bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural Impacts of Two Disease-linked ADAR1 Mutants: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Huang Wen-Chieh , Hsu Chia-Hung , Albu Titus , Yang Chia-Ning 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) are pivotal RNA-editing enzymes responsible for converting adenosine to inosine within double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Dysregulation of ADAR1 editing activity, often arising from genetic mutations, has been linked to elevated interferon levels and the onset of autoinflammatory diseases. However, understanding the molecular underpinnings of this dysregulation is impeded by the lack of an experimentally determined structure for the ADAR1 deaminase domain. In this computational study, we utilized homology modeling and the AlphaFold2 to construct structural models of the ADAR1 deaminase domain in wild-type and two pathogenic variants, R892H and Y1112F, to decipher the structural impact on the reduced deaminase activity. Our findings illuminate the critical role of structural complementarity between the ADAR1 deaminase domain and dsRNA in enzyme-substrate recognition. That is, the relative position of E1008 and K1120 must be maintained so that they can insert into the minor and major grooves of the substrate dsRNA, respectively, facilitating the flipping-out of adenosine to be accommodated within a cavity surrounding E912. Both the orthosteric R892 mutations of R892 and the allosteric Y1112F mutation alter K1120 position and ultimately hinder substrate RNA binding.
Urban woods in a small Mediterranean city: are native vs alien woods lonely together?
Authors: Varricchione Marco , Carranza Maria L. , D’Angeli Chiara , de Francesco Maria C. , Innangi Michele , Santoianni Lucia A. , Stanisci Angela 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Recent studies have explored the ecological relationship between native urban forests and self-sown non-native forests in large cities and metropolises but further research efforts dedicated to analyzing this relationship in small cities are still needed. To improve our understanding of the ecology of urban native and alien woods in Mediterranean small cities, we analyzed the woody species richness, the community weight mean of moisture and nitrogen ecological indicators, and soil disturbance indicators in the main urban wood types in Campobasso city (Italy), as well as their spatial distribution pattern across a gradient of cover and aggregation of green areas. The study showed that both native oak woods and Robinia pseudoacacia wood contributed to the maintenance of woody species richness. If we exclude the riparian environment along streams, urban alien woods dominated by R. pseudoacacia occupied marginal areas, tolerating soil disturbance and a high disturbance frequency, thus occupying habitats where the native oak forests could not grow. Native oak woods were only found in large and medium-large patches while urban alien woods filled up the vacant lots, even in small patches, showing therefore a context-dependent distribution. The situation was different for the riparian habitat, where R. pseudoacacia wood shared the ecological niche with the native woods with Populus alba and Salix alba, which calls for action to prevent the spread of this alien species along river banks. Our results highlighted that urban remnant woods should be considered important assets for the planning and upkeep of urban green areas.
Postabortion contraceptive use among women in Nepal: Results from a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Karki Sunita , Puri Mahesh C. , Ale Anupama , Foster Diana Greene , Raifman Sarah , Maharjan Dev , Diamond-Smith Nadia 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Introduction
: Though the Government of Nepal has developed strategies to integrate contraceptive services with abortion care to better meet the contraceptive needs of women, data indicate that significant gaps in services remain. This paper assessed post-abortion contraceptive use, trends over 36-month, and factors influencing usage.
Methods
Data from this paper came from an ongoing cohort study of 1831 women who sought an abortion from one of the sampled 22 government-approved health facilities across Nepal. Women were interviewed eight times over 36 months between April 2019 to Dec 2023. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were used to analyze the data.
Results
Results show that after abortion, 52.9% of women used modern contraception, with injection being the most prevalent method, followed by condoms, pills, implants, and IUD. The hazard model showed that discontinuation of modern contraception was significantly higher among women desiring additional children (aHR 0.62) and lower among literate (aHR − 0.15) and those with existing children (aHR − 0.30). While women’s age, ethnicity, cohabitation with husband, household’s income and autonomy were not statistically significant.
Conclusion
After having an abortion, we found that just slightly more than half of women used modern methods of contraception; furthermore, this percentage did not increase significantly over the course of three years.
Unravelling the Therapeutic Potential of Aloe vera Phytochemicals as Anti-inflammatory Agents Targeting TNF-α: An In-Silico Approach
Authors: Abinaya C. , Suresh J. , Kokiladevi E. , Uma D. , Bharathi N. , sundar S. T. Bini 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a debilitating autoimmune disorder, poses a significant global health burden with limited therapeutic options and associated adverse effects. This study pioneered the investigation of Aloe vera phytochemicals as potential anti-inflammatory agents by targeting the pivotal cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), a key mediator of inflammation in RA. Through an integrative in-silico approach, molecular docking analyses evaluated the binding affinities of 74 Aloe veracompounds against TNF-α. Notably, the top-ranking compounds mannan, folacin, and aloesin exhibited superior binding energies compared to approved anti-inflammatory drugs. Subsequent pharmacokinetic and toxicity assessments revealed aloesin as a promising lead-like compound, adhering to drug-likeness criteria with a favorable toxicity profile. These findings position aloesin as a pioneering candidate for further preclinical and clinical investigations, paving the way for the development of novel, safe, and effective anti-inflammatory therapies for RA based on natural products.
An assessment of excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, a retrospective post-mortem surveillance in 12 districts – Zambia, 2020-2022
Authors: Chanda Stephen Longa , Hines Jonas Z. , Malambo Warren , Hamukale Amos , Kapata Nathan , Sinyange Nyambe , Kapina Muzala , Mucheleng’anga Luchenga Adam , Chilengi Roma 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The number of COVID-19 deaths reported in Zambia (N=4,069) is most likely an underestimate due to limited testing, incomplete death registration and inability to account for indirect deaths due to socioeconomic disruption during the pandemic. We sought to assess excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective analysis of monthly-death-counts (2017-2022) and individual-daily-deaths (2020-2022) of all reported health facility and community deaths at district referral health facility mortuaries in 12 districts in Zambia. We defined COVID-19 wave periods based on a sustained nationally reported SARS-CoV-2 test positivity of greater than 5%. Excess mortality was defined as the difference between the pandemic monthly death counts (2020-2022) and the median pre-pandemic monthly death counts (2017-2019) using a Microsoft Excel-based tool. We compared median daily death counts, median age at death, and the proportion of deaths by place of death (health facility vs community) by wave period using the Mann-Whitney-U test and chi-square test respectively in R.
Results
A total of 112,768 deaths were reported in the 12 districts between 2020 and 2022, of which 17,111 (15.2%) were excess. Wave periods had higher median daily death counts than non-wave periods (median [IQR], 107 [95-126] versus 96 [85-107], p<0.001). The median age at death during wave periods was older than non-wave periods (44.0 [25.0-67.0] versus 41.0 [22.0-63.0] years, p<0.001). Approximately half of all reported deaths occurred in the community, with an even greater proportion during wave periods (50.58% versus 53.11%, p<0.001), respectively.
Conclusion
There was excess mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic in Zambia, with more deaths among the elderly, and occurring within the community during wave periods. This analysis suggests more COVID-19 deaths likely occurred in Zambia than suggested by officially reported numbers. Mortality surveillance can provide important information to monitor population health and inform public health programming during pandemics.
Canada's wildfire future: climate change below a 2°C global target avoids large increases in burned area by the end of the century
Authors: Curasi Salvatore , Melton Joe , Arora Vivek , Humphreys Elyn , Whaley Cynthia H. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Wildfire impacts the global carbon cycle, as well as property, harvestable timber, and public health. Canada saw a record fire season in 2023 with 14.9 Mha burned—over seven times the 1986 - 2022 average of 2.1 Mha. Here we utilize a new process-based wildfire module that explicitly represents fire weather, fuel type and availability, ignition sources, fire suppression, and vegetation’s climate response to project the future of wildfire in Canada. Under rapid climate change (shared socioeconomic pathway [SSP] 370 & 585) simulated annual burned area in the 2090s reaches 10.5 ± 2.1 to 11.7 ± 2.4 Mha, approaching the 2023 fire season total. However, climate change below a 2°C global target (SSP 126), keeps the 2090s area burned near modern (2004 - 2014) norms. Simulated area burned and carbon emissions are most sensitive to climate drivers and lightning but future lightning activity is a key uncertainty.
Empowering Communication: Utilizing Facial Expressions to Classify Interruptibility in the Workplace
Authors: Haris Malik , Mastoi Muhammad Shahid 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In today's information-driven workplaces, interruptions have grown commonplace and substantially negatively influence individual and team performance. To create a productive work environment, it is essential to comprehend the connection between interruptions and stress. This research paper focuses on utilizing facial expressions to gauge people's stress levels while examining the connections between interruptions, stress, and the consequences of positive or negative feedback. Facial expression analysis may provide important clues about someone's emotional condition, helping us choose when and how to interrupt them. Through the examination of facial expressions, this integrated method seeks to create a holistic system that can reliably identify stress levels while fostering respectful and effective communication techniques. The Interruptibility classification deep convolutional neural network architecture is based on pretrained models (Sequential model) using the Facial Expression Recognition Plus (FERPlus) dataset with Haar Cascade face detection. The small weight of the Sequential model and its better latency performance are its main benefits. Updated annotations are included in the FERPlus dataset for precise emotion categorization. This research helps designers of interruptibility classification systems create more precise systems by revealing patterns and connections between facial expression metrics and stress or non-stress states, promoting a positive and effective work environment. The results provide useful recommendations for controlling interruptions depending on people's stress levels, promoting efficient workplace communication, and minimizing unnecessary disturbances.
Dissecting MacOS Ransomware: A Comparative Analysis and Mitigation Strategies
Authors: Kowalczyk Halina , Zieliński Piotr , Nowak Agnieszka 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Ransomware remains an alarming threat in the cybersecurity landscape, presenting complex challenges that demand innovative solutions. As the frequency and sophistication of ransomware attacks increase, understanding the dynamics of these malicious endeavors has become crucial for developing effective defense mechanisms. The comprehensive analysis provided here explores various facets of ransomware activity, particularly its impact on MacOS environments, a less commonly discussed target compared to Windows systems. Through an examination of attack vectors, the study highlights the role of user behavior, system vulnerabilities, and the lack of robust cybersecurity measures as primary facilitators of ransomware breaches. Technical mitigation strategies such as regular software updates, stringent access controls, and advanced threat detection systems are evaluated for their effectiveness in thwarting attacks. Additionally, the research delves into policy measures and best practices that can supplement technical defenses, emphasizing the need for continuous education and strategic response planning. Looking ahead, the study suggests avenues for future research, including the potential of artificial intelligence in predictive threat modeling and the importance of cross-sector collaboration in enhancing collective security postures. These insights not only refine current understandings of ransomware defense but also offer a blueprint for advancing cybersecurity resilience in the face of evolving digital threats.
Effect of flavonoid extracts of Ranunculus repens L. on the oxidative stress induced by the glucotoxicity in alloxanized Albino Wistar male rats
Authors: Boutrid Safinez , Tebbani abdelhamid Yacine 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Diabetes is a pathology related to the development of oxidative stress. The objective of this work is to elucidate the antihyperglycemic and antioxidant capacity of the flavonoid extract obtained from the Ranunculus repens L. in hyperglycemic male Wistar albino rats. The results of this study show antihyperglycemic and antidiabetic activity of phenolic compounds. The flavonoid extracts were able to significantly complex glucose in vitro and activate glycogenesis in the liver. Taken together, these data reveal that the flavonoids in Ranunculus repens L. extract have an interesting virtue of being antihyperglycemic with a positive action on hepatic glycogenesis. Also, these results revealed that these phenolic compounds have an antiradical power that gives them a chemoprotective role against oxidative stress. All these results suggest the use of these natural substances endowed with antioxidant activity as a therapeutic agent that could be a new alternative in the prevention of diabetes and its complications.
A copula-based approach to instream ecological flow determination considering inter- and intra-annual runoff variability
Authors: Liu Xin , Yang Weixing , Zhang Yu , Fang Guohua 
Published: May 2024

ABSTRACT
Instream ecological flow (IEF) provides a flow reference value for maintaining the stability of river ecosystems and enriching biodiversity. Existing methods for determining the IEF often consider only one of the intra-annual runoff distribution characteristics or the inter-annual runoff distribution characteristics. In this study, a copula-based ecological runoff determination method is proposed to consider both annual and monthly runoff magnitudes. The marginal distribution functions of annual and monthly runoff are first determined using the maximum likelihood method. Then the copula function is used to construct the joint distribution function of annual and monthly runoff series. Using the flow duration curve method, the IEF under different annual and monthly runoff exceedance probabilities is calculated. The probability values are combined with the initial IEF values to determine the final IEF process. A case study is conducted using real-world data from the Tongtian River in China. The results show that the total annual basic ecological water demands of the Tongtian River in abundant, flat, and dry water years are 138, 102 and 72.2 billion m3. The proposed method effectively avoids the disturbance of extreme runoff.
e-Cigarette Tobacco Flavors, Public Health, and Toxicity: Narrative Review
Authors: Sun Yehao , Prabhu Prital , Rahman Ryan , Li Dongmei , McIntosh Scott , Rahman Irfan 
Published: May 2024

Background
Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration implemented enforcement priorities against all flavored, cartridge-based e-cigarettes other than menthol and tobacco flavors. This ban undermined the products’ appeal to vapers, so e-cigarette manufacturers added flavorants of other attractive flavors into tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes and reestablished appeal.

Objective
This review aims to analyze the impact of the addition of other flavorants in tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes on both human and public health issues and to propose further research as well as potential interventions.

Methods
Searches for relevant literature published between 2018 and 2023 were performed. Cited articles about the toxicity of e-cigarette chemicals included those published before 2018, and governmental websites and documents were also included for crucial information.

Results
Both the sales of e-cigarettes and posts on social media suggested that the manufacturers’ strategy was successful. The reestablished appeal causes not only a public health issue but also threats to the health of individual vapers. Research has shown an increase in toxicity associated with the flavorants commonly used in flavored e-cigarettes, which are likely added to tobacco-flavored e-cigarettes based on tobacco-derived and synthetic tobacco-free nicotine, and these other flavors are associated with higher clinical symptoms not often induced solely by natural, traditional tobacco flavors.

Conclusions
The additional health risks posed by the flavorants are pronounced even without considering the toxicological interactions of the different tobacco flavorants, and more research should be done to understand the health risks thoroughly and to take proper actions accordingly for the regulation of these emerging products.
Evaluation of a Remote Patient Monitoring Program During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Retrospective Case Study With a Mixed Methods Explanatory Sequential Design
Authors: Gunn Rose , Watkins Shelby L , Boston Dave , Rosales A Gabriela , Massimino Stefan , Navale Suparna , Fitzpatrick Stephanie L , Dickerson John , Gold Rachel , Lee George , McMullen Carmit K 
Published: May 2024

Background
Community health center (CHC) patients experience a disproportionately high prevalence of chronic conditions and barriers to accessing technologies that might support the management of these conditions. One such technology includes tools used for remote patient monitoring (RPM), the use of which surged during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Objective
The aim of this study was to assess how a CHC implemented an RPM program during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
This retrospective case study used a mixed methods explanatory sequential design to evaluate a CHC’s implementation of a suite of RPM tools during the COVID-19 pandemic. Analyses used electronic health record–extracted health outcomes data and semistructured interviews with the CHC’s staff and patients participating in the RPM program.

Results
The CHC enrolled 147 patients in a hypertension RPM program. After 6 months of RPM use, mean systolic blood pressure (BP) was 13.4 mm Hg lower and mean diastolic BP 6.4 mm Hg lower, corresponding with an increase in hypertension control (BP<140/90 mm Hg) from 33.3% of patients to 81.5%. Considerable effort was dedicated to standing up the program, reinforced by organizational prioritization of chronic disease management, and by a clinician who championed program implementation. Noted barriers to implementation of the RPM program were limited initial training, lack of sustained support, and complexities related to the RPM device technology.

Conclusions
While RPM technology holds promise for addressing chronic disease management, successful RPM program requires substantial investment in implementation support and technical assistance.
Educação na Amazônia: vozes e diversidade dos povos da floresta
Authors: Nunes Reginaldo de Oliveira , Oliveira Iuri da Cruz 
Published: May 2024

A Amazônia é uma região vasta e diversificada, lar de inúmeras comunidades indígenas, ribeirinhas e remanescentes de quilombolas. Nas últimas décadas, tem havido um reconhecimento crescente da importância de preservar e valorizar essas culturas por intermédio da educação escolar. Nesta obra, intitulada “Educação na Amazônia: Vozes e Diversidade dos Povos da Floresta” exploraremos as intricadas teias da educação na região amazônica, dando destaque às vozes e experiências das populações indígenas, quilombolas e ribeirinhas. Desenvolvido a partir dos textos produzidos no componente curricular de Educação com Povos da Floresta, no curso de Licenciatura em Pedagogia da Fundação Universidade Federal de Rondônia (UNIR), este livro não apenas desvela, mas celebra a diversidade cultural e os saberes ancestrais presentes nesse vasto território. Nos capítulos que compõem esta obra, somos convidados a mergulhar nas culturas indígenas, onde a educação se entrelaça com a sabedoria milenar e a conexão íntima com a natureza. Da mesma forma, somos conduzidos pelos caminhos das comunidades remanescentes de quilombolas, cuja trajetória de resistência e luta por reconhecimento é essencial para compreendermos a diversidade da Amazônia.	E não poderíamos deixar de lado os ribeirinhos, habitantes das margens dos rios amazônicos, cuja vida cotidiana é profundamente entrelaçada com o meio ambiente. Ao percorrer as páginas deste livro, somos confrontados com a riqueza e a complexidade da educação na Amazônia. As vozes e experiências dos povos da floresta nos convidam a repensar nossos conceitos de ensino e aprendizado, valorizando a diversidade cultural e o conhecimento tradicional como pilares fundamentais para a construção de uma sociedade mais justa e sustentável. Que esse livro sirva não apenas como fonte de informação, mas também como um chamado à ação, ao diálogo e à solidariedade em prol da educação e do bem-estar de todos os habilitantes da Amazônia e do mundo.
Retrospective Study on the Incidence of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting and Hypotension During Orthognathic Surgery Using Propofol or Remimazolam
Authors: Kaneko Rumi , Koshika Kyotaro , Shionoya Mai , Shimizu Kotaro , Sendai Yuka , Matsuura Nobutaka , Ichinohe Tatsuya 
Published: May 2024

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the incidence of early (up to 2 h) and late (2–24 h) postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and hypotension in patients who underwent general anesthesia for orthognathic surgery using propofol or remimazolam along with remifentanil.

Methods
This retrospective chart review included healthy adult patients under the age of 60 who underwent orthognathic surgery using propofol (P group) or remimazolam (R group) from January 2021 to March 2022. Records were reviewed to gather PONV and intraoperative hypotension data as well as patient characteristics and other variables.

Results
Early PONV was significantly lower in the P group vs the R group (9.5% vs 34.1%, respectively; P = .002), although the difference in late PONV was insignificant (36.9% vs 51.2%, respectively; P = .13). A higher incidence of intraoperative hypotension was noted in the P group (22.6%) vs the R group (2.4%; P = .004); however, there were no differences in average intraoperative systolic blood pressure or vasopressor administration.

Conclusion
These results suggest that propofol is associated with a lower incidence of early PONV as compared to remimazolam; however, antiemetics are still recommended given the frequency of late PONV in both groups. Propofol also caused more episodes of intraoperative hypotension vs remimazolam, but the increase in transient hypotension is likely to be irrelevant during orthognathic surgery in healthy adults under the age of 60.