bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Evaluation of Ultrasound-Responsive Emulsion Loading Paclitaxel for Targeted Chemotherapy
Authors: Kim Gayoung , Won Jongho , Kim Chul-Woo , Park Jong-Ryul , Park Donghee 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Chemotherapy is the most widely used cancer treatment, but it has several drawbacks, such as adverse side effects and low bioavailability. To address these limitations, various drug delivery systems have been investigated, including liposomes, micelles, and emulsions. These drug delivery technologies have been improving the efficacy and safety of conventional chemotherapy. This study presents an emerging drug delivery technology for targeted chemotherapy using drug-loaded ultrasound-responsive emulsion (URE) as a drug carrier and ultrasound technology for external activation. URE was designed to be responsive to ultrasound energy and fabricated using an emulsification technique. To investigate this technology, paclitaxel, as a model drug, was used and encapsulated into URE. The size distribution, morphology, and drug release behavior of paclitaxel-loaded URE (PTX-URE) were characterized, and the echogenicity of PTX-URE was assessed using ultrasound imaging equipment. The cellular uptake and cytotoxicity of PTX-URE with ultrasound were evaluated in breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231). Our in vitroresults indicate that the combination of PTX-URE and ultrasound significantly enhanced cellular uptake by 10.6-fold and improved cytotoxicity by 24.1% compared to PTX alone. These findings suggest that the URE platform combined with ultrasound is a promising technology to improve drug delivery efficiency for chemotherapy.
The effect of COVID-19 on the frequency of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia: a monocentric, retrospective, and observational study
Authors: Prete Valentina Del , Paterno Giovangiacinto , Cennamo Oreste , Berrilli Federica , Cave David Di 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) and SARS-CoV2 share some similarities in their effects on the respiratory system, clinical presentation, and management. The COVID-19 pandemic required rapid action to curb transmission and mitigate its lethiferous impact. Non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were globally adopted. We hypothesized that these measures reduced the transmission and acquisition of P. jirovecii in both hospital and community settings.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective observational study on 2950 respiratory specimens from patients with suspected pulmonary infection, analyzed at the Laboratory of Parasitology Unit of the Policlinico Tor Vergata of Rome, Italy, from January 2014 to December 2022.
Results
We show a significant reduction in the frequency of PCP in the COVID-19 pandemic era, compared to the previous period. Among the four sequence types of P. jirovecii identified, genotype 1 was the most prevalent (37%). We observed a non-significant trend of decreasing cases with genotype 1 and increasing cases with genotype 3 over the study period.
Conclusions
The nationwide implementation of NPIs against COVID-19 may have changed the microbiological landscape of exposure, thereby decreasing the exposure to P. jirovecii and consequently reducing the incidence of PCP.
Maternal parity influences the birth sex ratio and birth interval of captive Francois' langur (Trachypithecus francoisi)
Authors: Yi Bojun , Wang Song , Sun Tao , Liu Ruoshuang , Lawes Michael J. , Yang Li , Liu Xuefeng , Li Yifeng , Huang Chengming , Zhou Qihai , Fan Penglai 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
The age and parity of female primates reflects their physical condition and reproductive experience. Individual age-parity dependent condition of females and the survival of their offspring represents a fitness tradeoff. This reproductive tradeoff is expressed in the individual birth sex ratio, offspring mortality and interbirth interval (IBI). Thus, maternal antenatal and postnatal investment hypotheses argue that, dependent on their physical condition determined by available resources, mothers can adjust the birth sex ratio, offspring mortality, and IBI. These hypotheses predict that more female offspring are produced by experienced mothers in poor condition (Trivers-Willard hypothesis), and that offspring mortality decreases and IBI shortens with parity (targeted reproductive effort hypothesis). Here we test the latter predictions in captive populations of the endangered Francois’ langur (Trachypithecus francoisi), using long-term (1980 to 2021) demographic and reproductive data from 21 Chinese zoos and three breeding centers. In these food provisioned populations, birth sex ratio changed slightly from male-biased to female-biased as parity increased, consistent with the predictions of the Trivers-Willard hypothesis. Although mortality of male offspring was greater than female offspring, overall offspring mortality did not vary with parity among females. The duration of postnatal care or IBI of male offspring was significantly shorter than for female offspring. However, IBI did shorten significantly, even for male offspring, with increasing parity, as predicted by the targeted reproductive effort hypothesis. Selecting females with more reproductive experience is recommended for captive breeding programs as they produce more female offspring, increasing the overall viable population size of this endangered species.
Analysis of the Technical Feasibility of Sustainable Concrete Production Using Waste Foundry Sand as a Fine Aggregate
Authors: Marques¹ Emily Noronha , Bergmann² Carlos Perez , Masuero³ Ângela Borges 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Waste foundry sand (WFS) is one of the waste residues from the process of elaboration of components in foundries. Presently, its annual production is estimated at three million tons. This residue is derived from a composition of very fine natural sand, which consists predominantly of silica. The material retains properties that render it a compelling candidate for deployment as an alternative constituent to natural fine aggregate in concrete applications. This substitution holds the assurance of fostering enhanced sustainability in both construction and metallurgical industries. Considering these facts, the present study proposed the testing of three different proportions of replacement– 25%, 50%, and 100% by mass - of natural sand by WFS in concrete. To evaluate the feasibility of these replacements, several tests were conducted encompassing mechanical properties as well as aspects related to the durability of the concrete. The results indicated a significant improvement in mechanical performance, wherein there was an increase in compressive strength as the substitution content increased, with no significant variation in elastic modulus. Regarding the aspects associated with durability, both the absorption test and the alkali-aggregate reaction test did not present a statistically significant disparity relative to the core concrete, thereby demonstrating the technical feasibility of WFS utilization in concrete.
A power transformation for non-normal processes capability estimation
Authors: Lavrac Silvija , Turk Goran 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Process capability estimation depends on the underlying data distribution. If data is not normally distributed, other techniques for capability estimation should be taken into consideration. In this paper, we propose modified power transformation method for non-normal process capability estimation. Proposed method is compared to Box-Cox, Johnson and Abbasi-Niaki transformation method using simulation studies. In terms of transformed data and capability estimation, proposed transformation method showed better performance than Box-Cox and Abbasi-Niaki method.
In Situ Carboxyl Functionalization of Hybrid Organosilica Reverse Osmosis Membranes for Water Desalination
Authors: Xu Rong , Cheng Shixin , Xu Cheng , Qi Lv , Zhong Jing , Liu Gongping , Huang Meina , Wasnik Priyanka , Jiang Qinglong 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A new strategy is proposed to tune the surface and structural properties of hybrid organosilica membranes. It involves an in situ carboxyl functionalization via the thiol-ene click reaction between the double bonds of bis(triethoxysilyl)ethylene and mercaptosuccinic acid. Water sorption measurements and quantum chemical calculations confirm that the introduction of carboxyl functionalities into the organosilica networks leads to a more compact pore structure and an improved affinity for water molecules. Compared to the original ethenylene-bridged organosilica membranes, the in situ carboxyl functionalization doubles the membrane permeability without any drop in water/salt selectivity in reverse osmosis (RO). Furthermore, the carboxyl functionalized organosilica membrane demonstrates high durability during a continuous RO desalination process of 200 h, showing excellent prospects as a high efficiency and robust molecular separation membrane for environmental and industrial applications.
Could ultrasound and muscle elastography be promising tools for assessing disease activity in juvenile dermatomyositis patients?
Authors: de Andrade Renata Lopes Francisco , Mendonça José Alexandre , Piotto Daniela Petry , Guimarães Julio Brandão , Terreri Maria Teresa 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Background
Juvenile Dermatomyositis (JDM) is the most common idiopathic inflammatory myopathy in children. Imaging exams are useful for muscle assessment, with ultrasonography (US) being a promising tool in detecting disease activity and tissue damage. There are few studies about muscle elastography.
Objectives
Our aim was to associate clinical, laboratory, and nailfold capillaroscopy (NC) assessments with US in JDM patients; and to compare the findings of US and Strain Elastography (SE) from patients and healthy controls.
Methods
Twenty-two JDM patients and fourteen controls, aged between 5 and 21 years, matched for age and sex were enrolled. Patients underwent clinical exam to access muscle strength and completed questionnaires about global assessment of the disease and functional capacity. Patients were submitted to NC and measurement of muscle enzymes. All subjects underwent US assessment, using gray scale, Power Doppler (PD), and SE.
Results
In qualitative and semi-quantitative gray scale, we observed a higher frequency of alterations in patients (p < 0.001), while in PD, there was a higher frequency of positivity in patients' deltoids and anterior tibialis (p < 0.001). Active disease was associated with an important change in the semi-quantitative gray scale in deltoids (p = 0.007), biceps brachii (p = 0.001) and quadriceps femoris (p = 0.005). The SE demonstrated a high negative predictive value of 87.2.
Conclusion
US was able, through gray scale, to differentiate JDM patients from controls, while PD achieved such differentiation only for deltoids and anterior tibialis. The semi-quantitative gray scale showed disease activity in proximal muscles. SE was not able to differentiate patients from controls.
Photonic helicoid-like surface states in chiral metamaterials
Authors: Chern Ruey-Lin 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
We investigate the photonic topological phases in chiral metamaterials characterized by the magnetoelectric tensors with diagonal chirality components. The underlying medium is considered a photonic analogue of the topological semimetal featured with a Weyl cone and a cylindrical surface in the frequency-wave vector space. As the 'spin'-degenerate condition is satisfied, the photonic system can be rearranged as two hybrid modes that are completely decoupled. By introducing the pseudospin states as the basis for the hybrid modes, the photonic system is described by two subsystems in the form of spin-orbit Hamiltonians of spin 1, which result in nonzero spin Chern numbers that determine the topological properties. Surface modes at the interface between vacuum and the chiral metamaterial exist in their common gap in the wave vector space, which are analytically formulated by algebraic equations. In particular, the surface modes form a pair of spiral surface sheets wrapping around the Weyl cone, which resemble the helicoid surface states that occur in topological semimetals. At the Weyl frequency, the surface modes contain two Fermi arc-like states that concatenate to yield a straight line segment.
Better Hardness Results for the Minimum Spanning Tree Congestion Problem
Authors: Luu Huong , Chrobak Marek 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

In the spanning tree congestion problem, given a connected graph G, the objective is to compute a spanning tree T in G that minimizes its maximum edge congestion, where the congestion of an edge e of T is the number of edges in G for which the unique path in T between their endpoints traverses e. The problem is known to be NP-hard, but its approximability is still poorly understood, and it is not even known whether the optimum solution can be efficiently approximated with ratio o(n). In the decision version of this problem, denoted K-STC, we need to determine if G has a spanning tree with congestion at most K. It is known that K-STC is NP-complete for K ≥ 8, and this implies a lower bound of 1.125 on the approximation ratio of minimizing congestion. On the other hand, 3-STC can be solved in polynomial time, with the complexity status of this problem for K ∈ 4,5,6,7 remaining an open problem. We substantially improve the earlier hardness results by proving that K-STC is NP-complete for K ≥ 5. This leaves only the case K=4 open, and improves the lower bound on the approximation ratio to 1.2. Motivated by evidence that minimizing congestion is hard even in trees of small constant radius, we also consider K-STC restricted to graphs of radius 2, and we prove that this variant is NP-complete for all K ≥ 6.
How changements in the circulation patterns specific to the solid precipitations can affect these meteorological events in the Alpine stations of the Mediterranean region ? Use of the ERA5 reanalyses
Authors: GUERIN Guillaume , VIAUX Nicolas 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A classification was achieved to obtain some daily atmospheric circulation types (days that have a similar atmospheric circulation pattern), capable of reproducing sequences specific to the solid precipitations’ events that occur in the mountains of the southern Alps (Mediterranean region). These atmospheric circulation types were statistically studied to get the evolution of the frequency of the synoptic conditions favorable and unfavorable to solid precipitations. The classification produced six atmospheric circulation types, including two synoptic snow classes and two dry classes. The South circulation with a trough on western Europe (STW) is the major snow classes. STW reproduced 62% of the total solid precipitations’ events, 68% of those with a medium intensity level and 100% of those with the high intensity level, which shows the effectiveness of the approach. The total number of days of presence per decades of STW, decreased between 1950 and 2019. This decreasing frequency of occurrence also applies to the other synoptic class of snow, the Depression over Central Europe (DCE). Conversely, the West anticyclonic (WA) and Southwest anticyclonic (SWA), did not produce any solid precipitations events and indicated the opposite logic, with an increase in their occurrences for the same period. This could lead to a strong change in the climate of the South of France, with major impact on the thickness and duration of snow cover. A sharp decrease in snow cover would have heavy economic consequences, the water cycle would be modified, the management of water resources could then be severely called into question and more worryingly, it would increase the intensity of periods of drought. The most plausible explanation for this phenomenon would come from the spread of Hadley's cell, which would push the Azores anticyclone further north and leads to a higher frequency of occurrence of WA and SWA.
Epidemiology and demographic risk factors for myopia in Ghana: A 5-year retrospective study
Authors: Kyei Samuel , Gyaami Rexford Kwasi , Abowine John Baptist , Zaabaar Ebenezer , Nti Augustine , Asiedu Kofi , Boadi-Kusi Samuel Bert , Owusu-Afriyie Bismark , Assiamah Frank , Armah Anthony 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Purpose
To explore the epidemiology and demographic risk factors for myopia among a clinical sample.
Methods
In a hospital-based retrospective study, eligible subjects were grouped into either myopia or non-myopia. Demographic data, including age, sex, occupation, area of residence, region of residence, and ethnicity, were analysed. Other clinical information analysed included the degree of myopia and intervention provided for the myopia.
Results
Overall, 15807 were enrolled, with 50.9% being males. The mean ± SD age of the patients was 42.81 ± 18.99 years. A total of 44.4% of the patients were myopic. Age, type of ethnic group, occupation, and area of residence were associated with myopia. Demographic risk factors for myopia included occupations such as professionals (OR: 2.93; 95% CI: 2.44–3.52), technicians and associated workers (OR: 6.71; 95% CI: 5.15–8.74), service workers (OR: 11.74; 95% CI: 9.62–14.33), skilled agriculture and fishery (OR: 1.88; 95% CI: 1.41–2.50), craft workers (OR: 3.41; 95% CI: 2.75–4.25), armed forces (OR: 10.26; 95% CI: 7.54–13.97), students (OR: 3.49; 95% CI: 2.76–4.42), the unemployed (OR: 6.64; 95% CI: 5.44–8.11), as well as Ewe (OR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.17–1.82) and Ga-Adangbe (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.05–1.54) ethnicities.
Conclusion
Myopia is the most common presenting refractive error in eye care facilities in Ghana. Ewe and Ga-Adangbe ethnicities, and specific occupations are risk factors for myopia.
Cigarette butt pollution in popular beaches of Morocco: Abundance, distribution, and mitigation measures
Authors: Mghili Bilal , Lamine Imane , Bouzekry Assia , Gunasekaran Kannan , Aksissou Mustapha 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
Cigarette butts pose a significant challenge in managing solid litter, with an estimated 4.95 trillion of them being discarded into the environment annually. This study investigated the pollution of eleven beaches along the Moroccan Mediterranean by cigarette butts compared to other types of marine litter between 2018 and 2023. Sampling was conducted using the visual survey technique according to a standardized protocol. A total of 50,575 items were collected with cigarette butts (14.62%) and plastic caps/lids drinks (10.93%) being the most common. Our survey of eleven beaches revealed 7395 cigarette butts, giving an average density of 0.06/m2 comparable to other countries in the Mediterranean. The analysis of the results shows significant differences in the abundance cigarette butts according to the beach typology, seasonality, sediment type, and number of beach users. Moreover, the study discovered a decrease in beach pollution during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, resulting in less litter collected compared to pre- and post-pandemic periods. The Cigarette Butt Pollution Index was categorized as very low pollution in M’diq and Kaa Asrass, low pollution in Ksar Sghir, Fnideq, Amsa, Oued Laou, significant pollution in Martil and Nador and sever pollution in Saidia and Sababia. The CBPI was higher during summer and winter, significantly associated with the density levels of beach users. The study recommends immediate action by the local administration to prevent the potential pollution of groundwater and sand by toxic substances leached from cigarette butts.
Environmental controls on seedling establishment in a boreal forest: implications for Scots pine regeneration in continuous cover forestry
Authors: Häggström Bodil , Gundale Michael J. , Nordin Annika 
Published: June 2023

Abstract
In nutrient poor and dry forest sites common to northern Scandinavia, Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) is the most common species both in managed and natural forests. However, Scots pine is sensitive to competition during establishment. Harvesting of all trees within a given area, i.e., clear-cutting, liberates regenerating seedlings from competition with mature trees. However, recent debates are in favor of clear-cut-free, i.e., continuous cover forestry (CCF). When choosing management method, it is important to recognize how competitive interactions direct the success of Scots pine regeneration. We studied Scots Pine regeneration at three environments: beneath the canopy of mature trees, at the canopy edge in full sunlight, and distant from the canopy with no influence of mature trees. We imposed three treatments in each of these environments: root isolation (i.e., trenching), nitrogen (N) fertilization, and control plots. Root isolation enhanced seedling performance under the canopy of mature trees. N fertilization enhanced seedling performance to a greater extent in the clear-cut than at the forest edge. However, N fertilization had no effect under the canopy. In the N fertilized plots we measured higher N content in the soil under the canopy than in the open environments, indicating that not all excess N was obtained by the mature trees. N-uptake might have been limited by competition for water in the N fertilized plots. Our results suggest that belowground competition limits the success of regeneration of Scots pine. However, N fertilization presents a tool to compensate for underground competition along canopy edges.
Incidence and outcomes of Neonatal Group B Streptococcal Sepsis in Qatar-A multi-center study
Authors: Salim Sajid Thyvilayil , Vellamgot Anvar Paraparambil , Salameh Khalil , Kurunthattilthazhe Sudheer Babu , Elikkottil Abdurahiman , Dominguez Liliana Llerena , Banarjee Dhanya 
Published: June 2023

Abstract

Background
Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is the most common cause of neonatal early onset sepsis in term infants and a major cause of late onset sepsis in both term and preterm infants.
Aim
to estimate the incidence of GBSS among neonates born in Qatar between July 2015 and June 2020 (5 years). A secondary aim was to describe the outcomes of the affected babies.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective chart review of all neonates born during the study period was performed with the help of medical records departments of the four main maternity hospitals in Qatar, where > 90% of the births occurred.
Results
From 123878 live births, 113 babies grew GBS in blood culture during the first 90 days. 72 cases of early-onset GBS sepsis (EOGBSS) and 41 cases of late-onset GBS sepsis (LOGBSS) were identified. The estimated incidence of EOGBSS and LOGBSS was 0.58/1000 live births (95% CI 0.46–0.73) and 0.33/1000 live births (95% CI 0.24–0.45) respectively. The overall mortality was 7%, and the chart review identified severe neurodisability among at least 11% of survivors.
Conclusion
The incidences of EOGBSS and LOGBSS in Qatar are 0.58/1000 live births (LB) and 0.33/1000 LB, respectively. The relatively high incidence of EOGBSS probably reflects the high rate of carrier state among pregnant mothers. We did not observe any significant change in incidence after introducing the universal maternal screening for GBS. The overall mortality was similar to previously published data. Further prospective studies are recommended.