bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moxibustion Pretreatment Attenuate epileptic seizures by mediation P2X7 receptor
Authors: Zhang Hong-Wei , Li Jia-Jia , Tang YuLiHan , Tian Mao-Lin , Huang Sheng , Sun Meng-Juan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is involved in long-term brain hyperexcitability driven by epilepsy and inflammation. It is currently unclear whether moxibustion pretreatment by the purine signaling pathway interference in P2X7R is involved in the mechanism of epilepsy treatment. Male C57BL/6 mice received moxibustion pretreatments at the acupoints of Zusanli (ST36) and Dazhui (GV14) once a day for 7, 14, or 21 days and immediately after an intraperitoneal injection of KA (30 mg/kg) and recording the behavior changes follow the Racine scales. Moxibustion pretreatment stimulation at ST36 and GV14 of 14 or 21 days significantly reduced the KA-induced seizure. In addition, there was no difference between treatment 14 or 21 days in epileptic mice. Then, we aimed to investigate the role of P2X7R in epileptogenesis in vivo using agonist (BzATP) or inhibitor (A438079) to influence the expression of this receptor. P2X7R agonist BzATP can aggravate seizure. We found moxibustion pretreatment can attenuate epileptic seizures via confronting BzATP. The result implied that Moxibustion pretreatment at ST36 and GV14 acupoints for 14 days has anti-epileptic effects, which may be related to inflammation mediated by P2X7 receptors.
Early detection of unstable car-and-driver motion – a Floquet theory approach
Authors: Giacintucci Samuele , Rossa Fabio Della , Mastinu Gianpiero 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The global stability of car-and-driver is studied. The aim is to distinguish stable versus unstable trajectories as early as possible, after a disturbance has acted. First, a simple car-and-driver model is introduced to simulate the response of the system to severe perturbations, e.g. wind gusts or evasive maneuvers. Both straight and curved motions are analysed, considering an oversteering vehicle. The motion of the system is influenced by the existence of unstable limit cycles, generated from a Hopf bifurcation that occurs at relatively high vehicle forward velocity. Resorting to Floquet theory, we demonstrate that unstable limit cycles are saddle-type cycles with an $N-1$-dimensional stable manifold, being $N$ the dimension of the system. Such stable manifold divides the phase space into two regions, delimiting the stability region of the vehicle. Initial states outside this region cause an uncontrolled motion. By exploiting the properties of the manifolds and by resorting to Floquet theory, we derive a \emph{Degree of Stability (DoS) criterion} valid for motions close to the saddle limit cycle. The criterion serves as a strategy to promptly detect unstable car-and-driver motion in real time during a maneuver, also offering a quantitative indication of the severity of the instability. Two examples show that the DoS criterion can distinguish between a controlled and an uncontrolled maneuver when the corresponding trajectories are still almost equivalent.
The first line. Study on population of caregivers in contact with epidemic patients in the Sahel, the case of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Ramatoulaye Hamidou Lazoumar , Ibrahim Karidio Diori , Maiga Mahamadou Almahamoudou , Alhassane Zeinabou , Aliane Fakani Aboutalib , Sylviane François Comlan Aida , Zeinabou Abdoul Kadiri Aouta , Issa Idi , Sidikou Bibata Abdou , Oumarou Garda Idé , sidiki Ali , Moussa Amina , Nasser Moussa Siga Abdoul , Abdoulaye Mariama , Tassiou Ibrahim , Bouille Sandrine , Mamadou Roubanatou Abdoulaye , Seini Sabo Haoua , Lamontagne Franck , Jambou Ronan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The health systems of countries in the South and the North have been directly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare workers have paid a high price. The aim of this study was to better describe the personnel who are on the front line when patients visit health care facilities and to analyze their risk factors for exposure, their perception of infection and the prevention practices implemented by these health care workers. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted over a 6-month period from October 2021 to March 2022 (i.e., at a distance from the index cases) among health care workers in 62 integrated health centers and five public urban hospitals in Niamey and Dosso. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, clinical symptoms, co-morbidities, knowledge and attitudes, and vaccination status was collected by means of a questionnaire. Blood samples were taken for serological analysis for each agent included. Results: A total of 733 agents were included, mostly women (628, 85.67%) with a mean age of 40.5 years. Only 5.5% (40/733) of the workers reported having been in contact with a positive case of Covid-19. The most common method of protection was the use of alcohol and soap for hand hygiene. 76% of them reported having been vaccinated against the SARS-CoV2 virus. However, only 7.7% reported having used a Covid-19 diagnostic test in the last few months. IgM and IgG COVID-19 serologies were positive in 1.2% and 92.2% of the health care workers, respectively, during the survey period. Conclusion: In Niger, frontline health workers have been widely exposed to SARS CoV-2, but most of them don't think so. As a result, in their daily practice, they make poor use of means to prevent and control COVID-19 infection and rarely use diagnostic tests in case of illness. Vaccination was widely accepted by these staff, according to their statements.
PokerOWL: A Multi-Agent Poker Environment for Implementing and Evaluating Open-World Learning
Authors: Chiu Min-Hsueh , Kejriwal Mayank 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In complex task environments in both nature and human society, structural violations of expectation (VoE) occur with non-trivialfrequency. Agents that are designed to operate in such environments must be capable of open-world learning (OWL), definedas the ability to detect and accommodate out-of-distribution inputs, as well as more complex structural VoEs, without requiringextensive and offline re-training. Until recently, OWL research was relatively constrained and limited to areas such as anomalydetection and concept drift. More recently, agent-based OWL research has witnessed much interest from across the community.To support this research, not just for developing OWL algorithms, but also evaluating them, there is a need for multi-agentenvironments where structural VoEs can be generated, and controlled experiments can be run with relative ease. To addressthis need, we propose a resource called PokerOWL, a platform that is supported on the Gymnasium infrastructure (formerlysupported by OpenAI), which is extensively used in the reinforcement learning and AI gameplaying communities. PokerOWLsupports both a rich VoE generator and a graphical interface for facilitating development and evaluation of OWL methods. Usingan extensive set of experiments and a Poker-playing agent based on Deep Q-Networks, we use PokerOWL to demonstratehow even state-of-the-art agents can struggle to generalize to novel situations without additional OWL capabilities.
Assessment of self-cleaning properties on concrete façade panels
Authors: Lessa Fabíula , Lima Orlando , Margalho Élida , Pinheiro Claver , Segundo Iran Rocha , Carneiro Joaquim 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Building façades are affected by atmospheric pollution and other external agents that can impact aesthetic aspects and lead to the appearance of anomalies with impacts on the durability and performance of materials. The reduction in maintenance costs and the preservation of the original characteristics of coatings make the use of photocatalytic semiconductor materials highly attractive, particularly for the conservation of historical heritage. These materials can maintain the cleanliness of building surfaces, promote the degradation of pollutants, and have decontamination and antibacterial effects. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop and evaluate the self-cleaning properties of cementitious panels for façades, aiming to obtain a coating with characteristics to contribute to the preservation of built heritage through the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and zinc oxide (ZnO) microparticles. To evaluate the self-cleaning, a Rhodamine B (RhB) solution was deposited on the surfaces of concrete samples, which were subjected to 5 irradiation phases by a lamp simulating sunlight totalling 720 minutes. Visual analysis and colour characterisation tests were carried out to evaluate the self-cleaning capacity. The results showed that the treatment improved surface cleanliness after exposure to light while preserving the original aesthetics of the surfaces.
Utilization of medicinal polysaccharides by human gut Bacteroides and Parabacteroides species
Authors: Leung Elaine Lai-Han , Qu Zepeng , Liu Hongbin , Yang Ji , Zheng Linggang , Huang Jumin , Wang Ziming , Xie Chun , Zuo Wenlong , Xia Xiong , Liu Lihua , Sun Lin , Zhou Yifa , Xie Ying , Lu Jing-Guang , Zhu YiZhun , Yu Lili 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Human gut Bacteroides and Parabacteroides species play crucial roles in human health and are known for their capacity to utilize diverse polysaccharides. Understanding how these bacteria utilize medicinal polysaccharides is foundational for developing polysaccharides-based prebiotics and drugs. Here, we systematically mapped the utilization profiles of 20 different medicinal polysaccharides by 28 human gut Bacteroides and Parabacteroides species. The growth profiles exhibited substantial variation across different bacterial species and medicinal polysaccharides. Ginseng polysaccharides promoted the growth of multiple Bacteroides and Parabacteroides species; in contrast, Dendrobium polysaccharides selectively promoted the growth of Bacteroides uniformis. This distinct utilization profile was associated with genomic variation in carbohydrate-active enzymes, rather than monosaccharides composition variation among medicinal polysaccharides. Through comparative transcriptomics and genetical manipulation, we validated that the polysaccharide utilization locus PUL34 enabled Bacteroides uniformis to utilize Dendrobium polysaccharides (i.e. glucomannan). In addition, we found that the GH26 enzyme in PUL34 allowed Bacteroides uniformis to utilize multiple plant-derived mannan. Overall, our results revealed the selective utilization of medicinal polysaccharide by Bacteroides and Parabacteroides species and provided insights into the use of polysaccharides in engineering the human gut microbiome.
Tunable magnons of an antiferromagnetic Mott insulator via interfacial metal-insulator transitions
Authors: Seo Ambrose , Shrestha Sujan , Souri Maryam , Dietl Christopher , Pärschke Ekaterina M. , Krautloher Maximilian , Ortiz Gabriel Calderon , Minola Matteo , Shi Xiaotong , Boris A. V. , Hwang Jinwoo , Khaliullin Giniyat , Cao Gang , Keimer Bernhard , Kim Jong-Woo , Kim Jung Ho 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Antiferromagnetic insulators offer an alternative to ferromagnets due to their ultrafast spin dynamics essential for low-energy terahertz spintronic device applications. One way is to utilize magnons, i.e., quantized spin waves, which can carry information through excitations. However, finding external knobs for tuning the magnons has been a significant challenge. Here we report that interfacial metal-insulator transitions can be an effective means for controlling the magnons of a strongly spin-orbit-coupled antiferromagnetic Mott insulator, Sr2IrO4. From resonant inelastic X-ray scattering and Raman spectroscopy, we have observed a pronounced softening of zone-boundary magnon energies in several Sr2IrO4 thin-film systems that are epitaxially contacted with metallic 4d transition-metal oxides (TMOs). Therefore, the magnon dispersion of Sr2IrO4 is tunable by metal-insulator transitions of the 4d TMO crystals. Remarkably, this non-trivial behavior of magnons is a long-range phenomenon coupled with intriguing magnon-phonon interactions. Our experimental finding proposes a new scheme for magnonics.
Discovery and Validation of Serum Metabolic Signature of Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Nanda Ranjan , Ahmed Riya , Behera Anil , Sarangi Adyasha , Debata Pradeep , Gaind Rajni , Kaushal GP , Gur Renu , Shrivastava Sushil , Nirmal Kirti , Kaur Ravinder , Nangia Sushma , Kumar Vivek , Sankar M Jeeva 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Better diagnostic biosignature is essential for neonatal sepsis. In this report, we identified a diagnostic serum metabolite signature for neonatal sepsis cases by mass spectrometry-based profiling of serum samples from two discovery cohorts (set-I/-II: n=71/269) of sepsis patients (culture positive or negative:CP/CN) and controls (healthy:HC, no-sepsis:NS) and validated in an independent cross-sectional (n=60) and a longitudinal cohort (n=100). The AUC of ROC of the identified six metabolite signature (1,5-Anhydro-D-sorbitol-Lactic-acid-Malic-acid-Myo-inositol-Phenylalanine-Lysine) predicted CP or CN from HC with an accuracy of >0.97 and from NS 0.84 and 0.64, respectively. The deregulated serum metabolites reverted to the HC levels in the longitudinally followed-up neonates completing the therapeutic intervention. Translation of the serum metabolite signature into an easily deployable diagnostic blood test for neonatal sepsis has the potential to quicker and more appropriate decision making.
Factors Affecting Specialty Training Preference Among UK Medical Students (FAST): Protocol for a National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ferreira Tomas , Collins Alexander M , French Benjamin , Fortescue Amelia , Handscomb Arthur , Plumb Ella , Bolton Emily , Feng Oliver 
Published: July 2024

Background
The UK medical education system faces a complex landscape of specialty training choices and heightened competition. The Factors Affecting Specialty Training Preference Among UK Medical Students (FAST) study addresses the need to understand the factors influencing UK medical students’ specialty choices, against a backdrop of increasing challenges in health care workforce planning.

Objective
The primary objectives of the FAST study are to explore UK medical students’ preferred specialties and the factors that influence these choices. Secondary objectives are to evaluate students’ confidence in securing their chosen specialty, to understand how demographic and academic backgrounds affect their decisions, and to examine how specialty preferences and confidence levels vary across different UK medical schools.

Methods
A cross-sectional survey design will be used to collect data from UK medical students. The survey, comprising 17 questions, uses Likert scales, multiple-choice formats, and free-text entry to capture nuanced insights into specialty choice factors. The methodology, adapted from the Ascertaining the Career Intentions of UK Medical Students (AIMS) study, incorporates adjustments based on literature review, clinical staff feedback, and pilot group insights. This approach ensures comprehensive and nondirective questioning. Data analysis will include descriptive statistics to establish basic patterns, ANOVA for group comparisons, logistic regression for outcome modeling, and discrete choice models for specialty preference analysis.

Results
The study was launched nationally on December 4, 2023. Data collection is anticipated to end on March 1, 2024, with data analysis beginning thereafter. The results are expected to be available later in 2024.

Conclusions
The FAST study represents an important step in understanding the factors influencing UK medical students’ career pathways. By integrating diverse student perspectives across year groups and medical schools, this study seeks to provide critical insights into the dynamics of specialty, or residency, selection. The findings are anticipated to inform both policy and educational strategies, aiming to align training opportunities with the evolving needs and aspirations of the future medical workforce. Ultimately, the insights gained may guide initiatives to balance specialty distribution, improve career guidance, and improve overall student satisfaction within the National Health Service, contributing to a more stable and effective health care system.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
DERR1-10.2196/55155
Urine Output and Acute Kidney Injury in Neonates/Younger Children
Authors: Torres de Melo Bezerra Girão Adriana , Torres de Melo Bezerra Cavalcante Candice , Pereira Castello Branco Klebia Magalhães , Consuelo de Oliveira Teles Andrea , Libório Alexandre Braga 
Published: July 2024

Key Points

Using indwelling urinary catheters, urine output (UO) shows good performance in neonates and younger children.Using higher UO thresholds in neonates post-cardiac surgery improves discriminatory capacity for outcomes compared to neonatal Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes.In younger children (1–24 months), higher UO thresholds were not better than the adult Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criteria.

Background
Pediatric AKI is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, yet a precise definition, especially concerning urine output (UO) thresholds, remains unproven. We evaluate UO thresholds for AKI in neonates and children aged 1–24 months with indwelling urinary catheters undergoing cardiac surgery.

Methods
A 6-year prospective cohort study (2018–2023) after cardiac surgery was conducted at a reference center in Brazil. All patients had indwelling urinary catheters up to 48 hours after surgery and at least two serum creatinine measurements, including one before surgery. The main objective of this study was to determine the optimal UO thresholds for AKI definition and staging in neonates and younger children compared with the currently used criteria—neonatal and adult Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) definitions. The outcome was a composite of severe AKI (stage 3 AKI diagnosed by the serum creatinine criterion only), KRT, or hospital mortality.

Results
The study included 1024 patients: 253 in the neonatal group and 772 in the younger children group. In both groups, the lowest UO at 24 hours as a continuous variable had good discriminatory capacity for the composite outcome (area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic 0.75 [95% confidence interval, 0.70 to 0.81] and 0.74 [95% confidence interval, 0.68 to 0.79]). In neonates, the best thresholds were 3.0, 2.0, and 1.0 ml/kg per hour, and in younger children, the thresholds were 1.8, 1.0, and 0.5 ml/kg per hour. These values were used for modified AKI staging for each age group. In neonates, this modified criterion was associated with the best discriminatory capacity (area under the curve-receiver operating characteristic 0.74 [0.67 to 0.80] versus 0.68 [0.61 to 0.75], P < 0.05) and net reclassification improvement in comparison with the neonatal KDIGO criteria. In younger children, the modified criteria had good discriminatory capacity but were comparable with the adult KDIGO criteria, and the net reclassification improvement was near zero.

Conclusions
Using indwelling catheters for UO measurements, our study reinforced that the current KDIGO criteria may require adjustments to better serve the neonate population. In addition, using the UO criteria, we validated the adult KDIGO criteria in children aged 1–24 months.
Potential of morphology-based Pterydophyta diversity in supporting field-based practicum of low plant botany learning
Authors: Yudhistian Y. , Wulandari Tabitha Sri Hartati 
Published: July 2024

Field-Based Practicum (FBP) about Pterydophyta diversity material in Low plant botany learning is very important, even though the facts in the field show that FBP is still minimally carried out. This research aims to utilize the potential diversity of Pterydophyta in the Tuban-Lamongan Pantura area as a support for FBP about low plant botany learning. The type of research is descriptive exploratory with a transect method, which divides the research area into five plots. Data collection techniques involve observing abiotic parameters and fern morphology in each plot and counting the number of individuals of each species. Data analysis used the Shannon & Wiener index for diversity and qualitative descriptive analysis for morphology. The research results showed 19 species of ferns with 210 individuals divided into two classes, namely Polypodiopsida and Psyotopsida. The fern diversity index is in the medium category (H´=2.10). The diversity of ferns obtained shows that the Tuban-Lamongan Pantura area has a high potential to support FBP about low plant botany learning to provide insight and direct experience to students about the diversity of ferns in the surrounding environment.
Ontological metaphors in website ads for Japanese-Language hotels in South Bali
Authors: Meidariani Ni Wayan , Meilantari Ni Luh Gede , Sudipa Made Henra Dwikarmawan 
Published: July 2024

Ontological metaphor is used to conceptualize something abstract into something real. Ontological metaphors are found in sentences on hotel websites used as a form of promotion. This study has two objectives: 1) to find out the types of ontological Japanese metaphors on Japanese-language hotel websites in Bali, and 2) to explain the conceptual meaning of ontological metaphors on Japanese-language hotel websites in Bali. This study is qualitative research and takes a phenomenological approach. The research phase begins by observing the sentences on four hotel websites in South Bali. Furthermore, the data was collected using the observation method in conjunction with reading and note-taking techniques. The theory of conceptual metaphor developed by Lakoff and Johnson is used to analyze ontological metaphors. The data were analyzed using the identity method, namely explaining the conceptual meaning contained in the ontological metaphor. Ontological metaphors on hotel websites emphasize service and luxury. Services and luxuries as something abstract are visualized as things that can be felt and enjoyed by humans, therefore creating a metaphorical expression in the form of "enjoy the luxury" (zeitaku o sashimi kudasai). The results of the study show that there are four conceptualizations of ontological metaphors on Japanese-language hotel websites in Bali, namely: 1) stress or fatigue is something that can be eliminated; 2) service is something that can be felt; 3) luxury is something that can be enjoyed; and 4) memories are something luxurious. Children's language politeness and the role of parents in supervising and educating children on this platform are very important.