bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Mrgprx2 and Substance P Levels: Biomarkers of Disease Activity, Not of Antihistamine Response in Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria: a Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Cuc Nguyen Thi Kim , Minh Vu Nguyet , Lan Pham Thi , My Le Huyen , Doanh Le Huu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background: In chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), the role of Mas-related G protein-coupled receptor X2 (MRGPRX2) and substance P (SP) as biomarkers of disease severity and the antihistamine response remains unclear. The study aims to examine the correlations between serum MRGPRX2 and SP levels, disease severity, and antihistamine response in patients with CSU.
Methods: This study included 120 CSU patients and 30 healthy controls. Based on the Urticaria Activity Score over 7 days (UAS7), the patients with CSU were divided into two categories: severe and non-severe. Severe CSU patients received 20 mg of bilastine, titrated up to 80 mg based on Urticaria Control Test (UCT) results at days 15, 30, and 60. Serum MRGPRX2 and SP levels were measured at baseline for all participants and after two months in severe CSU patients. The Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn’s corrections were used to examine differences in multiple comparisons. Spearman’s correlation assessed the relationships between MRGPRX2 and SP levels and various clinical and laboratory parameters. Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves were created to identify the optimal serum levels of MRGPRX2 and SP for distinguishing severe CSU. Additionally, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify risk factors associated with severe CSU.
Results: Serum MRGPRX2 and SP levels were significantly higher in severe CSU patients than in non-severe patients (P<0.001 and P=0.01) but comparable to controls (P>0.05). These levels were positively correlated with the UAS7 (P<0.001 and P=0.01), with no correlation between MRGPRX2 and SP levels (P=0.28). MRGPRX2 ≥ 11.67 ng/mL and SP≥97.66 pg/mL were identified as independent risk factors for severe CSU (OR 48.21 95%CI 13.00–178.82; P< 0.001 and OR 3.19 95% CI 1.10–9.24, P=0.03). Among the severe CSU patients, the baseline MRGPRX2 and SP levels did not significantly differ across the antihistamine response groups (P>0.05). Serum MRGRPX2 levels remained consistent over time after antihistamine treatment (P=0.41), whereas serum SP concentrations significantly decreased (P<0.001).
Conclusions: Serum MRGPRX2 and SP levels are associated with disease severity in CSU patients but do not predict antihistamine response in severe cases.
The development of a fully balanced active-RC high-pass filter
Authors: Thitapars Sarayut , Khwunnak Chadarat , Lertkonsarn Samran , Dujpen Thanakorn 
Published: January 2025

This article presents the development and analysis of a fully balanced active-RC high-pass filter employing bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) as the active components. The filter design utilizes NPN transistors, along with resistors (RL and Ree), a capacitor (C), and two sets of biasing circuits (If) to control the transistors. The circuit architecture consists of four NPN transistors, four resistors, and a capacitor arranged symmetrically to handle differential signals effectively. The differential input voltage (VAB) is applied to the base terminals of transistors T3 and T4, while the differential output voltage (VED) is measured at the emitter terminals of transistors T1 and T2. The filter's functionality was simulated using PSpice, demonstrating the ability to tune the cutoff frequency (f0) of the transfer function by adjusting the bias current (If), capacitance (C), and resistance values (RL and Ree). Simulation results indicated a transfer function response of approximately –36.995 dB with a phase shift of 45 degrees. Further tests, varying the capacitance (C) and resistance (RL and Ree), demonstrated precise tuning of the cutoff frequency (f0). Measured frequencies of 435.338 Hz, 1.285 kHz, and 2.648 kHz correspond to bias currents (If) of 150 μA, 500 μA, and 1.3 mA, respectively. Total harmonic distortion (THD) of the output waveform, analyzed via fast Fourier transform (FFT), was found to be 9.824 %. This research highlights the efficiency and stability of the developed fully balanced active-RC high-pass filter across various operating conditions. The findings emphasize the importance of optimizing frequency response in filter design and demonstrate the potential for future development into integrated circuits (ICs)
South–south cooperation and strong local teams as catalysts for innovation and digitalization within water operator partnerships
Authors: Kazeta Alex , Nineka Adam , Maserele Lilian , Visser Jan Kees de , Msuya Neli , Rujomba Justine , Eckeveld Andries van 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Water operator partnerships (WOPs) have gained significant traction since their initiation in 2006. Although a large variety of WOPs is operational around the world, each having a different approach and organizational structure, there is limited knowledge about the factors that determine the effectiveness and success of WOPs. This article shares the Tanzanian approach to WOPs, which can be considered as a triangular WOP with multiple local water and sanitation authorities, and a single lead partner. The WOP is based on two building blocks: strong local teams from within the utilities and south–south knowledge exchange. It is shown that this is advantageous in terms of effective knowledge exchange and a WOP that is well embedded within the partnering utilities. Continued attention is needed to ensure the sustainability of the activities that are being implemented; ownership should remain with the partnering utilities, and not primarily with the local teams.
Prediction of drinking and irrigation chemical water quality indices using a multilinear regression approach in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy Mahenthiran , Gowrisankar Ganesan , Raman Chandra Devi , Kunasekaran Krishnakumar , Loganathan Sankar , Ramakrishnan Devananth 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT
Agriculture is predominantly practiced in the Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, India. The aim of this research work is to examine the groundwater suitability for drinking and irrigation activities and identify the factors influencing the groundwater quality. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium, chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate and nitrate are obtained for 62 groundwater samples (pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons). Based on the drinking water quality index (DWQI), most of the groundwater samples were good for drinking purposes in the region. The groundwater with elevated DWQI needs treatment before consumption. The parameters such as EC, Na%, SAR, MH and KR were integrated to produce a single irrigation water quality index (IWQI); it showed that most groundwater in the region is good for agricultural usage. Only a few samples were poor for agricultural usage. In these poor water quality areas, surface water and rainwater should be considered as alternative sources. There is a slight decrease in the concentration of groundwater ions during post-monsoon due to the dilution and dissolution processes. A multilinear regression model is also developed to predict the DWQI and the IWQI. The scatter diagram between various ions depicts that the geochemical process and anthropogenic sources influence the groundwater quality.
Status of drinking water supply and water stress levels in the African Great Lakes region: a time-series analysis from 1980 to 2020
Authors: Bennett George 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Freshwater is the most important resource because it is vital for human health, agriculture, the environment, urbanisation, and sustainable economic growth. This study uses time-series analysis of World Bank data for the period 1980–2020 to analyse status of drinking water supply in the African Great Lakes region. The results show that Kenya has been a water-stressed country since 2010, as it is withdrawing more than 25% of its renewable freshwater resources, while Rwanda is likely to soon become a water-stressed country, while Tanzania, Burundi, and Uganda are far from being water-stressed countries. In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, freshwater resources are used the least, which is attributed to the political instability and conflict cycles in the country. To achieve Sustainable Development Goal 6, clean water and sanitation for all, in the study area by 2030, Tanzania and Uganda will have to quadruple their current efforts, while Rwanda and Kenya will have to increase their current efforts sixfold, and Burundi will have to increase its current efforts eightfold, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo will have to increase its current efforts 30 times, which is almost impossible; these efforts should be reflected in the budgets of the water sector.
Trust in veterinarians and association with vaccine information sources and vaccination status among dog and cat owners
Authors: Haeder Simon F. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
To assess pet owners’ trust in veterinarians and the connection between pet owners’ trust and sources of vaccine information, as well as the association with vaccination status.

METHODS
A national survey was administered to 2,853 dog and 1,977 cat owners focused on vaccine behavior. Survey data were analyzed with weighted Poisson (number of sources), logit (veterinarians as primary sources), least-squares (information seeking), and linear probability (vaccination status) models.

RESULTS
Overall, 62.9% of dog and 61.2% of cat owners were classified as trusting their veterinarians. On average, dog owners consulted 2.50 sources about vaccine information; cat owners consulted 2.27 sources. Veterinarians were the most common primary sources of information for 85.4% of dog owners with high levels of trust, but only 62.6% of dog owners with lower levels. This was the case for 83.8% and 56.3% of cat owners. Trust in veterinarians was not associated with the number of sources consulted, but those with higher levels of trust were more likely to list veterinarians as their primary sources. Those with higher levels of trusts were also more likely to seek out information on vaccines. Trust and certain types of information sources like the internet were associated with vaccination status.

CONCLUSIONS
Most pet owners trust their veterinarian, but a substantial minority do not. This has important implications for vaccination behavior. Efforts should be made to increase levels of trust.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Trust in veterinarians can serve as an important resource to increase vaccinations.
The concurrent use of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel and betamethasone esters for intra-articular injection is well tolerated in 10 healthy horses
Authors: Whitaker Beau , Barnhard Jennifer A. , Webb Kathryn R. , Levine David , Green Megan M. , Vieira Mariana R. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

OBJECTIVE
This study assessed the safety and tolerability of concurrent intra-articular (IA) injection of 2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel (2.5% iPAAG) and betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate esters (BME) in the metacarpophalangeal joints (MCPJs) of healthy horses.

METHODS
10 healthy therapeutic riding horses were enrolled in this open-label safety study from August 1 to September 14, 2023. Inclusion criteria required normal physical examinations, insulin level, hematology, biochemistry, soundness at all gaits, and negative forelimb flexion tests. Screening occurred from days –14 to –0. Each horse received a single IA injection of 1 mL of 2.5% iPAAG and 1 mL of BME (6 mg/mL) into the right MCPJ on day 0. Posttreatment veterinary assessments (days 0, 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, and 30) included physical examinations, joint-specific evaluations (skin temperature, fetlock circumference at the level of the MCPJ), soundness assessments, and adverse event monitoring. Caretaker observation diaries (days 0 through 30) were also reviewed.

RESULTS
No adverse events occurred, and all horses remained clinically sound. Joint circumference remained stable without evidence of effusion. Transient increases in skin temperature on days 2, 3, 7, and 14 correlated with ambient temperature changes, returning to baseline by day 30. Caretaker observations supported clinical findings.

CONCLUSIONS
Concurrent IA administration of 2.5% iPAAG and BME was safe and well tolerated in the right MCPJ of healthy horses, with no evidence of local or systemic adverse effects.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE
This therapy combines BME’s short-term anti-inflammatory effects with 2.5% iPAAG’s long-term synovial integration, warranting further evaluation in diseased joints.
Cross-Sectional Survey to Assess Tobacco and Nicotine Product Use since the Introduction of Heated Tobacco Products in Japan: Wave 2
Authors: Prasad Krishna , Shetty Mandara , Edward Lauren , Kanitscheider Claudia , Marczykowski Felix 
Published: January 2025

Summary
Providing data on usage patterns is key to assessing the reduced-risk potential of novel tobacco and nicotine products as compared to conventional cigarettes at a population level. A pilot cross-sectional survey was conducted in 2018 across 3 areas of Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, and Sendai) to assess tobacco and nicotine product use after the introduction of Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs). Following successful completion of the pilot study, two nationwide cross-sectional surveys were conducted using the general population in Japan to assess use patterns after the introduction of HTPs. The first (Wave 1) was conducted in 2019, and the second in 2020. In Wave 2, the concern of this publication, additional population-level data was obtained on use patterns and behaviour relating to tobacco and nicotine products in Japan. Eligible participants were Japanese residents, aged 20 years or older who consented to complete the survey. A 3-stage probability sampling method was applied that was geographically stratified by street blocks proportionate to population density. Respondents self-reported patterns of product use and reasons for HTP use. Complete responses were available from 5307 individuals, of whom 889 (16.7%) were current users, 1012 (19.1%) were former users, and 3407 (64.2%) were never users of tobacco products (weighted respondent totals). Of current tobacco users, 63.5% smoked cigarettes exclusively and 17.9% used HTPs exclusively. HTP dual use in combination with conventional cigarettes was 12.7%. The remaining 5.9% of users were categorised as poly users (i.e., use of 2 or more tobacco products). The most common reasons reported for HTP use were perceived reduction in harm to others and self - compared to cigarettes. These findings are consistent across pilot and Wave 1 conducted in Japan as part of this survey programme. Cigarettes were still the most frequent tobacco product used (13.4% in the pilot to 15.5% in Wave 1) within the general population, the usage prevalence for HTPs (5.3% to 5.4%) being considerable in comparison to other tobacco or nicotine-containing products like cigars, cigarillos, pipe, kiseru, and oral tobacco, where usage prevalence was close to zero. As with the previous Waves, no gateway effect (use of non-traditional combustible tobacco use – such as e-cigarettes and in this case HTP use – leading to subsequent tobacco smoking) was observed in this study.
The findings presented here are indicative of the results from the initial study in 2018 and the nationwide Wave 1 study in 2019 but with a larger population, where the market is now more established with new-generation products. In conclusion, the prevalence of cigarette use in Japan is decreasing and HTPs seem to be increasingly used as an alternative to cigarette smoking.
Optimizing Demand Forecasting Method with Support Vector Regression for Improved Inventory Planning
Authors: Palgunadi Tryantomo Lokhilmahful , Fitriana Rina , Habyba Anik Nur , Liang Yun-Chia 
Published: January 2025

Problems arising from suboptimal production planning can cause inventory management to be less effective and efficient in the company. The lack of integrated presentation of information also causes less efficiency in making decisions. This study aims to obtain the best kernel function forecasting model by predicting ground rod sales using the Support Vector Regression (SVR) method in order to determine the level of forecasting accuracy and the results of ground rod forecasting in the future which are presented in an optimal data visualization. This problem-solving is done with the Support Vector Regression method, which consists of linear kernel functions, polynomial kernel functions, and radial basis function (RBF) kernel functions with the Grid Search Algorithm. Based on the results of the best parameter search that has been done using the grid search algorithm, it can be concluded that the best kernel function forecasting model is a linear kernel function with a value of C = 100 and ε = 10-3. The accuracy of this forecasting model has a MAPE value of training data and testing data of 2.048% and 1.569%, where this value is the smallest MAPE value compared to the MAPE value of the other two functions. After getting the best model, forecasting was carried out within five months, obtaining an average of 6,647 monthly pieces. The results of forecasting and historical sales are reviewed in a visualization of Business Intelligence data so that it is well exposed, where the forecasting shows an increase from every month.
Strength of Social Environmental Support and Off-Farm Accessibility as Determinants of Young Farmers' Willingness to Persist in Agriculture
Authors: Fitrianti Wanti , Sudrajat Jajat , Suyatno Adi 
Published: January 2025

The poor regeneration of farmers is a significant strain on the Indonesian agricultural sector. The negative stereotypical view of the farming profession is the cause of the reluctance of the younger generation to get involved and persist in agriculture. However, there is a strong potential for environmental support and land access as well as access to off-farm work to be factors that can encourage young farmers to remain in agriculture. The purpose of this study is to analyze the determinants of the willingness of young farmers to continue in the agricultural sector, specifically on the outskirts of Pontianak, West Kalimantan. This is accomplished by taking into account the proximity of the area to the city center, as well as certain demographic factors, in which the choice of occupation and decision to remain a farmer presents numerous obstacles. This study took a quantitative approach, with a sample size of 47 persons, and was analyzed using logistic regression. The findings of the study indicate that social environmental support from family and residents has a significant impact on young farmers' willingness to continue in agriculture. Social environmental support will help to eradicate negative stereotypes about farming, increasing young farmers' trust and confidence that becoming a farmer will give them pride and a secure future. The results of this study also demonstrate that growing levels of education, farming experience, and off-farm job access improve the likelihood of young farmers' willingness to continue in the agricultural sector.
Предварительные результаты изучения берестяных грамот из археологических раскопок Якутского острога в 2024 г.
Authors: Визгалов Г.П. , Фролов И.В. , Горшков И.Д. 
Published: January 2025

Статья посвящена главному открытию археологических раскопок 2024 г. в Якутске – берестяным грамотам, найденным на территории Якутской крепости. Обнаруженные одиннадцать фрагментов берестяных грамот впервые вводятся в научный оборот. Приведено их описание и предварительное прочтение. Установлено, что грамоты относятся к первой четверти XVIII в. и представляют собой памятники делопроизводственной документации: десять фрагментов имеют отношение к одному документу – ясачной книге, один фрагмент является, предположительно, наказом воеводе Олюторского острога.
The article is devoted to the main discovery of the archaeological excavations of 2024 in Yakutsk — the first birch bark letters found on the territory of the Yakut fortress. Eleven fragments of birch bark letters have been found and are being introduced into scientific circulation for the first time. The description of the found fragments and their preliminary reading are given. The letters refer to the first quarter of the 18" century and are monuments of office documentation. It has been established that 10 fragments relate to one document — the book of accounting for the collection of fur tax (yasak) and 1 fragment is presumably an order to the governor of the Olyutorskaya fortress.
Открывая заново «Таймырскую находку»
Authors: Окладникова Е.А. 
Published: January 2025

«Таймырскую находку» составили вещи, найденные топографами Восточно-Таймырской гидрографической экспедиции в 1940‒1941 гг. на о. Фаддея Северный и на берегу залива Симса. Долгое время часть артефактов (медные котлы и др.) этой коллекции, получившей среди музейных работников название «фаддеевская коллекция», считались утраченными, но были вновь обнаружены в Новосибирске. В результате проведенных автором архивных и музейных поисков удалось по-новому прочесть надписи на именных ножах и текст «жалованной грамоты», а сравнительный атрибутивный и искусствоведческий анализ медных котлов позволил выявить их голландское происхождение.
The “Taimyr Find” consisted of items found by topographers of the East Taimyr Hydrographic Expedition in 1940-1941 on the island of Faddey Severny and on the shore of the Simsa Gulf. For a long time, some of the artifacts (copper cauldrons, etc.) of this collection, which was called the “Faddeyev collection” by museum workers, were considered lost, but were rediscovered in Novosibirsk. As a result of archival and museum searches conducted by the author, it was possible to re-read the inscriptions on the personal knives and the text of the “charter”, and a comparative attributive and art history analysis of the copper cauldrons made it possible to reveal their Dutch origin.
К вопросу об исполнении воинской обязанности русским населением Якутии в XVIII ‒ начале XX вв.
Authors: Батюшкин П.Д. 
Published: January 2025

В последние годы значительно возрос интерес к проблемам, связанным с изучением военных традиций в Якутии. Однако до сих пор открытыми остаются вопросы о количестве призванных рекрутов: отсутствуют точные сведения об участниках Отечественной войны 1812 г., существует путаница между казаками и другими податными слоями населения, призываемыми в действующую армию. Незнание военного и административного законодательства того периода приводит к возникновению исторических мифов в историографии. Статья носит обзорный характер, автор ставит своей целью объяснить, как были организованы рекрутский набор и заменившая его всеобщая воинская повинность и каковы были реальные масштабы вовлечения населения в этот процесс.
The article examines issues related to recruitment into the active army in the 18th and early 19th centuries in Yakutia. Based on the documents, the approximate scale and mechanisms of recruitment in Yakutia are given. The article raises the question of the participation of the Yakut people in the Patriotic War of 1812. Since the liberation from conscription in 1810 for the first time in local scientific historiography, the processes that replace full-fledged recruitment sets have been described. Also, based on the documents, the approximate scale of conscripts for military service after the introduction of universal military service has been studied. For the first time, the number of conscripts from the Yakut region in the Russian-Japanese War is being introduced into scientific circulation. The issues of mobilization in 1914-1918 are considered. The article is of an overview nature and the author aims to explain how the recruitment was organized and the universal military service that replaced it, what was the real scale of the involvement of the Russian Yakutia population in this process. The author sees his main aim as overcoming historical myths in historiography in these issues.