bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new noninvasive evaluation method of pulmonary thromboembolism in rabbits—pulmonary transit time
Authors: Zhang He , Chen Jianfeng , Wang Jiayu , Kang Song , Liu Yingying , Zhu Binyang , Mei Xue , AI Xin , Li Guangyin , Jiang Shuangquan 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background and aim
Pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) is a common cause of cardiovascular death worldwide. Due to its nonspecific clinical symptoms, PTE is easy to be missed or misdiagnosed. Pulmonary transit time (PTT) is a noninvasive cardiopulmonary hemodynamic index, which is the time required for a blood sample to pass through pulmonary circulation. This study is aim to establish a rabbit PTE model using auto-thrombus, evaluating the dynamic changes in a rabbit’s heart structure and function at multiple time points before and after modeling by echocardiography and exploring the application value of PTT obtained by contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in evaluating a PTE model.
Methods
Twenty-four healthy rabbits were intubated by femoral vein puncture to establish the PTE model. Echocardiography was performed before embolization, 2 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, 5 days, and 7 days after embolization to obtain conventional ultrasonic parameters. Then, CEUS was performed to obtain the PTT.
Results
Seventh day after modeling, nineteen rabbits were alive. Compared with pre-modeling, right heart parameters and heart rate in echocardiography were significantly impaired in the acute phase (2 and 24 hours after modeling) and gradually returned to normal in the compensatory phase (3, 5, and 7 days after modeling). In contrast with conventional ultrasound parameters, PTT and nPTT revealed a gradually increasing trend at each time point. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis revealed with an extension of molding time, the area under the curve (AUC) of (n)PTT is larger and larger.
Conclusions
Right heart parameters obtained using conventional echocardiography can accurately indicate changes in the structure and function of the right heart during the acute phase of PTE, while (n)PTT measured by CEUS continues to extend during the acute and compensatory phases of PTE. Therefore, PTT (nPTT) obtained by CEUS is a useful clinical indicator for the diagnosis of PTE and can be utilized as a supplement to conventional echocardiography parameters.
Sexual Coercion Related Knowledge and Perceptions Among Female Undergraduate Students of a Nigerian Private University: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ogunwale Akintayo Olamide , Olaleye Oladipupo Samuel , Esuola Olubunmi Oladokun , Omoyajowo Adefunke Christinanah , Adigun Adekemi Temitope , Adedeji Phebe Obaseyi , Oyewo Ireoluwa Oluwafeyikemi , Oladele Olatoke , Adentan Oluwanifemi Faith , Mbah Favour Eze 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Sexual coercion remains a serious public health problem that is disproportionately affecting many young women. In Nigeria, there is a dearth of evidence-based information on sexual coercion related issues among female undergraduates especially in private university setting which is crucial for tailoring appropriate interventions. This study, therefore, explored the sexual coercion related knowledge and perceptions among female undergraduate students of Bowen University Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria.
Methodology
The cross-sectional study involved 402 female undergraduates selected using multistage sampling. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire. This instrument included a 30-point sexual coercion knowledge scale and a 20-point scale on perception of sexual coercion. Knowledge scores of < 50th percentile and ≥ 50th percentile were classified as poor and good knowledge respectively, while perception scores of < 50th percentile and ≥ 50th percentile were classified as supportive perception and non-supportive perception respectively. Descriptive statistics and Chi-squared test were used to analyse the data at p < 0.05.
Results
Respondents’ mean age was 18.24 ± 1.69 years and 91.1% were Christians. Respondents’ mean knowledge score was 26.25 ± 3.56 and 43.3% had poor knowledge of sexual coercion. The proportions of Christians and Islamic adherents with poor knowledge of sexual coercion were 41.1% and 68.8% respectively (p < 0.05). Respondents’ mean perception score was 14.85 + 4.63 and 44.1% had sexual coercion supportive perception. For instance, some (23.8%) respondents perceived that men do not usually intend to force sex on a girl, but sometimes they become too sexually carried away. Respondents with supportive perception of sexual coercion among those aged < 18years, 18–19 and ≥ 20 years were 50.4%, 40.1%, 42.2% respectively (p > 0.05).
Conclusion
Sexual coercion is a common phenomenon among the female undergraduates. Despite this, many female undergraduates lacked adequate knowledge and appropriate perceptions relating to sexual coercion. Educational interventions are needed to address the phenomenon.
Bone regrowth after cervical corpectomy: long-term follow-up in a series of 34 patients
Authors: Lioi Francesco M.C. , Paolini Sergio , Ambrosone Angela , Marruzzo Daniele , Peschillo Simone , Missori Paolo 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Cervical corpectomy and fusion is widely performed for relieving spinal cord compression due to vertebral body spondylosis. Bone regrowth in the empty space should occur, but there are not long-term follow-up studies demonstrating the timeline and the steps of this process.Methods Patients with spondylotic myelopathy that underwent single or multilevel cervical corpectomy and fusion, with or without posterior longitudinal ligament removal were submitted to long term CT follow-up to ascertain how and how much the resected bone reacts in the empty corpectomy space.Results Bone regrows and fills the empty space in a stepwise and time dependent fashion. Starting from the lateral edges of the corpectomy, new bone grips develop and progressively envelope the titanium implant. At the final stage the bone regrowth reaches the posterior ligament or the extradural space, and a smooth plane results in the posterior corpectomy space. The posterior longitudinal ligament does not appear play a role in the bone regrowth since no morphological differences occur between patients jointly submitted or not to its removal.Conclusion After cervical corpectomy the empty space undergoes a stepwise and time-dependent bone regrowth without redo mielo-radicular compression in the long-term.
The Experience of Hospital Autonomy in Tanzania; A Qualitative Case Study of Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania
Authors: Ally Salma Jumatatu , Mbwambo Jessie , Mwangu Mughwira 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Lower- and Middle-income countries strive to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare services. Hospital reforms, especially hospital autonomy, serve as an alternative solution to capacitate hospitals to deliver quality services effectively. In Tanzania, Muhimbili National Hospital was granted a mandate to become an autonomous institution in 2000 through The Muhimbili National Hospital Act 2000. Since its inception, the merits and limitations of its autonomy have not been explored enough to inform hospital transformation countrywide. Thus, this study aimed to explore the experience of Muhimbili National Hospital autonomy and how it exercises its mandate as indicated in The Muhimbili National Hospital Act, 2000.
Methods
The study employed qualitative methods. The interviews were audiotaped, and verbatim transcription was performed. NVivo 12 Plus was used to analyze data.
Results
It was found that components of autonomy were variably exercised, with none being entirely managed by the Board of Trustees (BOT) without external influences, especially the central government. The Muhimbili National Hospital Acts, 2000 is still valid regarding establishment but does not cater to current needs. The hospital has not attained financial independence, hindering it from exercising its power. Other areas of autonomy, such as the health domain, strategic management, administration, human resources management, procurement, and other cross-cutting issues, are widely affected by the central government operations through regulations and monetary inadequacy of the hospital to manage these components independently.
Conclusion
The Muhimbili National Hospital is not fully autonomous as stated in the Act, nor does it exercise the Act as written. Financial constraints hinder Muhimbili National Hospital from realizing its goals. The Muhimbili National Hospital Act should be revised to address all autonomy areas accordingly to accommodate current needs, especially with changes in population dynamics and disease patterns.
VEXAS Syndrome in a Moroccan Patient: A Story of a Two-year Diagnostic Lag
Authors: Allaoui Abire , Hadri Halima , Zizi Lilia , Kabil Doha , Bousfiha Ahmed Abdelaziz , Naitlho Abdelhamid 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: VEXAS syndrome, also known as Vacuoles, E1 enzyme, X-linked, autoinflammatory, somatic syndrome, is a newly identified genetic condition characterized by a combination of autoinflammatory symptoms and myeloid dysplasia. The initial description was documented in 2020, and since then, there has been an increasing number of cases and series reported globally.
Case presentation: In this report, we present a case of VEXAS syndrome in an 88-year-old male patient. The patient has a p.Met41Val mutation in the UBA1 gene, with notable skin, joint, and lung involvement. As far as we know, this is the first documentation of VEXAS syndrome in Morocco and Africa. This condition may exhibit characteristics of recurrent fever, neutrophilic dermatitis, arthritis, and chondritis, along with cytopenias and myelodysplastic syndrome. The p.Met41Val mutation is known to be associated with severe clinical presentation and poor prognosis, with less chondritis involvement and more undifferentiated inflammatory syndrome, as seen in the described case.
Conclusions: Vexas syndrome represents a prototype for a new classification of diseases, although it is still insufficiently identified in many underdeveloped countries, especially in Africa, it should be considered in elderly males with unexplained fever associated with systemic manifestations and worsening hematologic abnormalities.
Kinetic investigation and scale-up of bulk ring-opening copolymerization of L-lactide and ɛ- caprolactone in the presence of liquid tin(II) n-butoxide
Authors: Sri Montira , Chaiwon Tawan , Meepowpan Puttinan , Molloy Robert , Nalampang Kanarat , Worajittiphon Patnarin , Kaabbuatong Narin , Punyodom Winita 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This work aims to study the effectiveness of using liquid tin(II) n-butoxide (Sn(OnBu)2) as an initiator in the bulk ring-opening copolymerization (ROCOP) of L-lactide (LL) and ɛ-caprolactone (ε-CL). The effects of initiator concentration and polymerization temperature on the kinetics are investigated using proton-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR). The results indicate that increasing the initiator concentration enhances the final % conversion and the apparent rate constant (kapp). The findings also show that kapp increases with increasing temperature, as predicted. A comparative study between liquid Sn(OnBu)2 and the conventional initiating system of tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (stannous octoate, SnOct2) and n-butyl alcohol (Sn(Oct)2/n-BuOH) reveals that liquid Sn(OnBu)2 provides a higher kapp under the same polymerization conditions. Additionally, the copolymerization of LL and ɛ-CL using liquid Sn(OnBu)2 results in lower activation energy (Ea = 25.7 kJ mol−1 K−1) compared to the Sn(Oct)2/n-BuOH system (Ea = 34.6 kJ mol−1 K−1). In terms of molecular weight, using liquid Sn(OnBu)2 tends to yield poly(L-lactide-co-ɛ-caprolactone) (PLCL) copolymer with a higher molecular weight than the Sn(Oct)2/n-BuOH system under the same conditions. These combined results show that liquid Sn(OnBu)2 is a highly effective initiator in the ROCOP of LL and ɛ-CL cyclic ester monomers and can be used as a promising candidate for scaling up production.
Achieving sustainability by identifying the influences of cutting parameters on the carbon emissions of a milling process
Authors: Mishra Aniket , Yau Her-Terng , Kuo Ping-Huan , Wang Cheng Chi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Computer numerical control (CNC) machining tools emit considerable amounts of carbon owing to their energy consumption,material waste and coolant usage which can harm the environment, society, and public health. This study explores the environmental impact of CNC machining tools which focus on carbon emissions. This study investigated the influence of four machining parameters on carbon emissions for a Mytech 850VS (Vertical Spindle) CNC machine tool. Analysis of variance identified spindle speed as the most influential parameter, explaining 43.44% of the carbon emissions variance. Of the five machine learning techniques evaluated the XGBoost algorithm was found to have the highest performance in predicting carbon emissions. The Shapley plots confirmed the key role of spindle speed. Furthermore, novel metaheuristic algorithms were employed to identify the optimal combinations of cutting parameters to minimize carbon emissions. This integrated approach is a robust framework for mitigating the environmental impacts of machining processes aligned with sustainability objectives. This study’s insights into the influence of specific cutting parameters on carbon emissions can contribute to sustainability goals by reducing the environmental footprint of machining operations. By optimizing the machining parameters, manufacturers can successfully decrease the environmental impacts while enhancing the process efficiency. This study innovatively focuses on carbon emissions from CNC machine tools, highlighting spindle speed's significant role in explaining 43.44% of emissions variance. Advanced XGBoost machine learning is employed for precise prediction, complemented by Shapley plots to visually confirm spindle speed's pivotal role. Innovative metaheuristic algorithms contribute by identifying optimal cutting parameter combinations to minimize carbon emissions, forming an integrated framework that assesses and actively mitigates environmental impacts. By offering actionable insights for the manufacturers to optimize the machining processes, this study pushes forward sustainable manufacturing practices, emphasizing both efficiency gains and environmental stewardship in the CNC machining operations.
Small area population estimation from health intervention campaign surveys and partially observed settlement data
Authors: Nnanatu Chibuzor , Bonnie Amy , Joseph Josiah , Yankey Ortis , Cihan Duygu , Gadiaga Assane , Voepel Hal E. , Abbott Thomas , Chamberlain Heather , Tia Mercedita , Sander Marielle , Davies Justin , Lázár Attila N. , Tatem Andrew 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Recent and reliable small area population numbers are required for effective governance, but financial and logistical challenges mean that national censuses are typically only undertaken every ten years or more. Geospatial modelling approaches have been developed that utilise bespoke microcensus surveys linked with satellite-derived settlement maps and other spatial datasets to fill population data gaps across countries with outdated or incomplete census data. However, microcensus surveys can be complex logistically and expensive, while satellite-based settlement maps can often be incomplete in tropical rural areas where tree canopies and cloud cover can obscure them. These factors limit the wider application of geospatial modelling approaches. Here, we present a novel two-step Bayesian hierarchical modelling approach that can integrate routinely collected health intervention campaign data and partially observed settlement data to produce reliable small area population estimates. Reductions in relative error rates were 32-73% in a simulation study, and ~32% when applied to malaria survey data in Papua New Guinea. The results highlight the value of demographic data that is collected routinely through health intervention campaigns or household surveys for improving small area population estimates, and how biases introduced through satellite data limitations can be overcome.
Expansive spatial pattern of Aß deposition in patients with cerebral amyloid angiopathy: a large-scale and surface-to-depth analysis
Authors: Hayashi Hideki , Saito Rie , Miyashita Akinori , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Tada Mari , Akazawa Kohei , Onodera Osamu , Tainaka Kazuki , Kakita Akiyoshi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common neurodegenerative disorder characterized by accumulation of amyloid β (Aβ) in the cerebrovascular wall, often coexisting with Alzheimer’s disease. CAA is thought to be caused by impaired efflux of Aβ through small vessels. However, the precise locations of Aβ accumulation within the spatial cerebrovascular system remain unclear in the human brain because of its large size and complex organization. This study aimed to clarify the three-dimensional (3D) distribution and possible progression pattern of Aβ and vascular degeneration in relation to perivascular senile plaques in CAA, employing a highly tissue-clearing technique and light-sheet fluorescence microscopy. We prepared formalin-fixed 0.5-cm3 tissue blocks from the frontal and occipital lobes of postmortem brains of six patients with CAA (CAA Thal stage 2 or 3 and Braak stage III-VI) using double-immunofluorescence labeling for smooth muscle actin (SMA) and Aβ17-24. We identified 1104 Aβ-positive and 535 Aβ-negative vascular units. The 3D analysis revealed that Aβ deposition was predominantly distributed in the leptomeningeal arteries (LMA) and superficial cortical segment within Aβ-positive vascular units (96.2% and 99.5% positivity, respectively), and appeared to develop continuously from the brain surface to deeper vascular segments. Similar to this pattern, SMA loss was common in leptomeningeal and cortical surface segments within Aβ-positive vascular units, and these units had a significantly larger median external diameter than those that were Aβ-negative (36.73 μm vs 25.94 μm, P<0.0001). The density of perivascular plaques was significantly lower around Aβ-positive than around Aβ-negative vascular units (P<0.0001). These findings suggest that Aβ deposition in CAA develops preferentially from the cerebral surface and extends to the deeper layer. There may be an inverse relationship between the perivascular and vascular Aβ loads.
Structural basis for the recognition and ubiquitylation of type-2 N-degron substrate by PRT1 plant N-recognin
Authors: Song Hyun Kyu , Yang Woo Seok , Kim Seu Ha , Kim Minsang , Shin Hejeong , Lee Juyeon , Sandmann Alexander , Park Ohkmae , Dissmeyer Nico 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

PROTEOLYSIS1 (PRT1), an N-recognin of Arabidopsis thaliana, has a specificity for recognizing the N-terminal aromatic hydrophobic residue (Tyr/Phe/Trp) of its substrates, subsequently degrading them through ubiquitylation. Here, we report the complex structures of the ZZ domain of A. thaliana PRT1 (PRT1ZZ) with bulky hydrophobic N-degron peptides. Unlike other ZZ domains, the binding site of PRT1ZZ has a novel structure organized into two hydrophobic regions. The N-terminal aromatic residues of N-degron interact hydrophobically with Ile333 and Phe352 in the flexible loops, which undergo dramatic conformational change. Notably, we also identified a third N-degron residue that participates in the hydrophobic network with N-recognin. Moreover, the ubiquitylation assay of PRT1 using the N-terminal tyrosine-exposed substrate BIG BROTHER showed that the tandem RING organization in PRT1 is critical for its robust activity. Therefore, the current study expands our knowledge of the structural repertoire in the N-degron pathway and provides insights into the regulation of E3 ubiquitin ligases containing tandem RING domains.
Peptide-based Self-adaptive Implant Coating Sequentially Regulates Bone Regeneration to Enhance Interfacial Osseointegration
Authors: Huang Wei , Zhou Wei , Liu Yang , Xuan Nie , Zhu Chen , Xiong Liming , Zhou Jing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Aseptic loosening is the primary cause of orthopaedic implant failure. Previous designs for implant coatings failed to follow the physiological process of bone regeneration, leading to inadequate osseointegration at the bone–implant interface. We engineered a novel self-adaptive titanium-based coating (DOPA-P1@P2) by combining a mussel-inspired biomimetic strategy with bioorthogonal click chemistry techniques. Both in vitro and in vivo results confirmed that DOPA-P1@P2 exhibited excellent biocompatibility and effectively enhanced osseointegration. Specifically, the outermost K23 layer of DOPA-P1@P2 promotes M2 macrophage polarization in the first stage of bone regeneration, creating a favourable immune microenvironment. Following the release of K23, the sequential exposure of the K15 and Y5 layers promoted angiogenesis and osteogenesis during the second stage of bone regeneration. In the third stage of bone regeneration, the DOPA-P1@P2 group exhibited a 161% increase in maximal push-out force, a 207% increase in BV/TV, and a remarkable 1409% increase in BIC, compared to the TiO2 control group. In summary, DOPA-P1@P2 effectively promoted bone regeneration through sequential regulation, thus enhancing osseointegration at the bone–implant interface.
Gold exploration in the Gabal Abu Karahish area, Central Eastern Desert, Egypt, using remote sensing and analytical techniques
Authors: Hegab Mahmoud Abd El-Rahman , Salem Salem Mohamed , Soliman Nehal Mohamed , Ghoneim Sobhi Mahmoud , Wahid Kareem Hamed Abd El , Ahmed Mohamed Anwar , Ali Hala Fouad , Nayef Alaa 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study focuses on exploring the presence and distribution of gold deposits in the Gabal Abu Karahish area, where volcanic and plutonic rocks and structural settings form valid geological environments for mineral exploration due to mineral-bearing hydrothermal activity in tectonized areas. Various tools have been integrated to determine gold potential and availability in this are In addition, for ASTER image processing band ratios 7/6_4/6 and 7/8, radiometric data, field geology, and spectral measurements of the specific rocks were combined to differentiate the alteration zones as promised localities for gold exploration. Several alteration zones of argellic, phyllic, and propylitic alteration types have been developed and localized. They are mainly associated with altered minerals such as chlorite, calcite, kaolinite, sericite, carbonates, and iron oxides. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of ten representative samples from the alteration zones and quartz veins in the meavolcanics and ultramafics revealed that gold is present in all samples at average contents between 0.23 and 0.83 (from a bulk of 50 g of rock powder). These results indicate and suggest promising alteration zones for gold exploration. The study area consists of calc-alkaline metavolcanic rocks and younger Dokhan volcanic rocks. The metavolcanics are overthrusted by slices of serpentinites and talc carbonates, where some listwanite ridges (iron carbonate silica) developed along such contacts. Hornblende gabbros are present in small outcrops to the northeast of Gabal Abu Qarahish. Tonalite and granodiorite rocks are found in several localities, with most outcropsrecorded at Gabal Semna, where younger granite plutons intruded into the metavolcanics and surrounding rocks. The Dokhan volcanic sequence, composed mostly of quartz-feldspar porphyrite and andesite porphyry, is interlayered with siltstone, mudstone, and polymictic conglomerates typical of molasse-type Hammamat sediments.