bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Key Digestive Enzymes Linked to Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
by Piper betle L. Leaf Extracts to Manage Diabetes in an Alternative Way
Authors: Alam Md Jahangir , Mahmud Tanveer , Hasan Rezaul , Islam Kamrul 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder. The therapeutic approaches for treating diabetes are to decrease the absorption of glucose through the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes like α-amylase and α-glucosidase or to use medications for lowering the blood glucose level.

Objective:
The current study aimed to investigate the inhibitory potentials of the key digestive enzymes, α-amylase and α-glucosidase, by betel leaf extracts and blood glucose lowering activities using diabetic mice.

Methods:
In vitro inhibitory potentials of the key enzymes linked to type 2 diabetes mellitus (viz. α-amylase and α-glucosidase) by the betel leaf (Piper betle) extracts, including the study on the mode of enzyme inhibition, were evaluated spectrophotometrically and in vivo blood glucose lowering activities were assessed using alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

Results:
Betel leaf extracts showed potential α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities and blood glucose lowering activities. Among the extracts, young deshi betel leaf extract demonstrated the highest α-amylase inhibition activity, while young khasia betel leaf extract exhibited the lowest α-amylase inhibition activity. Young khasia betel leaf extract showed the maximum α-glucosidase inhibition activity. However, the lowest α-glucosidase inhibition activity was found with deshi betel leaf extracts. Betel leaf extract inhibited α-amylase and α-glucosidase activities through competitive inhibition. In vivo study revealed that among the extracts, young deshi and khasia leaf extract reduced blood glucose levels in all doses. Young deshi leaf extract exhibited significant (p<0.05) antidiabetic activity to reduce blood glucose level ˂ 6.9 mmol/L at a lower concentration.

Conclusion:
This study would open a new window for the researcher to find new antidiabetic bioactive compounds that would be cost-effective and without any adverse effects.
Advances in the Applications of Capillary Electrophoresis to Tobacco
Analysis
Authors: Chen Gang , Li Zhenjie , Wu Qianyu , Zhang Xinle 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has found a wide range of applications because of its high separation efficiency, low expense, short analysis time and minimal sample volume requirement. The tobacco quality depends on the nature and quantity of numerous substances. CE has been applied in the constituent analysis of tobacco and tobacco products for quality control and tobacco research.

Methods:
The advances in the applications of CE to tobacco analysis are reviewed. The main subjects cover the separation modes of CE, the detection techniques of CE, sample preparations and the applications of CE in the measurements of various constituents in tobacco samples. In addition, the CE-based metabonomic investigation of tobacco is also introduced.

Results:
Capillary zone electrophoresis, micellar electrokinetic chromatography, capillary isotachophoresis, capillary gel electrophoresis, capillary electrochromatography and non-aqueous CE have been applied in the determination of a variety of constituents in tobacco and tobacco products. The assayed substances include alkaloids, amines, saccharides, organic acids, inorganic ions, phenols, phenolic acids, flavonoids, amino acids, peptides, proteins, hormones, agricultural chemicals, etc.

Conclusion:
This review demonstrates that CE is a promising analytical technique in the field of tobacco analysis. It is anticipated that CE will find more and more applications in tobacco investigations.
Emerging Applications of Polymeric Nanoparticles in Tumor Targeting
Authors: Marwaha Minakshi Gupta , Awasthi Rajendra , Marwaha Rakesh Kumar , Prasher Parteek , Gulati Monica , Singh Sachin Kumar , Anand Krishnan , Gupta Gaurav , Chellappan Dinesh Kumar , Dua Kamal , Dureja Harish 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
Nanoparticles are well-established carriers for targeted delivery of bioactive polymeric
nanoparticles (PNPs). They have attracted significant attention from pharmaceutical scientists globally
due to their wide range of applications in the medical field. The encapsulation of drugs into the
nanoparticles offers several unique characteristics leading to prolonged circulation, improved drug
localization, and thus enhanced drug efficacy. It also provides a better understanding of the molecular
basis of the disease. Nanoparticles allow efficient maintenance of medication cycles at the target
site, with less exposure to normal cells and thus decreasing the rehabilitation period. Despite extensive
developments in the field of nanotechnology, specifically in drug delivery, only a few nanotechnology-
based products are currently available in the market. Thus, further advanced exploration
is necessary to make nanoparticles useful for the betterment of mankind. This review is focused on
recent advancements in pharmaceutical nanotechnology with special emphasis on polymers used
for the preparation of PNPs and their emerging applications in tumor-targeting. This manuscript
also highlights the recent patents disclosing PNPs for tumor targeting.
Resistance Pattern in Mostly Gram-negative Bacteria Causing Urinary
Tract Infections
Authors: Bandy Altaf , Alotaibi Bader S. , Tantry Bilal Ahmad , Farhana Anjum , Alammar Muath A. , Shah Naveed Nazir , Mohammed Abdul Hafeez , Wani Farooq 
Published: September 2022

Purpose:
The antimicrobial prescription in urinary tract infections (UTI) is driven by local data on its pathogenic spectrum and the resistance pattern exhibited by the disease-causing pathogens.
We aimed to determine the bacteriological diversity of UTI causing pathogens and antimicrobial resistance in mostly gram-negative bacteria.

Methods:
This retrospective hospital-based cross-sectional study analyzed the culture and sensitivity reports of urine samples from a referral centre of Aljouf region of Saudi Arabia. All the antibiograms from January 1, 2020, to December 31st 2020 were included. The bacterial identification and antimicrobial testing were carried out by the BD Phoenix system (BD Diagnostics, Sparks, MD, USA). Antimicrobial testing was performed as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute recommendations. Frequencies of multidrug- and extensively drug-resistance were calculated.

Results:
Of the 1334 non-duplicate urine samples received, 422 (31.6%) bacterial growths were observed. Of these, 383 (90.8%) and 39 (9.2%) were gram-negative and gram-positive bacterial isolations, respectively. E. coli 161 (38.1%), K. pneumoniae 97 (23.0%), and E. faecalis 18 (4.3%) were frequent aetiologies of UTI. 309 (80.7%) of gram-negative bacteria were multidrug-resistant including 88 (23.0%) extensively drug-resistant. Overall, a resistance rate of > 55 % to 1st through 4th generation cephalosporins was observed except for cefoxitin (43.7%). A resistance rate of 37.6% was observed towards carbapenems with the lowest rate (34.0%) to meropenem.

Conclusion:
Multi-drug resistant gram-negative bacteria dominate the pathogenic spectrum of UTI in the region. A high resistance rate to cephalosporins and carbapenems exist in gram-negative organisms causing UTI.
Wave-Assisted Techniques, a Greener and Quicker Alternative to
Synthesis of Cyclodextrin-Based Nanosponges: A Review
Authors: Wadhwa Pankaj , Vij Mohit , Dand Neha 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
The ever-increasing applications of cyclodextrin and cyclodextrin-based nanosponges in
formulation development has gained much attention from researchers towards needed research in this
arena. Nanosponges are three-dimensional nanoporous versatile carriers in the pharmaceutical research
field because of their capability to encapsulate lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs both in their crystalline
structure by inclusion and non-inclusion phenomenon. This review sheds light on the advancements
made in this field and the associated patents with regard to their synthesis while zooming in on the utilization
of two novel energies (Microwave and ultrasonic) in accomplishing this goal and its future
thereof. Microwave and ultrasound-assisted manufacturing of cyclodextrin-based nanosponges (CDNS)
has been found superior to conventional heat-dependent methods due to rapid/homogenous heating
and fast kinetics, which ultimately provide the final product with high yield and crystallinity relatively
rapidly. The review article also defines several facets of microwave and ultrasound-assisted nanosponge
synthesis including the synergism of microwave and ultrasonic energy and the theories behind
them. This hitherto unexplored microwave-ultrasonic coupling technology could be a future technology
to synthesize CD-NS with a better outcome. In the recent past, these novel energy processes have been
used successfully in material synthesis at an industrial scale due to their swift and streamlined synthesis
attributes. Likewise, these wave-assisted methods have the full potential to materialize the concept of
CD-NS from lab scale to industrial scale as a competent and versatile drug carrier, having all the prerequisite
characteristics, for commercialization.
Neuroprotective Effects of Shogaol in Metals (Al, As and Pb) and High-fat
diet-induced Neuroinflammation and Behavior in Mice
Authors: Ahmed Touqeer , Ishaq Sara , Siyar Sohana , Basri Rabia , Liaqat Amna , Hameed Armeen 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Increased exposure of humans to toxic metals and high-fat diet (HFD)
consumption severely damages brain health. Natural plant extracts have shown huge potential to
treat multiple human diseases.

Objective:
The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of Shogaol (an active
component of ginger) in neuroinflammation and behavioral paradigms in mice treated with
metals and HFD.

Methods:
8-11 weeks old male mice model was developed by giving a combination of metals,
i.e., Arsenic (As), Lead (Pb) and Aluminum (Al), 25mg/kg each mixed in drinking water with
laboratory prepared HFD (40% fat) for a total duration of 72 days. Shogaol treated groups received
two doses (2mg/kg & 12mg/kg) of Shogaol along with metals and HFD. The biochemical
parameters, including body weights, blood glucose, and kidney and liver functions, were assessed
along with the integrity of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The expression analysis of neuroinflammatory
genes (TNF-α, IL-1β & GFAP) was performed using q-PCR in the hippocampus
and cortex. The exploratory and anxiety-like behavior was assessed using an open field test, and
depressive behavior was assessed through the forced swim test, while learning and memory were
assessed using the Morris water maze test and y-maze test.

Results:
Shogaol (2mg/kg & 12mg/kg) treatment improved metabolic profile and reduced expression
of neuroinflammatory genes in the cortex and the hippocampus. Shogaol treatment improved
BBB integrity. Results of the behavioral analysis showed that Shogaol treatment (2mg/kg
& 12mg/kg) rescued behavioral impairment and improved anxiety and depression.

Conclusion:
Shogaol treatment showed strong therapeutic potential in metals & HFD induced
neuroinflammation and improved cognitive functions; thus, can be considered a potential drug
candidate in the future.
Nanotechnology: Newer Approach in Insulin Therapy
Authors: Desai Shivani , Phadtare Pallavi , Patil Devendra 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:
Insulin is a peptide hormone released by pancreatic beta cells. An autoimmune reaction
in diabetes mellitus type 1 causes the beta cells to die, preventing insulin from being produced or
released into the bloodstream; that impacts 30 million people globally and is linked to shortened
lifespan due to acute and chronic repercussions. Insulin therapy aims to replicate normal pancreatic
insulin secretion, which includes low levels of insulin that are always present to support basic metabolism,
as well as the two-phase secretion of additional insulin in response to high blood sugar -
an initial spike in secreted insulin, followed by an extended period of continued insulin secretion.
This is performed by combining various insulin formulations at varying rates and lengths of time.
Since the beginning of human insulin use, several advances in insulin formulations have been
made to help meet these aims as much as possible, resulting in improved glycaemic control while
limiting hypoglycemia. In this review, we looked at devices used by patients with type 1 diabetes,
such as insulin pumps, continuous glucose monitors, and, more recently, systems that combine a
pump with a monitor for algorithm-driven insulin administration automation. We intend to provide
insight into supplementary therapies and nanotechnology employed in insulin therapy as a result of
our review.
Fungal-Assisted Bioremediation of Agricultural Organic Pollutants (Pesticides and Herbicides)
Authors: Chaurasia Pankaj Kumar , Singh Sunita , Bharati Shashi Lata , Sharma Nagendra , Nagraj  , Rudakiya Darshan Maganlal 
Published: September 2022

Abstract:Extensive use of pesticides and herbicides in the agricultural fields for the safeguard of crops engenders the huge concern regarding pollution of these agricultural fields as well as directly or indirectly linked to aquatic environment. In order to find out the apt bioremediation techniques that could be potentially used against these highly noxious agricultural pollutants, utilization of fungi and their associated enzymes like laccases and others may be an imperative tool against these pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides. Fungal system including fungal enzymes have proved their efficacy in the degradation studies of malathion (1), acetamiprid (2), 2, 4-D (3), chlorimuron-ethyl, imidacloprid (4), flubendiamide (5), thiamethoxam (6), pyrimethanil (7), cypermethrin (8), nicosulfuron (9), chlorpyrifos (10), isoproturon (11), chlorothalonil (12), DDT (13), atrazine (14), and alachlor (15) like agricultural organic pollutants which have been meritoriously and succinctly conferred here. There are limited recent works on fungal system-mediated bioremediation of pesticides and herbicides in compare to bacterial system that is why; authors have objectively decided to compile the recent promising researches on the topic to provide an effective and informative update on the significant applicability of fungal system in the removal of such organic pollutants. Herein, authors have best tried to present a clear, subject-centric and compact picture on the operative contribution of fungal systems (fungi and associated enzymes) in the biodegradation of different pesticides/insecticides or herbicides.
A Social Media–Based Intervention for Chinese American Caregivers of Persons With Dementia: Protocol Development
Authors: Hong Y Alicia , Shen Kang , Lu Huixing Kate , Chen Hsiaoyin , Gong Yang , Ta Park Van , Han Hae-Ra 
Published: September 2022

Background
Racial/ethnic minority and immigrant caregivers of persons with dementia experience high rates of psychosocial stress and adverse health outcomes. Few culturally tailored mobile health (mHealth) programs were designed for these vulnerable populations.

Objective
This study reports the development of a culturally tailored mHealth program called Wellness Enhancement for Caregivers (WECARE) to improve caregiving skills, reduce distress, and improve the psychosocial well-being of Chinese American family caregivers of persons with dementia.

Methods
Community-based user-centered design principles were applied in the program development. First, the structure and curriculum of the WECARE program were crafted based on existing evidence-based interventions for caregivers with input from 4 experts. Second, through working closely with 8 stakeholders, we culturally adapted evidence-based programs into multimedia program components. Lastly, 5 target users tested the initial WECARE program; their experience and feedback were used to further refine the program.

Results
The resulting WECARE is a 7-week mHealth program delivered via WeChat, a social media app highly popular in Chinese Americans. By subscribing to the official WECARE account, users can receive 6 interactive multimedia articles pushed to their WeChat accounts each week for 7 weeks. The 7 major themes include (1) facts of dementia and caregiving; (2) the enhancement of caregiving skills; (3) effective communication with health care providers, care partners, and family members; (4) problem-solving skills for caregiving stress management; (5) stress reduction and depression prevention; (6) the practice of self-care and health behaviors; and (7) social support and available resources. Users also have the option of joining group chats for peer support. The WECARE program also includes a back-end database that manages intervention delivery and tracks user engagement.

Conclusions
The WECARE program represents one of the first culturally tailored social media–based interventions for Chinese American caregivers of persons with dementia. It demonstrates the use of community-based user-centered design principles in developing an mHealth intervention program in underserved communities. We call for more cultural adaptation and development of mHealth interventions for immigrant and racial/ethnic minority caregivers of persons with dementia.
Effectiveness, Policy, and User Acceptance of COVID-19 Contact-Tracing Apps in the Post–COVID-19 Pandemic Era: Experience and Comparative Study
Authors: Liu MingXin , Zhou SiYu , Jin Qun , Nishimura Shoji , Ogihara Atsushi 
Published: September 2022

Background
In the post–COVID-19 pandemic era, many countries have launched apps to trace contacts of COVID-19 infections. Each contact-tracing app (CTA) faces a variety of issues owing to different national policies or technologies for tracing contacts.

Objective
In this study, we aimed to investigate all the CTAs used to trace contacts in various countries worldwide, including the technology used by each CTA, the availability of knowledge about the CTA from official websites, the interoperability of CTAs in various countries, and the infection detection rates and policies of the specific country that launched the CTA, and to summarize the current problems of the apps based on the information collected.

Methods
We investigated CTAs launched in all countries through Google, Google Scholar, and PubMed. We experimented with all apps that could be installed and compiled information about apps that could not be installed or used by consulting official websites and previous literature. We compared the information collected by us on CTAs with relevant previous literature to understand and analyze the data.

Results
After screening 166 COVID-19 apps developed in 197 countries worldwide, we selected 98 (59%) apps from 95 (48.2%) countries, of which 63 (66.3%) apps were usable. The methods of contact tracing are divided into 3 main categories: Bluetooth, geolocation, and QR codes. At the technical level, CTAs face 3 major problems. First, the distance and time for Bluetooth- and geolocation-based CTAs to record contact are generally set to 2 meters and 15 minutes; however, this distance should be lengthened, and the time should be shortened for more infectious variants. Second, Bluetooth- or geolocation-based CTAs also face the problem of lack of accuracy. For example, individuals in 2 adjacent vehicles during traffic jams may be at a distance of ≤2 meters to make the CTA trace contact, but the 2 users may actually be separated by car doors, which could prevent transmission and infection. In addition, we investigated infection detection rates in 33 countries, 16 (48.5%) of which had significantly low infection detection rates, wherein CTAs could have lacked effectiveness in reducing virus propagation. Regarding policy, CTAs in most countries can only be used in their own countries and lack interoperability among other countries. In addition, 7 countries have already discontinued CTAs, but we believe that it was too early to discontinue them. Regarding user acceptance, 28.6% (28/98) of CTAs had no official source of information that could reduce user acceptance.

Conclusions
We surveyed all CTAs worldwide, identified their technological policy and acceptance issues, and provided solutions for each of the issues we identified. This study aimed to provide useful guidance and suggestions for updating the existing CTAs and the subsequent development of new CTAs.
Relationship Between Carbohydrate Intake (Quantity, Quality, and Time Eaten) and Mortality (Total, Cardiovascular, and Diabetes): Assessment of 2003–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Participants
Authors: Hou Wanying , Han Tianshu , Sun Xinyi , Chen Yunyan , Xu Jiaxu , Wang Yu , Yang Xue , Jiang Wenbo , Sun Changhao 
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE
In this study we investigated the association of the quantity, quality, and timing of carbohydrate intake with all-cause, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and diabetes mortality.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This secondary data analysis included use of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2003–2014) and National Death Index data from adults (n = 27,623) for examination of the association of total daily and differences in carbohydrate intake with mortality. Participants were categorized into four carbohydrate intake patterns based on the median values of daily high- and low-quality carbohydrate intake. The differences (Δ) in carbohydrate intake between dinner and breakfast were calculated (Δ = dinner − breakfast). Cox regression models were used.

RESULTS
The participants who consumed more high-quality carbohydrates throughout the day had lower all-cause mortality risk (hazard ratio [HR] 0.88; 95% CI 0.79–0.99), whereas more daily intake of low-quality carbohydrates was related to greater all-cause mortality risk (HR 1.13; 95% CI: 1.01–1.26). Among participants whose daily high- and low-quality carbohydrate intake were both below the median, the participants who consumed more high-quality carbohydrates at dinner had lower CVD (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.52–0.93) and all-cause mortality (HR 0.82; 95% CI 0.70–0.97) risk; an isocaloric substitution of 1 serving low-quality carbohydrates intake at dinner with high-quality reduced the CVD and all-cause mortality risks by 25% and 19%. There was greater diabetes mortality among the participants who consumed more low-quality carbohydrates at dinner (HR 1.78; 95% CI 1.02–3.11), although their daily high-quality carbohydrate intake was above the median.

CONCLUSIONS
Consuming more low-quality carbohydrates at dinner was associated with greater diabetes mortality, whereas consuming more high-quality carbohydrates at dinner was associated with lower all-cause and CVD mortality irrespective of the total daily quantity and quality of carbohydrates.