bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and factors associated with self-medication among physicians in selected Hospitals of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: Tefera Dawit Bekele , Gebreegziabher Mahlet Arkebe , Mamo Biniyam Tedla , Adem Abebawork Getachew , Azerefegn Ewnet Ferdu , Wodabo Bezawit Wondimu , Abebaw Tsega-ab
Published: June 2024

Background: Self-medication is the selection and use of medications to manage self-diagnosed illnesses or symptoms. It often doesn’t properly cure illnesses rather has added risks including iatrogenic diseases, masking of developing diseases, poisonings, adverse reactions, and development of resistance. Despite this, there is a lack of comprehensive data on self-medication among physicians in Ethiopia.
Aim: To assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-medication, among physicians in selected hospitals of Addis Ababa.
Study setting and Methods: An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted, in four governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa. A total of 447 physcian has participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were used to describe study variables. Additionally, bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with self-medication. A P- value< 0.05 was set to declare statistical significance.
Results: The prevalence of self-medication among physicians was 262 [58.3% ( 95%, CI 53.9-63.2)] in a 3-month recall period. The most common reasons were saving time 60.3%, taking self-medication as a norm 51%, high cost of paraclinical services 70.5% and poor quality of service at health facility 73.6%. The odds of practicing self-medication were nearly two times higher among physicians on specialty training program (resident physcians) than those who are full time employees in the hospitals,(AOR 1.70, 95% CI:1.10- 2.60).
Conclusion: The study revealed a high prevalence of self-medication practice and physicians on specialty training program were more prone to self-medicate. This association suggests the importance of addressing the problem within teaching hospitals
Incidence and prevalence of hepatitis C and B infections among men who have sex with men and transgender women enrolled in a United States HIV vaccine trial
Authors: Scherer Matthew , Nandi Vijay , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E , Laeyendecker Oliver , Karuna Shelly , Andrasik Michele , Janes Holly E , Brown Erin E , Tieu Hong-Van
Published: June 2024

Background:
Rising hepatitis C and B virus (HCV and HBV) rates have been reported in men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TGW). This study characterizes HCV and HBV infections longitudinally among 2,496 MSM/TGW aged 18–50 years and at risk for HIV acquisition enrolled in an HIV-1 vaccine trial in 18 U.S. cities between 2009–2013.
Methods:
Participants completed behavioral surveys, HIV testing, and blood collection over 24 months. Of the 2,397 participants who consented for future testing, 1,792 (74.8%) had available paired stored blood samples at baseline and a later timepoint (Month 24 [N = 999]; if unavailable, M12 [N = 775] or M15 [N = 18]).
Results:
Among 1,792 participants, 98.1% were MSM, 0.8% were TGW, and the median age was 30 years (IQR 24, 40). Participants reported a median number of 3 male sex partners (IQR 1,5) within the past 3 months. Condomless insertive anal sex was reported by 55.8% and condomless receptive anal sex by 46.7%. 1.3% reported injection drug use. During follow-up, 1.4% reported pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use. At baseline 11/1792 (0.61%) participants had HCV infection (HCV AB positive, RNA detectable), with all having persistent detectable RNA and chronic HCV infection at follow-up. Phylogenetic analysis showed no clusters of HCV infection. 8 participants had HCV AB positive, RNA undetectable at baseline and follow-up, representing past HCV infection with clearance; only 2 acquired HCV, which cleared over 12–24 months. At baseline, 2 participants (2/1792 = 0.11%) had positive HBsAg, indicating chronic HBV infection. Over 12–24 months, 4 (4/1790, 0.22%) developed HBsAg positivity; these participants had HBcAB positivity at baseline, thereby likely representing reactivation. There were no new HBV infections during follow-up.
Conclusion:
Among 1,792 men who have sex with men and transgender women aged 18–50 years and at risk for HIV acquisition enrolled in a U.S. HIV-1 vaccine trial, incident hepatitis C infection rates were extremely low, with no cases of incident hepatitis B infection. These rates of incident HCV infection and HBSAg positivity are lower than previously reported among MSM/TGW.
Circulating prolactin levels and the effect of dopaminergic agonists in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Santos Álida Alves dos , de Castro Lucas Faria , de Lima Caroline Lourenço , Motta Lucilia Domingues Casulari da , Motta Luiz Augusto Casulari Roxo da , Amato Angélica
Published: June 2024

This systematic review of clinical studies investigated whether circulating PRL levels differed between subjects with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls, the correlation between circulating PRL and SLE activity, and the effect of dopaminergic agonists as adjuvant therapy for SLE. We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, Embase, and Google Scholar for case-control and cross-sectional studies investigating circulating PRL levels in subjects with SLE and/or its correlation with disease activity, and clinical trials examining the effect of dopaminergic agonists on SLE activity assessed by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score. Forty-five studies addressing circulating PRL levels in SLE met our inclusion criteria. SLE was associated with an increased odds of hyperprolactinemia (OR 11.69, 95%CI 5.64–24.22) and circulating PRL levels were significantly higher in subjects with SLE than in controls (standardized mean difference of 1.96, 95%CI 1.27–2.65). Circulating PRL was positively correlated with SLE activity assessed by the SLEDAI (correlation coefficient 0.38, 95% CI 0.26–0.48). Two randomized clinical trials with bromocriptine and three prospective open-label trials with quinagolide reported that treatment with dopaminergic agonists was associated with reduced frequency of disease flare and decreased SLEDAI score. Circulating PRL levels were higher in subjects with SLE than in healthy controls and are significantly associated with disease activity. In addition, treatment with the dopaminergic agonists bromocriptine and quinagolide reduced SLE disease activity and may be a beneficial adjuvant therapy for the disease. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021237156).
The economic burden of prostate cancer in Iran
Authors: Teli Banafshe Darvishi , Rezapour Aziz , Behzadifar Meysam , Azari Samad , Ehsanzadeh Seyed Jafar , Behzadifar Masoud
Published: June 2024

Objective
This study aims to assess the economic burden of prostate cancer in Iran by analyzing direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs, indirect costs, and out-of-pocket expenses associated with the disease. We conducted a cross-sectional cost-of-illness study in Khorramabad, located in western Iran, during 2023, using a prevalence-based, bottom-up approach. Data were collected from 285 prostate cancer patients at Rahimi Hospital through questionnaires, interviews, and patient records.
Results
Our study revealed that the total economic burden of prostate cancer amounted to $230,565, with an average cost of $809 per patient. Direct medical costs constituted 74% of the total burden, totaling $169,860, with therapy costs being the most significant component. Direct non-medical costs reached $13,395, while indirect costs due to productivity losses were estimated at $25,935. Out-of-pocket expenses accounted for $21,375, representing 9% of the overall costs. The substantial direct medical expenses underscore the considerable financial strain on both the healthcare system and patients. Prostate cancer imposes a significant economic burden in Iran, underscoring the urgency of enhancing insurance coverage and implementing early detection strategies to mitigate its financial impact. Standardized cost analysis methodologies and improved financial protection mechanisms are essential for alleviating the economic strain on patients and the healthcare system.
Evaluating the Progress and Challenges of Environmental Sustainability in the Nigerian Construction Industry: A Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Unegbu H. C. O. , Yawas D. S. , Dan-asabe B. , Alabi A. A.
Published: June 2024

This article presents a comprehensive literature review of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, examining the progress, challenges, and opportunities within the sector over the past two decades. Through a systematic review of scholarly articles, this study identifies significant advancements in technological innovations and policy development aimed at promoting sustainability in the construction industry. However, the review also highlights persistent barriers that hinder broader adoption, including economic constraints, cultural resistance, and regulatory challenges. The findings reveal a growing trend towards the adoption of sustainable technologies and materials, supported by evolving governmental policies. Despite these positive developments, the high costs associated with green technologies, cultural preferences for traditional construction methods, and inconsistent regulatory enforcement remain substantial obstacles. The review employs a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative and quantitative analyses to provide a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play. Based on the results, the study offers recommendations for future research, emphasizing the need for economic analyses of sustainability investments, cultural studies on construction practices, comparative international studies, and longitudinal research to track policy effectiveness.
Enteral Nutrition vs Parenteral Nutrition in the Management of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula Following Pancreaticoduodenectomy : A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Kodali Rohith , Parasar Kunal , Anand Utpal , Singh Basant Narayan , Kant Kislay , Anwar Saad , saha Bijit
Published: June 2024

Purpose: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) poses a challenge to oral intake after Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). Various strategies such as enteral feeding via nasojejunal tube, feeding jejunostomy (FJ), and total parenteral nutrition , are employed to enhance postoperative nutrition. The routine adoption of FJ in PD remains a debatable topic. This study aims to assess and compare the efficacy of enteral feeding and parenteral nutrition in the management of POPF.
Material and methods: Seventy patients who underwent classical PD at a tertiary care center in east India between July 2019 and December 2023 were randomly allocated to FJ and non-FJ in 1:1 ratio. The primary end point was procedure related complications (POPF, delayed gastric emptying, post pancreatectomy hemorrhage , bile leak, Clavien Dindo grade ³3), length of hospital stay,additional costs, 30-day mortality and tube-related complications.
Results: Out of 70 patients who underwent PD 35 received FJ as part of the standard care while the remaining 35 patients with no FJ. The majority of POPF cases were Grade B (40 vs 31.4%). Patients with Grade B POPF who underwent routine FJ placement exhibited shorter fistula durations (3.9 vs. 5.2 weeks, p< 0.001) and reduced intraabdominal drain durations (26.4 vs. 34.9 days, p<0.001). No differences were observed in the incidence of complications , reoperation, length of hospital stay readmission and 30-day mortality. No adverse complications were associated with FJ placement.
Conclusion: For PD patients requiring prolonged postoperative nutritional support due to POPF and DGE, routine FJ can be a safe and cost-effective approach.
Possible Existence of Dark Matter Admixed Pulsar in M31 and M87 Galaxies
Authors: Mondal Sulagna , Molla Sajahan , Halder Prabir Kumar , Kalam Mehedi
Published: June 2024

In previous studies (S Molla et al. Eur Phys J Plus 135:362, 2020; N Rahman et al. Eur Phys J Plus 135:637, 2020; N Rahman et al. Universe 8:652, 2022) the possible existence dark matter admixed pulsar have been discussed based on three different dark matter density profiles, Singular Isothermal Sphere density profile, Universal Rotational Curve density profile and Navarro-Frenk-White density profile. They have been used to discuss the pulsars present in our Milky Way galaxy as well as some satellite dwarf galaxies of Milky Way. In this article we use the Universal Rotational Curve (URC) dark matter density profile to observe similar effects on galaxies M31 and M87. These study hold significant importance, as now it can be concluded that there is a fair possibility of presence of dark matter admixed pulser in M31 and M87 galaxies as well.
Radioactive iodine effects of ovarian reserve: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bukhari Salwa Qasim , Mirghani Hyder
Published: June 2024

Background:
Differentiated thyroid carcinoma is common and its rate is on the rise globally, radioactive iodine is widely used as an adjuvant therapy or for remnant ablation. There is growing awareness about the effects of radioactive iodine on ovarian reserve. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of radioactive iodine (used for differentiated thyroid carcinoma) on Anti-Müllerian hormone and follicular stimulating hormone levels.
Methods:
A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and EBSCO) for relevant articles published in the English language. The literature search was conducted during March and 2024 and the studies were included without time limitation. (From inception up to November 2023). The keywords used were ovarian reserve, ovarian function, female fertility, radioactive iodine, follicular stimulating hormone, and Anti-Müllerian hormone. A datasheet was used to collect the information.
Results:
Out of the two hundred and sixty-nine studies retrieved, 160 remained after duplication removal, of them 17 full texts were screened. However, only six were included in the final meta-analysis. No statistically significant change was evident in the Anti-Müllerian hormone level after the radioactive iodine odd ratio, -0.71. 95% CI, -2.66-1.24, P-value, 0.48, Chi-square, 68.95. A significant heterogeneity was observed, I2, 93%. No significant effect was found on follicular stimulating hormone, odd ratio, -1.03. 95% CI, -2.34-0.27, P-value, 0.12, Chi-square, 1.89. No heterogeneity was observed, I2, 0.0%.
Conclusion:
No significant change in Anti-Müllerian hormone and follicular stimulating hormone levels following radioactive iodine for differentiated thyroid. Randomized controlled trials are needed to solve the issue.
Clinical-Exome Sequencing Unveils the Genetic Landscape of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) Focusing on Lean and Obese Phenotypes: Implications for Cost-Effective Diagnosis and Personalized Treatment
Authors: Dhar Shrinjana , Bhattacharjee Pritha
Published: June 2024

Background: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a serious endocrine disorder that affects 15-20% of fertile women globally. It is classed as a syndrome rather than a disease because to its wide range of symptoms, which include hyperandrogenism, acne, obesity, infertility, and hair loss. Understanding the aetiology and pathophysiology of PCOS is difficult due to its multiple causes, which include environmental factors, genetic predisposition, and epigenetic modifications. Despite research supporting the role of familial aggregations in PCOS outcomes, the inheritance pattern remains unknown. The disorder has an impact on several signal transduction pathways, including steroidogenesis, steroid hormone activity, gonadotrophin regulation, insulin secretion, energy balance, and chronic inflammation. Over the last two decades, the global burden of PCOS-related infertility has risen significantly. Detecting PCOS early in youth or before puberty is critical for quick diagnosis.
Objective(s): This study investigates the genetic basis behind obesity-mediated PCOS, focusing on both obese and lean individuals. It uses a comprehensive bioinformatics methodology to depict pathways and functionality enrichment, allowing for cost-effective risk prediction and management.
Study design: In the present research, the study participants were chosen from a cross-sectional epidemiological survey, based on their anthropometric parameters and confirmation of PCOS. Upon voluntary participation and written consent, biological fluids (whole-blood and buccal swab) were taken from where DNA was extracted. The Clinical-exome sequencing was performed by Next-generation Illumina platform using the Twist Human Comprehensive Exome Kit. A comprehensive bioinformatics methodology was employed to identify most important unique and common genes.
Results: A total of 26,550 variants were identified in clinically important exomes from two samples, with 5170 common and 2232 and 2322 unique among PCOS lean and obese phenotypes, respectively. Only 262 and 94 variants were PCOS-specific in lean and obese PCOS. Three filters were applied to shortlist the most potent variants, with 4 unique variants in lean PCOS, 2 unique variants in obese PCOS, and 5 common variants in both. The study found that leptin signalling impairment and insulin resistance, as well as mutations in CYP1A1, CYP19A1, ESR1, AR, AMH, AdipoR1, NAMPT, NPY, PTEN, EGFR, and Akt, all play significant roles in PCOS in the studied group.
Conclusions: Young women in West Bengal, India, are more likely to have co-occurring PCOS, which includes estrogen resistance, leptin receptor insufficiency, folate deficiency, T2DM, and acanthosis, with obesity being a common phenotypic expression.
Real-time Detection Algorithm of Aircraft Landing Gear based on improved YOLOv8
Authors: Gao Ruizhen , Chen Meng , Zhao Ziyue , Ren Juan
Published: June 2024

This study innovatively improves the YOLOv8 target detection model, aiming to achieve fast and accurate detection of aircraft landing gear in natural environments. By introducing a small target detection layer, a dynamic serpentine convolutional layer, and a CoTattention mechanism, the study successfully optimized the original yolov8 model to effectively detect small-sized aircraft landing gears when presented at a distance. This paper introduces a small target detection layer of 160x160 on top of the original network, significantly improving the detection performance of airplane landing gear by fusing features from different layers. Dynamic serpentine convolution uses a dynamic structure and iterative strategy to improve the model's ability to perceive complex geometric structures by optimizing the convolution kernel. The CoTAttention mechanism allows the model to consider the information of each position in the input image more comprehensively. It significantly reduces the loss of contextual information by enhancing the ability to perceive small targets. The experimental findings demonstrate a noteworthy enhancement in the performance metrics, including precision, recall, and average accuracy, when comparing the enhanced model to its original counterpart. Furthermore, the improved model effectively meets the real-time detection requirements. Compared to other object detection models, the improved model performs, offering high accuracy and real-time detection capabilities, particularly demonstrating its versatility and practical value in detecting aircraft landing gear.
Flexible Ureteral Access Sheath with suction -– Does it make a difference in Retrograde intrarenal surgery?
Authors: Vaddi Chandra Mohan , Ganesan Soundarya , Paidakula Ramakrishna , Swamy Siddalinga , Anandan Hemnath , Panda Rakesh
Published: June 2024

Aim:
The objective is to analyse the safety and efficacy of flexible ureteral access sheath (UAS) during retrograde intrarenal surgery in comparison with conventional ureteral access sheath.
Primary aim: To compare the stone free rate (SFR), need for auxiliary procedure, complication rate. Secondary aim: To compare the operative time and intraoperative visibility
Materials and Methods:
Between April and October 2023, prospectively collected data on RIRS using flexible UAS incorporated with suction (Group A, n=50) was matched with retrospective data on RIRS using conventional UAS (Group B, n=50), done by a single surgeon at a single centre. Demographic data and stone characteristics, intra operative and post operative parameters were collected from hospital database. Propensity matched analysis was done between the two groups after matching for stone size, volume and density.
Results:
The stone free rate (96% vs 92%, p = 0.678) and overall complication rate (22% vs 26%, p= 0.454) was comparable between the two groups. Group A patients had significantly better intraoperative visibility (100% vs 78% Grade 1 visibility, p<0.001), lesser need for auxiliary procedures (4% vs 16%, p=0.046), lesser incidence of post operative fever (4% vs 14%, p= 0.042) as compared to Group B. One patient in Group B required reintervention for steinstrasse after stent removal, while none in Group A required unplanned reintervention.
Conclusion:
Flexible UAS with suction during RIRS is advantageous due to better intraoperative visibility, lesser need for auxiliary procedures and lesser infectious complications.
Characteristics of Water Disintegration and Fractal Mechanism of Red Sandstone in Northwest China
Authors: Zhao Zhonghu , Song Shaoze , Fu Xiangyu , Xue Boqian
Published: June 2024

This study examines the disintegration characteristics of red sandstone in the Lanzhou subway project through disintegration testing. The red sandstone is classified based on its engineering properties. The study analyses the process of red sandstone disintegration caused by water immersion. It examines the particle content of each size interval of red sandstone under different immersion times and analyses the disintegration condition of red sandstone particles. Finally, it quantitatively analyses the disintegration characteristics by introducing the fractal dimension. The results show that as the immersion time increases, the fractal dimension gradually increases, and after complete disintegration, the fractal dimension is about 2.7. The fractal dimension can be used as a process control standard in underground engineering construction in the red sandstone area of Northwest China, providing significant technical engineering value.
Intraoperative neuromonitoring of visual evoked potentials in a pregnant patient with meningioma: a case report
Authors: Mori Fumi , Sumi Koichiro , Watanabe Mitsuru , Shijo Katsunori , Yumoto Masatoshi , Oshima Hideki , Fukaya Chikashi , Otani Naoki , Yoshino Atsuo
Published: June 2024

Background: Meningiomas in the parasellar region leads to visual impairment, therefore intraoperative neurological monitoring is essential for enucleation surgery. However intraoperative neurological monitoring in pregnant women is challenging, as anesthesia management is required that considers the effects and risks to the fetus. Remimazolam is a newly introduced intravenous anesthetic, that has little effect on blood pressure. The effects of remimazolam on intraoperative neuromonitoring are little known. We treated a pregnant patient with parasellar meningioma who developed visual impairment, anesthesia was administered using remimazolam, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of the visual evoked potential.
Case presentation: A 34-year-old woman who was 20 weeks pregnant presented with visual acuity disturbances. Neuroimaging demonstrated a parasellar meningioma, and rapid tumor growth and worsening of symptoms subsequently occurred. Craniotomy for tumor removal was performed under anesthesia with remimazolam, and the visual evoked potentials could be measured. Her visual acuity was restored postoperatively, and no adverse events occurred in the fetus.
Conclusion: The intraoperative neuromonitoring of pregnant women showed that remimazolam may be useful for performing neurosurgical surgery combined with intraoperative neurological monitoring for pregnant women who are vulnerable to blood pressure fluctuations.
Exploring the Genetic Link between Gut Microbiome and Tendinopathy: A Mendelian Randomization and Bioinformatics Approach
Authors: Ming Hao , Ting Tang
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the genetic link between the gut microbiome (GM) and tendinopathy, identifying shared pathogenic pathways and significant genes. Using a two-sample bidirectional and multivariable Mendelian Randomization (MR) approach, supplemented by bioinformatics analysis, we analyzed summary statistics from genome-wide association studies of gut microbial taxa and data on five tendinopathy phenotypes from the FinnGen database: Achilles, bicipital, shoulder, gluteal, and patellar tendinitis. Genetic data from 23 tendinopathy patients were also analyzed. We found 33 causal relationships between specific gut microbiota and tendinopathies: eight with Achilles, nine with bicipital, five with gluteal, nine with patellar, and three with shoulder tendinitis. Bioinformatics identified 682 differentially expressed genes and 711 genes linked to 28 gut microbiota, with 28 overlapping gene sets. Enrichment analysis highlighted four major gene pathways, and a Protein-Protein Interaction network identified FN1 as a key gene. These findings suggest genetic correlations between gut microbiota and tendinopathies, potentially mediated by FN1 overexpression and regulation of gene pathways, offering new insights into the genetic basis of tendinopathy and the gut microbiome's role in its pathogenesis, informing future therapeutic strategies.
Analysis of earthquake induced pounding between adjacent buildings in a row
Authors: Jiang Shan , Zhai Changhai , Zhang Fuwei , Ning Ning , Zhang Jigang
Published: June 2024

Previous earthquakes have shown that a significant number of adjacent buildings arranged in series were damaged due to collision. Pounding between adjacent structures in series causes them to inflict multiple blows on each other, which is more complex than pounding between two adjacent buildings. It is challenging to draw a universal conclusion about the impact of pounding on structural responses because it significantly dependents on the neighboring structures and the characteristics of the ground motion. Previous research has produced inconsistent or conflicting research conclusions due to various parameters. To address the complexity of these parameters, the dimensional analysis method is employed. This paper establishes a mathematical model for the dimensionless collision response of adjacent structures in a row. The layout of the structures is considered though three different configurations, and the effects of unilateral and bilateral collisions are compared. The analysis also considers the impact of frequency ratio, mass ratio and gap size of oscillators. According to the impact of pounding, the displacement and velocity responses of the outer structures with low mass and stiffness can be divided into multiple spectral regions based on the frequency ratio of the structure and excitation. The effect of mass ratio and frequency ratio on response of the outer flexible structures is correlated to the spectral regions. The results indicate that locating a structure with small mass and stiffness outside is more dangerous, as it causes a much larger pounding force and displacement of the outer structure. In comparison to the unilateral impact response, the bilateral impact induces a smaller displacement of the middle structure with slight mass and stiffness.
Event stream denoising method based on spatio-temporal density and time sequence
Authors: Jiang HaiYan , Wang XiaoShuang , Tang Wei , Song QingHui , Song QingJun , Hao WenChao
Published: June 2024

Event camera is a neuromimetic sensor inspired by the human retinal imaging principle, which has the advantages of high dynamic range, high temporal resolution and low power consumption. Due to the interference of hardware and software and other factors, the event stream output from the event camera usually contains a large amount of noise, and traditional denoising algorithms cannot be applied to the event stream. To better deal with different kinds of noise and enhance the robustness of the denoising algorithm, based on the spatio-temporal distribution characteristics of effective events and noise, an event stream noise reduction and visualization algorithm is proposed. The event stream enters the fine filtering after filtering the BA noise based on spatio-temporal density, the fine filtering performs temporal analysis on the event pixels and the neighboring pixels to filter out the hot noise. The proposed visualization algorithm adaptively overlaps the events of the previous frame according to the event density difference to obtain clear and coherent event frames. We conducted denoising and visualization experiments on real scenes and public datasets respectively, and the experiments show that our algorithm is effective in filtering noise and obtaining clear and coherent event frames.
Mapping Health Policies for Optimum Service Delivery to Adolescents on HIV treatment in Zambia: a document review
Authors: Moomba Kaala , Crowley Talitha , Wyk Brian Van
Published: June 2024

Introduction
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) are a highly vulnerable population in HIV care, facing unique service delivery challenges due to their developmental stage, psychosocial needs, and various barriers to accessing comprehensive healthcare. Despite significant advances in HIV treatment regimens, ALHIV report lower rates of viral suppression compared to other age groups reflecting sub-optimal adherence and lower engagement in care. ALHIV are considered a priority population in the fight against HIV globally due to high risk of HIV infection and poor treatment outcomes. It is therefore imperative that the specific needs of ALHIV be addressed in health policies that direct service delivery. The current paper reports on the adequacy of health policies and guidelines that direct the provision of HIV care and treatment services for ALHIV in Zambia, as measured against global recommendations for best practice.
Methods
We conducted a review of national health policies and guidelines (N = 10) that relate to HIV service delivery for ALHIV in Zambia and assessed these against global policy recommendations (N = 6) of which Zambia is a signatory. We mapped the content of national policies using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) health systems framework.
Results
The Zambian policies are consistent with global recommendations for health service delivery for ALHIV - including psychosocial support, peer support, mental health services, and sexual and reproductive health education. Further the country’s health legislation advocates for a change in the age of consent for health services and comprehensive sexual education in schools, as globally recommended. However, there is lack of intentional inclusion of adolescents, caregivers and community stakeholders in policy development in Zambia. With respect to health financing, the national policies promote the integration of HIV financing with other health financing mechanisms but lack dedicated funding for adolescent HIV services and advocacy for health insurance tailored to their needs. Community involvement is emphasized through youth advisory boards, training and support groups, but high-level engagement in program design is lacking.
Conclusions
Zambian health policies and guidelines align with global recommendations to optimize health service delivery for ALHIV in four of the six WHO Health Systems building blocks. However, significant gaps remain in areas such as health legislation, financing and community engagement.
Analysis of seepage-damage coupling in Shield tunnel concrete lining under high hydraulic pressure
Authors: Xiao Zhirong , Wang Jingyu , Zhou Hanyang
Published: June 2024

Under high hydraulic pressure, the seepage field has a significant effect on the damage to shield tunnel concrete linings, leading to reduced safety during operation. In this paper, a seepage-damage coupling model is established using ABAQUS to analyze the mechanical properties of the lining structure under high hydraulic pressure, revealing the process of damage-seepage-stress and deformation changing-damage aggravating-seepage aggravating in the lining. The simulation results demonstrate that the stress and deformation will increase, the magnitude and extent of the damage of segments will enlarge because of coupling of seepage and damage when the damage occurs in the exterior of the lining. The disadvantageous effects on the lining need to be considered because of coupling of seepage and damage.
Multi-Sensor Distributed Fusion based on cross-location for passive tracking
Authors: Xu Zhiqi , Guo Yunfei , Kuang Yu , Chen Yun
Published: June 2024

To solve the problem of passive multi-sensor tracking in clutter, a distributed fusion algorithm based on trajectory integral distance and pseudo-measurement is proposed. First, a twofold Gaussian mixture model is used to quantize the target measurement signal, and achieve a more accurate estimate of the initial target state. The labelled multi-Bernoulli filter is employed in adjusting the number of tracking targets and getting single-sensor tracks. Subsequently, in the fusion center, a track-to-track association method based on global nearest-neighbour is employed. Trajectory integration distance is utilized to improve association performances. A maximum-likelihood Cross-location track-to-track fusion strategy using pseudo-measurement transformation is proposed to enhance fusion accuracy in passive scenarios. Simulation results verify the performance of the proposed distributed fusion method.
From Subtle to Severe: Multiple Mechanisms Impair POLE and POLD1 Function leading to Distinct Effects on Mutation Rates
Authors: Dayan Dana , Ladany Hagay , Glaser Fabian , Foulkes William D. , Maruvka Yosef E.
Published: June 2024

Background
POLE and POLD1 are DNA polymerase proteins crucial for maintaining genome integrity during replication. While several drivers leading to POLE and POLD1 proofreading deficiency (PPD) have been identified, the complete set of variants causing PPD is not fully established. This study aims to identify new variants that contribute to PPD by analyzing a large dataset of sequenced tumors.
Methods
We analyzed 204,453 tumors to identify variants associated with POLE and POLD1 proofreading deficiency after extensive filtering and normalizing of the different datasets. Using the support vector machine algorithm, we classified variants as either drivers or non-drivers of PPD based on the number of mutations and mutational signature activity. A saturation analysis was performed to determine the completeness of the identified variants.
Results
We identified 46 somatic driver variants, compared to only 17 known driver variants, thus more than doubling the current catalog of mutations linked to PPD. This extensive dataset enabled us to characterize the clinical features of PPD tumors, noting a male bias and younger age at diagnosis compared to non-PPD tumors. Different driver variants led to distinct phenotypes in mutational patterns and subsequent mutated genes.
Spin-observation revealing mechanism of low but stable device performance in a perovskite solar cell with a novel high-local-mobility hole-transport material
Authors: Marumoto Kazuhiro , Zou Xiangtao , Watanabe Takahiro , Kimata Haru , Xue Dong , Shimazaki Ai , Truong Minh Anh , Wakamiya Atsushi
Published: June 2024

Perovskite solar cells have attracted much attention as a next-generation solar cell. However, a typical hole-transport material (HTM), spiro-OMeTAD, has associated difficulties including tedious synthesis and high cost. To overcome these shortcomings, an easily synthesized and low-cost HTM has been developed: HND-2NOMe. Although HND-2NOMe has high local charge mobility because of the quasi-planar structure, its lower device performance compared to spiro-OMeTAD is a weak point, the cause of which has not yet been clarified. This report describes the source of the lower performance of HND-2NOMe-based devices by clarifying the internal charge and defect states from a microscopic viewpoint using electron spin resonance (ESR). Hole diffusion from perovskite to HND-2NOMe is clearly demonstrated under dark conditions, indicating hole barrier formation at the perovskite – HND-2NOMe interface, leading to lower performance. Although such a barrier is formed, less hole accumulation for the cells with HND-2NOMe under solar irradiation occurs, probably because of the high local mobility compared to spiro-OMeTAD, which is related to the stable performance. Results of this study show sources of the lower but stable performance by clarifying the internal states during device operation from a microscopic viewpoint, which is crucially important for providing guidelines for improving the device performance.
Synthesis, characterization and biological activities of novel mononuclear nickel(II), copper(II) and chromium(III) complexes with N,N-dilaurylsubstituted thiazolidine-4-one-5-acetic acid ligand
Authors: Aksoy Mehmet Suat , Yıldırım Ayhan , Sarıkaya Aslı Göçenoğlu
Published: June 2024

For the first time, a thiazolidine-4-one-5-acetic acid with two long hydrocarbon chains was chosen as ligand and the corresponding metal complexes with Cr(III), Ni(II) and Cu(II) salts were prepared. Analytical and spectroscopic studies have shown that the metal complexes are most likely to have a distorted octahedral geometry comprised of carboxylate and amide carbonyl O atoms and four isopropyl alcohol ligands inside the coordination sphere. According to molar conductivity measurements, all three complexes are not electrolyte in nature. The newly prepared complexes have been tested for their antifungal and antibacterial activity against C. albicans and S. aureus respectively. The Ni(II) complex exhibited good antifungal activity against C. albicans, while the Cu(II) complex showed better antibacterial activity against S. aureus than the other complexes.
Determinants of Vascular Impairment in Type 1 Diabetes; Impact of Sex and Connexin 37 Gene Polymorphism, Cross-sectional study.
Authors: Pithova Pavlina , Cichrova Michaela , Kvapil Milan , Hubacek Jaroslav , Dlouha Dana , Pitha Jan
Published: June 2024

Background
Predictors of cardiovascular complications are well established in type 2 diabetes but not in type 1 diabetes (T1D). We analyzed the association between traditional and novel cardiovascular risk factors and macro- and microvascular parameters in T1D patients and modification of these associations by sex and genetic factors.
Methods
In a cross-sectional study we analyzed in T1D patients younger than 65 years the association of wide range of cardiovascular risk factors with vascular parameters represented by ankle brachial index (ABI), toe brachial index (TBI), by duplex ultrasound measured presence of plaques in carotid and femoral arteries (Belcaro score) and intima media thickness of carotid arteries (CIMT), by photoplethysmography measured interbranch index expressed as Oliva/Roztocil index (ORI), and renal parameters represented by urine albumin/creatinine ratio (uACR) and cystatin C filtration rate. We evaluated these associations by multivariate regression analysis including interactions with sex and gene for connexin 37 (cx37) polymorphism (rs1764391).
Results
In 235 men and 227 women (mean age 43.6 ± 13.6 years; mean duration of diabetes 22.1 ± 11.3 years) pulse pressure was the strongest predictor of unfavorable values of most of vascular parameters under study (ABI, TBI, Belcaro scores, uACR and ORI) while plasma lipids represented by remnant cholesterol (cholesterol – LDL-HDL cholesterol), atherogenic index of plasma (log (triglycerides/HDL cholesterol) and Lp(a) were associated mainly with renal impairment (uACR, cystatin C clearance and lipoprotein (a)). Plasma non-HDL cholesterol (total – HDL cholesterol) was not associated with any vascular parameter under study. In contrast to the pulse pressure, the associations of lipid parameters with renal and vascular parameters were modified by sex and cx37 gene.
Conclusion
Pulse pressure was the strongest determinant for macro- and microvascular parameters in T1D and was not influenced by sex and genetic factors while lipid parameters were associated mostly with renal impairment and were modified by sex and genetic factors.
Potential Antibacterial Applications and Synthesis, Structural, Magnetic, Optical, and Dielectric Characterization of Nickel-Substituted Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Reda Tesfay Gebremichael , Samatha K. , Sanasi Paul Douglas , Parajuli D.
Published: June 2024

Nanoparticle technology is fast progressing and is being employed in innumerable medical applications. At this time, the public's health is seriously threatened by the rise of bacterial strains resistant to several medications. Metal nanoparticles are a potential alternate approach for tackling this global concern, and this is the main focus of this study. The citrate precursor sol-gel synthesis method was used to synthesize the, Ni_x Co_(1-x) Fe_2 O_4, (where x = 0.0:0.2:1.0) nanoparticle. XRD identified the development of the cubic crystal structure to have a preferential orientation along (311), and the average particle size was found to be 29-38 nm. The average crystallizes assessed with ImageJ software and origin 22 of the SEM are nearly identical to the XRD results. In the created NCF NPs, the FT-IR spectroscopy reveals structural examinations and the redistribution of cations between octahedral (505-428 cm-1) and tetrahedral (653-603 cm-1) locales. Finally, the decrease of coercive fields HC, 2384 Oe to 241.93 Oe replacement of Co2+ cation with Ni2+. Band gap energy rises as Ni concentration increases, which may be attributed to the fact that the ionic radii of Ni2+ ions are smaller than that of Co2+ ions, which results in a strong electrostatic interaction. On the contrary, except at x = 0.4, the dielectric constant decreases as the nickel concentration increases. According to the findings of this research work, nanoparticles composed of Ni_0.4 Co_0.4 Fe_2 O_4 have demonstrated a promising value against S. aureus and E. coli, and it suggests a proposed model for their potential use as a new source of antibacterial agent.
Real-Time Spatiotemporal Denoising Volumetric Rendering in Three-Dimensional Visualization of Puncturing Navigation
Authors: Li Jing , Zhou Jie , Shen Nanyan , Li Yingjie , Song Ping , Wang Yan
Published: June 2024

In medical diagnosis and surgical treatment, particularly in tumor puncturing surgeries, the importance of three-dimensional visualization of medical data is increasingly recognized. Traditional two-dimensional imaging techniques are limited in spatial and depth perception. This study introduces a novel real-time spatiotemporal denoising volumetric rendering technique aimed at enhancing three-dimensional visualization in puncturing navigation systems. By analyzing existing volumetric rendering methods, a spatiotemporal filtering approach is proposed. This approach filters images rendered with one sample per pixel by calculating inter-frame motion vectors in the time domain and utilizing auxiliary features in the spatial domain. It effectively reduces the noise from Monte Carlo estimations and enhances the clarity of three-dimensional organ structures. This technique achieves real-time performance exceeding 30 Hz on commercial-grade Graphics Processing Units (GPUs). The real-time spatiotemporal denoising volumetric rendering significantly enhances the three-dimensional visualization quality in puncturing navigation systems, achieving a balance between high-quality rendering and real-time performance, meeting clinical needs. This technology also has broad application potential in medical training, surgical simulation, and remote collaboration.
CRAmed: A conditional randomization test for high-dimentional mediation analysis in sparse microbiome data
Authors: Liu Tiantian , Xu Xiangnan , Wang Tao , Xu Peirong
Published: June 2024

Background: Numerous microbiome studies have revealed significant associations between the microbiome and human health and disease. These findings have motivated researchers to explore the causal role of microbiome in human complex traits and diseases. However, the complexities of microbiome data pose challenges for statistical analysis and interpretation of causal effects.
Results: We introduced a novel statistical framework, CRAmed, for inferring the mediating role of the microbiome between treatment and outcome. CRAmed improved the interpretability of the mediation analysis by decomposing the natural indirect effect into two parts, corresponding to the presence-absence and abundance of a microbe, respectively. Comprehensive simulations demonstrated the superior performance of CRAmed in recall, precision, and F1 score, with a notable level of robustness, compared to existing mediation analysis methods. Furthermore, two real data applications illustrated the effectiveness and inter pretability of CRAmed.
Conclusion: Our research revealed that CRAmed holds promise for uncovering the mediating role of the microbiome and understanding of the factors influencing host health.
Intelligent Design Methodology: A Fusion of Fuzzy Logic, Axiomatic Design, and Meta-Heuristic Optimization for Airplane Design
Authors: Shafieenejad I. , Nourianpour M. A. , Banitalebidehkordi M. R.
Published: June 2024

This article presents a novel methodology for airplane design, integrating fuzzy logic, axiomatic design, and meta-heuristic optimization algorithms tailored for general aviation projects. The primary contribution of this study lies in the synthesis of conventional design practices with fuzzy and axiomatic decision-making and powerful meta-heuristic optimization algorithms. Five distinct phases are delineated in the intelligent design process of the airplane. Initially, airplane design parameters are established based on conventional methods. Subsequently, fuzzy logic is employed to make decisions based on these parameters in accordance with the conventional design criteria. Additionally, the axiomatic design method is utilized to identify values crucial to the design process. Furthermore, meta-heuristic optimization algorithms are deployed at various stages of the proposed novel algorithm to attain optimal design points. Notably, four robust optimization algorithms, Particle Swarm Optimization(PSO), Artificial Bee Colony(ABC), Firefly Algorithm(FA), and Gray Wolf Optimization(GWO), are utilized for verification purposes. The adoption of robust, precise, and intelligent systematic approaches in airplane design is deemed imperative to meet stringent requirements effectively. Ultimately, the design values obtained lead to the optimal configuration of a 19-seat airplane, which undergoes rigorous comparison, verification, and validation against existing airplane models. In summary, the fusion of fuzzy logic, axiomatic design, and potent meta-heuristic optimization algorithms presents a new and innovative methodology in airplane design, promising significant advancements in the field of airplane designing.