bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Capacity and Performance of Points of Entry in Detection, Reporting and Responding to Public Health Events of International Concern, Uganda, July–September 2022
Authors: Wanyana Mercy Wendy , King Patrick , Mayinja Harriet , Migisha Richard , Kadobera Daniel , Kwesiga Benon , Bulage Lilian , Ario Alex Riolexus , Harris Julie R 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Introduction: Expanded human mobility has increasingly led to the spread of disease outside of the areas in which it first occurs. Consequently, there is enhanced focus on building capacity to detect disease at points of entry (PoEs). We assessed capacity and performance in detection, reporting, and responding to public health events of international concern (PHEIC) and public health emergencies at PoEs in Uganda.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional assessment from June 27 to September 12, 2022, at official PoEs in Uganda. We adopted a standardised assessment tool for the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) PoE capacity requirements. Capacity areas included coordination and communication, routine prevention and control measures expected at all times, and response to PHEIC. We abstracted and analysed surveillance data on performance of PoEs including completeness of PoE reporting, proportion of travellers screened and proportion of suspected ill travellers isolated, investigated and referred for further care if necessary.
Results: We assessed all 53 gazetted PoEs (4 airports, 16 inland ports, and 33 ground crossings). Most (94%) reported communication capacities with national and sub-health authorities with 88% completeness of reporting. Forty-two per cent provided access to appropriate medical services for assessment and care of ill travellers, 42% had access to sanitary facilities, 21% had access to safe water, and 23% had appropriate waste management and vector control. Regarding capacity to respond to PHEIC and public health emergencies, all designated PoEs had a public health emergency contingency plan,74% provided screening of all travellers but screened 56% of the travellers, 38% had the capacity to quarantine and isolate suspected human cases, and 15% had the capacity to transport suspected cases to referral health facilities. Twenty three percent of the suspected ill travellers were isolated, investigated and referred for further care if necessary. Only 8% assessed animals being transported through PoEs for priority animal transboundary diseases.
Conclusion: Existing capacity and performance gaps in detection and response to PHEICs and public health emergencies may limit ability to effectively respond to potential public health emergencies. There is a need to establish infrastructure, equipment and personnel for and assessment, isolation and quarantine of humans and animals.
Evaluation of Particulate Organic Carbon from Modis-Aqua in a Marine-Coastal Water Body
Authors: Morales-Acuña Enrique De Jesús , Aguíñiga-García Sergio , Cervantes-Duarte Rafael , Cortés Mara Yadira , Escobedo-Urías Diana , Silverberg Norman 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
La Paz Bay (LPB) in Mexico is one of the largest marine-coastal bodies of water in the Gulf of California (GC) and is ecologically important for the feeding, reproduction, and refuge of marine species. Although Particulate Organic Carbon (POC) is an important reservoir of oceanic carbon and an indicator of productivity in the euphotic zone, studies in this region are scarce. This study evaluates the performance of satellite-derived POC in LPB from January 2003 to December 2020. Data from POC and Chlorophyll-a (Chla-a) from MODIS-Aqua and sea surface temperature (SST) from MUR were used. Initially, a match-up analysis was applied to compare the satellite products with in situmeasurements obtained from a sediment trap installed in Alfonso Basin, Mexico. Subsequently, spatial and seasonal variability patterns of POC were analyzed using Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOFs), power spectral density (PSD), geospatial correlations of each pair of variables, the POC:Chla-a ratio, and multivariate techniques. The results of the matchmaking analysis between in situ and satellite series show that the satellite estimates consistently represent the variability and mean values measured in situ. The distribution of POC characterizes two seasons with their respective transition periods and five subregions where POC exhibits its maximum variability. Two of these subregions coincide with the reported locations of winter and summer eddies in BP, while the remaining three correspond to the coastal zone and the two regions where LPB interacts with the GC. Associations, variability nodes, and multiple linear regression analysis suggest that POC fluctuations in LPB are mainly driven by biological processes and, to some extent, by seasonal SST and wind intensity. Finally, based on the concentrations obtained in this study, this area can be considered as a reservoir of POC for the marine and atmospheric regions of northwest Mexico.
Research on pore structure and classification evaluation of tight oil reservoirs based on fractal theory
Authors: li shijie , Bian HuiYuan , Zhang Di , Liu Yanxin , Liu GuoLiang , Wang Fei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Chang 8 section of Yanchang Group in Yuancheng area of Ordos Basin is a typical tight oil reservoir in China, which is characterised by low porosity and low permeability, strong non-homogeneity and high difficulty in evaluating reservoir parameters. In order to clarify the microscopic pore structure characteristics of the Chang 8 section, this study uses cast thin section, scanning electron microscope, combined with the core physical properties test data, to analyse the basic characteristics of the reservoir rock mineralogy, pore permeability and other basic characteristics, and uses the shape of piezo-mercury curves to study the pore structure characteristics of the 17 samples. Based on the fractal dimension of the NMR T2 spectrum, the reservoir is classified into four categories, and a conversion model for the relationship between the NMR T2 spectrum and the capillary pressure curve is established by using the segmented power function method, which is applied to the interpretation of the NMR logging to obtain the continuous pseudo-capillary pressure curve for the whole well section. Three effective parameters reflecting the microscopic pore structure, namely, the expulsion pressure, median pressure, and sorting coefficient of the core samples, were extracted, and the relationship between the reservoir parameters and the reservoir category was established by using the generalised regression neural network. The pseudo-capillary pressure curve reservoir parameters of the whole well section were processed to obtain the classification profile of the reservoir, and the classification results were consistent with the results of the mercury pressure experiment with good results. The study shows that this method can provide an important basis for the study of pore structure of tight oil reservoirs and the evaluation of reservoir classification.
SIRT2 regulates oxidative stress response in liver fibrosis mice through the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway
Authors: Guo Jingru , Nie Junshu , Li Dongni , Zhang Shoufeng , Ma Li , Lu Jingjing , Ji Hong , Li Shize , xu bin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a crucial step in the progression of various chronic liver diseases to cirrhosis, which can affect the prognosis of chronic liver diseases. The NAD+ dependent deacetylase sirtuins family member SIRT2 can regulate the inflammatory corpuscular pathway in pathological processes, but its related mechanism is not yet clear. This study established liver fibrosis models in wild-type and SIRT2 knockout mice, and evaluated their effects on liver homeostasis using immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, and histopathological staining methods. The results indicate that the deletion of the SIRT2 gene enhances NLRP3 acetylation, activates the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway, and accelerates oxidative stress. These findings suggest that SIRT2 may be a potential target for regulating liver fibrosis and restoring health.
In vivo pharmacodynamics of lactoferrin-coupled lipid nanocarriers for lung carcinoma: intravenous versus powder for inhalation
Authors: Gaber Dina M. , Nafee Noha , Elzoghby Ahmed O. , Helmy Maged W. , Abdallah Osama Y. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Lung carcinoma characterized by high mortality rate and poor prognosis; the efficacy of drug delivery should improve drug exposure at the targeted site. this study aims at evaluating lactoferrin role as targeting ligand besides the administration route impact on tissue deposition and organ distribution.
Lactoferrin (Lf)-coupled/uncoupled solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were loaded with myricetin-phospholipid-complex (MYR-PH-CPX). Following physicochemical characterization, in-vitro antitumor activity and cellular uptake were investigated in A549-cell line. In-vivo deposition and biodistribution of fluorescently-labeled inhalable microparticles (with/without-Lf) were compared to intravenously administered fluorescently-labeled-SLNs (with/without-Lf) in mice.
Lf-coupled-SLNs (98.59±0.47 nm), showed high entrapment efficiency (95.3±0.5%) and prolonged drug release. The in-vitro antitumor study showed reduction in IC50 for Lf-coupled-SLNs by ~2-and 3.5-fold relative to uncoupled-SLNs and MYR-PH-CPX, respectively confirming Lf role in enhancing antitumor activity by boosting cells internalization in shorter time. Furthermore, 3D-time laps confocal imaging showed that labeled-Lf-coupled-SLNs had a higher rate and extent of uptake in A549-cells compared to uncoupled-SLNs and free dye. In-vivo biodistribution proved that Lf enhanced pulmonary deposition of inhaled SLNs (~1.5 fold) and limited migration to the other organs within 6h relative to intravenous. Conclusively, local administration is superior due to less drug clearance resulting in lower toxicity accompanied by systemic application.
Study on industrial carbon emissions in China based on GDIM decomposition method and two decoupling effects
Authors: Shen Chaofeng , Zhang Jun , Pang Jianfei , Xu Haifeng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The driving factors of China's industrial carbon emissions are decomposed by GDIM, so as to explore the reasons for the change of China's industrial carbon emissions. The decoupling effect of China's industrial carbon emissions and economic growth is studied by speed decoupling and quantity decoupling. The speed decoupling is measured by Tapio decoupling elasticity and emission reduction effort function, and the quantity decoupling is measured by environmental Kuznets curve (EKC). The results show that the positive driving factors are output size effect > industrial energy consumption effect > population size effect, and the negative driving factors are investment carbon emission effect > output carbon intensity effect > per capita output effect > economic efficiency effect > energy intensity effect. The elasticity of emission reduction is basically greater than that of energy conservation, indicating that there is still much room for efforts in emission reduction. The overall decoupling effect of carbon emissions is undecoupling - strong decoupling - undecoupling. The shape of quadratic EKC curve is "U" type, and the shape of cubic EKC curve is "N" type, which satisfies the EKC curve hypothesis.
Multi-Category Prediction of Students’ Academic Performance Using Machine Learning: For Students Joining Higher Educational Institution in Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Abdulkadir , Tolera Daniel , shebera wondimagegn 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Following the deployment of the Learning Management System (LMS) platform in higher educational institutions in Ethiopia, a massive amount of potentially helpful but as-yet untapped educational data has been generated. Despite the fact that the data is powerful enough to contribute to reducing student dropout rates through the application of modern educational data mining techniques such as machine learning, it has not been successfully employed to tackle student academic performance problems in higher education institutions(HEIs). As a result, a machine learning model was proposed based on data from three semesters of undergraduate students at Bule Hora University. To predict students' academic achievement, five machine learning methods (SVM, Random Forest, KNN, Gradient Boosting, and Decision Tree) were used. The Decision Tree model outperformed other models with a promising result of 97.3% on test accuracy and was selected as a proposed model. Moreover, our findings suggest that academic factors (entrance result, study time, attendance, and Internet access) and socio-demographic factors (age, gender, father job, mother job, family size, and address) had a greater impact on students' academic success. However, the academic performance of students was less affected by additional features like extra classes, another job, and guidance and counselling. Moreover, we are working on improving the accuracy of the proposed model. In this study, the student entrance result is the only variable used from the pre-university data. However, a CGPA result is not sufficient to qualify a student. Therefore, in the future, the exit exam results of the students will be incorporated.
Investment funds are responsible for substantial environmental and social impacts with trade-offs
Authors: Popescu Ioana , Schaubroeck Thomas , Gibon Thomas , Petucco Claudio , Benetto Enrico 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

As finance takes on a pivotal role in sustainability transitions, regulations that mandate impact reporting at financial product level are emerging worldwide. Without standardized and reliable indicators, sustainable investing risks being watered down by greenwashing. We show that life-cycle-based, ready-to-use impact indicators can be adapted for sustainability assessment of financial products. We designate 13 environmental and 13 social impact indicators aligned primarily with the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation, one of the first pieces of regulation mandating sustainability reporting for financial products. Two major advancements of our framework are the coverage of social impacts and the direct policy relevance. As practical application, we estimate the impacts of a sample of 230 self-labelled sustainable investment funds for all indicators. We show that these investment funds are exposed to significant environmental and social impacts via their investee companies. Total estimated impacts vary between 2.1 and 28.4 times the impacts associated with the consumption of a one million EU citizens, depending on the indicator. Trade-offs could be signalled between and within environmental and social indicators. Finally, most impacts can be traced to a small number of publicly listed companies, which investors could engage with, in order to drive change.
The sex-specific difference in age-related aortic regional morphological changes
Authors: meng zixuan , Cheng Lele , Liu wenjun , Yu yue , Liu hui , Yao guo , Yang jian , Wu Yue , Jian Zhijie 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Aim
To investigate the sex differences in age-related changes in aortic morphology.
Method
A cross-sectional study screened patients with chest and abdomen contrast CT images from July 2021 to April 2022. The aortic morphological values were compared by sex in different ages to analyze their correlation with age. To validate the coherence of sex differences in age-related arterial changes in morphology, data from a previously published article was extracted to examine the correlation between age and branchial ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) in different sexes.
Results
208 participants (59.6% males, mean age 60.13±16.33 years old) were enrolled. The BSA-adjusted diameters are positively correlated with age in both sexes with females experiencing a more rapid increase throughout lifespan than males. The BSA-adjusted aortic diameters at different segments of females were smaller than males earlier on, however, this trend was reversed with age. The tortuosity of the aorta and descending thoracic aorta increased significantly with age, especially in females. Furthermore, baPWV showed the same variation tendency that baPWV increased with age and even more rapidly in females.
Conclusion
Throughout life course, the rate of aortic morphological aging differs between the sexes, with more significant changes in aortic tortuosity in females, especially in older age groups.
The use of healthcare systems data for RCTs
Authors: Toader Alice-Maria , Gamble Carrol , Dodd Susanna , Williamson Paula 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background:
Healthcare systems data (HSD) has the potential to optimize efficiency of randomized controlled trials (RCTs), by decreasing trial specific data demands. Therefore, use of HSD in trials is expected to increase. In 2019, it was estimated that 47% of NIHR funded trials were planning to use HSD. We aim to understand the extent and nature of its current use and its evolution over time.
Methods:
We identified a cohort of RCTs within the NIHR Journals Library that commenced after 2019 and were described as being in progress at 6th June 2022. Details on the source and use of HSD were extracted from eligible RCTs. The use of HSD was categorised according to whether it was used as the sole data source for outcomes and whether the outcomes were primary or secondary. HSD is often insufficient for patient reported outcomes (PROs). We aimed to determine methods used by trialists for collecting PRO data alongside HSD.
Results:
Of the 84 eligible studies, 52 (62%) used HSD, and 79 (94%) collected PROs. The number of RCTs using HSD for at least one outcome was 28 (54%) with 24 of these using HSD as the sole data source for at least one outcome.
The number of studies using HSD for primary and secondary outcomes were 10 (20%) and 21 (40%) respectively. The sources of HSD were National Health Service (NHS) Digital 37 (79%), patient registries 7 (29%), primary care 5 (21%), The Office for National Statistics (ONS) 3 (13%), and other 2 (8%).
PROs were collected for 92% of the trials using HSD. Methods for collection of PROs included in-person 26 (54%), online 22 (46%), postal 18 (38%), phone 14 (29%), app 2 (4%).
Conclusions:
HSD is being used in around two thirds of the studies but cannot yet be used to support PRO data collection within the cohort we examined. Comparison with an earlier cohort demonstrates an increase in the number of RCTs planning to use HSD.
Mapping protein binding sites by photoreactive fragment pharmacophores
Authors: Keseru Gyorgy , Ábrányi-Balogh Peter , Bajusz Dávid , Orgovan Zoltan , Keeley Aaron , Petri Laszlo , Peczka Nikolett , Szalay Tibor , Palfy Gyula , Gadanecz Marton , Perczel Andras , Grant Emma , Bush Jacob , Takács Tamás , Buday Laszlo , Ranđelović Ivan , Baranyi Marcel , Marton Andras , Karancsi Tamas , Schlosser Gitta , Ashraf Qirat , de Araujo Elvin , Imre Tímea , Tovari Jozsef 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Fragment screening is a popular strategy of generating viable chemical starting points especially for challenging targets. Although fragments provide a better coverage of chemical space and they have typically higher chance of binding, their weak affinity necessitates highly sensitive and often resource-intensive biophysical assays. Here, we introduce a new screening concept that combines evolutionary optimized fragment pharmacophores with the use of a photoaffinity handle that enables high hit rates by LC-MS-based detection. The sensitivity of our screening protocol was further improved by a target-conjugated photocatalyst. We have assembled, synthesized, and screened 100 diazirine-tagged fragments against three protein targets of different tractability. Our targets included a conventional enzyme, the first bromodomain of BRD4, a protein-protein interaction represented by the oncogenic KRasG12D protein, and the yet unliganded N-terminal domain of the STAT5B transcription factor. We have discovered several new fragment hits against all three targets and identified their binding sites via enzymatic digestion, structural studies and modelling. Our results revealed that this protocol outperforms screening traditional photoaffinity fragments in better exploration of the available binding sites and higher hit rates observed for even difficult targets.
TNFSF15 Inhibits Progression of Diabetic Retinopathy by Blocking Pyroptosis via Interacting with GSDME
Authors: Li Hua , Zhao Hongkun , Dai Yating , Li Yunqin 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is a common microvascular complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness. Pyroptosis has emerged as a mechanism of cell death involved in DR pathology. This study explored the role of GSDME-mediated pyroptosis and its regulation by TNFSF15 in DR. We found GSDME was upregulated in the progression of DR. High glucose promoted GSDME-induced pyroptosis in retinal endothelial cells and retinal pigment epithelial cells, attributable to activation of caspase-3 which cleaves GSDME to generate the pyroptosis-executing N-terminal fragment. TNFSF15 was identified as a binding partner and inhibitor of GSDME-mediated pyroptosis. TNFSF15 expression was increased by high glucose but suppressed by the caspase-3 activator Raptinal. Moreover, TNFSF15 inhibited high glucose- and Raptinal-induced pyroptosis by interacting with GSDME in retinal cells. Collectively, our results demonstrate TNFSF15 inhibits DR progression by blocking GSDME-dependent pyroptosis of retinal cells, suggesting the TNFSF15-GSDME interaction as a promising therapeutic target for DR.
Adipocyte Enhancer Binding Protein 1 (AEBP1) Inhibition as a Potential Anti-Fibrotic Therapy in Heart Failure.
Authors: Drakos Stavros , Shankar Thirupura Sundari , Visker Joseph , Amrute Junedh , Polishchuk Georgiy , Lunde Ty , Ling Jing , Ferrin Peter , Hamouche Rana , Feigle Dominik , Calder Dallen , Sachse Frank , Kyriakopoulos Christos , Maneta Eleni , Tseliou Eleni , Navankasattusas Sutip , Selzman Craig , Seidel Thomas , Lavine Kory 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Persistent activation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts leads to increased myocardial fibrosis which is often detrimental to cardiac function and leads to heart failure (HF). Adipocyte enhancer binding protein (AEBP1) plays a crucial role in fibroblast activation following injury in the kidney, liver, and lungs. AEBP1 inhibition resulted in fibrosis attenuation in these organs. AEBP1 has been reported to be upregulated in the HF myocardium, however, its role in cardiac fibrosis progression is not well understood. In this study, we show that AEBP1 is crucial for cardiac fibroblast activation and AEBP1 inhibition prevents cardiac fibroblast differentiation in vitro. AEBP1 knock-down (KD) in mouse models of acute cardiac fibrosis improved cardiac structure and function. Tissue culture studies of non-failing donor myocardium resulted in increased cellular hypertrophy and tissue remodeling following AEBP1 overexpression. Contrarily, a significant improvement in cardiac structure evident from reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and reduced fibrosis was observed in chronic HF myocardium following AEBP1 KD. Overall, we show that AEBP1 plays a critical role in fibrogenesis, and its inhibition has the potential to attenuate fibrosis in acute and chronic HF.