along with a 52 itemed questionnaire. In total, 165 participants responded to our questionnaire. Majority of them were male (67.88%), and the mean age was 32.78 years. Generalized equation model showed that the knowledge score of earthquake preparedness was 4.01 points higher immediately after the intervention [95% CI (2.78–5.24), p-value < 0.001] compared to baseline with a further increase by 7.02 points [95% CI (5.96–8.09), p-value < 0.001] at two weeks follow up. However, the practice score increased only by 2.83 points [95% CI (2.51–3.14), p-value < 0.001] immediately after the intervention with a similar increase at two weeks and 12 weeks follow up period [OR: 2.62, 95% CI (2.29–2.96), p-value < 0.001]. The educational intervention, when conducted in native language, can increase both the knowledge and practice score of earthquake preparedness hence, information related to earthquake preparedness in Nepali languages in the government websites of Japan could potentially increase information seeking behavior of people.
Comparison of antioxidant activity in various spirulina containing products and factors affecting it
Authors: Stunda-Zujeva Agnese , Berele Megija , Lece Anna , Šķesters Andrejs 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSpirulina is a popular food supplement known for its high antioxidant activity. Several studies have shown that antioxidant activity fluctuates depending on the combination of ingredients in the food. Fresh spirulina is a growing market trend; however, pure spirulina short shelf life is a strong limitation. This study aims to investigate antioxidant activity of various novel commercial fresh spirulina-containing products and the factors affecting it. Antioxidant activity and total phenolic content of each ingredient and binary combinations of spirulina and apple juices, Japanese quince syrup, or cranberry syrup were measured. Synergic, antagonistic, and additive interactions between samples were determined and expressed using the synergy coefficient. FRAP assay showed apparent synergism of spirulina and all the studied ingredients whereas ABTS and Folin–Ciocalteu methods revealed an antagonistic interaction between spirulina and apple juice. Despite the antagonistic interactions, all the products demonstrated at least the same antioxidant activity as pure fresh spirulina and had longer shelf life than, pointing to their commercial potential.
Utility of novel echocardiographic measurements to improve prenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta
Authors: Fujisaki Takuya , Ishii Yoichiro , Takahashi Kunihiko , Mori Masayoshi , Matsuo Kumiyo , Asada Dai , Aoki Hisaaki , Tsumura Sanae , Iwai Shigemitsu , Kayatani Futoshi 
Published: March 2023

AbstractPrenatal recognition of coarctation of the aorta (CoA) may improve neonatal survival and reduce morbidity. However, prenatal diagnosis of CoA remains challenging, with relatively high false-positive and false-negative rates. This study aimed to identify a novel formula based on fetal echocardiographic measures to predict prenatal identification of CoA. A retrospective comparison on the echocardiographic evaluation of 30 patients with suspected CoA between May 2016 and April 2021 was performed. The patients were divided into a postnatal surgical intervention group (n = 13) and a non-intervention group (n = 17). The measurements that showed significant differences were aortic isthmus diameter Z-score (p < 0.001), ductus arteriosus diameter/aortic isthmus diameter (p < 0.001), and distal aortic arch (DA) index (p < 0.001). In the receiver operating characteristic curves analysis, the DA index was the largest with an area under the curve of 0.941 and a cutoff value of 1.28, with a sensitivity of 85% and a specificity of 94%. Measurement of the DA index improved the diagnostic rate of fetal CoA and a DA index ≧ 1.28 indicated fetal CoA cases requiring surgical intervention.
The effect of SARS-CoV-2 variant on respiratory features and mortality
Authors: Hughes Thomas D. , Subramanian Ajan , Chakraborty Rana , Cotton Shannon A. , Herrera Maria Del Pilar Giraldo , Huang Yong , Lambert Natalie , Pinto Melissa D. , Rahmani Amir M. , Sierra Carmen Josefa , Downs Charles A. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractSARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has caused over 80 million infections 973,000 deaths in the United States, and mutations are linked to increased transmissibility. This study aimed to determine the effect of SARS-CoV-2 variants on respiratory features, mortality, and to determine the effect of vaccination status. A retrospective review of medical records (n = 55,406 unique patients) using the University of California Health COvid Research Data Set (UC CORDS) was performed to identify respiratory features, vaccination status, and mortality from 01/01/2020 to 04/26/2022. Variants were identified using the CDC data tracker. Increased odds of death were observed amongst unvaccinated individuals and fully vaccinated, partially vaccinated, or individuals who received any vaccination during multiple waves of the pandemic. Vaccination status was associated with survival and a decreased frequency of many respiratory features. More recent SARS-CoV-2 variants show a reduction in lower respiratory tract features with an increase in upper respiratory tract features. Being fully vaccinated results in fewer respiratory features and higher odds of survival, supporting vaccination in preventing morbidity and mortality from COVID-19.
Role of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 in the mechanotransduction signaling pathways that link low shear stress with inflammation
Authors: Liu Martin , Panagopoulos Anastasios Nikolaos , Oguz Usama M. , Samant Saurabhi , Vasa Charu Hasini , Agrawal Devendra K. , Chatzizisis Yiannis S. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study sought to investigate the role of triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) in the mechanotransduction signaling pathways that link low shear stress with inflammation. Human coronary artery endothelial cells, human coronary artery smooth muscle cells, and THP-1 monocytes were co-cultured and exposed to varying endothelial shear stress (ESS) conditions: low (5 ± 3 dynes/cm2), medium (10 ± 3 dynes/cm2), and high (15 ± 3 dynes/cm2). We showed that low ESS increased the expression of TREM-1 by the cultured cells leading to increased production of inflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading enzymes, whereas high ESS did not have a significant effect in the expression of TREM-1 and inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, TREM-1 transcriptional inhibition with siRNA in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, and monocytes exposed to low ESS, led to a significant reduction in the production of vascular inflammatory mediators and matrix-degrading enzymes. Additionally, we identified the transcription factors that appear to upregulate the TREM-1 gene expression in response to low ESS. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the pathophysiologic association and molecular pathways that link low ESS, TREM-1, and inflammation using a sophisticated in-vitro model of atherosclerosis. Future studies on animals and humans are warranted to investigate the potential of TREM-1 inhibitors as adjunctive anti-atherosclerotic therapies.
Development of a novel experimental technique for the measurement of residual wall layer thickness in water-oil displacement flows
Authors: Zhang Yao , Barrouillet Benjamin , Chavan Sachin M. , Skadsem Hans Joakim 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThe effective removal and displacement of fluids is important in many industrial and environmental applications, such as for operation and cleaning of process equipment, fluid injection in porous media for oil recovery or aquifer remediation, or for achieving subsurface zonal isolation in new or abandoned wells. The accurate measurement of the residual fluid wall film left behind after displacement by a cleaning fluid is a long-standing challenge, particularly so for very thin fluid films where the thickness can be of the order of micrometer. We focus on the characterization of oil films left on the wall of a horizontal pipe after the pipe has been displaced by water, and develop a novel, non-intrusive analytical technique that allows the use of relevant pipe materials. The oil that originally occupies the pipe is stained by a hydrophobic dye Nile red, and an intermediate organic solvent is used to collect the residual oil volume that remains after displacing the pipe with a known volume of water. Finally, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy is used to measure the Nile red concentration in the collected fluid, which is proportional to the residual volume of oil in the pipe. We demonstrate the methodology by conducting experiments where the displacing fluid is injected at two different imposed velocities, and where the injected fluid volume is varied. As expected, we find a gradual thinning of the oil film with increasing injected fluid volume. We compare the measured film thicknesses to a displacement model based on the steady velocity profile in a pipe, and find that experiments consistently produce smaller film thicknesses. This developed technique allows quantification of displacement and cleaning mechanisms involved in immiscible displacements at laminar, transitional and turbulent regimes, for different non-Newtonian fluid pairs, and for different realistic pipe materials and surface roughnesses.
Distributed dynamic strain sensing of very long period and long period events on telecom fiber-optic cables at Vulcano, Italy
Authors: Currenti Gilda , Allegra Martina , Cannavò Flavio , Jousset Philippe , Prestifilippo Michele , Napoli Rosalba , Sciotto Mariangela , Di Grazia Giuseppe , Privitera Eugenio , Palazzo Simone , Krawczyk Charlotte 
Published: March 2023

AbstractVolcano-seismic signals can help for volcanic hazard estimation and eruption forecasting. However, the underlying mechanism for their low frequency components is still a matter of debate. Here, we show signatures of dynamic strain records from Distributed Acoustic Sensing in the low frequencies of volcanic signals at Vulcano Island, Italy. Signs of unrest have been observed since September 2021, with CO2 degassing and occurrence of long period and very long period events. We interrogated a fiber-optic telecommunication cable on-shore and off-shore linking Vulcano Island to Sicily. We explore various approaches to automatically detect seismo-volcanic events both adapting conventional algorithms and using machine learning techniques. During one month of acquisition, we found 1488 events with a great variety of waveforms composed of two main frequency bands (from 0.1 to 0.2 Hz and from 3 to 5 Hz) with various relative amplitudes. On the basis of spectral signature and family classification, we propose a model in which gas accumulates in the hydrothermal system and is released through a series of resonating fractures until the surface. Our findings demonstrate that fiber optic telecom cables in association with cutting-edge machine learning algorithms contribute to a better understanding and monitoring of volcanic hydrothermal systems.
Pedestrian multiple-object tracking based on FairMOT and circle loss
Authors: Che Jin , He Yuting , Wu Jinman 
Published: March 2023

AbstractMulti-object Tracking is an important issue that has been widely investigated in computer vision. However, in practical applications, moving targets are often occluded due to complex changes in the background, which leads to frequent pedestrian ID switches in multi-object tracking. To solve the problem, we present a multi-object tracking algorithm based on FairMOT and Circle Loss. In this paper, HRNet is adopted as the baseline. Then, Polarized Self-Attention is added to HRNet-w32 to obtain weights of helpful information based on its modeling advantages. Moreover, the re-identification branch is optimized, and the Circle Loss is selected as the loss function to acquire more discriminative pedestrian features and to distinguish different pedestrians. The method proposed is assessed on the public MOT17 datasets. The experimental results show that the MOTA score achieves 69.5%, IDF1 reaches 70.0%, and the number of ID switches (IDs) decreases 636 times compared to the TraDes algorithm.
Geriatric nutritional risk index as a prognostic marker for patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma receiving radical nephroureterectomy
Authors: Chang Li-Wen , Hung Sheng-Chun , Chen Chuan-Shu , Li Jian-Ri , Chiu Kun-Yuan , Wang Shian-Shiang , Yang Cheng-Kuang , Lu Kevin , Chen Cheng-Che , Wang Shu-Chi , Lin Chia-Yen , Cheng Chen-Li , Ou Yen-Chuan , Yang Shun-Fa 
Published: March 2023

AbstractTo investigate the prognostic value of the geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) in patients with upper tract urothelial cell carcinoma (UTUC) receiving radical nephroureterectomy (RNU). Between January 2001 and December 2015, we enrolled 488 patients with UTUC underwent RNU in Taichung Veterans General Hospital. GNRI before radical surgery was calculated based on serum albumin level and body mass index. The malnutritional status was defined as GNRI < 92.0. Using Kaplan–Meier analyses and Cox proportional hazards models to analyze the risk factors on disease-free survival (DFS), cancer-specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS). 386 patients were categorized as normal nutritional status (GNRI ≥ 92) and 102 patients as malnutritional status (GNRI < 92). We used the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for determined the association between GNRI and OS, with area under the curve (AUC) being 0.69. The 5-year survival rate of DFS, CSS and OS were 48.6%, 80.5% and 80.5% in the normal nutritional group and 28.0%, 53.2% and 40% in the malnutritional group. Using the multivariate analysis, malnutritional status was found as an independent risk factor for OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.94, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.70–5.74), together with age (HR = 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.06), surgical margin positive (HR = 1.78, 95% CI 1.13–2.82), pathological T3 (HR = 2.54, 95% CI 1.53–4.21), pathological T4 (HR = 6.75, 95% CI 3.17–14.37) and lymphovascular invasion (HR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.16–2.81). We also found GNRI index as independent risk factor in DFS (HR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.42–2.54) and CSS (HR = 5.42, 95% CI 3.24–9.06). Preoperative malnutritional status with low GNRI is an independent marker in predicting DFS, CSS and OS in UTUC patients underwent RNU.
Computational and experimental investigations of the giant dielectric property of Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics
Authors: Boonlakhorn Jakkree , Suksangrat Punpatsorn , Sarakorn Weerachai , Krongsuk Sriprajak , Thongbai Prasit , Srepusharawoot Pornjuk 
Published: March 2023

AbstractA modified sol-gel method was used to successfully produce Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics with high dielectric permittivity. The dielectric permittivity of Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics reaches values larger than 104 at room temperature and 1 kHz. Moreover, these ceramics exhibit two distinct thermally induced dielectric relaxations over a broad temperature range. The loss tangent is indeed small, ~0.032–0.035. At low temperatures, dielectric relaxation was attributed to the oxygen vacancy effect, while at high temperatures, it was attributed to grain boundary and sample-electrode contact effects. Our calculations revealed that Y and Na ions are likely to occupy Ca and Cu sites, respectively. As a result, other Cu related phases, especially CuO, were observed at the grain boundaries. Based on our analysis, there is a charge compensation between Na and Y ions in Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12. Additionally, the Cu+ and Ti3+ states observed in our XPS study originate from the presence of an oxygen vacancy in the lattice. Last, the primary cause of the enormous dielectric permittivity of Na1/2Y1/2Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics primarily comes from the internal barrier layer capacitor effect.
Comparative efficacy of a novel Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic and pharmacological zinc oxide on growth performance and gut responses in nursery pigs
Authors: Sudan Sudhanshu , Fletcher Lauren , Zhan Xiaoshu , Dingle Serena , Patterson Rob , Huber Lee-Anne , Friendship Robert , Kiarie Elijah G. , Li Julang 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this study, we assessed the efficacy of a novel Bacillus subtilis probiotic in improving growth performance and gut responses in comparison to pharmacological zinc oxide (ZnO) in nursery pigs. A total of 96 piglets were randomly assigned to four groups: Negative control (NC), Positive control (PC, 3000 mg Zn /kg feed), B.subtilis low dose (BS9-L, 2 × 107 CFU/pig) and B.subtilis high dose (BS9-H, 2 × 109 CFU/pig). Growth performance, diarrhea rate, gut mucosal gene expression and fecal microbial populations were evaluated. B.subtilis administration did not improve piglet bodyweight. BS9-L showed (P < 0.05) higher average daily gain (ADG) in Period 2 (D14-D28). BS9 groups had (P < 0.001) lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) in Period 2 (D14-D28) and overall. Like the ZnO-group, BS9 groups had lower (P < 0.01) diarrhea rate. A significant reduction (P < 0.05) in fecal E. coli, total coliforms, and an increase in lactic acid bacteria and Bacillus spp. in BS9 groups was observed. BS9 group had reduced (P < 0.05) mRNA levels of intestinal IL-8 and higher levels of MUC-1 and occludin and TJP-1 compared to negative control. These findings suggest that probiotic BS9, may promote growth performance, and ameliorate various indicators of intestinal health in piglets. Hence, it may serve as a prospective alternative to ZnO growth promoter in commercial swine production.
Electrospun nanofibers of cellulose acetate/metal organic framework-third generation PAMAM dendrimer for the removal of methylene blue from aqueous media
Authors: Heidari Yasaman , Noroozian Ebrahim , Maghsoudi Shahab 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn this research, magnetic metal–organic framework nanofibers were produced by the electrospinning method. The nanocomposite was functionalized by third generation hyperbranched poly(amidoamine) dendrimer (PAMAM) to improve its dye adsorption efficiency from aqueous media. The characteristics of the synthesized magnetic nanocomposite was determined by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) along with elemental mapping analysis and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Central composite design (CCD) based on response surface methodology (RSM) was performed to optimize the adsorption variables and the values of coefficient of determination (R2) and adjusted R2 were 0.9837 and 0.9490, respectively. The results obtained demonstrated remarkable properties of the synthesized nanofiber as adsorbent for methylene blue from aqueous solutions with the removal efficiency of 95.37% and maximum methylene blue (MB) adsorption capacity of 940.76 mg g−1 under optimized conditions. In addition, it was shown that kinetics and adsorption isotherm of the dye removal process followed Langmuir and pseudo-second-order models, respectively. Thermodynamic study of the dye removal indicated that the process was spontaneous and favorable at higher temperatures. Also, the reusability study shows favorable dye removal efficiency of 80.67% even after 4 cycles. To investigate the performance of the adsorbent for the removal of MB in real samples, a sewage sample from a local hospital was used. The result showed good efficiency of the adsorbent.