bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validity of ultrasound as a surrogate marker of serum inflammatory cytokines after tocilizumab introduction in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Authors: Ogasawara Michihiro , Minowa Kentaro , Goh Murayama , Yuko Matsuki-Muramoto , Toshio Kawamoto , Ken Yamaji , Tamura Naoto 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is characterized by persistent synovitis, which is evaluated using ultrasound. Ultrasound-based global assessment of the joints is correlated with serum cytokine levels. This correlation was validated in cross-sectional but not in prospective studies. We aimed to verify this validity in a prospective study of RA patients treated with the interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitor tocilizumab.
Methods
Twenty-four consecutive RA patients started on tocilizumab treatment were prospectively enrolled. Serum levels of 27 cytokines/chemokines were measured using a multiplex immunoassay (Bio-Plex assay). Clinical examination and comprehensive ultrasound assessment of joints were conducted at baseline and 24 weeks.
Results
Clinical and ultrasound global scores showed significant improvements at 24 weeks (Disease Activity Score 28-joint count-erythrocyte sedimentation rate: p = 0.001, ultrasound power Doppler global score with 40 joints [PD40]: p = 0.028); however, there was no significant improvement in the inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-6: p = 0.93, vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF]: p = 0.79, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]: p = 0.85). Before tocilizumab introduction, PD40 showed a significant correlation with multiple serum cytokines, including IL-6 (r = 0.584, p = 0.045), VEGF (r = 0.582, p = 0.047), TNF-α (r = 0.695, p = 0.012), and interferon gamma-induced protein-10 [IP-10] (r = 0.827, p = 0.001); this correlation was lost after 24 weeks. IL-6-associated cytokines (IL-8, IP-10, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1a) and growth factors (VEGF, platelet-derived growth factor-bb, fibroblast growth factor-basic) altered > 50% of the correlated partner-cytokines after tocilizumab introduction.
Conclusions
The ultrasound global score is not a reliable surrogate marker of multiple inflammatory cytokine statuses during tocilizumab treatment. Thus, it should not be a rationale to determine tocilizumab discontinuation in RA patients.
The relations between extractives and ash contents, annual rings width, share of latewood and hydrogen phosphate and sulphate anions concentrations in the wood and bark of the Pinus sylvestris L. stem
Authors: Krutul Donata , Antczak Andrzej , Marchwicka Monika , Radomski Andrzej , Drożdżek Michał , Zawadzki Janusz 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Extractives and ash contents, share of latewood and annual rings width were analyzed in wood at different heights and different zones of the Pinus sylvestris L. stem cross-section. Additionally, the high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a conductometric detector was applied to determine the sulphate (SO42−) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) anions concentrations in wood and bark of Pinus sylvestris L. stem. Our results showed that the higher share of latewood in annual rings the lower ash and extractives contents in the wood, but the higher sulphate (SO42−) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) anions concentration. The sulphate (SO42−) and hydrogen phosphate (HPO42−) anions concentrations in the bark of the Pinus sylvestris L. stem were higher at the top than at the butt-end part.
Mechanical and vibrational behaviors of bilayer hexagonal boron nitride in different stacking modes
Authors: Zhao Demin , Fang Kexin , Lian Zhilong 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a semiconductor material with a wide band gap, which has great potential to serve as a nanoresonators in microelectronics and mass and force sensing fields. This paper investigates the mechanical properties and natural frequencies of bilayer h-BN nanosheets under five different stacking modes, which have been rarely studied, using molecular dynamics simulations. The mechanical properties, including Young's modulus, the ultimate stress, ultimate strain, Poisson's ratio and shear modulus, are studied for all five stacking modes. And the effects of strain rate, crystal orientation and temperature to bilayer h-BN nanosheets’ tensile properties have also been studied. Our findings suggest that bilayer h-BN nanosheets are basically an anisotropic material whose tensile properties vary substantially with stacking modes and temperature. Moreover, the natural frequencies are proposed in an explicit form based on the nonlocal theory. The differences of the fundamental natural frequencies among different stacking modes are affected by the constraint condition of bilayer h-BN sheet. The theory results match well with the simulation results. These findings establish elementary understandings of the mechanical behavior and vibration character of bilayer h-BN nanosheets under five different stacking modes, which could benefit its application in advanced nanodevices.
Study protocol: investigation of the current situation and influencing factors of metabolic syndrome in the adult population of Guizhou Province, China - A cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Yu , Mo Qian , Xu Li , Li Lin , Zhou Jie , Dai Yuan-hua , Wu Xian-ming , Lan Cai-hong , Liu Tao , Yang Shuo 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Metabolic syndrome (MS) has become a public health issue of common concern and urgent need to be solved all over the world. Guizhou Province is located in southwestern China, and because of its unique climate conditions, geographic location, dietary habits, and differences in living habits among ethnic groups, there is a unique distribution of risk factors for MS. The study protocol is designed to investigate the prevalence and related influencing factors of MS among adult residents of Guizhou Province, and to construct a non-invasive risk assessment model for the onset of MS on the basis of risk factors. Additionally, the study will explore the dose–response relationship between different obesity indicators and MS.
Methods
This cross-sectional study will employ a comprehensive and multi-modal recruitment approach to recruit adult residents residing in various cities, counties, and township communities in Guizhou Province who understand written Chinese. During the 16-month survey period, at least 6,435 survey participants will be recruited. The questionnaire data will include personal history, disease history, personal lifestyle habits, blood biochemical indicators, and anthropometry. The dietary data questionnaire design will refer to the Chinese Food Composition List. Data will be collected using a project-based, multidimensional, self-management tool. Statistical analysis will use descriptive analysis methods to study the incidence and prevalence of MS. Logistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis will explore the correlation between various factors and MS, and a non-invasive risk assessment model for MS will be constructed through logistic regression analysis. And the dose-response relationship between BMI, other obesity indicators, and MS risk was analyzed by restricted cubic spline (RCS) fitting regression.
Discussion
The study protocol is intended to update the prevalence and related influencing factors of MS in Guizhou Province over the past decade. Unlike previous studies, we will explore the relationship between dietary patterns and metabolic health, which is crucial for future nutritional recommendations. Additionally, we will conduct in-depth research on the dose–response relationship between different obesity indicators and MS. This will not only provide key data for understanding obesity in Guizhou Province, but also will provide scientific support for our other research.
Is it ethical to reimburse “SMA Innovative Treatments” from government resources?
Authors: Yaftian Fateme , Mobinizadeh Mohammadreza , Olyaeemanesh Alireza , Mohamadi Efat 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a rare genetic disorder that disturbs the quality of life. This paper aims to gather current understanding of safety, efficacy and economic aspects of common SMA treatments to help Iranian policy-makers to adopt such novel treatments for this vulnerable population.
Methods
This is a rapid health technology assessment (HTA) research that was conducted in four steps: database review, screening, data extraction, and thematic analysis. Inclusion criteria consisted of studies focused on assessing medical interventions’ safety, efficacy and economic aspects in SMA patients compared to those who did not receive such interventions.
Results
Based on current data Nusinersen was found to be most effective (increased mobility achievements in SMA type 1 and 2) with the least side effects for SMA types 1 and 2. In terms of economic evaluations, all treatments were found to be not cost effective.
Conclusions
The decision regarding the reimbursement for such medical drugs must not focus on their cost-effectiveness but rather on creating access to such essential care and meeting patient needs and also national budget limitations. Managed Entry Agreements (MEAs) are flexible tools that can be used by service providers or payers to negotiate and reduce the financial burden for patients and payers.
Is Business Cycle Gender Neutral? An Analysis of Aggregate and Sectoral Working Hours in Canadian Economy
Authors: Trofimov Ivan D. 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

The paper conducts an empirical investigation into the cyclical dynamics of hours worked at the aggregate and sectoral level in Canada during the 01/1997–09/2002 period, using the non-linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model. The focus of the paper is on three issues - the specific responses of hours worked to positive and negative shocks on the part of GDP, the presence of asymmetries, and the systemic differences in hours worked response between the genders (males, females and the aggregate category). The results confirm cyclicality of hours worked in all sectors and both genders. The short- or long-term cyclical asymmetry was not common (with certain exceptions) in most sectors and for both genders. The shedding of female labour during recession was not a characteristic of most sectors and the aggregate economy. Between the genders, there were no systemic differences in the signs of responses in hours worked, except for the two sectors traditionally dominated by male labour and for the aggregate economy that is characterised by growing importance of the services sectors (many of which are intensive in female labour).
Exploring Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Pathways in Apostichopus japonicus Under Heat Stress Based on Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Yang Yu , Lu Lixin , Li Siyi , Xie Rubiao , Zou Ange , Zhang Jianwei , Zhang Shuqing , Yang Jianmin , Sun Guohua 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Background
High summer temperatures caused by changes in the global environment have significant impacts on marine organisms. The sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus is a representative marine benthic organism and an economically important shallow-sea aquaculture species in China, and thus it is necessary to explore its response to environmental heat stress.
Results
Endoplasmic reticulum stress is an important regulatory strategy for organisms to respond to changes in the environment, and thus we analyzed the histology, ultrastructure, and transcriptome of the digestive tract of A. japonicus at three temperatures: normal (18°C), summer dormant (25°C), and lethal (32°C). Histological and ultrastructural results showed that heat stress caused morphological changes in the digestive tract of A. japonicus and inflicted alterations and damage to the endoplasmic reticulum of the enterocytes. Totals of 603 and 4615 differentially expressed genes were identified by transcriptome sequencing in the T25-vs-T18 and the T32-vs-T25 group comparisons, respectively. The GO results showed that DEGs in both group comparisons were significantly enriched in protein folding, chaperonin-mediated protein folding, and other protein-related GO terms. Also, KEGG enrichment analysis showed that both groups activated the pathway of protein processing in the endoplasmic reticulum and induced the endoplasmic reticulum stress response. The endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones, including BiP, GRP94, and Hsp70, were all up-regulated in expression. At 32°C, in addition to the above endoplasmic reticulum molecular chaperones, the endoplasmic reticulum molecular receptors PERK, TRAF2, and XBP, which are downstream of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the unfolded protein response, were also up-regulated.
Conclusions
This study has characterized the internal molecular regulatory process of A. japonicus under heat stress from the perspective of endoplasmic reticulum stress and provides clues regarding the mechanisms behind homeostatic regulation in invertebrates under stress from the environment.
Experimental observation of real spectra in Parity-Time symmetric ZRC dimers with positive and negative frequencies
Authors: Tabeu Stéphane Boris , Fotsa-Ngaffo Fernande , Shouno Kazuhiro , Kenfack-Jiotsa Aurélien 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We present in this work the first experimental observation of oscillations in Parity-Time symmetric ZRC electronic dimers. The system obtained is of first order ordinary differential equation due to the use of imaginary resistors. The coupled cells must share the same type of frequency: positive or negative. We observed the real and imaginary parts of the voltage across the components of a ZRC cell. Exceptional points are well identified. This work may be very useful in the generation of new type of oscillators. It can also be used in the design of new optoelectronic devices for major applications in the transport of information and the mimics of two-level systems for quantum computing.
Anonymous Lightweight and Secure Authentication Schemefor IoT-Enabled Smart Homes
Authors: Sharma Neha , Dhiman Pankaj Dhiman 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The popularity of the IoT has recently increased due to the proliferation of IoT applications in various industries. Users can remotely access and control IoT appliances and devices from anywhere. Distributed IoT devices and smart environments have limited computing power. The attacker communicates through an open channel with the smart home environment. However, the secure access and privacy of smart devices are also a big challenge in smart home IoT (SH-IoT) networks. Robust and lightweight authentication protocols are required in SH-IoT environments to ensure security. In this paper, we propose a Secure Authenticated Scheme for Smart Home (SASSH) for smart home networks to provide secure communication. Moreover, this paper also provides an informal and formal analysis of the proposed scheme. The simulation analysis of the proposed scheme is done for validation usingthe AVISPA tool to determine whether it is secure. Our proposed scheme, which utilizes the AVISPAtool and RoR model, demonstrates high functionality, computational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.
Vibration damping through Natural Rubber and NBR Rubber
Authors: J Shreehari 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
We have carried Manufacturing of NBR and Natural rubber and performed DMA testing of NBR rubber. Comparing the DMA testing proves NBR rubber is better suitable damper in room temperature and Natural rubber in below zero degree conditions. We reused foam having characteristic properties of insulation, acoustic damping and a made a rubber-foam sandwich design. Compression strength testing, density, thermal stability testing were carried out on solid foam and hollow foam.
The tropical version of El Gamal Encryption
Authors: Muanalifah Any , Isnawati Ayus Riana , Artes Jr. Rosalio , Nurwan Nurwan 
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we consider the new version of tropical cryptography protocol, i.e the tropical version of El Gamal encryption. We follow the ideas and modify the clasical El Gamal encryption using tropical matrices and matrix power in tropical algebra. Then we also provide a toy example for the reader’s understanding.
Ensuring climate resilience in Central Asia through the establishment of a water management education program
Authors: Adamkulova Chinara , Aitbaev Zhorobai 
Published: December 2023

ABSTRACT
This article is devoted to the issues of sustainable development in the Central Asia region. The authors have performed an analysis of the state of rational use of water resources. Ensuring climate resilience in water management in Central Asia is a critical challenge in today's world. This problem is of interest in connection with its possible impact on the sustainable development of the region. The purpose of this work is to analyze the current state of the rational use of water resources in Central Asia to identify ways to optimize their management. The study used a qualitative and quantitative analysis of data on water use collected from various sources, as well as a comparison method to assess the effectiveness of existing water management practices in the region. The authors revealed that the unbalanced distribution and inefficient use of water resources in Central Asia led to environmental and socio-economic problems. It has also been found that the existing mechanisms for managing water resources are not effective enough.
New Green and High-throughput Microwell Spectrophotometric Method
for Quality Control of Pharmaceutical Formulations of Selective
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors via Microscale Formation of their
N-Vinylamino-naphthoquinone Derivatives
Authors: Abuhejail Reem M. , Alzoman Nourah Z. , Darwish Ibrahim A. 
Published: December 2023

Background:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are mostly prescribed for the
treatment of depression. This study describes the microscale in-microwell formation of blue-colored
N-vinylamino-naphthoquinone derivatives of SSRIs upon their reaction with 2,3-dichloro-1,4-
naphthoquinone (DCNQ) and acetaldehyde. The reaction was subsequently utilized as a basis for the
development of a new simple and sensitive microwell spectrophotometric method (MW-SPM) for
the quality control of pharmaceutical formulations of four SSRIs. These SSRIs are fluoxetine (FLU),
sertraline (SER), paroxetine (PAR), and reboxetine (REB).

Methods:
The MW-SPM procedure was performed in 96-microwell transparent plates, and the microplate
reader was employed to measure the absorbances of the reaction products at their peak
absorbance wavelength of 580 nm. The best conditions for the method were determined.

Results:
The relations showed good linearity (correlation coefficients were ≥0.9992) in the concentration
range of 5 – 600 μg/mL. The limits of detection ranged from 5.20 to 15.58 μg/mL. The precision
was deemed acceptable since all cases' relative standard deviation (RSD) values remained below
2.21%. Recovery experiments were conducted to confirm the accuracy of the method, yielding recovery
values of at least 97.8%. The MW-SPM method was effectively utilized to analyze SSRIs in
both their bulk and pharmaceutical dosage forms, exhibiting acceptable accuracy and precision. The
recovery values ranged from 99.4% to 101.0% (with a margin of error of ± 0.5% to 1.6%). The results
were comparable with those of the pre-validated reported methods. Four different metric tools
evaluated the greenness of the proposed method, and the results proved that the method fulfills the
requirements of green analytical approaches. Furthermore, the ability to handle numerous microvolume
samples simultaneously in the described method provides it with a high-throughput characteristic.

Conclusion:
The proposed MW-SPM represents a valuable tool for an efficient analysis of SSRIs in
pharmaceutical quality control units.
Implementation Considerations for Family-Based Telehealth Interventions for Youth in Foster Care: Focus Group Study With Child Welfare System Professionals
Authors: Leo Hannah P , Folk Johanna B , Rodriguez Christopher , Tolou-Shams Marina 
Published: December 2023

Background
Between 2016 and 2020, over 600,000 youth were served annually by the foster care system. Despite approximately half of foster youth struggling with emotional or behavioral challenges, few receive much-needed services to address their mental health concerns. Family-based interventions are efficacious in addressing both youth and caregiver mental health needs; however, foster youth participation in these family-based interventions is limited by many barriers, including out-of-home placement far from their family of origin. Telehealth is a promising tool for mitigating barriers to access to treatment interventions for foster youth and their families.

Objective
This study aims to understand child welfare system professionals’ perspectives on enabling factors and barriers to providing family-based interventions via telehealth to youth in out-of-county foster care placement.

Methods
This qualitative study derived themes from 3 semistructured focus groups with child welfare system professionals. Participants were asked to discuss how family-based interventions are delivered to foster youth and their caregivers in their jurisdictions, as well as to share their thoughts about how to use telehealth to improve access to family-based interventions for families with youth in out-of-home placement. Data were analyzed using constant comparative analysis and inductive thematic analysis, with the Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations as the theoretical framework.

Results
Participants were 19 child welfare system professionals (eg, social workers, residential treatment staff, and supervisors) who participated in 1 of the 3 focus groups (6-7/group). Most participants were women (n=13, 68%), White individuals (n=10, 53%), and social workers (n=8, 42%). On average, participants worked in the child welfare system for 16.6 (SD 8.3) years. Participants identified multilevel factors impacting family-based intervention delivery including environmental factors (eg, Medicare billing and presumptive transfer), predisposing characteristics (eg, psychological resources), enabling factors (eg, transportation and team-based youth-centered care), and need factors (eg, motivation to engage). Participants expressed optimism that telehealth could increase access to needed mental health care, diverse providers, and longevity of care while also expressing some concerns regarding telehealth access and literacy.

Conclusions
Child welfare system professionals highlight the need to develop policies and telehealth interventions that are youth versus placement centered, include resources that limit barriers and bolster motivation for engagement, and follow a team-based care model. Findings from this study inform how telehealth can be used to increase access to and engagement with family-based interventions for youth in out-of-home placements and their caregivers of origin.
Pembinaan Anak Jalanan di Rumah Singgah Dinas Sosial Kota Palu
Authors: Sajira Sajira , Samsinas  , Zuhra  
Published: December 2023

Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pembinaan anak jalanan di rumah singgah dinas sosial kota Palu, mempunyai beberapa program yaitu; (1) pembinaan spiritual, (2) pembinaan rileks, dan (3) pembinaan resosialisasi. Dari tiga program tersebut dapat memenuhi kebutuhan anak jalanan. Selain itu faktor penghambat dalam pembinaan anak jalanan di rumah singgah dinas sosial kota Palu ialah (1) faktor internal yaitu setiap anak jalanan memiliki karakter yang berbeda sehingga membuat petugas kesulitan dalam menangani, keterbatasan fasilitas dan kurangnya petugas. (2) faktor eksternal yaitu akibat putus sekolah dapat mempengaruhi kemampuan mereka dari segi pengetahuan atau pun dalam memperbaiki diri, dan kurangnya anggaran dalam memenuhi kebutuhan para anak jalanan. Serta faktor pendukungnya ialah (1) adanya sarana dan prasarana dari pemerintah, (2) pola pembinaan yang diberikan dengan baik, dan (3) dukungan dari masyarakat