bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impaired metabotropic glutamate type 5 receptor signaling in the dorsal striatum of the R451C-neuroligin 3 mouse model of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Meringolo Maria , Montanari Martina , D'Antoni Simona , Martella Giuseppina , Atiallah Ilham El , Ponterio Giulia , Tassone Annalisa , Reverte Ingrid , Caprioli Daniele , Strimpakos Georgios , Pieroni Luisa , Catania Maria Vincenza , Bonsi Paola
Published: January 2025

Human genetics indicates enrichment of synaptic pathway-related mutations in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Accordingly, several preclinical studies have reported synaptic alterations in different brain areas of relevant ASD mouse models. In particular, we previously showed that corticostriatal long-term synaptic depression is impaired in the dorsal striatum of mice carrying the ASD-associated R451C mutation in the NL3 gene, coding for the postsynaptic protein neuroligin 3. Here, we used behavioral, proteomic, biochemical, and electrophysiological approaches to explore the dorsal striatum-dependent functions in the R451C-NL3 knock-in mouse model of ASD.
A detailed behavioral analysis confirmed striatum-dependent alterations in these mice. We further explored the synaptic function in the dorsal striatum, disclosing modifications of the glutamatergic postsynaptic density protein composition and the impairment of different forms of corticostriatal long-term synaptic plasticity involving the activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, namely activity-dependent depression and potentiation, and pharmacological 3,5-DHPG-induced synaptic depression. Notably, activation of group I metabotropic glutamate receptors was not able to potentiate NMDA receptor-mediated currents. Protein expression levels of type 5 metabotropic glutamate receptor were reduced at striatal synapses, whereas the protein level and function of glutamate ionotropic receptors were unaltered. Overall, our findings point to a significant impairment of metabotropic glutamate receptor type 5 signaling in neuroligin 3 knock-in mice, affecting the dorsal striatum circuitry, that has been implicated in several autism-related behaviors.
Evaluation of the Pharmacokinetics, Pharmacodynamics, and Safety of Vadadustat in Patients With Anemia Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease Receiving Hemodialysis
Authors: Navarro-Gonzales Pamela , Chavan Ajit , Wang Don , Burke Steven , Dykstra Kevin
Published: January 2025

Background
Vadadustat is an oral hypoxia-inducible factor prolyl hydroxylase inhibitor for treatment of anemia in dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease (CKD) with a starting dose of 300 mg once daily (dose adjustments up to 600 mg). A recent phase 1b study evaluated the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of higher vadadustat doses (500–900 mg) in healthy volunteers. Here we report the pharmacokinetic (PK), pharmacodynamic (PD), and safety characterization of higher doses of vadadustat in patients with CKD receiving dialysis.
Methods
This phase 1b, randomized, open-label study evaluated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of vadadustat (600, 750, or 900 mg) in patients with CKD-related anemia receiving hemodialysis over a 10-day treatment period. Eligible patients were randomized 2:2:2:1 to vadadustat 600, 750, 900 mg daily or an intravenous erythropoiesis-stimulating agent, respectively. For vadadustat groups, blood samples for PK and PD analyses were collected on Day 1 and Day 8. PK analyses included area under the plasma concentration time curve (AUC) from dosing to last quantifiable concentration and to infinity, and to maximum plasma concentration (Cmax). PD analyses measured serum erythropoietin (EPO), hemoglobin, and red blood cells (RBCs). Safety assessments included adverse events in the safety population (patients who received ≥1 dose of study drug).
Results
In the vadadustat groups, a dose-dependent increase in plasma exposure of vadadustat (Cmax and AUC), with modest accumulation, was observed on Day 1 and Day 8. Vadadustat increased plasma EPO concentrations, with a variable EPO response observed in each group. Relative to baseline, mean hemoglobin and RBC levels remained unchanged, with no significant changes observed in any treatment group. Vadadustat was well-tolerated.
Conclusions
The current study characterized the PK and PD response (EPO and reticulocytes) and safety profile of vadadustat at doses of 600, 750, and 900 mg in patients with CKD receiving dialysis. Overall, vadadustat was well tolerated. These findings will contribute to the development of higher-dose regimens for further investigation in phase 3 studies.
Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT03992066; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03992066; Updated September 9, 2020. Accessed November 22, 2024.
GraphVelo allows for accurate inference of multimodal omics velocities and molecular mechanisms for single cells
Authors: Xing Jianhua , Chen Yuhao , Zhang Yan , Gan Jiaqi , Ni Ke , Chen Ming , Bahar Ivet
Published: January 2025

RNA velocities and generalizations emerge as powerful approaches for extracting time-resolved information from high-throughput snapshot single-cell data. Yet, several inherent limitations restrict applying the approaches to genes not suitable for RNA velocity inference due to complex transcriptional dynamics, low expression, or lacking splicing dynamics, or data of non-transcriptomic modality. Here, we present GraphVelo, a graph-based machine learning procedure that uses as input the RNA velocities inferred from existing methods and infers velocity vectors lying in the tangent space of the low-dimensional manifold formed by the single cell data. GraphVelo preserves vector magnitude and direction information during transformations across different data representations. Tests on multiple synthetic and experimental scRNA-seq data including viral-host interactome and multi-omics datasets demonstrate that GraphVelo, together with downstream generalized dynamo analyses, extends RNA velocities to multi-modal data and reveals quantitative nonlinear regulation relations between genes, virus and host cells, and different layers of gene regulation.
Randomized Study of Apatinib plus Ifosfamide and Etoposide versus Ifosfamide and Etoposide in Patients With Advanced Osteosarcomas (OAIE/PKUPH-sarcoma 11)
Authors: Tang Xiaodong , Xie Lu , Xu Jie , Sun Xin , Liu Kuisheng , Sun Kunkun , Li Yuan , Liu Rong , Wang Du , Shao Shurong , Chen Zhongjiang , Pang Zheng , Zhou Guangxin , Wu Sujia , Hua Yingqi , Hu Haiyan , Wei Ran , Yang Yi , Ji Tao , Guo Wei
Published: January 2025

Background: Retrospective analysis have indicated potential benefits of combining apatinib, a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with ifosfamide and etoposide (IE) for advanced osteosarcoma. This study aims to compare the efficacy of apatinib plus IE versus IE alone in patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma.
Methods: This multicenter, randomized controlled trial (NCT05277480) involved patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma, who had progressed on first-line chemotherapy, typically comprising high-dose methotrexate, doxorubicin, cisplatin with or without ifosfamide (MAP/I). Participants were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either apatinib plus IE or IE alone. The apatinib plus IE group received 500 mg of oral apatinib daily, along with ifosfamide (1.8 g/m²/day) and etoposide (100 mg/m²/day) d1-3 q3w. The IE group received the same daily regimen d1-5 q3w. The primary endpoint was median progression-free survival (mPFS).
Results: From April 2022 to August 2023, 81 patients were enrolled, with 53 receiving apatinib plus IE and 28 receiving IE alone. With median follow-up of 19.9 months, the mPFS was 5.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.9 to 6.4) for the apatinib+IE, compared to 3.4 months (95% CI, 1.4 to 4.6) for single IE (hazard ratio, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.37 to 0.98; P=0.0402). The median OS was 18.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.7 to 25.2) for apatinib+IE, compared to 22.9 months (95% CI, 19.3 to NE) for single IE (hazard ratio, 1.48; 95% CI, 0.76 to 2.89; P=0.2493). The incidence of neutropenia and thrombocytopenia was similar between two groups. Quality of life assessments revealed significant improvements in global health status in apatinib+IE.
Conclusion: Combining apatinib with IE significantly enhances PFS in patients with relapsed or refractory osteosarcoma post MAP/I chemotherapy, maintaining an acceptable safety profile.
Assessing Health Risks from Heavy Metals and Arsenic in Polished Rice: A Focus on the South Bengal Region, India
Authors: Mondal Priyabrata , Mondal Nil Sadhan , Majumder Arunabha , Roy Pankaj Kumar
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the presence of arsenic and other heavy metals in polished rice from regions of West Bengal, India, traditionally not known for arsenic contamination. Given the significant health risks posed by heavy metal contamination, this research provides critical insights into the quality of polished rice available in Kolkata, Purulia, and Birbhum districts. Polished rice samples were collected from Kolkata, Purulia, and Birbhum districts to evaluate the quality of polished rice by examining heavy metal contamination within the food chain. Using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), it was found that 98% of rice samples were contaminated with arsenic, with concentrations ranging from 0.163 to 0.986 mg/kg. Additionally, the concentrations of chromium, lead, and cadmium exceeded the maximum permissible limits. The study also assessed the incremental cancer risk and hazard index for adults and children using the Monte Carlo simulation technique. The results indicated that, compared to the lower risk threshold set by the USEPA, the risk is 2–13 times higher for males, 2–16 times higher for females, and 0.45–2 times higher for children. The hazard index was greater than 1 for both adults and children. Finally, the presence of heavy metals and arsenic was confirmed through Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), and Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) analyses. From a societal perspective, this study enhances understanding of arsenic contamination in locally sourced polished rice, potentially mitigating health risks for communities of West Bengal.
Prevalence of Congenital Malaria in an Urban and a Semirural Area in Lagos; a Two-centre Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Omidiji Moyinolorun Oluwakayode , Lesi Afolabi , Esezobor Christopher , Fajolu Iretiola , Oyibo Wellington , Daramola Adetola
Published: January 2025

Background Congenital malaria is a recognized cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns. Signs and symptoms of congenital malaria are non-specific and could be confused with Neonatal sepsis. There has been a recent decline in malaria burden worldwide attributed to a new strategy recommended by the WHO including the use of intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy using Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPT-SP) during pregnancy, long lasting insecticide treated nets (LLINs), malaria case management with Artemisinin-based combination therapy etc. This study sets out to determine the effect of this changes on the prevalence of congenital malaria in two centres in Lagos, Nigeria. Methods Using a cross-sectional observational descriptive design, a total of 291 mother and newborn pairs were enrolled from an urban area and a semi-rural area in Lagos between April and October 2014. About three-fifths of the total study population was derived from the urban centre. A predesigned questionnaire was used to extract basic physical and demographic information such as the use of IPT-SP during pregnancy. Malaria microscopy was carried out on the maternal blood samples, and;.the corresponding newborns’ heel prick and cord blood samples while the placenta tissues were examined for malaria pigments. Results Malaria parasitaemia, cord blood and congenital malaria were 0.34%, 0% and 0% respectively while that of placental malaria pigmentation was 18.9%. Placental malaria incidence was less in mothers who received IPT-SP in pregnancy (p = 0.016). Placental malaria incidence was higher in mothers ≤ 24 years (p = 0.044) and the less educated women had a higher prevalence of placental malaria (p = 0.001). The incidence of placental malaria was higher in the semi-rural area (92.7% v 7.3%, p = < 0.0001). Newborns of mothers with placental malaria had lower birth weight (2881.8 v 3100.7 g, p = 0.020) and smaller head circumference (34.3 v 35.1 cm, p = 0.006) Conclusion- This study demonstrated a significant decline in the prevalence of congenital malaria reflecting the recently reported decline in the burden of malaria in the general population in Africa. Use of IPT-SP during pregnancy, urban area residence and higher educational status appear to have been protective against malaria. A regular surveillance is however necessary considering the dynamics involved in malaria drug resistance.
Efficacy of a Novel Continuous Irrigation Mode in Endoscopic Ear Surgery for External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma
Authors: Zeng Nan , Yang Qiong , Zhang Lue , Hu Jing , Tang Mingxing , Li Shuo , Yan Shang
Published: January 2025

Purpose
To evaluate the application and efficacy of a novel continuous irrigation mode in endoscopic ear surgery for external auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC).
Methods
A retrospective analysis of 66 patients undergoing surgery for EACC at Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital (January 2022 – December 2023) was conducted. Patients were divided into two groups of 33 each: continuous irrigation mode (experimental) and non-irrigation mode (control). Key metrics included intraoperative lens cleaning frequency, operation duration, postoperative complications, epithelialization time(defined as the external auditory canal having no exudate and the granulation tissue on its surface being covered by normal skin tissue), hearing improvement,cleaning frequency within 6 months, and recurrence rate of external auditory canal cholesteatoma .
Results
The experimental group demonstrated shorter operation time, fewer lens cleanings, reduced complication rates, faster epithelialization, and lower postoperative cleaning frequency (P < 0.05). Hearing improvement and recurrence rates were comparable between groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
The novel continuous irrigation mode significantly enhances surgical efficiency, safety, and outcomes in EACC management, with potential for broad application in primary healthcare settings.
Evaluation of kidney injury and metabolomic analysis in adulthood in a non-obese hyperglycemic mouse model after birth with low birthweight
Authors: Shimizu Shoichi , Nagano Nobuhiko , Katayama Daichi , Matsuda Kengo , Tokunaga Wataru , Nakazaki Kimitaka , Aoki Ryoji , Fuwa Kazumasa , Morioka Ichiro
Published: January 2025

Background
Low birthweight infants have high risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in later in life, however, the pathogenesis of this disease remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism using a low birthweight-non-obese hyperglycemic adulthood mouse model.
Methods
Pregnant ICR-strain mice underwent uterine artery ligation at day 16.5 of gestation to induce fetal hypoxia (ischemic group, I). Female newborns were weaned at 4 weeks of age and fed a normal diet until 8 weeks of age (n = 10). The group I was compared to the control group (C) regarding the body weight, tubular injury markers, renal function, pathology, and metabolome analysis.
Results
Group I were born with a low birth weight (group I: C = 1.4:1.9 g, p < 0.01), which persisted after birth. By 8 weeks of age, there were minimal changes in kidney histopathology between the two groups. However, group I showed an increase in markers for detection of CKD, such as urinary β2-microglobulin levels (group I༚C = 116:26 µg/L), albumin levels (group I༚C=0.14:0.07 mg/gCr) (both p < 0.01) and serum creatinine levels (group I༚C༝0.18:0.12 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Furthermore, kidney metabolomic analysis revealed notable differences between the two groups, particularly in succinic acid, S-adenosylmethionine, and N1-methyl-4-pyridone-5-carboxamide (4PY), which are closely linked to kidney injury.
Conclusion
The low birthweight-non-obese hyperglycemic mouse model may develop CKD in adulthood, potentially caused by increased renin activity related to succinic acid and tissue injury related to S-adenosylmethionine and 4PY.
The association between psychotic-like experiences and violent behavior in adolescents: A cross-lagged longitudinal study
Authors: Zhou Rui , Foo Jerome Clifford , Nishida Asuka , Ogawa Sayoko , Togo Fumiharu , Sasaki Tsukasa
Published: January 2025

Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) have been identified as risk factors for mental health issues and behavioral problems including violence. While cross-sectional studies suggest an association between PLEs and violent behavior in adolescents, their longitudinal relationship remains unexamined. This study aims to examine the temporal association between PLEs and violent behavior in adolescents. PLEs and violent behavior were assessed using data from self-report surveys conducted from 2011 to 2019 in a Tokyo junior and senior high school (grades 7–12). The study included 1685 participants aged 12-18 surveyed annually for up to 6 years. Random intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPMs) were used to examine between-person and within-person associations among study variables, with analyses stratified by gender. Results showed a bidirectional relationship between PLEs and violent behavior on both the between-person (p < 0.001) and within-person levels (p < 0.05). This relationship was significant for PLEs and violence towards objects (between-person: p < 0.001; within-person: p < 0.05), but not for PLEs and interpersonal violence. When analyzed by gender, these associations were significant in girls but not in boys. The findings suggested that PLEs may have a bidirectional relationship with violent behavior (especially violence towards objects), particularly in girls, indicating potential gender-specific pathways in this association. Further research should explore the underlying mechanisms of this bidirectional relationship, with a focus on gender-specific factors.
Effects of Probiotics on Markers of Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Damage Associated with Inflammation in Non-Communicable Diseases: a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Silva Natanny Swerts , Cerdeira Cláudio Daniel , Reis Tiago Marques , Rodrigues Maria Rita
Published: January 2025

Inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress (O&NS) are serious complications in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including endocrine & metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. The beneficial probiotic microbes, such as Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus, can decrease O&NS and inflammation. We conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to elucidate the effects of probiotics on O&NS and inflammation in NCDs. A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and EMBASE resulted in the inclusion of studies if they met the eligibility criteria. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Data (combined effect size) were analyzed using Meta Essentials software. Fifteen studies/16 trials with a total of 837 participants were reviewed. There was high and moderate certainty of evidence (GRADE) for the effectiveness of probiotic intervention (vs. placebo) in increasing (↑) glutathione (GSH) levels [SMD(SE) = 0.89 (0.51)/p < 0.05, 95%CI -0.23 to 2.1, I2 = 92.77%] and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) [SMD(SE) = 0. 75 (0.22)/p < 0.01, 95%CI 0.28 to 1.23, I2 = 87.50%] as well as decreased (↓) malondialdehyde (MDA) (SMD(SE) = 1.03 (0.31)/p < 0. 01, 95%CI 0.37 to 1.7, I2 = 93.88%) and C-reactive protein (hsCRP) (SMD(SE) = 0.74 (0.36)/p < 0.05, 95%CI -0.07 to 1.55, I2 = 94.32%). There was no effects on nitric oxide, 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Subgroup analysis to reduce heterogeneity indicated probiotic effectiveness on strain number (one/↑GSH), age bracket (41–60 year./↓MDA or > 61 year./↓hsCRP) and NCD (nervous system/neurodegenerative diseases/↑GSH and ↓hsCRP or rheumatoid arthritis/polycystic ovary syndrome/↑TAC). An overall low risk of bias was observed. In conclusion, probiotics may have beneficial effects on markers of O&NS and inflammation in patients with NCDs.
Healthcare seeking, associated costs and its consequences on household economy in India: design and baseline characteristics of an observational household survey
Authors: Jadaun Arun Singh , Johansson kjell Arne , Haaland Oystein A , Mohan Shyam , Mazumder Sarmila , Choudhary Tarun Shankar
Published: January 2025

Background
The high cost of care is a major barrier to access and, in extreme cases, can push families into poverty. Protection from financial hardship due to care seeking is fundamental to universal health coverage. We aim to generate high-quality evidence on care-seeking patterns and associated costs at the household and individual levels to quantify the financial risk from healthcare seeking in India.
Method
We established a cohort of 3,000 households in Haryana, India. We followed them on a monthly basis and collected data on care seeking and associated costs for all members of the household. Data on household consumption for different food and nonfood items were collected at baseline, at 6 months, and during the endline survey. A short recall period of 1 month was used to capture data for the utilization of preventive, promotive and curative healthcare services.
Results
We enrolled 15,390 individuals from 3,000 households with a mean household size of five. Most households owned their homes (95.9%) and belonged to marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (40.3%) and Other Backward Classes (26.4%). Approximately two-thirds held below poverty line (BPL) cards, and one-third were covered by health insurance. While 82.9% of individuals were literate, only 37.4% of those aged > 14 years were employed, among whom the majority were in private jobs (53.6%). The average monthly consumption expenditure was ₹ 26031; 310.7 USD. Most care-seeking was for communicable and maternal/neonatal diseases (62.2%), with 72.9% relying on informal care sources. Among those who sought care, expenses associated with inpatient care averaged ₹ 13,354.7,159.4 USD (105 individuals), higher than those associated with outpatient (₹ 4882.4; 58.3 USD; 1087 individuals) and informal care (₹ 829.3; 9.9 USD; 4571 individuals).
Conclusion
We have established a prospective cohort to generate robust, context-specific evidence on out-of-pocket health expenditures, care-seeking patterns, and associated costs in India. Our cohort is comparable to national-level surveys for key parameters such as age and sex distribution. Here, we describe the study design, plan of analysis and baseline characteristics of the enrolled cohort at the household and individual levels.
Effects of physically active lessons and active breaks on cognitive performance and health indicators in elementary school children: A cluster randomized trial
Authors: Melo João Carlos Nascimento , Tejada Julian , Silva Ellen Caroline Mendes , Nascimento José Ywgne Vieira do , Oliveira David Nunes , Gandarela Larissa , Silva Danilo Rodrigues Pereira da
Published: January 2025

Background
This cluster-randomized trial investigated the effects of active breaks and physically active lessons on cognitive function and health indicators in elementary school children in Aracaju, SE.
Methods
Six schools were randomly divided into three groups: 1) active breaks (n = 61), which consisted of short physical activity intervals during classes; 2) physically active lessons (n = 77), which combined physical activity with educational content; and 3) control (n = 46), which followed the traditional curriculum. The interventions were conducted over eight weeks. Cognitive function was assessed via reaction time and correct responses on five computerized tests: visual search, Go/NoGo, mental rotation, cueing positive, and digit span. Physical activity was measured by pedometers and the Web-CAAFE questionnaire. Quality of life, daytime sleepiness, and school perception were also evaluated as secondary outcomes. Generalized estimating equation models were used, with a significance level of 5%.
Results
The physically active lesson group showed significant improvements in inhibitory control on the Go/NoGo test (∆ = -104.5 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.50) and in working memory on the DigitSpan test (∆ = 0.62 hits; p < 0.001; d = 0.44). The physically active lessons and active breaks groups showed significant improvements in spatial reasoning on the mental rotation test (∆ = -1967.5 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.72, and ∆ = -1477.8; p < 0.001; d = 0.54, respectively). All groups demonstrated significant improvements in spatial orientation on the Cueing Posner test, with the largest effect in the physically active lessons group (∆ = -386.4 ms; p < 0.001; d = 0.69).
Conclusion
The study concluded that physically active lessons improved various cognitive functions, whereas active breaks, although less impactful, are still a beneficial strategy without adverse effects.
Trial registration:
Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC trial: RBR-10zxwdrh, retrospectively registered on 2025-01-09, https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-10zxwdrh).
Research on the effect of social capital on public tuberculosis prevention and control practices based on stimulus‒organism‒response theory
Authors: Gu Zhuoting , Zhu Lihong , Ren Feilin , Wei Qi , Cao Ruofei , Zhang Yuxuan , Dong Jiale , Chen Aiqi
Published: January 2025

Background
The burden of tuberculosis has emerged as a significant challenge in the domain of global public health, particularly in developing nations. Hence, the prevention and control of TB are delayed. The current study is based on the SOR theory and
aims
to explore how social capital affects TB prevention and control practices. The goal of this investigation is to offer theoretical support and practical guidance for future strategies
aim
ed at preventing and controlling TB.
Methods
This study employed a multi-stage stratified random sampling method to implement a questionnaire survey combining online and offline surveys on 3179 study participants. Based on the SOR theory, the chain mediation effect model of TB knowledge reserves and TB prevention and control attitudes between social capital and TB prevention and control practices was constructed and empirically evaluated using SPSS27.0 software.
Results
The findings of this study suggest that social capital positively contributes to TB prevention and control practices. Both the knowledge reserves regarding TB and control attitudes act as mediators between social capital and TB prevention and control practices. Additionally, the TB knowledge reserves and control attitudes function together in a chain mediation effect between social capital and TB control practices.
Conclusions
To eliminate tuberculosis by 2030, government and public health organizations must actively promote prevention and control efforts. Support from all sectors of society is essential. Public awareness through education and reducing discrimination against patients are crucial steps. Additionally, scientific research is needed to identify more effective prevention and treatment methods to increase cure rates and reduce transmission. Achieving these objectives is vital for safeguarding global health and reaching the goal of tuberculosis elimination.
Anomaly Detection with Variational Autoencoders
Authors: Nettey David Adlai , Ansong Edward Danso
Published: January 2025

Credit card fraud has emerged as a pervasive threat, impacting financial institutions and individuals as online banking and payment methods become increasingly integral to daily life. Despite efforts to mitigate this problem through measures like passwords and two-factor authentication, financial institutions continue to suffer substantial losses, often amounting to millions of dollars. Traditional machine learning solutions, developed and trained as supervised learning models, have failed to address this issue effectively. In anomaly detection, such as credit card fraud detection, the available training datasets are vast but inherently imbalanced, posing a formidable obstacle for supervised learning models in developing accurate hypothesis functions during model training. In response to this challenge, we propose an alternative approach using unsupervised machine learning models, specifically the Variational Autoencoder. In our study, we constructed the Encoder and Decoder components of our VAE using deep neural networks, implemented and trained with pre-processed data using the TensorFlow and Keras libraries. Our model's effectiveness was assessed using the AUC-PR score, yielding a robust score of 88%. Additionally, we subjected our model to an accuracy test on a test dataset, achieving a commendable accuracy score of 78%. The results of our study underscore the viability of unsupervised learning models, particularly VAE, for credit card fraud detection, demonstrating their potential as a machine learning solution to mitigate credit card fraud. This research offers a promising avenue for bolstering security measures in financial transactions and reducing the impact of fraudulent activities.
The association between Lipid accumulation products and Migraine Risk : results from the 1999-2004 NHANES analysis
Authors: Yang Shiqiang , Liu Yanwei , Wang Shiqiang , Peng Hua , Zhou Hu , Hui Xuhui , Yang Anqiang
Published: January 2025

Background:Lipid accumulation Products(LAP) is a novel indicator of obesity. Migraine is a debilitating neurological disorder associated with severe pain. The relationship between LAP and migraine is unclear. This study used the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 1999-2004 to explore the relationship between Lipid accumulation products and migraine.
Methods: This study used data from adults in NHANES from 1999 to 2004 for analysis. Logistic multiple regression analysis and restricted cubic spline (RCS) models were used in the study to elucidate the relationship between LAP and migraine. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the results.
Results: Eventually 5660 participants entered the final analysis. 1129 (19.9%) cases reported having migraine or severe headaches. Based on the results of weighted Logistic analyses, a nonlinear relationship of type U between LAP and migraine was observed. When LAP was used as a continuous variable, its ratio OR= 1.001, 95% CI: 1 to 1.002, p = 0.191. LAP tertiles were grouped. Both the T1 group with lower LAP (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.02-1.29, p = 0.011) and the T3 group with higher LAP (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.12-1.59, p = 0.008) had a higher incidence of migraines compared to the medium group(T2). Results remained stable in models adjusted for multiple covariates.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated a U-shaped like non-linear relationship between LAP and the occurrence of migraine.Lower and higher LAP were positively associated with elevated migraine occurrence. These findings are noteworthy for migraine prevention.
Application of next-generation sequencing-based technologies for the identification of cereal-based allergens
Authors: Tang Yuxin , Kang Wenhan , Wu Shaozong , Lei Hongtao , Yu Ning , Chen Ying
Published: January 2025

Cereal allergy has a high prevalence and incidence of sensitization worldwide, posing a serious safety risk to cereal-allergic populations. Multiple cereal allergens are often present in foods, and the complex matrix of cereal allergen-containing foods can easily affect identification. At the same time, processed foods are susceptible to contamination with trace amounts of cereal allergens such as wheat and buckwheat. Therefore, it is imperative to accurately identify multiple cereal allergens in foods. It has been shown that next-generation sequencing technologies can identify multiple species components at once and quantify species components relative to each other by relative abundance. In summary, four cereal allergens, including barley, wheat, buckwheat and sweet buckwheat were identified in the study using next-generation sequencing technology. The results showed that: ① this method can simultaneously identify wheat, barley, buckwheat, and sweet buckwheat allergens in the samples and determine the high or low content of the target allergens in the samples; ② the detection limit is as low as 0.1%; ③ is suitable for the detection of commercially available food products contain cereal allergens. In conclusion, this method provides solid and robust technical support for detecting cereal-like allergens in foods, reducing the possibility of exposure to target allergens.
A Simulation Environment for Robot-Assisted Endovascular Interventions
Authors: Pescio Matteo , Li Chenhao , Kundrat Dennis , Casadio Maura , Dagnino Giulio
Published: January 2025

Purpose
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality globally. Advances in interventional radiology and endovascular devices have made endovascular procedures effective alternatives to traditional open surgery, leading to their routine application in clinical practice. Within this framework, novel technologies, including robotic platforms and navigation software, have been developed to assist clinicians in executing endovascular interventions with improved dexterity, enhanced guidance, and superior clinical training, ultimately yielding better patient outcomes.
Methods
This study aims to develop a model-based simulation environment within the SOFA Framework, to enable shape and force sensing for endovascular robotic procedures. The vascular catheter was modeled using beam theory and realistic interactions between the catheter and vascular models were established using the Finite Element Method (FEM) with both linear elastic and nonlinear hyper-elastic models. Experiments measured contact forces and positional changes during catheter insertion, comparing anatomical deformations with simulation results.
Results
Experimental tests validated the simulated force and displacement measurements. The catheter contact force showed an absolute error of 0.0371 N (30.45%). Catheter tip displacement averaged 3.1 mm, and the proximal segment’s Fréchet distance averaged 3.6 mm. For the anatomical model, the Elastic FEM model performed best, with deformation measurement errors of 34%, 19%, and 59% across three different force scenarios.
Conclusion
The results indicate that the integration of advanced physical modeling, realistic human-robot interactions, and enhanced computational capabilities will facilitate the development of innovative solutions, enabling clinicians to achieve greater accuracy and reliability in minimally invasive surgical (MIS) applications, particularly in endovascular interventions.
Key Determinants of Nutritional Status Among Children Under Five in Uganda: Insights from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Aboda Carol , Semakula Henry Musoke , Wasswa Hannington , Nakibuule Betty
Published: January 2025

Background: Despite concerted efforts by the Ugandan government to combat child malnutrition, it remains a persistent and significant public health challenge. The persistence of child malnutrition in Uganda is attributed to deep-rooted factors which have not been adequately examined. Using data from the 2016 Uganda Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS), this study analyzes the determinants of nutritional status among children under five, focusing on stunting, wasting, and underweight as key indicators.
Methods:This study focused on 4324 children under five. The UDHS dataset used in this study was the Kids Recode file. Stunting, wasting and underweight were the dependent variables whose z-scores, where categorized based on WHO growth standards. The independent variables extracted included characteristics of the child, mother and household. Descriptive analysis was performed to generate summarized statistics, while inferential statistics by way of bivariate analysis were performed to assess the association between the outcome and the independent variables using the chi-square test, and multivariable logistic regression modelling to determine the magnitude of the associations after controlling for other covariates. All analyses considered the survey sampling design and sampling weights, and were conducted in Stata version 18.
Results: Children whose mothers attained a university level education had 330% higher odds of being stunted. Children whose mothers were Anglican had 160% higher odds of being underweight. Children who were given fortified baby food had higher odds (15.6 times) of being stunted. The odds of children being underweight increased by 350% if they resided in North Buganda. Children whose households had refrigerators, had higher odds (4.0 times) of being underweight. The odds of children being wasted reduced between 40% and 60% if they were fed with eggs, potatoes, cassava, or other tubers.
Conclusions: The results highlight areas of intervention that can reduce child malnutrition in Uganda and these include: promoting family-friendly policies, such as maternity leave and breastfeeding support in workplaces; caregivers should be educated on how to properly use fortified baby foods as part of a balanced diet; nutrition programs should promote the inclusion of eggs, tubers, as part of a balanced diet.
Assessment of Urban Fire Risk Coverage and Accessibility through a Network and Spatial GIS Analysis of the Distribution of Fire Stations Case Study ( Irbid City – Jordan)
Authors: Gharaibeh Sora
Published: January 2025

This research addresses the growing demand for enhanced urban fire risk management in Irbid city, Jordan, which has seen significant population growth due to rural-urban migration and the influx of refugees from Syria. As urban expansion heightens fire risks, effective spatial planning for emergency response infrastructure becomes crucial. The study proposes a comprehensive model for urban fire risk mapping at the city scale, employing an integrated approach that combines Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Network Analysis, GIS Spatial Analysis, and Simple Additive Weighting (SAW). These methodologies are applied to evaluate and optimize the spatial distribution of fire stations across Irbid. The model incorporates six key components critical to fire risk assessment: population density, historical fire incident data, land-use patterns, adjacency of buildings, vertical building density, and accessibility. By leveraging these variables, the model aims to provide a nuanced analysis of urban fire risks. It also addresses limitations related to time constraints, challenges in accessing high-quality data, and difficulties in accurately representing population density variations across small geographical distances. The findings of the study, based on a classification system dividing the city into nine fire risk categories, suggest that new fire stations should be strategically located in densely built-up, central areas, rather than in peripheral zones. This spatial prioritization is designed to enhance emergency response coverage and mitigate fire hazards more effectively. The research contributes to urban planning by offering a data-driven framework that supports decision-makers in optimizing fire station placement, thereby improving overall fire risk management in Irbid.
Risk prediction of postoperative renal dysfunction based on preoperative lipid profiles in renal transplant recipients: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Hong , Zhang Haoxiang , Li Ronghua , Zhuo Lin , Liu Ling , Tan Ling , Li Rongrong , Zhang Sai
Published: January 2025

Background
Renal dysfunction is a frequent complication after kidney transplantation, leading to poor prognosis and increased mortality. Abnormal blood lipids are closely related to renal dysfunction, yet their associations and mechanisms among renal transplant recipients remain unclear. This study aimed to establish an effective risk prediction model for renal dysfunction among RTRs based on abnormal lipid profiles using machine learning.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study recruited a cohort of 345 RTRs and followed up for one year after renal transplantation. Patients' demographic and clinical characteristics, including blood lipids, were retrieved from the electronic medical record system and analyzed using machine learning. Renal dysfunction was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 mL/min /1.73 m2. The cohort was randomly split into training (n = 276) and validation (n = 69) groups at a 4:1 ratio. Predictors of renal dysfunction were determined using three ML models: RandomForest, XGBoost, and LightGBM.
Results
During the one-year follow-up, 193 (55.9%) patients had renal dysfunction. A total of 20 demographic and clinical variables were selected to screen for significant predictors of renal dysfunction, and five were retained, including age, gender, HDL-C, non-HDL-C, and LDL-C, based on which a nomogram was developed. The nomogram showed good diagnostic performance with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87 in the training group and 0.81 in the validation group.
Conclusions
Our study showed that preoperative lipid profiles predicted postoperative renal function among RTRs, based on which we developed a risk prediction model. The model can quickly identify high-risk RTRs with renal dysfunction, which is crucial for optimizing patient management and improving the prognosis.
Sensor with strong solid emission for fluorescence colormetric detection of 1, 4-dioxane in Water and vapor based on the Keto-Enol isomerisation
Authors: Wang Jing , Zong Zi-Ao , Huang Shi-Fu , Muddassir Mohd. , Xing Zhi-Yong , Li Na-Na , Jiang Wen Qiong
Published: January 2025

In this work, an easy prepared solid fluorescent sensor 3-(benzo[d]thiazol-2-yl)-1-hydroxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydrophthalazine-6-carboxylic acid (BPCA) was designed and synthesized and the structure was proved by IR, UV-Vis, NMR, HRMS and elemental analysis, which displayed high selectivity and sensitivity for fluorescence colormetric from green to blue sensing 1, 4-dioxane in water, and the detection limit was obtained 0.009% and the stability constant was 7.4×104 M. Also, sensor BPCA was applied for the real-time monitoring 1, 4-dioxane vapor with apparent fluorescent color change from green to blue. The mild and specific chemical interaction between sensor BPCA and 1, 4-dioxane molecule allowed the sensor as portable chips to respond 1, 4-dioxane vapor with good selectivity over other common VOCs at room temperature. Also, the sensing mechanism based on the 1, 4-dioxane-induced keto-enol tautomerization of the phthalazine moiety was found and supported by DFT calculations.
Statistical Characteristics of K6 as an Explanatory Variable in the United States and China
Authors: stern steven , lu xin
Published: January 2025

We consider many ways to use K6 as an explanatory variable in equations for marriage and employment. We find that a) it is inappropriate transform K6 into a binary variable; b) it is inappropriate to add the K6variables into a single sum of Lykert scales; c) there are serious issues associated with using each of the K6 variables separately; and d) each possible way to use K6 has critical issues making its use problematic.
Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com Tuberculose na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil
Authors: Holanda Júlia Kiara da Nóbrega , Souza Lara Danúbia Galvão de , Oliveira Ocimar Lopes de , Fernandes Viton Dyrk Guimarães , Ribeiro Ana Beatriz Bomfim Gomes , Santos Carla Graciele , Palmeira Júlia Tavares , Oliveira Filho Abrahão Alves de
Published: January 2025

A tuberculose é uma doença crônica, infecciosa, transmitida entre humanos através da via respiratória e uma das principais causas de morte no mundo. O presente estudo buscou traçar o perfil epidemiológico de indivíduos com tuberculose residentes no estado da Paraíba. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal, retrospectivo e descritivo. Utilizou-se de procedimento de documentação indireta. Os dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação foram obtidos mediante consulta aos sítios do DATASUS para os anos de 2015 a 2019, foram consultadas as variáveis: gênero, faixa etária, ano de ocorrência, zona de residência, coinfecção Tuberculose/Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana, forma da doença e situação de encerramento, em todas as 16 regiões de saúde da Paraíba e tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel versão 2016, em seguida, tratados e analisados de maneira descritiva, correlacionando as variáveis estudadas. Foram notificados 6772 casos com diagnóstico de tuberculose na Paraíba, com prevalência de casos de tuberculose em indivíduos do gênero masculino, representando 70,90% das notificações. 87,27% dos indivíduos com tuberculose residem na zona urbana, o maior número de casos ocorre entre indivíduos de 25 a 34 anos (23,31%). Quanto ao grupo étnico-racial, pardos destacaram-se como 71,05% dos pacientes com tuberculose. Destacou-se também a frequente não realização do Teste anti-HIV em pacientes com tuberculose na Paraíba (20,51%). Observou-se que 27,96% dos pacientes tiveram a situação de encerramento do caso ignorada nos registros. Portanto, é imprescindível que o sistema de saúde aprimore as medidas específicas direcionadas aos pacientes de tuberculose, para que não sejam negligenciados.
Odontoma como Causa de Retenção Prolongada de Dente Primário: Relato de Caso Clínico
Authors: Santana Jéssica Silva , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo , Nagata Mariana Emi , Pessan Juliano Pelim , Morais Leonardo Antônio de , Cavazana Thamires Priscila , Sampaio Caio , Hosida Thayse Yumi
Published: January 2025

A retenção prolongada refere-se à permanência de um dente decíduo na cavidade oral além do período normal para sua esfoliação. Os odontomas são tumores odontogênicos benignos, considerados anomalias de desenvolvimento e não são verdadeiras neoplasias. A etiologia dos odontomas está associada a traumas, infecções ou pressão, que podem perturbar o mecanismo genético responsável pelo desenvolvimento dentário, devido à mutação de um ou mais genes. O objetivo deste relato é descrever um caso de retenção prolongada do dente 51 causada pela presença de um odontoma na região anterior da maxila. Um paciente do sexo masculino, com 9 anos de idade, procurou a clínica de Odontopediatria da Faculdade de Odontologia de Araçatuba (FOA-UNESP) com queixa de retenção prolongada do dente 51, com inchaço na região. No exame clínico, observou-se um leve abaulamento na área do dente 51, sem dor ou sangramento espontâneo e com a mucosa de coloração normal. No exame radiográfico, foi possível notar três estruturas radiopacas envoltas por um halo radiolúcido localizadas entre as raízes dos incisivos centrais e laterais superiores permanentes. Inicialmente, a hipótese diagnóstica foi de cisto dentígero, mas a radiografia confirmou tratar-se de um odontoma composto. O tratamento realizado consistiu na exérese cirúrgica da lesão, com preservação das estruturas dentárias adjacentes. Este caso, destaca a importância da atenção odontológica preventiva para possibilitar um tratamento menos invasivo, especialmente porque os odontomas são assintomáticos e podem levar à retenção prolongada dos dentes decíduos e impactação dos dentes permanentes.