bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robotically driven Error Augmentation training enhances post‐stroke arm motor recovery
Authors: Carmeli Eli , Israely Sharon , Barel Haim , Zalesov Oxana , Zaygraykin Natalia , Mansour Rasha , Leisman Gerry 
Published: June 2023

AbstractStroke is a major cause of long‐term functional disability and requires physical rehabilitation. Due to population aging, the number of people post stroke is going to rise. Robotically neurorehabilitation has a great potential to improve outcome measurements. Error Augmentation training using a robotic interface is thought to promote motor recovery by enhancing proprioceptive feedback, which motivates and challenges patients to optimize their performance during training. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of robotic Error Augmentation training on motor recovery after a stroke, compared to standard robotic training in a null field. Post‐stroke patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: a study group (n = 9) that was trained on a 3D robotic system applying Error Augmentation forces, and a control group (n = 7) that carried out the same protocol in null field conditions. The robotic rehabilitation intervention was applied in addition to the standard rehabilitation protocol of the rehabilitation center. Error Augmentation training increased clinical scores compared to standard robotic training by 266% on the Motor Assessment Scale, and 88% on the Fugl‐Meyer scale. The Motor Assessment Scale scores were significantly correlated with the Fugl‐Meyer scores (p = 0.03, r = 0.541). There were more movement errors on the initial trials of the game sequence using the DeXtreme robotic device with Error Augmentation compared to trials with no force field. This difference vanished however after 10 trials. Error Augmentation training decreased the number of movement units and jerkiness compared to the control treatment. There was a robust effect of magnifying the acceleration component of movement using EA on the smoothness of the movement. These findings suggest that EA training may enhance motor performance possibly through motor adaptation. Future study should include EMG to better elucidate the neural mechanisms involved in motor learning post CNS injury.
Synthesis of zeolitic imidazole framework‐8 derived ZnCo layered double hydroxides for the removal of methylene blue from wastewater
Authors: Mutahir Sadaf , Hussain Sufyan , Khan Muhammad Asim , Khan Muhammad Awais Akram , Munawar Khurram Shahzad , Aljohani Mohammed , Huwaimel Bader , Abouzied Amr S. , Alsuhaibani Amnah Mohammed , Refat Moamen S. 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe development of highly efficient and cost‐effective materials for water treatment is paramount and the preparation of metal–organic framework‐derived layer double hydroxide (MOF‐LDH) is an area of great interest. In this study, an innovative adsorbent material zeolitic imidazole framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) derived ZnCo layered double hydroxides was prepared by in situ growth for the adsorption of cationic methylene blue (MB) dye from wastewater. Analytical tools such as FTIR, SEM, and XRD were used to characterize the composite material. Different adsorption parameters like initial dye concentration, pH, temperature, contact time, adsorption mechanisms, and density functional theory (DFT) mechanisms were studied which showed that the derived material significantly enhanced the adsorption capacity which was 502.51 mg/g at pH 11. DFT analyses suggested that MB possessed interaction sites favorable to adsorbent material. The adsorption kinetic model showed that pseudo‐second‐order had a good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.99983) value proposing the chemisorption adsorption phenomenon. Both the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models are well fitted in experimental data as both have good correlation coefficient (R2 = 0.99771) and (R2 = 0.99856) values respectively but the best fit of the adsorption isotherm data was achieved with the Freundlich model, indicating multilayer adsorption characteristics. The experimental and theoretical analyses demonstrated that the fabricated adsorbent is a highly efficient material for the adsorption of organic pollutants from an aqueous medium.
Analysis of a Passive Sampling Device to Assess the Behavior of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Sediments
Authors: Atoufi Hossein D. , Lampert David J. 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are an emerging class of compounds that cause health and environmental problems worldwide. In aquatic environments, PFAS may bioaccumulate in sediment organisms, which can affect the health of organisms and ecosystems. As such, it is important to develop tools to understand their bioaccumulation potential. In the present study, the uptake of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) from sediments and water was assessed using a modified polar organic chemical integrative sampler (POCIS) as a passive sampler. While POCIS has previously been used to measure time-weighted concentrations of PFAS and other compounds in water, in our study, the design was adapted for analyzing contaminant uptake and porewater concentrations in sediments. The samplers were deployed into seven different tanks containing PFAS-spiked conditions and monitored over 28 days. One tank contained only water with PFOA and PFBS, three tanks contained soil with 4% organic matter, and three tanks contained soil combusted at 550 °C to minimize the influence of labile organic carbon. The uptake of PFAS from the water was consistent with previous research using a sampling rate model or simple linear uptake. For the samplers placed in the sediment, the uptake process was explained well using a mass transport based on the external resistance from the sediment layer. Uptake of PFOS in the samplers occurred faster than that of PFOA and was more rapid in the tanks containing the combusted soil. A small degree of competition was observed between the two compounds for the resin, although these effects are unlikely to be significant at environmentally relevant concentrations. The external mass transport model provides a mechanism to extend the POCIS design for measuring porewater concentrations and sampling releases from sediments. This approach may be useful for environmental regulators and stakeholders involved in PFAS remediation. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:2171–2183. © 2023 SETAC
Abstract
(A) A POCIS-based passive sampler accumulates PFAS in sediment pore water,and (B) PFAS uptake from sediments is described by an external mass transportmodel.
Isolation and identification of endophytic actinobacteria from Iris persica and Echium amoenum plants and investigation of their effects on germination and growth of wheat plant
Authors: Oloumi Hakimeh , Khaleghi Moj , Dalvand Ava 
Published: June 2023

AbstractPlant biotechnology helps to develop different types of new products with increased resistance to disease, greater tolerance to drought and salt stress, and better nutritional value. The interaction of plants and microorganisms will play a significant role to achieve this purpose. The aims of this study were to isolate endophyte Actinobacteria strains of some medicinal plants and the investigation of their bioactive potential. 15 Actinobacteria strains were selectively isolated from Persian iris and Echium amoenum plants, and then their belonging to Actinobacteria phylum was confirmed using an Actinobacteria‐specific primer pair. The antioxidant activity of the crude extract obtained from the isolated strains was investigated based on DPPH method. Investigating the antioxidant activity of the crude extract showed that at a concentration of 100 μg/mL, the two strains EG1 and EG2 had 71% and 78% antioxidant activity, respectively. According to the phylogeny studies, it was determined that two strains belonged to the Streptomyces genus. The effect of supernatant achieved from selected endophytic strain on 35‐day wheat plants showed that the supernatant considerably promotes root and shoot growth and chlorophyll content under salinity stress (150 mM NaCl). In general, it can be concluded strains that live symbiotically with medicinal plants are rich sources of bioactive compounds. Therefore, identification of the bioactive compounds in the extract of isolated Actinobacteria from medicinal plants and further studies on their metabolism are suggested.
Extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase‐producing Enterobacteriaceae from ready‐to‐eat foods: Genetic diversity and antibiotic susceptibility
Authors: Liu Yao , Chen Xinghua , Luifu Junwei , Zhao Jing , He Xujun , Xie Tengfei 
Published: June 2023

AbstractReady‐to‐eat (RTE) foods are widely marketed in China and are important components of everyday diet. In this study, a total of 2000 RTE food samples were analyzed, 252 (12.60%) of which were positive for Enterobacteriaceae, and 48 were identified as containing extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing Escherichia coli isolates. Furthermore, the antimicrobial resistance patterns of these isolates to 14 antimicrobial agents revealed that most isolates were resistant to aminoglycosides and β‐lactam antibiotics. The TEM‐type gene was prevalent in our isolates (79.17%). The isolates (n = 48) were classified into three clusters based on the ERIC‐PCR results. Forty‐eight sequence types were found without duplicates, revealing genetic variation and relatedness among isolates. Thus, the results demonstrated the presence of ESBL‐producing Enterobacteriaceae in Chinese RTE foods. The results of this study provide insights into the spread of antibiotic‐resistant strains and improve understanding of microbial risks.
Factors governing consumers buying behavior concerning nutraceutical product
Authors: Jadhav Harsh B. , Sablani Shyam , Gogate Parag , Annapure Uday , Casanova Federico , Nayik Gulzar Ahmad , Alaskar Kamal , Sarwar Nazmul , Raina Irfan Ahmad , Ramniwas Seema , Mousavi Khaneghah Amin 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn recent years, consumers are increasingly attracted to nutraceuticals, an important part of food considered propitious for human health. Therefore, consumers are willingly switching to nutraceuticals and are ready to pay the premium price. This review aims to identify various factors that govern consumer purchasing of nutraceutical products. The outcomes presented in the review provide a closer understanding of consumer attitudes toward buying behavior and their impact on the growth of the global nutraceutical market. The nutraceutical market has been identified depending on the type of nutraceuticals, forms, and regions governing the nutraceutical market. Factors such as health consciousness, knowledge about a product, product availability, price, marketing strategies, and social factors influence consumers' actual buying behavior toward nutraceutical products. A mini survey in Mumbai city of India was conducted to add practical data to the review, and factors affecting consumers' willingness to buy nutraceutical products were identified. It was observed that the decision‐making toward buying nutraceutical products was affected by gender, age, education level, and acculturation. It was also identified that the legislation governing nutraceuticals needs to be harmonized throughout many parts of the world, which restricts the growth of this sector to some extent. The findings elucidate that nutraceutical industries should overcome the regulatory barriers and focus on developing innovative products, which will keep current consumers intact and help increase the consumer base and thus expand the nutraceutical market globally.
Pharmacological potentials of lycopene against aging and aging‐related disorders: A review
Authors: Abir Mehedy Hasan , Mahamud A. G. M. Sofi Uddin , Tonny Sadia Haque , Anu Mithila Saha , Hossain K. H. Sabbir , Protic Ismam Ahmed , Khan Md Shihab Uddine , Baroi Artho , Moni Akhi , Uddin Md Jamal 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAging and aging‐related chronic disorders are one of the principal causes of death worldwide. The prevalence of these disorders is increasing gradually and globally. Considering this unwavering acceleration of the global burden, seeking alternatives to traditional medication to prevent the risk of aging disorders is needed. Among them, lycopene, a carotenoid, is abundant in many fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, grapefruits, and watermelons, and it has a unique chemical structure to be a potent antioxidant compound. This nutraceutical also possesses several anti‐aging actions, including combating aging biomarkers and ameliorating several chronic disorders. However, no systematic evaluation has yet been carried out that can comprehensively elucidate the effectiveness of lycopene in halting the course of aging and the emergence of chronic diseases linked to aging. This review, therefore, incorporates previous pre‐clinical, clinical, and epidemiological studies on lycopene to understand its potency in treating aging disorders and its role as a mimic of caloric restriction. Lycopene‐rich foods are found to prevent or attenuate aging disorders in various research. Based on the evidence, this review suggests the clinical application of lycopene to improve human health and alleviate the prevalence of aging and aging disorders.
Aflatoxins in food products consumed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: A preliminary dietary risk assessment
Authors: Alamir Jumanah , Almaiman Lama , Alrujib Yasser , Alhamidi Rayan , Alowais Bandar , Alhussain Saqer , Aldakheelallah Abdullah , Alkhalaf Majid , Bineid Mohammed 
Published: June 2023

AbstractAflatoxins (AFs) are hepatotoxic, mutagenic, genotoxic, and immunosuppressive toxins. Several food commodities consumed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are susceptible to AF contamination because of improper storage practices and the warm and humid climate of the country. Therefore, the occurrence of AFs in 2388 food samples was measured and the estimated daily intake (EDI) of AFs in Saudi adults was assessed. The risks of AFB1 exposure were characterized using the margin of exposure (MoE) approach and by estimating the number of possible hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases in the KSA. The results revealed that 12.1% of the analyzed samples were contaminated with AFs and the highest concentration of total AFs was observed in the nut and seed group. The mean EDI of AFB1 was estimated to be 0.21 and 0.55 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day for the lower bound (LB) and upper bound (UB) scenarios, respectively. The MoEs were estimated to be 1902.4 and 722.1, while the estimated liver cancer risk ranged from 0.002 to 0.008 cancer cases/year/100,000 persons. Based on the study's findings, contamination with AFs in the KSA is low; however, AFs are considered potent genotoxic contaminants, and therefore, exposure through food should be kept as low as possible.
Thermal modeling of a dual‐purposed snap biopsy acquisition procedure in a suspected cancerous lesion
Authors: Roy Aditya , Thakur Praveen , Dasgupta Debabrata , Bandopadhyay Aditya , Chakraborty Suman 
Published: June 2023

AbstractThe needle‐based biopsy procedure is common in cancer detection and patient‐specific targeted therapy, wherein a tissue sample from the potential diseased site is acquired and frozen instantly with the help of a coolant medium. While liquid nitrogen (LN2) is the most widely used coolant for preserving the acquired sample and performing biopsy tests on the same at a later time, cold ischemia leads to inevitable cell degradation beyond a threshold time. In an effort to circumvent this challenge, here we aim to put forward the concept of an integrated biopsy sample acquisition and cryotherapy procedure, by incorporating an exclusively designed cooling circuit in a conventional biopsy‐needle for freezing the sample in vivo as soon as it is acquired, while causing cryoablation in the surrounding tissues simultaneously. An enthalpy‐based approach is employed to develop a bioheat transfer model for the cryotherapy design, with illustrative simulation data presented for breast cancer. Our model is demonstrated by considering a constant LN2 cooling temperature of 77.15 K, and cooling powers ranging from 2 to 10 W. The model results elucidate procedure‐specific insights such as the thermal penetration depth and the cooling time on being subjected to the cryoablation. The cooling rates thus obtained are further assessed from the simultaneous considerations of cryopreservation and cryosurgery, deriving critical insights on tissue survival and damage for acting as a precursor to patient‐specific treatment planning.
A combined autofluorescence and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy for mucosa tissue diagnosis: Dual‐distance system and data‐driven decision
Authors: Liu Dongyuan , Zheng Jie , Zhang Qi , Zhang Limin , Gao Feng 
Published: June 2023

AbstractCombined autofluorescence (AF) and diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopies have been expected to offer enhanced diagnostic accuracies for noninvasive early detection of mucosa lesions, that is, oral cavity carcinoma and cervical carcinoma. This work reports on a hybrid AF and DR spectroscopic system that is developed for quantification and diagnosis of mucosa abnormalities. The system stability and reliability are firstly assessed by phantom experiments, showing a measurement variation lower than 1% within 20 min. In vitro and in vivo validations are then conducted for tissue identification and lesion differentiation. For enhanced decision, a data‐driven diagnosis algorithm is explored in pilot under different experimental configurations. The results conclude a promising accuracy of >96% for the in vivo classification as well as an excellent sensitivity of >88% for the in vitro mucosa lesions detection, and demonstrate sound potential of the system in early detection of mucosa lesions.
Housing insecurity and employment stability: An investigation of working mothers
Authors: Marçal Katherine E. , Choi Mi Sun , Showalter Kathryn 
Published: June 2023

AbstractLittle evidence informs the relationship between housing insecurity and employment for working mothers. The present study aimed to identify variation in work schedules and supports, as well as the link from housing insecurity to employment experiences in a sample of at‐risk mothers. Latent class analysis identified subtypes of employment stability; multinomial logistic regression estimated links from housing insecurity to class membership. Three subtypes of employment stability emerged, “Full‐Time and Stable,” “Full‐Time and Unstable,” and “Part‐Time Weekend.” Housing insecurity increased risk for being in the “Unstable” class relative to the other classes such that these mothers experienced stressful work schedules that offered little support or flexibility for family and child needs. Identifying and intervening on housing insecurity can promote stable employment. Increased workplace supports such as paid leave, flexible schedules, and antidiscrimination training can better enable mothers to juggle the competing demands of motherhood and work.
Adaptability of melanocytes post ultraviolet stimulation in patients with melasma
Authors: Wang Yen‐Jen , Chang Chang‐Cheng , Wu Yu‐Hung , Huang Ling , Shen Jia‐Wei , Lu Meng‐En , Chiang Hsiu‐Mei , Lin Bor‐Shyh 
Published: June 2023

AbstractBackgroundDynamic in vivo changes in melanin in melasma lesions after exposure to ultraviolet (UV) irradiation have not been described.ObjectivesTo determine whether melasma lesions and nearby perilesions demonstrated different adaptive responses to UV irradiation and whether the tanning responses were different among different locations on face.MethodsWe collected sequential images from real‐time cellular resolution full‐field optical coherence tomography (CRFF‐OCT) at melasma lesions and perilesions among 20 Asian patients. Quantitative and layer distribution analyses for melanin were performed using a computer‐aided detection (CADe) system that utilizes spatial compounding‐based denoising convolutional neural networks.ResultsThe detected melanin (D) is melanin with a diameter >0.5 µm, among which confetti melanin (C) has a diameter of >3.3 µm and corresponds to a melanosome‐rich package. The calculated C/D ratio is proportional to active melanin transportation. Before UV exposure, melasma lesions had more detected melanin (p = 0.0271), confetti melanin (p = 0.0163), and increased C/D ratio (p = 0.0152) in the basal layer compared to those of perilesions. After exposure to UV irradiation, perilesions have both increased confetti melanin (p = 0.0452) and the C/D ratio (p = 0.0369) in basal layer, and this effect was most prominent in right cheek (p = 0.030). There were however no significant differences in the detected, confetti, or granular melanin areas before and after exposure to UV irradiation in melasma lesions in all the skin layers.ConclusionsHyperactive melanocytes with a higher baseline C/D ratio were noted in the melasma lesions. They were “fixed” on the plateau and were not responsive to UV irradiation regardless of the location on face. Perilesions retained adaptability with a dynamic response to UV irradiation, in which more confetti melanin was shed, mainly in the basal layer. Therefore, aggravating effect of UV on melasma was mainly due to UV‐responsive perilesions rather than lesions.
Synthesis and Properties of Bipolar Ladder‐Like Polysiloxane with Carbazole and Triphenylphosphine Oxygen Groups
Authors: Zhao Zhennan , Zhao Haisong , Liu Junteng , Ren Zhongjie 
Published: June 2023

AbstractIn this study, a series of ladder‐like polysiloxanes are synthesized by introducing double‐chain Si–O–Si polymer as the backbone and the carbazole and triphenylphosphine oxide with high triplet energy as side groups. The ladder‐like structures of polysiloxanes are achieved through a controlled polymerization method that involves the monomer self‐assembly and subsequent surface‐restricted solid‐phase in situ condensation through freeze‐drying. The introduction of siloxane improves thermal stability of the polymers and inhibits the conjugation of the polymers between the side groups, leading to an increase in the triplet energy level. Therefore, all these polymers perform higher triplet energy levels than phosphorescent emitter (FIrpic). The cyclic voltammetry measurements demonstrate that the bipolar polymer exhibits a high highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) value of −5.32 eV, which is consistent with the work function of ITO/PEDOT:PSS, consequently facilitating hole injection. Furthermore, the incorporation of triphenylphosphine oxide promotes electron injection. Molecular simulations reveal that the frontier orbital distributions of the bipolar polymer are located on the carbazole and triphenylphosphine groups, respectively, which facilitate the transport of electrons and holes.