bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The influence of hemoglobin C on Plasmodium falciparum parasite density
Authors: MOUSTAPHA Lamine MAHAMAN , YANSAMBOU Mahamadou SEYNI , AMADOU Ibrahim Halilou , ADJIVON Anaëlle Deus-Maël Gloria Obubé , SOULEYMANE Adoum Fils , IBRAHIM Maman Laminou , MAHAMADOU Doutchi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Malaria and sickle cell disease are public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. We study the influence of hemoglobin type on parasite density in suspected sickle cell malaria patients in Maradi, Niger. This was a descriptive study with retrospective data collection between 2012 and 2023. Electrophoresis methods were used to determine the hemoglobin type and thick smear for the parasite density. This study involved 875 participants with a sex ratio of 1.06; their mean age was 14.25 years [02 months − 80 years]. Thick smear analysis of all participants revealed 52.91% positive, and the arithmetic mean of 242 p/uL (40 p/uL − 2600 p/uL). The most prevalent hemoglobin types were hemoglobin A (66.17%), following with hemoglobin S (29.14%) and hemoglobin C (3.66%). The geometric mean of the parasite density applied to the hemoglobin type shows that hemoglobin C (289.65 p/uL) and hemoglobin S (291.39 p/uL) stand out as being the highest. These results show that the differences in parasite density between hemoglobin A, hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C are statistically significant (p = 2.28x10− 59). Regression analysis showed that hemoglobin C had a significant positive influence (p = 0.029) on parasite density. The hemoglobin A2, hemoglobin F and hemoglobin S, did not have a statistically significant impact on parasite density. According to this study, person with predominant hemoglobin S and hemoglobin C have highest parasitemia than patients with predominant hemoglobin A type. It’s necessary to conduct others studies to determine the mechanism by how hemoglobin type affects parasite density in malaria.
Study on the load-supporting characteristic of the new type of support disc-type anchor under cyclic loading test
Authors: Gu Fuguang , Wang Jun , Chang Hong , Sun Qinglin , Gan Zhengheng , Jiang Haozhi 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The new type of support disc-type anchor is a kind of expanded body anchor with broad application prospects, and its load-bearing performance is significantly better than that of traditional anchors. In this paper, we propose to use the indoor model test method to carry out multiple cyclic loading tests for different support disc diameters, support disc thicknesses, anchoring section diameters, anchoring section lengths, etc., to obtain the corresponding Q-s curves and to reveal their mechanical properties. The function model suitable for predicting the bearing capacity of the new type of support disc-type anchors was derived by nonlinear fitting of some data using the function model and verified by comparing it with the measured data. The study shows that the support disc diameter and anchoring section length have the most significant effect on the pullout bearing capacity of the new type of support disc-type anchors, while the increase of anchoring section diameter and the shortening of anchoring section length may reduce its pullout bearing capacity; The Q-s curve can be divided into five stages, and the lateral friction force between the anchoring section and the soil body and the bulb resistance at the supported disc in a synergistic manner generates the bearing capacity of the new type of supported disc-type anchor; After comparative validation, it was found that the Belehradek function model is more suitable for describing the Q-s curve of the new type of support disc-type anchors under this test, and the function model is highly accurate and has strong engineering practicality.
Diagnostic value and safety of contact laser-assisted endotracheal ultrasound-guided tunnel drilling biopsy in mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhan Wenyu , Wang Tian , Yang Changqing , Wang Yubao , Wan Nansheng , Feng Jing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathies are primarily diagnosed pathologically. Compared to traditional endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA), contact laser-assisted endobronchial ultrasound-guided tunnel drilling biopsy (EBUS-TDB) using a laser as a tunnelling and incision tool may yield more satisfactory specimens, thereby improving the diagnostic yield. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value and safety of contact laser-assisted EBUS-TDB compared to EBUS-TBNA for mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes.
Methods: This retrospective study included patients who presented to our hospital between October 2022 and April 2024 with mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes of short diameter ≥ 1 cm on CT or abnormally increased lymph node metabolism on PET-CT and successively completed EBUS-TBNA and EBUS-TDB procedures.
Results: Overall, 278 patients were included in the study, and 244 cases were confirmed. The diagnostic rates (p-values) of EBUS-TDB and EBUS-TBNA in pulmonary and extrapulmonary malignancies, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, and lymph node tuberculosis were 96.6% vs. 76.3% (0.043), 100% vs. 67.7% (−), 88.9% vs. 31.1% (0.555), and 69.2% vs. 30.8% (0.049), respectively. No serious adverse events occurred during or after the surgery.
Conclusion: Contact laser-assisted EBUS-TBNB is superior to EBUS-TBNA for the diagnosis of mediastinal or hilar lymph nodes and may be used as an alternative to EBUS-TBNA.
The management of pancreatic tail during robotic-assisted spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Shen Danyang , Xue Xiao-feng , Sun Ding , Qiu Jun-yi , Wang Dao-bin , Zou Jia-yue , Gan Xiao-jie , Qin Lei , Zhang Wei-gang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In robotic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (RSPDP), the relationship between the pancreatic tail and splenic vessels affects whether the distal pancreas can be resected completely or the spleen can be preserved successfully. However, no study has reported surgical strategies for the management of pancreatic tails during RSPDP. In this study, the clinical data of 46 patients who consecutively received robot-assisted distal pancreatectomy (DP) with intended splenic preservation were analyzed. The pancreatic tails were classified into four anatomical variations based on the relationship between splenic vessels and pancreatic parenchyma or tumor. The RDP group had more type IV cases (76.92% vs. 18.18%, P < 0.05) and less type II cases (7.69% vs. 39.39%, P < 0.05) compared with the RSPDP group. Compared with the type I/II group, the type III/IV group had a significantly lower spleen-preserving rate (52.17% vs. 91.30%, P = 0.003). Moreover, the spleen preservation rate was significantly elevated in the second period (2023.01-2024.01, n = 29) than in the first period (2021.01-2022.12, n = 17) (82.76% vs. 52.94%, P = 0.030). We proposed the preoperative classification of pancreatic tail type and the “pendulum separation” technique, and found that it was challenging to preserve the spleen in type III and IV pancreatic tails due to their complex anatomical relationship with the splenic vessel and tumor.
Assessing the risk of peripheral neuropathy among male tobacco smokers with type 2 diabetes: a matched case-control study in an Arabic-speaking country
Authors: Bader Sana , Hasan Sanah , Islam Rakibul M. , Abdulrazak Ghisson , Zarouni Khadija Al , Muayyad Mariam , Karim Md. Nazmul 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of diabetic complications and tobacco consumption are alarming worldwide. This study aimed to assess the association between tobacco smoking and diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) among male smokers with type 2 diabetes in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In a matched case-control study, participants were recruited from two major hospitals in Sharjah. Male patients aged ≥18 years and diagnosed with DPN who had type 2 diabetes mellitus for at least one year were recruited. Age-(± 3 years)-matched controls were recruited for each case. Sociodemographic characteristics and self-reported data on physical activity, tobacco smoking were collected. Smoking status was assessed as current, past, or never. Medical and clinical data were collected from hospital records. An equal 140 of each cases and controls were included in the analysis, with a mean age of 63.75 ± 10.61 and 63.69 ± 10.50, respectively. The case group was more likely to smoke and had a longer smoking duration than the control group. After adjusting for all plausible confounders, the association between tobacco smoking and DPN was significant (past smokers [OR, 4.12; 95% CI 1.84–9.21], and current smokers [OR, 2.63; 95% CI 1.09–6.35]). This study found a significant association between tobacco consumption and DPN among males with diabetes in the UAE. Targeted smoking cessation programs are urgently needed.
Promoting Workplace Physical Activity Among University Employees: The Impact of Motivational and Educational Banners on Stair Use
Authors: Safi Ayazullah , Hossain Muhammad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Employees often face barriers to engaging in regular physical activity (PA) during working hours, including lack of time, workloads, and management support are some of the noted barriers. This intervention aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of displaying motivational and educational banners near lifts and stairwells in a university setting as a strategy to promote PA.
Methods
This mixed methods intervention involved 103 university employees who were observed as they approached lifts, with subsequent stair use being monitored. The intervention took place in two university buildings, where four large banners (468 x 280 centimetres) featuring motivational and educational messages were strategically placed near stairwells and lifts.
Results
Significant changes in stair use behaviour were noted, while qualitative analysis identified six main themes, and several sub-themes related to participants' motivations and experiences. Participants reported physical benefits, such as increased heart rate and leg strengthening, while others noted mental health benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, and improved confidence.
Discussion and Conclusion:
This intervention successfully changed participants' behaviour, with many stating that the banners would positively influence their future stair-use decisions. The findings can inform future interventions related to PA, health, and well-being in various settings, including workplaces and community environments.
A high-throughput screening approach to discover potential colorectal cancer chemotherapeutics: Repurposing drugs to disrupt 14-3-3 protein-BAD interactions
Authors: Lim Gareth , He Siyi , Meister Daniel , Silva Luis Delgadillo , Rutter Guy , Trant John 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Selectively inducing apoptosis in cancer cells is an effective therapeutic strategy, but the reality of success of existing chemotherapeutics is compromised by emergent tumor cell resistance and systemic off-target effects. Therefore, the discovery of new classes of pro-apoptotic compounds with minimal systemic side-effects remains an urgent need. 14-3-3 proteins are molecular scaffolds that serve as important regulators of cell survival. Our previous study demonstrated that 14-3-3ζ can sequester BAD, a pro-apoptotic member of the BCL-2 protein family, in the cytoplasm to inhibit the induction of apoptosis. Despite being a critical mechanism of cell survival, it is unclear whether disrupting 14-3-3 protein:BAD interactions could be harnessed as a chemotherapeutic approach. Herein, we established a BRET-based, high-throughput drug screening approach (Z’-score = 0.52) capable of identifying molecules that can disrupt 14-3-3ζ:BAD interactions. An FDA-approved drug library containing 1971 compounds was used for screening, and the capacity of identified hits to induce cell death was examined in NIH-3T3 fibroblasts and colorectal cancer cell lines, HT-29 and Caco-2. Our in vitro results suggest that terfenadine, penfluridol, and lomitapide could be potentially repurposed for treating colorectal cancer. An in silico structural analysis, validated by grounding in the experimental data, provides insight into specific molecular interactions and highlights proposed binding modes that can be further modified to refine the affinity and selectivity of identified hits. This multi-modal screening method demonstrates the feasibility of identifying pro-apoptotic agents that can be applied towards conditions where aberrant cell growth or function are key determinants of disease pathogenesis.
Evaluating Motor Coordination in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Validation of a Motor Test Instrument
Authors: Monteiro Carlos Eduardo Lima , Masi Fabrizio , Souza Divaldo Martins , Santos Darlan Tavares , Silva Gabriel Costa e , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, as well as difficulties in communication and delays in motor development. This study aims to assess the reliability and objectivity of an instrument composed of motor tests to evaluate motor coordination in children with ASD. Using the Motor Coordination Assessment Battery for Children with Autism (BACMA) The study involved the production-construction, validation, and evaluation of the instruments, including the measurement of intra- and inter-rater errors as a methodological parameter. An Evaluation Sample Group was formed by 31 children with ASD, aged between 7 and 10 years. The results indicated that BACMA demonstrated high reliability (r = 0.94; p < 0.0001) and objectivity (r = 0.91; p < 0.0001), proving to be a precise and consistent tool for evaluating motor coordination in children with ASD. The general coordination index (ICG) established by the quartiles allowed classifying the motor performance of the children as Very Good, Good, Regular, or Insufficient. It is concluded that the BACMA is a valuable tool for improving the accuracy and effectiveness of motor performance assessment in children with ASD. Furthermore, it is expected that this battery of tests will promote qualitative changes in the analysis of motor coordination in these individuals, being an important tool for professionals in the field of human motricity. This research contributes to the development of more appropriate and personalized intervention strategies aimed at improving motor coordination and overall development of children with ASD.
Picture of Health: Evaluating an accessible method for quantifying coral thermal tolerance using photographic color analysis
Authors: Hackerott Serena , Gregory Lauren E. , Howard John M. , Eirin-Lopez Jose M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Reef-building corals are increasingly threatened by the warming climate, necessitating the development of tools to monitor their responses to environmental stress. Furthermore, scalable methods of identifying resilient corals are a particular conservation priority. Techniques commonly used to quantify the severity of coral bleaching can be invasive or require specialized instruments, while more widely-accessible visual methods can be limited by subjectivity. This study evaluates a non-invasive, objective, color-based approach for evaluating the status of coral symbiosis and compares thermal tolerance results with traditional bleaching metrics. Using the staghorn coral Acropora cervicornis as a model, acute thermal tolerance was assessed across genets, sites, and seasons within an active coral restoration program in Bonaire, Caribbean Netherlands. Quantitative color scores were significantly correlated with both traditional bleaching metrics and also identified similar genetic and environmental effects on coral thermal tolerance. Most importantly, color-based metrics demonstrated a high level of agreement with both symbiont and chlorophyll retention in detecting significant pairwise differences in resistance. Variation in predictive accuracy and method agreement across seasons suggest that color-based assessments of thermal tolerance may be more effective in summer compared to winter. Overall the findings of this study provide support for color analysis as a reliable and cost-effective method for assessing coral resilience which can be readily incorporated into censuses of coral populations, especially for conservation and restoration efforts.
Analysis of the factors influencing patients’ power distance ：a qualitative study
Authors: Wang Yinyu , Gu Yanfen , Peng Youqing , Yu Haiping 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background：Patient participation in patient safety (PFPS) has proved to be an effective measure to ensure patient safety. However, patients are insufficiently willing to participate, and lack initiative and enthusiasm.Patient power distance can be one of the influential factors.Whereas, how patient power distance affects participation in safety activities and factors influencing patient power distance are rarely reported nationally and internationally.
Objective：To explore and analyze the influencing factors of inpatients' power distance.
Methods：This study used a qualitative method. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients hospitalized in internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology from Hospital A.
Results：The factors influencing the patients’ power distance are：Patient factors (knowledge reserve, psychological stress, hospitalization experience); Medical factors (role cognition, professional qualification, communication skills); Environmental factors (clinical situation, social environment, cultural background).
Conclusion：Medical staff should attach great importance to the power distance of patients, and enhance the capacity of humane care. According to the individual differences of patients, appropriate communication methods should be adopted to narrow the distance between medical staff and patients so as to improve the patients' willingness to participate in patient safety.
Construction and evaluation of an aspirin resistance risk prediction model for ischemic stroke
Authors: Ma Tianyu , wang xue , Song yan , Zhang Min 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Aspirin has become the drug of choice for the prevention and treatment of ischemic stroke, but approximately a quarter of patients may be resistant to its effects and have an increased risk of recurrent ischemic events while also developing aspirin resistance. This study aimed to build a risk prediction model for AR in IS patients, predicts the likelihood of IS patients developing AR.
Methods The retrospective research study included the clinical data of patients with ischemic stroke were retrospectively collected from January 2021 to January 2023 at the Affiliated Hospital of Beihua University in the Jilin Province. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were used to construct a risk prediction model. The Hosmer–Lemeshow χ2 test and a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to check the differential validity and calibration of the risk prediction model. The AR risk assessment criteria for ischemic stroke were established based on the β values of each risk factor and its variable types in the prediction model. The two evaluation criteria were compared and analyzed to determine the best criteria.
Results Seven risk factors were included in the prediction model. Sex (female), age (≥ 60 years), smoking, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, platelets > 350 × 109 g/L, and glycosylated hemoglobin > 6.5% were independent influencing factors for the occurrence of AR in ischemic stroke. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of the risk score model in the training group was 0.834 (0.772–0.896, P < 0.001). The Hosmer–Lemeshow test predicted the model fit effect χ2 = 9.979, P = 0.267 > 0.05. In the validation group, the AUC was 0.819 (0.715–0.922, P < 0.001). Using the β value × 4 partial regression coefficient method, the scores and stratification of the AR risk prediction model were divided into three groups: no risk (0–3 points), low risk (4–15 points), and high risk (16–36 points).
Conclusions The AR ischemic stroke risk prediction model has strong prediction and assessment capabilities, enabling the precise identification of patients at risk of AR.
Population labels can be generated directly from targeted next-generation sequencing data
Authors: De Franco Elisa , Russ-Silsby James , Batage Malintha Hewa , Thomas Laver , Wakeling Matthew , Johnson Matthew , Hattersley Andrew , Flanagan Sarah 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The validity of genetic studies is reliant on the selection of appropriately matched population controls to prevent erroneous associations between population-specific genetic variants and disease. Such studies have traditionally relied on self-declared ethnicity which is likely to produce inaccurate predictions and is ethically problematic. More recently, ancestry informative markers (AIMs) have been used to determine the genetic similarity of an individual to ancestry reference populations. These AIMS, however, mostly reside in the non-coding DNA, making it difficult to determine ancestry from sequencing data which does not cover the whole genome. To address this, we implemented an empirical methodology that utilizes Procrustes analysis and a random forest classification to select genetically similar gnomAD control populations for study samples. This approach avoids the problems associated with using ethnicity as a substitute for genetic similarity and can be used to select suitable controls for studies that rely on exome or targeted sequencing data.