bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A spatial examination of alcohol availability and the level of disadvantage of schools in Ireland
Authors: Doyle Anne , Foley Ronan , Houghton Frank 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
The availability of alcohol is a major factor in underage drinking and according to the alcohol harm paradox, those living in more deprived communities are more susceptible to the negative consequences of alcohol use, despite drinking the same or less than those from more affluent areas. Alcohol availability within the vicinity of the home or school normalises alcohol for schoolchildren. This study examined the number of premises licensed to sell alcohol within 300 meters of all schools in Ireland and differences in this number between disadvantaged and non-disadvantaged schools.
Methods
Using publicly available data from the Department of Education and Revenue, the addresses of all schools and all premises with at least one liquor licence were geocoded and analysed using the Geographic Information System software, QGIS. Schools were identified by their disadvantaged classification and the number of liquor licences within 300 meters of each school type was examined.
Results
There was a mean of two licenced premises within 300 meters of all schools in Ireland, but when disadvantaged schools were compared to non-disadvantaged schools, there was a significantly higher number of licenced premises around disadvantaged schools.
Primary schools are further classified according to their level of disadvantage and the results indicated that those schools classified as the most disadvantaged had a significantly greater number of liquor licences within 300 meters. There was no significant difference in density of licenced premises when comparing disadvantaged secondary schools with non-disadvantaged secondary schools.
Conclusion
Ireland is considering increasing alcohol availability through the Sale of Alcohol Bill, 2022. However, this analysis indicates already problematic numbers of licenced premises within close proximity of schools in Ireland. It is essential that the harms associated with alcohol availability are considered, especially for those living and attending school in disadvantaged communities, where higher numbers of licenced premises were identified
Diversity and ecological niche model of malaria vector and non-vector mosquito species in Covè, Ouinhi, and Zangnanado, Southern Benin
Authors: Adoha Constantin J. , Sovi Arthur , Padonou Germain G. , Yovogan Boulais , Akinro Bruno , Accrombessi Manfred , Dangbénon Edouard , Sidick Aboubakar , Ossè Razaki , Tokponon Filémon T. , Odjo Esdras M. , Koukpo Come Z. , Fassinou Arsène , Missihoun Antoine A. , Sominanhouin André , Messenger Louisa A. , Agboho Prudenciène A. , Akpodji Serge , Ngufor Corine , Cook Jackie , Agbangla Clément , Protopopoff Natacha , Kulkarni Manisha A. , Akogbéto Martin C. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess mosquito species diversity, distribution, and ecological preferences in the Covè, Ouinhi, and Zangnanado communes, Southern Benin. Such information is critical to understand mosquito bio-ecology and to focus control efforts in high-risk areas for vector-borne diseases. Mosquito collections occurred quarterly in 60 clusters between June 2020 and April 2021, using human landing catches. In addition to the seasonal mosquito abundance, Shannon's diversity, Simpson, and Pielou's equitability indices were also evaluated to assess mosquito diversity. Ecological niche models were developed with MaxEnt using environmental variables to assess species distribution. Overall, mosquito density was higher in the wet season than in the dry season in all communes. A significantly higher Shannon's diversity index was also observed in the wet season than in the dry seasons in all communes (p<0.05). Habitat suitability of An. gambiae s.s., An. coluzzii, C. quinquefasciatus and M. africana was highly influenced by slope, isothermality, site aspect, elevation, and precipitation seasonality in both wet and dry seasons. Overall, depending on the season, the ecological preferences of the four main mosquito species were variable across study communes. This emphasizes the impact of environmental conditions on mosquito species distribution. Moreover, mosquito populations were found to be more diverse in the wet season compared to the dry season.
Concept-Drifts Adaptation For Machine Learning EEG Epilepsy Seizure Prediction
Authors: Pontes Edson David , Pinto Mauro , Lopes Fábio , Teixeira César 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The administration of antiepileptic drugs or surgical interventions fails to control seizures in about 30% of patients. Seizure prediction is a viable strategy for enhancing their quality of life because it can be used in intervention or warning systems. These systems may disarm seizures or, at the very least, lessen their adverse effects. Identifying the preictal interval, which marks the change from regular brain activity to a seizure, is critical to this research field. Even though several predictive studies applied various Electroencephalogram based methodologies, only some have been used in medical devices, and none have been clinically applicable. Recent studies have shown that tracking and handling data changes with time, known as concept drifts is highly relevant in seizure prediction; therefore, it is essential to develop methods able to automatically detect and address changes in context without human intervention. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the impact of automatic concept drift adapting methods in seizure prediction. We tested approaches to predict seizures while adapting to concept drifts during the model’s learning process; for that, we proposed and compared to the Control three patient-specific seizure prediction approaches with a 10-minute seizure prediction horizon: a seizure prediction algorithm incorporating a window adjustment method by optimising performance with Support Vector Machines1 (Backwards-Landmark Window), a seizure prediction algorithm incorporating a data-batch (seizures)selection method using a logistic regression2 (Seizure-batch Regression), and a seizure prediction algorithm with a dynamicintegration of classifiers3 (Dynamic Weighted Ensemble). The proposed methodologies included a retraining process after eachseizure and combined a set of univariate linear features with classifiers based on Support Vector Machines. The Firing Power wasused as a post-processing technique to generate alarms before seizures. Considering a group of 37 patients with Temporal LobeEpilepsy from the EPILEPSIAE database, the best-performing approach (Backwards-Landmark Window) aimed to select datafrom the concept closest to the preictal period of the last training seizure; this led to results of 0.75 ± 0.33 for sensitivity and 1.03 ± 1.00 for false positive rate per hour. Even though the best-performing approach statistically validated 89% of the patients with the surrogate predictor, it is necessary to determine the maximum false positive rate appropriate for each intervention system.
Phase II Study of Ramucirumab and Docetaxel for Previously Platinum-treated Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer and Malignant Pleural Effusion (PLEURAM study)
Authors: Takemoto Shinnosuke , Fukuda Minoru , Ogata Ryosuke , Senju Hiroaki , Sugasaki Nanae , Nakatomi Katsumi , Tomono Hiromi , Suyama Takayuki , Sasaki Eisuke , Matsuo Midori , Akagi Kazumasa , Hayashi Fumiko , Dotsu Yosuke , Ono Sawana , Honda Noritaka , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Gyotoku Hiroshi , Ikeda Takaya , Nagashima Seiji , Soda Hiroshi , Kinoshita Akitoshi , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction: The prognosis of patients with lung cancer and malignant pleural effusion (MPE) caused by carcinomatous pleurisy is poor. Chemical pleurodesis is typically performed clinically but often has a high failure rate. Further, the risk of exacerbating the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status associated with pleurodesis and delaying the introduction of systemic drug therapy is a major concern. Therefore, both systemic and MPE-specific treatments are necessary. Ramucirumab, an antibody targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2, is expected to be effective in treating MPE. However, there are no data supporting this hypothesis. Therefore, a single-arm phase II study was performed to examine the efficacy and safety of ramucirumab + docetaxel in MPE.
Materials and methods: The primary objective was to evaluate the MPE control proportion at 8 weeks after treatment initiation with ramucirumab in combination with DTX in patients previously subjected to platinum treatment for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and MPE. The secondary objectives of the study were to determine the toxicity profile, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), 1-year survival rates, overall survival (OS), and toxicity profile.
Results: Between September 2019 and March 2022, 15 patients were enrolled. The pleural effusion control proportion at 8 weeks was 100% (90% confidence interval [CI]: 95%CI: 784.0–100%), and the primary endpoint of the currentstudy was met. The ORR was 6.7% (90%CI: 84.0–100%, 95%CI: 76.8–100%), the median PFS was 6.3 months (95%CI: 1.9–6.9 months), and the median OS was 10.4 months (95%CI: 3.2–16.5 months). No Grade 5 or unexpected adverse events were observed.
Conclusion: Ramucirumab+ docetaxel is a promising and safe treatment option for previously platinum-treated patients with NSCLC and MPE and shows a high proportion of pleural effusion control.
Gravity-Informed Deep Learning Framework for Predicting Ship Traffic Flow and Invasion Risk of Non-Indigenous Species via Ballast Water Discharge
Authors: Spadon Gabriel , Song Ruixin , Pelot Ronald , Matwin Stan , Soares Amilcar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Aquatic invasive species are a significant threat to biodiversity and ecosystems worldwide. Due to the fast growth of global trade and transportation networks, non-native species have been introduced and spread unintentionally in new environments. These invasive species can damage ecosystems by disrupting the balance, out-competing native species, and causing significant economic losses to agriculture, forestry, and fisheries. Therefore, there is a pressing need for risk assessment and management techniques to mitigate the impact of these invasions. This study aims to develop a new physics-inspired model to forecast maritime shipping traffic and thus inform risk assessment of invasive species spread through global transportation networks. Inspired by the gravity model for international trades, our model considers various factors that influence the likelihood and impact of vessel activities, such as shipping flux density, distance between ports, trade flow, and centrality measures of transportation hubs. Additionally, by analyzing the risk network of invasive species, we provide a comprehensive framework for assessing the invasion threat level given a pair of origin and destination. Accordingly, in this paper, we introduce transformers to gravity models to rebuild the short- and long-term dependencies that make the risk analysis feasible. Thus, we introduce a physics-inspired framework that achieves an 89% segmentation accuracy for existing and non-existing trajectories and an 84.8% accuracy for the number of vessels flowing between key port areas, representing more than 10% improvement over the traditional deep-gravity model. Along these lines, this research contributes to a better understanding of invasive species risk assessment. It allows policymakers, conservationists, and stakeholders to prioritize management actions by identifying high-risk invasion pathways. Besides, our model is versatile and can include new data sources, making it suitable for assessing species invasion risks in a changing global landscape.
Metastable Helium Atom Creation Dynamics in High-Voltage Pulsed Discharge with Transverse Magnetic Field Effects
Authors: Rabadanov K. M. , Ashurbekov N. A. , Iminov K.O. , Shahsinov G. Sh. , Zakaryaeva М. Z. , Murtazaeva A.A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the effect of an external transverse weak magnetic field on the creation of metastable helium atoms and excited helium molecules in a high-voltage pulsed discharge in helium at medium pressure. A two-dimensional fluid model is used to describe a high-voltage pulsed discharge in helium in the external transverse weak magnetic field. The dynamics of discharge development in the high-voltage pulsed discharge in helium at a pressure of 30 Torr in the presence and absence of the magnetic field is studied. The effect of the external magnetic field on the behavior of the density of charged particles, metastable helium atoms, and excited helium molecules in the high-voltage pulsed helium discharge has been investigated. It is shown that in the discharge region, the density of metastable atoms decreases when a transverse magnetic field is applied, which is a consequence of an increase in the frequency of stepwise ionization.
Impact of Oxidative Stress on Myocardial Performance in Diabetic Patients: A Focus on Subclinical Left Ventricular Dysfunction Running title: Oxidative Stress in Diabetic Cardiac Dysfunction
Authors: Oksen Dogac , Aslan Muzaffer 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Introduction & Objective: Oxidative stress is known to affect left ventricular functions negatively. There is a strong bidirectional connection between diabetes mellitus (DM) and oxidative stress. In parallel, left ventricular dysfunction is observed more frequently, even in DM patients without other risk factors. In this context, the objective of this study is to comparatively investigate the potential relationship between oxidative stress and subclinical left ventricular dysfunction (SCLVD) assessed by myocardial performance index (MPI) in patients with and without DM.
Materials & Methods: The sample of this observational cross-sectional single-center study consisted of 151 patients who were evaluated biochemically for oxidative stress and SCLVD by tissue Doppler echocardiography. The sample was divided into two groups: DM and non-DM. Patients’ total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values were calculated. The correlation, if any, between OSI and MPI was examined in both groups. The effects of oxidative stress and DM on MPI were analyzed.
Results: There were 81 (58% male) and 70 (68.6% male) patients in the DM (mean age: 46.17 ± 10.33 years) and non-DM (mean age: 45.72 ± 9.04 years) groups, respectively. There was no significant difference between the groups in gender. Mean TOS and OSI values of the DM group were statistically significantly higher than those of the non-DM group (5.72 ± 0.55 vs. 5.31 ± 0.50, p= <0.001; and 4.92 ± 1.93 vs. 1.79 ± 0.39, p = <0.001; respectively). On the other hand, the mean TAS value of the DM group was significantly higher than that of the non-DM group (1.21 ± 0.40 vs. 3.23 ±0.51, p= <0.001). There was a significant correlation between OSI and MPI mitral in the DM group (R -0.554 p= <0.001) but not in the non-DM group (R - 0.069, p= 0.249).
Conclusions: Both oxidative stress and myocardial dysfunction were found to be more common in patients with DM. The study's findings indicated the negative effect of oxidative stress on myocardial functions. Accordingly, increased oxidative stress caused more significant deterioration in MPI in patients with DM compared to patients without DM.
Genetically determined sex hormones and functional outcome after ischemic stroke: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Gao Tianxiang , Zhang Hongjian , Liu Hanchen , Ge Manyue , Mo Shaojun , Zhang Lei , Yang Pengfei 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background and purpose
Sex hormones may affect functional outcome after ischemic stroke (IS). However, the effects reported in previous studies were inconsistent, and randomized data were absent. We performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis to explore the causal effects of genetically determined sex hormones on the 3-month functional outcome after IS.
Methods
Using genome-wide association studies, we obtained sex-specific genetic instruments for evaluating serum estradiol and bioavailable testosterone levels. The sex-specific functional outcome after IS were estimated via inverse-variance weighted Mendelian randomization analysis. Mendelian randomization-Egger regression, weighted median leave-one-SNP-out analysis, Mendelian randomization-Pleiotropy Residual Sum, and Outlier methods were used for sensitivity analyses. To validate our primary results, we also performed independent repeated and bidirectional Mendelian randomization analyses.
Results
Genetic predisposition to high levels of bioavailable testosterone was associated with excellent functional outcome in males (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21–0.79, P = 0.008), but worse outcome in females (OR = 2.49, 95% CI: 1.24–4.99, P = 0.009). Females with genetically predicted higher estradiol levels tend to have excellent and favorable functional outcome (excellent functional outcome, OR = 0.53; 95% CI: 0.41–0.85, P = 0.005); (favorable functional outcome, OR = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.48–0.98, P = 0.036). There was limited evidence that genetically predicted estradiol levels affect functional outcome in men (P > 0.05).
Conclusions
Our findings suggested that bioavailable testosterone and estradiol were promising neuroprotectants that could respectively improve the functional outcome of IS in males and females.
Psychological Distress among family caregivers of persons with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias in Uganda
Authors: Onoria Joy Louise Gumikiriza - , Nakigudde Janet , Giordani Bruno , Mayega Roy William , Sajatovic Martha , Mukasa Mark Kaddu , Buwembo Dennis , Lwere Kamada , Nakasujja Noeline 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background:Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) present growing global health challenges, especially in aging populations such as Uganda. In Uganda, familial caregiving, predominantly undertaken by female relatives, is the primary form of support for patients with ADRD. Cultural stigma around dementia and limited access to support services amplify caregivers' challenges. This study examined psychological distress, depression, and quality of life (QoL) among family caregivers of patients with ADRD in Wakiso District, Uganda.
Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 90 caregivers from three sub-counties in Wakiso selected through purposive sampling to capture diverse experiences. Data were collected using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, Caregiver Dementia Quality of Life Measurement Scale, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, with an 80% response rate achieved through local collaboration. Statistical analyses focused on psychological distress, QoL, and depression.
Results: The study included 82.2% females and 17.8% males, with a median age of 52 years for females and 35 years, respectively. Females were more likely to be single or widowed, whereas males were more likely to be married. The study revealed a high prevalence of psychological distress and depression among caregivers (64.4%) regardless of sex. The analysis indicated that having children was a significant predictor of better QoL (OR 3.04, 95% CI 1.79-5.66, p=0.034) and lower risk of depression (OR 0.10, 95% CI 0.01-0.86, p=0.036). No other sociodemographic factor was significantly associated with health outcomes across the models.
Conclusion: Our findings revealed a heavy burden of psychological distress and depression among Ugandan caregivers of patients with ADRD, highlighting the need for structured support systems, including mental health services and gender-responsive interventions, in low-resource settings.
In Vivo Modulatory Effect of Malachite Green on Cytochrome P450 and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Rainbow Trout Liver
Authors: Bozcaarmutlu-Büken Azra , Yıldırım Volkan , Sapmaz Canan , Günbür Ahmet , Türker Hakan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Malachite green is a mutagenic and carcinogenic chemical used in textile and paper industry as a dye and fish farms against ectoparasites as well as bacteria and fungal infections. Aquatic organisms are under the risk of malachite green exposure. In this study, our aim was to determine the effect of two different doses of malachite green on cytochrome P450 system and antioxidant system in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). For this purpose, 24 fish were randomly divided into three groups namely control, 0.1 mg/L malachite green treatment group and 0.5 mg/L malachite green treatment group. Highly elevated 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities (EROD) were measured in fish treated with 0.5 mg/L malachite green. 7-pentoxyresorufin O-depentylase (PROD) activities increased with increasing doses of malachite green. Catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) activities of 0.1 mg/L malachite green administration group were higher than that of the control group. Erythromycin N-demethylase (ERND) activities were higher in treatment groups than that of the control group. However, these differences in ERND activities were not statistically significant. Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities were not affected from the malachite green treatment in both of the treatment groups. In this study, it is clear that malachite green has modulatory effect on EROD, PROD, CAT and GR activities in rainbow trout.
PVP-AuNP impedes glycation mediated Hen Egg White Lysozyme aggregation under physiological condition
Authors: Johnson Jennifer , Tyagi Tushar , Maity Prasenjit , Kumar Satish 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Protein glycation a non-enzymatic protein modification, alters the structure of biomolecule leading to several neurodegenerative and other disorders. As onset of disorders due to protein glycation is primarily driven by the development of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), therapeutic intervention against related disorders by inhibiting AGEs production is imperative. Nanoparticles have recently gained more prominence as therapeutic agents in biological field such as medicine, drug discovery and diagnosis. In present study, we extensively investigated the effect of chemically synthesized polyvinylpyrrolidone conjugated gold nanoparticles (PVP-AuNP) on D-ribose induced glycation of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) under physiological conditions. Our finding shows that AGEs formation was inhibited by PVP-AuNP over the period of 20 days. Interaction of gold nanoparticles prevented glycation induced misfolding and aggregation of lysozyme by stabilizing its native structure, which was evident with static light scattering, ThT, Congo red and ANS fluorescence coupled with CD spectroscopy. Further, by estimating carbonyl content and thiol group, our study suggests that PVP-AuNP possesses antioxidant property thus prevent the HEWL against glycation driven oxidative damage. Present study therefore elucidates that PVP-AuNP a significant antiglycation agent can be used against wide range of disorders induced by AGEs.