bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass drug administration for neglected tropical disease control and elimination: a systematic review of ethical reasons
Authors: Hoefle-Bénard Juliette , Salloch Sabine
Published: March 2024

Background

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) are a diverse group of debilitating diseases and conditions afflicting more than one billion people in impoverished communities. Control of these diseases is crucial to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 and the pledge to ‘leave no one behind’. Relying on large-scale delivery of wide-spectrum drugs to individuals in at-risk communities irrespective of their health status, mass drug administration is a core strategy for tackling half of the NTDs targeted by the latest WHO roadmap (2021–2030). However, ethical challenges surround its implementation and long-term impact. This systematic review aims to give a comprehensive picture of the variety of ethical reasons for and against mass drug administration for NTD control and elimination, facilitating further debate in ethics and policy.

Methods

PubMed and Web of Science Core Collection were searched for all relevant publications. Of the 486 retrieved records, 60 met the inclusion criteria for qualitative analysis. Ethical reasons discussing the topic at hand were extracted from full texts and synthesised through the Kuckartz method of qualitative content analysis.

Results

Data extraction revealed 61 ethical reasons, of which 20 (32.7%) had positive, 13 (21.3%) had ambivalent and 28 (45.9%) had negative implications regarding mass drug administration for NTDs. The health benefits and cost-effectiveness of the measure were extensively highlighted. However, equity, autonomy and sustainability emerged as the domains with the most pressing ethical concerns. Many issues related to implementation are yet to be adequately addressed in policy documents.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic review of ethical reasons pertaining to mass drug administration for NTD control and elimination. Due to the diversity of included studies, no general recommendations can be made. Instead, context-specific strategies seem necessary. Alternative approaches tackling socioecological determinants of ill health are needed for long-term sustainability. Future research could benefit from contributions of non-Western philosophies and perspectives by local researchers.
Exploring equity in global health collaborations: a qualitative study of donor and recipient power dynamics in Liberia
Authors: Cakouros Brigid E , Gum Johannah , Levine Defne L , Lewis Joseph , Wright Antoinette H , Dahn Bernice , Talbert-Slagle Kristina
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Global health collaborations between individuals from high-resource and low-resource settings are complex and often built on hierarchical structures and power differentials that are difficult to change. There have been many calls and frameworks developed to facilitate more equity within these collaborations, yet little is known about the lived experiences of global health donors and recipients working within such collaborations and how those experiences can facilitate more equitable collaboration. Liberia, a postconflict, post-Ebola country, provides an ideal setting to study lived experiences of global health collaborations.

Methods

Our qualitative analysis used key informant interviews representing the perspectives of those working on behalf of the Liberian government, Liberian academics, foreign donors and non-governmental organisations and implementing partners. Thematic analysis guided this analysis to explore topics such as financial control, accountability and decision making.

Results

The first phase of the analysis mapped the existing patterns of priority setting. Priority-setting power was most strongly held by those with financial control (donors), and implementation plans tended to be built on metrics that aim to meet donor expectations. The second phase of the analysis explored the interplay between underlying factors that we identified in our data associated with driving collaborative inequity: history of prior of engagement, level of transparency and patterns of accountability.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight that global health collaborations in Liberia are structured to hinder equitable partnerships. The power structure tied to financial ownership offers little space for recipients to have an equitable role in collaborations, which maintains dependence on external aid and ensures that weak systems remain weak. While our study is limited to Liberia, we anticipate that these dynamics are common elsewhere and reinforce the importance of intentional efforts to ensure equitable decision making and power structures in similar settings worldwide.
Evaluation of a 4-week interdisciplinary primary care cardiovascular health programme: impact on knowledge, Mediterranean Diet adherence and biomarkers
Authors: Mosher Lydia Tegwyn , Bizerra Cindy , Davies Katelyn , Seabrook Jamie A , Keathley Justine
Published: March 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the second-leading cause of death among Canadians. Clinical practice guidelines suggest that improvements to lifestyle, including dietary intake, can reduce the risk of CVD.

Objectives

The primary aim of the study was to evaluate patient changes in adherence to the Mediterranean Diet (Medi-Diet) from baseline to 4-week and 6-month follow-up after participating in a 4-week, group-based, interdisciplinary cardiovascular health programme run by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in a primary care setting. Secondary outcomes included changes in blood pressure, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), triglycerides, non-HDL-c and haemoglobin A1c% from baseline to 6 months, and changes in knowledge scores from baseline to 4 weeks and 6 months. This study further aimed to compare outcomes between in-person programme delivery and virtual programme delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants (n=31) attended the Get Heart Smart (GHS) group-based educational and lifestyle behaviour change programme at the East Elgin Family Health Team for 4 weeks. Participants were 18 years or older and were referred by a HCP or self-referred to the GHS programme. Changes in the above-mentioned outcomes were evaluated. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the programme moved to a virtual mode of delivery, with 16 participants completing the programme in a virtual environment. Two-way repeated-measures analyses of variance were performed to explore if there were significant differences from baseline to 4-week and/or 6-month follow-up between groups (in-person compared with virtual) and within the pooled sample.

Results

At baseline and 4-week follow-up, there were significant between-group differences in knowledge scores. After 6-month follow-up, there were statistically significant within-group improvements in Medi-Diet scores and knowledge scores in the pooled sample (n=31), in-person sample (n=15) and virtual sample (n=16). Apart from triglycerides, changes in biomarkers were all non-significant.

Conclusions

The GHS programme effectively facilitated long-term (6-month) improved cardiovascular/lifestyle knowledge and adherence to the Medi-Diet. Transitioning to a virtual programme delivery did not impact the program’s ability to motivate nutrition-related behaviour change.
Lethal intimate partner violence and gendered dimensions of the COVID-19 lockdown in Nigeria: evidence from a descriptive analysis of secondary data
Authors: Ukoji Vitalis U , Ukoji Vitus N
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Concerns emerged over the escalation of intimate partner violence (IPV) as many governments imposed COVID-19 lockdown measures. This paper examined the lethality trends, gender contexts and sources of fatal IPV during the prelockdown, lockdown and postlockdown years (2019–2021) in Nigeria. This research aims to shed light on the impact of the pandemic lockdown on IPV-related mortalities.

Methods

The study used secondary data from the Nigeria Watch database, an online resource on lethal violence and human security in Nigeria. It relied on IPV datasets extracted and analysed descriptively at the univariate level.

Results

Results indicate a steady increase in IPV-related mortalities, with 205 fatalities—62 in 2019, 69 in 2020 and 74 in 2021—resulting from 180 IPV incidents. Males were the main protagonists, as the majority of IPV victims were women, including female spouses (51%) and female lovers (23%), compared with male spouses (18%) and male lovers (7%). A trend analysis of IPV-related fatalities showed that the worst affected states are in southern Nigeria, with Lagos recording the most cases. Apart from the undefined causes of IPV-related fatalities, more deaths emanated from arguments between intimate partners (50) and infidelity (37). Aside from other reasons, most victims died from dangerous weapons (46) and battering (27).

Conclusion

This paper underscores the steady increase in IPV-related deaths year over year, not just during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and highlights the importance of policy and practise to prevent and respond to IPV incidents.
Did ‘long COVID’ increase road deaths in the USA?
Authors: Robertson Leon
Published: March 2024

Objective

To examine data on COVID-19 disease associated with a 10% increase in US road deaths from 2020 to 2021 that raises the question of the potential effect of pandemic stress and neurological damage from COVID-19 disease.

Methods

Poisson regression was used to estimate the association of recent COVID-19 cases, accumulated cases, maximum temperatures, truck registrations and gasoline prices with road deaths monthly among US states in 2021. Using the regression coefficients, changes in each risk factor from 2020 to 2021 were used to calculate expected deaths in 2021 if each factor had remained the same as in 2020.

Results

Corrected for the other risk factors, road deaths were associated with accumulated COVID-19 cases but not concurrent cases. More than 20 700 road deaths were associated with the changes in accumulated COVID-19 cases but were substantially offset by about 19 100 less-than-expected deaths associated with increased gasoline prices.

Conclusions

The lingering effects of COVID-19 on neurological function may be a risk factor for behaviour leading to road deaths.
Association of national smoke-free policies with per-capita cigarette consumption and acute myocardial infarction mortality in Europe
Authors: Sassano Michele , Mariani Marco , Pastorino Roberta , Ricciardi Walter , La Vecchia Carlo , Boccia Stefania
Published: March 2024

Background

Evidence on the association between smoke-free policies and per-capita cigarette consumption and mortality due to acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in Europe is limited. Hence, we aimed to assess this association and to evaluate which factors influence it.

Methods

We performed an interrupted time series analysis, including 27 member states of the European Union and the UK, on per-capita cigarette consumption and AMI mortality.

A multivariate meta-regression was used to assess the potential influence of other factors on the observed associations.

Results

Around half of the smoke-free policies introduced were associated with a level or slope change, or both, of per-capita cigarette consumption and AMI mortality (17 of 35). As for cigarette consumption, the strongest level reduction was observed for the smoking ban issued in 2010 in Poland (rate ratio (RR): 0.47; 95% CI: 0.41, 0.53). Instead, the largest level reduction of AMI mortality was observed for the intervention introduced in 2012 in Bulgaria (RR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.42).

Policies issued more recently or by countries with a lower human development index were found to be associated with a larger decrease in per-capita cigarette consumption. In addition, smoking bans applying to bars had a stronger inverse association with both cigarette consumption and AMI mortality.

Conclusions

The results of our study suggest that smoke-free policies are effective at reducing per-capita cigarette consumption and AMI mortality. It is extremely important to monitor and register data on tobacco, its prevalence and consumption to be able to tackle its health effects with concerted efforts.
Kennedy’s disease
Authors: Devine Helen , Solomons Matthew , Zampedri Luca , Hanna Michael G , Rinaldi Carlo , Fratta Pietro , Jayaseelan Dipa
Published: March 2024

A 57-year-old man developed worsening early morning headaches, muscle cramps and falls over 12 months. He had widespread fasciculation and was diagnosed with motor neurone disease, and treated with nocturnal hypoventilation. Based on this diagnosis, he made significant personal and financial decisions including retiring and selling his house. He subsequently developed a lump in his right breast and was found to have gynaecomastia. This triggered genetic testing for Kennedy’s disease leading to the correct diagnosis. This case highlights an unusual presentation of a rare disease leading to misdiagnosis and major repercussions for the patient. Recent genetic analysis from the 100 000 genome project suggests Kennedy’s disease may be four times more prevalent in the population than previously thought, highlighting the need to consider genetic testing, especially if there is a suggestion of multisystem disease.
Establishment of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) in the context of floodplain restoration: impact of companion plant and sowing rate
Authors: Vaillancourt Mathieu , Čapkun-Huot Catherine , Jean Jacques Samuel , Bourgeois Bérenger , Poulin Monique
Published: March 2024

Habitat loss and degradation is a leading cause of the current biodiversity crisis. In the lake Saint-Pierre floodplain, agricultural intensification has led to the loss of substantial spawning and rearing areas for the yellow perch ( Perca flavescens Mitchill). Restoring perennial vegetation cover is key to ensure the persistence of the population, but the floodplain conditions limit our ability to do so. In this study, we tested the impact of companion plants ( Avena sativa L., Lolium multiflorum L.) and sowing rate on the establishment success of reed canarygrass ( Phalaris arundinacea L.; RCG) in year 2. RCG tolerates a wide range of environmental conditions and can provide the plant cover essential to the reproduction of yellow perch. We hypothesized that companion plants would reduce weed pressure and in turn improve RCG establishment, and that increasing the sowing rate would improve the establishment success. Contrary to our expectations, using companion plants generally reduced the cover and biomass of RCG. It also led to increased weed prevalence in most treatments. In addition, sowing at high rates did not impact RCG cover and biomass. Sowing RCG alone appears to be the most effective option to establish perennial vegetation supporting the recovery of the yellow perch population.
Natural Products in the Modulation of Farnesoid X Receptor Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Wang Jing , Yang Na , Xu Yu
Published: March 2024

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern with a high prevalence and increasing economic burden, but official medicine remains unavailable. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor member, is one of the most promising drug targets for NAFLD therapy that plays a crucial role in modulating bile acid, glucose, and lipid homeostasis, as well as inhibits hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the rejection of the FXR agonist, obecholic acid, by the Food and Drug Administration for treating hepatic fibrosis raises a question about the functions of FXR in NAFLD progression and the therapeutic strategy to be used. Natural products, such as FXR modulators, have become the focus of attention for NAFLD therapy with fewer adverse reactions. The anti-NAFLD mechanisms seem to act as FXR agonists and antagonists or are involved in the FXR signaling pathway activation, indicating a promising target of FXR therapeutic prospects using natural products. This review discusses the effective mechanisms of FXR in NAFLD alleviation, and summarizes currently available natural products such as silymarin, glycyrrhizin, cycloastragenol, berberine, and gypenosides, for targeting FXR, which can facilitate development of naturally targeted drug by medicinal specialists for effective treatment of NAFLD.
Red Yeast Rice and Statin Therapy in Patients with Hypercholesterolemia and the Comorbidities: A Retrospective Cohort Study on Lipid-Lowering Effects and Cardiovascular Outcomes
Authors: Hsueh Tun-Pin , Lin Wan-Ling , Hu Wen-Long , Hung Yu-Chiang
Published: March 2024

Red yeast rice (RYR) is known for its lipid-lowering effects in patients with hypercholesterolemia; however, its comparative efficacy with statins and risk reduction remains uncertain. This retrospective study analyzed data from 337,104 patients with hyperlipidemia in the Chang Gung Research Database cohort, spanning from January 2016 to December 2021. Exclusion criteria were applied to ensure data completeness and compliance, including an age limit of [Formula: see text] years, absence of RYR or statin treatment, and a treatment duration of [Formula: see text] days. Propensity score matching was employed to minimize bias based on baseline factors, with one patient matching with four patients in the comparison group. The study encompassed a total of 5,984 adult hyperlipidemic patients, with 1,197 in the RYR group and 4,787 in the statin group. The patients were also stratified into statin ([Formula: see text]) or combined use ([Formula: see text]) groups for further comparison. Following one year of treatment, both the RYR and statin groups exhibited reductions in total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Most biochemical parameters showed no significant differences, except for elevated glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase levels in the RYR group ([Formula: see text]) and increased glycohemoglobin levels in the statin group at the three-month mark ([Formula: see text]). In patients with comorbid diabetes, hypertension, kidney, or liver diseases, RYR and statins demonstrated comparable risks for emergency room (ER) visits, stroke, and myocardial infarction (MI). However, the combination of RYR and statins was associated with reduced stroke-related hospitalizations in patients with diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease, as well as decreased MI-related hospitalizations in patients with hypertension and kidney disease (all [Formula: see text]). In conclusion, both RYR and statins effectively lower blood lipid levels and mitigate related complications. Combining these therapies may lead to fewer ER visits, reduced stroke frequency, and fewer MI hospitalizations in hypertensive and kidney disease patients, and they decreased all-cause mortality in the kidney disease population. Further research on combined therapy is warranted.
Apigenin Suppresses Innate Immune Responses and Ameliorates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation via Inhibition of STING/IRF3 Pathway
Authors: Zhou Xu-Wei , Wang Juan , Tan Wen-Fu
Published: March 2024

The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathway is crucial for the pathogenesis of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders, including acute lung injury (ALI). Apigenin (4[Formula: see text],5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid widely found in fruits, vegetables, and Chinese medicinal herbs that exhibits a range of pharmacological effects, such as antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the efficacy of apigenin in STING pathway-mediated diseases remains unclear. Accordingly, this study screened Chinese medicines to identify potent agents that reduced the synthesis of type I interferons (IFNs). The results revealed apigenin as a potent compound with low cytotoxicity that markedly reduced the synthesis of type I IFNs in response to STING pathway agonists. Besides, apigenin markedly suppressed innate immune responses triggered by the STING agonist SR-717. Mechanistically, apigenin downregulated IFN beta 1 (IFNB1) expression mediated by the STING pathway via dose-dependent inhibition of STING expression, reduction of dimerization, nuclear translocation of phosphorylated IRF3, and disruption of the association between STING and IRF3. Moreover, apigenin effectively mitigated pathological pulmonary inflammation and lung edema in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI in mice. Apigenin further strongly attenuated the hallmarks of immoderate inflammation (interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1[Formula: see text], and tumor necrosis factor [Formula: see text]) and innate immune responses (IFNB1, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, and IFN-stimulated gene 15) by preventing the activation of the STING/IRF3 pathway both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, SR-717 significantly reversed the inhibitory effects of apigenin in LPS-induced THP1-BlueTM ISG macrophages. Collectively, apigenin effectively alleviated innate immune responses and mitigated inflammation in LPS-induced ALI via inhibition of the STING/IRF3 pathway. These findings suggest the potential of apigenin as a prophylactic and therapeutic candidate for managing STING-mediated diseases.
Eugenol Possesses Colitis Protective Effects: Impacts on the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway, Intestinal Epithelial Barrier, and Macrophage Polarization
Authors: Huang Jun-Jie , Feng Yue-Min , Zheng Shu-Mei , Yu Cheng-Long , Zhou Rui-Gang , Liu Ming-Jiang , Bo Ruo-Nan , Yu Jie , Li Jin-Gui
Published: March 2024

Eugenol (EU) has been shown to ameliorate experimental colitis due to its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. In this study, DSS-induced acute colitis was established and applied to clarify the regulation efficacy of EU on intestinal barrier impairment and macrophage polarization imbalance along with the inflammatory response. Besides, the adjusting effect of EU on macrophages was further investigated in vitro. The results confirmed that EU intervention alleviated DSS-induced colitis through methods such as restraining weight loss and colonic shortening and decreasing DAI scores. Microscopic observation manifested that EU maintained the intestinal barrier integrity in line with the mucus barrier and tight junction protection. Furthermore, EU intervention significantly suppressed the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathways and pro-inflammatory cytokines gene expressions, while enhancing the expressions of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Simultaneously, WB and FCM analyses of the CD86 and CD206 showed that EU could regulate the DSS-induced macrophage polarization imbalance. Overall, our data further elucidated the mechanism of EU’s defensive effect on experimental colitis, which is relevant to the protective efficacy of intestinal barriers, inhibition of oxidative stress and excessive inflammatory response, and reprogramming of macrophage polarization. Hence, this study may facilitate a better understanding of the protective action of the EU against UC.
Landau–Zener–Stückelberg–Majorana-like dynamics induced by tunneling of spin qubit states in a multiband two-state magnetic quantum wire
Authors: Tchouobiap S. E. Mkam , Fai L. C.
Published: March 2024

We investigate the transfer between spin quantum bit (qubit) states and study the Landau–Zener–Stückelberg–Majorana (LZSM)-like dynamics of tunneling spin qubits in a multiband two-state magnetic quantum wire. Indeed, within the framework of an optical parabolic potential in a three-dimensional (3D) heterostructure quantum wire and under the influence of an external time-varying magnetic field, a model for a multiband two-state magnetic quantum wire is developed. Here, the external magnetic field is used to coherently manipulate and control spin qubit states. By driving the system through an avoided crossing, we consider the associated effective quantum two-level system (TLS) related to the spin qubit states in each band, driving by an external coherent magnetic field in which the related Hamiltonian is Hermitian, and which generally paves a way to LZSM interferometry. Thus, we establish the analytical expressions of the energy eigenvalues in each band and derive the analytical solution of the dynamical evolution of the tunneling probabilities of the associated TLS. Accordingly, nonadiabatic and adiabatic tunneling probabilities (survival and transition) are calculated for each band of the multiband TLS. In this respect, the nonadiabatic and adiabatic dynamical evolutions of the tunneling probabilities of spin qubit populations in the first four bands, with band quantum numbers n = 0, 1, 2 and 3 are analyzed. As a result, depending on the amplitude strength of the driven magnetic field and the magnitude of the driving frequency, we report two striking nonadiabatic and adiabatic scenarios in each band for both the diabatic and adiabatic states. In this context, driving the two states of each band of the multiband TLS related to the spin qubit states through an avoided level crossing can result in nontrivial and incoherent dynamics at certain phases, resulting to apparent inaccurate probabilities, especially in the case of strong driven magnetic field and high driving frequency.
ASYMPTOTIC STABILITY FOR A FREE BOUNDARY MODEL OF AN ATHEROSCLEROTIC PLAQUE FORMATION IN THE PRESENCE OF REVERSE CHOLESTEROL TRANSPORT WITH HOLLING TYPE-III FUNCTIONAL RESPONSE
Authors: LIU WENJUN , ZHANG LI , AN YANNING
Published: March 2024

Atherosclerosis, as a chronic inflammatory disease, has been a threat to human health. How to diagnose and prevent this disease has long been the focus of medical and biomathematics study. In this paper, we investigate a free boundary model of an atherosclerotic plaque formation in the presence of reverse cholesterol transport, which includes low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein, endothelial stimulating cytokines, pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory macrophages, as well as foam cells. For this model, we use the Holling type-III response function instead of the usual Holling type-II to describe the change of the concentration of each substance. We first introduce the auxiliary function [Formula: see text] to prove the existence and uniqueness of small radially symmetric stationary plaque for appropriate [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] by using the contraction mapping principle and maximum principle, and then establish a condition to ensure their asymptotic stability behavior by expanding the corresponding steady-state solution.
EXPLORING FRACTIONAL DYNAMICAL PROBES IN THE CONTEXT OF GENDER-STRUCTURED HIV–TB COINFECTION: A STUDY OF CONTROL STRATEGIES
Authors: DEVI A. SARANYA , PAL KALYAN KUMAR , TIWARI PANKAJ KUMAR
Published: March 2024

The primary objective of this paper is to conduct an in-depth analysis of the intricacies inherent in a gender-structured model depicting the dynamics of HIV–TB coinfection. The model is articulated through a set of nonlinear fractional-order differential equations. Our focus is on elucidating the stability characteristics around equilibrium points, employing advanced fractional stability techniques. We leverage sensitivity analysis as a powerful tool to discern the specific model parameters exerting significant influence on the transmission and control of the coinfection, as gauged by the basic reproduction number. Through this, we aim to identify key factors that drive the spread or containment of the dual affliction. Furthermore, we delve into the realm of optimization by formulating a fractional optimal control problem. The objective is to design and implement two control strategies that effectively mitigate the prevalence of coinfection, demonstrating a state of perfect protection. Notably, our findings reveal that the implementation of control measures at a rate exceeding 80% suffices to eliminate the infection entirely. We anticipate that the insights garnered from this research will prove instrumental for policymakers in crafting strategic interventions to curtail the tragic impact of HIV–TB coinfection. Our scientifically grounded study serves as a foundation upon which comprehensive plans can be devised to stem the devastating consequences of this dual health challenge.
EFFECT Of DELAY IN A MUSCA DOMESTICA HOUSEFLIES MODEL: STABILITY AND GLOBAL HOPF BIFURCATION
Authors: ZHANG XIN , SHI RENXIANG
Published: March 2024

The study focuses on the model of houseflies with discrete delay, which is examined both theoretically and numerically. The solution of the delayed system is bounded and positive. The delay is selected as the bifurcation parameter. Stability analysis, local and global Hopf bifurcation are given in theoretical aspect. Through computer simulations, various dynamic behaviors, such as supercritical Hopf bifurcation, are detected. The theoretical analysis and numerical observations in this research are significant contributions to the biomathematics research area.
Pelican Crow Search Optimization Enabled MIRNet-Based Image Enhancement of Histopathological Images of Uterine Tissue
Authors: Patil Veena I. , Patil Shobha R.
Published: March 2024

The digitalized image enhancement methods offer multiple options to improve the visual quality of images. The histopathological image assessment is the golden standard to diagnose endometrial cancer, which is also called uterine cancer that seriously affects the reproductive system of females. Owing to the limited capability, complex relationship among histopathological images and its elucidation utilizing existing methods frequently fails to obtain satisfying outcomes. As a result, in this study, the Pelican crow search optimization_multiple identities representation network (PCSO_MIRNet) is presented for improving the quality of histopathology images of uterine tissue. First, the histopathological images are given to pre-processing stage, which is performed by the median filter. The image enhancement is done utilizing MIRNet, which is trained by devised PCSO. The PCSO is developed by incorporating Pelican Optimization Algorithm (POA) and Crow Search Algorithm (CSA). Furthermore, PCSO_MIRNet attained the best outcomes with a maximal peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) of 44.741 dB, minimal mean squared error (MSE) of 0.937, and minimal degree of distortion (DD) value achieved is 0.068 dB.
Labeled partitions in action: Recombination, selection, mutation and more
Authors: Alberti F.
Published: March 2024

In this paper, we consider the evolution of an (infinitely large) population under recombination and additional evolutionary forces, modeled by a measure-valued ordinary differential equation. We provide a stochastic representation for the solution of this model via duality to a new labeled partitioning process with Markovian labels. In the special case of single-crossover, this leads to a recursive solution formula. This extends (and unifies) previous results on the selection–recombination equation. As a concrete example, we consider the selection–mutation–recombination equation.
Random walk on the Poincaré disk
Authors: Rabodonandrianandraina Vahatra Fenosoa
Published: March 2024

We consider three interpretations of the standard random walk of [Formula: see text] on a hyperbolic space. We will consider the hyperbolic disk model, and we study properties such as transient behavior, synchronicity and properties of the stationary measure.
A strategy for quantum watermarking against geometric attacks
Authors: Wei ZhanHong , Hu GuanShi , Han MengDi , Wang Bin , Yin HuiJuan
Published: March 2024

The development of new quantum watermarking is in full swing, and it is crucial to test the robustness of these proposed watermarking schemes. In this paper, different quantum circuits are introduced to realize geometric transformations on quantum images, which serve as a means of simulating geometric attacks on quantum watermark images. Receivers may get distorted images, and the extracted watermark images may also be disrupted. To recover the geometric order of the quantum watermark images, a strategy is proposed to identify the trajectory of qubit alterations. Quantum circuits can be designed accordingly to restore the original order of the watermark images, which receivers could use before the extraction process to mitigate the impact of geometric attacks. Experimental simulations demonstrate how attacks affect the quantum watermark images and the extracted watermark images. Additionally, it illustrates how quantum recovery circuits step by step act on images that have been geometrically attacked. An analysis of the complexity of geometric restoration circuits reveals that quantum circuits exhibit better performance compared to classical circuits.
Surfactant-assisted synthesis of NiCo alloy with specific nanopore architecture as a bifunctional electrocatalyst for rechargeable zinc-air batteries
Authors: Chen Qitao , Zhu Shuaiwu , Xin Zhifeng , Wang Dongdong , Cai Jiajia , Li Haijin , Ding Shilei
Published: March 2024

Designing the effective active sites and reaction areas of catalytic materials is important for the development of bifunctional electrocatalysts for zinc-air batteries (ZABs). In this paper, a catalyst with a uniform nanopore structure (noted as NiCo-PS) was one-pot synthesized by using transition metals nickel and cobalt as catalytic active components, sucrose as a carbon source, and triblock copolymers as a soft template. The N2 absorption and desorption isotherms curves show that the pore size distribution of NiCo-PS modified by surfactant is mainly in 3.6 nm range. NiCo-PS exhibits exceptional bifunctional electrocatalysis due to its effective triple-phase reaction interface from its mesoporous structure, with a positive half-wave potential of 0.758 V for ORR and a low overpotential of 390 mV at 10 mA ⋅ [Formula: see text] for OER. Furthermore, the rechargeable ZABs with the NiCo-PS catalyst exhibit a high open-circuit voltage of 1.31 V, a significant peak power density of 105 mA ⋅ [Formula: see text] at 0.56 V, and good stability throughout 270 h testing. This result offers valuable insights for designing catalysts that enhance the active region of the reaction within the cathodes of ZABs and hold significant promise for practical applications.
Preparation and performance of aluminosilicate fibrous porous ceramics-supported catalyst for NOx removal
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Zhu Shaofeng , Li Xuewen , Xu Yongfei , Liang Yundong , Wang Xianbiao
Published: March 2024

In this study, we report a new aluminosilicate fibrous porous ceramics-supported catalyst for the removal of [Formula: see text]. The influence of raw materials and sintering process on the structure and properties of aluminosilicate fibrous porous ceramics was studied. The composition and the structure of the catalysts were characterized by XRF, XRD, SEM-EDS, and XPS analysis, and the experiments of denitrification were performed to determine the influence of the porous structure and the calcination process on the denitrification efficiency. The results indicated that the glass fibers facilitate the formation of a uniform porous network structure within aluminosilicate fibrous porous ceramics, and that the optimal sintering temperature is 1000∘C. Under the condition, the loaded catalysts were highly dispersed on the surface of aluminosilicate fibrous porous ceramics, which possessed high porosity and large average pore sizes. The aluminosilicate fibrous porous ceramics-supported catalyst exhibited excellent denitrification efficiency and catalytic stability, which is expected to be used for the treatment of [Formula: see text] in flue gas.
Fabrication of large-area organic semiconducting crystalline thin films with controlled morphology by antisolvent-assisted dip coating
Authors: Du Xiaosong , Liu Tianyou , Gu Jianhui , Wang Yu , Jiang Zhenyu , Mao Zhirun , Yu Caiyang , Kong Xiangtu , Jiang Sai
Published: March 2024

The solution-based coating of organic semiconductors offers significant potential for the low-cost manufacturing of large-area, flexible electronic devices. However, the rapid and complex fluid dynamics associated with solution coating present challenges in controlling thin-film morphology. In this study, we demonstrate a simple antisolvent-assisted dip coating approach to fabricate ultrathin, uniform films of Dioctylbenzothienobenzothiophene ([Formula: see text]-BTBT) with centimeter-scale coverage. The film morphologies can be tuned from large-area, well-aligned crystalline domains to highly uniform thin films by adjusting the dip-coating speeds and the solvent-to-antisolvent ratio. The introduction of an antisolvent into the solution creates a surface tension gradient, inducing Marangoni flow. This fluid dynamic process promotes the aggregation of [Formula: see text]-BTBT molecules at the solvent/antisolvent interface, enhancing film morphologies over a centimeter scale. The organic field-effect transistors (OFETs) fabricated from these [Formula: see text]-BTBT crystalline films exhibit superior electrical performance, with average and maximum carrier mobilities of 4.8 [Formula: see text] and 6.8 [Formula: see text], respectively. Therefore, this method offers a cost-effective and convenient deposition approach for more complex applications, such as large-area organic integrated circuits.
Intel TDX Demystified: A Top-Down Approach
Authors: Cheng Pau-Chen , Ozga Wojciech , Valdez Enriquillo , Ahmed Salman , Gu Zhongshu , Jamjoom Hani , Franke Hubertus , Bottomley James
Published: March 2024

Intel Trust Domain Extensions (TDX) is an architectural extension in the 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processor that supports confidential computing. TDX allows the deployment of virtual machines in the Secure-Arbitration Mode (SEAM) with encrypted CPU state and memory, integrity protection, and remote attestation. TDX aims at enforcing hardware-assisted isolation for virtual machines and minimize the attack surface exposed to host platforms, which are considered to be untrustworthy or adversarial in the confidential computing’s new threat model. TDX can be leveraged by regulated industries or sensitive data holders to outsource their computations and data with end-to-end protection in public cloud infrastructures.

This article aims at providing a comprehensive understanding of TDX to potential adopters, domain experts, and security researchers looking to leverage the technology for their own purposes. We adopt a top-down approach, starting with high-level security principles and moving to low-level technical details of TDX. Our analysis is based on publicly available documentation and source code, offering insights from security researchers outside of Intel.
Predicting the Rate of Degradation Related to Oxygen Electrode Delamination in Solid Oxide-Ion Electrolyzers
Authors: Wen Yeting , Huang Kevin
Published: March 2024

One of the leading causes for the performance degradation in H2-producing solid oxide electrolytic cells (SOECs) is the gradual delamination of oxygen electrode (OE) from the electrolyte under a strong anodic polarization. Identification of the key factor that controls the rate of OE delamination is of paramount importance to achieve long-term stable operation of SOECs. Here we show from thousands of hours of testing data that the exchange current density (i°) of OE can be leveraged as a predictor for the rate of delamination. To obtain i°, we apply DC-biased electrochemical impedance spectroscopy on a three-electrode symmetrical cell to measure polarization resistance (Rp) of OE as a function of current density (i) and time (t). The collected Rp-i-t raw data are then converted to overpotential (η)-i-t, from which i° is extracted from the “low-field” approximation. An analytical relationship between i° and time-to-delamination (TTD) is further established from the established i°-i-t relationship. We show that under a constant anodic polarization current density i, the greater the ratio i/i°, the faster the delamination. Therefore, we conclude that the exchange current density of an OE, i°, can be used to predict the rate of OE degradation in solid oxide-ion electrolyzers.
Rechargeable Manganese Dioxide||Hard Carbon Lithium Batteries in an Ether Electrolyte
Authors: Xia Dawei , Rosenberg Keith , Li Yilin , Hu Anyang , Sun Chengjun , Li Luxi , Nordlund Dennis , Sainio Sami , Huang Haibo , Lin Feng
Published: March 2024

Earth-abundant, cost-effective electrode materials are essential for sustainable rechargeable batteries and global decarbonization. Manganese dioxide (MnO2) and hard carbon both exhibit high structural and chemical tunability, making them excellent electrode candidates for batteries. Herein, we elucidate the impact of electrolytes on the cycling performance of commercial electrolytic manganese dioxide in Li chemistry. We leverage synchrotron X-ray analysis to discern the chemical state and local structural characteristics of Mn during cycling, as well as to quantify the Mn deposition on the counter electrode. By using an ether-based electrolyte instead of conventional carbonate electrolytes, we circumvent the formation of a surface Mn(II)-layer and Mn dissolution from LixMnO2. Consequently, we achieved an impressive ∼100% capacity retention for MnO2 after 300 cycles at C/3. To create a lithium metal-lean full cell, we introduce hard carbon as the anode which is compatible with ether-based electrolytes. Commercial hard carbon delivers a specific capacity of ∼230 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 without plateau, indicating a surface-adsorption mechanism. The resulting manganese dioxide||hard carbon full cell exhibits stable cycling and high Coulombic efficiency. Our research provides a promising solution to develop cost-effective, scalable, and safe energy storage solutions using widely available manganese oxide and hard carbon materials.
Jugular venous flow dynamics during acute weightlessness
Authors: Marshall-Goebel Karina , Lee Stuart M. C. , Lytle Jason R. , Martin David S. , Miller Christopher A. , Young Millennia , Laurie Steven S. , Macias Brandon R.
Published: March 2024

The absence of hydrostatic pressure gradients in the vascular system and loss of tissue weight during weightlessness results in altered flow dynamics in the left internal jugular vein in some astronauts that may contribute to an increased risk of thromboembolism during spaceflight. Here, we report that the internal jugular veins distend bilaterally in healthy participants and that flow stasis can occur in the left internal jugular vein during acute weightlessness produced by parabolic flight.
Albumin is an important factor in the control of serum free fatty acid flux in both male and female mice
Authors: Tomoo Keigo , Szramowski Mirandia , Pinal Rodolfo , Meyer Juliauna M. , Zhang Yi , Murray-Kolb Laura E. , Henderson Gregory C.
Published: March 2024

To improve understanding of the albumin protein’s function in vivo, we tested plasma free fatty acid kinetics in albumin knockout mice compared with wild-type mice. Using a new tracer formulation strategy, it was discovered that the appearance rate of free fatty acids in serum is lower in albumin knockout mice than in wild-type mice. The results indicate that albumin is a major controller of free fatty acid kinetics.
Shikonin Induces Glioma Necroptosis, Stemness Decline, and Impedes (Immuno)Proteasome Activity
Authors: Qin Xianyun , Zhang Lu , Liu Jilan , Lu Yan , Zhou Fuyao , Jin Feng
Published: March 2024

Gliomas, the most prevalent primary intracranial tumors, exhibit notable features such as heightened malignancy, rapid recurrence, and elevated mortality rates. Presently, standard therapeutic approaches yield limited curative outcomes. Shikonin, an extract derived from traditional Chinese medicine, demonstrates notable bioactivity against various tumors, including gliomas. This study elucidates Shikonin’s capacity to effectively induce necroptosis in glioma cells, concurrently mitigating glioma stemness, as evidenced by diminished levels of stem cell markers, namely SOX2, CD44, CHI3L1, and CD24. Our findings indicate that Shikonin‐induced programed necrosis leads to a downregulation of proteasome activity and a decrease in the expression of immune proteasome subunits PSMB8/9/10 and PSME1/2/3, contributing to the attenuation of stemness in gliomas. This study comprehensively investigates the interplay between (immuno)proteasome dynamics, Shikonin‐mediated necroptosis, and the consequential reduction in glioma stemness, both in vitro and in vivo. The discussion extends to the potential of Shikonin as a promising therapeutic agent in the management of gliomas, offering a novel avenue for drug development in this challenging clinical context.
Dietary Supplementation with Hydrolyzable Tannin Improves Nonspecific Immune Responses, Intestinal Morphology, and Disease Resistance against Vibrio alginolyticus in Whiteleg Shrimp
Authors: Huang Huai-Ting , Hu Yeh-Fang , Liao Zhen-Hao , Lin Yu-Ru , Chen Yin-Yu , Wang Yung-Chih , Chang Jui-Jen , Nan Fan-Hua
Published: March 2024

This research aimed to evaluate the impact of hydrolyzable tannin on immune responses, intestinal morphology, and resistance to Vibrio alginolyticus in whiteleg shrimp (Penaeus vannamei). In preliminary in vitro experiments, shrimp hemocytes were exposed to different concentrations of hydrolyzable tannin. The findings indicated that hydrolyzable tannin exhibited nontoxic characteristics and could stimulate respiratory burst activity. For the subsequent in vivo trial, shrimp (11.83 ± 0.98 g) were subjected to a 28‐day oral administration of diets containing diverse hydrolyzable tannin concentrations (0, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g/kg denoted as control, T1, T2, T4, and T8, respectively). Immune parameters, antimicrobial peptide genes, and intestinal morphology were measured. Significant enhancements were observed in total hemocyte count (THC), phagocytic activity, respiratory burst activity, and phenoloxidase activity (PO) across all treatment groups compared to the control group, particularly in T2 and T4 groups (p < 0.05). The gene expressions of Penaeidin‐2, Penaeidin‐3, Penaeidin‐4, crustin, and lysozyme were markedly higher in the treatment groups, especially in T2 (p < 0.05). Additionally, hydrolyzable tannin contributed to increased intestinal wall thickness after the 28‐day feeding trial (p  < 0.05). In a separate challenge experiment, shrimps (11.36 ± 0.66 g) were exposed to V. alginolyticus after 7 days of culture. Notably, T2 and T4 exhibited enhanced resistance, resulting in survival rates of 66.67% and 69.70%, respectively. To conclude, administering 4 g of hydrolyzable tannin per kilogram of feed proved effective in enhancing nonspecific immune responses, improving intestinal morphology, and augmenting resistance to V. alginolyticus in whiteleg shrimp.
Delayed Surgical Treatment of a CE1 Lung Cyst Resulting in Pericystectomy of CE4 Cyst
Authors: D’Alessandro Gian Luca , Pontarelli Agostina , Leka Armanda , Casazza Dino , Lissandrin Raffaella , Manciulli Tommaso , Botta Annarita , Parrella Roberto , Brunetti Enrico , Rinaldi Pietro
Published: March 2024

Lung is the second most common locationof cystic echinococcosis (CE), after the liver. Diagnosis of lung CE is often incidental, and clinical manifestations depend on the location and size of the cyst, the most common being chest pain, shortness of breath, expectoration of fragments of endocyst, and haemoptysis. Surgery is the primary treatment, with a minor role for medical therapy. Delayed diagnosis and treatment may have important consequences. We present a case of lung CE in whichsurgical treatment was delayed due to the first wave of COVID-19. Since surgery could not be performed immediately, the patient was kept on albendazole and the cyst stage moved from CE1 to CE3a, to CE4, eventually requiring a more aggressive pericystectomy instead of the commonly performed endocystectomy. The clinical and imaging characteristics of a rare CE4 cyst of the lung are reported.