bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on the influence of expansive soil slope on bridge foundation under excavation and rainfall conditions
Authors: Yang Li‐gong , Ji Wen‐dong , Zhang Yu‐ting 
Published: May 2023

AbstractExpansive soil is a kind of special soil that mainly composes of hydrophilic minerals and has significant deformation characteristics of water absorption expansion and water loss shrinkage. The characteristics often bring great harms to engineering construction. Relying on the bridge foundation on the expansive soil slope of the Yangtze‐to‐Huaihe Water Diversion Project, this study simulates the humidity field with temperature field for expansive soil using the numerical simulation method when short‐term or long‐term rainfall occurs during slope excavation. The horizontal deformation of bridge foundation on expansive soil slope considering four factors such as self‐weight of slope soil, excavation unloading rebound, hygroscopic expansion of expansive soil, and decrease of soil strength caused by change of water content was studied herein. The research results show that during the excavation process, the bridge foundation produces a horizontal displacement towards the top of the slope, and the rainfall after excavation introduces a decrease to the horizontal displacement of the bridge foundation and gradually develops in the opposite direction. During the excavation process, the rebound of slope excavation is the main factor affecting the horizontal displacement of the bridge foundation. Under short‐term rainfall conditions, the hygroscopic expansion of the slope soil becomes the main influencing factor. Under long‐term rainfall conditions, the main influencing factors of horizontal deformation of bridge foundation are the self‐weight of slope soil and the decrease of soil's strength.
Combination of HPLC–orbitrap‐MS/MS and network pharmacology to identify the anti‐inflammatory phytochemicals in the coffee leaf extracts
Authors: Mei Suhuan , Chen Xiumin 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the phytochemical compositions and the associated anti‐inflammatory activity of coffee leaf fractions prepared by sequential solvent extraction using high‐performance liquid chromatography–orbitrap‐tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–orbitrap‐MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology. The results showed that the ethyl acetate fraction (EAC‐L) had the highest nitric oxide (NO), ABTS, and DPPH free radical scavenging abilities due to the higher concentrations of mangiferin, rutin, 3,5‐dicaffeoylquinic acid (3,5‐diCQA), and 4,5‐diCQA. The extraction solvents had the greatest impact on the anti‐inflammatory activity of coffee leaf fractions, whereas the processing method had the most significant effect on the antioxidant activity of these fractions. Untargeted metabolomics analysis using HPLC–orbitrap‐MS/MS indicated that palmitic acid, 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and caffeic acid may be involved in the anti‐inflammatory activity of EAC‐L fraction obtained from fresh coffee leaves. On the other hand, processed coffee leaf fraction exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity that was attributed to the presence of 9S,13R‐12‐oxophytodienoic acid, pinocembrin, and quercetin, which have high degree values associated with the inflammation network. Gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes enrichment of network pharmacology analysis showed that these 35 differential compounds in the coffee leaf fractions affect cell transcription, apoptosis, phosphorylation, NO synthesis, phosphatidylinositide 3‐kinases‐protein kinase B (PI3K‐Akt) signaling pathway, focal adhesion, hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1, hepatitis, cancer, and so on. This result indicated that coffee leaf extract may also function as an inhibitor for inflammation‐related cancers. The findings of our research are valuable in guiding the extraction of anti‐inflammatory components from coffee leaves.
Effect of the mixture of oleaster (E. angustifolia L.) and black cumin (Nigella sativa) flours as functional compounds on the quality characteristics of toast bread
Authors: Ghadarloo Saba , Mansouripour Samar , Saremnezhad Solmaz 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe present study was conducted to evaluate the addition of a mixture of oleaster (OL; E. angustifolia L.) and black cumin (BC; Nigella sativa) flours on the quality characteristics of toast bread. The concentration of OL and BC mixture (1:1 w/w ratio) was 0 (T1), 1.5% (T2), 2% (T3), and 2.5% (T4) of total flour content. The bread samples containing the mixture of OL and BC flours had more protein content (8.49%–9.65%) than the control (6.81%; p < .05). The highest phenolic compounds and DPPH free radical scavenging capacity were observed in T4 and T3 samples, respectively. The OL and BC flours decreased the brightness, yellowness, and chroma and increased the redness compared to the control. The mixed flour concentration influenced the bread's hardness and chewiness. Adding OL and BC flours increased the calcium content in the bread (467.65–600.41 ppm) compared to the control (363.9 ppm; p < .05). The OL and BC flour mixture created a more compact texture in the bread samples. In the sensory evaluation, there was not a significant difference between the overall acceptability of the bread containing the mixture of OL and BC flours and the control (p > .05). Finally, it is recommended to utilize a mixture of 2% of OL and BC flours in toast bread to improve its nutritional properties.
Improving the quality of the chicken fillet using chitosan, gelatin, and starch coatings incorporated with bitter orange peel extract during refrigeration
Authors: Azizkhani Maryam , Kavosi Sara , Partovi Razieh 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThe preserving potential of biopolymer coatings can be improved by adding natural antimicrobial and antioxidant compounds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of natural coatings (gelatin (Gel), chitosan (Ch), and modified starch (MS)) incorporated with bitter orange peel extract (BOE) on the quality of the chicken fillets during cold. BOE had a high amount of phenolic compounds (145.28 mgGAE/g). Coating the fillets with pure BOE exerted a higher inhibitory effect against bacterial growth compared to composite coatings without extract. Lower microbial count (2–3 log CFU/g on days 9 and 12 of storage) was observed in the samples coated with composite biopolymers incorporated with BOE in comparison to the coatings without BOE. Composite coatings of Gel/MS/BOE showed lower FFA in the fillets followed by Gel/Ch/BOE and MS/Ch/BOE. The lowest TVB‐N belonged to MS/Ch/BOE followed by Gel/Ch/BOE and Gel/MS/BOE which were 17.05, 17.39, and 19.40 mg/100 g at the end of the storage. Among the samples, pure BOE, Gel/MS/BOE, Gel/Ch/BOE, and MS/Ch/BOE showed the lowest peroxide value and the coatings containing chitosan had a slower rate of hydroperoxide generation. Drip loss showed a descending trend in all coated samples except for an enhancement in control and BOE‐coated fillets, 6.42% and 6.39%, respectively, on day 12 of storage. Samples coated with Gel/MS and Gel/MS/BOE had the lowest drip loss during the storage period (5.96% and 5.98%, respectively). It should be noted that coatings containing chitosan had higher antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. The effect of the coatings as antimicrobial barriers and preservative agents were as follows: Gel/Ch/BOE > MS/Ch/BOE > Gel/MS/BOE. It can be concluded that the applied composite coatings in this work have a high potential to maintain and improve the quality of raw chicken fillets during storage in the refrigerator.
Cookies enriched with anethole and secoisolariciresinol diglucoside from flaxseed and fennel seeds improve hypercholesterolemia, lipid profile, and liver functions: A pilot study
Authors: Noreen Sana , Tufail Tabussam , Tufail Tanazzam , Bader Ul Ain Huma , Jaffar Hafiza Madiha , Awuchi Chinaza Godswill 
Published: May 2023

AbstractOver millennia, flaxseeds and fennel seeds have captured greater attention owing to the broad spectrum of bioactive compounds and their respective therapeutic potential. They are well‐known therapeutic plants, frequently used in home treatments for a variety of medical conditions. The novelty of this pilot study is to assess the beneficial health effects of secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) and anethole‐based enriched cookies among hyperlipidemic patients. The result of sensory evaluation revealed that cookies with anethole and SDG (500 + 500 mg/day) were significantly acceptable in terms of color, texture, taste, and overall acceptability same as that of control. This study was performed among 34 patients with hyperlipidemia in a university‐affiliated hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. In this study, patients received dietary supplementation with anethole and SDG (500 + 500 mg/day) administered in cookies for 8 weeks. Patients were assigned into two groups, intervention (receiving anethole + SDG‐enriched cookies; n = 16) and placebo (n = 18), for 8 weeks. Both groups maintained the same diet and lifestyle. Pre‐ and postintervention weight, lipid profile, and liver enzyme levels were measured. Analysis of covariance and paired sample t‐test were used for comparing the two groups. After 8 weeks, a significant mean weight loss was observed in the intervention group (4.26%) as compared to the placebo group (0.3%). A significant reduction of TC (177.02 ± 5.14 mg/dL; p = .024), TG (150.19 ± 7.94 mg/dL; p = .032), and LDL (87.38 ± 3.58 mg/dL; p = .001) were compared to the control group and HDL level (57.09 ± 3.90 mg/dL; p = .035) were increased in the intervention group as compared to the placebo. Meanwhile, it had a minor improvement in AST (30.97 ± 2.95 U/L; p = .01), ALT (33.05 ± 1.52 U/L; p = .025), and ALP (112.15 ± 4.03 U/L; p = .03) among the intervention group. Thus, based on the results from the study, it can be said that anethole + SDG‐enriched bakery products could be developed as a functional dietary option for hyperlipidemia in developing countries like Pakistan.
Astrocytic A2A receptors silencing negatively impacts hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory of adult mice
Authors: Madeira Daniela , Lopes Cátia R. , Simões Ana P. , Canas Paula M. , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Agostinho Paula 
Published: May 2023

AbstractAstrocytes are wired to bidirectionally communicate with neurons namely with synapses, thus shaping synaptic plasticity, which in the hippocampus is considered to underlie learning and memory. Adenosine A2A receptors (A2AR) are a potential candidate to modulate this bidirectional communication, since A2AR regulate synaptic plasticity and memory and also control key astrocytic functions. Nonetheless, little is known about the role of astrocytic A2AR in synaptic plasticity and hippocampal‐dependent memory. Here, we investigated the impact of genetic silencing astrocytic A2AR on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory of adult mice. The genetic A2AR silencing in astrocytes was accomplished by a bilateral injection into the CA1 hippocampal area of a viral construct (AAV5‐GFAP‐GFP‐Cre) that inactivate A2AR expression in astrocytes of male adult mice carrying “floxed” A2AR gene, as confirmed by A2AR binding assays. Astrocytic A2AR silencing alters astrocytic morphology, typified by an increment of astrocytic arbor complexity, and led to deficits in spatial reference memory and compromised hippocampal synaptic plasticity, typified by a reduction of LTP magnitude and a shift of synaptic long‐term depression (LTD) toward LTP. These data indicate that astrocytic A2AR control astrocytic morphology and influence hippocampal synaptic plasticity and memory of adult mice in a manner different from neuronal A2AR.
Delivering yoga to people with hypertension in the UK: A qualitative study to explore yoga providers' knowledge, experiences, and attitudes
Authors: Nalbant Gamze , Hassanein Zeinab M. , Lewis Sarah , Chattopadhyay Kaushik 
Published: May 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsYoga has become increasingly popular in the world and the UK for improving health and well‐being. A growing body of research suggests that yoga could be used to improve the management of hypertension in addition to current management strategies. Previous cross‐sectional studies have also reported that hypertension is one of the most commonly disclosed health conditions in yoga sessions in the United Kingdom. Therefore, semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with yoga providers in the United Kingdom (n = 19) to explore their knowledge, experiences, and attitudes toward delivering yoga to people with hypertension.MethodsInterviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed thematically.ResultsEight themes were identified. Yoga providers were generally aware of the health conditions of their attendees, and they had a reasonable knowledge of the causes, signs and symptoms, and management of hypertension. While most had received some information about hypertension as part of their initial yoga teaching training, this was generally felt to be limited. They mentioned the biopsychosocial benefits of yoga on hypertension but also expressed their concerns about the lack of regulation, the wide disparity in what is being delivered under the label of yoga, and the competency of some yoga providers.ConclusionThe findings suggest that yoga provision in the United Kingdom should be regulated with a better link with health service providers. A manual and training for yoga providers in the United Kingdom for managing hypertension using yoga would be helpful to address the training needs of yoga providers. However, there is a need for more robust studies before recommending the implementation of yoga in the management of hypertension in the United Kingdom.
Development of 8‐h urine collections and an augmented renal clearance dosing program at an academic medical center
Authors: Gerlach Anthony T. , Hoyte Brittany R. , Cotten Steven W. , Doepker Bruce A. , Murphy Claire V. , Reed Erica E. , Smetana Keaton S. , Wardlow Lynn 
Published: May 2023

AbstractEnsuring appropriate dosing of medications is an essential practice of clinical pharmacists. Dose adjustments in the setting of decreased renal function are common but may also be warranted for patients with supraphysiologic or augmented renal clearance (ARC). Conventional estimates of creatinine clearance using only serum creatinine may not be accurate in the setting of ARC, thus a measured creatinine clearance using serum and urine creatinine measurements are preferred. We describe the development of an 8‐h urine collection and ARC dosing program at a large academic medical center initiated by critical care and infectious disease pharmacists. Using a Plan–Do–Study–Act approach, we implemented and updated the 8‐h collection program with the guidance of our clinical laboratories. Eight‐hour urine collections are useful for patients with suspected ARC and for other scenarios where accurate dose adjustments are needed to minimize toxicity in the absence of therapeutic drug monitoring.
Petite Integration Factor 1 knockdown enhances gemcitabine sensitivity in pancreatic cancer cells via increasing DNA damage
Authors: Wang Kun , Hua Xiangdong , Fu Xibo , Hao Zhiqiang , Jiao Ao , Li Siyuan 
Published: May 2023

AbstractChemoresistance is still a vital obstacle in various tumors chemotherapy. This study aimed to explore the role of Petite Integration Factor 1 (PIF1) in the sensitivity of gemcitabine response to pancreatic cancer cells. Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database was employed for evaluating the level of PIF1 in pancreatic cancer tissues and normal tissues. The mRNA level of PIF1 was detected via reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) analysis. The relative protein expression of PIF1, cleaved caspase‐3, and phosphorylated histone H2Ax (γH2Ax) was assessed through western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed via Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and caspase‐3 activity were determined via the corresponding LDH Cytotoxicity Assay Kit and caspase‐3 colorimetric assay kit. PIF1 expression was upregulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Knockdown of PIF1 exhibited the repressive impact on the viability of AsPC‐1 and PANC‐1 cells. PIF1 knockdown enhanced LDH release and apoptosis in both AsPC‐1 and PANC‐1 cells. PIF1 downregulation could augment the sensitivity of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells, as evidenced by lower cell viability and higher LDH release and apoptosis rate after knocking down PIF1 in gemcitabine‐treated pancreatic cancer cells relative to pancreatic cancer cells treated with gemcitabine alone. Moreover, PIF1 knockdown increased γH2Ax protein expression and DNA damage, and gemcitabine treatment‐induced DNA damage in AsPC‐1 and PANC‐1 cells was exacerbated by PIF1 silencing. Furthermore, gemcitabine treatment‐caused increase of DNA damage was alleviated by PIF1 overexpression; whereas, this effect of PIF1 upregulation was reversed by thymidine, a DNA synthesis inhibitor. In addition, the decreased gemcitabine sensitivity response to pancreatic cancer cells caused by PIF1 upregulation was also hindered by thymidine treatment. In conclusion, PIF1 silencing enhanced gemcitabine sensitivity response to pancreatic cancer cells through aggrandizing DNA damage.
The protective effect of p‐Coumaric acid on hepatic injury caused by particulate matter in the rat and determining the role of long noncoding RNAs MEG3 and HOTAIR
Authors: Moradi Mojtaba , Mard Seyyed A. , Farbood Yaghoob , Dianat Mahin , Goudarzi Gholamreza , Khorsandi Layasadat , Seyedian Seyed S. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractIncreasing air pollution is associated with serious human health problems. P‐coumaric acid (PC) is a herbal phenolic compound that exhibits beneficial pharmacological potentials. Here, the protective effect of PC on liver injury induced by air pollution was examined. Thirty‐two adult male Wistar rats (200‐250 g) were divided randomly into four groups (n = 8). The groups were; Control (rats received DMSO and then exposed to clean air), PC (rats received PC and then exposed to clean air), DMSO + Dust (rats received DMSO and then exposed to dust), and PC + Dust (the animals received PC and then exposed to dust). The clean air, DMSO, PC, and dust were administrated 3 days a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The rats were anesthetized and their blood samples and liver sections were taken to conduct molecular, biomedical, and histopathological tests. Dust exposure increased the liver enzymes, bilirubin, triglyceride, cholesterol, and the production of liver malondialdehyde, and decreased in liver total anti‐oxidant capacity and serum high‐density lipoprotein. It also increased the mRNA expression of inflammatory‐related cytokines, decreased the mRNA expression of SIRT‐1, decreased the expression levels of miR‐20b5p, and MEG3 while increased the expression levels of miR‐34a, and HOTAIR. Dust exposure also increased the liver content of three cytokines TNF‐α, NF‐κB, HMGB‐1, and ATG‐7 proteins. PC enhanced liver function against adverse effects of dust through recovering almost all the studied variables. Exposure to dust damaged the liver through induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and autophagy. PC protected the liver against dust‐induced cytotoxicity.
DFT potentials from a chemical perspective: Anatomy of electron (de)localization in molecules and crystals
Authors: Levina Elena O. , Tsirelson Vladimir G. 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe introduce a fermionic potential, , as a comprehensive measure of electron (de)localization in atomic‐molecular systems. Unlike other common descriptors as ELF, LOL, etc., it characterizes all physical effects responsible for (de)localization of electrons, namely: an exchange hole depth, its tendency to change, a sensitivity of an exchange correlation hidden in a pair density and kinetic potential to local variations in electron density. Wells in the distribution correspond to the domains of maximum electron localization, while the potential's barriers prevent delocalization of electrons through them. It also estimates bond orders and successfully reveals the impact of chemical modifications or environmental effects on the delocalization of electrons in molecules and crystals. The components provide a unique opportunity to compare the influence of the mentioned physical effects on electron (de)localization. This merges physical and chemical views of electron delocalization using functions appearing in density functional theory.
Clinical and laboratory genetic counseling assistants: Comparing background experiences, responsibilities, satisfaction, and career goals
Authors: Gagne Cassidy , Geiser Katelyn , Danylchuk Noelle R. , Jin Jing , McWalter Kirsty 
Published: May 2023

AbstractUnderstanding the responsibilities, qualifications, future plans, and contributions of genetic counseling assistants (GCAs) across all work settings could aid in establishing a scope of practice, advocating for creation of GCA positions, and informing future education and training for GCAs and genetic counselors. We compared laboratory and clinical GCA responsibilities, sources of job satisfaction, background experience, and career goals. Sixty‐five laboratory and 73 clinical GCAs participated in this study by completing an online survey. Most participants had a Bachelor of Science/Arts and aspired to become genetic counselors (GCs). Clinical GCAs had more interaction with patients, whereas laboratory GCAs had more interaction with ordering providers and little to no patient contact. On a scale from 0 (not at all satisfied) to 10 (extremely satisfied), clinical GCAs had statistically significant higher satisfaction ratings (M = 8.56, SD = 1.42) than laboratory GCAs (M = 7.35, SD = 1.82, U = 3346, p = 0.001). While most participants were GCAs for 13–18 months, laboratory GCAs stayed in their positions (19–24 months, n = 20, 30.8%) for significantly longer than clinical GCAs (7–12 months, n = 21, 28.8%, X2(5) = 12.799, p = 0.025). GCAs noted increases in their knowledge and new skill development, though we also identified responsibilities for which they did not feel qualified. The results of this study can potentially help define a GCA scope of practice with data regarding background experiences and responsibilities. In addition, GCA employers may use the results to retain GCAs by addressing satisfaction issues, providing appropriate training, and adjusting roles. GC training program directors can use the results to manage expectations of applicants with GCA experience and inform training and curriculum needs based on the composition of a GC class.