bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
High-radiance phosphor-converted light sources for fluorescence analysis
Authors: Müller Jan , Ramsteiner Ingo B. , Fieß Reinhold , Neumann Cornelius 
Published: December 2024

Introduction/PurposeLaser-excited remote phosphor (LERP) light sources have gained significant importance in lighting and display applications due to their unique brightness and color-rendering qualities. In addition to their well-known advantages in these areas, we found that they also offer largely unexplored potential for sensor applications, such as quantitative fluorescence analysis. This potential is especially relevant when sophisticated optics operating under space and cost constraints require low-etendue sources with highly stable spectral properties. In this paper, we present an example of such an application. The purpose of our research is to assess currently available phosphor materials and design a light source to our particular reference application.MethodsFor this purpose, a characterization setup was developed that compares different phosphors excited by small laser spots, with diameters between 100 μm and 280 μm, in terms of emitted spectral radiance, incident laser power, and irradiance.ResultsThe investigation identified two suitable phosphors, including a phosphor that addresses the gap in the blue and green wavelength ranges. Furthermore, the importance of small laser spots was demonstrated, which allows reducing the laser power to simplify light source design and reduce costs.Discussion/ConclusionThis research proposes a functional set of phosphors for the abovementioned application and, at the same time, presents the current limitations of LERP light sources. We remain confident in the described application field for LERP sources and hope that the needs elaborated in this work will inspire further research and development of novel phosphor materials.
Demographic characteristics associated with a penicillin allergy label during pregnancy
Authors: Buckey Timothy M. , Gleeson Patrick K. , Curley Cara M. , Feldman Scott F. , Apter Andrea J. , Fadugba Olajumoke O. 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionPenicillins and other beta-lactam antibiotics are used in greater than one-third of pregnant women as treatment for Group B Streptococcus colonization and prophylaxis for Caesarean sections. Penicillin allergy labels have been associated with increased morbidity in the pregnant population, and penicillin allergy evaluation during pregnancy is now recognized as safe and effective. Yet, demographic characteristics associated with having a penicillin allergy label during pregnancy have not been studied. We aimed to evaluate factors associated with having a penicillin allergy label in a diverse population of pregnant patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective observational study of pregnant patients who had an outpatient visit with Obstetrics and Gynecology and a delivery encounter from 1/1/2020 through 6/30/2022 using electronic health record data in a large health system. We used a multivariable logistic regression model to evaluate factors associated with having a penicillin allergy label.ResultsWe identified 10,969 pregnant women of whom 940 (8.6%) had a penicillin allergy label. In the multivariable analysis, having a penicillin allergy label was positively associated with age 32−34 years [odds ratio (OR) = 1.31 vs. 18−27 years, p = 0.02], 35−51 years (OR = 1.41 vs. 18−27 years, p = 0.002) and having rhinitis, asthma, or eczema (OR = 1.55 vs. none, p &lt; 0.0005); and negatively associated with Black race (OR = 0.59 vs. White, p &lt; 0.0005).DiscussionThis study found that Black race was associated with lower likelihood of penicillin allergy label, while older age and atopic conditions were associated with a higher likelihood. This finding may impact health outcomes and interventions related to penicillin allergy in pregnant women.
Epidemiological, molecular, and evolutionary characteristics of G1P[8] rotavirus in China on the eve of RotaTeq application
Authors: Peng Rui , Wang Mengxuan , Shahar Saleha , Xiong Guangping , Zhang Qing , Pang Lili , Wang Hong , Kong Xiangyu , Li Dandi , Duan Zhaojun 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThis study, conducted in China prior to RotaTeq’s launch, examined the epidemiological, molecular, and evolutionary features of the G1P[8] genotype RVA in children admitted with diarrhea, to aid in evaluating its efficacy and impact on G1P[8] RVA in China.MethodsData from the Chinese viral diarrhea surveillance network were collected from January 2016 to December 2018. RVA strains identified as the G1P[8] genotype were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. Neutralizing epitope, amino acid selection pressure, and evolution dynamics analyses on VP7 and VP4 were performed using BioEdit v.7.0.9.0 and PyMOL v.2.5.2, four algorithms (MEME, SLAC, FEL, and FUBAR) in the Datamonkey online software, and the MCMC model in BEAST v. 1.10.4, respectively. Phylogenetic and identity features of 11 genes were assessed by DNAStar and MEGA v.7.ResultsResults showed that the detection rate of G1P[8] in China from 2016 to 2018 was generally low with significant seasonality. The whole genome of G1P[8] of four 2016 childhood diarrhea specimens was successfully sequenced. Phylogenetic and neutralizing epitope analysis showed that Rotavin-M1 might have better protection on G1P[8] prevalent in China than Rotarix and RotaTeq. Two conserved N-glycosylation sites on VP7 of Chinese G1P[8] might affect the protective effect of the vaccine. Evolution rate and selection pressure analysis identified the possibility of rapidly evolving and adapting to the new environment introduced by vaccines of G1P[8], whereas positive selection specific to VP4 indicated the potential tendency to select for dominant traits. Identity and phylogeny analysis showed that Chinese G1P[8] from before 2018 was generally stable with possible genetic recombination among local strains.DiscussionThese findings not only are of great significance for predicting the prevalence of G1P [8] in China, but also provide data reference for evaluating rotavirus vaccine efficacy.
Measuring the empathy levels among pharmacy students: a journey toward enhancing effective communication and understanding in the pharmacist-patient relationship
Authors: Ahmad Alhareth , Nassar Razan I. , Thiab Samar , Alostath Mohammad , Aldarawish Rania , Ramahi Sofiyan Mohd , Abed Anas , Assiri Ahmad A. 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundEmpathy is an essential skill for healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, because it improves person-centered care and treatment outcomes. Measuring the level of empathy among pharmacy students gives an understanding and insight into their readiness for incorporating a person-centered practice in their future work. This study aimed to assess empathy levels among Jordanian pharmacy students and explore the factors influencing these levels.MethodsA cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted among currently enrolled pharmacy students from various academic years at both public and private Jordanian universities. The survey consisted of three sections; demographics, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) to identify pharmacy students’ empathy level, and items specifically related to the pharmacist-patient relationship. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. Multiple linear regression was used to reveal the factors affecting students’ empathy.ResultsA total of 396 pharmacy students participated in the current study, with a mean age of 21.65 years (SD = 2.865), and about three-quarters were female (73.5%). The mean IRI score for the students was 70.89 (SD = 12.82), with subscale means as follows: perspective-taking (18.52), fantasy (17.05), empathic concern (20.16), and personal distress (15.16). Students’ age, gender, awareness of the term empathy, and studying empathy at universities were among the factors that significantly affected the students’ empathy scores.ConclusionThe present study reveals moderate empathy levels among Jordanian pharmacy students and sheds light on an understudied aspect within the pharmacy practice in Jordan. Significant demographic and educational factors affected the pharmacy students’ empathy levels. Incorporating empathy education in pharmacy curricula can better prepare pharmacy students for person-centered care.
SMOC2, OGN, FCN3, and SERPINA3 could be biomarkers for the evaluation of acute decompensated heart failure caused by venous congestion
Authors: Yu Yiding , Yuan Huajing , Han Quancheng , Shi Jingle , Liu Xiujuan , Xue Yitao , Li Yan 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundVenous congestion (VC) sets in weeks before visible clinical decompensation, progressively increasing cardiac strain and leading to acute heart failure (HF) decompensation. Currently, the field lacks a universally acknowledged gold standard and early detection methods for VC.MethodsUsing data from the GEO database, we identified VC's impact on HF through key genes using Limma and STRING databases. The potential mechanisms of HF exacerbation were explored via GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. Diagnostic genes for acute decompensated HF were discovered using LASSO, RF, and SVM-REF machine learning algorithms, complemented by single-gene GSEA analysis. A nomogram tool was developed for the diagnostic model's evaluation and application, with validation conducted on external datasets.ResultsOur findings reveal that VC influences 37 genes impacting HF via 8 genes, primarily affecting oxygen transport, binding, and extracellular matrix stability. Four diagnostic genes for HF's pre-decompensation phase were identified: SMOC2, OGN, FCN3, and SERPINA3. These genes showed high diagnostic potential, with AUCs for each gene exceeding 0.9 and a genomic AUC of 0.942.ConclusionsOur study identifies four critical diagnostic genes for HF's pre-decompensated phase using bioinformatics and machine learning, shedding light on the molecular mechanisms through which VC worsens HF. It offers a novel approach for clinical evaluation of acute decompensated HF patient congestion status, presenting fresh insights into its pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment.
Interleukin-6 and thyroid-stimulating hormone index predict plaque stability in carotid artery stenosis: analyses by lasso-logistic regression
Authors: Zhigao Li , Jiabo Qin , Lei Zheng , Tong Qiao 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a new prediction model based on the Lass-logistic regression with inflammatory serologic markers for the assessment of carotid plaque stability, providing clinicians with a reliable tool for risk stratification and decision-making in the management of carotid artery disease.MethodsIn this study, we retrospectively collected the data of the patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) from 2019 to 2023 in Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital. Demographic characteristics, vascular risk factors, and the results of preoperative serum biochemistry were measured and collected. The risk factors for vulnerable carotid plaque were analyzed. A Lasso-logistic regression prediction model was developed and compared with traditional logistic regression models. The Akaike information criterion (AIC) and Bayesian information criterion (BIC) were used to evaluate the performance of three models.ResultsA total of 131 patients were collected in this study, including 66 (50.4%) in the vulnerable plaque group and 65 (49.6%) in the stable plaque group. The final Lasso-logistic regression model included 4 features:IL-6, TSH, TSHI, and TT4RI; AIC = 161.6376, BIC = 176.0136, both lower than the all-variable logistic regression model (AIC = 181.0881, BIC = 261.5936), and the BIC was smaller than the stepwise logistic regression model (AIC = 154.024, BIC = 179.9007). Finally, the prediction model was constructed based on the variables screened by the Lasso regression, and the model had favorable discrimination and calibration.ConclusionsThe noninvasive prediction model based on IL-6 and TSHI is a quantitative tool for predicting vulnerable carotid plaques. It has high diagnostic efficacy and is worth popularizing and applying.
The motivations and challenges for academic expatriates in international branch campuses
Authors: Yao Yao , Yang Zhi 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionUnderstanding the motivations and challenges experienced by academic expatriates on international branch campuses is critical for enhancing their support and management. By analyzing the motivations and challenges, the study aims to provide more understanding on management strategies of branch campuses to support expatriates in their career development and improve institutional practices.MethodsA systematic literature review was conducted, analyzing 16 studies published from 2014 onwards, using PRISMA guidelines to categorize expatriate motivations and challenges.ResultsMotivations were classified into five types: explorer, refugee, mercenary, architect, and family-oriented. Key challenges identified were rooted in balancing global integration with local responsiveness, concerning professional work, campus interactions, and career development.DiscussionThe findings highlight the need for targeted management strategies to improve the recruitment, integration, and retention of academic expatriates. The study also underscores the importance of longitudinal research to understand the long-term impacts of expatriation on individuals and institutions, contributing to the broader discourse on transnational higher education.
Exploring the role of NLRP3 infalmmasome in diabetes: a literature review and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Tan Yi , Chen Shaotao , Gao Tianjiao , Wang Sixian , Zhou Xinfeng , Liu Mingjun 
Published: December 2024

BackgroundDiabetes has emerged as the foremost public health challenge of the 21st century, with a notable shift towards managing it through an inflammatory lens. This study seeks to investigate the role of NLRP3 infalmmasome in diabetes over the past ten years, leveraging bibliometric analysis to pinpoint prevailing trends, underscore critical focal points, and establish a roadmap for subsequent research endeavors.MethodA literature search was conducted based on the SCI-E database, and all recorded results were downloaded in plain text format for subsequent analysis. The analysis was carried out using Vosviewer1.6.18, citespace6.3R1, and Microsoft Excel 2021 software, focusing on the following terms: country, institution, author, journal, references, and keywords.ResultsFrom January 1, 2014, to December 31, 2023, a total of 1373 articles were retrieved, with China, the United States, and Italy contributing the majority of records. Harbin Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, and Central South University stand as the top three most productive institutions. “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” leads the way with the highest number of publications, closely followed by “Frontiers in Immunology” and “Frontiers in Pharmacology.” Authors Wang Wei boast the most publications, closely followed by Li Xiang and Wang Yan. Within the superimposed keyword network, four primary clusters emerge: (1) exploring the link between NLRP3 infalmmasome and inflammatory diseases like diabetes; (2) investigating the cellular-level pathogenesis of diabetes-related conditions; (3) examining diabetes characteristics and associated suppression techniques; (4) studying cell morphology alterations, including pyroptosis. Over the past five years, key topics in this field have revolved around the “heart”, “damage”, “caspase 1 activation”, “NLRP3”, and “diabetic kidney disease”.ConclusionThis paper has identified the hot spots and trends concerning the role of NLRP3 infalmmasome in diabetes, thereby providing a valuable reference for future research. Furthermore, it is anticipated that pyroptosis and diabetes-related diseases will become frontier research topics that may garner significant attention in the coming years.
Gender-specific association of STON2 rs2371597 polymorphism in keratoconus patients of Saudi origin
Authors: Kondkar Altaf A. , Sultan Tahira , Azad Taif A. , Khatlani Tanvir , Lobo Glenn P. , Kalantan Hatem , Al-Obeidan Saleh A. , Al-Muammar Abdulrahman M. 
Published: December 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate the association of specific genetic polymorphisms (rs2371597 in STON2, rs11720822 in PDIA5, rs387907358 in WNT1, and rs77542162 in ABCA6) in a Saudi cohort of keratoconus (KC) patients compared to controls.MethodsA retrospective case-control genetic association study was conducted. The study included 99 KC patients and 193 healthy controls. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR with TaqMan assays. Associations between genetic polymorphisms and KC were assessed using various genetic models and binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsNone of the tested polymorphisms showed an overall association with KC risk. Specifically, the rs2371597 polymorphism in STON2 did not demonstrate a significant association with KC risk across different genetic models. However, a gender-specific effect of rs2371597 was noted: in men, the C/G genotype was associated with a higher risk of KC, particularly in the dominant model, while no significant association was observed in women. Age and sex were identified as significant predictors of KC risk, but rs2371597 did not significantly affect KC risk in regression analysis.ConclusionPreliminary evidence suggests a gender-specific effect of the rs2371597 polymorphism in STON2, with an increased KC risk associated with C/G-C/C genotypes in men which was age-dependent. This result highlights the importance of considering population-specific genetic factors and the potential gender-specific effects on KC susceptibility. However, these findings need further validation with larger age- and sex-matched samples of diverse populations.
Access to maternity waiting home services and its determinants among women in Ethiopia: systematic reviews and meta-analysis
Authors: Hidoto Kassahun Tafesse , Gidebo Kassa Daka , Koyira Mengistu Meskele , Domínguez Maria Luisa Guillén 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionGlobally, maternal mortality is a major public health problem mainly due to a lack of access to skilled care during childbirth. Maternity waiting homes (MWHs) play a critical role in accessing emergency obstetric care for pregnant women during childbirth. However, available studies show inconsistent findings about women's utilization of maternity waiting homes. Therefore, the aim of this review was to identify the pooled prevalence of women's utilization of maternity waiting homes and its associated factors in Ethiopia.MethodWe used the PRISMA guidelines to report the review. We searched for potentially eligible studies in Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Google using Medical Subject Heading terms and keywords. The retrieved articles were screened and assessed for quality. The heterogeneity across studies was checked using Cochran's Q test and I2 statistics. The pooled levels of women's utilization and associated factors were analyzed using meta-analysis. The publication bias was measured using the funnel plot and Egger's test. The subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were carried out to identify the studies with high effects.ResultsA total of 11 eligible studies with 11,784 study participants were included. The utilization of MWHs was in the range of 7%–42.5%. The pooled estimate of women's utilization of maternity waiting homes was 22.49%. Factors associated with utilization included women's decision-making power, access to transport, walking distance to the nearest facility, and having a companion.Conclusion and recommendationThe overall prevalence of maternity waiting home utilization in Ethiopia is low, with significant variation across regions. Health sector program administrators should focus on both the consumer and healthcare system.Systematic Review RegistrationThe review protocol was registered in PROSPERO (number CRD42021243526).
Quasi-harmonic analysis of fortnightly suspended sediment response to semi-diurnal tidal currents
Authors: Zhu Zichen , Liang Bingchen , Chen Bin , Yang Bo , Chi Wanqing , Xu Hao , Hu Zejian 
Published: December 2024

IntroductionThe suspended sediment concentration (SSC) is an important consideration in marine engineering. Sediment movement characteristics can be studied by considering the fortnightly behavior of SSC. However, this consideration currently lacks accurate mathematical representation. MethodIn this study, a computationally efficient mathematical model capable of providing analytical solutions for predicting SSC based on resuspension, deposition, and advection was developed to further investigate the mathematical interpretation of fortnightly SSC behavior in coastal areas dominated by M2, S2, O1, K1, M4 and MS4 tides. The model decomposed the SSC into 35 quasi-harmonic terms as well as two terms with fortnightly period. ResultThe model was applied at five observation sites in the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea and East China Sea, China, and validated to be able to reproduce the fortnightly variation of SSC. The results show that the primary fortnightly SSC term was generated by the combined action of M2 and S2 tidal currents and had a tidal frequency of 1.0159 °/h, which was equal to the difference between the frequencies of the two partial tides. DiscussionThe resuspension properties only affected the amplitude of the fortnightly SSC term but did not affect the phase. The deposition properties affected both amplitude and phase. The quasi-harmonic analysis indicates that in certain shallow sea areas with strong nonlinear tidal interactions, the amplitude of the M4 tidal elevation can influence the mean SSC, while the amplitude of the MS4 tidal elevation can affect the fortnightly SSC amplitude. As the simplified model is based on certain assumptions, the application conditions of the quasi-harmonic analytical solution include an approximate reciprocating flow pattern, a tidal range significantly smaller than the water depth. Our results provide a mathematical solution for the fortnightly evolution of suspended sediment.