bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on High-Concentration Activated Sludge Method for Energy-Efficient Nitrogen Removal in Wastewater
Authors: Benfu Luo , Yuhang Liu , Yiqiang Huang , Weiwei Huang , Qiang Chen , Yujing Yan , Haixing He , Xiang Zhou , Jie Yu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Currently, there is an increasing emphasis on energy conservation and emission reduction, and conventional water treatment processes can no longer meet the demand. Enhancing the reflux ratio of the mixed liquor is a promising option to improve nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment. However, a high reflux ratio can lead to a significant carryover of dissolved oxygen (DO), which can negatively impact the denitrification process. Research in this area is still relatively limited. The high concentration activated sludge method can significantly reduce the impact of dissolved oxygen. Therefore, this study compares it with the conventional internal recirculation method in terms of pollutant removal and dissolved oxygen recovery. It explores the feasibility of using high concentration activated sludge to enhance nitrogen removal in wastewater treatment while achieving energy savings, and calculates the potential energy savings achieved. The results indicate that employing the high concentration activated sludge method to increase the sludge concentration in the system not only prevents the detrimental effects of dissolved oxygen on the anoxic zone but also enhances the system's removal rates for BOD5, CODcr, ammonia nitrogen, and total nitrogen (TN). The study calculated that the Air-lift technique using aeration pumps recovers approximately 31.46% of DO. However, the biochemical treatment system used in this experiment is relatively small in scale, which limits its ability to fully demonstrate the energy savings and management advantages associated with the high concentration activated sludge method.
Investigation on the influence of fracture characteristics on thermal recovery in supercritical carbon dioxide enhanced geothermal systems (CO2 -EGS)
Authors: Xiao Xiaochun , Gong Peiyushun , Li Wensheng , Xu Jun , Li Cenrui 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

To investigate the thermal extraction performance of supercritical carbon dioxide (ScCO2) in enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) with the influence of hydraulic fractures and natural fractures, the hydraulic fractures in EGS were abstracted, and four geometric models were established and numerically solved. The permeability field, temperature field, and stress field of the model were analyzed to elucidate the interaction mechanism between ScCO2 and hot dry rock reservoirs. The results indicate that an increase in the number of hydraulic fractures can promote heat transfer of ScCO2 within the system, but the relationship is not entirely linearly correlated between them and may lead to early thermal breakthrough in the system. The hydraulic fractures perpendicular to the flow direction of ScCO2 will form non-connected fracture zones that will hinder the convective heat transfer within the system. Differences in hydraulic fracture characteristics can also cause significant variations in flow velocity and pressure within the system. The increase in the number of hydraulic fractures results in more granite blocks being segmented, leading to significant changes in the stress field, thereby ultimately reducing porosity and permeability. The results of this study can provide theoretical guidance for the construction of hydraulic fractures during geothermal development.
Increased thermal suitability Elevates Risk of Dengue Transmission Across the Mid Hills of Nepal
Authors: Acharya Bipin Kumar , Khanal Laxman , Dhimal Meghnath 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The burden of climate-sensitive, mosquito-borne diseases, including dengue, has significantly increased in recent years. Understanding the temporal and spatial variations of these diseases is essential for effectively controlling potential outbreaks. In this study, we utilized Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite land surface temperature (LST) data (MOD11A2) and a temperature-dependent mechanistic model (R0) to predict the monthly suitability for dengue transmission in Nepal from 2000 to 2020 for both mosquito vectors, Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus. We divided the study period into two phases: 2000–2010, which we characterized as the period of dengue emergence, and 2010–2020, identified as the period of rapid expansion. We compared the thermal suitability across these two time periods. The results indicated that approximately half of Nepal is thermally suitable for dengue transmission for at least one month, with the maximum transmission risk lasting up to nine months each year, a trend that has more or less remained stable over the past 20 years. However, strong temporal dynamics were observed in the hilly regions and around major urban centers such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, where the length of thermal suitability extended up to six months for both vector species. Consequently, the population exposed to thermal suitability increased significantly on a monthly basis. Compared to the emergence period, the proportion of the population exposed to a suitable thermal environment for six months or longer each year increased by 18% for Ae. aegypti and 20% for Ae. albopictus. These findings provide evidence-based insights that could assist health authorities in the control and management of dengue in Nepal.
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation for Vulnerable Aging Residents of Iosco County, Michigan
Authors: Douglass Richard , Stansloski Donald , Mortimer James , Purdy Sam , Evilsizer Dale , Rice Scott 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The Rural Health Group and the Iosco County Commission on Aging, in Michigan, conducted a comprehensive investigation of the needs of t home-delivered meal recipients for transportation access to medical and healthcare utilization.* This population struggles to access medical care that is often available only at significant distances because rural Michigan has experienced loss of health services. Access is challenged by a lack of non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) alternatives to personal vehicles.
From a service population of 233, 84 responded to personal interviews. Analyses revealed that 9.4% of the respondents experienced delayed or canceled medical care due to lack of transportation. Extrapolation to similar counties suggests that NEMT deficiencies pose a risk for thousands of rural seniors who lack personal transportation. Respondents explained how transportation barriers put them at risk and how they rely on family members who are often not local residents to access routine medical care. Public and private transportation options for NEMT are inadequate and poorly coordinated and Medicaid-NEMT services were unused because of complicated procedures and lack of awareness. Recommendations include replication to validate and generalize the findings, and critical improvement of availability, coordination and access of NEMT services for rural populations. Structural changes are proposed to establish NEMT divisions in EMS services to reduce inappropriate emergency resources being used for non-emergent situations.
Study design to develop a Multi-disciplinary Alcohol Use Prevention Program for Postgraduate Students in Medical University:a study protocol
Authors: Lai Li , Liu Li , Lian Fayang , Xu Zhixian , Zheng Kefang , Huang Shihua , Zhang Jiancheng , Zheng Xiaochun 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Addressing alcohol abuse on campus presents significant challenges for institutions of higher education. The lack of effective alcohol use prevention programmes has rendered students, particularly postgraduates facing heavy social pressures, more vulnerable to alcohol abuse risks. This study aims to establish a novel, multidisciplinary alcohol use prevention programme (MDAUPP) integrating various subspecialties of clinical and forensic medicine (e.g., Biology and Toxicology). The goal is to enhance postgraduate students' ability to recognise, prevent, and manage alcohol-related problems both on campus and in their future professional careers.
Methods:The study is designed with three work streams. Workstream 1 involves evaluating risk factors for alcohol abuse using participants' demographic information and the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire. Demographic data will be analysed to describe the overall participant profile, and AUDIT scores will identify drinkers and assess the severity of alcohol use disorders. Uni-variate Logistic regression and Multivariate conditional Logistic regression will analyse factors related to alcohol abuse among medical students based on demographic information and questionnaire assessments.
Workstream 2, the MDAUPP, comprises three phases: (1) propagating and popularising knowledge about alcohol-related diseases, (2) conducting on-site observations for blood alcohol concentration (BAC) testing, and (3) interpreting human alcohol metabolism capacity through genetic testing.
Lastly, Workstream 3 involves a 10-item survey questionnaire to collect responses from participants. Likert scale-based assessments before and after the programme will be analysed using Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank testing to measure changes in responses across participants.
Discussion: Establishing a proactive approach towards preventing alcohol abuse among postgraduate students and addressing inappropriate social behaviours are key objectives of this prevention programme. The study findings may offer insights into the effectiveness of MDAUPP among postgraduates at Fujian Medical University and its potential application in similar or comprehensive universities.
Clinical trial number: Not applicable.
A galactic cosmic ray cavity in Earth-Moon space
Authors: Shi Quanqi , Shang Wensai , Liu Ji , Xu Zigong , Yue Chao , Guo Ruilong , Xiao Chao , Wimmer-Schweingruber Robert , Guo Jingnan , William Degeling , Rankin Robert , Tian Anmin , Zong Qiu-Gang , Han Chenyao , Park Jong-Sun , Wang Huizi , Liu Wenlong , Fu Suiyan , Zhai LiuMing , Chen Ding , Ni Sulan , Chen Tianlu 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In regions of the solar system distant from planetary magnetic fields, galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) have generally been assumed to be uniformly distributed throughout interplanetary space. However, our analysis of data from the Chang’E-4 lander revealed a region of reduced GCR flux in the pre-noon sector of the lunar orbit. Further investigation suggests the presence of an energetic particle cavity, formed by the Earth’s magnetic field acting as an obstacle to GCR propagation. This cavity indicates that the influence of Earth’s magnetic field within the space environment extends unexpectedly up to and far beyond lunar orbit. This discovery offers the potential to avoid high radiation levels during future lunar exploration and deep-space missions.
Breast Cancer and Income Loss in Denmark: Heterogeneous Outcomes and Longitudinal Effects
Authors: Johnson Emily , Parikh Harsh , Olsen Kim , Chang Angela , Sopina Liza 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Income loss after breast cancer is an important area of research, but long-term effects and heterogeneous impacts are understudied. Our analysis measures the effect of breast cancer on personal and household equivalized income of females in Denmark from 2000-2018 using Danish register data. We perform a cohort study and match on age, baseline income, employment, baseline health, and other socioeconomic and demographic variables, to investigate heterogeneous effects across subpopulations over a 10-year period. We also perform an event study difference-in-difference analysis over the same period. Our study finds modest but consistent personal income loss over 10 years, and disproportionate loss for the working population, students, and those in worse health. Household income losses are smaller and recover within 10 years. Overall, the Danish economic protections are effective in mitigating long-term economic impact of breast cancer on the population, though there is room for improvement in protection of the most vulnerable.
Improving survival models in healthcare: a novel matching approach
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Ning Catherine , Lønning Per Eystein , Baba Hideo , Endo Itaru , Burkhart Richard , Aucejo Federico N , Balzer Felix , Kreis Martin E , Margonis Georgios Antonios 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

We present, to our knowledge, the first methodological study aimed at enhancing the prognosticpower of Cox regression models, widely used in survival analysis, through optimized data selection. Ourapproach employs a novel two-stage mechanism: by framing the prognostic stratum matching problemintuitively, we select prognostically representative patient observations to create a more balanced trainingset. This enables the model to assign equal attention to distinct prognostic subgroups. We demonstratethe methodology using an observational dataset of 1,799 patients with resected colorectal cancer livermetastases, 1,197 of whom received adjuvant chemotherapy and 602 who did not. In our study, as is current standard practice, the comparator was training prognostic models on the entire cohort (referred to as ”model 1”). Models trained on the untreated and treated subgroups, matched through our approach (referred to as ”model 3A and 3B”, respectively), showed an improvement of up to 20% in bootstrapped C-indices compared tomodel 1. Notably, model 3 exhibited superior calibration, with a 6- to 10-fold improvement over model 1. Additional performance metrics aligned with these findings, and robustness was confirmed through biascorrectedbootstrapping. Given the ongoing development of numerous linear prognostic models and thegeneral applicability of our approach to any observational data, this method holds significant potentialto impact biomedical research and clinical practice where prognostic models are utilized.
Precision targeting of β-catenin induces tumor reprogramming and immunity in hepatocellular cancers
Authors: Monga Satdarshan , Lehrich Brandon , Delgado Evan , Yasaka Tyler , Liu Silvia , Cao Catherine , Liu Yuqing , Taheri Mohammad , Guan Xiangnan , Koeppen Hartmut , Singh Sucha , Liu Jia-Jun , Singh-Varma Anya , Krutsenko Yekaterina , Poddar Minakshi , Hitchens T. , Foley Lesley , Liang Binyong , Rialdi Alex , Rai Ravi , Patel Panari , Riley Madeline , Bell Aaron , Raeman Reben , Dadali Tulin , Luke Jason , Guccione Ernesto , Ebrahimkhani Mo , Lujambio Amaia , Chen Xin , Maier Martin , Wang Yulei , Broom Wendy , Tao Junyan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

First-line immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) combinations show responses in subsets of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. Nearly half of HCCs are Wnt-active with mutations in CTNNB1 (encoding for β-catenin), AXIN1/2, or APC, and demonstrate limited benefit to ICI due to an immune excluded tumor microenvironment. We show significant tumor responses in multiple β-catenin-mutated immunocompetent HCC models to a novel siRNA encapsulated in lipid nanoparticle targeting CTNNB1 (LNP-CTNNB1). Both single-cell and spatial transcriptomics revealed cellular and zonal reprogramming of CTNNB1-mutated tumors, along with activation of immune regulatory transcription factors IRF2 and POU2F1, re-engaged type I/II interferon signaling, and alterations in both innate and adaptive immune responses upon β-catenin suppression with LNP-CTNNB1. Moreover, LNP-CTNNB1 synergized with ICI in advanced-stage disease through orchestrating enhanced recruitment of cytotoxic T cell aggregates. Lastly, CTNNB1-mutated patients treated with atezolizumab plus bevacizumab combination had decreased presence of lymphoid aggregates, which were prognostic for response and survival. In conclusion, LNP-CTNNB1 is efficacious as monotherapy and in combination with ICI in CTNNB1-mutated HCCs through impacting tumor cell intrinsic signaling and remodeling global immune surveillance, providing rationale for clinical investigations.
Retrospective Evaluation of Demographic, Clinical, Laboratory Findings and Inflammatory Biomarkers of Patients Followed with the Diagnosis of Serum Sickness-Like Reaction
Authors: SALAR Seda TAŞDEMİR , Yorulmaz Alaaddin , Güngörer Vildan , Arslan Şükrü 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Objectives
In the present study, the purpose was to examine whether there are any changes in these hematological parameters and their prognostic significance in patients diagnosed with SSLR and followed and treated in our clinic.
Methods
The files of 122 patients who were hospitalized and followed up with a diagnosis of SSLR in the Pediatric Healthcare and Diseases Clinic between September 2016 and December 2021 were examined retrospectively.
Results
A total of 64 (52.5%) of the patients were male, 58 (47.5%) were female. The age distribution of the patients varied between 14 months and 213 months. When the clinical findings of the patients who were included in the study were examined. Statistically significant differences were detected in the Neutrophil Count, Lymphocyte Count, NLR, PLR, RLR, AST/ALT Ratio, SII, and AST/PLT ratios of the patients compared to the control group. According to the ROC analysis results of the present study, it was found that NLR, PLR, RLR, RLR, and SII values were statistically high in diagnosis.
Conclusions
NLR and PLR values were elevated in SSLR patients, showing that these parameters can be used as important inflammation markers in the diagnosis and follow-up of the disease.
Levosimendan and postoperative NT-proBNP release in noncardiac surgery – a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, phase III trial
Authors: Kabon Barbara , Reiterer Christian , Taschner Alexander , Graf Alexandra , Adamowitsch Nikolas , Horvath Katharina , Emler David , Zotti Oliver , Hantakova Nicole , Hochreiter Beatrix , Fraunschiel Melanie , Clement Theresa , Fleischmann Edith 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Postoperative elevated NT-proBNP concentrations are independently associated with cardiovascular complications and mortality after noncardiac surgery. Levosimendan significantly decreases the release of NT-proBNP, however, the effect in noncardiac surgical patients remains unknown. Thus, this study evaluates the effect of a perioperative levosimendan administration on postoperative maximum NT-proBNP.
Methods: 230 cardiovascular risk patients undergoing moderate- to high-risk major noncardiac surgery were included in this prospective, double-blinded, parallel group, placebo-controlled, phase III trial, between October 2020 through November 2023. 115 patients were assigned to perioperative single-dose of 12.5mg starting with a rate of 0.2 mcg.kg-1.min-1 of levosimendan and 115 patients were assigned to placebo. The primary outcome was postoperative maximum NT-proBNP concentration within the first three postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were MINS and maximum troponin T concentrations within the first three postoperative days.
Results: Among 230 patients, 228 patients completed the trial. There was no significant difference in postoperative maximum NT-proBNP concentrations between the groups (effect estimate: -82.99ng.L-1; 95% CI -321.08 to 190.96; p=0.48). The incidence of MINS (p=0.063) and postoperative maximum troponin T (effect estimate: 0.45, 95% CI-1.66 to 3.41; p=0.728) concentrations within the first three postoperative days did not differ significantly between the groups.
Conclusions: Levosimendan administration did not lead to a significantly lower release in postoperative NT-proBNP in cardiovascular risk patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery. There was no significant difference in MINS and postoperative Troponin T concentrations. The role of pre-emptive levosimendan as prophylactic treatment option in cardiovascular high-risk patients must be verified in large-scale trials.
Boundary Complexity of (Sub-) Cortical Areas Predict Deep Brain Stimulation Outcomes in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Schoen Devin , Deutsch Skyler , Mehta Juhi , Wang Sarah , Kornak John , Starr Philip , Wang Doris , Ostrem Jill , Bledsoe Ian , Morrison Melanie 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

While deep brain stimulation (DBS) remains an effective therapy for Parkinson’s disease (PD), sources of variance in patient outcomes are still not fully understood, underscoring a need for better prognostic criteria. Here we leveraged routinely collected T1-weighted (T1-w) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data to derive patient-specific measures of brain structure and evaluate their usefulness in predicting changes in PD medications in response to DBS. Preoperative T1-w MRI data from 231 patients with PD were used to extract regional measures of fractal dimension (FD), sensitive to the structural complexities of cortical and subcortical areas. FD was validated as a biomarker of Parkinson's disease (PD) progression through comparison of patients with PD and healthy controls (HCs). This analysis revealed significant group differences in FD across nine brain regions which supports its utility as a marker of PD. We evaluated the impact of adding imaging features (FD) to a clinical model that included demographics and clinical parameters—age, sex, total number and location of DBS electrodes, and preoperative motor response to levodopa. This model aimed to explain variance and predict changes in medication following DBS. Regression analysis revealed that inclusion of the FD of distributed brain areas correlated with post-DBS reductions in medication burden, explaining an additional 13.6% of outcome variance (R2=0.388) compared to clinical features alone (R2=0.252). Hypergraph-based classification learning tasks achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.64 when predicting with clinical features alone, versus 0.76 when combining clinical and imaging features. These findings demonstrate that PD effects on brain morphology linked to disease progression influence DBS outcomes. The work also highlights FD as a potentially useful imaging biomarker to enhance DBS candidate selection criteria for optimized treatment planning.
Peripheral blood cellular dynamics during the progression of human tuberculosis
Authors: Gu Wanjun , Zhu Shanshan , Yan Hanlin , Dai Qiuchen , Ma Yuexuan , Niu Yayan , Chen Chen , Wu Meiying , Xie Xueying 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), remains a significant global health challenge. The composition of peripheral blood immune cells offers valuable insights into the progression and management of TB. In this study, we analyzed cellular dynamics across the TB disease spectrum using 43 global transcriptomic datasets encompassing 5,902 blood samples. Our findings reveal distinct immune changes during the early stages of TB progression. As latent TB infection (LTBI) transitions to incipient TB (ITB), monocyte proportions increase, while natural killer (NK) cell counts decline. In subclinical TB (STB), monocyte levels rise further, alongside reductions in NK cells and B cells. These early immune shifts precede the pronounced alterations observed in active TB (ATB), where elevated monocytes and neutrophils are accompanied by significant decrease in lymphocyte populations, including CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, B cells, and NK cells. During successful anti-TB treatment (ATT), immune profiles gradually normalize, characterized by reductions in monocytes and neutrophils and increases in lymphocyte populations. Factors such as TB burden, age, and HIV co-infection influence these cellular dynamics, with adults and individuals in low TB burden regions exhibiting more pronounced immune responses. This study implies the potential of early-stage peripheral blood biomarkers, such as NK cell changes, for detecting TB progression and facilitating targeted preventive interventions. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of diverse datasets in improving the reliability of discoveries and advancing TB diagnostics and treatment strategies.