bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of COVID-19 on the Management of Hypertension: A Perspective on Disease Severity, Service Use Patterns and Expenditures from Ghana’s Health Insurance Claims Data
Authors: Fenny Ama , Otieku Evans , Achiaw Samuel Owusu , Boye Bernard Okoe , Asenso-Boadi Francis , Addo-Cobbiah Vivian , Musah Mariam
Published: February 2024

Hypertension is a leading cause of death and morbidity in Ghana and other sub-Saharan African countries, but management has historically suffered from the fragility of health systems in these countries. This has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated measures. Our study examines and quantifies the effect of the pandemic on the management of hypertension in Ghana by determining changes in disease severity and presentation, as well as changes in service use patterns and expenditures. We used cross-sectional data to perform an impact evaluation of COVID-19 on hypertension management before and during the pandemic. We employed statistical tests to analyse medical claims data from Ghana’s National Health Insurance Authority database. The study duration includes a 12-month reference/pre-pandemic period (March 2019- February 2020) relative to the target/pandemic period (March 2020 - February 2021). We observed significant changes in health services use for hypertension during the pandemic. While there was a 20% reduction in the number of hypertension claimants in the pandemic year, there was an increase in hypertension severity as measured by the number of hypertension episodes per claimant (a 17.6% increase (95% CI. 15.0% – 20.3%; p = 0.031)). There was also an 18.64% or $22.88 (95% CI:$12 – $25, p = 0.01042) increase in the average cost per hypertension claimant in the pandemic year. The increase in episodes per claimant had the largest financial impact on the average cost per claimant. The findings from our studies are relevant for future policymaking and strategy implementation for hypertension control in Ghana.
Risk factors and prediction model for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension in acute pulmonary embolism patients with right heart dysfunction on CT or echocardiography
Authors: Li Shuangping , Huang Shenshen , Wang Wei , Gao Pengfei , Feng YUxuan , Mao Yimin
Published: February 2024

Objective
The aim of our study was to investigate the risk factors for chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) in acute pulmonary embolism patients with right heart dysfunction via computed tomography (CT) or echocardiography.
Method: Our study was a retrospective cohort study. A total of 506 patients diagnosed with pulmonary embolism at the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology between January 2018 and June 2023 were included, and 128 patients were ultimately included. The patients were divided into 33 suspected CTEPH patients and 95 non CTEPH patients. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyse the risk factors for suspected CTEPH, and nomogram models were constructed according to the risk factors. ROC curves were used to analyse the predictive value of risk factors and the model for suspected CTEPH patients.
Results: The incidence of suspected CTEPH was 25.8% in acute pulmonary embolism patients with right heart dysfunction 3 to 6 months after PE diagnosis. No CTEPH occurred in patients treated after thrombolytic therapy. The time from symptom onset to treatment (OR, 1.20), sPESI score ≥ 1 (OR, 7.82), and baseline peak velocity of tricuspid regurgitation (OR, 4.17) were risk factors for suspected CTEPH in haemodynamically stable patients (p < 0.05). A prediction model was established based on these three variables. The AUC of the prediction model for suspected CTEPH was 0.905, which has high predictive value.
Conclusion: The incidence of suspected CTEPH is higher in patients with acute pulmonary embolism and right heart dysfunction according to CT or echocardiography. To improve the awareness of the diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism, more active treatment and follow-up for patients with risk factors may reduce the incidence of CTEPH.
Analysing the intra and interregional components of spatial accessibility gravity model to capture the level of equity in the distribution of hospital services: does they influence patient mobility?
Authors: Pecoraro Fabrizio , Cellini Marco , Luzi Daniela , Clemente Fabrizio
Published: February 2024

Background An equal distribution of hospital structures represents an important factor to achieve Universal Health Coverage. Generally, the most diffused approach to measure the potential availability to healthcare is the provider-to-population ratio based on the number of beds or professionals. However, this approach considers only the availability of resources provided at regional or local level ignoring the spatial accessibility of interregional facilities that are particularly accessed by patients living at the borders. Aim of this study is to outline the distribution of the intra and interregional services to capture the level of equity across the country. Moreover, it explores the impact of the accessibility to these resources on interregional patient’s mobility to receive care. Methods To compute spatial accessibility, we propose an alternative approach that applies the enhanced two-step floating catchment area (ESFCA) to capture the level of attraction of intra and interregional hospitals to a given population. Moreover, the adoption of process and outcome indices captured to what extent the quality of structures influenced patients in choosing services located inside or outside their region of residence. Results The study confirms that there is an unequal distribution of high-quality resources at regional and national level with a high level of inequality in the availability and accessibility of quality resources between the north and south part of the country. This is particularly true considering the accessibility of intraregional resources in the southern part of the country that clearly influences patient choice and contribute to a significant cross border passive mobility to northern regions. This is confirmed by an econometric model that showed a significant effect of spatial accessibility with the propensity of patients of travel from the region of residence to receive care. Conclusions The analysis of intra and interregional components of spatial accessibility may contribute to identify to what extent patients are willing to travel outside their region of residence to access to care services. Moreover, it can contribute to gain a deeper understanding of the allocation of health resources providing input for policy makers on the basis of the principles of service accessibility in order to contain patient mobility.
Unveiling the Impact of Employee-Customer Familiarity on Customer Purchase Intentions: An Empirical Investigation within the Realm of Web-Based Date Analytics
Authors: Li Bingfeng , Xie Xiaoting , Qiao Shuang , Tan Shilei
Published: February 2024

This research delves into the intricate dynamics of employee-customer familiarity and its profound influence on customer purchase intentions within the burgeoning domain of web-based data analytics. In an era characterized by an increasingly digital marketplace, understanding the nuanced interactions between employees and customers is paramount for businesses striving to enhance customer relationships and drive purchase decisions. Drawing on empirical investigations, this study unravels the multifaceted facets of employee-customer familiarity, seeking to shed light on its implications for customer purchase intentions in the context of web-based data analytics. In this paper, an empirical study investigates the influence of employee-customer familiarity on customers' purchase intention for the home bedding industry, summarizes the current situation, puts forward research hypotheses and constructs a model of the effect of employee-customer familiarity on purchase intention was constructed. The familiarity of buyers and sellers was evaluated through a customer questionnaire, which provided subjective insights into the strength of interpersonal relationships. Meanwhile, confidence analysis, ANOVA (analysis of variance), correlation analysis and regression analysis were conducted on the survey data to explore the actual effects of these relationships on customers' purchase intention, and the positive effects of the five hypotheses on purchase intention were investigated. The anticipated findings suggest that increasing employee-customer familiarity positively impacts customers' purchase intentions, thereby illuminating the critical role of personalized interactions in driving business outcomes purchase intention, and the positive effects of the five hypotheses on purchase intention were investigated. The anticipated findings suggest that increasing employee-customer familiarity positively impacts customers’ purchase intentions, thereby illuminating the critical role of personalized interactions in driving business outcomes. Furthermore, the study sought to reveal the nuances of this relationship, recognizing the potential impact of different customer characteristics and industry contexts. Practical implications center on guiding companies in aligning their strategies to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty. From staff training programmes to targeted marketing campaigns, from brand influence to web e-commerce platform optimisation, businesses can use the insights gained from this research to build more meaningful connections with their customers. Building more meaningful connections with customers.
Unraveling Delays: Investigating Heterogeneous Hybrid Cluster Routing in Mobile Ad-hoc Networks
Authors: Balakrishnan Sreedevi , Sriniva Barathi
Published: February 2024

The modified partial authority node of a heterogeneous hybrid cluster routing is an analysis on delay in MANET which has been developed using Markov chain model. Delay values are also obtained through simulation using NS2 tool. Comparison is made with the existing technique and the output shows that our approach achieves enhance in its throughput, PDR and CBR traffic. The delay obtained through simulation augers well with the Markov chain model.
PROCAL: A SHap-based approach to explain Random Forest predictions of COVID-19- Procalcitonin levels
Authors: Naldan Muhammet Emin , Kırboğa Kevser Kübra , Işık Mesut , Gülcü Oktay
Published: February 2024

In COVID-19, the inflammatory cytokine storm is a critical factor that increases the severity of the disease. Procalcitonin (PCT) is a costly, time-consuming and important biomarker involved in the cytokine storm that exacerbates the severity of COVID-19. This study aims to develop an algorithm that can predict the PCT value in an explainable and interpretable way using explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) methods. The dataset consists of 1068 COVID-19 patients registered at Erzurum Regional Research Center in Turkey between March 2020 and March 2021 (ethical decision number: 2023/3–17). The Permutation Feature Significance (PFI) method was used to identify essential features and build the model. Among the seven-machine learning (ML) models, RandomForestClassifier performed best. RandomForestClassifier's performance metrics training accuracy: 0.89, test accuracy: 0.88, precision: 0.91, recall: 0.88, F-1 score: 0.88, Brier score: 0.11, AUC (area under the curve): 0.935, confidence intervals: 0.877, 0.883. The importance of the features in the model's predictions was analysed with the Shapley additive annotation (SHap) method integrated into the model. The results showed that LDH U/L, CRP mg/L and lymphocytes are important in predicting PCT. This study showed that PCT plays a vital role in assessing the condition of COVID-19 patients, and XAI methods can be helpful in this assessment.
Infiltration -driven performance enhancement of poly-crystalline cathodes in all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Park Jun-Woo , Sung Junghwan , Heo Junyoung , Kim Dong-Hee , Gu Hawon , Jo Yung-Soo , Park Heetaek , Park Jun-Ho , Choi Jeong-Hee , Ha Yoon-Cheol , Kim Doohun
Published: February 2024

All-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) with adequately selected cathode materials exhibit a higher energy density and better safety than conventional lithium-ion batteries (LIBs ). Ni-rich layered cathodes are benchmark materials for traditional LIBs owing to their high energy density. Recent studies have highlighted the advantages of using crack-free, single-crystalline cathode materials in ASSBs . In this study, a scalable infiltration sheet-type process was used to fabricate composite electrodes with different cathode-material morphologies for ASSBs . Typically, crack-free single-crystalline materials exhibit a better retention performance and lower rate capability than polycrystalline cathode materials. In this study, Li6PS5Cl-infiltrated polycrystalline electrodes showed an excellent retention performance and rate capability. Galvanostatic intermittent titration technique analysis and transmission electron microscopy confirmed severe polarization and the presence of a rock-salt-structure layer in cathode particles, indicating side reactions within the layered structure of the material. In contrast, composite electrodes comprising polycrystalline cathode materials infiltrated with the solid electrolyte Li6PS5Cl showed an excellent electrochemical performance owing to intimate electrode–electrolyte interfacial contact. This study confirms the critical influence of interface engineering and material morphology on the overall performance and stability of ASSBs, and could facilitate the development of high-performance ASSBs in the future .
Towards Sustainable Rural Revitalization: A Multidimensional Evaluation of Rural Vitality in China's Traditional Villages
Authors: Jia Anqiang , Yun Xin , Zheng Xiaowen , Wen Xuan , Liang Xiaoxu , Yun Yingxia
Published: February 2024

Traditional villages constitute a significant component of China's rural heritage. In the context of national efforts to achieve sustainable rural revitalisation, there is a lack of comprehensive assessments of rural vitality that can evaluate the balance between the competing demands of heritage conservation and rural development. This study aims to address the gap by defining an evaluation index system, Rural Vitality Assessment (RVA), which comprehensively assesses both protective and developmental aspects while taking into account natural and cultural ecological factors. The study utilizes data from a total of 206 traditional villages located in Hebei Province and employs a model to classify and analyze both subjective evaluations collected by interview and questionnaire alongside objective data. The framework employed a combined weighting method to determine appropriate indicator weights, thus facilitating quantitative evaluation of the data obtained. The study shows that over 90% of traditional villages in Hebei Province exhibit an imbalance between protection and development, which could lead to gradual deactivation. Additionally, the spatial distribution of RVA outcomes shows polarization, with higher levels observed in the north and lower levels in the south. The study concludes that the RVA framework is an effective tool for analysing the vitality level, spatial distribution, and disadvantage indicators of villages at different zoning levels. The results can provide a reference for the formulation of targeted heritage protection and development planning strategies and further aid in the rational allocation of resources, helping to narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas.
MARCH5 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by inducing p53 ubiquitination degradation
Authors: CAI xin , Gao jie , Zhang Huapeng , yan zhiping , Guo danfeng , zhang shuijun
Published: February 2024

Dysregulated MARCH5 expression and impaired autophagy have been reported separately in some cancers. However, their relationship has not been explored in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Here, we report the up-regulated expression of MARCH5 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tissues. Biologically, We further demonstrated that MARCH5 stimulation promotes proliferation, migration and invansion of HCC cells in vitro and enhances tumourigenesis and metastasis in vivo. This phenotype could be reversed by knockdown of MARCH5. Mechanistically, MARCH5 activated hepatocellular carcinoma autophagy by inducing LC3I/LC3II conversion, which is essential for the biological function of MARCH5. We further demonstrated the interaction between MARCH5 and p53, which ubiquitinates degraded p53. in conclusion, MARCH5 promotes HCC proliferation, invasion, and migration by ubiquitinating p53 ubiquitination, adding an important layer to the linkage between MARCH5 and p53, which can be translated into a new targeted therapy.
Robotic assisted simple prostatectomy mitigates perioperative morbidity compared to open simple prostatectomy - a single institution report
Authors: Larsen Magnus , Giske Anneli , Roaldsen Marius , Gullan Dag , Aarsaether Erling
Published: February 2024

Background: European guidelines currently advocate to offer open simple prostatectomy to patients with a prostate volume above 80 mL who suffer from moderate to severe LUTS, if a transurethral enucleation technique cannot be provided. However, open simple prostatectomy is regarded as an invasive surgical method, which is associated with relatively high perioperative morbidity and longer hospital stays, when compared to minimally invasive procedures. The aim of the study was to compare perioperative data from the first 26 robotic assisted simple prostatectomy (RASP) cases to patients who were previously treated with open simple prostatectomy (OSP) at our department.
Methods: The patients were identified by a search for the respective procedure codes. In the OSP group the prostatic adenoma was enucleated directly through the prostatic capsule (Millin procedure), while the adenoma was approached through the bladder in the RASP group. Complications between the groups were assessed by the Clavien-Dindo classification system.
Results: 27 patients who previously were treated with OSP were identified and compared to the first 26 who underwent RASP. Bleeding volume was 585 ± 317 ml in the OSP group compared to 134 ± 73 ml in the RASP group (p<0.001), resulting in a larger drop in postoperative hemoglobin (3.5 ± 1.7 in the OSP group compared to 1.7 ± 1.1 in the RASP group, p<0.001). Blood transfusions were significantly higher in the OSP group (12) compared to the RASP group (none, p<0.05). Clavien-Dindo score of 2 or more within 30 days were higher in the OSP group (11) compared to the RASP group (none, p<0.001). The mean length of hospital stay was 5.5 days (range 2-18) in the OSP group compared to 1.6 days (range 1-5) in the RASP group (p<0.001).
Conclusions: The introduction of robotic assisted simple prostatectomy reduced perioperative morbidity at our department.
Gendered Time Use and its Heterogeneities:The Role of Region, Religion and Caste
Authors: Dasgupta Aparajita , Datta Ashokankur
Published: February 2024

Is female labour force participation a good proxy for gendered time use? How do geography and the social institutions of caste and religion interact with the gendered distributionof time within Indian households? In this study, we use gender distance metrics, inspired by distance measures between vectors, to measure and document the extent to which time allocation within households is gendered. Importantly, we find that the relationship between gender distance and labour force participation is not monotonic and the linear relationship between the two is not statistically strong. Furthermore, we show that the relationship of caste, religion and region with gendered time use metrics is distinct from their relationship with employment. In contrast to popular hypotheses which suggest North Indian, Muslim,and Upper Caste households are more gender unequal, interestingly we only find robust confirmation for the hypothesis related to Islam in our regression framework. To further estimate the direct contribution of caste and religion in explaining the gendered time use gap betweengroups (as distinct from the contribution of differential distribution of covariates between groups), we supplement our regression results with Oaxaca-Blinder (1973) decomposition and Dinardo-Fortin-Lemeieux (1996) decomposition. These analyses confirm that caste and religion have complex and unexpected heterogeneous effects on the intensity of gendered timeuse.
JEL Codes: J16, J21, J22, Z12, Z13
Epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance profile and management of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae among mothers with suspected sepsis in Ethiopia
Authors: Gadisa Eshetu , Egyir Beverly , Adu Bright , Ahmed Hawawu , Disasa Guta , Tessema Tesfaye Sisay
Published: February 2024

Background
Early detection and proper management of maternal sepsis caused by multidrug-resistant K. pneumoniae can significantly reduce severe complications and maternal mortality. This study aimed to describe the epidemiology, antimicrobial resistance profile, and management of carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae among sepsis-suspected maternal cases in Ethiopia.
Methods
A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in five tertiary hospitals from June 2021 to December 2023. Isolation, identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of the isolates were carried out following standard microbiological procedures as stated on the CLSI guidelines. Data on socio-demographics, risk factors, and management strategies were collected with structured questionnaires. Associations between variables were determined using logistic regression analysis in STATA-21. A p-value of < 0.05 was statistically significant.
Results
Of the 5613 total women suspected of having maternal sepsis, 609 (10.8%) were found to be infected with K. pneumoniae. Among them, 31.5% of K. pneumoniae isolates produced carbapenemase, while 93.0% were ESBL-producing strains. 93.9% of the strains were MDR, 24.3% were XDR, and 10.9% were PDR strains. 100% isolates were resistant to 3rd generation cephalosporins. However, they exhibited susceptibility to amikacin (83.6%), tigecycline (70.9%), and carbapenem (68.5%). Combined therapy using carbapenem with either amikacin or tigecycline, has shown positive outcomes against carbapenem-resistant strains. Regarding sepsis risk factors, septic abortion[AOR = 5.3;95%CI:2.2–14.4]; extended hospitalization[AOR = 3.7; 95%CI: 1.6–19.4]; dilatation and curettage[AOR = 2.2;95%CI:1.3–13.4]; caesarean wound infection [AOR = 4.1,95%CI:2.0–9.2]; indwelling catheterization[AOR = 2.1, 95%CI: 1.4–6.2]; ICU admission[AOR = 4.3;95%CI:2.4–11.2]; post abortion[AOR = 9.8,95%CI:5.7–16.3]; and recurrent UTI[AOR = 3.3, 95%CI: 1.6–13.2] were significantly associated with maternal sepsis caused by K. pneumoniae.
Conclusions
Maternal sepsis caused by carbapenemase-/ESBL-producing K. pneumoniae leads to severe maternal morbidity that may result in disability or mortality. Therefore, improving awareness, early diagnosis, person-centered care, IPC measures, integrated surveillance, and efficient antimicrobial stewardship are crucial for preventing maternal sepsis.
Cost effectiveness and decision analysis for national airport screening options to reduce risk of COVID-19 introduction in Uganda, 2020
Authors: Amanya Geofrey , Migisha Richard , Kadobera Daniel , Ario Alex Riolexus , Washington Michael L. , Harris Julie R.
Published: February 2024

Background
Early during the COVID-19 outbreak, various approaches were utilized to prevent COVID-19 introductions from incoming airport travellers. However, the costs and effectiveness of airport-specific interventions have not been evaluated.
Methods
We evaluated policy options for COVID-19-specific interventions at Entebbe International Airport for costs and impact on COVID-19 case counts, we took the government payer perspective. Policy options included; (1) no screening, testing, or mandatory quarantine for any incoming traveller; (2) mandatory symptom screening for all incoming travellers with RT-PCR testing only for the symptomatic and isolation of positives; and (3) mandatory 14-day quarantine and one-time testing for all, with 10-day isolation of persons testing positive. We calculated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) in US$ per additional case averted.
Results
Expected costs per incoming traveller were $0 (Option 1), $19 (Option 2), and $766 (Option 3). ICERs per case averted were $257 for Option 2 (which averted 4,948 cases), and $10,139 for Option 3 (which averted 5,097 cases) compared with Option I. Two-week costs were $0 for Option 1, $1,271,431 Option 2, and $51,684,999 Option 3. The per-case ICER decreased with increase in prevalence. The cost-effectiveness of our interventions was modestly sensitive to the prevalence of COVID-19, diagnostic test sensitivity, and testing costs.
Conclusion
Screening all incoming travellers, testing symptomatic persons, and isolating positives (Option 2) was the most cost-effective option. A higher COVID-19 prevalence among incoming travellers increased cost-effectiveness of airport-specific interventions. This model could be used to evaluate prevention options at the airport for COVID-19 and other infectious diseases with similar requirements for control.
The expansion of an invasive malaria vector: Anopheles stephensi detection in Arba Minch town in the southern Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Massebo Fekadu , Ashine Temesgen , Negash Nigatu , Eligo Nigatu , Hailemeskel Elifaged , Minda Thomas , Lindtjørn Bernt , Gadisa Endalamaw
Published: February 2024

Urban areas are seeing a significant increase in malaria cases, and the establishment of an “exotic” urban malaria vector, Anopheles stephensi, is increasing the risk of urban malaria emergence. Immature stages of Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using the standard dipping technique from artificial breeding habitats and reared to adults. Adults aged 2–3 days were identified to species level using a morphological key and confirmed by species-specific polymerase chain reaction. The species distribution map was produced using the geographic coordinates of the breeding habitats. A total of 76 artificial containers (55 discarded tyres, 18 concrete water storage, and three plastic containers) in 21 locations in the town were visited to survey for container breeding Anopheles mosquitoes. Of the examined containers, 88% (67/76) had at least one Anopheles larva. Out of the emerged adults from immature stages, 32 were morphologically identified as An. stephensi, of which 26 (81%) were confirmed by molecular analysis. This is the first study to report An. stephensi from Arba Minch, one of the region's largest towns, highlighting the need for increased vigilance. The planned and ongoing study in and around Arba Minch will add to the continuing efforts to understand the bionomic and the role of An. stephensi in malaria transmission that will help develop a strategy to address the impending risk of urban malaria in Ethiopia.
Asymptomatic placental cord blood malaria in pregnant women attending the Bamenda Regional Hospital: A cross sectional study
Authors: Njiwale Mungwi Synthia , Eyong Ebanga Echi Joan , Ebai Calvin Bisson , Seino Richard Akwanjoh
Published: February 2024

Malaria in pregnancy has been a major health problem of humans through history and is a leading cause of preterm births, miscarriages, stillbirths and death. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of malaria in placental cord blood and the risk factors associated with it at the Regional Hospital Bamenda, Cameroon. Two hundred and fifty-eight samples were collected from the placental cord using a sterile syringe. Slides were prepared, stained using Giemsa (10%) and observed under the microscope. Risks factors were assessed via questionnaires. Data obtained was analysed using SPSS version 21. Chi square test was used to test for differences in proportions in different categories and regression analysis was also used to get the relationship between prevalence and risk factors in this study. The overall prevalence of placental cord blood malaria was 3.9% (10) and the disease was more prevalent among parturients in the age group 21–30 years 2.71% (7) than those of the age group 41–50 years who recorded zero prevalence. Parturients with secondary and tertiary level of education had the highest prevalence 5(1.94%) and those with less than 3 children recorded the highest prevalence 2.71% (7) compared to those with more than 3 children 1.16% (3). The Plasmodium species identified were Plasmodium falciparum (3.5%) and Plasmodium malariae (0.4%). The risk factors that predisposed the parturients in this study included; not sleeping under mosquito nets, living by streams, those with bushes around the house and those who did not take their anti-malaria drugs effectively. Malaria parasites were prevalent in the placental cord blood which means pregnant women are not free from this infection and it merits extra preventive and treatment measures.
The prognostic role of cigarette smoking in oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer survival
Authors: Christensen Connor , Tremblay Julien , Baral Amrit , Pinheiro Paulo
Published: February 2024

Background
The association between smoking and oral cavity and pharyngeal cancer (OPC) is well-documented. However, the role of smoking as a potential prognostic factor for OPC mortality remains unclear. In this population-based study, we analyze cancer-specific survival (CSS) outcomes among OPC patients by smoking status at diagnosis in the diverse state of Florida.
Methods
All primary OPC cases with known smoking status (N = 38,990) from the Florida Cancer Registry Data that were diagnosed between 2005–2018 were analyzed. Cox proportional regression was conducted to assess the variables effecting OPC survival, including age, race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, cancer stage, cancer location (oropharynx, tongue, tonsil, etc.), and treatment received with special focus given to smoking status (current, former, and never smoker).
Results
Of all OPC cases, less than a third (29.6%) occurred among never smokers. Ever smokers accounted for 70.4% of total cases but 77.7% of all OPC deaths. In a multivariable analysis, former and current smokers had 26% and 79% increased risk of OPC death respectively. This was after adjusting for potential confounders and when compared to never smokers (HR: 1.26, 95%CI: 1.21–1.31; HR: 1.79 95%CI: 1.72–1.86). When solely comparing current to former smokers in a multivariable analysis, current smokers were found to be 40% more like to die from OPC (HR: 1.40, 95%CI: 1.36–1.46).
Conclusion
Smoking was independently associated with increased risk of OPC mortality. Survival disparities by race/ethnicity, SES as well as insurance status still exist among OPC patients in Florida. Medical providers should promote and facilitate patient participation in cigarette smoking cessation programs targeting current smokers.
Differences in the gut microbiota and plasma metabolome of major depressive disorder patients with and without ischemic stroke
Authors: Zhang Huiru , Lyu Dongsheng , Zhang Xingguang , Cao Ning
Published: February 2024

Background
Major depressive disorder (MDD) and ischemic stroke (IS) are prominent contributors to disease burden worldwide, and MDD has been recognized as a significant risk factor for IS in epidemiology studies; however, the specific mechanisms that explain the coexistence of MDD and IS have not been identified. Multiple studies have shown a strong association between the gut microbiota and both IS and MDD. We propose that the gut microbiota may play a role in the development of IS in individuals with MDD. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms linking the gut microbiota and increased risk of IS development in patients with MDD.
Methods
We included 30 hospitalized individuals diagnosed with MDD with IS and 30 individuals diagnosed with MDD without IS using the matching method and used 16S rRNA gene sequencing and the nontarget metabolome to analyze the gut microbiota composition and plasma metabolic profiles of the included patients.
Results
MDD patients with IS and MDD patients without IS have different gut microbiota structures and plasma metabolic profiles. MDD patients with IS had more bacteria with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) structures and lacked bacteria that produce butyrate. Alloprevotella and Bacteroides massiliensis, along with their associated metabolites, facilitated precise differentiation between patients with and without IS. The area under the curve (AUC) for these bacteria was 0.998 (95% confidence interval: 0.992-1.000) and 0.992 (95% confidence interval: 0.978-1.000).
Conclusions
Compared with MDD patients without IS, patients with MDD who also had IS exhibited distinct changes in their gut microbiome and metabolite profiles. Changes in the gut microbiome are evident by an elevated abundance of bacteria with LPS structures and a reduced abundance of bacteria that produce butyrate. Additionally, the abundances of Alloprevotella and Bacteroides massiliensis, along with their related metabolites, strongly predict IS in patients with MDD.
Fluorescence-guidance using near-infrared fluorescent clips in robotic rectal surgery: a case series
Authors: Narihiro Satoshi , Nakashima Syunsuke , Kazi Mutsumi , Kumamoto Tomotaka , Kitagawa Kazuo , Toya Naoki , Eto Ken
Published: February 2024

Tattoo markings are often used as preoperative markers for colorectal cancer. However, scattered ink markings adversely affects tumor site recognition intraoperatively; therefore, interventions for rectal cancer may lead to an inaccurate distal resection margin (DRM) and incomplete total mesorectal excision (TME). This is the first case series of fluorescence-guided robotic rectal surgery in which near-infrared fluorescence clips (NIRFCs) were used to localize rectal cancer lesions. Twenty consecutive patients who underwent robotic surgery for rectal cancer between December 2022 and December 2023 were enrolled in the study. The primary endpoints of this study were the rate of intraoperative clip detection and its usefulness for marking the tumor site. Secondary endpoints were oncological assessments, including DRM and the number of lymph nodes. Clip locations were confirmed in 17 of 20 (85%) cases. There were seven (35%) cases with preoperative CRT and, of these, the detection of NIRFC was affected in 3 cases. No adverse events, including bleeding or perforation, were observed at the time of clipping, and no clippings were lost. The median DRM was 55 mm (range, 22–86 mm) for Rs, 33 mm (range, 16–60 mm) for Ra, and 20 mm (range, 17–30 mm) for Rb. The median number of lymph nodes was 13 (range, 10–21 mm). The rate of intraoperative clip detection, oncological assessment, including DRM, and the number of lymph nodes indicate that fluorescence-guided methods using NIRFCs are feasible for rectal cancer.
Design, development, and deployment of a sensor-based aquaculture automation system
Authors: R Sasikumar , L Lourdu Lincy , Sathyan Anish , P Chellapandi
Published: February 2024

The aquaculture automation system (AcAS) is a user-friendly single-window unit. This allows end users to easily monitor and control the entire system through a built-in, customizable graphical user interface. AcAS was designed for simplicity, making it easy to configure and use. This system was integrated with highly efficient industrial-grade environmental sensors (pH, conductivity, oxidation-reduction potential and dissolved oxygen) to ensure precise and error-free results in harsh environments. It can also store the user and system data in an attached memory device. It is equipped with built-in Wi-Fi, LoRa/ZigBee, and 4G/5G modules for data transfer, making it compatible with modern communication technology. It was programmed to be farmer-friendly and helped farmers maintain optimal shrimp growth conditions by monitoring various parameters. AcAS takes corrective measures as required, and provides updates to farmers through a graphical display unit. Additionally, farmers can configure devices to receive alerts regarding important field parameters or alarm conditions. Therefore, AcAS enhances the efficiency and sustainability of aquaculture farming by enabling precise control of farming conditions and proactive management of aquaculture.
Trillin-Mediated Inhibition of NF-κB/COX-2 Signaling Pathways through Upregulation of miR-145-5p Targeting MAP3K11 in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Authors: Wang Yanlong , Peng Yulin , Hao Wenjun , Gao Xiang , Liang Peng , Zhao Haolin , Wang Ying , Wang Liang , Yu Zhenlong , Liu Zhiyu
Published: February 2024

Purpose
Prostate cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men worldwide, driving the need for innovative therapeutic avenues. Despite preliminary evidence supporting the anti-cancer potential of the natural compound Trillin, its effectiveness against castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has yet to be fully explored.
Methods
This study evaluated the anti-cancer efficacy of Trillin in CRPC cell lines DU145 and PC3 through a comprehensive set of in vitro and in vivo experiments. Assessments included cell proliferation, migration, invasion, apoptosis, and cell cycle analyses, alongside Western blot, qRT-PCR, confocal immunofluorescence, and dual luciferase assays to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying Trillin's action. Additionally, an in vivo CRPC xenograft model in NYG immunodeficient mice was used to assess therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.
Results
Trillin treatment significantly reduced CRPC cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion, while inducing apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. Mechanistically, Trillin downregulated key proteins involved in the NF-κB/COX-2 pathway, inhibited nuclear translocation of NF-κB subunits, and decreased COX-2 promoter activity. It also upregulated miR-145-5p, targeting MAP3K11, which is implicated in CRPC progression. In vivo, Trillin markedly suppressed tumor growth without observable toxicity, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent.
Conclusion
Our findings demonstrate that Trillin significantly inhibits the growth and metastatic capabilities of CRPC cells, both in vitro and in vivo, through induction of apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and suppression of the NF-κB/COX-2 signaling pathway. By modulating miR-145-5p and targeting MAP3K11, Trillin presents a promising therapeutic strategy for CRPC, warranting further clinical investigation.
Use of low-cost drones to map arbovirus vector habitats with multispectral aerial imagery
Authors: Hoang Pham Viet , Linh Ngo Phuc , Long Bui Ngoc , Hien Vo Bich , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Khanh Tran Duc
Published: February 2024

Background
This article introduces WaterMAI, a novel multispectral aerial imagery dataset that is optimized for detecting small to medium water bodies and is essential for mapping arbovirus vector habitats. While satellite datasets provide broad coverage and are valuable in many contexts, WaterMAI concentrates on utilizing high-resolution aerial imagery. This approach is suitable for capturing detailed information about water bodies, which may contain vectors for arboviruses.
Materials and methods
We benchmarked baseline deep learning algorithms on our WaterMAI dataset for water body detection, employing both bounding box and segmentation approaches, establishing new baselines for this domain. Furthermore, we extensively investigate the effectiveness of various spectral band combinations, including Near-infrared (NIR), Red, Green, Blue (RGB), and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI), to determine the potential configuration for accurate water body detection.
Results
The WaterMAI dataset, covering 16 rural and sub-tropical regions with varied water bodies, increases the utility of research through multiple spectral bands, including visible and near-infrared. The findings demonstrate the potential of multispectral imagery that shall enhance the understanding and monitoring of water bodies in rural and subtropical regions. The WaterMAI dataset, orthomosaic images, and the implementation of the segmentation models for benchmarking are available in GitHub database.
Conclusion
Our result suggests incorporating NDWI and NIR spectral bands with RGB images potentially improves the water body detection algorithm.
Association between the triglyceride glucose index and Obstructive Sleep Apnea and its symptoms: results from the NHANES
Authors: Wang Chao , Shi Mengdi , Lin Chunsheng , wang Jingyi , Xie Liangzhen , Li Yan
Published: February 2024

Background
Some studies have shown that in certain populations, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is associated with dyslipidemia. To further clarify, it is necessary to conduct research using a large sample of the general population. This study aims to explore this association using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database
Methods
Data sets from the NHANES database for the years 2005 to 2008 and 2015 to 2018 were used, representing American adults aged 18 and above after weighting. Information regarding OSA, lipid levels, and confounding factors was included. The relationship between OSA and abnormal lipid levels was analyzed using a generalized linear model logistic regression, and the stability of the results was explored using hierarchical analysis and other methods.
Results
The study participants' ages ranged from 18 to 90 years old. The average age of the participants was 46.75 years. In the total sample, 50.76% were male. Furthermore, the TyG exhibited diagnostic capability for OSA, with an AUC of 0.701. In the fully adjusted model, participants in the fourth quartile of the TyG index had a higher likelihood of having OSA compared to those in the first quartile [OR: 1.45; 95% CI (1.02, 2.06); P < 0.05]. Subgroup analysis revealed that being male (OR: 2.09; 95% CI (1.76, 2.45); P < 0.05), in the younger age group (OR: 2.83; 95% CI (2.02, 3.96); P < 0.05), Caucasian (OR: 2.29; 95% CI (1.93, 2.73); P < 0.05), and obese (OR: 1.54; 95% CI (1.28, 1.85); P < 0.05) were associated with a higher risk of OSA.
Conclusions
In this study, a high TyG index is closely associated with the OSA. Simultaneously, the TyG index may be an independent predictor of OSA.
Eigensolution and Thermodynamic Properties of Standard Coulombic Potential
Authors: Emeje K. O. , Onate C. A. , Okon I. B. , Omugbe E. , Eyube E. S. , Olanrewaju D. B. , Aghemenloh E.
Published: February 2024

The Combination of Coulomb potential with itself(standard Coulombic potential) is studied under the non-relativistic wave equation. The energy equation and its corresponding un-normalized redial wave are obtained using parametric Nikiforov-Uvarov method by applying a Green-Aldrich approximation scheme to the centrifugal term. The energy equation obtained was used to calculated the partition function from where the thermodynamic properties such as the mean energy, specific heat capacity, entropy and free energy are calculated. Numerical results are generated for the standard Coulombic potential and its special cases. The special cases are Coulomb potential with negative potential strength and the other is also Coulomb potential with positive potential strength. The study showed that the energy of the system is fully bounded. It is noted that the two special cases which are Coulomb-Coulomb potentials with positive and negative potential strengths are equal provided the strength are equal but opposite in sign. The thermodynamic properties aligned with those of the literature but has some unique behaviours.
Effects of combined exposure of manganese and iron on serum inflammatory factor levels among workers
Authors: Liang Dian-yin , Peng Jian-chao , Xie Bing-yan , Qin Wen-xia , Ou Shi-yan , Aschner Michael , Jiang Yue-Ming
Published: February 2024

Background
Manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) are commonly used in the manufacturing of ferroalloys and the ore mining industry. Long-term occupational exposure to Mn and Fe will cause adverse health effects to workers.
Methods
108 Mn workers in 4 Mn operational factories in Guangxi were selected for the Mn exposure groups, stratified by job type, gender, age, and working age; 92 non-Mn workers from the sugar factory, indoor office, and non-contact metal smelting were in the control group. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to determine the Mn and Fe concentration in the working environment. Graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) was used to determine the blood Mn concentration of workers. Serum inflammatory factor concentrations (TNF-α, PGE2, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6, IL-8 ) were monitored by ELISA.
Results
The average geometric concentrations of Mn and Fe in the working air were 0.006 mg/m3 and 0.0234 mg/m3, respectively. The blood Mn concentration and positive rate of clinical neurological symptoms in the Mn exposure group was higher than in the control group. Blood Mn concentration was positively correlated with various serum inflammatory factors. The concentrations of various serum inflammatory factors were positively correlated with each other.
Conclusions
Our results show that low levels of Mn exposure increase blood Mn concentrations and the rate of complaints of neurological symptoms in workers, as well as led to an increase in serum levels, suggesting that low levels of Mn exposure promote increased serum inflammatory response.
Probabilistic analysis of backward erosion piping in an embankment dam considering the spatial variability of soil properties
Authors: CHI Fengdong , CARVAJAL Claudio , BREUL Pierre , PEYRAS Laurent
Published: February 2024

The spatial variability of soil seepage parameters is an essential component of the uncertainty of earth dams. This paper presents a method for probabilistic backward erosion analysis that considers the spatial variability of seepage parameters in earth dams to assess the distribution of the Factor of Safety (FoS) and the failure probability (Pf). In this study, the Karhunen-Loeve method is used to generate Random Fields (RFs) of soil hydraulic properties, and Monte Carlo simulations (MCs) are used to generate realisations of these RFs, which are then introduced into the numerical model to assess the spatial variability of the seepage analysis results. The hydraulic gradient distribution is compared with the critical hydraulic gradient to assess the FoS and the Pf due to backward erosion at each point of the dam. This study also presents the effect of water level H, permeability anisotropy coefficient ξ, and RFs parameters (permeability covariance COVKs, correlation length Lh & Lv) on the FoS and Pf of Backward Erosion Piping (BEP). The results illustrate that the failure probability Pf increases with H, COVKs and ξ. The failure probability Pf is not sensitive to the vertical correlation length, but may decrease with the horizontal correlation length. Additionally, the study discusses on the potential location of the initiation of internal erosion as well as the results obtained with criteria based on the local and global hydraulic gradient.