bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Qualitative study exploring health professionals’ experiences concerning dementia in Mexico with a policy analysis perspective
Authors: Cervantes Gloria , Acosta Isaac , Pacheco-Domínguez Reyna Lizette , Durán-Arenas Juan Luis Gerardo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Dementia has been declared a priority public health problem, however there still a need for policies to be put in place. Mexico, as a developing nation, has taken some policy actions but there still much to be done. In this paper, we analyze the experiences of service providers to people with dementia. This qualitative study identifies barriers and opportunities to promote policy change.
Methods
Data was collected through 30 in-depth interviews based on a semi-structured guide with health professionals - Geriatricians, Neurologists, Psychiatrists, Family Practitioners - who care for people with dementia, and researchers in health research institutions. For the analysis, the Policy Space framework was used.
Results
The care for dementia people is performed by medical specialists whose approach depends on their type of training. Some of the barriers identified are that care is provided in a fragmented manner depending on each institution, and people with dementia are arriving late to the health services. Opportunities found to be promoted in public agendas are early identification of cognitive impairment and leverage prevention of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes.
Conclusions
There is evidence for the need to take action, and various initiatives are available, but the challenge remains to put policies for the care of dementia syndromes on the public health agenda.
The influence of sex on activity in voluntary wheel running, forced treadmill running, and open field testing
Authors: Janowski Adam J. , Berardi Giovanni , Hayashi Kazuhiro , Plumb Ashley N. , Lesnak Joe B. , Khataei Tahsin , Martin Ben , Benson Christopher J. , Sluka Kathleen A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
Physical activity is commonly used for both measuring and treating dysfunction. While preclinical work has been historically biased towards males, the use of both male and female animals is gaining popularity after multiple NIH initiatives. With increasing inclusion of both sexes, it has become imperative to determine sex differences in common behavioral assays. The purpose of this study was to determine baseline sex differences in 3 activity assays: voluntary wheel running, forced treadmill running, and open field testing.
Methods
This was a secondary analysis of sex differences in healthy mice in 3 different assays: Separate mice were used for each assay. Specifically, 16 mice underwent 28 days of voluntary wheel running, 178 mice underwent forced treadmill running, and 88 mice underwent open field testing. Differences between sex across several activity parameters were examined for each assay.
Results
In voluntary wheel running, sex differences with larger effect sizes were observed in distance run, running time, and bout duration, with smaller effect size differences in speed, and no difference in total bouts. In forced treadmill running, differences were shown in time to exhaustion, but no difference in max speed attained. In open field, there were sex differences in active time but not in distance and speed in data aggregated over 30 minutes; however, distance and speed in male mice showed a downward trajectory over the final 20 minutes of testing, whereas females maintained the same trajectory.
Conclusion
These data suggest that male mice demonstrate comparable activity intensity as female mice but do not match female’s duration of activity, especially for volitional tasks. Researchers utilizing these assays should account for sex differences as they could potentially mask true findings in an experiment.
IFN-γ synergizes with TNF-α to induce RIPK1-independent necroptosis of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Ren Xiang , Huo Jiali , Li Xingxin , Wang Min , Jin Peng , Nie Neng , Zhang Jing , Huang Jinbo , Zheng Yizhou , Ge Meili 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) are two vital inflammatory factors elevated in many diseases. An inflammatory microenvironment is detrimental to residual cells, yet the precise mechanisms of cell impairment are not fully understood. IFN-γ and TNF-α have distinct effects on the immunoregulatory properties of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and they have been raised to be optimal prime factors to enhance the immunosuppressive capacity of in vitro engineered MSCs. However, controversies remain with regard to the normal function maintenance of cells as they may be impaired after exposure to inflammatory factors. Here, we found that IFN-γ synergises with TNF-α to induce cell dysfunction and death of MSCs via necroptosis. When MSCs were exposed to both IFN-γ and TNF-a, its morphological features and biological functions were injured. Mechanistically revealed by RNA-Sequencing, the injured MSCs undergone a unique cell death process, namely necroptosis. Compared with controls, IFN-γ and TNF-a synergistically increased the expression of RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL and all other genes associated with necroptosis significantly. Rescue experiments further showed that the process could be reversed by RIPK3 and MLKL inhibitor but RIPK1inhibitor, suggesting a RIPK1-independent pathway and a promising cell preservative approach. Collectively, these results disclose an inflammatory injury mechanism of MSCs, which may shed new light on revealing the MSCs deficits in some inflammation associated diseases with expectations to innovate some potential targeted therapies. In addition, inflammatory impairment should be taken into consideration when delivering cell therapy based on MSCs primed with IFN-γ and TNF-α.
Analyzing the Efficiency of Moroccan Hospital Network Regions via DEA and Tobit Regression: Assessing DEAP 2.1 Software versus Generative AI ChatGPT 3.5
Authors: Er-Rays Youssef , M'dioud Meriem 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aims to assess the technical efficiency of hospital networks in each health directorate region in Morocco and analyze the impact of staff personnel health on inefficiency. The study uses Data Envelopment Analysis Programming (DEAP) software version 2.1 and generative Artificial Intelligent ChatGPT 3.5 to analyze 12 hospital network health directorate regions. Tobit regression was employed to analyze the impact of worker health and hospital activity on inefficiency. Results showed that the average technical efficiency was more inefficient in generative AI ChatGPT 3.5 than in DEAP software version 2.1. Hospital activity and nurse staffing significantly impacted inefficiency levels. The study concludes that inefficiency in hospital networks and staff personnel health pose challenges for managers in health directorate regions, emphasizing the need for New Public Management principles based on contractualization, accountability, and managerial practices.
Prenatal diagnosis and counseling of fetal chromosomes with structural abnormalities
Authors: Lv Guojian , Liu Yi , Sun Xuecheng , Mu Kai 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To explore the pregnancy, fertility risk and genetic suggestions of pregnant women with complex structural abnormalities of fetal chromosomes.
Study Design
Amniotic fluid puncture, chromosome culture of amniotic fluid and chromosome G banding analysis were performed on 9867 pregnant women who came to our hospital for prenatal diagnosis from 2012 to 2023, CMA was performed in 8 pregnant women with complex structural abnormalities in amniotic fluid.
Results
Chromosome G banding analysis showed that the karyotypes of all 8 cases were structural abnormalities, with deletion and duplication, combined with CMA results, comprehensive analysis showed that case 1 was derived chromosome 3 with deletionof 3p13p14. In case 2, 7q11.23q21.3 was inserted at 4q31.3. Case 3 was derived chromosom 16 with deletion of 16p13.3 and duplication of 18q12.3q23. Case 4 was derived chromosome 9 with duplication of 20p12.1p13. Case 5 was derived chromosome 21 with duplication of 2p22.2p25.3 and 21q11.2q21.3. Case 6 was derived chromosome21 with duplication of 18q12.3q23; Case 7 was derived chromosome 4 with duplication of 4q26q35.2(116376542_188138856) and deletion of 4q35.2(188155531_190957460), and case 8 was derived chromosome X with duplication of Xp22.31p11.1(9041083_58455353) and deletion of Xp22.33p22.31(168552_9040480).
Conclusion
The combination of G-banding analysis technology and CMA can not only detect the complex structural abnormalities of the amniotic fluid chromosomes, but also determine whether the missing or repeated regions contain important genetic genes. Then, by referring to the results of the parents' chromosomes or the results of ultrasound examination, the abnormalities of fetal chromosomes are summarized and analyzed, so as to obtain clinical consultation opinions.
The impact of violence on the health of the Black population from the Colombian Pacific region: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Rocha-Buelvas Anderson 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The Black communities who inhabit the Colombian Pacific Coast experience high risk levels due to the persistence of an armed conflict and the presence of a variety of illegal armed groups. Likewise, in comparison to the rest of the country, these communities face poor health conditions, a higher prevalence of preventable diseases, and a lower life expectancy at birth. This study was aimed at identifying the impact of violence on the health of the Afro-Colombian population from Tumaco (Narino, Colombia).
Methods
A cross-sectional observational study was conducted applying a survey to 280 victims of the armed conflict. A bivariate analysis was carried out using chi square test and Odds Ratio, together with a logistic regression.
Results
Most of the victims were young low-income women, who are at a higher risk of suffering from depression, injuries or poisonings caused by environmental pollution, malaria, and cardiovascular diseases as a consequence of their exposure to violent events. The most important effect of violence on the population’s health is the difficulty in completing their academic formation, and the determinants of violence that most strongly affect their health are housing conditions and unsatisfied basic needs.
Conclusions
In order to reduce the social inequalities of the victims of armed conflict it is necessary to update and improve the regulatory framework that oversees health, justice, politics, education and agriculture in Colombia. In addition, more studies and policies are required to mitigate the impact of violence on the Black population of the Colombian Pacific region who are young, poor and female.
Arsenic Removal from Synthetic Wastewater Using UiO-66 and Comparing it with Other Adsorbents
Authors: Miri Gazal , Hematian Saeideh , Daraee Maryam , Peyvandi Kiana 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The occurrence of arsenic in the surface and groundwater resources threatens human health in time of exposure to people for drinking water, or other applications. In this study, metal organic framework of UiO-66 was synthesized to use for arsenic removal adsorption application. The adsorbent sample was analyzed with XRD & BET before and after removal adsorption. In the XRD analysis of the synthesized UiO-66 adsorbent, strong characteristic peaks indicated that impurities are not seen in the sample crystal structure, and the BET analysis measured its specific area equal to 712.45 m2/g. The removal of from the synthetic wastewater sample was carried out using UiO-66, natural zeolite treated with acid and base and metal oxide SiO2 adsorbents. By comparing the sorbents in equal operating conditions, the results showed that UiO-66 and acid-washed zeolite respectively have the highest removal efficiency compared to other nano sorbents. Researchers investigated how different factors affected the removal of arsenic using an absorbent called UiO-66. They used software to design experiments that tested the effects of pH, temperature, and the amount of UiO-66 used. The best conditions for arsenic removal were found to be a pH of 9, a temperature of 25°C, and 0.5 grams of UiO-66 per liter. Under these conditions, the maximum arsenic removal was 62.16%, with an adsorption capacity of 10.98 milligrams of arsenic per gram of UiO-66. The researchers also studied how quickly the arsenic was absorbed and found that the process fit two different models. Finally, they compared UiO-66 to another absorbent, acid-washed zeolite, and found that UiO-66 removed more arsenic in all cases.
AI-Powered Evolutionary Algorithm for Optimizing Truck Scheduling in Multi-Dock Truck Cross-Docking Centers
Authors: Nogueira Thiago Henrique , Coutinho Felipe Provezano , Peixoto Maria Gabriela Mendonça , Carrano Eduardo Gontijo , Ravetti Martín Gómez 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Fast and adaptive logistics are essential for meeting evolving customer expectations and needs. In response to recent shifts in consumer behavior, which have altered the perceived value of products, companies, and services, organizations are increasingly turning to intelligent algorithms to swiftly adapt to various scenarios. Cross-docking, a strategy known for enhancing flexibility and reducing delivery times, is central to this approach. This paper introduces an advanced AI-driven framework utilizing an evolutionary algorithm to tackle the multi-dock truck sequencing challenge in cross-docking centers, aimed at minimizing makespan. Our method includes a machine learning-based parameter tuning strategy, enabling the algorithm to automatically adjust to different instances without human intervention. We evaluated our framework by comparing results obtained with and without machine learning tuning against state-of-the-art methods. The findings indicate that our AI-enhanced approach not only delivers superior feasible solutions but also achieves these results with reduced computational times, positioning it as a highly effective tool for logistics optimization.
An Improved Grey Prediction Evolution Algorithm for Real-world Engineering Optimization Problems
Authors: Zhang Qian , Hu Zhongbo , Su Qinghua , Huang Gang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Grey predictive evolutionary algorithm (GPE), which is developed with the inspiration of the grey prediction theory, is a promising candidate for solving complex optimization problems. Due to the complexity and challenge of constraint search space of real-world engineering problems, an improved GPE algorithm (called GPEde) incorporated the constraint handling methods of an ε-constrained level and a gradient-based repair is proposed to effectively handle real-world engineering constrained problems in this paper. The core idea of GPEde is to guide inferior individuals through predicted information produced by GPE. The proposed algorithm is developed by the following two processes. Firstly, half of offspring individuals carrying the predicted information are generated by GPE using three consecutive generation subpopulation, where the subpopulation consists of the top 50% excellent individuals in each generation. Secondly, another half of offspring individuals are produced by adopting a prediction-based learning strategy that is constructed by using the new 50% of offspring individuals to guide inferior individuals of the last 50% of the current population. The effectiveness and superiority of GPEde are validated on 19 mechanical engineering problems extracted from the CEC 2020 real-world single-objective constrained optimization problems. The experimental results demonstrate that GPEde is a competitive optimizer for solving constrained optimization problems compared with differential evolution algorithm, GPE, three variants of GPE and four state-of-the-art algorithms.
If this paper is accepted, MATLAB codes associated with this paper will be uploaded to https://github.com/Zhongbo-Hu/Prediction-Evolutionary-Algorithm-HOMEPAGE.
Neuroprotective effects exerted by a combination of selected lactic acid bacteria in a mouse parkinsonism model under levodopa-benserazide treatment
Authors: Visñuk Daiana Perez , LeBlanc Jean Guy , de LeBlanc Alejandra de Moreno 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Alterations of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been associated with intestinal and neuronal inflammation in Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this work was to study some mechanisms associated with the neuroprotective effect of a combination (MIX) of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) composed by Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL2130 (riboflavin overproducing strain), Streptococcus thermophilus (St.) CRL808 (folate producer strain), and St. CRL807 (immunomodulatory strain) in a chronic model of parkinsonism induced with 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in aged mice, and under levodopa-benserazide treatment. Motor skills, tyrosine hydrolase (TH) in brain and cytokine concentrations in serum and in brain were evaluated. The study of the faecal microbiota and the histology of the small intestine was also performed. The results showed that the neuroprotective effect associated with LAB MIX administration did not interfere with levodopa-benserazide treatment and was associated with the significant improvement in the motor tests and a higher number of TH + cells in the brain. In addition, LAB MIX administration was associated with modulation of the immune response. LAB administration decreased intestinal damage with an increase in the villus length /crypt depth ratio. Finally, the administration of the LAB MIX in combination with levodopa-benserazide treatment was able to partially revert the intestinal dysbiosis observed in the model, showing greater similarity to the profiles of healthy controls, and highlighting the increase in the Lactobacillaceae family. Different mechanisms of action would be related to the protective effect of the selected LAB combination which has the potential to be evaluated as an adjuvant for conventional PD therapies.
Anxiety and Sleep Mediate the Effect of Food Insecurity on Depression in Single Parents in Ghana: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Owusu-Sarpong Obed Jones , Abass Kabila , Tutu Solomon , Gyasi Razak 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Data on the association between food insecurity and depression in single parents in LMICs are limited, and no study has reported the serial mediation effects of psychosocial factors in this association. This study examines the extent to which anxiety and sleep serially explain the food insecurity and depression link among single parents in Ghana.
Methods
Data on 627 single parents were obtained through a multi-stage stratified sampling technique. Food insecurity was assessed using the Food and Agriculture Organization Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), and depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-10). Multivariable OLS models and bootstrapping serial mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the hypothesized associations.
Results
The mean age (SD) was 45.0 (14.66) years; 67.3% females. After full adjustment, food insecurity was significantly associated with increases in anxiety symptoms (β = .607, 95%CI = .476 − .737), sleep problems (β = .042, 95%CI = .016 − .067), and depression (β = .238, 95%CI = .116 − .360). Food insecurity indirectly related to depression via anxiety (β = .347, 95%CI = .2598-.4431) representing 55.78%, sleep (β = .025, 95%CI = .0032-.0575) suggesting 3.97%, and anxiety→sleep (β = .013, 95%CI = .0024-.0265) yielding 2.04% of the total effect.
Conclusions
Food insecurity was positively associated with depression. This association was partially and serially explained by generalized anxiety and sleep problems. Efforts to address depression among single parents should consider interventions for food insecurity and psychosocial problems, particularly in LMICs.
Enhancing Clear Air Turbulence Prediction: A Comparative Analysis of Machine Learning Algorithms Using GFS Forecast and ERA-5 Reanalysis Data
Authors: de Mello Ivan Bitar Fiuza , França Gutemberg Borges , Velho Haroldo Fraga de Campos 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study evaluates twelve categorical machine learning algorithms using performance metrics, including Probability of Detection, False Alarm Rate, and F-measure, to classify Clear Air Turbulence patterns in the meteorological Global Forecast System (GFS), from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) ReAnalysis reanalysis (ERA-5) datasets along the Brazilian air route between the cities São Paulo and Porto Alegre(air-route in Brazil). Two training strategies, cross-validation, and random sample splitting, are employed for evaluating the performances of the algorithms. Results indicate that only the Random Forest algorithm meets the best performance with the adopted criterion for CAT detection. Algorithms trained with ERA-5 reanalysis data perform slightly better. The statistical best algorithm performance values with ERA-5 re-analysis data (GFS forecast data in parentheses) are POD=0.94 (0.87), FAR=0.08 (0.16), and F-measure=0.94 (0.87). As a future direction, it is suggested to investigate the use of regional models with enhanced resolutions in three key domains: horizontal, vertical, and atmospheric pressure.
Socio-cultural components related to the cropping, harvesting, and brewing of guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loe) for consumption in Amazonian Kichwa communities of Napo province, Ecuador
Authors: Andrade Alejandra Espinosa , Vásquez Wilson 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Guayusa (Ilex guayusa Loe) is an Amazonian plant whose leaves contain chemical compounds with therapeutic and energizing properties. For the Kichwa nationality in Napo, the guayusa plant has traditionally been considered a fundamental part of their culture. In the last decade, the export market for the plant has been increasing, which has implied transformations in the cropping, management, and use of the plant. The main objective of this study was to identify and describe the practices and beliefs about the planting, harvesting, brewing, and benefits of guayusa among Kichwa families in Napo within the current context. The study of these practices and beliefs allowed us: a) to identify the values and cultural transformations associated with the use and management of the plant, and b) to detect new research topics to deepen our knowledge about the plant.
Methods
The methodology was qualitative using the specific following techniques: literature review, 18 semi-structured in-depth interviews with key actors and guayusa producers belonging to the Kichwa nationality, and field observation of guayusa crops and Kichwa family houses.
Results
The analysis shows that Kichwa families currently maintain some ancestral practices related to the crop management of the plant and its benefits. At the same time, the families’ consumption and ceremonial use of guayusa have undergone transformations.
Conclusions
Nowadays guayusa’s consumption transcends familial and ceremonial spaces, and it is brewed in different ways. Practices such as the analysis of dreams or punishment with tobacco and chili when drinking guayusa are not frequent. People are planting guayusa in order to sell it in national and international markets. These changes are perceived as a challenge to the preservation of Kichwa people’s cultural identity. In terms of the plant’s benefits, the endowment of energy and elimination of sleepiness, laziness, body aches, and hunger are highly valued. This study raises new questions about possible future research concerning the plant’s cultural, social, medical, and economic aspects.