bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustainable development between sports facilities and ecological environment based on the dual carbon background
Authors: Zheng Lin-Hong , Guo Shu-Ting , Feng Xiao-Wei , Xu Yue-Yun , Nor Mohammad Nazri Mohd , Abidin Nor Eeza Zainal
Published: January 2024

This paper presents data on the sports facilitiesand ecological environment of nine prefecture-level cities in China, during 2013–2020, in the context of China's "Dual Carbon" strategy. It analyzes the temporal representation of the coupling coordination evolution of sports facilities and ecological environment in Fujian Province using the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree model. Additionally, it constructs an index system for evaluating sports facilities and the ecological environment, using a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, such as economics, sociology, and geography. The results shows that that the coupling coordination between sports facilities and the ecological environment in China exhibits regional development imbalances and gradually evolving towards a highly coupling coordinated quality type. In addition, population and economy as influencing factors have a clear positive effect on the degree of coupling coordination. This paper also provides several recommendations to develop in a more orderly and optimal direction based on the different characteristics of sports facilities and ecological environment.
A Severe and Chronic Socio-Economic Crisis with no End in Sight, How Much Can Lebanese People Take?
Authors: Saade Sabine , Parent-Lamarche Annick , Feghali Laetitia
Published: January 2024

Purpose
People in Lebanon have been facing what has been dubbed one of the most severe socio-economic crises since the 21st century. Over the past few years, suicide rates have spiked, fueled by deteriorating working and living conditions. Research conducted on the mental health of populations residing in low-income countries is meager. Amongst these countries, very little research has examined the repercussions of a severe socio-economic crisis on Lebanese people's mental health.
Methods
For the purpose of this study, we conducted a multiple regression analysis. The multiple regression analysis allowed us to verify the association between several independent variables (work-related, macro-economic variables, life stressors and family income) and our dependent variables (stress and psychological distress). We also ran mediation analysis to examine the indirect role our variables could play on psychological distress via their effect on stress.
Results
Through a community sample of workers, lack of access to electricity due to the crisis was found to be associated with stress. Similarly, stress related to the crisis, deteriorating working conditions, job insecurity, lack of internet access, and other life stressors were also found to be associated with a higher level of psychological distress. Higher family income and recognition at work seemed to be associated with a lower level of psychological distress. Lastly, lack of access to electricity seemed to be positively associated with psychological distress via stress related to the socio-economic crisis.
Conclusion
The impact of the current situation could have broad implications for a large number of low-income countries.
Comparison of efficacy between beractant and poractant-alfa in respiratory distress syndrome among preterm infants (28-33+6 weeks gestational age) using the less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) technique: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: saha Bijan , Zamal Ashadur , Sk Md Habibullah , Hazra Avijit
Published: January 2024

Objective: Exogenous surfactant therapy is vital in managing respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants, with less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) gaining popularity. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and short-term outcomes of LISA using beractant and poractant alfa.
Study Design: In a randomized controlled trial , we enrolled preterm infants (28-33+6 weeks) with RDS requiring surfactant. LISA was employed, with beractant at 100 mg/kg or poractant-alfa at 200 mg/kg. Primary outcome was the need for intubation within 72 hours.
Results: Among 120 infants, 3.3% in both groups required intubation within 72 hours (p value 1.00, 95% CI 0.14 - 6.86). No significant differences in secondary outcomes were noted, except a trend towards increased necrotizing enterocolitis with beractant . Beractant was significantly more economical.
Conclusion: Beractant and poractant-alfa exhibit similar efficacy in LISA for preterm infants with RDS. Economic considerations, especially in LMICs, favour beractant.
The trial is registered in the clinical trial registry of India (CTRI/2023/03/050375).
Fiscal Policy as a Tool for Gender Equity in El Salvador
Authors: Robayo-Abril Monica , Tribin Ana Maria , Oliva Jose Andres
Published: January 2024

This paper analyzes fiscal incidence in El Salvador through a gender lens using the Commitment to Equity model. The study aims to identify fiscal policies that promote gender equality and facilitates evidence-based policy recommendations aimed at reducing gender disparities and promoting more inclusive fiscal policies. The analysis shows that fiscal policy is not pro-poor, as it can lead to a 3.1 percentage point increase in overall poverty using the US$6.85 2017 purchasing power parity poverty line, disproportionately impacting particular groups. Households headed by single women with at least one child under six years old experience a poverty rate increase of 4.3 percentage points, reaching an alarming rate of 42.7 percent. An increasing gender gap in poverty rates is also observed among households where women are the sole providers. The results show that the net fiscal system can increase the incidence of poverty among this group by 4.3 percentage points. In comparison, it increases by only 2.3 percentage points among their male counterparts. A microsimulation exercise of potential fiscal reforms to improve the welfare position of these households reveals that a fiscal package eliminating indirect subsidies, social security exemptions for vulnerable groups, and conditional cash transfers to households that meet certain conditions could reverse these unfavorable outcomes.
JEL classification: H22, I38, D31
Designing a KAP (Knowledge, attitude, and practice) tool to capture healthy lifestyle within primary care
Authors: Alnuaimi Ahmed Sameer , Syed Muslim Abbas , Syed Mohamed , Mohamed Hafiz Ahmed , Zainel Abduljaleel Abdullatif
Published: January 2024

Background: Non-communicable diseases contribute to a significant global burden of disease and are associated with modifiable risk factors. These risk factors are closely related with lifestyles and eating patterns which are often culturally embedded and managed differently in various health care settings.
Aim of the study: To assesses the applicability and feasibility of the KAPS (Knowledge, attitude, and practice) survey in generating data about knowledge, attitudes, and practices about healthy lifestyles globally and providing foundations for testing other models or development of a newer model in this area which captures and influence behavior changes towards healthy lifestyles.
Methods: The KAP survey was tailored to capture the construct of healthy lifestyles (within the context of Qatar primary care settings) by reviewing existing surveys, adaptation to local context, expert consultation and feedback, pilot testing, feedback analysis, cognitive interviews and translation and validation.
Results: The study reports that most participants found the content comprehensive, relevant, easy to understand but considered it lengthy. The study highlights the significance of incorporating expert feedback in this exercise, acknowledging that it is an iterative process and recognizing the challenges associated with the items and domains included in such a tool.
Conclusion: A KAP tool specifically designed for healthy lifestyles can aid in health advocacy, monitoring the modifiable risk factors, capturing rich epidemiological data to design preventive interventions, surveillance of high risks patients and strengthening the existing health information systems. Further research is needed to modify and formulate a KAP specifically for healthy lifestyles with stronger validity and generalizability within different healthcare settings globally.
Optimizing Cystic Fibrosis Care: Role of Weight Gain in Lung Health: A Multifaceted Analysis
Authors: Movahed Mahtab Ghorban , Ali Ahya Abdi , Ghazanfari Tooba , Modaresi Mohammadreza
Published: January 2024

Background
Weight gain appears to play a crucial role in enhancing lung health in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). Currently, CF care centers predominantly focus on facilitating weight gain, often resorting to a high-calorie and high-fat diet. This approach is rooted in the observed impact of weight gain, specifically on the augmentation of FEV1% and FVC%, ultimately leading to an improvement in the pulmonary condition of the patients. This study investigated the intricate interplay among age, BMI, blood factors, cytokines, FEV1%, and FVC%.
Methods
In this study, 60 children and adults (aged 3–42 years) with CF were examined. Patients were stratified based on body mass index (BMI) into two groups: adequate weight (BMI = 18.5–24.9) and underweight (BMI < 18.5). Factors such as FVC%, FEV1%, age, ileus, pancreatic problems, diabetes status, blood factors, and some cytokines were tested in the two groups, and the relationships between factors with significant correlations, such as BMI, FVC%, FEV1%, age, blood factors, and cytokines, were tested.
Results
The findings of the study revealed that overweight and obese patients with adequate weight exhibited a greater average age. This group had better lung health and lower platelet counts than did the underweight group. Furthermore, investigations of parameters in all patients revealed that as age increased, there was an observable increase in BMI, FEV1%, and FVC% with a decrease in platelet count, IFN-γ, and IL-4. Interestingly, there was no significant correlation between BMI and cytokine levels. A positive correlation was observed between platelet count and TGF-β concentration, indicating that the platelet count increases with increasing TGF-β concentration. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between FVC and IFN-γ and between FVC and IL-4, indicating that an increase in FVC corresponded to elevated levels of these cytokines.
Conclusions
Patient age and facilitation of weight gain appear to exert considerable influence on critical disease-related factors, including lung status, platelet count, and cytokine levels. Our results emphasize the importance of a nutrient-rich diet in addition to standard treatments for patients with CF. Increased BMI may have a positive impact on inflammatory factors and lung health, contributing to symptom reduction and overall disease improvement.
New insights into the role of the CHI3L2 protein in invasive ductal breast carcinoma: the CHI3L1 protein has a different role
Authors: Rusak Agnieszka , Kątnik Ewa , Górnicki Tomasz , Schmuttermaier Christina , Kujawa Krzysztof , Piotrowska Aleksandra , Ratajczak-Wielgomas Katarzyna , Kmiecik Alicja , Wojnar Andrzej , Dzięgiel Piotr , Kzhyshkowska Julia
Published: January 2024

Purpose
Chitinase-like proteins have multiple biological functions that promote tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis. Expression of CHI3L2, which is similar in structure to CHI3L1, is detected in glioma cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in glioma and breast cancer. However, its exact role remains unclear.
Methods
We analyzed the expression of CHI3L2 in 74 invasive ductal breast carcinoma (IDC) tumors, breast cancer and macrophages cell cultures using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blot and PCR methods. Clinicopathologic data were included in the analysis.
Results
The results obtained show that CHI3L2 expression decreases with increasing degree of tumor grade and negative status of estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PR). Furthermore, CHI3L2 is significantly and positively correlated with phosphorylation of STAT-3 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, but negatively correlated with macrophage infiltration. Furthermore, CHI3L2 is expressed both in the cytoplasm of cancer cells and in macrophages. Analysis of the clinicopathologic data revealed that CHI3L2 levels had no effect on patient survival.
Discussion
CHI3L2 expression may be specific for cancer cells in IDC and involved in cross-talk with the tumor microenvironment. Our study has shown that IDC cancer cells express the CHI3L2 protein, possibly indicating a novel function of this protein.
The influence of Obesity, Diabetes Mellitus and Smoking on Fuchs Endothelial Corneal Dystrophy (FECD)
Authors: Zwingelberg Sarah , Lautwein Barbara , Baar Till , Heinzel-Gutenbrunner Monika , Brandenstein Melanie , Nobacht Simiak , Matthaei Mario , Cursiefen Claus , Bachmann Björn
Published: January 2024

Purpose:
To detect environmental factors, which may be possible risk factors in the disease course of Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD).
Methods:
Evaluation of patients with FECD registered in the FECD genetics database of the Center for Ophthalmology, University Hospital Cologne. For the evaluation, disease onset, central corneal thickness (CCT), best spectacle corrected visual acuity (BSCVA, logMAR), and modified Krachmer grading (grades 1-6) were correlated with the presence of diabetes mellitus (DM), body mass index (BMI), and smoking behavior. To put the age-related increase in Krachmer grading into perspective, a correction of grading were formed. Depending on the variables studied, differences between groups were examined by Mann-Whitney U test and chi-square test. The significance level was 5%.
Results:
403 patients with FECD were included in the analysis. The mean age at diagnosis was 63.1 ±13.2 years. The female-to-male ratio was 1.46:1. Patients with a BMI > 30.0 kg/m² developed FECD significantly earlier than patients with a BMI < 30 kg/m²,p = 0.001. Patients with DM showed significantly more often an Krachmer grade of 5, p = 0.015. Smoking had a negative effect on Krachmer grading (p = 0.024). Using the mediation analysis, the presence of DM correlated Krachmer Grade 5 (p = 0.015), and the presence of DM correlated with BMI > 30.0 kg/m2 (p = 0.012).
Conclusions:
In addition to smoking and DM our study shows for the first time a negative impact of obesity on the development of FECD. Whether dietary interventions can influence the development or progression of the disease needs to be investigated in future studies.
Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes of immune-complex membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and C3 glomerulopathy in Japanese children
Authors: Ueda Chika , Horinouchi Tomoko , Inoki Yuta , Ichikawa Yuta , Tanaka Yu , Kitakado Hideaki , Kondo Atsushi , Sakakibara Nana , Nagano China , Yamamura Tomohiko , Fujimura Junya , Kamiyoshi Naohiro , Ishimori Shingo , Ninchoji Takeshi , Kaito Hiroshi , Shima Yuko , Iijima Kazumoto , Nozu Kandai , Yoshikawa Norishige
Published: January 2024

Background Membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) can be divided into immune-complex MPGN (IC-MPGN) and C3 glomerulopathy (C3G), which include dense deposit disease (DDD) and C3 glomerulonephritis (C3GN), respectively. These conditions result from abnormalities in different complement pathways and may lead to different prognoses. However, there are limited studies describing the respective clinical courses.
Methods In this study, Japanese pediatric patients diagnosed with MPGN based on kidney biopsies conducted between February 2002 and December 2022 were reclassified as having IC-MPGN or C3G (DDD or C3GN). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical characteristics and outcomes of these patients.
Results Out of 25 patients with MPGN, three (12.0%) were diagnosed with DDD, 20 (80.0%) with C3GN, and two (8.0%) with IC-MPGN. There were 13 (65.0%) patients and one (33.3%) patient in remission after treatment for C3GN and DDD, respectively, and no patients with IC-MPGN achieved remission. The median follow-up period was 5.3 (2.5-8.9) years, and none of the patients in either group progressed to an estimated glomerular filtration rate < 15 ml/min/1.73m2. Patients with C3GN presenting mild to moderate proteinuria (n=8) received a renin-angiotensin system inhibitor (RAS-I) alone, and these patients exhibited a significant decrease in the urinary protein creatinine ratio and a notable increase in serum C3 levels at the last follow-up.
Conclusions The majority of patients with MPGN were diagnosed with C3GN. The remission rate for C3GN was high, and no patients developed kidney failure, indicating favorable outcomes. Additionally, it was suggested that patients with mild pediatric C3GN could be treated with RAS-I alone.
Long non-coding RNA TUG1 induces ferroptosis in hippocampal neurons and depressive-like behaviors by facilitating the ubiquitination of DUSP14
Authors: Mei Si-qing , Yu Qing-yuan , Sun Ting , Peng Rui
Published: January 2024

Background Previous research has established that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in major depressive disorder (MDD; however, the underlying effects of lncRNA Taurine Upregulated Gene 1 (TUG1) on MDD have yet to be fully evaluated. Here, we investigated how TUG1 triggers the dysfunction of neurons and depressive-like behaviors and determined the molecular mechanisms involved.
Methods The expression levels of TUG1 were determined in the serum samples of MDD patients by high-throughput RNA sequencing. Then, we investigated the function of TUG1 in MDD by microinjecting TUG1 lentivirus into the hippocampi of experimental mice. In addition, neuronal ferroptosis was investigated by determining the levels of ROS, GSH, and MDA. Finally, interactions between TUG1 and DUSP14 protein were validated by RNA immunoprecipitation and DUSP14 ubiquitination in neurons was analyzed by co-immunoprecipitation.
Results TUG1 was significantly increased in the hippocampal tissues of CUS mice and the peripheral blood of MDD patients and had important clinical significance for diagnosing MDD. The knockdown of TUG1 notably ameliorated hippocampal ferroptosis and depressive-like behaviors triggered by CUS. In vitro, low expression levels of TUG1 attenuated the neuronal ferroptosis induced by corticosterone by promoting the expression of DUSP14 and GPX4 expresion. Moreover, The overexpression of both DUSP14 and GPX4 reduced neuronal ferroptosis in cells overexpressing DUSP14. Mechanistically, TUG1 interacts with DUSP14 to facilitate its ubiquitination and trigger its degradation.
Conclusion Our data define the functional link between TUG1 and ferroptosis in the context of MDD and suggest that TUG1 may represent a novel therapeutic target for MDD.
Exogenous HMGB1 promotes pancreatic cancer progression by supporting the crosstalk between tumor and myeloid-derived suppressor cell
Authors: Wang Faming , Wei Wei , San Tao , Li Liqin , wang ning
Published: January 2024

Background
The main reasons pancreatic cancer (PC) is difficult to treat are high tissue fibrosis and a strong immunosuppressive microenvironment. Therefore, it is necessary to elucidate the cause and mechanism of tumour immunosuppressive microenvironment formation. High-mobility group Box 1 (HMGB1) is a highly conserved nuclear protein that is widely distributed in mammalian cells and plays an important role in tumours. However, the functions and mechanisms of HMGB1 in the PC tumour microenvironment remain controversial. Here, we report a novel role for HMGB1 in the formation of the PC immune microenvironment.
Methods
In this study, the HMGB1 expression level of samples was detected in PC patients and TCGA database. The relative expression of HMGB1 in serum and tissues was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Flow cytometry was used to detect the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells in tumours from PC xenograft mouse models treated with HMGB1. Vascular density and cytokine expression levels in tumour tissues were measured by immunohistochemistry (IHC). HMGB1-associated differentially expressed genes from the GEPIA database were used to analyse GO terms and KEGG pathways. Subsequently, the expression of related proteins was detected by Western blotting.
Results
The expression level of HMGB1 was higher in PC tumours than in normal tissues. High levels of HMGB1 predict poor overall survival in PC patients, suggesting its potential clinical significance in PC prognosis. The mouse model results show that HMGB1 significantly promotes tumour growth. We further found that CD69+CD8+ T cells were markedly decreased in HMGB1-treated mice. Furthermore, after treatment with HMGB1, the infiltration of immunosuppressive myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) into tumour tissues was increased. The IHC results showed that HMGB1 promoted the expression of intracellular inflammatory factors and neovascularization. Mechanistically, the results indicated that HMGB1 significantly enhanced the expression of CXCL2 chemokines that attract MDSCs to tumours. HMGB1 upregulates CXCL2 expression through the MAPK pathway.
Conclusion
In conclusion, HMGB1 plays an unexpected role in cancer metastasis by promoting microvessel formation and cytokine CXCL2 expression mediated by the MAPK pathway to recruit MDSC aggregation, which in turn creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Thus, HMGB1 may be an important mediator and a potential therapeutic target for regulating PC progression.
An investigation into the Digital Financial Literacy of employed individuals in rural India: A case study focusing on Mayurbhanj district.
Authors: Mohakud Menka , Biswal Santosh Kumar
Published: January 2024

Objective: The present study analyzed the level of digital financial literacy of salaried persons working in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. It was also aimed to explore online threat experience, benefits of digital transaction and barriers of digital payments.
Methodology: Digital financial literacy was measured using three basic factors: knowledge and usage of digital financial services, awareness of digital financial risk and self-protection. For measurement of digital financial literacy 120 samples were selected using purposive sampling method and data were collected using structured questionnaire. Out of the collected data, 16 filled up questionnaires were rejected due to insufficient information and 104 valid responses were used for the analysis. The data were analyzed using SPSS.
Results: Through the survey, it was found out that only 21.2 percent respondents have high digital financial literacy level where as 27.9 percent respondents have average digital financial literacy and 51 percent respondents have low level of digital financial literacy. During the survey it was also found out that 10.6 percent respondents have been victim of digital financial frauds and phishing scam is common among other scams with 19.2 percent.
Conclusion: Digital financial literacy is one of the very basic skills which is required to be acquired by everyone in this digital era. 94.2 percent of the respondents have received scam messages out. Salaried persons having constant income and bank account with regular transactions can be easy target of the scammers.
Cellulosic Materials from Cigarette Butts for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: D’Urso Flavia , Giordano Michele , Oliviero Maria , Iaccarino Paolo , Maio Ernesto Di , Sansone Lucia
Published: January 2024

In this work we describe the recovery of cellulose acetate (r-CA) polymer from waste cigarette butts (CBs) and subsequent conversion into feedstock for 3D printing technology. The extraction process for CBs includes two stages: initial washes in water, followed by additional washes in ethanol. A final step involves a dissolution and reprecipitation process, resulting in the creation of a fine powder. The recovery polymer has been analysed and compared to commercial cellulose acetate (p-CA) and unsmoked cigarette filter (u-CA) to assess its purity and examine alterations in its physicochemical properties. The CA powder has been also plasticized with different biocompatible plasticizers to improve the CA mechanical properties. We analysed the rheological properties to identify the suitable composition as feedstock for 3D printing.
Benefit finding profiles and comparison of caregiving ability among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer: A latent profile analysis
Authors: Lin Xiaoyuan , Chen Ziqing , Zhao Qi , Zhou Xiaozhou
Published: January 2024

Purpose
This study aimed to explore the benefit finding (BF) profiles among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer, identify demographic and disease characteristics, and analyze differences in caregiving ability between profiles.
Methods
This cross-sectional study selected 272 informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer. The caregiving ability and BF were measured through self-report scale, respectively. Data analysis was mainly performed using Latent Profile Analysis and multivariate logistic regression.
Results
(a) BF can be divided into three profiles: “high benefit–family and personal growth” (Profile 1, 7.7%), “moderate benefit–unclear perception” (Profile 2, 44.9%), and “low benefit–coping ability deficient” (Profile 3, 47.4%). (b) Having a co-caregiver and a disease duration of 6–12 months were more likely to belong to profile 1; caregivers of patients aged 40–60 years tended to belong to profile 2; caregivers of older patients with disease duration > 12 months and clinical stage II or III were more likely to belong to profile 3. (c) There were significant differences in the total score of caregiving ability and the scores of each dimension among the different BF profiles (p < 0.001), and the caregiving abilities of profile 1 and profile 2 were higher than profile 3.
Conclusion
There was heterogeneity in BF among informal caregivers of patients with lung cancer. Healthcare professionals can identify the key profiles of lung cancer caregivers based on characteristics such as age, clinical stage, disease duration, and co-caregiver status and enhance their caregiving ability through targeted nursing guidance.
Risk of respiratory and urinary tract infections in patients treated with docetaxel compared with afatinib: A retrospective cohort study based on an administrative claims database
Authors: Inose Ryo , Goto Ryota , Hosogi Shigekuni , Ashihara Eishi , MURAKI Yuichi
Published: January 2024

Background
The relative incidence of infection in patients treated with cytotoxic anticancer drugs and molecular targeted drugs is unclear.
Aim
To compare the incidence of respiratory and urinary tract infections in patients treated for lung cancer with docetaxel versus afatinib.
Method
Data on patients who received docetaxel or afatinib between 2010 and 2019 were obtained from an administrative claims database. After propensity score matching, the incidence of respiratory and urinary tract infections in the docetaxel and afatinib groups were compared. Factors associated with respiratory and urinary tract infections were evaluated using multivariable conditional logistic regression analysis.
Results
After propensity score matching, 855 patients were included in each group. The incidence of respiratory infections was significantly higher in the docetaxel group than in the afatinib group (22.6% [193/855] vs. 13.9% [119/855]; p < 0.01). The incidence of urinary tract infections did not differ significantly by group. Docetaxel was independently associated with a significantly increased risk of respiratory infections (adjusted odds ratio: 1.68, 95% confidence interval: 1.23–2.29), but not urinary tract infections.
Conclusion
Patients receiving docetaxel for lung cancer have an increased risk of developing respiratory infections. Further basic research is required to elucidate the mechanism underlying this increased risk.
Evaluating Space Time Cluster and Co-occurrence of Malaria Vectors of West Bengal in India
Authors: Maiti Meghna , Roy Utpal
Published: January 2024

Background
Malaria, a prominent Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) causing over a million annual deaths worldwide, predominantly affects vulnerable populations in the least developed regions. Despite their preventable and treatable nature, malaria remains a global public health concern. In the last decade, India has faced a significant decline in malaria morbidity and mortality. As India pledged to eliminate malaria by 2030, this study examined a decade of surveillance data to uncover space-time clustering and seasonal trends of Plasmodium vivax and falciparum malaria vectors in West Bengal.
Methods
Seasonal and Trend decomposition using Loess (STL) was applied to detect seasonal trend and anomaly of the time series. Univariate and multivariate space-time cluster analysis of both vectors was performed at block level using Kulldorff's space-time scan statistics from April 2011 to March 2021 to detect statistically significant space-time clusters.
Results
From the time series decomposition, a clear seasonal pattern is visible for both vectors. Statistical analysis indicated considerable high-risk P. vivax clusters, particularly in the northern, central, and lower Gangetic areas. Whereas, P. falciparum was concentrated in the western region with a significant recent transmission towards the lower Gangetic plan. From the multivariate space-time scan statistics, the co-occurrence of both vectors was detected with four significant clusters, which signifies the regions experiencing a greater burden of malaria vectors.
Conclusions
This non-random distribution underscores the urgency for dynamic monitoring and targeted interventions. Significant geographical and spatiotemporal heterogeneity was evident for both malaria vectors, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches. Identifying co-occurring clusters offers crucial insights into disease risk, paving the way for focused control initiatives. Addressing the drivers of malaria transmission in these diverse clusters demands regional cooperation and strategic strategies, crucial steps towards overcoming the final obstacles in malaria eradication.
Expression Characteristics and Biological Functional Role of FLG in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Xia Nan , Li Hao , Gao Linlin , Yuan Yuan , Shang Hong
Published: January 2024

Background
Filaggrin gene (FLG) plays a fundamental role and is associated with tumor malignant progression and maybe used as a new diagnostic biomarker for many cancers. Nevertheless, the characteristics and biological function in Gastric Cancer (GC) have not yet been elucidated. Thus, we focus on FLG expression, the association with immune infiltration and biological functions in GC.
Methods
The TCGA and GTEx databases were used to identify the mRNA expression of FLG in GC. We used the HPA database to identify the protein expression of FLG in GC. The Cox regression, Kaplan-Meier and nomogram prediction model were used to analysis the relationship between FLG and survival. We also used the logistic regression to analyze the relationship between FLG expressions and pathological features. FLG genetic modification information was derived from the cBioPortal and the GSCALite database. The relationship between FLG expression and microsatellite instability (MSI), DNA methyltransferases, immune-related genes, tumor mutational burden (TMB) were analyzed. The ESTIMATE and other two methods were evaluated the association between FLG expression and the immune infiltrating cells. The protein-protein interactions between Interacting Genes/ proteins (STRING) were established using the Search Tool. The FLG pathways were analyzed using GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The ceRNA networks were identified in TCGA database. We performed differential expression of FLG and explored the biological role in tumor malignant progression of GC cells.
Results
We demonstrated that FLG is up-regulated in GC cells and significantly related with worse prognosis. Genetic alterations may lead to abnormal expression of FLG. Meanwhile, the expression of FLG was strongly correlated with immune characteristics. Moreover, FLG has many molecular functions and participates in many signaling pathways. In the cytology experiments, we found that silencing FLG expression largely inhibits GC cell metastasis via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling pathway.
Conclusion
FLG is a novel and useful biomarker for prognosis, immune infiltration and malignant progression of GC.
Benchmark and Validation of State-of-the-art Muscle Recruitment Strategies in Shoulder Modelling
Authors: Lavaill Maxence , Pizzolato Claudio , Bolsterlee Bart , Martelli Saulo , Pivonka Peter
Published: January 2024

Shoulder muscle forces estimated via modelling are typically indirectly validated against measurements of glenohumeral joint reaction forces (GHJ-RF). This validation study benchmarks the outcomes of several muscle recruitment strategies against public GHJ-RF measurements. Public kinematics, electromyography, and GHJ-RF data from a selected male participant executing a 2.4 kg weight shoulder abduction task up to 92° GHJ elevation were obtained. The Delft Shoulder and Elbow Model was scaled to the participant. Muscle recruitment was solved by 1) minimizing muscle activations squared (SO), 2) accounting for dynamic muscle properties (CMC) and 3) constraining muscle excitations to corresponding surface electromyography measurements (CEINMS). Moreover, the spectrum of admissible GHJ-RF in the model was determined via Markov Chain Monte-Carlo stochastic sampling. The experimental GHJ-RF was compared to the resultant GHJ-RF of the different muscle recruitment strategies as well as the admissible stochastic range. Admissible GHJ-RF spanned 21 to 659% of body weight (%BW), excluding the experimental GHJ-RF up to 40 degrees of humeral elevation. Joint force RMSE were between 23 (CMC) and 27%BW (CEINMS). At high elevation angles, CMC (11%BW) and CEINMS (14%BW) performed better than SO (25%BW). A guide has been proposed to best select muscle recruitment strategies. Overall, CMC and CEINMS were the two most accurate methods in terms of predicted GHJ-RF, especially at high elevation angles. SO performed best at low elevation angles. In addition, stochastic muscle sampling provided critical information on the shoulder model capabilities and the consistency between model and experimental data.
Neurological Outcome of Children with Abnormal Head Imaging Undergoing Cardiac Surgery on Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Hubara Evyatar , Halavy Yael , Mishali David , Keizman Eitan , Katz Uriel , Pessach Itai , Bar-Yosef Omer
Published: January 2024

Background
Neurodevelopmental disability in congenital heart disease (CHD) is concerning, with potential neurological issues arising during or post-surgery. This study explores the relationship between pre-surgery abnormal brain findings and post-surgical neurological outcomes in CHD children.
Methods
A retrospective study included pediatric cardiac intensive care unit patients with abnormal preoperative head imaging. A control group was established using a one-to-one matching approach, considering age, cardiac lesion, and type of surgery as criteria. Data encompassed demographics, cardiac lesions, surgical details, imaging findings, and neurological outcomes.
Results
During the study period, 19 patients with abnormal preoperative head imaging were identified. No notable distinctions were observed in terms of illness severity between study and control groups. The study group demonstrated a statistically significant increase in the length of hospitalization, a prolonged duration for the initiation of oral feeds and the attainment of complete oral feeds. Pre and Post-operative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), Pediatric Cerebral Performance Category (PCPC), and Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure (PSOM) scores exhibited greater impairment in the study group. However, no significant differences were observed in the time required to return to baseline GCS or the magnitude of change in PCPC and PSOM scores between preoperative and postoperative assessments.
Conclusion
Pediatric patients with abnormal head imaging experience prolonged hospitalization after cardiac surgery on bypass. The surgical procedure may have a minor influence on their short-term neurological status. Further investigation is needed to understand the implications of abnormal head imaging in these patients.
Spatio-temporal dynamics of water spread area and its implications on the ecosystem services of a tropical hypersaline lagoon
Authors: Munnooru Kumaraswami , Vijay Akhilesh , Gera Anitha , Panda Uma Sankar , Venkata RamanaMurthy Mallavarapu
Published: January 2024

Pulicat Lagoon, a tropical lagoon on India's southeast coast, has undergone substantial changes in its water spread area and salinity levels over decades. This study employs Landsat satellite imagery to analyze both long-term trends from 1991, 2001, and 2019 and short-term seasonal variations between September 2018 and July 2019. The long-term changes in water spread area in summer were estimated by the Normalized Difference Water Index, which varied from 311.1 sq. km to 389.2 sq. km. During 1991 and 2001, normal to excess rainfall in the northeast monsoon increased water spread area and salinity reduction. The seasonal analysis during 2018–2019 varied from a maximum of 491 sq. km during the North-East Monsoon to a minimum of 309 sq. km during the summer season. Findings indicate that Pulicat Lagoon is undergoing significant ecological changes marked by reduced water area and altered salinity. These transformations impact provisioning, regulating, and cultural ecosystem services. Challenges include economic and food security issues, vulnerability to climate-related disasters, cultural disruption, and ecological health. To address these challenges, comprehensive strategies are essential, including sustainable water management, preserving freshwater inflow, and ongoing salinity monitoring. These efforts are critical to safeguard the unique biodiversity of Pulicat Lagoon and maintain its ecological equilibrium.
Impact of pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 deletions in diagnosis of asymptomatic malaria among school children in Osun State, Nigeria
Authors: Fuente Irene Molina-de la , Akindele Akeem Abiodun , Ta-Tang Thuy-Huong , García Luz , Gonzalez Vicenta , Cruces Raquel , Sossou Ibukun Temitope , Adedokun Samuel Adeyinka , Capote-Morales Raquel , Benito Agustín , Nassar Sulaiman adebayo , Berzosa Pedro
Published: January 2024

Background Nigeria has a high prevalence of malaria, being asymptomatic patients one of the possible reservoirs of malaria. In that context, accurate diagnosis is essential for malaria control. Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) efficacy is being threatened by false negatives due topfhrp2andpfhrp3deletions. This study aims to describe malaria in asymptomatic school children in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria and to assess the performance of malaria diagnosis, including the characterization ofpfhrp2andpfhrp3deletions. Methods 350 dried blood spot (DBS) samples from school children were used for malaria diagnosis using microscopy, RDT and PCR. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated for microscopy and RDT using PCR as gold standard.Pfhrp2andpfhrp3deletions were analysed for allP. falciparum-positive samples. Results Malaria prevalence among asymptomatic school children in Osun state was 89%. Considering PCR as gold standard, microscopy presented better sensitivity 100% (86% for RDT) but RDT had better specificity 76% (60% for microscopy). Deletion frequency ofpfhrp2exon among all samples was 41.5%, and 52.8% forpfhrp3exon. But deletion frequency among false negatives by RDT was lower, 3% forpfhrp2, 5% forpfhrp3and 2% for doublepfhrp2andpfhrp3deletions. Conclusions Malaria has a high prevalence in asymptomatic school children, being a potential hotspot for malaria. Combination of RDT and microscopy could increase the accuracy of malaria diagnosis. Deletions inpfhrp2andpfhrp3are highly common in Osun state, but their impact on RDT results is still limited. More surveillance studies are recommended to assess the contribution of asymptomatic children to malaria transmission and the impact of deletions.
Validation of a sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire for track and field athletes
Authors: Jayawardena Ranil , Weerasinghe Kalani , Trakman Gina , Madhujith Terrence , Hills Andrew P , Kalupahana Nishan Sudheera
Published: January 2024

Background
Proper validation of a newly developed sports nutrition knowledge questionnaire is crucial to ensure that health professionals and coaches can confidently assess athletes' nutrition knowledge, which is known to impact athletes' food choices. This study aims to validate the Athletic-Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (A-SNKQ), specifically tailored for Sri Lankan track and field athletes.
Methods
Content validity was determined by translating the ratings of items by sports nutrition experts into a content validity index. Face validity was assessed via in-depth telephone interviews with elite track and field athletes, using a retrospective think-out-loud protocol. Three groups—doctors with post-graduate qualifications in human nutrition (NTG), banking professionals (NNTG), and elite or semi-elite track and field athletes (AG)—were engaged for the execution of construct validity. Cronbach's alpha was calculated to assess internal consistency, and the correlation coefficient between the two test attempts (test-retest reliability) was determined to evaluate reproducibility.
Results
The final tool comprised 123 individual items, formulated as 32 questions within 12 sub-sections. Content validity was confirmed by fully integrating 49 out of 70 comments received for each sub-section and partially integrating 4 comments. Face validity was established by fully integrating 33 comments out of the total (n = 40) received from 16 athletes. Construct validity was confirmed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, indicating significant differences in the total scores achieved as a percentage of the A-SNKQ among the NTG (462.5, 92.5%), NNTG (223.5, 44.7%), and AG (235, 47.0%; p < 0.001). Reproducibility was established by strong test-retest reliability between individuals' scores on two test attempts, three weeks apart (r = 0.98, p < 0.05). Internal reliability for each sub-section met psychometric reliability requirements (Cronbach's α > 0.7).
Conclusion
The A-SNKQ meets all psychometric measures, providing a new, valid, and reliable tool to assess general and sports nutrition knowledge among Sri Lankan track and field athletes.
The tandem–random transition of cellular patterning: Roles of N-cadherin-based orientational cell adhesions in the development, maintenance, and degeneration of the nucleus pulposus
Authors: Wei Xiangyun
Published: January 2024

Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration can cause low back and neck pain. In IVD degeneration, the most affected component of IVDs is the nucleus pulposus (NP). Derived from the notochord, where cells organize into a tandem configuration, the NP contains cells clustered in 3-dimensional (3D) networks embedded in a gelatinous matrix. Here, we summarize the current understanding of NP development, homeostasis, physiology, and degeneration as well as the roles of cell adhesion molecule N-cadherin in these processes. We hypothesize that N-cadherin contributes to the architectural transition from the notochord to the NP by switching from mediating tandem orientational cell adhesions (OCAs) to random OCAs. The 3D clustering of NP cells may facilitate N-cadherin to act as a mechanosensor to modulate NP gene expression under mechanical stresses. We also highlight some open questions on N-cadherin functions in the NP. Answering these questions helps with developing measures to prevent and treat IVD degeneration.
Evaluation of ERA5 and MERRA-2 Reanalysis Datasets over the Aegean Region, Türkiye
Authors: TULGER KARA Gülşah , ELBİR Tolga
Published: January 2024

Reanalysis products are among the most-used datasets in the atmospheric sciences since they comprehensively describe the observed climate at sub-daily intervals in a region. Two reanalysis datasets, namely, the fifth generation of European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) atmospheric reanalysis of global climate (ERA5) and Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, version 2 (MERRA2), were evaluated for the representation of air temperature at 2 m, mean sea level pressure and wind speed over the Aegean Region of Türkiye during the period 1963–2020. Hourly reanalysis data were compared with observations in 19 meteorological stations in the region. Several statistical parameters, such as root mean square error (RMSE), correlation coefficient (R), and mean bias error (MBE), were used to evaluate the performances of the datasets. The results indicated that air temperature and mean sea level pressure are generally better represented by the MERRA-2 reanalysis in the region, whereas the ERA5 reanalysis dataset better represents wind speed. MERRA-2 had lower RMSE and slightly better performance at 11 stations with high R (>0.98) for mean sea level pressure. The MERRA-2 reanalysis dataset had a high overall R (>0.94) for air temperature and performed better at 12 stations. The overall regional R-value for the ERA5 wind speed dataset was 0.58, and ERA5 showed better performance at 13 individual stations for wind speed. Our results guide which reanalysis dataset better represents the regional climate characteristics for selected parameters.
Taşıtlarda Üç Mafsallı Moment İletim Performansının Kinematik Analizi
Authors: KARAOĞLAN Mustafa Umut , KURALAY Nusret Sefa
Published: January 2024

Özellikle uzun aks aralığına sahip taşıtlarda moment iletiminin kesintisiz ve hız düzgünsüzlüğünün minimum olması için iki mafsala sahip tek kardan mili yerine parçalı şekilde üç mafsala sahip iki kardan milinin kullanımı gerekmektedir. Bu çalışmada, üç mafsallı tahrik iletim hattına sahip bir taşıtın moment iletim performansı, çeşitli bağlantı yükseklikleri ve mil açılarına göre gerçekleştirilen kinematik analizlerle belirlenmiştir. Bu amaçla öncelikle teorik olarak üç farklı tahrik bağlantı alternatifi için hesaplamalar yapılmıştır. Ayrıca ilk alternatif için bulunan sonuçlar, kardan mili test düzeneği üzerinden alınan sonuçlarla karşılaştırılarak, sonuçların doğrulanması gerçekleştirilmiştir. Her üç tasarım için giriş dönüş açısına bağlı kardan mili çıkış dönüş açısı değişimleri hesaplanmıştır. Bu çalışma ile üç mafsallı tahrik iletim hattına sahip araçlarda, orta mafsal konumu ve bağlantı açılarının değişimine bağlı olarak açısal hız değişimleri incelenerek kullanıcılara hız düzgünsüzlüğü düşük ve verimli bir tahrik iletim hattı tasarımı için örnek oluşturulması amaçlanmıştır.
Klinker Öğütmede Küresel Bilyaya Alternatif Olarak Küresel Dörtyüzlü Bilya Kullanımının Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ENGİN Vedat Taylan , MALAYOĞLU Ufuk
Published: January 2024

Bu çalışmada, küresel dörtyüzlü bilyaların klinker öğütmedeki etkisi araştırılmıştır. Boyut küçültmenin, bilyaların şeklinden çok değirmen hızı ve değirmen yapısı ile ilişkili olduğu saptanmıştır. Küresel dörtyüzlü bilyaların küresel bilyaların yerine kullanılarak öğütme ürünleri üzerindeki etkisi her iki bilya tipi için zamana bağlı öğütme testleri yapılarak araştırılmıştır. Her iki ortamda, benzer öğütme şartlarında, öğünme karakteristiği incelenmiştir. Öğütme işlemi açısından iki farklı ortam için çok önemli farklar olmadığı tespit edilmiştir. Dolayısıyla mevcut küresel ortamlarla çalışan sistemlerde değişikliğe gitmek riskli bir operasyon olmakla birlikte, yeni kurulacak olan sistemlerde diğer alternatiflerle beraber küresel dörtyüzlü bilyalar da öğütücü ortam olarak kullanılabilir.