bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application and advances of biomimetic membrane materials in central nervous system disorders
Authors: Liao Weiquan , Lu Zhichao , Wang Chenxing , Zhu Xingjia , Yang Yang , Zhou Youlang , Gong Peipei 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) diseases encompass spinal cord injuries, brain tumors, neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemic strokes. Recently, there has been a growing global recognition of CNS disorders as a leading cause of disability and death in humans and the second most common cause of death worldwide. The global burdens and treatment challenges posed by CNS disorders are particularly significant in the context of a rapidly expanding global population and aging demographics. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) presents a challenge for effective drug delivery in CNS disorders, as conventional drugs often have limited penetration into the brain. Advances in biomimetic membrane nanomaterials technology have shown promise in enhancing drug delivery for various CNS disorders, leveraging properties such as natural biological surfaces, high biocompatibility and biosafety. This review discusses recent developments in biomimetic membrane materials, summarizes the types and preparation methods of these materials, analyzes their applications in treating CNS injuries, and provides insights into the future prospects and limitations of biomimetic membrane materials.
Sexual lives and reproductive health outcomes among persons with disabilities: a mixed-methods study in two districts of Ghana
Authors: Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Malau-Aduli Bunmi S. , McBain-Rigg Kristin , Malau-Aduli Aduli E. O. , Emeto Theophilus I. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction
People with disabilities (PwDs) constitute a large and diverse group within the global population, however, their sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs are often neglected, particularly in low-and middle-income countries. This may result in adverse outcomes, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unintended pregnancies, and experience of interpersonal violence (IV). This study aimed to assess the factors that influence the sexual lives of PwDs in two districts of Ghana.

Methods
A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study design was used to collect data from PwDs. Quantitative data were obtained from 402 respondents using a pretested questionnaire, and qualitative data gathered from 37 participants using in-depth interviews. The quantitative data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while the qualitative data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Results
Most PwDs (91%) reported that they have ever had sex, which was associated with age, disability severity, and household size. The prevalence of poor SRH status, STIs, unintended pregnancy, pregnancy termination, and unsafe abortion were 10.5%, 5.7%, 6.4%, 21.6%, and 36.9% respectively. These outcomes were influenced by education, income, health insurance subscription, and proximity to a health facility. The prevalence of IV was 65%, which was related to disability type and severity. The qualitative data revealed five main themes: curiosity to engage in sexual activities, feelings of despair and insecurity with abled partners, preference for sexual relationships with other PwDs, IV and its perpetrators, and adverse SRH outcomes.

Conclusion
The study findings indicate that most adult PwDs have ever had sex and they face various challenges in their sexual lives. They experience multiple forms of abuse and neglect from different perpetrators at different levels of society, which have negative impacts on their well-being. There is a need for comprehensive and inclusive interventions that address the SRH needs of PwDs, as well as the underlying social and structural factors that contribute to their vulnerability. Further research is recommended to explore the perspectives of stakeholders on how to improve the SRH outcomes of PwDs.
Progressive Supranuclear palsy (PSP) disease progression, management, and healthcare resource utilization: a retrospective observational study in the US and Canada
Authors: Nysetvold Ella , Lopez Lauren N. , Cogell Ashley N. , Fryk Henrik , Pace Nelson D. , Taylor Sara Snell , Rhoden Joyce , Nichols Caitlin A. , Pillas Demetris , Klein Alexander , Gasalla Teresa , Scowcroft Anna 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundProgressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) is a rare neurodegenerative brain disease with rapid progression and currently limited treatment options. A comprehensive understanding of disease progression, management, and healthcare resource utilization is limited, and further research is challenging due to the small population of patients. To address these challenges in conducting PSP research, individuals with PSP were recruited using a multichannel approach tailored specifically to the PSP community. We performed a retrospective observational study using data abstracted from participant medical records collected from multiple patient care centers.ResultsSeventy-two individuals with PSP were eligible for inclusion. On average, 144 medical documents per participant were collected from an average of 2.9 healthcare centers per participant, with a mean study period of 7.9 years. Among participants with a date of symptom onset documented in the medical records, the median time for the onset of the first fall was 2.0 years (IQR 3.2) before diagnosis, the median onset of unsteady gait or gait impairment was 1.2 years (IQR 1.8) before diagnosis, and the median onset of mobility problems was 0.8 years (IQR 1.8) before diagnosis. The most widely utilized healthcare resources, with at least 85% of participants using each of these resources at some point during the disease course, were medications (100%), imaging (99%), assistive devices (90%), supportive care (86%), and surgeries and procedures (85%).ConclusionsThis retrospective study adds to the current understanding of PSP symptoms, comorbidities, and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) across the disease journey. By involving individuals with PSP and their caregivers or legally authorized representatives in the research process, this study was unique in its approach to participant recruitment and enabled individuals to participate in research without the need for travel. We collected medical documents from multiple healthcare centers, allowing for broad data collection covering the entire disease journey. This approach to the collection of real-world data may be used to generate valuable insights into many aspects of disease progression and management in PSP and many other rare diseases.
Towards optimized scheduling and allocation of heterogeneous resource via graph-enhanced EPSO algorithm
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Xu Chen , Xu Shaohua , Huang Long , Zhang Jinyu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractEfficient allocation of tasks and resources is crucial for the performance of heterogeneous cloud computing platforms. To achieve harmony between task completion time, device power consumption, and load balance, we propose a Graph neural network-enhanced Elite Particle Swarm Optimization (EPSO) model for collaborative scheduling, namely GraphEPSO. Specifically, we first construct a Directed Acyclic Graph (DAG) to model the complicated tasks, thereby using Graph Neural Network (GNN) to encode the information of task sets and heterogeneous resources. Then, we treat subtasks and independent tasks as basic task units while considering virtual or physical devices as resource units. Based on this, we exploit the performance adaptation principle and conditional probability to derive the solution space for resource allocation. Besides, we employ EPSO to consider multiple optimization objectives, providing fine-grained perception and utilization of task and resource information. It also increases the diversity of particle swarms, allowing GraphEPSO to adaptively search for the global optimal solution with the highest probability. Experimental results demonstrate the superiority of our proposed GraphEPSO compared to several state-of-the-art baseline methods on all evaluation metrics.
Mandatory nutrition attributes labeling and consumer demand: a structural approach analysis of the US soft drink market
Authors: Codjia Clement O. , Woods Timothy A. , Zheng Yuqing 
Published: May 2024

AbstractWhile soft drinks stand out as a major cause of obesity and overweight worldwide, the USA is the country most concerned with this problem. To reverse the situation, experts have agreed that labels and taxes represent promising policy tools. Focusing on the soda market, this paper investigates how consumer demand for nutrient contents responds to the US revised nutrition facts label policy implemented in 2020. Relying on retail scanner data, the study finds after estimation of a discrete choice logit demand model that the change in nutrition labels caused consumers to modify their purchasing behavior. However, they did not systematically switch from unhealthy beverages to healthy ones. The analysis finds evidence that the label revision policy was mostly impactful in decreasing consumers’ preference for soda with superhigh calories and high sugar content. Surprisingly, the joint effect of label and tax did not decrease the sampled consumers’ preference for unhealthy nutrient contents. They still preferred buying soft drinks superhigh in calorie content inside US cities with a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB), despite the revision of the facts label. Finally, the new nutrition label has improved the average surplus of consumers and total welfare. However, the gain is lower within the cities implementing the sugar tax.
Identification of the mutual gliding locus as a factor for gut colonization in non-native bee hosts using the ARTP mutagenesis
Authors: Meng Yujie , Zhang Xue , Zhai Yifan , Li Yuan , Shao Zenghua , Liu Shanshan , Zhang Chong , Xing Xin-Hui , Zheng Hao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The gut microbiota and their hosts profoundly affect each other’s physiology and evolution. Identifying host-selected traits is crucial to understanding the processes that govern the evolving interactions between animals and symbiotic microbes. Current experimental approaches mainly focus on the model bacteria, like hypermutating Escherichia coli or the evolutionary changes of wild stains by host transmissions. A method called atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) may overcome the bottleneck of low spontaneous mutation rates while maintaining mild conditions for the gut bacteria.

Results
We established an experimental symbiotic system with gnotobiotic bee models to unravel the molecular mechanisms promoting host colonization. By in vivo serial passage, we tracked the genetic changes of ARTP-treated Snodgrassella strains from Bombus terrestris in the non-native honeybee host. We observed that passaged isolates showing genetic changes in the mutual gliding locus have a competitive advantage in the non-native host. Specifically, alleles in the orphan mglB, the GTPase activating protein, promoted colonization potentially by altering the type IV pili-dependent motility of the cells. Finally, competition assays confirmed that the mutations out-competed the ancestral strain in the non-native honeybee gut but not in the native host.

Conclusions
Using the ARTP mutagenesis to generate a mutation library of gut symbionts, we explored the potential genetic mechanisms for improved gut colonization in non-native hosts. Our findings demonstrate the implication of the cell mutual-gliding motility in host association and provide an experimental system for future study on host-microbe interactions.
Malaria epidemiology, surveillance and response for elimination in Lao PDR
Authors: Rotejanaprasert Chawarat , Malaphone Vilayvone , Mayxay Mayfong , Chindavongsa Keobouphaphone , Banouvong Virasack , Khamlome Boualam , Vilay Phoutnalong , Vanisavaeth Viengxay , Maude Richard J 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Lao PDR has made significant progress in malaria control. The National Strategic Plans outline ambitious targets, aiming for the elimination of Plasmodium falciparum and P. vivax malaria from all northern provinces by 2025 and national elimination by 2030. This article presents an overview of malaria epidemiology, surveillance, and response systems in Lao PDR, emphasizing experiences and achievements in transmission reduction.

Methods
Data on surveillance, monitoring and evaluation systems, human resources, infrastructure, and community malaria knowledge during 2010–2020 were systematically gathered from the national program and relevant documents. The collected information was synthesized, and discussions on challenges and future prospects were provided.

Results
Malaria control and elimination activities in Lao PDR were implemented at various levels, with a focus on health facility catchment areas. There has been significant progress in reducing malaria transmission throughout the country. Targeted interventions, such as case management, vector control, and community engagement, using stratification of control interventions by catchment areas have contributed to the decline in malaria cases. In elimination areas, active surveillance strategies, including case and foci investigation, are implemented to identify and stop transmission. The surveillance system has facilitated timely detection and response to malaria cases, enabling these targeted interventions in higher-risk areas.

Conclusions
The malaria surveillance and response system in Lao PDR has played a crucial role in reducing transmission and advancing the country towards elimination. Challenges such as importation, drug resistance, and sustaining support require ongoing efforts. Further strengthening surveillance, improving access to services, and addressing transmission determinants are key areas of focus to achieve malaria elimination and enhance population health in Lao PDR.
Rotenone activates the LKB1-AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway to induce autophagy and apoptosis in rat thoracic aortic endothelial cells
Authors: Chang Xiaoyu , Li Zeyuan , Tian Mi , Deng Ziwei , Zhu Lingqin , Li Guanghua 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The specific mechanism by which rotenone impacts thoracic aortic autophagy and apoptosis is unknown. We aimed to investigate the regulatory effects of rotenone on autophagy and apoptosis in rat thoracic aortic endothelial cells (RTAEC) via activation of the LKB1-AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of rotenone on autophagy and apoptosis in vascular endothelial cells.

Methods
In vivo, 60 male SD rats were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups: control (Con), DMSO, 1, 2, and 4 mg/kg groups, respectively. After 28 days of treatment, histopathological and ultrastructural changes in each group were observed using HE and transmission electron microscopy; Autophagy, apoptosis, and LKB1-AMPK-ULK1 pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blot; Apoptosis levels in the thoracic aorta were detected by TUNEL. In vitro, RTAEC were cultured and divided into control (Con), DMSO, 20, 100, 500, and 1000 nM groups. After 24 h of intervention, autophagy, apoptosis, and LKB1-AMPK-ULK1 pathway-related factors were detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR; Flow cytometry to detect apoptosis levels; Autophagy was inhibited with 3-MA and CQ to detect apoptosis levels, and changes in autophagy, apoptosis, and downstream factors were detected by the AMPK inhibitor CC intervention.

Results
Gavage in SD rats for 28 days, some degree of damage was observed in the thoracic aorta and heart of the rotenone group, as well as the appearance of autophagic vesicles was observed in the thoracic aorta. TUNEL analysis revealed higher apoptosis in the rotenone group’s thoracic aorta; RTAEC cultured in vitro, after 24 h of rotenone intervention, showed increased ROS production and significantly decreased ATP production. The flow cytometry data suggested an increase in the number of apoptotic RTAEC. The thoracic aorta and RTAEC in the rotenone group displayed elevated levels of autophagy and apoptosis, and the LKB1-AMPK-ULK1 pathway proteins were activated and expressed at higher levels. Apoptosis and autophagy were both suppressed by the autophagy inhibitors 3-MA and CQ. The AMPK inhibitor CC reduced autophagy and apoptosis in RTAEC and suppressed the production of the AMPK downstream factors ULK1 and P-ULK1.

Conclusions
Rotenone may promote autophagy in the thoracic aorta and RTAEC by activating the LKB1-AMPK-ULK1 signaling pathway, thereby inducing apoptosis.
Analysis of mosaic mortars from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Islamic periods sourced from Gerasa’s Northwest Quarter
Authors: Ball Richard J. , Ansell Martin P. , Su-Cadirci Tuğçe Büşra , Baki Vahiddin Alperen , Fletcher Philip J. , Lichtenberger Achim , Raja Rubina , Wootton Will 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
This study analyses and compares around 650 years of mosaic mortar production spanning the Roman, late Roman and Umayyad periods, at Gerasa/Jerash in Jordan, offering a better understanding of composition, structural features, and manufacturing processes. It assesses the value of optical and electron microscopy examination of morphological and textural features, pore structure using MIP, and composition studies using EDX, XRD, FTIR, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy. The study indicated high density lime adhesive was used compared to other mortars. Wood was used as a fuel when producing the lime and natural fibres were incorporated when manufacturing mortars. Aggregates were primarily calcitic with a small proportion of silica-based aggregates. Key outcomes of the study conclude that early Roman mortars were of highest quality, which was demonstrated through the careful selection of materials including different stone for lime and tesserae, and differences between layers. Late Roman mortars used the same slaked lime plus fibres and charcoal. Mortars dating from the Umayyad period also had the same higher lime content than late Roman, but higher porosity with fibres and charcoal. In general, the mortars showed slight differences in content and aggregate; different stone for lime and tesserae. The research attests to underlying traditions as well as changes in mortar mixes and methods according to context and time. The resulting data is contextualized within local and regional approaches.
Demonstration of an energy-efficient Ising solver composed of Ovonic threshold switch (OTS)-based nano-oscillators (OTSNOs)
Authors: Lee Young Woong , Kim Seon Jeong , Kim Jaewook , Kim Sangheon , Park Jongkil , Jeong YeonJoo , Hwang Gyu Weon , Park Seongsik , Park Bae Ho , Lee Suyoun 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAs there is an increasing need for an efficient solver of combinatorial optimization problems, much interest is paid to the Ising machine, which is a novel physics-driven computing system composed of coupled oscillators mimicking the dynamics of the system of coupled electronic spins. In this work, we propose an energy-efficient nano-oscillator, called OTSNO, which is composed of an Ovonic Threshold Switch (OTS) and an electrical resistor. We demonstrate that the OTSNO shows the synchronization behavior, an essential property for the realization of an Ising machine. Furthermore, we have discovered that the capacitive coupling is advantageous over the resistive coupling for the hardware implementation of an Ising solver by providing a larger margin of the variations of components. Finally, we implement an Ising machine composed of capacitively-coupled OTSNOs to demonstrate that the solution to a 14-node MaxCut problem can be obtained in 40 µs while consuming no more than 2.3 µJ of energy. Compared to a previous hardware implementation of the phase-transition nano-oscillator (PTNO)-based Ising machine, the OTSNO-based Ising machine in this work shows the performance of the increased speed by more than one order while consuming less energy by about an order.
Prognostic and predictive value of interstitial lung abnormalities and EGFR mutation status in patients with non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Zhu Min , Wang Zixing , Li Jialu , Ouyang Tao , Chen Cen , Huang Kewu , Zhang Yuhui , Gao Yanli L. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
To determine the predictive value of interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA) for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status and assess the prognostic significance of EGFR and ILA in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods
We reviewed 797 consecutive patients with a histologically proven diagnosis of primary NSCLC from January 2013 to October 2018. Of these, 109 patients with NSCLC were found to have concomitant ILA. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the significant clinical and computed tomography (CT) findings in predicting EGFR mutations. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify significant prognostic factors.

Results
EGFR mutations were identified in 22 of 109 tumors (20.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that the models incorporating clinical, tumor CT and ILA CT features yielded areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values of 0.749, 0.838, and 0.849, respectively. When combining the three models, the independent predictive factors for EGFR mutations were non-fibrotic ILA, female sex, and small tumor size, with an AUC value of 0.920 (95% confidence interval[CI]: 0.861–0.978, p < 0.001). In the multivariate Cox model, EGFR mutations (hazard ratio = 0.169, 95% CI = 0.042–0.675, p = 0.012; 692 days vs. 301 days) were independently associated with extended overall survival compared to the wild-type.

Conclusion
Non-fibrotic ILA independently predicts the presence of EGFR mutations, and the presence of EGFR mutations rather than non-fibrotic ILA serves as an independent good prognostic factor for patients with NSCLC.