bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CRKL Gene Deletion in Familial Zinner (OSVIRA) and OHVIRA Syndromes
Authors: Rhodes Hannah L. , Bownass Lucy , Smithson Sarah F. , Woodward Mark N. 
Published: December 2024

We present the first description of a family in which 2 siblings show alternative expression of CRKL gene deletion as the phenotypes of Zinner (OSVIRA, obstructed seminal vesicle and ipsilateral renal agenesis) and OHVIRA (obstructed hemivagina with an ipsilateral renal anomaly) syndromes. The male infant with Zinner syndrome and his sister aged 5 years with OHVIRA syndrome both have a paternally inherited 703-kb deletion at chromosome 22q11.21 that includes CRKL. This observation supports Acien’s hypothesis that the upper vagina has an embryological dual origin and furthermore substantiates the theory that Zinner (OSVIRA) is the male equivalent of OHVIRA in females.
Visual Intertextuality as a Backbone of Political Cartooning: Homogenous and Heterogeneous Visual Juxtaposition
Authors: Alqaisi Eman 
Published: December 2024

This paper delves into the intricate realm of the communicative role of intertextuality within political cartoons, examining the humorous effect of satire and irony in visual intertextuality, termed here as Intervisuality. The study discerns two contrasting categories: homogeneous, which is marked by the ‘supportive and co-thematic’ relations between Source Character (SC) and Target Character (TC), whilst heterogeneous, distinguished as ‘ironic and contrastive’ relation between SC and TC. For examining these categories within the cartooning discourse, a sample of UK cartoons related to the British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, was selected particularly those visually inspired by historical characters. The results reveal that these intervisual references are either identified overtly when both characters are visually present or covertly when the SC is visually unobservable but inferred from related events, or paintings. Moreover, the results highlight that UK cartoonists prefer direct heterogeneous intervisuality in their works to highlight elements of hypocrisy and deception during Johnson’s tenure.
Mature midline teratoma arising within a posterior thoracic myelomeningocele in an infant: A case report
Authors: Adamu Zainab Ali , Waziri Garba Dahiru , Sani Kamarudeen Owolabi , Gazali Yusuf Kalli , Mohammed Abdullahi 
Published: December 2024

Myelomeningocele can occur throughout the spinal axis but the area with the least common localization is the thoracic region which is uncommon. Rarely, these abnormalities coexist with a teratoma and only few reports of a teratoma arising from a myelomeningocele have been reported. Teratoma can also undergo malignant transformation to a non-germ cell malignancy. Here, we report an interesting case of a teratoma arising within thoracic myelomeningocele in an infant. A three month old girl born via vaginal delivery to two related Fulani parents presenting with upper back swelling noticed since birth. Pregnancy was claimed to be uneventful, mother never attended any antenatal clinic and delivery was at home. On examination patient was mildly dehydrated and malnourished. Status localis revealed an intact cystic midline upper back swelling measuring about 6x4cm, non-tender with no differential warmth. Radiographic evaluation was not done due to financial constraint. Grossly, three irregularly shaped firm to cystic to flabby tissues aggregating to 5x4x1.5cm, weighing 6g were received and microscopy revealed histologic features of a myelomeningocele with a teratoma having endodermal (respiratory epithelium, seromucinous glands) , ectodermal( skin) and mesodermal (cartilage) components.Teratoma is a germ cell neoplasm that contains differentiated elements derived from all three germ layers. The occurrence of a mature midline teratoma within a myelomeningocele is rare and what makes it even rarer is occurrence in the thoracic region. This can be confirmed by meticulous histopathologic evaluation.Myelomeningocele has variable prognosis based on localization and other accompanying abnormalities. Due to the risk of malignant transformation to non-germ cell tumours in teratoma, prompt histologic diagnosis and complete resection is important regardless of size of lesion and age of patient.
A rare location of Pyogenic granuloma in the nasal vestibule in a male patient- A case report
Authors: Gupta Manish , Goyal Isha , Padda Rishab , Kaur Jasmeet 
Published: December 2024

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a benign lesion of vascular origin with a bleeding tendency. The head and neck region is a common location for its origin, but the nose-borne lesions are rarely seen. They usually grow due to hormonal imbalance as in pregnancy or local trauma. They grow with hyperplastic activity of the skin and mucous membranes. They are more commonly seen in women. For the nasal pyogenic granulomas, unilateral epistaxis and nasal blockage are the common presenting complaints. Surgical excision is the main stay of treatment and if done meticulously, the chances of recurrence are low.We report a case of 52-year-old male who presented with complaints of recurrent epistaxis from the right nostril. On examination, a dark red polypoidal lesion was noticed in the nasal vestibule. Under local anaesthesia, complete surgical excision of the lesion with cauterisation of the base was done. Histopathological examination of the excised biopsy validated the diagnosis of pyogenic granuloma.Pyogenic granuloma should be considered as one of the differential diagnosis in the patients presenting with recurrent nasal bleeds, especially in cases of nasal trauma. All the cases likely to be pyogenic granuloma on clinical findings should be excised surgically and evaluated histo-pathologically to rule out any malignancy.
Comparative analysis of physical models of two-electrode conductivity cells with end and lateral liquid supplies
Authors: Stennik Oleksii 
Published: December 2024

This article presents a physical model of a two-electrode conductivity cell with holes for filling located in the electrodes. The study investigates the non-uniformity of the current density distribution within the cell, caused by the presence of these holes. Using the finite element method (FEM), the electrical resistance bias of the cell is calculated and compared to an idealized model - a liquid column with specific geometric dimensions and a uniform field inside. A comparison of the resistance bias values between two models - one with end holes (located in the electrodes) and one with lateral liquid supply - is conducted. The results demonstrate that the resistance bias is highly dependent on the diameter of the holes and is mostly unaffected by their position. In most cases, the resistance bias of the model with holes in the electrodes is 3–6 % lower in absolute value compared to the model with side holes, assuming identical geometric parameters for the cell; meanwhile, the bias signs are opposite for these models.
WITHDRAWN: Salvia sclarea L.-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles: Characterization, Secondary Metabolite Influence, and Antibacterial Activity Assessment
Authors: Arslan Elif , Yuca Esra , Servi Huseyin , Arayıcı Pelin Pelit , Erişen Semiha 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn, as it was submitted in error. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Development and Validation of Mental Health Literacy Assessment Scale among Community Health Workers and Volunteers in Nepal
Authors: Paudel Shishir , Chalise Anisha , Shakya Prashabdhi , Bhandari Tulsi Ram 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:
Mental health literacy (MHL) is crucial for effective mental health care, especially in low- and middle-income countries like Nepal. Community health workers (CHWs) and volunteers play pivotal role in improving mental health, but their level of MHL is unknown as the existing assessment tools are not tailored to them. This study aims to develop and validate the Mental Health Literacy Assessment Scale (MHLAS) among CHWs and health volunteers.
Method:
The authors reviewed online literatures and consulted experts to generate an item pool that was refined through cognitive interviews with CHWs. Content validity was assured on the basis of the ratings of six experts. A cross-sectional survey was performed among 233 CHWs and health volunteers. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) using Varimax rotation was performed to identify latent variables with factor loadings > 0.4. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was employed to validate the model, using indices such as RMSEA < 0.05, SRMR < 0.08, CFI ≥ 0.90, and TLI ≥ 0.90. Reliability was assessed through Cronbach’s alpha where alpha coefficient > 0.70 indicated internal consistency.
Result:
The EFA resulted in a four-factor structure, with 50.75% of the total variance explained by positive mental health behaviors (21.44%), misconceptions about mental health (14.24%), symptoms of mental distress (8.70%), and mental health stigma (6.37%). The CFA demonstrated excellent model fit, with indices such as the normed chi-square (1.307), CFI (0.951), TFI (0.943), and RMSEA (0.036). The scale displayed strong convergent and discriminant validity, with an AVE > 0.431 and a CR > 0.7 for all factors. Internal consistency was confirmed, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.797 for the overall scale.
Conclusion:
The MHLAS has robust psychometric properties and comprehensive coverage of mental health literacy components, making it a valuable tool for both research and practical applications among community health workers and volunteers in low- and middle-income countries.
Amino acid variants in the HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 molecules explain the major association of variants with relapse status in pediatric patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Yin Hui , Yu Sijie , Chen Xuelan , Yang Haiping , Wang Mo , Li Qiu , Chan Han 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background Management of patients with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) is challenging because of frequent relapses. Causal variants in the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II region that are associated with relapse remain undetermined.
Methods We collected a cohort of East Asian individuals comprising 206 pediatric patients with SSNS and 435 healthy controls from Southwest China. Ninety children with steroid-sensitive nephrotic syndrome without relapse (SSNSWR) and 116 children with steroid-dependent and/or frequent relapse nephrotic syndrome (SDNS/FRNS) were genotyped using Sanger sequencing. We then measured the transcriptional level, allele expression imbalance (AEI) and functional proteins of HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 in different stages of SDNS/FRNS.
Results rs1464545187 in ANKRD36 was associated with an approximately 1.69-fold greater risk for SSNSWR (P=0.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.72). Clustered risk variants in HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 were significantly associated with SDNS/FRNS (rs1047989: P=2.26E-07, odds ratio [OR]=2.25, 1.65-3.05; rs9273471: P=5.45E-05, OR=1.84, 1.37-2.46; HLA-DQB1*06:02: P=0.017, OR=0.19, 0.04-0.77). The genotype distributions of rs1047989, 2:171713702, rs1049123, rs9273471, and HLA-DQB1*06:02 in patients with SSNS were significantly different from those in healthy controls. rs1047989 (HLA-DQA1) was significantly associated with a greater number of infections at relapse in SDNS/FRNS patients (P=0.045, OR=6.79, 95% CI: 1.29-168.52). Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of cells expressing HLA-DQA1+/DQB1+ (HLA-DQA1+, P=0.0046; HLA-DQB1+, P=0.0045) was lowest in the relapse stage. In addition, the mRNA levels of HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 were significantly greater in the relapse group than in the remission group (HLA-DQA1, P=0.03; HLA-DQB1, P=0.002). No significant AEIs were detected in the different stages of SDNS/FRNS. The rs1047989 variant is likely to affect the structure and stability of HLA-DQA1.
Conclusion rs1464545187 is a risk locus for SSNSWR but not SDNS/FRNS in Chinese children. Functional variations in HLA-DQA1 and HLA-DQB1 are implicated in regulating the immune response of SSNS patients, which may explain the typical triggering of SDNS/FRNS onset by infections.
Impact of combined application of biochar and phosphorus on maize production and soil properties in Yellow River Delta: a comparison between contrasting climatic conditions
Authors: Tang Xiaoqi , Jiang Chunming , Li Hongjie , Tian Jing , Li Dawei , Zhang Xuan , Ge Xiuli , Liu Xia , Liu Guoli , Gao Wenjun , Li Wenjuan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Yellow River Delta’s arable land had great potential for grain production if reasonable agronomic measures were taken. To date, the question of whether and how biochar (C) and phosphorus (P) addition jointly regulates maize production in this area remains unclear. Consequently, a two-year (2021–2022, with contrasting climatic conditions) field experiment including three biochar intensities ((0 (C0), 5000 (C1), and 10000 (C2) kg ha− 1 )), three phosphorus fertilization levels (0 (P0), 100 (P1), and 200 (P2) kg P2O5 ha− 1 ), and their combinations was conducted in Wudi, Shandong province, China. Across the two-year study, C rather than P addition exerted a significantly positive impact on maize yield, yield component parameters, and nutrient (nitrogen (N) and P) accumulation (P < 0.01). Separately for the two years, maize growth and nutrient uptake under unfavorable weather conditions (excessive rainfall) of 2021 were all obviously depressed (P < 0.01) relative to 2022, while these stimulated magnitudes by C in 2021 became more marked than in 2022. Correspondingly, C addition enhanced a greater proportion of dry matter and nutrient remobilization in 2021. On the other hand, soil physical and chemical properties were mostly improved by C addition, in which the increased extent of hydraulic conductivity (Ks) was much more dramatic. Taken together, these plant and soil mechanisms could alleviate the adverse effect induced by heavy-rainfall weather conditions on crop shoot and root, respectively, and explain the higher promotion effect of C addition on maize yield in 2021 than in 2022. More importantly, negative interactions of C×P on soil available P and phosphorus activation coefficient (PAC) (P < 0.01) were captured, which might contribute to the lack of synergistic effects of C×P on maize growth. These results suggested that C addition could enhance maize production and ensure crop yield stability if facing severe weather conditions; while the combined incorporation of this kind of C and P we used (especially high-amount addition treatment of C2P2) was not recommended, and other types of biochar accompanied with P fertilizer needed to be tested in the Yellow River Delta. Overall, the present study delivered useful insight into the sustainable utilization of C and P fertilizer in saline-alkali soils.
C-peptide Involvement in the Progression of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Through Triglyceride -centered Lipid Metabolism Disorders
Authors: Li HuiFang , Zhu ZhaoMing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Fasting C-peptide (FCP), co-secreted with insulin, plays a critical role in the development of diabetic complications, with both deficiency and excessive secretion linked to adverse outcomes. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is mainly characterized by lipid metabolism disorders, with elevated triglyceride (TG) levels. This study aimed to determine the relationship between FCP levels and lipid metabolism disorders centered around TG and related clinical indicators.
Method: Medical records from 1034 patients with T2DM were reviewed, eventually including 607 patients with a median age of 63 years. Pearson’s correlation analysis assessed the correlation between C-peptide levels and metabolic variables. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve evaluated the predictive performance of TG, uric acid (UA), and fasting blood glucose levels for high C-peptide levels. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent risk factors affecting C-peptide levels.
Results: The median patient age was 63 years, with a diabetic kidney disease prevalence of 47.78%. Patients were divided into quartiles based on FCP levels, revealing significant differences in TG, TyG, and AIP values (P < 0.01). Positive correlations existed between FCP and TG (r = 0.202**), TyG (r = 0.247), AIP (r = 0.285) (P < 0.001), UA (r = 0.248**), and creatinine (r = 0.234**). Stratified analysis revealed TG and UA significantly increased C-peptide levels (TG: odds ratio [OR] = 5.782, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.526–9.480, P < 0.001; UA: OR = 4.382, 95% CI = 2.707–7.094, P < 0.001), with TG identified as an independent risk factor (OR = 1.223, 95% CI = 1.044–1.433, P = 0.013).
Conclusion: FCP levels in patients with T2DM are closely associated with lipid metabolism disorders, particularly TG, contributing to target organ damage. Supplementation with C-peptide may not be beneficial for delaying the progression of T2DM or its complications.
Exploring Rural Teachers’ Self-efficacy Beliefs Toward Online Teaching: Measurement, Typologies and Predictors
Authors: Zhao Shu , Hou Rui , Liu Meiyan , Luo Yuqiao 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Promoting the reform of online education is much more challenging in rural schools, and the role of teachers should be emphasized. Based on that, this study mainly focuses on teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs toward online teaching according to Technology Acceptance Model 3.0. Specifically, the present study develops an instrument for measuring teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs toward online teaching. Data were collected from 556 valid responses in rural schools of Guangdong, China. Firstly, factor analysis confirms the validity and reliability of the measurement instrument of teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs toward online teaching. Secondly, the latent profile analysis is conducted and reveals three typologies of rural teachers according to the measurement of self-efficacy beliefs toward online teaching, including “peripheral online teaching practitioners”, “lecture-oriented online teaching practitioners” and “leading online teaching practitioners”. Thirdly, the multiple analysis of variance shows the important role of schools’ ICT vision and professional development support in developing teachers’ self-efficacy beliefs toward online teaching. According to the results, it is suggested that during the process of promoting the development of online education in underdeveloped rural area, more emphasis should be placed on the collaboration between local education departments and school administrators in the aspect of teacher professional development. Specifically, designing diversity-oriented teacher training programs, providing typology-oriented teacher development support and supporting empowerment-oriented school transformation are promising strategies to improve the teachers’ self-efficacy belief toward online teaching and deepen the reform of online education in rural Chinese schools.
Increasing likelihood of heat-related mortality events with global warming: a continental epidemiological extreme event attribution study
Authors: Beck Thessa , Gudmundsson Lukas , Schumacher Dominik , Seneviratne Sonia , Achebak Hicham , Ballester Joan 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Heat has become Europe's leading cause of weather-related fatalities, with half of the summer burden attributed to anthropogenic warming. During the record-breaking 2022 summer, more than 11,000 heat-related deaths were estimated to have occurred during a single week. It remains unknown, however, how climate change has influenced the likelihood of this extreme event. Here, by combining well-established Extreme Event Attribution methods with state-of-the-art epidemiological models, we quantify for the first time how global warming has altered the occurrence probabilities of extreme heat-related mortality events such as in the 2022 summer.
First, we find that temperature-based extreme event attribution studies are insufficient proxies for accurately attributing associated health impacts. We estimate that 2022-like events are, averaged across Europe, three times [95 % CI 1.02 – 18.6] more likely to occur in 2022 than during pre-industrial times. In Southern Europe, where heat-related mortality rates are already two times higher than the European average, the likelihood of extreme heat-related mortality events has increased even more rapidly, i.e., 2022-like events are associated with a 30-fold [95 % CI 3.8 – 2,354.2] probability surge. Our results highlight that anthropogenic climate change has already substantially increased the probability of extreme heat-related mortality events such as those of the 2022 summer, especially in the South of Europe, and that women and the elderly are the most vulnerable groups. Lastly, we find that 2022-like extreme heat-related mortality events in Europe are expected to occur every eight [95% CI 3.6 – 20.8] years at 1.2 ºC of global warming, every five [95% CI 2.0 – 12.7] years at 1.5 ºC, and every two and a half [95% CI 1.1 – 9.5] years at 2.0 ºC.
The study underlines the urgency of implementing mitigation and adaptation measures to limit global warming and reduce the impact of anthropogenic extreme heat on vulnerable populations.
Machine tool model correction assisted by dynamic evolution sequence
Authors: Lin Weihao , Zhong Peng , Wei Xindi , Zhu Li , Wu Xuanlong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

In the simulation analysis of large-scale industrial instruments such as machine tools, in order to ensure simulation accuracy, model parameter correction is necessary. This research presents a machine tool model correction method assisted by dynamic evolution sequence (DES). The method first introduces a dynamic evolution method to generate a uniformly distributed sequence, replacing the traditional sequence used in Kriging surrogate models, and constructing a more accurate Kriging surrogate model for machine tools. Additionally, incorporating a dynamic evolution sequence instead of a random sequence improves the search space coverage of the Heterogeneous Comprehensive Learning Particle Swarm Optimization (HCLPSO) algorithm. The results of numerical examples demonstrate that the finite element model, corrected using the proposed method, accurately predicts the true displacement responses of the machine tool. This method offers a new solution for addressing large-scale machine tool static model correction problems.