bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
NPT100-18A rescues mitochondrial oxidative stress and neuronal loss in human iPSC-based Parkinson's model
Authors: Alecu Julian E. , Sigutova Veronika , Brazdis Razvan-Marius , Lörentz Sandra , Bogionko Marios , Nursaitova Anara , Regensburger Martin , Roybon Laurent , Galler Kerstin M. , Wrasidlo Wolfgang , Winner Beate , Prots Iryna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by protein aggregates mostly consisting of misfolded alpha-synuclein (αSyn). Progressive degeneration of midbrain dopaminergic neurons (mDANs) and nigrostriatal projections result in severe motor symptoms. While the preferential loss of mDANs has not been fully understood yet, the cell type-specific vulnerability has been linked to a unique intracellular milieu, influenced by dopamine metabolism, high demand for mitochondrial activity, and increased level of oxidative stress (OS). These factors have been shown to adversely impact αSyn aggregation. Reciprocally, αSyn aggregates, in particular oligomers, can impair mitochondrial functions and exacerbate OS. Recent drug-discovery studies have identified a series of small molecules including NPT100-18A, which reduce αSyn oligomerization by preventing misfolding and dimerization. NPT100-18A and structurally similar compounds (such as NPT200-11/UCB0599, currently being assessed in clinical studies) point towards a promising new approach for disease-modification.
Methods Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived mDANs from PD patients with a monoallelic SNCA locus duplication and unaffected controls were treated with NPT100-18A. αSyn aggregation was evaluated biochemically and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were assessed in living mDANs using fluorescent dyes. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentrations were measured using a luminescence-based assay and neuronal cell death was evaluated by immunocytochemistry.
Results Compared to controls, patient-derived mDANs exhibited increased αSyn aggregation, higher overall ROS levels, reduced ATP concentrations, and increased neuronal cell death. NPT100-18A-treatment rescued neuronal cell death to control levels and importantly attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress in a compartment-specific manner.
Conclusions Our findings demonstrate that NPT100-18A limits αSyn aggregation and associated neurodegeneration in a human in vitro model of PD. In addition, we provide a first mechanistic insight into how a compartment-specific antioxidant effect in mitochondria might contribute to the neuroprotective effects of NPT100-18A.
Patterns and determinants of imported malaria near Argentina-Bolivia border 1977 - 2010
Authors: Berlin Erica , Juri María J. Dantur , Zaidenberg Mario , Duque Paul L. , Madariaga Horacio , Navarro Juan C. , Castro Marcia C. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the Americas, the number of malaria cases has decreased dramatically in the past 15 years, and malaria elimination is now in sight for many countries. Argentina is currently free of autochthonous malaria transmission. Until 2011, cases of malaria were concentrated in the Northwest near the border with Bolivia, a country that continues to have malaria transmission. Orán department, in Salta province, had particularly high transmission near a main road that is a pathway for migration from Bolivia. The purpose of this research was to identify which factors best explain the extent and timing of changes in the proportion of malaria cases in this area that were locally transmitted versus acquired in another country. Combining information from routinely collected case investigations, epidemiological surveillance data, and satellite imagery, we used a logistic model and a multilevel model of change to identify how demographic and place-level variables influence the proportion of malaria cases that were imported over time. The findings showed that the proportion of cases that were imported varied significantly over time and that the variation could be explained by the demographic characteristics of cases. In particular, there was a change in transmission patterns after a cross-border intervention was launched in 1996. In addition, proximity to mosquitos was an important determinant of local transmission. Based on lessons learned from the characterization of transmission trends, policies were proposed for preventing malaria reintroduction in Argentina.
RV Myocardial Work Reserve as Clinical Improvement Predictor in HFrEF Patients after TEER-A Pilot Study
Authors: Wang Yi , Shu Qinglan , Liu Yi , Lu Cong , Xu Yun , Zhou Yi , Zhang Qingfeng , Ye Luwei , Meng Qingguo , Wang Sijia , Yao Yuan , Lin Xinyi , Zeng Jie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Backgrounds:
It remains uncertain which kind of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) patients would benefit the most from transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER).
Objectives
We aim to investigate the relationship between right ventricular function, as assessed by pressure-strain loops (PSL), and post-TEER clinical improvement.
Methods
A total of 48 HFrEF patients (68 ± 15 yrs) with moderate-to-severe or severe SMR were enrolled for TEER. Impaired health status (Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire Overall Summary Score [KCCQ-OS]) and exercise capacity (6-min walk distance [6MWD]) were evaluated at baseline and during 1-year follow up. Before and right after TEER, myocardial work (MW) metrics were non-invasively evaluated, including global work index (GWI), global constructive work (GCW), global wasted work (GWW), and global work efficiency (GWE).
Results
RV GLS, RVGWI, RVGCW, RVGWE were significantly increased after MitraClip treatment (-9.7 ± 3.8%, 452.4 ± 112.5 mmHg%, 596.3 ± 127.5 mmHg% and 85.7 ± 15.6% before vs -12.5 ± 3.5%, 589.4 ± 119.6 mmHg%, 778.8 ± 135.3 mmHg% and 91.2 ± 22.4% after MitraClip treatment, p = 0.025, 0.030, 0.025 and 0.037, respectively). The Kaplan-Meier estimates for survival, freedom from HF hospitalization at 12 months were 95.8% and 89.1%. On multivariable linear regression analysis, RVGWI and RVGCW immediate change was independently associated with KCCQ-OS (△RVGWI: 𝛃 = 0.40, P < 0.001; △RVGCW: 𝛃 = 0.39, P = 0.003), RVGWI, RVGCW and RVGLS immediate change were independently associated with 6MWD improvement (△RVGWI: 𝛃 = 0.31, P = 0.029; △RVGCW: 𝛃 = 0.30, P = 0.039; △RVGLS: 𝛃 = 0.35, P = 0.041).
Conclusion
RVMW was significantly increased after MitraClip treatment. And RV reserve function is an important predictor of clinical improvement in HFrEF patients with TEER.
Recovering water from fossil fuel to break the constraints of sustainable development of resource-based cities
Authors: Gao Dan , Li Zhaohao , Zhi Tianyi , Liu Huan , Zhang Heng , Chen Haiping , Liu Jizhen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Adequate water resources are the key to the urban development. Unlike other water-scarce cities, the cities in Northwest China are rich in fossil fuels. In view of this, exploring the feasibility of recovering water from fossil energy in the industrial application is a novel idea to relieve water resources stress. Taking 49 cities in Northwest China as an example, we propose three specific water recovering scenarios based on the urban development status and the fossil energy consumption. The results show that the total amount of recovered water of northwest cities is expected to reach 1535.61 megatons, accounting for 39.69% of the total industrial water. Furthermore, according to the characteristics of the urban development in Northwest China, we put forward a novel evaluation method of economic benefits brought by water recovering. For the northwest cities, there is a serious imbalance among the economic investment, the fossil energy, the industrial development, the human resources and the water resources, and the shortage of water resources makes it difficult to apply a large number of idle resources to the urban development. We focus on analyzing the contribution of water recovering to the urban GDP growth, and assesse the type of industrial development in the each city. The results show that the recovered water can effectively promote the urban economic development, and the 49 cities are expected to increase their GDP by 1579.38 billion yuan due to water recovering. The method of water recovery from fossil energy is expected to improve the ecological environment of the cities in Northwest China, and it is expected to create three commercial circles in the east, central and western regions with Xianyang, Wuwei and Turpan as the cores. This research has important implications for the sustainable development of other water-scarce cities around the world.
Trends in Ophthalmic Surgery for The Very Older Patients in Japan Using the National Claims Database
Authors: Kabata Yoshiaki , Terauchi Ryo , Nakano Tadashi 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
To investigate the trends in the number of ophthalmic surgeries performed in the very older patients in Japan using the National Database of Health Insurance Claims and Specific Health Checkups of Japan (NDB) open data.
Methods
We used accumulated NDB data from fiscal year (FY) 2017 to 2021. Glaucoma surgery was defined as the surgical code K268. Vitrectomy is the sum of the total numbers from K272 to K281. Cataract surgery was defined as K282. In particular, we calculated the growth rate of the Japanese population aged 85 to 90 and 90 years and over in 2017 and 2021, and the growth rate of the number of surgeries in FY2017 and FY2021.
Results
Japan's population growth rate from 2017 to 2021 was 14% (aged 85–90) and 24% (aged 90 <), and the growth rate in the number of surgeries in glaucoma surgeries, vitrectomy, and cataract surgery from FY2017 to FY2021 was 45%, 16%, and 38% (aged 85–90), and 50%, 28%, and 46% (aged 90 <), in all cases exceeding population growth rates. Among glaucoma surgeries, outflow reconstruction increased significantly; the growth rate was 166% (aged 85–90) and 60% (aged 90 <).
Conclusion
Cataract, glaucoma, and vitreous surgeries showed an increasing trend, and a transient decrease was observed due to COVID–19 in FY2020 in the very older patients in Japan. Among glaucoma surgeries, the number of outflow reconstruction has increased significantly in 85–90 years old.
A family of Dai-Liao conjugate gradient methods with strong convergence for Image restoration and Machine learning
Authors: Jiang Xianzhen , Sun Guoqing , Jian Jinbao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Conjugate gradient method is one of the most effective schemes to deal with large-scale optimization problems. In this study, three classes of parameters for the Dai-Liao conjugate condition are provided to be chosen, and thus a new Dai-Liao conjugate parameter is derived. Making a truncation for the conjugate parameter and introducing a restart procedure into the search direction, a family of improved Dai-Liao conjugate gradient methods is proposed. It is sufficient descent at each iteration without depending on the choice of the line search criterion. Under usual assumptions, and using the weak Wolfe line search criterion to yield its steplength, its strong convergence is proved. Finally, choosing a specific algorithm from this family to solve large-scale unconstrained optimization problems, image restorations and machine learning, the corresponding numerical results show that the new algorithm is promising.
Mathematics Subject Classification (2020) 65K05 · 90C52 · 90C53 · 90C56
Barriers and enablers to utilisation of postpartum long-acting reversible contraception in Eastern Uganda: a qualitative study
Authors: Kamwesigye Assen , Amanya Daphine , Nambozo Brendah , Epuitai Joshua , Nahurira Doreck , Wani Solomon , Nafula Patience A M , Oguttu Faith , Wadinda Joshua , Nantale Ritah , Napyo Agnes , Wandabwa Julius N , Mukunya David , Musaba Milton W , Willcox Merlin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
In Uganda, women experience multiple missed opportunities to receive counselling for postpartum family planning services along the continuum of maternity care. We explored the enablers and barriers to utilisation of postpartum long-acting reversible contraceptives in Eastern Uganda.
Methods
We conducted a qualitative study in two districts of Eastern Uganda. We had 39 interviews. We conducted 20 in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions with postpartum women, male partners, health workers, and village health team memberss. Our study was grounded in the COM-B framework, and the transcripts were analysed thematically.
Results
The use of immediate postpartum long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) was majorly hindered by both incapabilities and limited opportunites in the health system and patient factors. System factors included lack of healthcare provider-initiated counselling for postpartum contraception, overburdened healthcare workers, and shortage of Postpartum Family Planning commodities and sundries. Patient factors included limited knowledge (lack of awareness for postpartum contraception), misconceptions (perceived body fragility, need to fully recover and for menses to resume after delivery), fear of side effects, men had fear of infidelity, lack of agency to ask for health education and poor health seeking behaviours. The enablers for immediate postpartum LARC included positive attitudes towards contraception, preference for contraceptive implants over intra uterine devices (IUD) at the 6-week postpartum period, resumption of sex and menses, partner support, and perceived effectiveness of postpartum contraception. Participants thought that sensitization about LARC through health education and outreach visits, male involvement through ANC appointments and male village health teams, and switching between family planning methods could improve uptake of immediate postpartum LARC.
Conclusion
Inadequate knowledge and skills on postpartum family planning services(PPFPs) and lack of health education by health workers and misconceptions with poor partner support majorly led to low utilisation of postpartum family planning services in this setting. Scaling up effective, low cost and innovative ways to provide PPFP services such as video counselling may improve the use of immediate postpartum LARCs. As well as actively promoting the provision of intergrated services along the continuum of maternity care.
Vaccine Prevention of Pneumococcal Infection Among Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Coronary Heart Disease –- A 10-year Horizon of Effectiveness
Authors: Ignatova Galina L. , Avdeev Sergey N. , Antonov Vladimir N. , Blinova Elena V. , Osikov Mikhail V. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Summary: The article provides an analysis of the clinical effectiveness of the use of the 13-valent conjugate pneumococcal vaccine (PCV13) among patients with comorbidity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary heart disease (CHD).
The main objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of PCV13 on the incidence of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), as well as the impact on the survival rates of patients with COPD and CHD over fa 10-year period.
Materials and methods: 500 male patients with COPD and CHD were included in the study. The primary endpoint was the incidence of CAP during 10 years of follow-up. Secondary endpoints were any-cause of mortality, exacerbations, hospitalizations during 10 years of follow-up and also the dynamics of dyspnea according to mMRC, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), dynamics of changes in 6MWD, dynamics of changes in functional class of angina pectoris (FC). The 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine (Prevenar 13) has utilised for immunization.
Results and conclusions: PСV13 vaccination has a significant impact on patient survival, at least during the 10-year follow-up period. The utilising of the 13-valent conjugated pneumococcal vaccine leads to a significant reduction of the high morbidity for CAP among patients with COPD, as well as with COPD and CHD. Vaccination leads to the stabilization of the main clinical and functional parameters, including during a 10-year perspective. Recommendations to include pneumococcal vaccines in clinical guidelines and immunization programs should be mandatory and prioritized.
Highly Sensitive Detection of Kojic Acid in Food Samples Using Fluorescent Carbon Dots derived from Pomegranate peel
Authors: Omar Omnia , Saad Ahmed , Ghali Mohsen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We report on this work development of a highly responsive optical sensor for the detection of Kojic acid (KA) using fluorescent Carbon dots (CDs) derived from pomegranate peel. The CDs were extensively characterized to validate their structural properties and intrinsic fluorescence. Utilizing the fluorescence of synthesized CDs, the optical sensor based on the CDs fluorescence quenching. Sensor was developed for the rapid and sensitive detection of KA in food products, such as vinegar and soy sauce. The sensor exhibited high performance in a wide KA concentration range of 120–1200 µM with a limit of detection LOD reached 30 µM, showcasing its potential for practical applications in assessing food quality and safety.
Application of Infrared Thermography in the Detection of Pathological Manifestations of the Stone Chalet in the City of Quixadá, Brazil
Authors: BEZERRA Macgyver Viana , SANTOS Anny Caroline Nobre , SILVA Ítalo Costa , RODRIGUES Bruno Noronha 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Historical-cultural heritage is a testimony to the formation of people and should be preserved to maintain their identity over time. Thus, historical buildings are part of this heritage and should be valued and kept in exemplary conservation, use, and safety conditions. In this regard, the importance of Diagnostic Engineering in reducing constructive anomalies and associated costs of technical assistance is evident. This field utilizes essential tools, such as visual inspection, which evaluates the technical conditions for the use and maintenance of buildings. Additionally, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), such as infrared thermography (IRT), is a powerful tool for non-invasive detection of constructive flaws in historical buildings. In this context, the objective of this study was to conduct visual inspections and identify pathological manifestations in a historical building in the city of Quixadá, Brazil. This is applied research with objectives fitting descriptive and exploratory research, a qualitative-quantitative approach, and a procedure classified as a case study. Thus, on-site visual inspections of the building were carried out, the pathological manifestations were classified according to the parameters of the GUT Matrix and Delphi Method, and an analysis of manifestations related to humidity was conducted through IRT. It was concluded that the historic building is in a critical state of conditions of use, representing risks to the safety of users, and is prone to accidents and structural collapses. As a contribution, this research represents a robust analysis based on Diagnostic Engineering and the use of IRT to analyze pathological manifestations in historical-cultural buildings.
Stability estimation of Mount St. Helens using Scoops3D and ensemble learning paradigms
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Kumar Sudeep , Suman Subodh Kumar , Kumar Amit , Bardhan Abidhan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This research investigates the application of ensemble-based computational paradigms to estimate the stability of Mount St. Helens. Scoops3D was initially utilized for conducting slope stability investigation, followed by computational modelling of the factor of safety (FOS) employing various influencing parameters. Four base models including AdaBoost regressor, decision tree regressor, extra tree regressor, and gradient boosting regressor, and a bagging-based ensemble learning (BG-ENSM) framework, were used for this purpose. In both seismic and non-seismic conditions, the effect of pore-pressure ratio (ru) on the stability of Mount St. Helens was investigated in three different combinations (i.e., Cases-1, 2, and 3) with ru = 0, ru = 0.3, and ru = 0 and 0.3. Post computational modelling, the outcomes of the implemented paradigms were evaluated based on several indicators. Experimental outcomes exhibit that the proposed BG-ENSM framework achieved the most desired estimation of FOS with R2 of 0.9968, 0.9959, and 0.9985 against Cases-1, 2, and 3, respectively. Based on the overall results and the outcomes of parametric study, the employed BG-ENSM framework can be considered as a viable tool for stability estimation of Mount St. Helens considering the effect of ru in seismic and non-seismic conditions.
Knowledge of Neonatal Danger Signs and Associated Factors Among Husbands with Neonate at Bale Zone, Southeast Ethiopia
Authors: umer Meimuna Umer Muhammed , Fikadu Genet Fikadu Haile , Esmael Adem Esmael Roba , Tadesse Samrawit Tadesse Damena 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Neonatal mortality has remained high in Ethiopia despite different efforts being undertaken to reduce this negative trend. Early detection of neonatal illnesses is an important step toward improving newborn survival. Knowledge of husbands towards neonatal danger signs especially in developing countries, like Ethiopians is very important, as mothers' access to health care is largely affected by their husbands' decision-making. However, there is limited information about the knowledge of husbands on neonatal danger signs and associated factors in the study area. This study aims to assess husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger signs, and associated factors.
Methods
Community-based cross-sectional study conducted at Bale zone south-east Ethiopia in 2023 among 408 respondents selected by using simple random sampling method. Data were collected using interviewer administered questionnaire. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were utilized.
Result
The study reveals that husbands good knowledge of neonatal danger signs was 44% (95% CI: 0.39–0.49). Regarding the factors; husbands level of education (AOR = 2.18, (95% CI; [1.05, 4.54]), and having information on neonatal danger sign (AOR = 6.91, 95% CI; [3.58, 13.35]) were factors significantly associated with husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger signs.
Conclusion
The proportion of Husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger sign was low. Husbands’ level of education and having information on neonatal danger signs were factors significantly associated with husbands’ knowledge on neonatal danger sign. Hence, the best way to address the health of newborns is to raise awareness and encourage husbands to actively participate in the process of obtaining medical attention.