bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Semiochemical delivery systems based on natural polymers to attract sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Bueno Ana Carolina , Machado Vicente Estevam , da Rocha Silva Flávia Benini , Boni Fernanda Isadora , Cury Beatriz Stringhetti Ferreira , Gremião Maria Palmira Daflon , Pinto Mara Cristina 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The successful use of semiochemicals to attract insects to traps is based on research on the most suitable compounds and their release profiles over time. Based on the group's promising results, matrices with a more adequate release profile and more eco-friendly properties for the release of 1-hexanol were developed. To use a more suitable prototype in the field, the most promising systems were added to a capsule and evaluated in a wind tunnel. Behavioral experiments were performed using the sand fly species, Lutzomyia longipalpis, to evaluate the efficacy of the proposed system.

Methods
Different delivery systems were developed by varying the polymer (gellan gum and pectin) ratio, crosslinker (aluminum chloride) concentration, and glutaraldehyde removal.The delivery systems were loaded with 1-hexanol, and their release profiles were evaluated using gravimetric analysis under ambient and high-humidity conditions. When the matrix system was placed inside a plastic container, modulations in the active release profile were observed and the system could be reused. Actid attraction behaviors of the sand fly species, Lu. longipalpis, were evaluated in a wind tunnel when exposed to 1-hexanol-loaded release systems at different times.

Results
Among the four formulations evaluated, System 2 (gellan gum and pectin in a 1:1 ratio with 5% aluminum chloride) exhibited the most promising release profile, with greater uniformity and longer compound release time. The maximum 1-hexanol release uniformity was achieved over a longer time, mainly every 24 h, under both ambient and high-humidity conditions. System 2 can be reused at least once with the same structure. The wind tunnel trials exhibited efficient activation and attraction of Lu. longipalpis to 1-hexanol after 24, 48, and 72 h in System 2 placed inside the capsules.

Conclusions
The polymeric matrix supplemented with 1-hexanol and introduced in plastic capsules showed promising results in attracting sand flies. This system can be used as a solution for other attractive compounds as well as in other applications where their release needs to be controlled or prolonged.

Graphical Abstract
Optimization of the arginase activity assay micromethod for macrophages and sera
Authors: Nzoumbou-Boko Romaric , Zolipou Cyrille Oliver Ozzin-Kholy , Yambiyo Brice Martial , Semballa Silla , Nalingbo Mireille Cornelia Ingrid Denissio M , Daulouède Sylvie , Vincendeau Philippe 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
We optimized the spectrophotometric micromethod for the determination of arginase activity based on the Corraliza et al. modification of Schimke’s method. Arginase activity in sera from patients suffering from human African trypanosomiasis, in macrophage lysates from trypanosome-infected mice, and in purified bovine liver arginase was compared using the conventional and optimized micromethods.

Results
The sensitivity of both micromethods was comparable. However, our optimized method has the following advantages: it uses small sample volumes (6 µl per assay vs. 50 µl) and reagent volumes (200 µl vs. 400 µl), it can be carried out in a single microplate well, thereby minimizing handling, and it requires fewer materials and utilizes readily available equipment. Our optimized method proved to be applicable and well suited for small-volume samples and resource-poor laboratories.
Autoinflammatory gene mutations associated with eosinophilia and asthma
Authors: Alotaibi Bashayr M. , Lopez Rodriguez Raquel , Garrido Carmen Venegas , Gonzalez Bravo Lucia , Khalidi Nader , Nair Parameswaran 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are infrequently associated with auto-inflammatory diseases. We describe five patients with uncontrolled respiratory symptoms that were seen at St. Joesph’s Healthcare in Hamilton for severe asthma management diagnosed with rare autoinflammatory conditions using genetic molecular analysis.

Case presentation
Five patients are included in this case series. Gene mutations associated with familial Mediterranean fever, Yao syndrome, Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome, and Majeed syndrome were considered to explain partly the patient’s clinical manifestation after comprehensive clinical, biochemical, hematological investigations ruled out other disorders such as parasitosis, Allergic Bronchopulmonary Fungosis, Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Poly Angitis, IgG4 disease, and Hypereosinophilia syndrome.

Conclusions
Complex patients initially presenting with respiratory conditions in addition to unexplained autoinflammatory conditions are a diagnostic challenge. Genetic molecular testing provides healthcare practitioners with useful information that may diagnose underlying auto-inflammatory diseases in undifferentiated patients. Role of inflammasome-activation in asthma and eosinophilia needs further investigation.
A dual-tracer approach using [11C]CH and [18F]FDG in HCC clinical decision making
Authors: Veenstra Emile B. , Ruiter Simeon J. S. , de Haas Robbert J. , de Jong Koert P. , Erba Paola A. , Dierckx Rudi A. J. O. , Noordzij Walter 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Early detection of recurrent or progressive HCC remains the strongest prognostic factor for survival. Dual tracer PET/CT imaging with [11C]CH and [18F]FDG can further increase detection rates as both tracers entail different metabolic pathways involved in HCC development. We investigated dual-tracer PET/CT in clinical decision making in patients suspected of recurrent or progressive HCC. All HCC patients who underwent both [11C]CH and [18F]FDG PET/CT in our institute from February 2018 to December 2021 were included. Both tracer PET/CT were within 4 weeks of each other with at least 6-month follow-up. Patients underwent dual tracer PET/CT because of unexplained and suspicious CT/MRI or sudden rise of serum tumour markers. A detected lesion was considered critical when the finding had prognostic consequences leading to treatment changes.

Results
Nineteen patients who underwent [11C]CH and [18F]FDG PET/CT were included of which all but six patients were previously treated for HCC. Dual-tracer critical finding detection rate was 95%, with [18F]FDG 68%, and [11C]CH 84%. Intrahepatic HCC recurrence finding rate was 65% for both tracers. [18F]FDG found more ablation site recurrences (4/5) compared to [11C]CH (2/5). Only [11C]CH found two needle tract metastases. Both tracers found 75% of the positive lymph nodes. Two new primary tumours were found, one by [18F]FDG and both by [11C]CH.

Conclusions
Our study favours a dual-tracer approach in HCC staging in high-risk patients or when conventional imaging is non-conclusive.
Capitalizing Contradictoriness: Ranchers between State and Open Range – and vis-à-vis Pastoralists
Authors: Schareika Nikolaus 
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe article explores and discusses findings from historical, geographical and anthropological research arguing that not simply a capitalist outlook but a footing in the state was crucial to the emergence and development of ranching. It develops the proposition that during a frontier phase, ranching evolved as a social, economic and ecological system of livestock keeping that was predicated on and exploited a duality of structures with the confining state on one side and the open range on the other, both separated and connected by a frontier. This is what makes ranching historically different from pastoralism despite superficial similarities. As pastoralism is increasingly connected to markets, capitalism and society at large, developing properties typically known from ranching, the article makes a case for taking a closer look at historical ranching in order to study transforming pastoral societies of the presence.
Expression of expanded GGC repeats within NOTCH2NLC causes cardiac dysfunction in mouse models
Authors: Pan Yongcheng , Jiang Ying , Wan Juan , Hu Zhengmao , Jiang Hong , Shen Lu , Tang Beisha , Tian Yun , Liu Qiong 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a rare neurodegenerative disorder characterized by widespread intranuclear inclusions in the nervous system as well as multiple visceral organs. In 2019, expanded GGC repeats within the 5′ untranslated region of the NOTCH2NLC gene was identified as the causative factor. NIID is a heterogeneous disorder with variable clinical manifestations including cognitive impairment, cerebellar ataxia, parkinsonism, paroxysmal symptoms, autonomic dysfunction, and muscle weakness. Although NIID primarily affects the central and peripheral nervous systems, growing evidence suggests potential cardiac abnormalities in NIID. However, the link between expanded GGC repeats within NOTCH2NLC and cardiac dysfunction remains uncertain.

Results
In this study, we utilized two transgenic mouse models, expressing NOTCH2NLC-(GGC)98 ubiquitously or specifically in cardiomyocytes, and identified p62 (also known as sequestosome 1, SQSTM1)-positive intranuclear NOTCH2NLC-polyG inclusions in cardiomyocytes in two mouse models. We observed that both models exhibited cardiac-related pathological and echocardiographic changes, albeit exhibiting varying degrees of severity. Transcriptomic analysis revealed shared downregulation of genes related to ion channels and mitochondria in both models, with the cardiomyocyte-specific mice showing a more pronounced downregulation of mitochondria and energy metabolism-related pathways. Further investigations revealed decreased expression of mitochondria-related genes and electron transport chain activity. At last, we conducted a retrospective review of cardiac-related examination results from NIID patients at our hospital and also identified some cardiac abnormalities in NIID patients.

Conclusions
Our study provided the first in vivo evidence linking GGC repeat expansions within NOTCH2NLC to cardiac abnormalities and highlighted the contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction in the development of cardiac abnormalities.
Quantization error for weak RF simultaneous signal estimation
Authors: Lanzerotti Mary Y. , Queen Adaya , Cerny Charles 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn a congested signal environment, it is difficult to obtain estimates of weak RF signal parameters. Determining signal parameter estimates in real time is a challenge for electronic warfare receivers that aim to receive multiple simultaneous signals. Prior work provided estimates of weak signal parameters (weak signal frequency and weak signal amplitude) without taking into account any error introduced by analog-to-digital converters that are inherently part of digital signal processing systems. In order to obtain realistic estimates, we need to take error introduced by an ADC into account. The primary aim of this paper is to quantify error introduced by a single ideal ADC as a function of angle. This paper presents a method to estimate angle resolution and quantization levels in N-bit analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) for use in a weak radiofrequency (RF) simultaneous signal estimation process. The paper quantifies the error in the angle quantization of an N-bit ADC for an input complex signal that is the instantaneous frequency obtained for the situation in which there are two simultaneous signals (with one strong signal and one weak signal) in a weak RF simultaneous signal estimation process. The presented method describes the process to determine the angle quantization range, angle quantization uncertainty, and angle quantization error. This approach has potential applications in electronic warfare (EW) systems. The approach also has potential for assessing ADC performance for measurements that approach the quantum limit. Results are presented for 1-bit, 2-bit, 3-bit, and 10-bit ADCs.
A novel adaptive beamforming scheme for array signal data processing
Authors: Shi Heping , Yan Guanghui , Hou Haijing , Jiang Xiaoheng 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWhen the desired signal data exists in the array received data or the steering vector has a mismatch problem, the current traditional adaptive beamformers will suffer from the effect of the desired signal cancelation phenomenon, resulting in a sharp decline in performance. To address the occurrence of desired signal cancelation, an improved matrix projection-based efficient beamforming method is proposed. Firstly, based on spatial partitioning (SP) technology, a significant projection matrix for interference-plus-noise space (INS) is constructed. Secondly, using the constructed key projection matrix, the sample data covariance matrix is projected into the INS to achieve the goal of suppressing the desired signal data information. Finally, the weight data vector is calculated by Capon beamformer. The proposed algorithm does not require an iterative search for the optimal solution, which has the advantage of a small amount of calculation. Simulation experiments have verified that the proposed method has significant advantages in suppressing the desired data signals. Especially when the desired data signal has large power, the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) of the proposed algorithm is better than that of the compared algorithms under the conditions of random directionality errors or local scattering errors between the desired signal and interference.
Determinants of consumers’ purchase intention on digital business model platform: evidence from Ethiopia using partial least square structural equation model (PLS-SEM) technique
Authors: Tilahun Mulatu , Berhan Eshetie , Tesfaye Gezahegn 
Published: August 2023

AbstractOnline digital market platform business model designers, marketers, and retailers can further expand their marketing strategies to draw in and keep customers to gain a competitive edge globally if they are aware of the elements influencing consumers' purchasing intentions. The purpose of this research is to identify the crucial variables impacting Addis Ababa University, Graduating Engineering Students’ desire to purchase on online digital market platforms, and narrow the research gap on determinants of online purchase intention of Ethiopian consumers. This study adopted a descriptive and inferential survey design, epistemology assumption, and employed the positivism research philosophy approach to test the research hypotheses. The primary study technique used to collect relevant data was a closed-ended 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The information was gathered from 100 Ethiopian, Addis Ababa University, graduating engineering students. With the use of SPSS version 23 and SmartPLS version 3.0 software, the data were examined using descriptive statistics and the inferential partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique. The results of this study highlighted five useful decision-making elements that have an impact on the selected consumers' intention to buy on online digital market platforms including Website Design, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Trust, and Subjective Norms. The Practical Implication of this research is that with a clear understanding of the key determinants of consumers’ purchase intention on online digital market platforms; manufacturers, online marketers, and retailers can create effective market strategies, enhance technology, and make smart marketing choices that will help them gain global competitive advantage. This study is unique in that it uses a new conceptual research framework and the partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to analyze relationships between determinant variables and consumers’ intention to purchase on online digital market platforms. The major finding of this research provides empirical evidence towards the key determinant variables of consumers’ purchase intention on online digital market platforms. The small sample size is one of the limitations to generalize the finding of this research. Future studies should focus on enlarging the sample size and assessing more determinant variables to get a generalizable result.
Protective effects of paraoxonase-1, vitamin E and selenium, and oxidative stress index on the susceptibility of low density lipoprotein to oxidation in diabetic patients with/without coronary artery disease
Authors: Mehvari Fatemeh , Imanparast Fatemeh , Mohaghegh Pegah , Alimoradian Abbas , Khansari Nafiseh , Ansari Asl Behnoosh , Khosrowbeygi Ali 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Background
The oxidative modification of low density lipoprotein (LDL) is closely associated with an increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) in diabetic patients. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relation between serum vitamin E and selenium, paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and oxidative stress index (OSI) values with the susceptibility of LDL to oxidative modification and the possibility of CAD in diabetic patients.

Method
This study was designed as a case control survey of 82 diabetes patients divided into two groups including T2DM alone (as group I) and both T2DM and CAD (as group II). Fasting blood samples were taken to the assay of fasting blood glucose (FBG), HbA1c, total cholesterol (TC), TAC, TOS, MDA, OSI, vitamin E, selenium, oxidized low density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL), and activity of PON1.

Results
Ox-LDL, MDA, TOS, and OSI values in groups II were significantly higher compared with group I (all with P value = 0.000). TAC, vitamin E, selenium, and PON1 activity values were significantly lower in group II compared with groups I (P value = 0.000; P value = 0.000; P value = 0.007; P value = 0.003, respectively). There were significant relationships between the amounts of TAC, TOS, OSI, and vitamin E with the amounts of PON1 activity and Ox-LDL (p < 0.05). But Ox-LDL and PON1 activity correlated weakly with together (p = 0.094).

Conclusion
Results of this study support the belief that oxidative stress might be an important etiologic factor which makes some diabetics more susceptible to CAD. Increased oxidative stress may be a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and management of CAD in diabetic patients.
Bevacizumab plus erlotinib versus erlotinib alone for advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Li Ruijian , Li Weiyi , Zhang Fang , Li Shanshan 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Objective
Previous studies showed that the combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib (combination therapy) significantly prolonged progression-free survival (PFS) but no overall survival (OS) compared to erlotinib alone (monotherapy) for advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Two phase III randomized controlled trials (RCTs) had reported the OS results in 2021. This meta-analysis aimed to include the results of the two RCTs to make a decision.

Materials and methods
We systematically searched relevant databases for RCTs on the use of bevacizumab plus erlotinib in advanced EGFR-mutant NSCLC. The main outcomes of interest were PFS, OS, and the reported hazard ratio (HR). Fixed-effect model was used to estimate pooled HR.

Results
Total 5 RCTs with 935 patients were eligible for this meta-analysis. All studies reached their primary study endpoints including PFS and OS. Compared to monotherapy, combination therapy remarkably prolonged PFS (HR = 0.60, 95% confidence interval CI 0.51–0.70; p < 0.00001); however, OS was similar between the two groups (HR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.76–1.08; p = 0.26). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that in deletion within exon 19 (19del) mutation subgroup, the combination therapy could only prolong PFS (HR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.47–0.76; p < 0.0001) but not OS (HR = 1.00, 95% CI 0.73–1.37; p = 1.00), and also in leucine-to-arginine substitution in exon 21 (L858R) mutation subgroup (HR = 0.59, p < 0.0001 and HR = 0.80, p = 0.18, respectively). For patients with brain metastasis at baseline, the combination therapy achieved a significant better PFS than the monotherapy (HR = 0.60, 95% CI 0.39–0.90; p = 0.01), and a better OS with the difference marginally significant (HR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.46–1.02; p = 0.06).

Conclusions
Combination of bevacizumab and erlotinib can prolong progression-free survival but not overall survival compared to erlotinib alone in advanced EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer patients. The combination therapy not only can prolong progression-free survival but also has a tendency to prolong overall survival for patients with brain metastasis at baseline.
SIgA in various pulmonary diseases
Authors: Wang Xintian , Zhang Jun , Wu Yan , Xu Yuncong , Zheng Jinxu 
Published: August 2023

AbstractSecretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) is one of the most abundant immunoglobulin subtypes among mucosa, which plays an indispensable role in the first-line protection against invading pathogens and antigens. Therefore, the role of respiratory SIgA in respiratory mucosal immune diseases has attracted more and more attention. Although the role of SIgA in intestinal mucosal immunity has been widely studied, the cell types responsible for SIgA and the interactions between cells are still unclear. Here, we conducted a wide search of relevant studies and sorted out the relationship between SIgA and some pulmonary diseases (COPD, asthma, tuberculosis, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, COVID-19, lung cancer), which found SIgA is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of various lung diseases, intending to provide new ideas for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of related lung diseases.