bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance characteristics of STANDARD Q Filariasis Antigen test (QFAT) to detect filarial antigens of Wuchereria bancrofti in the field
Authors: Dinesh Raja Jeyapal , Krishnamoorthy Kaliannagounder , Dhanalakshmi Rajendran , Jency Priskilla Johnson , Azad Palappurath Maliyakkal , Hoti Sugeerappa Laxmanappa , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: September 2024

Background
Mapping, monitoring, and evaluation of the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) rely on high-throughput diagnostics. While the WHO-recommended Filariasis Test Strip (FTS) is widely used to evaluate the programme, its use is limited by some technical and operational issues. We evaluated the performance characteristics of Q Filariasis Antigen Test (QFAT) compared to FTS for detecting Wuchereria bancrofti filarial antigen in the field.

Methods
The QFAT and FTS kits were tested simultaneously for circulating filarial antigen (CFA) during an epidemiological monitoring survey (EMS) in two blocks of a filariasis endemic district in Karnataka, India, as a part of evaluation of the filariasis elimination programme with three drugs (Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine, and Albendazole-IDA). Blocks are considered as the evaluation unit as per the revised national guidelines. Two sentinel and one random site from each block with a sample size of 300 individuals aged ≥20 years were selected for the EMS. The field evaluation of the new kit was carried out in the four sentinel sites. Positive tests with either FTS or QFAT or both were tested for microfilaria (Mf) using night blood samples. The performance of the tests was compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values. The percentage agreement between the tests was verified using Cohen’s kappa statistics (k), with a P value of less than 0.05 indicating statistical significance.

Findings
A total of 1227 individuals were tested for CFA using both the QFAT and FTS tests. The QFAT test detected 299 positive individuals at the end of 10 minutes, while the FTS detected 310 positives. The QFAT showed high sensitivity (95.5%), specificity (99.7%), positive predictive value (99.0%), and negative predictive value (98.5%), and the results were in near perfect agreement with those of the FTS (k = 0.97, P <0.001) when the results were read at 10 minutes. There were 17 discordant results that were positive according to either one of the tests. Both antigen tests were positive for all 68 microfilaria-positive samples. None of the QFAT tests were invalid, while three FTS tests were invalid due to non-flow on the test pad. There was no cross-reactivity of the QFAT with Brugia malayi-positive samples (n = 5). The feedback from the technicians indicates that QFAT tests were easier to perform compared to FTS in the field.

Conclusions
The Q filariasis antigen test is a promising tool for detecting the Wuchereria bancrofti antigen. The kits may be further validated for the review of Diagnostic Technical Advisory Group for Neglected Tropical Diseases (DTAG), to be recommended for the Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF).
HIV and hepatitis C virus infection and co-infection among trans women in San Francisco, 2020
Authors: Chiu Izzy , Cano Damiana , Leathers Matisse , Turner Caitlin M. , Trujillo Dillon , Sicro Sofia , Arayasirikul Sean , Taylor Kelly D. , Wilson Erin C. , McFarland Willi 
Published: September 2024

Background
Transgender women (hereafter “trans women”) face social marginalization, stigma, and discrimination and experience a high burden of HIV. More recently, trans women have been identified as having a high risk for hepatitis C (HCV) infection. The interaction between these two diseases and the risks for HIV/HCV co-infection among trans women are understudied.

Objective
To characterize epidemiological, behavioral, and socio-structural interactions between HIV and HCV infections among trans women.

Methods
This cross-sectional study examined data from a community-based survey of trans women in San Francisco recruited through respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in 2019/2020. Face-to-face interviews collected data on demographics, medical history, drug injection practices, sexual behavior, and socio-structural factors (e.g., poverty, housing insecurity, incarceration, social support). HIV and HCV antibodies were detected using oral fluid rapid tests and prior diagnosis and treatment were collected by self-report. Blood specimens were collected to confirm antibodies using ELISA. Multinomial logistic regression analysis characterized factors associated with HIV infection alone, HCV infection alone, and HIV/HCV co-infection compared to neither infection.

Results
Among 201 trans women recruited, HIV prevalence was 42.3%; HCV infection by history or current seroprevalence was 28.9%; evidence for both HIV and HCV infection was present for 18.9%. Two-thirds of trans women (67.2%) had been incarcerated; 30.8% had ever injected drugs. History of injection drug use and receiving emotional support from family were factors found in common for HIV infection, HCV infection, and HIV/HCV co-infection compared to no infection. Having a sexual partner who injects drugs was associated with HIV infection alone. Not lacking care due to cost and older age were associated with co-infection. Older age was also associated with HCV infection. Of trans women with HIV infection, 91.8% had accessed HIV care, whereas only 62% with HCV had accessed some form of care.

Conclusions
Our study found high levels of HIV, HCV, and HIV/HCV co-infection among trans women in San Francisco. We found common associations between HIV and HCV through injection practices and emotional support, but having a sexual partner who injects drugs was not associated with HCV infection alone or co-infection. We note a substantial gap in the treatment of HCV for trans women, including those in HIV care, that needs to be urgently addressed.
Reduction of misdiagnosis in urinary tract infections during pregnancy: The role of adjusted urine flow cytometry parameters
Authors: Liu Zhaojie , Liu Dan , Su Guangming , Yang Wei 
Published: September 2024

Introduction
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) pose a significant health concern, particularly among pregnant women, for whom accurate diagnosis is essential. However, the use of Urine flow cytometry (UF) for detecting UTIs in this demographic often results in misdiagnosis. The objective of this study was to explore the reasons behind these diagnostic errors and to develop a strategy to minimize the rate of UTI misdiagnosis in pregnant women.

Material and methods
The study enrolled 1,200 women aged 18 to 40 years, categorized into pregnant and non-pregnant groups. UTIs were diagnosed using urine bacterial culture, microscopic examination, and UF, followed by statistical analysis to identify any discrepancies in diagnosis between the groups. Following the calibration of UF analyzer’s parameters, the most effective CR(WBC)-CW-FSC-P Gain setting for diagnosing UTIs in pregnant women through UF was ascertained by applying the Youden index.

Results
The clinical diagnosis rate of UTIs was significantly higher in pregnant women (40.91%) compared to non-pregnant women (20.26%). However, urine microscopy and bacterial culture showed no significant difference in the rates of UTIs between the two groups, suggesting a potential for misdiagnosis. The false-positive rate for WBCs detected by UF was 30.43%, and adjusting the CR(WBC)-CW-FSC-P Gain value of UF reduced the false-positive rate to 9.45%.

Conclusion
The incidence of UTIs in pregnant women may be overestimated because of the limitations inherent to UF. Adjusting the parameters of the UF analyzer, particularly the CR(WBC)-CW-FSC-P Gain value, can significantly reduce the rate of UTI misdiagnosis in pregnant women.
The interplay between Helicobacter pylori infection and rs738409 PNPLA3 in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease
Authors: Maiorana Facundo , Neschuk Magali , Caronia María Virginia , Elizondo Karina , Robledo María Laura , Schneider Adolfo , Veron Georgina , Zapata Pedro Dario , Barreyro Fernando Javier 
Published: September 2024

BackgroundRecent studies have suggested an association betweenH.pyloriand metabolic-disfunction associated fatty liver disease (MASLD). However, epidemiologic studies have yielded inconsistent results. We aim to evaluate the association ofH.pyloriand G-allele PNPLA3 in MASLD diagnosis, and markers of severity.MethodsA multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted. A total 224 functional dyspepsia (FD) patients cohort who underwent gastroscopy was selected. Biochemical, clinical parameters, ultrasound, FIB-4 score, LSM by VCTE, gastric biopsies,H.pyloristatus, and rs738409 PNPLA3 were evaluated. A second retrospective cohort of 86 patients with biopsy-proven MASLD who underwent gastroscopy with gastric biopsies was analyzed.ResultsIn the FD cohort MASLD was observed in 52%, andH.pylori-positive in 51%.H.pyloriinfection was associated with MASLD prevalence, but in multivariate analyses adjusted for G-allele PNPLA3, it became not significant. Then in MASLD-only dyspeptic cohort,H.pyloriinfection was significantly linked to elevated serum AST levels and increased liver stiffness measurements, suggesting a potential role in liver injury and fibrosis. Histopathological analysis in biopsy-proven MASLD patients further supported these findings, showing a significant association betweenH.pyloriinfection and increased NAS score, fibrosis stage, and prevalence of MASH. Notably, the combination ofH.pyloriinfection and G-allele PNPLA3 appeared to exacerbate MASLD severity beyond individual effects.ConclusionsOur results suggest thatH.pyloriinfection may play a role in the progression of liver injury and fibrosis in patients with MASLD, especially in those with specific genetic predispositions.
A New Drying Method of Thermolabile Flexible Endoscope Channels by Laminar and Turbulent Airflow: A Prospective, Randomized-Controlled, Single-Center, Proof-of-Concept Trial
Authors: Michael Florian A. , Jung Michael , Reimers Mike , Oschwald Clara , Mihm Ulrike , Welsch Christoph , Walter Dirk , Finkelmeier Fabian , Masseli Johannes , Pathil Anita , Dultz Georg , Puhlmann Danuta , Diaz-Martinez Laura , Hack Daniel , Lingwal Neelam , Bojunga Jörg , Kempf Volkhard A.J. , Zeuzem Stefan , Friedrich-Rust Mireen 
Published: September 2024

INTRODUCTION:
International guidelines suggest different possibilities for drying of endoscopes during reprocessing. Clinical results of these available drying methods are not satisfactory. The aim of this study was to compare the drying cycle of a standard endoscope washer-disinfector (EWD) (standard drying method [SD]) with a shortened mandatory drying by the EWD followed by a special drying device using laminar and turbulent air flow (novel drying method [ND]).

METHODS:
Sixty endoscopes (duodenoscopes, colonoscocopes, and gastroscopes) from 3 different manufacturers underwent high-level disinfection and drying depending on the randomization group. Operational time of drying was measured for both groups. Residual fluid in the channels was measured using a laboratory scale. After a 14-day storage period, a sample of the endoscope channels was obtained to determine bacterial contamination.

RESULTS:
ND had significantly fewer residual water in endoscope channels (SD: 90% vs ND: 0%; P < 0.001) after high-level disinfection and drying and less bacterial contamination after storage for 14 days (SD: 47% vs ND: 20%; P = 0.028). Time consumed for drying in ND was also significantly shorter (SD: 16 minutes 4 seconds vs ND: 5 minutes 59 seconds; P < 0.001).

DISCUSSION:
Drying with a special automatic drying device was superior compared with an EWD's drying program as evidenced by no measurable residual water, reduced microbiological contamination, and a more than 2-fold decrease in operational time. Thus, drying by laminar and turbulent airflow may represent an attractive alternative to the currently used standard approach in the reprocessing process of flexible endoscopes.
The Tenses of the Greek Metamorphoses
Authors: Tsakonas Giannis 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
Greece is a country of paradoxes: marvels and tragedies co-exist amid cultural tensions and contrasts, challenging every step and questioning the past, present, and future identity of its people. This article explores how the Greek library landscape has changed, following Tsimpoglou’s segmentation of the development of libraries in Greece, from the early isolationist years to 2000, when common sense led to collaboration; and the period from 2001, with critical oversight of the influential factors in understanding how Greek libraries can be fully functional and beneficial to society.
Shedding new light on English loanwords in Croatian: computational-linguistic and corpus linguistic perspectives
Authors: Bogunović Irena 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
English loanwords in Croatian have been thoroughly investigated in terms of the degree of their adaptation, use across different styles and domains, and speakers’ attitudes. Most studies rely on selectively chosen examples or specialized corpora. To provide systematic data on a subgroup of English loanwords, those that occur in orthographically unadapted forms, new resources have been recently developed. They provide the data on the identification of unadapted English loanwords in Croatian, their meaning, native equivalents, and frequency. The aim of this paper is to bring together recent findings on unadapted English loanwords in Croatian, obtained from a set of studies in which computational-linguistic and corpus linguistic methods were used, with the purpose of providing a new insight into the phenomenon.
Comparison of ultrasound-guided continuous erector spinae plane block versus continuous paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing proximal femur surgeries
Authors: Mehrotra Aditya , Dayal Madhu , Bairagi Sushmita 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Proximal femur fracture surgeries have become increasingly prevalent, presenting unique challenges for postoperative pain management due to patient demographics and comorbidities. Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) has emerged as a relatively safe alternative to paravertebral block (PVB). Our aim was to compare ultrasound-guided continuous ESPB with continuous PVB for postoperative analgesia in patients undergoing proximal femur surgeries under spinal anesthesia.

Methods
A prospective randomized interventional study was conducted on 60 patients between 18 and 60 years of age undergoing proximal femur surgeries under spinal anesthesia with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II between January 2019 and April 2020. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either ultrasound-guided continuous ESPB (Group E, n = 30) or ultrasound-guided continuous PVB (Group P, n = 30) using a computer-generated randomization table. The mean maximum visual analog scale (VAS) score, VAS score in the first 24 h, the time of rescue analgesia, and total requirement of rescue analgesia were assessed.

Results
The maximum VAS score within the first 24 h was numerically higher in Group P but statistically insignificant (p-value 0.279). VAS scores at 0, 1, 2, 6, and 18 h postoperatively were comparable in both groups. However, at the 24-h mark, the VAS score between Group E and Group P was statistically significant (p-value 0.018) but not clinically relevant. The mean paracetamol and tramadol requirements were comparable between the two groups.

Conclusion
Continuous ESPB is as effective as continuous PVB for postoperative analgesia in proximal femur surgeries. The enhanced safety profile of erector spinae block underscores its significance in postoperative pain management.
The diagnostic value of serum exosomal miRNA-587 combined with hypersensitive C-reactive protein as noninvasive biomarker in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Peng Jiefei , Ma Xianfen , Shao Luolin , Xin Zhigang , Zhang Zhijun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Lung cancer is a highly prevalent and life-threatening disease worldwide, with non-small cell lung cancer (NSLC) accounting for around 80 % of all cases. Exosomes contain important genetic information for humans that could be employed, especially for early screening of tumors. Accordingly, we aimed to use exosomal miRNA (ex-miRNA) in early NSCLC diagnosis.

Methods
The extracted ex-miRNAs were validated through transmission electron microscopy, particle size potentiometer, and western blot analyses. Microarray was used to verify ex-miRNAs, and 20 miRNAs were selected. Herein, we obtained 240 blood samples from NSCLC patients (101 in the early stage) and 234 from healthy donors. Our study deployed real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) for detecting significantly down-regulated miR-587 expression. In addition, the hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) levels were measured in patient samples.

Results
The results of calculating the area under the curve (AUC) revealed that the diagnostic efficiency of miR-587 and Hs-CRP were 0.771 and 0.863, respectively. Meanwhile, the combined diagnostic efficiency of both increased to 0.901. In patients with early NSCLC, the diagnostic efficiency of miR-587, Hs-CRP, and combined AUC were 0.726, 0.873, and 0.899, respectively. This indicates that the accuracy of early NSCLC diagnosis is very high. Finally, we combined miR-587 and Hs-CRP with CEA and NSE for NSCLC (AUC=0.956) and early-stage patients (AUC=0.921).

Conclusions
In this study, miR-587 and Hs-CRP have significant diagnostic efficiency for NSCLC, especially the combination of CEA and NSE that could indicate early NSCLC diagnosis.
Global stability analysis of an extended SUC epidemic mathematical model
Authors: Chen Mengxin , Kwak Soobin , Ham Seokjun , Hwang Youngjin , Kim Junseok 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
In this study, we conduct a global stability analysis of an extended Susceptible-Unidentified infected-Confirmed (SUC) epidemic mathematical model. In the original SUC model, the entire population consists of individuals who are susceptible, those with unidentified infections, and those with confirmed infections, without accounting for births and deaths. In the proposed extended SUC model, we incorporate the dynamics of births and deaths into the original SUC model. We analyze the global stability of this extended SUC epidemic mathematical model and perform several computational experiments to validate the global stability analysis. Through this realistic extended SUC model, we aim to advance the current understanding of epidemiological modeling and provide valuable insights for guiding public health interventions and policies.
Geoglyphs in the Andean Central Coast: combining digital and traditional survey techniques
Authors: Sanchez-Borjas Angel , Mesia-Montenegro Christian , Narvaez-Luna Joaquin 
Published: September 2024

AbstractThis Andean coast research has identified 113-plus geoglyphs spanning the Formative (1800–100 BC) to the Inka period (AD 1470–1532). The project combined digital technology and Remotely Piloted Airborne Systems to locate the sites. The authors also documented examples of ceramics and intricate road systems and suggest that the finds represent meticulously ritualised landscapes.
Hypoxia-induced autophagy inhibits myometrial proliferation in pregnant mice via the mTOR pathway in vitro
Authors: Wang Xingxing , Yu Huihui , Li Xuan , Tian Ruixian , Xu Chenyi , Li Tengteng , Fei Jiajia , Du Xue , Yin Zongzhi 
Published: September 2024

In brief
During pregnancy and delivery, the myometrium was affected by hypoxia stress, which acts as a regulator of cell proliferation. The proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells in pregnant mice was inhibited under hypoxia, which was related to the up-regulated autophagy through the mTOR pathway.

Abstract
Hypoxia is closely associated with physiological and pathological conditions in the human body, and the myometrium is affected by hypoxic stress during pregnancy and delivery. Autophagy is a catabolic pathway involved in the regulation of apoptosis, proliferation, and migration of a variety of cells, which can be activated under hypoxia. However, the mechanism and function of autophagy in uterine smooth muscle cells remained unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in autophagy in pregnant uterine smooth muscle cells (pUSMCs) under hypoxia and the effect of autophagy on myometrial cellscell proliferation during pregnancy. In this study, primary uterine smooth muscle cells were isolated from mice in late pregnancy and cultured under normoxic and hypoxic conditions, respectively. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression levels of autophagy-related proteins LC3B, P62, mTOR, and p-mTOR under different culture conditions. Cell proliferation was assessed by CCK-8 assay. In addition, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was used to inhibit autophagy in hypoxia-treated pUSMCs, and MHY1485 was used to activate mTOR. Studies have confirmed that under hypoxic conditions, autophagy is enhanced and cell proliferative viability is reduced in pUSMCs. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA restored cell proliferation inhibited by hypoxia. Furthermore, hypoxia in pUSMCs led to a downregulation of p-mTOR/mTOR levels. The mTOR activator MHY1485 inhibited autophagy by preventing the binding of autophagosomes to lysosomes and reversed the hypoxia-induced inhibition of cell proliferation. Collectively, our results indicate that hypoxia upregulates autophagy through the mTOR pathway in pUSMCs, thereby inhibiting cell proliferation during pregnancy.
Effect of printing temperature on the mechanical properties of 3D printed polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) during simple and repeated impact tests
Authors: Zniker Houcine , El Magri Anouar , Feddal Ikram , Marbouh Mohammed , El Hasnaoui Mohamed 
Published: September 2024

AbstractFused filament manufacturing (FFF), also known as 3D printing, is one of the most commonly used additive manufacturing techniques for creating high-quality materials. This process demonstrates the intricacies and challenges involved in choosing appropriate manufacturing parameters to achieve the desired outcomes. Among these critical parameters is the nozzle temperature, which can be adjusted to enhance the mechanical properties of the 3D-printed Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) parts. The main objective of this study is to investigate the influence of the printing temperature on the mechanical properties and failure characteristics of 3D printed polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) parts during impact testing. To do this, a series of simple and repeated impact tests were carried out on printed PPS samples in the nozzle temperature range (320–350 °C). CHARPY tests were carried out on the samples manufactured with different sequences for the optimal orientation of the filaments. Furthermore, the impact energy absorption capacity and the induced damage as a function of nozzle temperature were evaluated. CHARPY test results showed that samples with stacking sequence (0/0) had the best impact resistance and specific absorbed energy (SEA). This sequence, printed horizontally, was used to test different print temperatures in single and repeated impact tests. Furthermore, the results indicated that samples printed with a nozzle temperature of 340 °C exhibited higher CHARPY impact resistance and specific absorbed energy (SEA), with a percentage difference of 45.57%, 41.95% and 44.21% compared to samples printed with nozzle temperatures of 320 °C, 330 °C and 350 °C respectively. For repeated impact tests, the results also show that samples printed with a nozzle temperature of 340 °C have a higher initial energy absorption rate and a greater number of impacts before complete failure of the sample. This result proves also that the changing of nozzle temperature does not have a significant effect on the induced damage after CHARPY and repeated impact.