bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attenuation of neutrophil adhesion and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps by pooled human immune globulins
Authors: Rao Vidhya R. , Iqbal Sana , Young Bradford A. , Mun Christine , Jain Sandeep , Kaja Simon 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThis study investigated the efficacy of pooled human immune globulins (Flebogamma® DIF) to combat the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and NETosis, along with neutrophil adhesion to corneal epithelial cells in response to dry eye disease relevant stimuli.MethodsHuman neutrophils were isolated by bead-based immunomagnetic depletion of non-target cells from human whole blood. NETosis was induced using phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) or anti-citrullinated histone 4 R3 antibody (H4R3 ACPA). Extracellular DNA was used as a surrogate biomarker of NETosis, and it was quantified using a 96-well, plate reader-based fluorescent assay and by confocal microscopy in 8-well chambers using the DNA dye, SYTOXTM Green. Neutrophils were labeled with calcein-AM and adhesion to human corneal epithelial cells was measured. The efficacy of a dose-range of pooled human immune globulin (Flebogamma® DIF, 0.01%–5%) was tested in all assays.ResultsPooled human immune globulins (Flebogamma® DIF) dose-dependently inhibited both PMA and H4R3 ACPA induced NETosis, with concentrations ≥2.5% fully preventing release of extracellular DNA over a 2–16 h time period. Similarly, Flebogamma® 5% DIF prevented NETosis against PMA (20 nM) and a dose range (0.1–10 μg/mL) of H4R3 ACPA. Both PMA and H4R3 ACPA increased adhesion of neutrophils to corneal epithelial cells by 20% and 5%, respectively. Flebogamma® DIF treatment resulted in a dose-dependent reduction of neutrophil adhesion, with Flebogamma® 5% DIF reducing adhesion to baseline levels.DiscussionThese findings show the dose-dependent efficacy of pooled human immune globulins, specifically Flebogamma® DIF against experimentally and pathologically induced NETosis and neutrophil adhesion to corneal epithelial cells, in vitro. The results from this study support the continued clinical development of Flebogamma® 5% DIF as a novel and efficacious treatment for the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.
Efficacy and safety of danshen class injections in the treatment of coronary heart disease: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Dai Shuang , Ding Yukun , Guo Jianbo , Wang Xian 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundDanshen [Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge (Lamiaceae; Salviae miltiorrhizae radix et rhizoma)] class injections (DSCIs) are widely used in the treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, there are various types of DSCIs available on the market, and it remains uncertain which DSCI has the best clinical efficacy, as well as which one is most effective in regulating inflammatory markers and oxidative stress indicators. The aim of this network meta-analysis (NMA) is to compare the therapeutic effects of different DSCIs to identify the optimal DSCI for the treatment of CHD.MethodsThe databases searched to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of DSCIs for CHD included the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. The search period spanned from the inception of each database up to June 2024. NMA was conducted using RevMan 5.3 and Stata 16.0 software.ResultsA total of 106 studies including 14,979 patients, involving 10,931 patients, with 5,640 in the experimental group and 5,291 in the control group. And ten DSCIs were extracted, namely: Danhong injection (DH), Danshen injection (DS), Danshenchuanxiongqin injection (DSCXQ), Dansenduofensuanyan injection (DSDFSY), Danshenfen injection (DSFZ), Fufang Danshen injection (FFDS), Guanxinning injection (GXN), Sodium Tanshinone IIA Sulfonate injection (STS), Xiangdan injection (XD), Shenxiongputaotang injection (SXPTT). The results of NMA showed that, XD injection significantly enhances clinical efficacy; STS is more effective in reducing hs-CRP levels; DSDFSY shows better efficacy in decreasing IL-1 and increasing NO levels; DSCXQ has a greater advantage in reducing IL-6 levels; GXN is more effective in regulating SOD levels; and DH is better at reducing MDA levels.ConclusionThe combined treatment of DSCIs and WM more significant efficacy in patients with CHD compared to WM treatment alone, including clinical efficacy evaluation, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress markers. Overall, DSDFSY and DSCXQ show better performance in clinical efficacy evaluation and regulation of inflammatory markers, while DH exhibits a more stable effect in regulating oxidative stress. However, larger sample sizes and high-quality RCTs are still necessary to further compare the various DSCIs.Systematic Review Registration[PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42024548928].
Treatment access gap during the COVID-19 Pandemic: impact on problematic alcohol use and the moderating roles of perceived stress and resilience
Authors: Vergeer Rhianna R. , Luk Jeremy W. , Stangl Bethany L. , McCabe Emma M. , Ziausyte Ugne , Schwandt Melanie L. , Goldman David , Ramchandani Vijay A. , Diazgranados Nancy 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic may have interfered with individuals’ access to alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment, but limited research has documented the impact of treatment interference on drinking behavior. This study’s purpose was to examine the associations of AUD treatment interference with problematic alcohol use, and the moderating roles of perceived stress and resilience.MethodA cross-sectional survey design was employed. Data were drawn from the baseline assessment of the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Alcohol Study. Between June 2020 and March 2021, 288 participants (48.6% female, 51.4% male) responded to key measures of interest by phone and/or through an online survey. Study hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression models adjusted for demographic characteristics (age, sex, race, ethnicity, years of education, household income, marital status), study enrollment phase, and history of AUD.ResultsSelf-reported AUD treatment interference was positively associated with problematic alcohol use as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (b = 2.05, p &lt; 0.001). Significant moderation effects indicated the association between AUD treatment interference and problematic alcohol use was stronger at a high level of perceived stress (b = 3.08, p &lt; 0.001) and was attenuated at a high level of resilience (b = -0.13, p = 0.874).ConclusionsSelf-reported AUD treatment interference may indicate interruption to individuals’ support systems and highlight the need for continued access to treatment. Fostering positive coping strategies and resilience may help individuals mitigate risks of problematic drinking amidst a public health crisis.
Socioeconomic inequalities in depression and the role of job conditions in China
Authors: Ma Jie , Wu Jinjing , Marois Guillaume 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundThe rising prevalence of depression in China, coupled with a tightening job market, highlights concern for the workforce’s mental health. Although socioeconomic inequalities in depression have been well documented in high-income countries, the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and depression, along with its work-related mediators, has not been sufficiently studied in China.MethodsThe study participants are 6,536 non-agriculturally employed working adults from the 2020 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). We build linear regression models to examine the relationship between SES and depression, using education and income as indicators of SES. We also apply a framework based on seemingly unrelated estimation (SUEST) to assess how job conditions, which include job demands and job resources, mediate this relationship.ResultsBoth education and income are negatively associated with depression, with education’s association with depression remaining net of income. Mediation analysis reveals that the well-educated tend to occupy less demanding work with shorter working hours and lower probability of on-call duty, which partially helps explain the education-based depression gap. Higher earners experience more demanding work with longer working hours and higher probability of on-call duty, which potentially masks the income-based depression gap. Greater job resources including moderate schedule flexibility and better job security, appear to contribute to explaining the depression gap across SES.LimitationThe cross-sectional design of this study precludes causal inferences. Not all typical job demands and resources could be included due to data limitations.ConclusionOur study provides insights into socioeconomic inequalities in mental health in the Chinese working population, with implications for policies aimed at preventing depression and improving mental health equity.
Effects of volcanic eruptions on the mental health of exposed populations: a systematic review
Authors: Mendoza Danae A. , Reales José M. , Ballesteros Soledad 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionMillions of people living in volcanic environments are at risk of experiencing volcanic eruptions, a natural disaster. This systematic review aimed to collect empirical evidence of the effects of volcanic eruptions on the mental health of the exposed populations.MethodsFollowing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted systematic searches on Scopus, PubMed, PsycINFO, Medline, and Web of Science (WoS) databases.ResultsA total of 17,044 articles were screened. Of these, 24 articles met the inclusion criteria and data were extracted. Twenty-one articles investigated psychological disorders, two articles studied emotions and their relationships with certain environmental factors, and one article explored cognitive functions in the exposed populations. These studies showed that highly exposed populations were more vulnerable to develop long-lasting psychological disorders than less exposed populations.ConclusionThe negative influence of experiencing volcanic activity on mental health was confirmed. Clearly, there is a need for more research to improve the mental health of the populations highly exposed to volcanic eruptions. Recommendations for future research are also included.
A novel proceduralized donor liver back-table preparation technique minimizes hemorrhage following liver implantation in orthotropic liver transplantation
Authors: Tang Rui , Wu Guangdong , Tong Xuan , Yu Lihan , Li Ang , Lin Jingyi , Xu Guangxun , Lu Qian 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundIntraoperative hemorrhage is one of the major complications of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLTX) and is mainly caused by technical difficulties of the surgical procedure besides primary liver diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical effects of a novel proceduralized donor liver back-table preparation (DLBTP) technique for use in OLTX.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted between January 2018 and June 2020 based on patients who had undergone OLTX. All livers transplanted using the reported back-table procedures were defined as the control group A (n = 43), while those prepared using our new procedure as the experimental group B (n = 160). The first-hand surgical experience of transplant surgeons was surveyed in a post hoc comparative analysis.ResultsDLBTP time was significantly longer and the probability of low-quality hepatic artery skeletonization was lower in group B compared to group A patients. Compared to group A, the time for hemorrhage control was shorter [P &lt; 0.05, 0.3 h (range, 0.17–0.58 h)], and the degree of blood loss was less [P &lt; 0.05, 60 ml (range, 30–240 ml)] in group B. Major bleeding sites were soft tissue of the hepatic hilum and the wall of the inferior vena cava. Due to trimmed soft tissue in the first porta hepatis region, there was less blood oozing, making it easier to stem the bleeding and construct anastomosis.ConclusionAlthough the procedural DLBTP for OLTX was time-consuming, the new procedure significantly reduced the degree of hemorrhage and the time required to control bleeding.
Multiple Typing Approach to Characterize Toxoplasma gondii Strains from Captive and Livestock Species in Northern Italy Suggests the Circulation of Type-II Variants
Authors: Dini Filippo Maria , Salas-Fajardo Martha Ynés , Taddei Roberta , Ramini Mattia , Vianello Silvia , Caffara Monica , Galuppi Roberta 
Published: December 2024

Toxoplasma gondii is a widespread foodborne parasite that affects both humans and animals worldwide. The genetic characterization of this parasite has become crucial due to its epidemiological and clinical implications. The present study focused on the direct genetic characterization of T. gondii-positive DNA samples from Northern Italy, using three standardized genotyping methods. Of the 87 PCR-positive DNA samples obtained from livestock, wild, and captive animals, 9 were confirmed, quantified, and subsequently subjected to typing procedures: microsatellite analysis, PCR-RFLP, and partial sequencing of GRA6 and SAG3 genes. Most of the typed samples, derived from clinical cases of toxoplasmosis, specifically related to abortion outbreaks in small ruminants, as well as one case of systemic toxoplasmosis in lemur (Lemur catta). Predominantly, Type II strains were observed, with non-clonal variants identified in a sheep and a lemur. Sequencing of SAG3 revealed specific single nucleotide polymorphism, previously documented in European type-II variants, with phylogenesis suggesting a potential genetic relatedness between T. gondii population in Italy, Spain, and France. By utilizing three distinct genotyping methods, this study provides the first comprehensive microsatellite profiles of T. gondii in Italy, and additional insights into the molecular variability of T. gondii strains circulating in this country from different epidemiological settings.
Fractional Partial Differential Equation Modeling for Solar Cell Charge Dynamics
Authors: Abdelfattah Waleed Mohammed , Ragb Ola , Salah Mohamed , Matbuly Mohamed S. , Mohamed Mokhtar 
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a groundbreaking numerical approach, the fractional differential quadrature method (FDQM), to simulate the complex dynamics of organic polymer solar cells. The method, which leverages polynomial-based differential quadrature and Cardinal sine functions coupled with the Caputo-type fractional derivative, offers a significant improvement in accuracy and efficiency over traditional methods. By employing a block-marching technique, we effectively address the time-dependent nature of the governing equations. The efficacy of the proposed method is validated through rigorous numerical simulations and comparisons with existing analytical and numerical solutions. Each scheme’s computational characteristics are tailored to achieve high accuracy, ensuring an error margin on the order of 10−8 or less. Additionally, a comprehensive parametric study is conducted to investigate the impact of key parameters on device performance. These parameters include supporting conditions, time evolution, carrier mobilities, charge carrier densities, geminate pair distances, recombination rate constants, and generation efficiency. The findings of this research offer valuable insights for optimizing and enhancing the performance of organic polymer solar cell devices.
Disentangling Taxonomic Confusions in the Aporia agathon Group Using Mitochondrial Genomic Data (Lepidoptera: Pieridae)
Authors: Hu Shao-Ji , Jia Ya-Qi , Zhang Xin , Hsu Yu-Feng , Monastyrskii Alexander L. , Vu Van Lien , Ge Si-Xun , Duan Kuang , Jiang Zhuo-Heng , Sbordoni Valerio , Wang Min 
Published: December 2024

Pierid species of the Aporia agathon group are among the largest Sino-Himalayan members of genus Aporia, with four conventionally recognised species, namely A. agathon, A. largeteaui, A. gigantea, and A. lemoulti. Recent publications indicated that some of these species may contain more than one species despite their similar morphological characters. The present research analysed this group of butterflies using mitogenomic data, and proved that A. japfuensis stat. nov., A. bifurcata stat. nov., A. moltrechti reinst. stat., A. kuangtungensis stat. nov. and A. omotoi stat. nov. should be recognised as distinct species, while lemoultistat. rev., gigantea stat. nov. and fanjinensis stat. rev. should be subspecies of A. largeteaui. Two new subspecies, namely A. kuangtungensis yufeii ssp. nov. and A. kuangtungensis josephi ssp. nov. were described. Illustrations of specimens and male and female genitalia of each taxon were provided in this article with an updated classification system. Variable melanism and yellow tinge are two major factors causing historical taxonomic confusion; thus, such characters should be less crucial for this species group. Future research is still necessary to elucidate the evolutionary history of these species along with other Aporia taxa, as well as the mechanism of variable melanism and yellow coloration.
Some Remarks on the Best Ulam Constant
Authors: Brzdęk Janusz 
Published: December 2024

The problem of Ulam stability for equations can be stated in terms of how much the mappings satisfying the equations approximately (in a sense) differ from the exact solutions of these equations. One of the best known results in this area is the following: Let g be a mapping from a normed space V into a Banach space B. Let ξ≥0 and t≠1 be fixed real numbers and g:V→B satisfy the inequality ∥g(u+v)−g(u)−g(v)∥ ≤ξ(∥u∥t+∥v∥t) for u,v∈V∖{0}. Then, there exists a unique additive f:V→B fulfilling the inequality ∥g(u)−f(u)∥ ≤ξ|1−2t−1|−1∥u∥t for u∈V∖{0}. There arises a natural problem if the constant, on the right hand side of the latter inequality, is the best possible. It is known as the problem of the best Ulam constant. We discuss this problem, as well as several related issues, show possible generalizations of the existing results, and indicate open problems. To make this publication more accessible to a wider audience, we limit the related information, avoid advanced generalizations, and mainly focus only on the additive Cauchy equation f(x+y)=f(x)+f(y) and on the general linear difference equation xn+p=a1xn+p−1+…+apxn+bn (considered for sequences in a Banach space). In particular, we show that there is a significant symmetry between Ulam constants of several functional equations and of their inhomogeneous or radical forms. We hope that in this way we will stimulate further research in this area.
InGaN/GaN edge emitting laser diodes using an epitaxial lateral overgrowth with a low-defect density area of more than 75%
Authors: Chang HSun-Ming , Gandrothula Srinivas , Gee Stephen , Tak Tanay , Wong Matthew , Palmquist Nathan , Zhang Jiaao , Trageser Emily , Li Xianqing , Quevedo Alejandro , Rienzi Vincent , DenBaars Steven P. , Nakamura Shuji 
Published: December 2024

Abstract
We have successfully demonstrated InGaN/GaN edge-emitting laser diodes (EELDs) on a fully coalesced epitaxial lateral overgrown film from a c-plane GaN substrate. We achieve a high aspect ratio, and low defect density wing region covering 75%–88% of the substrates’ surface, which is amongst the largest reported areas in the literature. The devices at the wing region exhibit a threshold current density of 3.63 kA cm−2 at 408 nm, and an improved laser performance compared to the high defect density region is confirmed. Based on this work, it is promising that high performance, cost-efficient c-plane InGaN/GaN EELDs can be realized.
Brand Image dan Daya Saing PENGARUH BRANDING IMAGE DALAM PEMASARAN PENDIDIKAN TERHADAP PENINGKATAN DAYA SAING MADRASAH
Authors: Sakinah Syifa Sari , Nurmila Nina , Kasmin  
Published: December 2024

Persaingan antar lembaga pendidikan semakin ketat, sehingga mendorong sekolah untuk meningkatkan mutu. Salah satu elemen penting dalam daya saing adalah (branding image) merek atau citra sekolah. Tentunya pengelolaan lembaga dituntut agar senantiasa meningkatkan kemampuannya untuk bersaing. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui seberapa besar pengaruh strategi branding image dalam pemasaran pendidikan terhadap peningkatan daya saing madrasah. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif, dengan metode penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan angket melalui pengukuran model Skala Likert yang terdiri dari empat jawaban pilihan kepada 48 responden. Berdasarkan hasil analisis statistik menunjukkan bahwa: Strategi branding image di MAN 2 Kota Bandung memperoleh nilai rata-rata 3,06, termasuk dalam kategori cukup. Pemasaran pendidikan di MAN 2 Kota Bandung memperoleh nilai rata-rata 3,06 maka dikategorikan sebagai cukup. Daya saing di MAN 2 Kota Bandung memperoleh nilai rata-rata 4,32. Nilai tersebut termasuk kategori sangat tinggi. Hasil keseluruhan menunjukkan bahwa strategi branding image dalam pemasaran pendidikan berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap peningkatan daya saing madrasah di MAN 2 Kota Bandung dengan nilai signifikansi untuk X1 dan X2 terhadap Y (0,00 < 0,05) dan nilai thitung 804,409 > ttabel 1,025, sehingga (Ho) ditolak dan (Ha) diterima dan mendapat R Square sebesar 0,381. Artinya, variable X1 dan X2 berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap variable Y sebesar 38% sisanya 62% dijelaskan oleh variabel lain seperti kualitas sarana dan prasarana, kinerja staff dan sebagainya. Dengan demikian, semakin meningkatnya strategi branding image dan pemasaran pendidikan, semakin baik pula kemampuan daya saing yang dimiliki madrasah, maka disarankan MAN 2 Kota Bandung agar lebih memperhatikan kedua aspek tersebut untuk mempertahankan keunggulan dalam bersaing.

Kata Kunci: strategi branding image, pemasaran pendidikan, daya saing.