bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreased step count prior to the first visit for MDD treatment: a retrospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study of continuously measured walking activity obtained from smartphones
Authors: Fujino Yoshihisa , Tokuda Fumie , Fujimoto Shinji 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is a common debilitating psychiatric condition and a major cause of productivity loss in workers. Using intermittent, subjective indicators, previous studies have shown that physical activity can predict lower levels of depressive symptoms. However, there is an unmet need for continuous and objective measures to identify MDD development before it results in productivity loss. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between continuously measured walking activity and the development of MDD.MethodsThis retrospective, observational, longitudinal cohort study used health insurance claims data. Individuals aged 20–74 years were included if they had a record of MDD diagnosis and daily step count data for the 60 days before and after the first recorded MDD-related visit, which was defined as the index date. Multivariate analysis was conducted to compare 7-day moving averages of step counts on each day of the analysis period with the mean step count on the index date. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to determine when the trajectory of the moving step count average changed (inflection point).ResultsIn total, 2,143 patients with a mean age of 41.2 (standard deviation [SD]: 10.6) years were included. The majority of patients were men (69.5%) and employed full-time (94.1%). Antidepressants were prescribed for 59.2% of patients. The 7-day moving average step count decreased from 6,310 (SD: 3758) at day −60 to 5,879 (SD: 3183) at the index date (first recorded MDD-related visit), and then increased to 6,062 (SD: 4029) at day +60. Compared with the index date, the 7-day moving average of step counts was significantly higher at days −60 to −1, +23 to +33, and + 42 to +60, and significantly lower at days +2 and + 3. Joinpoint regression analysis of 7-day moving average step counts from day −60 to day 0 identified an inflection point at day −13.ConclusionIn working-age Japanese people, a formal diagnosis of MDD was preceded by a notable decline in daily step counts by approximately 2 weeks. MDD diagnosis and (presumed) treatment were followed by a gradual increase in daily step counts.
Moderating effects of perceived social support on self-efficacy and psychological well-being of Chinese nurses: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lu Jiachen , Wang Bin , Dou Xiaofeng , Yu Yingying , Zhang Yanni , Ji Haoqiang , Chen Xu , Sun Meng , Duan Yuxin , Pan Yuanping , Chen Yunting , Yi Yaohui , Zhou Ling 
Published: September 2023

IntroductionNurses experience significant physical and psychological stress that negatively influences their psychological well-being. The objective of this study was to explore the association between self-efficacy and psychological well-being among Chinese nurses and to assess the moderating effects of perceived social support (PSS).MethodsIn 2020, a hospital-based cross-sectional study using a multistage random sampling approach was performed in five regions of Liaoning, China. Of the 1,200 surveyed nurses, 1,010 completed questionnaires that evaluated the demographic information, 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. To examine the factors associated with mental health parameters, hierarchical multiple regression analysis was performed. The interactions were visualized using a simple slope analysis.ResultsThe mean depression and anxiety scores for Chinese nurses were 8.74 ± 3.50 and 6.18 ± 3.26, respectively. The association between self-efficacy and depression differed between the low perceived social support (PSS) group (1 SD below the mean, β = −0.169, p &lt; 0.01) and high PSS group (1 SD above the mean, β = −0.077, p &lt; 0.01). Similarly, the association between self-efficacy and anxiety differed between the low PSS group (1 SD below the mean, β = −0.155, p &lt; 0.01) and high PSS group (1 SD above the mean, β = −0.044, p &lt; 0.01).ConclusionWe found that Chinese nurses experienced high levels of anxiety and depression. Furthermore, PSS moderates the relationship between self-efficacy and psychological well-being. Therefore, interventions targeting self-efficacy and PSS should be implemented to improve the psychological well-being of nurses.
Health and economic outcomes of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine compared to 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine strategies for adults in Greece
Authors: Gourzoulidis George , Barmpouni Myrto , Kossyvaki Vasiliki , Vietri Jeffrey , Tzanetakos Charalampos 
Published: September 2023

ObjectiveHigher valency pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) are expected to improve protection against pneumococcal disease through coverage of additional serotypes. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) compared to 15-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV15) alone or followed by 23-valent polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) for adults in Greece.MethodsA published Markov model was adapted to simulate lifetime risk of clinical and economic outcomes from the public payer’s perspective. The model population was stratified based on age and risk profile (i.e., low, moderate, or high-risk of developing pneumococcal disease). Epidemiologic parameters, serotype coverage and vaccines’ effectiveness were based on published literature, while direct medical costs (prices €, 2022) were obtained from official sources. Main model outcomes were projected number of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and all-cause non-bacteremic pneumonia (NBP) cases and attributable deaths, costs and quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) for each vaccination strategy. Sensitivity analyses were performed to ascertain the robustness of model results.ResultsOver the modeled time horizon, vaccination with PCV20 compared to PCV15 alone or PCV15 followed by PPV23 prevents an additional 747 and 646 cases of IPD, 10,334 and 10,342 cases of NBP and 468 and 455 deaths respectively, resulting in incremental gain of 1,594 and 1,536 QALYs and cost savings of €11,183 and €48,858, respectively. PSA revealed that the probability of PCV20 being cost-effective at the predetermined threshold of €34,000 per QALY gained was 100% compared to either PCV15 alone or the combination of PCV15 followed by PPV23.ConclusionPCV20 is estimated to improve public health by averting additional pneumococcal disease cases and deaths relative to PCV15 alone or followed by PPV23, and therefore translates to cost-savings for the public payer. Overall results showed that vaccination with PCV20 was estimated to be a dominant vaccination strategy (improved health outcomes with reduced costs) over PCV15 alone or followed by PPV23 for prevention of pneumococcal disease in adults in Greece.
Trends in deaths following drug use in England before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdowns
Authors: Sekeris Athanasios , Algahtani Thikra , Aldabergenov Daniyar , Rock Kirsten L. , Auwal Fatima , Aldewaissan Farah , Williams Bryn D. , Kalk Nicola J. , Copeland Caroline S. 
Published: September 2023

AimThis research aimed to describe how the characteristics of deaths following drug use changed during the COVID-19 pandemic in England, and how this can inform future strategy to support the health and social care of people who use drugs in future emergency scenarios.MethodAll deaths reported to the National Programme on Substance Abuse Deaths which occurred between January 2018 and December 2021 inclusive were extracted for analysis. Exponential smoothing models were constructed to determine any differences between forecasted vs. actual trends.Key resultsFollowing the first lockdown period in England there were significant increases in the proportion of people who died at home beyond the 95% confidence bounds of the exponential smoothing model and concurrent decreases in the proportion of people who died in hospital. Whilst the overall proportion of deaths attributable to opioids did not significantly deviate from the forecasted trend, there were significant increases in methadone-related deaths and decreases in heroin/morphine-related death beyond the 95% confidence bounds. The proportion of deaths concluded as suicide increased, as did those implicating antidepressant use. There were no changes in the proportion of deaths following use of other drug classes, alcohol use in combination with psychoactive drugs, or on decedent demographics (gender, age, and drug user status). A small number of deaths due to drug use had COVID-19 infection itself listed as a cause of death (n = 23).ConclusionFor people who use drugs, the impact of the restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic was greater than that of infection from the virus itself. The health and social care strategy for these people needs to be pre-emptively adapted to mitigate against the specific risk factors for fatal drug overdose associated with future emergency scenarios.
Case report: A toxoplasmic encephalitis in an immunocompromised child detected through metagenomic next-generation sequencing
Authors: Yu Chuang-Wei , Zhu Xiong-Feng , Huang Chongjian , Meng Hua-Dong , Cao Xiao-Guang 
Published: September 2023

There exist numerous pathogens that are capable of causing infections within the central nervous system (CNS); however, conventional detection and analysis methods prove to be challenging. Clinical diagnosis of CNS infections often depends on clinical characteristics, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, imaging, and molecular detection assays. Unfortunately, these methods can be both insensitive and time consuming, which can lead to missed diagnoses and catastrophic outcomes, especially in the case of infrequent diseases. Despite the application of appropriate prophylactic regimens and evidence-based antimicrobial agents, CNS infections continue to result in significant morbidity and mortality in hospital settings.Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) is a novel tool that enables the identification of thousands of pathogens in a target-independent manner in a single run. The role of this innovative detection method in clinical pathogen diagnostics has matured over time. In this particular research, clinicians employed mNGS to investigate a suspected CNS infection in a child with leukemia, and unexpectedly detected Toxoplasma gondii.CaseA 3-year-old child diagnosed with T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma was admitted to our hospital due to a 2-day history of fever and headache, along with 1 day of altered consciousness. Upon admission, the patient’s Glasgow Coma Scale score was 14. Brain magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple abnormal signals. Due to the patient’s atypical clinical symptoms and laboratory test results, determining the etiology and treatment plan was difficulty.Subsequently, the patient underwent next-generation sequencing examination of cerebrospinal fluid. The following day, the results indicated the presence of Toxoplasma gondii. The patient received treatment with a combination of sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) and azithromycin. After approximately 7 days, the patient’s symptoms significantly improved, and they were discharged from the hospital with oral medication to continue at home. A follow-up polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing after about 6 weeks revealed the absence of Toxoplasma.ConclusionThis case highlights the potential of mNGS as an effective method for detecting toxoplasmic encephalitis (TE). Since mNGS can identify thousands of pathogens in a single run, it may be a promising detection method for investigating the causative pathogens of central nervous system infections with atypical features.
The Effect of Polymer Blends on the In Vitro Release/Degradation and Pharmacokinetics of Moxidectin-Loaded PLGA Microspheres
Authors: Zhang Hongjuan , Yang Zhen , Wu Di , Hao Baocheng , Liu Yu , Wang Xuehong , Pu Wanxia , Yi Yunpeng , Shang Ruofeng , Wang Shengyi 
Published: September 2023

To investigate the effect of polymer blends on the in vitro release/degradation and pharmacokinetics of moxidectin-loaded PLGA microspheres (MOX-MS), four formulations (F1, F2, F3 and F4) were prepared using the O/W emulsion solvent evaporation method by blending high (75/25, 75 kDa) and low (50/50, 23 kDa) molecular weight PLGA with different ratios. The addition of low-molecular-weight PLGA did not change the release mechanism of microspheres, but sped up the drug release of microspheres and drastically shortened the lag phase. The in vitro degradation results show that the release of microspheres consisted of a combination of pore diffusion and erosion, and especially autocatalysis played an important role in this process. Furthermore, an accelerated release method was also developed to reduce the period for drug release testing within one month. The pharmacokinetic results demonstrated that MOX-MS could be released for at least 60 days with only a slight blood drug concentration fluctuation. In particular, F3 displayed the highest AUC and plasma concentration (AUC0–t = 596.53 ng/mL·d, Cave (day 30-day 60) = 8.84 ng/mL), making it the optimal formulation. Overall, these results indicate that using polymer blends could easily adjust hydrophobic drug release from microspheres and notably reduce the lag phase of microspheres.
Dual-Mode Conical Horn Antenna with 2-D Azimuthal Monopulse Pattern for Millimeter-Wave Applications
Authors: Piroutiniya Asrin , Rasekhmanesh Mohamad Hosein , Masa-Campos José Luis , Calero-Rodríguez José Luis , Ruiz-Cruz Jorge A. 
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a novel concept of a three-dimensional full metal system including a Dual-Mode Converter (DMC) network integrated with a high-gain Conical Horn Antenna (CHA) is presented. This system is designed for 5G millimeter wave applications requiring monopulse operation at K-band (37.5–39 GHz). The DMC integrates two mode converters. They excite either the TE11cir or the TE01cir modes of the circular waveguide of the CHA. The input of the mode converters is the TE10rec mode of two independent WR-28 standard rectangular waveguide ports. By integrating the DMC with the CHA, the whole system, called a Dual-Mode Conical Horn Antenna (DM-CHA), is formed, radiating the sum (Σ) and difference (Δ) patterns associated to the monopulse operation. To adequately prevent the propagation of higher order modes and mode mutual coupling, this integration procedure is carefully designed and fabricated. To prove the performance of the design, the DMC network was fabricated using subtractive manufacturing by Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology. The CHA was fabricated using additive manufacturing by Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DLMS) technology. Finally, the simulation and measurement results were exhaustively compared, including return loss, isolation, radiation pattern, and gain of the full DM-CHA structure. It is noteworthy that this system provided up to ±11° per beam in the angular of arrival detection to support the high data rate operation for 5G satellite communications in the millimeter-wave band.
ÇANAKKALE SAVAŞLARI’NDA ÇAKALTEPE BATARYASI
Authors: KARATAŞ Murat , TERZİ Buğra 
Published: September 2023

Birinci Dünya Savaşı’nın önemli cephelerinden birisi olan Çanakkale’de, boğazın korunması amacıyla kıyılara yerleştirilen sahil bataryaları, 18 Mart 1915 tarihinde Osmanlı Devleti’nin kazandığı zaferin en önemli etkenlerden biri olmuştur. 18 Mart 1915 tarihinden sonra da boğaza yeni bataryalar eklenmiştir. Bu eklenen bataryalar, olası yeni bir donanma taarruzuna karşı hem boğaz geçişini engellemek hem de Çanakkale Boğazı’nın Avrupa yakasında devam etmekte olan kara muharebesine destek olmak amacıyla oluşturulmuştur.
Çakaltepe Bataryası, Çanakkale Boğazı’nın Anadolu yakasında konumlandırılarak 1915 yılının mayıs ayında oluşturulmaya başlanmış ve haziran ayında faaliyete geçmiştir. Kurulduğu anda faal bir çatışma alanı olmayan Anadolu Yakası’nda, Çanakkale Savaşları’nın sonuna kadar da faaliyette kalmıştır. Özelikle Seddülbahir bölgesinin doğusunda görev yapan Fransız birliklerini rahatsız etmiştir. Fransız birlikleri de Çakaltepe Bataryası’nın faaliyetlerini engellemek için topçu ve gemi atışları ile faaliyette bulunmuştur.
Bu makalede Birinci Dünya Savaşı’nda Çanakkale Cephesi’nde aktif rol almış; savaş devam ederken kurularak yedi aydan fazla görev yapmış Çakaltepe Bataryası’nın kurulması ve Seddülbahir bölgesindeki Fransız birliklerine karşı faaliyetleri konu edilmiştir.
Evaluation of single photon-emission in a small area for organic light-emitting diodes
Authors: Azuma Koichiro , Okada Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Single photon-emission in organic LEDs (OLEDs) has been evaluated. The device structure of ITO/MoO3 (20 nm)/α-NPD (50 nm)/Alq3 (50 nm)/LiF (1 nm)/Al (70 nm) was evaporated on an ITO substrate. In addition to the common OLED measurements, photon-counting measurements were carried out, where, the light is extracted through a diameter of 100 μmϕ pinhole, and the voltage was precisely controlled within 5 mV steps using a power supply. By decreasing the voltage below 2.25 V, an average photon counting of “1” was observed at 2.135 V.
Exfoliation mechanism of AlGaN-based thin films using heated-pressurized water
Authors: Yamada Ryoya , Matsubara Eri , Kondo Ryosuke , Nishibayashi Toma , Hattori Koki , Imoto Yoshinori , Iwayama Sho , Takeuchi Tetsuya , Kamiyama Satoshi , Maruyama Takahiro , Miyake Hideto , Iwaya Motoaki 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
This study investigated the crystallographic plane dependence of the reaction of AlN and AlGaN using heated-pressurized water under saturated vapor pressure. The results show that the reaction strongly depends on the crystallographic orientation plane, with no reaction in the +c-plane, the formation of an AlOOH-altered layer in the −c-plane, and etching in the a- and m-planes. These results suggest that the exfoliation mechanism of AlGaN grown on periodically formed AlN nanopillars on sapphire substrates using heated-pressurized water involves etching of a- and m-plane crystals, demonstrating that the proposed method is highly reproducible and versatile for large-diameter wafer exfoliation.
Determinants of the Adoption of Charco Dam Rainwater Harvesting Technology by Pastoralists in Semi-Arid Areas of Monduli District in Tanzania
Authors: Mfinanga Fredrick , Msuya Bengesi Catherine  Phillip , Madaha Rasel Mpuya 
Published: September 2023

The use of water harvesting ponds in Tanzania known as charco dams in watering livestock have been developed to enhance livestock production in semi-arid areas. However, the adoption of charco dam has been very low. This paper examined the determinants of the adoption of charco dam by pastoralists in semi-arid areas of Monduli District in Tanzania. The study used a cross-sectional research design where data were collected at a single point in time. Quantitative data were collected by using pre-tested structured questionnaire from 367 respondents who were randomly selected from seven villages, namely Moita Kipok, Moita Kilorit, Kilimatinde, Moita Bwawani, Makuyuni, Mbuyuni and Naiti in Monduli District. The collected data was entered into SPSS.20 for analysis. Data was analysed using frequency, percentages, and a binary logistic regression model. The study results show that the intervening factors (perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam) have a slightly high influence on the adoption of charco dam with predictive power R2 ranging from 29.5 to 44.5 per cent as compared to independent variables with predictive power R2 ranging from 27 to 37 per cent at a 5 per cent level of significance. Furthermore, the study results indicate that the independent variables namely socio-economic factors specifically age (p=0.000), household size (p=0.002), off-farm income (p=0.025), livestock keeping experience (0.001), herd size (0.002) and institutional factors including access to extension services (p=0.030) and subsidies (p=0.005) have an influence on the adoption of charco dam. This study recommends policymakers to devote more weight to perceived advantages and disadvantages of charco dam technology while constructing charco dam rainwater harvesting projects in order to influence pastoralists to accept the technology and increase water access for livestock in semi-arid areas.
Las Aplicaciones de Extractos de Algas en Lima Persa Aumentan Rendimiento y Calidad de Fruto de Exportación
Authors: García Olarte José Francisco , Berdeja Arbeu Raul , Escobar Hernández Ramiro , Pérez Marroquín Guillermo Jesuita , Zaldívar Martínez Pablo 
Published: September 2023

Con el objetivo de evaluar calidad y rendimiento de fruto de exportación en lima Persa se realizó un experimento con aplicaciones al follaje de extractos de algas en el municipio de Martínez de la Torre, Veracruz, México. El diseño de tratamientos fue en bloques al azar con 4 tratamientos y 7 repeticiones. El mayor grosor de cáscara de fruto fue con el tratamiento 3 %. El máximo número de frutos por árbol con calidad de primera de exportación fue con 3 % de extracto de alga y superó estadísticamente (P ≤0.05) al testigo. El porcentaje de fruto de exportación de primera osciló de 56 % en el testigo a 92 % con extracto de alga. Por los resultados obtenidos se concluye que las aplicaciones foliares con extractos de algas en dosis de 3 % aumentan rendimiento de fruto de primera de exportación en lima Persa.
High-energy Neutrinos from the Inner Circumnuclear Region of NGC 1068
Authors: Fang Ke , Lopez Rodriguez Enrique , Halzen Francis , Gallagher John S. 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
High-energy neutrinos are detected by the IceCube Observatory in the direction of NGC 1068, the archetypical type II Seyfert galaxy. The neutrino flux, surprisingly, is more than an order of magnitude higher than the γ-ray upper limits at measured TeV energy, posing tight constraints on the physical conditions of a neutrino production site. We report an analysis of the submillimeter, mid-infrared, and ultraviolet observations of the central 50 pc of NGC 1068 and suggest that the inner dusty torus and the region where the jet interacts with the surrounding interstellar medium (ISM) may be a potential neutrino production site. Based on radiation and magnetic field properties derived from observations, we calculate the electromagnetic cascade of the γ-rays accompanying the neutrinos. When injecting protons with a hard spectrum, our model may explain the observed neutrino flux above ∼10 TeV. It predicts a unique sub-TeV γ-ray component, which could be identified by a future observation. Jet–ISM interactions are commonly observed in the proximity of jets of both supermassive and stellar-mass black holes. Our results imply that such interaction regions could be γ-ray-obscured neutrino production sites, which are needed to explain the IceCube diffuse neutrino flux.