bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implementation of the Group Antenatal Care Model in Kole district, Uganda: Experiences of pregnant mothers, community health workers, and facility midwives
Authors: Puleh Sean Steven , Immaculate Akech Stella , Okunu Nicholas , Apio Brenda , Anyinge Harriet , Kigongo Eustes , Awio John Peter , Ojok Moses , Ocen Patrick Buchan , Rukundo Gerald 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Antenatal care (ANC) plays a vital role in maternal and child health, yet traditional ANC models face challenges in terms of accessibility and utilization, particularly in remote or underserved areas. Group antenatal care (G-ANC) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering increased access to information, social support networks, and patient satisfaction and eventually improving maternal and child health outcomes. However, little is known about the perspectives of community health workers and facility midwives in implementing G-ANC, especially in postwar settings such as Northern Uganda. Therefore, this study assessed the experiences of pregnant mothers, community health workers and facility midwives in providing group ANC services in the Kole district.
Methods:
This qualitative study involved key informant interviews and focus group discussions with community health workers, facility midwives, and pregnant women participating in G-ANC in the Kole district, Uganda. A total of nine key informant interviews and four focus group discussions were conducted using their respective guides. Qualitative data were audio recorded and transcribed. We used ATLAS.ti 23 software to support the subsequent analysis. Thematic analysis was used to examine the qualitative information gathered from focus group discussions and one-on-one interviews.
Results:
A number of issues came to light, such as awareness of and training in G-ANC, perceptions of facility midwives, perceptions of village health teams, and wishes for project continuation. While highlighting G-ANC's success in increasing ANC attendance, participants also mentioned its drawbacks, including inadequate time management, problems with coordination, and logistical limitations. Notwithstanding the benefits, problems, including critical medication shortages and a lack of transportation support, made it difficult to carry out the programme effectively.
Conclusion:
This study provides valuable insights into the implementation of G-ANC at the community level, offering practical recommendations to improve maternal and child health outcomes. By addressing the identified challenges and leveraging the lessons learned, policymakers and healthcare providers can optimize G-ANC delivery and contribute to reducing maternal and perinatal mortality rates in resource-limited settings.
Gallbladder Cancer Detection via Ultrasound Image Analysis: An End-to-End Hierarchical Feature-Fused Model
Authors: Dadjouy Sara , Sajedi Hedieh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Gallbladder cancer is a fatal disease, and its early diagnosis can significantly impact patient treatment. Ultrasound imaging is often the initial diagnostic test for gallbladder cancer, making the enhancement of cancer detection accuracy from these images crucial. Despite the promising results of artificial intelligence techniques in disease diagnosis, their black-box nature hinders the reliability of their results and their practical application. Therefore, it is essential not to rely solely on a single model’s output and to further investigate for more reliable outcomes. This study presents a step-by-step structural investigation of forming an end-to-end model, a conjunction of two convolutional neural network based methods, for detecting gallbladder conditions. The final model, leveraging feature fusions and hierarchical classification, achieved a high accuracy of 92.62% for detecting normal, benign, and malignant gallbladders. It also achieved a remarkable accuracy of 98.36% for classifying normal and non-normal instances and 92.22% for classifying benign and malignant cases. Finally, comprehensive post-processing investigations, including cross-validation, temperature scaling, and uncertainty estimation, along with error analysis, are conducted to gain more insights into the model’s output. Among these insights, the model demonstrated resilience of its results to active dropout and augmentation at the inference phase. Furthermore, when applied with Test-Time data Augmentation, uncertainty estimation methods have better distinguishability between the uncertainties of correctly and incorrectly classified instances, which provides additional information about the model’s output. The source code of experiments conducted in this study is available at https://github.com/SaraDadjouy/GBCRet.
Sanggenol L alleviates Rotenone-induced Parkinson’s disease inhibits mitochondrial complex I by apoptotic via P13K/AKT/mTOR signalling
Authors: Zhao Nan , Wu Menghai , Zhang Jianbin 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is the age-associated, second most advanced neurodegenerative illness. Rotenone is an extensively used pesticide to study PD pathology and inhibits mitochondrial complex I. Reports indicate that rotenone exerts neurotoxicity by its capability to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS), which eventually leads to neuronal apoptosis. Sanggenol L (SL) is an eminent flavonoid present in the Morus alba root bark, which exhibits neuroprotective, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Hence, we assessed the neuroprotective activity of SL (5 and 10 µM/ml) on rotenone-stimulated SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells and elucidated the effect of the P13K/AKT/mTOR signaling. The anti-PD action of SL on proliferation, oxidative stress (OS), intracellular ROS, apoptosis, Bax, cleaved Caspase-12, 9, 3, and Cyt-c,Bcl-2and P13k/AKT/mTOR signaling was determined by MTT assay, biochemical analysis, DCFDA, AO/EB staining and western blot. It was found that SL (5 and 10 µM/ml) reduced rotenone-triggered OS, ROS levels, and apoptosis in a concentration-related way. SL alleviates Bax, cleaved caspase-12, 9, 3, and Cyt-c, while reducing Bcl-2. Furthermore, SL safer mitochondria by increase MMP and suppresses phosphorylation of P13k/AKT/mTOR pathway, thereby regulating apoptotic signalling. Our findings indicate that SL showed protective effects against rotenone-induced OS, mitochondrial complex I in neuronal cell damage, which suggests that SL might potentially serve as an anti-PD remedial candidate for PD treatment.
A Comparative Analysis of Advanced Modeling Techniques for Global Methane Emission Forecasting Using SARIMA, LSTM, and GRU Models
Authors: ÖNDER Ganime Tuğba 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Forecast methods are an important aid to the early detection of future levels of pollutant amounts released from global pollutants. This research predicts changes in future global methane gas emissions using SARIMA, LSTM, and GRU models, and also compares the accuracy of these three prediction methods. In the study, a time series analysis was conducted by focusing on the monthly methane (CH4) gas emission amounts recorded between 1984 and 2024. Methane emission data measured between 1984 and 2024 were used as input in the development of the models. By comparing the prediction results and actual values, they were evaluated with performance criteria such as R², RMSE, MAE, and MAPE%. The results revealed that all three methods performed well in estimating global methane gas emissions. The SARIMA model shows the best performance, followed by the LSTM and GRU models. It was determined that the SARIMA model had the lowest error rate with 0.0020 MAPE, 0.0335 MAE, 0.0335 RMSE, and 0.9998 R² values. It has been revealed that estimated global methane emission values may be approximately 1.5 times higher than today's level by 2050.
Research on the Preparation of MIL-68(Fe)/g-C3N4 Materials for the Simultaneous Photocatalytic Removal of Cr(Ⅵ) and Tetracycline
Authors: Liu Fenglei , Chen Kai , Zhu Liang , Xiao Kaijun , Shi Zhaocai 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Heterostructure composite materials are widely used in environmental remediation due to their excellent photocatalytic activity. This study synthesized MIL-68(Fe) on the surface of g-C3N4 using an in-situ synthesis method to form a composite material with high specific surface area and superior photocatalytic performance. The morphology, crystal structure, chemical composition, and photocatalytic properties of this material were characterized in detail. Experimental results showed that MIL-68(Fe)/g-C3N4 composite material achieved a 99.9% removal rate of Cr(Ⅵ) and a 90% degradation rate of tetracycline within 80 minutes. Compared with MIF-68(Fe) or g-C3N4 alone, the tetracycline degradation rate and Cr(Ⅵ) reduction rate of the composite material increased significantly, which greatly enhanced its photocatalytic activity. This enhancement can be attributed to the composite material exhibiting nearly five times higher specific surface area than MIL-68(Fe) alone. Additionally, after doping with g-C3N4, the UV absorption of MIL-68(Fe)/g-C3N4 composite material decreased, and the absorption edge showed a red shift, indicating that MIL-68(Fe)/g-C3N4-3 may have better visible light response. This work demonstrates that MIL-68(Fe) is an efficient photocatalyst and provides new insights for subsequent research in the field of photocatalytic degradation using MIL-68(Fe).
Temperature analysis of PDC bit in coal and rock drilling by wind circulating weight on drilling
Authors: Han Xiaoming , Yang Kangjian , Xue Liubing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the process of coal rock drilling, the failure of cutting teeth of PDC drill bit is closely related to the cutting temperature, and the theoretical temperature change of cutting teeth has influence on the performance and life of cutting teeth. By constructing the theoretical calculation model of cutting tooth temperature rise of PDC drill bit, the temperature of cutting tooth under the action of heat-fluid-solid coupling was analyzed by numerical simulation, and by changing the drilling pressure parameter in the cutting model, the temperature rise law of the cutting tooth was obtained under the condition of different drilling pressures, so as to validate the correctness of theoretical model and simulation data. By building a coal rock drilling test platform, the drilling test of PDC drill bit under different drilling pressure parameters was carried out. The analysis results show that: with the increase of drilling pressure, the temperature of the cutting teeth of PDC drill bit increases, when the drilling pressure is increased from 1kN to 4kN, the temperature rises by 441%, and when the drilling pressure reaches 5kN, the temperature rises by 49.64%; the use of wind circulation can effectively reduce the temperature of the cutting teeth of the PDC drill bit, and the larger the wind speed, the more obvious the effect of the temperature drop of the drill bit; The error values of cutting teeth simulation temperature and theoretical temperature are within 10%, and the model provides a theoretical basis for improving the working efficiency of PDC drill bit in wind-discharged coal rock drilling.
Discovering Natural Products as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins
Authors: Alqaaf Muhammad , Nasution Ahmad Kamal , Karim Mohammad Bozlul , Islam Rumman Mahfujul , Sedayu Muhammad Hendrick , Supriyanti Retno , Ono Naoaki , Altaf-Ul-Amin Md. , Kanaya Shigehiko 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The ongoing global pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has demanded the urgent search for effective therapeutic interventions. In response, our research aimed at identifying natural products (NPs) with potential inhibitory effects on the entry of the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) protein into host cells. Utilizing the Protein Data Bank Japan (PDBJ) and BindingDB databases, we isolated 204 S-glycoprotein sequences and conducted a clustering analysis to identify similarities and differences among them. We subsequently identified 33,722 binding molecules (BMs) by matching them with the sequences of 204 S-glycoproteins and compared them with 52,107 secondary metabolites (SMs) from the KNApSAcK database to identify potential inhibitors. We conducted docking and drug-likeness property analyses to identify several SMs with potential as drug candidates based on binding energy (BE), no Lipinski’s rule violation (LV), psychochemical properties within the pink area of the bioavailability radar, and a bioavailability score (BAS) not less than 0.55. Fourteen SMs were found to be effective against the three major types of spike proteins. Our study provides a foundation for further experimental validation of these compounds as potential therapeutic agents against SARS-CoV-2.
Inhibition of Malignant Pleural Effusion by a Physiological Intrapleural Pressure-controlled Piezo-catalytic Nanozyme System
Authors: Shi Hubing , Xu Zihan , Gui Yu , Song Linlin , Xu Tianyue , Chen Meixu , Zhao Yujie , Du Peixin , Wang Xin , Zhao Yuxin , Jing Jing 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Malignant pleural effusion (MPE), persistently generated thorax tumor cells at advanced stage, remains a major challenge for cancer therapy. Herein, we develop an ultra-sensitive piezoelectric nano-system by doping ytterbium in metal-organic framework (O3P@LPYU), which can be triggered by physiological intrapleural pressures during breath. Under the gently alterative pressure, the piezoelectric nanoparticles produce a burst of reactive oxygen species and induce immunogenic cell death by catalysis of carried ozone as well as peroxide in interstitial fluid. A clear biodistribution is observed in thorax effusion and tumors upon intrapleural administration of particle. Remarkably, due to the abundant substrate in oxygen-rich environment of pleural cavity, O3P@LPYU particle provides a potently reduction of MPE volume and durable inhibition of tumor growth in thorax as well as in the lung parenchyma. In conclusion, our work not only develops a bio-responsive piezoelectric nano system, but also provides a strategy for persistent suppression of MPE in clinics.
eQTL in diseased colon tissue identifies novel target genes associated with IBD
Authors: Furey Terrence , Nishiyama Nina , Silverstein Sophie , Darlington Kimberly , Ng Meaghan Kennedy , Clough Katelyn , Bauer Mikaela , Beasley Caroline , Bharadwaj Akshatha , Ganesan Rajee , Kapadia Muneera , Lau Gwen , Lian Grace , Rahbar Reza , Sadiq Timothy , Schaner Matthew , Stem Jonathan , Friton Jessica , Faubion William , Sheikh Shehzad 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 300 loci associated with the inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), but putative causal genes for most are unknown. We conducted the largest disease-focused expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis using colon tissue from 252 IBD patients to determine genetic effects on gene expression and potential contribution to IBD. Combined with two non-IBD colon eQTL studies, we identified 194 potential target genes for 108 GWAS loci. eQTL in IBD tissue were enriched for IBD GWAS loci colocalizations, provided novel evidence for IBD-associated genes such as ABO and TNFRSF14, and identified additional target genes compared to non-IBD tissue eQTL. IBD-associated eQTL unique to diseased tissue had distinct regulatory and functional characteristics with increased effect sizes. Together, these highlight the importance of eQTL studies in diseased tissue for understanding functional consequences of genetic variants, and elucidating molecular mechanisms and regulation of key genes involved in IBD.
Synthesis and in silico and in vivo anticonvulsant activities of substituted 2-phenyl indole derivatives
Authors: Khan Md. Lateef , Singh Shobha , Singh Divyash 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In this study, a series of indole-based derivatives (2a to 2f) were synthesized, followed by a main base reaction from the starting material, phenylhydrazine, and substituted acetophenone in glacial acetic acid, and all the synthesized structures were characterized by IR, NMR, and mass spectrometry. The anticonvulsant activities of the synthesized derivatives were subsequently screened using a maximal electroshock model. Compounds 2b, 2c and 2e exhibited moderate activity against the extensor seizure phase compared with the standard drug phenytoin sodium. To determine the mechanism of action of the synthesized compounds, a docking study was performed against gamma-butyric acid (a GABAA receptor), and the AMPA-sensitive glutamate receptor was shown to have good binding interactions. 2b, 2c, and 2c exhibited good binding energies for AMPA. Among the six synthesized compounds, 2b, 2c, and 2e were found to possess optimum to excellent in silico ADME properties. Substituted 2-phenylindole derivatives also increase the therapeutic value of 2-phenylindole cores for the discovery of potent anticonvulsive agents. Thus, we observed that 2-phenylindole in combination with other heterocycles might be used as a lead compound for further study and for developing such compounds as suitable lead molecules with improved pharmacological profiles.
Translation-transcription coupled regulation of erm(T) MLSB sub-phenotype expression in the emergent emm92-type group A Streptococcus
Authors: Powell Lillie M. , Choi Soo Jeon , Grund Megan E. , Demkowicz Ryan , Berisio Rita , LaSala P. Rocco , Lukomski Slawomir 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In the last decade, invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections have doubled in the U.S., with equivalent increases in MLSB (macrolide, lincosamide, and streptogramin B)-resistance. The emm92-type isolates carrying the erm(T) gene have been associated with an alarming emergence of iGAS infections in people who inject drugs or experiencing homelessness. Our goal was to elucidate the mechanisms behind inducible (iMLSB) and constitutive (cMLSB) resistance in emm92 isolates. Sequence analysis identified polymorphisms in the erm(T) regulatory region associated with cMLSB resistance. RT-qPCR and RNAseq revealed increased erm(T) mRNA levels in iMLSB isolates in response to erythromycin exposure, while cMLSB isolates exhibited high erm(T) expression independent from antibiotic exposure. Transcription results were coupled with shifting levels of ribosomal methylation. A homology model of the ErmT enzyme identified structural elements and residues conserved in methyltransferases. Delayed growth of iMLSB isolates cultured with erythromycin and increased clindamycin resistance in cMLSB isolates were observed.
Cathodoluminescence textures and trace elements in quartz: Constraints on Ag mineralization in adularia–sericite epithermal systems
Authors: Gao Shen , Zou Xinyu , Hofstra Albert H. , Huang Liangliang , Yang Haijun , Qin Kezhang , Marsh Erin E. , Hui Kaixuan , Xu Jing , Wang Le , Li Zhenzhen , Zhao Junxing , Han Ri , Li Guangming 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Quartz chemistry is important for revealing fluid sources and evolution in hydrothermal deposits, but such information is lacking for many epithermal systems and deposit types. To investigate quartz chemistry in this system further, we collected representative samples of quartz from adularia-sericite epithermal Ag deposits in China and determined their chemical compositions. In adularia-sericite epithermal Ag-bearing systems, magmatic quartz from porphyry intrusions and host subvolcanic rocks is SEM-CL spectral peaks at 360 and 415 nm and exhibits homogenous CL or weak zonal textures (alternating growth zones within individual quartz crystal). Trace elements in magmatic quartz have the lowest Sb concentrations (median = 0.1 ppm; n = 80). Hydrothermal quartz can be classified into type I and type II by CL false color and CL spectral peaks. Hydrothermal type I quartz has spectral peaks at 360 and 415 nm, exhibits zonal or sector textures, and is associated with base metal sulfides and minor Ag mineralization. Such hydrothermal type I quartz has low Sb concentrations (median = 4.5 ppm; n = 839), contains liquid-rich fluid inclusions and formed by cooling. The cooling trend is indicated by a positive correlation between the concentrations of Sb and Al, as well as between Li and Al. Hydrothermal type I quartz has an Fe center by electron spin resonance, whereas other centers are missing or weak at room temperature. In general, hydrothermal type II quartz mantles type I quartz. Hydrothermal type II quartz has a very high intensity peak (by several orders of magnitude) at 580 nm, zonal textures, and is associated with abundant Ag mineralization. Hydrothermal type II quartz has the highest Sb concentrations (median = 71 ppm; n = 185), which remain constant as Al decreases on an Sb vs. Al plot. This quartz has colloform, bladed or zonal textures and contains coexisting liquid- and vapor-rich fluid inclusions, indicative of boiling. Additionally, this quartz has a significantly higher E'1 center intensity, suggesting a high concentration of oxygen vacancies associated with rapid crystallization. The mineral paragenesis, analytical results, and geochemical models show that in these Ag-bearing epithermal systems hydrothermal type I quartz associated with base metal sulfides precipitated during cooling whereas subsequent growth zoned hydrothermal type II quartz with high Sb concentrations and Ag-minerals precipitated during boiling. These results suggest that the CL texture and spectra, trace elements, and electron spin resonance data of quartz could identify veins with potential for Ag mineralization in epithermal systems.
Association of Alkaline Phosphatase Level with Futile Recanalization
in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients Treated with Endovascular
Thrombectomy
Authors: Jia Milan , Yu Wantong , Jin Feiyang , Xu Jiali , Guo Wenting , Zhang Mengke , Li Sijie , Ren Changhong , Ding Yuchuan , Zhao Wenbo , Lan Jing , Ji Xunming 
Published: October 2024

Objective:
Nearly half of Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) patients failed to achieve favorable
outcomes despite successful reperfusion treatment. This phenomenon is referred to as Futile
Recanalization (FR). Screening patients at risk of FR is vital for stroke management. Previous
studies reported the diagnostic value of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in certain aspects of
stroke prognosis. However, the association between serum ALP level and FR among AIS patients
treated with thrombectomy remained unclear.

Methods:
We screened stroke patients who underwent thrombectomy at our center from January
2017 to June 2021, and those who achieved successful reperfusion (modified Thrombolysis in
Cerebral Infarction score=3) were ultimately analyzed. Demographic information, vascular risk
factors, and laboratory test results were collected at admission. The 3-month unfavorable outcome
was defined as a modified Rankin Scale score of 3 to 6. The effect of ALP levels on FR was investigated
with a logistic regression model.

Results:
Of 788 patients who underwent thrombectomy, 277 achieved successful reperfusion.
Among them, 142 patients (51.3%) failed to realize favorable outcomes at 3 months. After adjusting
for confounding variables, higher ALP levels (p =0.002) at admission were independently associated
with unfavorable outcomes at three months. Adding ALP values to conventional risk factors
improved the performance of prediction models for FR.

Conclusion:
The current study found that the serum ALP levels at admission emerged as a potential
biomarker for futile reperfusion in stroke patients undergoing thrombectomy. Further studies
are warranted to confirm the clinical applicability of ALP level for futile recanalization prediction.