bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Formulation of Neem oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles and evaluation of its anti-Toxoplasma activity
Authors: Nemati Sara , Mohammad Rahimi Hanieh , Hesari Zahra , Sharifdini Meysam , Jalilzadeh Aghdam Nooshin , Mirjalali Hamed , Zali Mohammad Reza 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Toxoplasmosis is caused by an intracellular zoonotic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii, which could be lethal in immunocompromised patients. This study aimed to synthesize Neem oil-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (NeO-SLNs) and to evaluate the anti-Toxoplasma activity of this component.

Methods
The NeO-SLNs were constructed using double emulsification method, and their shape and size distribution were evaluated using transmission electron microscope (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), respectively. An MTT assay was employed to evaluate the cell toxicity of the component. The anti-Toxoplasma activity of NeO-SLNs was investigated using vital (trypan-blue) staining. Anti-intracellular Toxoplasma activity of NeO-SLNs was evaluated in T. gondii-infected Vero cells.

Results
The TEM analysis represented round shape NeO-SLNs with clear and stable margins. DLS analysis showed a mean particle size 337.6 nm for SLNs, and most of nanoparticles were in range 30 to 120 nm. The cell toxicity of NeO-SLNs was directly correlated with the concentration of the component (P-value = 0.0013). The concentration of NeO-SLNs, which was toxic for at least 50% of alive T. gondii (cytotoxic concentration (CC50)), was > 10 mg/mL. The ability of NeO-SLNs to kill Toxoplasma was concentration-dependent (P-value < 0.0001), and all concentrations killed at least 70% of alive tachyzoites. Furthermore, the viability of T. gondii- infected Vero cells was inversely correlated with NeO-SLNs concentrations (P-value = 0.0317), and in the concentration 100 μg/mL at least 75% of T. gondii- infected Vero cells remained alive.

Conclusions
Overall, our findings demonstrated that the NeO-SLNs was able to kill T. gondii tachyzoites in concentration 100 μg/mL with a cell toxicity lower than 20%. Such results suggest that employing SLNs as carrier for NeO can effectively kill T. gondii tachyzoites with acceptable cell toxicity. Our findings also showed that SLNs capsulation of the NeO can lead to prolonged release of the extract, suggesting that NeO-SLNs could be also employed to clear cyst stages, which should be further investigated in animal models.
Chlamydia-related knowledge, opinion to opportunistic testing, and practices of providers among different sexually transmitted infections related departments in hospitals in Shenzhen city, China
Authors: Weng Rongxing , Zhang Chunlai , Wen Lizhang , Luo Yiting , Ye Jianbin , Wang Honglin , Li Jing , Ning Ning , Huang Junxin , Chen Xiangsheng , Cai Yumao 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection could lead to seriously adverse outcomes if left untreated. This study aimed to determine CT-related knowledge, opinion to testing, and practices of providers among different sexually transmitted infections (STI) related departments in hospitals in Shenzhen city, China, and also to explore the differences in these responses.

Materials and methods
From 1st April 2018 to 15th April 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Shenzhen and 64 of 66 hospitals agreed to participate in this study. In the hospital sites, all the providers from the department of obstetrics and gynecology, department of dermatology and venereology, department of urology, and anorectal surgical department were recruited. A structured paper-based questionnaire was used to obtain data on CT-related information.

Results
A total of 355 providers from 64 hospitals participated in the current study. Compared to providers from the department of dermatology and venereology, those from the department of obstetrics and gynecology (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.16—0.62), department of urology (OR = 0.32, 95% CI 0.16—0.65), and anorectal surgical department (OR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.09—0.71) were less likely to identify that “Be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STI test results.” is an appropriate way for a sexually active person to reduce risk of getting CT. Also, those from the department of obstetrics and gynecology (OR = 0.45, 95% CI 0.23—0.87) were less likely to identify that “Use latex condoms the right way every time you have sex” is another appropriate way. A high proportion of providers agreed that all sexually active patients attending to their department should be screened regularly (77.1%), and they are willing to offer opportunistic CT screening (96.0%). Only 11.4% of respondents correctly identified that the appropriate time frame of the CT retesting is three months.

Conclusions
Providers among STI-related departments in hospitals showed a very high willingness to offer opportunistic CT screening. However, this study showed important gaps in providers’ knowledge and practices in China, targeted training in CT-related knowledge and practice is urgently needed.
Oroxylin A shows limited antiviral activity towards dengue virus
Authors: Ratanakomol Thippayawan , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Wikan Nitwara , Smith Duncan R. 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objective
The mosquito transmitted dengue virus (DENV) the causative agent of dengue fever (DF) remains a significant public health burden in many countries. Thailand, along with many countries in Asia and elsewhere, has a long history of using traditional medicines to combat febrile diseases such as DF. Screening bioactive compounds from traditional medicines reported to have antipyretic or anti-inflammatory activity may lead to the development of potent antivirals. In this study oroxylin A (OA), a flavonoid derivative found in Oroxylum indicum (commonly called the Indian trumpet flower or tree of Damocles), was screened for antiviral activity towards DENV.

Results
Cytotoxicity analysis in BHK-21 cells showed a 50% cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of 534.17 µM. The compound showed no direct virucidal activity towards DENV, and pre-treatment of cells had no effect on virus production. A deficit was seen in virus production when cells were post-infection treated with oroxylin A. Under conditions of post-infection treatment, the EC50 value was 201.1 µM, giving a selectivity index (SI) value of 2.66. Accumulation of DENV E protein inside the cell was seen under conditions of post-infection treatment, suggesting that oroxylin A may exert some effects at the virus assembly/egress stages of the replication cycle.
Objectively-measured step cadence and walking patterns in a rural African setting: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Cook Ian 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Objectives
To investigate free-living, accelerometry-derived step cadence and walking strategy parameters in 263 adult women (19–56 years) within a rural African setting. Participants were categorised into weight groups: Under-to-Normal Weight (UW/NW: < 25 kg/m2), Overweight-to-Obese (OW/OB: ≥ 25 kg/m2). From the minute-by-minute uni-axial accelerometry data, outcomes describing physical activity intensity, step volume, step cadence and step bouts were extracted. In addition, walking pattern parameters for step bout length and step cadence were determined.

Results
Average step volume was 13,568 steps/day, and > 85% of participants were classified as active-to-highly-active. Overall, ≈ 45% of daily steps was accumulated in the low-to-moderate intensity range. Peak cadence indices were higher in the UW/NW group (p ≤ 0.0112). For both groups, 75% of steps were accumulated in bouts > 15 min, and 95% of bouts were accumulated at 1–39 steps/min. The UW/NW group employed a more varied step cadence, and higher cadences contributed more to step accumulation than the OW/OB group (p ≤ 0.05). There were no significant group differences in bout length strategy parameters (p ≥ 0.0861). Despite no difference between the weight groups in step volume, there were differences in some step cadence indices which reflect higher step intensities, and in cadence strategies chosen to accumulate steps.
Digital workflow for fabrication of bespoke facemask in burn rehabilitation with smartphone 3D scanner and desktop 3D printing: clinical case study
Authors: Alhazmi Bushra , Alshomer Feras , Alazzam Abdualziz , Shehabeldin Amany , Almeshal Obaid , Kalaskar Deepak M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractWe present a digital workflow for the production of custom facial orthosis used for burn scar management using smartphone three-dimensional (3D) scanner and desktop 3D printing. 3D facial scan of a 48-year-old lady with facial burn scars was obtained. 3D modeling with open-source programs were used to create facemask then 3D printed using rigid polylactic acid (PLA) filament and semi-rigid thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Conventional facemask was used as a control. Each mask was worn for 7 days. Primary outcomes were level of comfort, and adherence to treatment. The conventional facemask was the most convenient followed by the TPU-facemask (mean comfort score of 9/10 and 8.7/10, respectively). Patient’s compliance was high for both TPU and conventional masks, each was worn for at least 21 hours/day for 7 days. On the contrary, PLA-facemask was not well tolerated. The proposed digital workflow is simple, patient-friendly and can be adopted for resource-intensive healthcare.
Gender differences in prevalence and risk factors of sleep disturbances in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Xiao Yingfeng , Zhou Junying , Xiong Weixi , Lu Lu , Zhou Dong 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Background
Sleep disturbances are frequently observed in patients with epilepsy (PWE), with adversely effects on life quality and seizure control. The study aimed to assess the gender differences in incidence and factors of sleep disturbances in PWE.

Methods
PWE confirmed the diagnosis of epilepsy were consecutively enrolled in this cross-sectional study, with detailed information recorded. A group of healthy participants were recruited as the control. Sleep and mood disorders were evaluated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI).

Results
One hundred and thirty-three patients (age: 30.2 ± 10.6 years, men: 51%) and 150 healthy subjects were recruited in this study. Compared with healthy controls, PWE had higher mean scores of the ISI and BDI (p < 0.001 and p = 0.01). There were no significant gender differences in the prevalence and scores of sleep disturbances in PWE. In the overall PWE, nocturnal seizures and focal epilepsy were respectively related to insomnia and poor sleep quality (OR = 3.35, p = 0.024; OR = 3.08, p = 0.013), and mood disorders were also important factors in sleep disturbances (p < 0.05). In the analysis by gender, depression, anxiety, nocturnal seizures and focal epilepsy were associated with insomnia and poor sleep quality in men. For women, however, depression mood was the only factor of sleep disturbances.

Conclusions
Though no gender difference was observed in the incidence of sleep disturbances, factors contributing to insomnia and sleep quality were different by gender. The factors and gender differences of sleep disturbances should be taken into account in the clinical treatment.
Developing Predictor Models of Postoperative Verbal Fluency After Deep Brain Stimulation Using Preoperative Neuropsychological Assessment
Authors: Alhourani Ahmad , Wylie Scott A. , Summers Jessica E. , Phibbs Fenna T. , Bradley Elise B. , Neimat Joseph S. , Van Wouwe Nelleke C. 
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND:
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson disease provides significant improvement of motor symptoms but can also produce neurocognitive side effects. A decline in verbal fluency (VF) is among the most frequently reported side effects. Preoperative factors that could predict VF decline have yet to be identified.

OBJECTIVE:
To develop predictive models of DBS postoperative VF decline using a machine learning approach.

METHODS:
We used a prospective database of patients who underwent neuropsychological and VF assessment before both subthalamic nucleus (n = 47, bilateral = 44) and globus pallidus interna (n = 43, bilateral = 39) DBS. We used a neurobehavioral rating profile as features for modeling postoperative VF. We constructed separate models for action, semantic, and letter VF. We used a leave-one-out scheme to test the accuracy of the predictive models using median absolute error and correlation with actual postoperative scores.

RESULTS:
The predictive models were able to predict the 3 types of VF with high accuracy ranging from a median absolute error of 0.92 to 1.36. Across all three models, higher preoperative fluency, digit span, education, and Mini-Mental State Examination were predictive of higher postoperative fluency scores. By contrast, higher frontal system deficits, age, Questionnaire for Impulsive–Compulsive Disorders in Parkinson's disease scored by the patient, disease duration, and Behavioral Inhibition/Behavioral Activation Scale scores were predictive of lower postoperative fluency scores.

CONCLUSION:
Postoperative VF can be accurately predicted using preoperative neurobehavioral rating scores above and beyond preoperative VF score and relies on performance over different aspects of executive function.
Immunopathological changes in case of the diabetes of the first type. The impact of the mother’s diabetes of the first type on the emryogenesis and fetogenesis of the fetus (Literature review, part II)
Authors: Kupriianova L. , Ivanchenko S. 
Published: May 2022

In the following article we have presented main risk factors of the development of the Diabetes Mellitus of the I type, as well as modern statistical data towards its correlation in a structure of the disease. We have revealed main markers of the disease, connected with the HLA system. We have also considered leading links in the pathogenesis of immunodeficiency development in case of patients with the Diabetes Mellitus of the I type relatively to the duration of the disease, presence of vascular complications as well as number of insulin units per day. We have provided clear criteria towards changes in the T-lymphocytes populations, what is prescribing changes in the helper-suppressor ratio. In addition, we have postulated that the autoimmune disorders, which are typical for the Diabetes Mellitus of the I type (DM of the I type) are leading to the increase in a number of apoptotically alteredd forms of T-lymphocytes, what is contributing to the deeping of changes in the immune system. Authors have studied main features of the interleukin-producing activity in case of patients with the DM of the I type. Namely: increased number of pro-inflammatory interleukins on the background of decrease of anti-inflammatory ones. The precise analysis has revealed, that there are circulating immune complexes in the blood of patients with DM of the I type, which are leading microcirculation’ disorders. The alterations, that were postulated and described relatively to the organism of patients with DM of the I type, are indicating deep disorders in the immune system and the morphological features of the thymus has to be studied, as far as the thymus as a central organ of the immunogenesis in case of fetuses from mothers, who are suffering from the DM of thr I type, in the aim of development of immunodeficiency in patients.
Alongside with the description of changes in the immune system in case of patients with the DM of the I type, in the following article we have provided a scientific views on changes in the embrion- and fetogenesis of the fetus under the influence of mother’s DM of the I type. In addition, we have described morphological features of the placenta structure in case of this pathology, as well as pathomorphological changes in the strucutre of internal organs of fetus under the influence of this pathology in the mother’s organism. It was postulated, that in case of children, who were born from mothers, who are suffering from the DM of the I type, there is a syndrome of diabetic feto- and embryopathy, which is developing and leading to the poliorganic failure in the subsequent ontogenesis.
Improving Variable Orderings of Approximate Decision Diagrams Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Cappart Quentin , Bergman David , Rousseau Louis-Martin , Prémont-Schwarz Isabeau , Parjadis Augustin 
Published: May 2022

Prescriptive analytics provides organizations with scalable solutions for large-scale, automated decision making. At the core of prescriptive analytics methodology is optimization, a field devoted to the study of algorithms that solve complex decision-making problems. Optimization algorithms rely heavily on generic methods for identifying tight bounds, which provide both solutions to problems and optimality guarantees. In the last decade, decision diagrams (DDs) have demonstrated significant advantages in obtaining bounds compared with the standard linear relaxation commonly used by commercial solvers. However, the quality of the bounds computed by DDs depends heavily on the variable ordering chosen for the construction. Besides, the problem of finding an ordering that optimizes a given metric is generally NP-hard. This paper studies how machine learning, specifically deep reinforcement learning (DRL), can be used to improve bounds provided by DDs, in particular through learning a good variable ordering. The introduced DRL models improve primal and dual bounds, even over standard linear programming relaxations, and are integrated in a full-fledged branch-and-bound algorithm. This paper, therefore, provides a novel mechanism for utilizing machine learning to tighten bounds, adding to recent research on using machine learning to obtain high-quality heuristic solutions and, for the first time, using machine learning to improve relaxation bounds through a generic bounding method. We apply the methods on a classic optimization problem, the maximum independent set, and demonstrate through computational testing that optimization bounds can be significantly improved through DRL. We provide the code to replicate the results obtained on the maximum independent set. Summary of Contribution: This paper studies the use of reinforcement learning to compute a variable ordering of decision diagram-based approximations for discrete optimization problems. This is among the first works to propose the use of machine learning to improve upon generic bounding methods for discrete optimization problems, thereby establishing a critical bridge between optimization and learning.
Voxel-Based Solution Approaches to the Three-Dimensional Irregular Packing Problem
Authors: Lamas-Fernandez Carlos , Bennell Julia A. , Martinez-Sykora Antonio 
Published: May 2022

Packing Three-Dimensional Irregular Objects Because of its many applications in practice, the cutting and packing literature is extensive and well established. It is mostly concerned with problems in one and two dimensions or with problems where some regularity of the pieces is assumed (e.g., packing boxes). However, the rise of applications in the realm of three-dimensional printing and additive manufacturing has created a demand for efficient packing of three-dimensional irregular objects. In “Voxel-Based Solution Approaches to the Three-Dimensional Irregular Packing Problem,” Lamas-Fernandez, Martinez-Sykora, and Bennell propose a series of tools to tackle this problem using voxels. These include geometric tools, a mathematical model, local search neighborhoods, and details on implementation of metaheuristic algorithms. These tools are tested extensively, and computational results provided show their effectiveness compared with state-of-the-art literature.
Acre: Novas narrativas e perspectivas
Authors: Costa Bezerra Jirlany Marreiro 
Published: May 2022

A resenha aborda de forma crítica o livro: Acre, Formas de Olhar e Narrar: Natureza e História nas Ausências” (2020) do Doutor Francisco Bento da Silva, fruto do seu pós-doutoramento em História pela Universidade do Rio de Janeiro, onde aborda novos olhares e narrativas sobre o Acre.
Three-axis closed-loop optically pumped magnetometer operated in the SERF regime
Authors: Yan Yeguang , Lu Jixi , Zhang Shaowen , Lu Fei , Yin Kaifeng , Wang Kun , Zhou Binquan , Liu Gang 
Published: May 2022

We propose a three-axis closed-loop optically pumped magnetometer with high sensitivity. The closed-loop magnetometer has a three-axis sensitivity of approximately 30 fT/Hz1/2 using two orthogonal laser beams for pumping and probing the alkali metal atoms. In the closed-loop mode, the dynamic range is improved from ±5 nT to ±150 nT. The bandwidth is increased from about 100 Hz to over 2 kHz with 10 kHz modulation fields in x- and y-axes and another 6 kHz modulation field along the z-axis. Compared with single-axis or dual-axis magnetometers, the proposed magnetometer not only provides the direction and magnitude of the magnetic field but also has high robustness in a challenging environment. The magnetometer has applications in biomagnetic measurements, magnetic resonance imaging, and fundamental physics.
Combining rapid diagnostic tests to estimate primary and post-primary dengue immune status at the point of care
Authors: Biggs Joseph R. , Sy Ava Kristy , Ashall James , Santoso Marsha S. , Brady Oliver J. , Reyes Mary Anne Joy , Quinones Mary Ann , Jones-Warner William , Tandoc Amadou O. , Sucaldito Nemia L. , Mai Huynh Kim , Lien Le Thuy , Thai Hung Do , Nguyen Hien Anh Thi , Anh Dang Duc , Iwasaki Chihiro , Kitamura Noriko , Van Loock Marnix , Herrera-Taracena Guillermo , Menten Joris , Rasschaert Freya , Van Wesenbeeck Liesbeth , Masyeni Sri , Haryanto Sotianingsih , Yohan Benediktus , Cutiongco-de la Paz Eva , Yoshida Lay-Myint , Hue Stephane , Rosario Z. Capeding Maria , Padilla Carmencita D. , Sasmono R. Tedjo , Hafalla Julius Clemence R. , Hibberd Martin L. 
Published: May 2022

Background
Characterising dengue virus (DENV) infection history at the point of care is challenging as it relies on intensive laboratory techniques. We investigated how combining different rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) can be used to accurately determine the primary and post-primary DENV immune status of reporting patients during diagnosis.

Methods and findings
Serum from cross-sectional surveys of acute suspected dengue patients in Indonesia (N:200) and Vietnam (N: 1,217) were assayed using dengue laboratory assays and RDTs. Using logistic regression modelling, we determined the probability of being DENV NS1, IgM and IgG RDT positive according to corresponding laboratory viremia, IgM and IgG ELISA metrics. Laboratory test thresholds for RDT positivity/negativity were calculated using Youden’s J index and were utilized to estimate the RDT outcomes in patients from the Philippines, where only data for viremia, IgM and IgG were available (N:28,326). Lastly, the probabilities of being primary or post-primary according to every outcome using all RDTs, by day of fever, were calculated. Combining NS1, IgM and IgG RDTs captured 94.6% (52/55) and 95.4% (104/109) of laboratory-confirmed primary and post-primary DENV cases, respectively, during the first 5 days of fever. Laboratory test predicted, and actual, RDT outcomes had high agreement (79.5% (159/200)). Among patients from the Philippines, different combinations of estimated RDT outcomes were indicative of post-primary and primary immune status. Overall, IgG RDT positive results were confirmatory of post-primary infections. In contrast, IgG RDT negative results were suggestive of both primary and post-primary infections on days 1–2 of fever, yet were confirmatory of primary infections on days 3–5 of fever.

Conclusion
We demonstrate how the primary and post-primary DENV immune status of reporting patients can be estimated at the point of care by combining NS1, IgM and IgG RDTs and considering the days since symptoms onset. This framework has the potential to strengthen surveillance operations and dengue prognosis, particularly in low resource settings.