bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ivermectin as a promising therapeutic option for onchocerciasis‐associated epilepsy
Authors: Manavi Mohammad Amin , Mohammad Jafari Razieh , Shafaroodi Hamed , Sharifzadeh Mohammad , Dehpour Ahmad Reza 
Published: November 2024

AbstractOnchocerciasis, commonly known as river blindness, is a neglected tropical disease caused by the parasite Onchocerca volvulus. It can lead to blindness and visual impairment. Studies have also demonstrated a link between onchocerciasis and epilepsy, with there being a correlation between onchocerciasis endemicity and epilepsy prevalence. Onchocerciasis‐associated epilepsy (OAE) emerges predominantly in individuals aged 3–18, with a notable prevalence in regions where onchocerciasis transmission persists. These areas exhibit elevated rates of epilepsy, underscoring the significant impact of ongoing onchocerciasis on the incidence of epilepsy, particularly within the specified age range. Both epilepsy prevalence and incidence have evolved over the past three decades in a Tanzanian area endemic for onchocerciasis. Researchers have studied the effects of the antiparasitic drug ivermectin on OAE. About one third of Ugandan patients saw reduced seizure frequency or intensity after one 150 μg/kg dose. Clinical research in the Congo among infected epileptics on anti‐seizure medications (ASMs) suggested ivermectin may decrease seizure frequency following oral administration of ivermectin tablets (3 mg). Beyond its antiparasitic properties, ivermectin has demonstrated anticonvulsant effects against clonic and tonic–clonic seizures, likely through modulation of GABAA receptor and neuroinflammation. There is evidence of synergistic effects when combined with GABAergic ASMs like diazepam. As neuroinflammation plays a key role in OAE, ivermectin's anti‐inflammatory properties by inhibiting cytokines like TNF‐α and IL‐1β are also relevant. While certain other antiparasitic drugs can interact with ASMs and have side effects like seizures, no such interactions or side effects have been reported for ivermectin. However, there is a need for more randomized controlled trials specifically evaluating ivermectin's impact on seizures in O. volvulus‐infected epileptics on ASMs. Given its efficacy against parasites, limited side effects, and potential anticonvulsant mechanisms, ivermectin could be a favorable first‐line treatment option, but further research is warranted to confirm benefits for OAE.Plain Language SummaryThis article explores the potential benefits of ivermectin, a drug commonly used to treat parasitic infections, for reducing seizures in people with epilepsy linked to onchocerciasis, also known as river blindness. Research shows that ivermectin not only targets the parasitic cause of the disease but may also help reduce brain inflammation, which plays a key role in epilepsy. While early results are promising, more research is needed to confirm whether ivermectin can be a reliable treatment for epilepsy in people affected by this condition.
Unveiling Severity Indicators for Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa Treatment Success: DSM–5 Versus ICD–11 Versus Drive for Thinness
Authors: Dang An , Granero Roser , Sanchez Isabel , Solé Laura Gálvez , Toro Jessica Jimenez‐del , Rosinska Magda , Jimenez‐Murcia Susana , Krug Isabel , Fernandez‐Aranda Fernando 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study aimed to compare treatment outcomes associated with three severity indicators—DSM–5 for anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN), ICD–11 for AN, and drive for thinness (DT) for AN and BN—within a treatment‐seeking population.MethodA total of 628 female participants diagnosed with either AN (n = 266; mean age = 26.71) or BN (n = 362; mean age = 29.49) were recruited from an ED unit. Upon admission, participants were classified based on DSM–5 (AN and BN) and ICD–11 severity categories. They underwent CBT‐E comprehensive manualised programs, according to ED subtype, and were categorised into ‘full remission’, ‘partial remission’, ‘non‐remission’ or ‘drop‐out’ based on DSM–5 diagnostic criteria at discharge.ResultsSignificant associations were found only for ICD–11 AN severity groups (p = 0.03, Cramer's V = 0.18), with ‘dangerously low BMI’ associated with poorer outcomes than ‘significantly low BMI’. No other significant relationships were found with DSM–5 or DT severity groups.ConclusionThis study reveals the limitation of using a single severity indicator and emphasises the necessity of a comprehensive assessment to capture the complexities of AN and BN. Future research should also evaluate the validity of these severity measures across various factors, including biological correlates and psychopathology.
DRL‐Based Computation‐Efficient Offloading and Power Control for UAV‐Assisted MEC Networks
Authors: Priya B. , Nandhini J. M. , Uma S. , Anuratha K. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTMobile edge computing (MEC) has achieved significant attention due to the availability of computational tasks in specific scenarios such as emergency applications like forest fire and earthquake remedies. The computationally demanding policy and user offloading policy are challenging problems to address in the energy constrained unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) network. In this work, the computational task offloading, and power management is solved by using the multi‐agent deterministic power management algorithm (MADPM) based on deep reinforcement learning. Every UAV works together as a team to understand the actor critic environment and to make decisions that will help achieve the goals. This involves transferring computational tasks from UAVs to more powerful ground stations or other UAVs to save energy and enhance performance. It requires intelligent decision‐making to determine which tasks to offload and when. The joint optimization problem is verified with the simulation results and the proposed work is enabled with MEC in achieving the emergence of UAV related applications. Our simulations show that the MADPM algorithm, as suggested, enhances task offloading efficiency by 35% and reduces power consumption by 25% when compared with current methods. These findings underscore the ability of our method to greatly improve the UAV operational capacities.
Numerical simulation study on shaft plug‐holing height during natural smoke evacuation in deep buried tunnels
Authors: Bin Liu , Jun Mao , Xiangyang Jiang , Yanhong Xi 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we investigate the plug‐holing phenomenon under the influence of natural smoke venting in deeply buried tunnel shafts using a fire dynamics simulator based on a large eddy simulation model. Additionally, we discuss the effects of heat release rate and shaft height. The results indicate that the temperature distribution of the smoke upstream of the fire remains consistent when the height of the shaft does not exceed 20 m. Once the shaft height reaches 50 m, the temperature of the smoke upstream of the fire decreases with the increase in shaft height. Simultaneously, the smoke downstream of the fire can be completely discharged through the shaft. As the shaft height increases in the deeply buried tunnel, the degree of plug‐holing increases, leading to reduced smoke evacuation efficiency. This phenomenon is caused by the horizontal inertia force and vertical thermal buoyancy of the smoke below the shaft. The critical plugging phenomenon occurs when Ri = 2.72, as determined through force analysis of the smoke. Subsequently, we analyze the mechanism by which shaft height and heat release rate influence plug hole height and establish a quantitative expression equation for plug‐holing height.
Using a Wage–Price‐Setting Model to Forecast US Inflation
Authors: Do Nguyen Duc 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study modifies a wage–price‐setting (WPS) model to forecast US inflation over 1‐ to 3‐year horizons, based on the assumption that firms use a rule of thumb to set prices after settling a wage agreement. The out‐of‐sample forecast results show that productivity growth is a powerful predictor of inflation, in the sense that during the 1990Q1–2023Q4 period, the modified WPS model improved upon some univariate benchmark models and multivariate models such as the Phillips curve, term spread, and wage‐inflation models. From the early 2000s to the prepandemic period, forecast accuracy was improved by combining productivity growth with anchored inflation expectations. Interestingly, during this period, forecasts derived from the WPS model with constant‐inflation expectations were found to slightly outperform Greenbook forecasts in forecasting quarter‐over‐quarter inflation from two‐ to four‐quarter horizons.
In Vitro Screening of Bacterial Isolates From Dairy Products for Probiotic Properties and Other Health‐Promoting Attributes
Authors: Modasiya Ishita , Mori Priya , Maniya Hina , Chauhan Mehul , Grover Chand Ram , Kumar Vijay , Sarkar Apurba Kumar 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe present research was aimed to isolate potential probiotic organisms from dairy products locally made in and around the Saurashtra region of Gujarat. A total of 224 colonies were screened for primary attributes. Based on the results, 70 isolates were carried further for secondary screening. Out of these, only 23 isolates were further tested for antioxidant activities. Only 6 potential probiotic strains were found to have all the probiotic attributes. These isolates demonstrated survivability up to 4 h at pH ≤ 3, bile concentration ≥ 1.5%, autoaggregation ability ≥ 81.08%, and cell surface hydrophobicity more than 70% while using toluene as the test hydrocarbon. The promising six isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing for species‐level identification and found to be belonging to the genus Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus. The isolates demonstrated higher antioxidant potential as determined by ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods. For all three methods, L. rhamnosus was taken as a positive control that showed 85.61%, 39.56%, and 78.18% reduction of free radicals as determined by the ABTS, DPPH, and FRAP methods, respectively. Compared to this, Limosilactobacillus fermentum BAB 7912 demonstrated the highest reduction of ABTS radicals (83.45%), while Bacillus subtilis BAB 7918 reduced 29.95% DPPH free radicals and Bacillus spizizenii BAB 7915 reduced 80.93% ferric ions as determined by the FRAP method. Isolates were subjected to 16S rRNA sequencing for species‐level identification and found to be belonging to genus Bacillus, Enterococcus, and Lactobacillus.
Innovative Fundamentierungen mit Fertigschraubpfählen
Authors: Boley Conrad , Höppner Robert , Pratter Paul , Thurner Günther 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFertigschraubpfähle gewinnen in der Geotechnik zunehmend an Bedeutung. Im vorliegenden Bericht werden innovative Fundamentierungen mit Fertigschraubpfählen vorgestellt. Es wird auf die Spezifika des Gründungssystems eingegangen, die Probebelastung mit verkürzter Versuchszeit vorgestellt und weitere Anwendungsmöglichkeiten wie der geneigte Einbau der Fertigschraubpfähle zum Abtrag von Horizontallasten präsentiert. Im Unterschied zu konventionellen Gründungselementen aus Stahl und Beton bestehen Fertigschraubpfähle ausschließlich aus einem vorgefertigten Tragglied aus Stahl, das in den Boden eingeschraubt wird und sofort belastbar ist. Die Betonage entfällt, wodurch sich nicht nur Baustelleneinrichtung und Bauzeit erheblich reduzieren, vielmehr können die Fertigschraubpfähle nach temporären Baumaßnahmen wiedergewonnen werden. Damit ist der Eingriff in die Umwelt nicht nur während der Baumaßnahme minimal, sondern die vollständige Wiedergewinnbarkeit des Gründungssystems ist für neue Baumaßnahmen im Hinblick auf die Nachhaltigkeit wegweisend.
Assessment of Geothermal Energy in Aluto‐Langano and Tulu‐Moye, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Genetu Mamaru 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThis study aims to identify the primary issues leading to the pause in geothermal energy development at Aluto‐Langano and Tulu‐Moye sites, while also exploring opportunities in new drilling wells and assessing compliance with occupational safety, health and environmental standards. The geothermal energy development status was evaluated through focus group discussions, site visits and field data collection. The Tulu‐Moye Geothermal Operation (TMGO) project is underway to establish a power plant, with a phased development spanning 6 years targeting a total capacity of 150 MW, comprising 50 MW for Phase 1 and 100 MW for Phase 2, though with some constraints. The Aluto‐I Geothermal Pilot Plant marked the initial efforts to produce electricity from geothermal sources but faced shutdown due to declining thermal energy in some wells, turbine corrosion, pentane leakage, frequent in efficiency of fans and instability of foundations. Consequently, Phase 2 of the project aims to integrate with Phase 1 wells to mitigate potential thermal energy losses. Geothermal energy development demands substantial initial investment but entails minimal ongoing costs and workforce requirements. Its eco‐friendliness benefits communities, offering higher efficiency and lower maintenance compared to hydroelectricity. Leveraging Ethiopia's geothermal potential is crucial for electricity generation, mineral extraction, and water supply, with plans involving nationwide field expansion to enhance renewable energy capacity.
Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 in the Pathophysiology of Late Life Depression
Authors: Métivier L. , Vivien D. , Goy R. , Agin V. , Bui E. , Benbrika S. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionLate life depression (LLD) is characterized by specific clinical features including a high frequency of vascular form and frequent antidepressant treatment resistance. The expression and functions of the serine protease inhibitor, Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) is known to be altered by aging, vascular damage, insulin levels associated with a sedentary lifestyle, chronic stress leading to hypercortisolemia, and inflammatory changes linked to stress responses. These phenomena would be implicated in LLD like vascular depression. This article thus aims to review the existing literature regarding the association between LLD and plasmatic levels of PAI‐1, a marker of hypofibrinolysis. We hypothesize that increased age would be associated with changes in PAI‐1 plasma level and function which influence LLD pathogenesis and its treatment.ResultsAlthough a large number of studies on PAI‐1 changes in the elderly exist, studies about its implications in LLD are sparse. Despite heterogeneous findings regarding the direction of variation in plasmatic PAI‐1 levels among elderly participants with LLD, all studies demonstrated an association between PAI‐1 levels and current or remitted depressive symptoms. Moreover, disruptions in the concentrations of other biological markers influencing PAI‐1 expression, such as cytokines or adipokines, were also observed, notably an increase in the levels of interleukins 6 and 8.DiscussionLLD genesis appears to be influenced by PAI‐1 regulatory loops which are implicated in senescence or cell death. The resistance to antidepressant treatment appears to be linked to distinct biological profiles involving inflammatory and fibrinolytic factors. Taken together these data suggest that PAI‐1 pathway may be a promising target of treatment development efforts for LLD, and depression in general.
Female Reproductive Period Length, Parity and Hormonal Replacement Therapy and Dementia: The Elsi‐Brazil Study
Authors: Barbosa Matheus Ghossain , Keinert Ana Ágata Mezzomo , Miguel Andrew Christopher Claro , Macêdo Marcos Antônio Costa Ferreira de , Teixeira Lucas Martins , Bertola Laiss , Lima‐Costa Maria Fernanda , Ferri Cleusa Pinheiro 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionAlzheimer's disease and other dementia have a higher incidence among women and that risk factors specific to the female sex could be involved. Few studies looked into female reproductive factors and their association with dementia in low‐and middle‐income countries.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed the baseline data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSI‐Brazil) and included data from 2594 women aged 60 years and older. We used an algorithm approach to determine dementia status and performed logistic regressions using as predictors the self‐reported total length of the reproductive period, total parity and use of hormonal replacement therapy. We also analyzed the effects of hormonal replacement therapy use for different age groups and the effects of number of living children.ResultsReproductive period length, hormonal replacement therapy use and parity as a continuous measure were not significantly associated with dementia status. When compared with 0 births, the group with 5–8 had more dementia while the other groups displayed no differences. For the number of living children, but a higher occurrence of dementia was found among women with more children.ConclusionsWe did not find any association between continuous parity, reproductive period length or hormonal replacement therapy use and dementia. Social factors of motherhood appear to play an important role, and group specific effects of parity and hormonal replacement therapy require further study.
Anti‐NMDA receptor autoimmune encephalitis associated with ovarian teratoma: A case series and literature review
Authors: Nha Pham Ba , Tu Nguyen Phuong , Ha Nguyen Viet , Hien Duong Thi Thu , Phuong Nguyen Thi Thu , Son Nguyen Anh , Hoang Nguyen Tien 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAutoimmune encephalitis is a group of disorders characterized by symptoms of dysfunction of the limbic and extra‐limbic systems that occur in association with antibodies against intracellular antigens, synapses, or proteins located on the surface of nerve cells. Anti‐NMDA (N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate) receptor encephalitis was first described in 2007 and has become one of the most commonly recognized autoimmune encephalitides. The disease is predominantly female (81%) and affects young patients (37% <18 years old, 95% <45 years old), with up to 58% of women over 18 years old having ovarian teratoma. Clinical symptoms of anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis include psychiatric disorders (anxiety, agitation, bizarre behavior, hallucinations, delusions, and memory impairment); seizures and epileptic states; and other neurologic symptoms (muscle tone abnormalities, eye movement disorders, and central ventilatory disorders). Diagnosis of this condition can be difficult due to the non‐specific nature of the symptoms, often leading to delays in appropriate treatment. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of anti‐NMDA receptor encephalitis, especially in young women with ovarian teratoma, has significantly improved the chances of full recovery and improved reproductive health outcomes for patients.
Impact of a Restrictive Formulary on glycemic control compared with an Open Formulary
Authors: Duong Tinh , Jolliff Jeff , Duvall Alan , Aguirre Raquel , Lash David Benjamin 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIntroductionIn 2019, California Governor Gavin Newsom introduced executive order N‐01‐19, which transitioned California's Medicaid (Medi‐Cal) health plan pharmacy benefits from multiple managed care plans to a single‐payer system. This transition occurred on January 1, 2022, and Medi‐Cal stopped enforcing formulary restrictions for beneficiaries.ObjectivesThis study compared glycemic control of hemoglobin A1c in a pharmacist‐led diabetes clinic during an open versus restrictive formulary.MethodsThis is a retrospective cohort study of Medi‐Cal patients seen in a pharmacist‐led diabetes clinic at Kern Medical in Bakersfield, California between January 2021 and September 2022. All new patients with type 2 diabetes and an A1c greater than 6.9% seen at the clinic between January and September 2021 were classified as the Restrictive Formulary group and those seen between January and September 2022 were the Open Formulary group. The primary end point was mean change in A1c at first follow‐up. Secondary end points included attainment of an A1c <7%, change in weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and statin use, and change in estimated monthly drug expenditure for glucose‐lowering medications per patient. Safety end points included diabetes‐related visits to Kern Medical's emergency room and hospitalizations.ResultsWhile both the Restrictive and Open Formulary groups had significant reductions in mean A1c from a baseline of −0.74 ± 2.1 (p = 0.02) and − 2.7 ± 2.4 (p < 0.001), respectively, the magnitude of A1c reduction was greater in the Open group (p < 0.001). For secondary outcomes, the Open group saw a higher utilization of agents with known cardiovascular and renal benefits. The Open group had a modest weight reduction (−2.5 kg ± 4.4 kg, p = 0.027). There was no significant difference in the cost of diabetes therapy between the two groups (p = 0.12).ConclusionsAn open formulary resulted in better glycemic control without significantly increasing the average monthly cost of diabetes medications.
Behavioural, Teratogenic and Genotoxic Effects of Antibacterial Compounds, Triclocarban and Triclosan, in Hydra vulgaris
Authors: Menon Aditya Mohan , Chandran Gayathri R. , Bommuraj Vijayakumar , Ramaswamy Babu Rajendran , Ramasamy Thirumurugan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTTriclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) are antibacterial compounds used in household, veterinary, industrial and personal care products, which are known to be environmental pollutants and also toxic to organisms. The toxicological effects of these antibacterial chemicals on higher organisms have been studied in detail. But in lower invertebrates like hydra, it is still rare and yet to be explored. In this study, the toxicological effects of these two antibacterial compounds in Hydra vulgaris was performed to clearly understand the organismal, developmental, molecular and behavioural changes. Both TCC and TCS are toxic with respective LC50 values of 0.09 and 0.25 mg/L, whereas TCC is comparatively more toxic than TCS. The structural damage of battery cell complexes (BCCs) on the tentacles was observed and ultimately made prey capturing difficult. It was evident that TCC and TCS exposure caused developmental toxicity by affecting reproduction and regeneration in H. vulgaris at higher sublethal doses (0.045 and 0.125 mg/L, respectively). TCC and TCS also caused DNA damage resulting in apoptosis. This study further reveals that these two antibacterial compounds are teratogenic and genotoxic in the organisms.