bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial Analysis of Soil Erosion Loss Using Geographic Information System and Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation Techniques Northeast of Ethiopia
Authors: Nigusse Amare GebreMedhin , Worku Endalkachew , Zenebe Amanuel , Zenebe Gebreyohannes , Berhane Gebremedhin , Hailu Haftay 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The aim of this research is to estimate the soil erosion loss and map risk areas in the Northeast Ethiopia the so called Maybar Watershed. The Geographic Information System together with Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) mainly employed as tools. The most determinant spatial factors such as rainfall, soil and others were collected, prepared and analyzed in RUSLE simulation environment. Before running the model, each determinant factor was arranged to the raster format and analyzed in the ArcGIS software. The finding revealed that the soil loss ranges from zero in very gentle slope area to 245 t ha− 1 y− 1 in the steeper slope with a mean annual soil loss of 24.3 t ha− 1 y− 1. The mean annual loss exceeds the tolerable soil loss (2–18 t ha− 1 y − 1) for the Ethiopia condition. More than half of the area is lying under very low to moderate erosion risk area: whereas the remaining is classified under high, very high and very severe erosion hazards. Most of the soil erosion vulnerable areas are found in the upper steepest slope but the less vulnerable areas are found in the gentle areas. The result further presented that the major land uses contributing to soil erosion are agriculture followed by bare-land. Generally, high intensity rainfalls, high topographic factor and human interventions are also known as major cause for soil erosion. To conclude, such refined information on the temporal and spatial trend has paramount advantages in identifying and implementing appropriate soil and water conservation measures. Nevertheless, since the area is too vast to carry out the physical conservations at time prioritizing has to be given which area needs an immediate intervention.
Climatic Influences on the Prevalence of Theileria orientalis: A Retrospective Study
Authors: PM Deepa , Vikraman Vaisakhi , Rathish R.L , Janus A , Varghese Anju , Rajasekhar R 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence of Theileria orientalis and its correlation with climatic factors in Wayanad District, Kerala, India. A retrospective analysis of clinical cases from January 2021 to December 2023 was conducted using data from local veterinary hospitals. Biometeorological parameters, including temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, wind speed, and pan evaporation, were obtained from the College of Agriculture, Ambalavayal. The study found over a thousand cases of oriental theileriosis, with a moderate positive correlation between temperature and disease incidence. Disease prevalence varied throughout the year, with increased incidence during winter months. No significant correlations were observed with other climatic factors. These findings highlight the high prevalence of T. orientalis in Wayanad and emphasize the need for improved surveillance and targeted control strategies that account for climatic and ecological variables to mitigate the impact of the disease on livestock and local economies.
Real-world Outcomes of Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma Treated with frontline R-CHOP(-like) regimens in an Asian Multi-ethnic Population
Authors: Lim Ryan , Tan Jing Yuan , Tan Ya Hwee , Heng Zane En Qi , Ng Lawrence Cheng Kiat , Lim Francesca Lorraine Wei Inng , Goh Yeow Tee , Lim Soon Thye , Chan Jason Yongsheng 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background
Recent breakthrough advances in the treatment of DLBCL, such as the antibody-drug conjugate Polatuzumab vedotin, have yielded clinical survival benefit over R-CHOP for the first time in 20 years since the advent of the Rituximab era. We thus examine the outcomes of standard immunochemotherapy for DLBCL in our multi-ethnic Asian population, so as to determine the real-world clinical need to adopt new therapeutics in this disease entity.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study involving patients (n = 1071) diagnosed with DLBCL at the National Cancer Centre Singapore from 2010–2022, and treated with first-line rituximab-based regimens. The median follow-up duration was 48 months. Survival analyses were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariate Cox proportional models.
Results
The cohort consisted of 590 male and 481 female patients with a median age of 63.8 years (range, 19.3–93.6). Most were stage III-IV at diagnosis (60.9%) and of non-germinal center B-cell like (non-GCB) subtype by Han’s criteria (56.5%). The vast majority received R-CHOP(-like) regimens (n = 997, 93.1%), including EPOCH-R (n = 95), achieving a 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of 64.5% and 74.7% respectively. Male sex (p = 0.0294), age > 60 years (p < 0.0001), poor ECOG scores (2–4) (p < 0.0001), advanced stage (III-IV) (p < 0.0001), presence of B-symptoms (p = 0.0305), raised LDH (p = 0.0161) were independent predictors of OS, 4 of which are risk factors in the International Prognostic Index (IPI). In the intermediate to high-risk subgroup (IPI scores 2–5; n = 752), the 5-year PFS and OS were only 59.0% and 69.8% respectively. EBV status, as was high-risk lymphoma (MYC and/or BCL2/BCL6 rearrangements), were not significantly associated with survival outcomes. EPOCH-R was used more frequently than R-CHOP in patients with MYC rearrangements (n = 82, p < 0.0001), including those with MYC/BCL2 double-hit genetics (n = 31, p < 0.0001). Notably, neither regimen significantly affected survival outcomes, both in MYC-rearranged (PFS: HR 0.60, p = 0.1704; OS: HR 0.49, p = 0.0852), and in MYC/BCL2 double-hit DLBCL (PFS: HR 1.30, p = 0.6433; OS: HR 1.02, p = 0.9803).
Conclusion
Our study demonstrates that our local population has similar clinicopathological and prognostic characteristics of DLBCL as compared to global findings. It also highlights the limitations of R-CHOP(-like) regimens in contemporary DLBCL management and therefore an ongoing need for improved therapeutic strategies.
Reaction wetting and interfacial properties calculation of NiFe binary alloy droplets on Fe substrate
Authors: Sun Yuwei , Yu Sirong , Li Yong , Wang Ganlin , Feng Tao 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Molecular dynamics was used to simulate the reaction wetting behavior of NiFe binary alloy on Fe substrate and the change rule of interfacial microstructure.Setting the calculation temperature of 1750K,the mole percentage of Fe in binary alloy is 5%,10%,15%;The calculation results show that with the increase of Fe content,the equilibrium wetting angle of the droplet decreases,and the spreading radius increases,and the wettability of the alloy containing 15% Fe is the best; The radial distribution function of atom pair of three alloy droplets shows that the alloy is in molten state when r > 7.2Å.The Coordination analysis of the structure at 4 ns through the single atomic layer of the alloy droplet shows that no FCC,BCC and HCP phase structures were formed in the droplet at 1750 K; the thicknesses of 5%Fe-95%Ni droplets,10%Fe-90%Ni droplets and 15%Fe-85%Ni droplets were 15.7Å,13.7Å and 13.2Å,respectively.
Case Fatality Rate Associated with Hospital Acquired Blood Stream Infection among Admitted Patients in a Tertiary Hospital in Oman: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Elbeeli Marah , Al-Farsi Yahya M. , Balkhair Abdullah , Al-Muharmi Zakariya , Al-Jabri Mansoor , Al-Adawi Samir 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: Evidence from industrialized/developed countries showed high case fatality rate (CFR) estimates associated with hospital-acquired bloodstream infections (HA-BSIs). Surveys have shown that HA-BSIs were responsible for 20%-60% of hospitalization-related deaths. Despite the high morbidity and fatality, to our knowledge, few published reports on HA-BSI prevalence estimates exist in Arab countries, including Oman.
Aim: In order to contribute towards reducing mortality associated with HA-BSI, this study was designed to explore three interrelated aims: 1) to describe the socio-demographic and clinical characteristics of deceased and survived HA-BSI cases among admitted patients; 2) to investigate the observed and standardized CFR of HA-BSI among admitted patients, stratified by selected socio-demographic and clinical characteristics; and 3) to estimate the observed pathogen-specific CFR of HA-BSI among admitted patients.
Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study reviewed reports of hospital admissions over five years of retrospective follow-up at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital (SQUH), a tertiary teaching hospital in Oman. HA-BSI case fatality rate (CFR) estimates were calculated over selected socio-demographic & clinical characteristics such as age, gender, governorate, year of admission, admitting world, and underlying comorbidities. Data analysis was conducted using the SPSS program.
Results: Of the 1246 HA-BSI cases included in this study, 350 were deceased, constituting an overall CFR of 28.1%. Deceased cases tend to include more males (59.4%) than females compared to the survived cases (51.1%). Among different age groups, the observed CFR is greatest (31.9%) in the age group (76-85) and lowest (26.6%) in the age group (26-35). The highest standardized CFR was 31.8% in 2015, followed by 30.4 %in 2017. The CFR was significantly highest among patients with HA-BSI admitted to the ICU (52.6%). The highest observed CFR was 62.5% among HA-BSI patients with liver disease, followed by 51.5% in HA-BSI patients with pulmonary disorders. Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Candida spp, Acinetobacter spp, and Pseudomonas spp were the top four pathogens associated with the highest observed CFR among HA-BSI (43.5%, 41.1%. 40.8% and 40.5%, respectively.
Conclusion: The study provides supportive evidence for a varying occurrence in HA-BSI case fatality rate estimates over selected socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. The study calls for the timely adoption of novel HA-BSI surveillance and management systems to reduce mortality associated with HA-BSI.
Single-nucleus and spatial transcriptomic analysis identified molecular features of neuronal heterogeneity and distinct glial responses in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Yoo Sooyeon , Lee Kwanghoon , Seo Junseo , Choi Hwisoo , Kim Seong-Ik , Chang Junyoung , Shim Yu-Mi , Kim Junil , Won Jae-Kyung , Park Sung-Hye 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The heterogeneity of Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasingly recognized as an important aspect of understanding the disorder. Among the factors contributing to this heterogeneity, ethnic differences are primary sources, significantly influencing the likelihood of PD developing and its initial symptoms' nature. While there have been numerous reports related to PD in East Asia, there has been a lack of contribution from single-cell (or nucleus) transcriptome studies, which have been making significant contributions to understanding PD. In this study, a total of 33,293 nuclei obtained from the substantia nigra (SN) of confirmed pathological PD and control patients in South Korea were profiled, revealing 8 different cell types through cluster analysis. Monocle-based pseudotime analysis identified two disease-associated trajectories for each astrocyte and microglia and identified genes that differentiate them. Interestingly, we uncovered the inflammatory intervention in the early PD-associated transition in microglia and identified the molecular features of this intermediate state of microglia. In addition, gene regulatory networks (GRNs) based on TENET analysis revealed the detrimental effect of an HSPA5-led module in microglia and MSRB3- and HDAC8- led modules specifying the two different astrocyte trajectories. In SN neurons, we observed population changes, a decrease in dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons and a proportional increase in GABAergic neurons. By deconvolution in spatial transcriptome obtained the PD sample, we confirmed spatiotemporal heterogeneity of neuronal subpopulations and PD-associated progressive gliosis specific to dopaminergic nuclei, SN and ventral tegmental areas (VTAs). In conclusion, our approach has enabled us to identify the genetic and spatial characterization of neurons and to demonstrate different glial fates in PD. These findings advance our molecular understanding of cell type-specific changes in the progression of Korean PD, providing an important foundation for predicting and validating interventions or drug effects for future treatments.
The promoting effects of digital targeted cognitive training in medication treatment for children with ADHD: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Dang Chen , Zhu Yu , Luo Xiangsheng , Liu Lu , Feng Yuan , Wu Guisen , Zhong Shaogen , Wang Xin , Zhang Jianzhao , Zhu Yike , Liu Siqi , Liu Ziqi , Qin Li , Ma Xiaohui , Wang Yufeng , Wang Xiaoyi , Yang Jian , Wang Changming , Sun Li 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder often managed with medication. Improving cognitive functions alongside medication treatment is crucial for better outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of combining digitally targeted cognitive training with methylphenidate or atomoxetine, compared to medication monotherapy, on ADHD core symptoms and executive function. We hypothesized that cognitive training could enhance treatment efficacy when combined with medication, potentially by improving cognitive functions. A total of 124 children with ADHD were assessed at baseline and followed up for eight weeks, with 60 receiving cognitive training combined with medication, and 64 receiving medication treatment alone. The results indicated that inattentive and hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms decreased more in the cognitive training and atomoxetine combination group than in the atomoxetine monotherapy group. Similar between-group differences were observed in executive functions. Executive functions improvements, mainly working memory improvements, were significantly correlated with changes in ADHD core symptoms. However, no such differences or correlations were observed between the two intervention groups for children treated with methylphenidate. These findings suggested a more significant amelioration in symptoms in the atomoxetine combination group, possibly due to a significant improvement in ecological executive function with add-on targeted cognitive training. This study provided preliminary evidence of enhanced therapeutic efficacy in combining cognitive training and atomoxetine compared to medication monotherapy, which contributed to development of personalized treatments, such as combining targeted cognitive training with atomoxetine for ADHD children who are unsuitable to take methylphenidate. (This study was pre-registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2100043525)
Exploring alternative practice placement models: perspectives and experiences of learners and practice educators. A qualitative systematic review.
Authors: Deaves Amanda , Matson Rebecca , Rushe Edwina , Edwards David , Trainor Kate , Seddon Joanne 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Within physiotherapy and occupational therapy practice placements, there is a predominance of the one-to-one supervision model which creates limitations for placement capacity expansion. Alternative placement models must be considered to fulfil training requirements for these professions and ensure availability of future workforce. The aim of this review is to consider practice educators and learners’ experiences and perceptions of alternative placement models to inform future planning and adoption of these opportunities. This qualitative systematic review followed the Joanne Briggs Institute methodology. Six databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, Scopus, ERIC, PsycINFO), comprising the period January 2008 to December 2022, were comprehensively searched. Meta-aggregation was used to synthesise the findings of the included studies. A total of 16 articles were included within this review. The learner voice was represented in 18 categories aggregated to five synthesised findings: professional growth and development, personal and psychological adaptation, alliances within collaborative learning, educational and learning process, and managing professional relationships. The practice educator voice was represented in 14 categories aggregated into four synthesised findings: providing the right support; professional identity; peer relationships and levels of satisfaction. This review has identified many positive aspects related to skill development, personal growth and professional identity following the alternative placement experience. However, uncertainty and anxiety related to role, expectations and clarity within these environments were noted. This enhanced understanding of the perceptions and experiences of the learners and the practice educators can be incorporated to facilitate the development of appropriate support and guidance from the universities to address these challenges and increase satisfaction. Further adoption of the alternative placement models will have the potential to enable increased practice placement capacity for learners and offers a promising environment for healthcare education, proving learners with invaluable experiences and skills essential for their future careers.
Sustainable Rice Farming: The Benefits of Substituting Fertilizer-N with Milk Vetch for Improved Soil Structure and Quality
Authors: Yuan Haoliang , Zhang Jianglin , Liao Yulin , Lu Yanhong , Li Peng , Wang Yu , Cao Weidong , Nie Jun 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Chinese milk vetch (MV) is widely used in rice yield enhancement because of the huge nitrogen (N) substitution potential. However, the proper substitution rate of MV for N fertilizer and its effect on carbon sequestration and nutrient retention in soil aggregates remains unknown.
Method
A 10-year field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of different MV substitution rates on soil aggregate stability, nutrient retention, and soil quality in a double rice cropping system. The treatments included no fertilizer (CK), 100% NPK fertilizer (N100), recommended N supply by different proportions of MV (N80G20, N60G40, N40G60, N20G80)
Result
Compared with the N100 treatment, the N80G20 and the N60G40 treatment increased the mean weight diameter (MWD) by 4.2% and 5.3%, and the geometric mean diameter (GMD) by 7.7% and 12.1%, respectively. The N60G40 treatment significantly increased the labile organic carbon content and carbon pool management index by 24.7% and 45.0%, respectively. N80G20 and N60G40 treatments directly increased total nitrogen (TN) and total phosphorus (TP) in macro-aggregates (> 0.25mm), and improved the contribution of total nutrients in > 2mm aggregate. Compared with the N100 treatment, the N60G40 treatment improved TN, TP and TK by 6.0%, 9.3% and 5.6%. Incorporating MV improved the soil quality index (SQI), with N60G40 treatment improved the most by 34.1%. And the grain yield increased significantly with the increasing SQI. Substituting 20–60% of N by MV can sustain grain yield. However, a higher substitution rate significantly reduced grain yield, particularly in the early rice.
Conclusions
Consequently, Incorporating MV to substitute 20–40% N fertilizer can enhance soil structure by improving the proportion of macro-aggregates, thereby improving nutrient retention and soil quality. This study provides a sustainable and eco-friendly approach in the double rice cropping systems.
A Skills-Based Approach to Improving the Economics Curriculum: Insights from Online Job Postings Using Lightcast
Authors: Onodipe Grace , Wilsker Amanda , Routon Philip , Stephenson Andrew , Huff Kyle 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The college classroom must constantly change to match curriculum with labor market demands. For economics degrees, the focus has been on critical and analytical thinking. Are these still relevant for today's entry-level jobs? To find out, we analyzed job postings using data from Lightcast. Frequently listed skills for economics majors include communication, management, research, and software skills like Microsoft Excel. This study aims to inform changes in tertiary economics education that preserve economic theory while providing students with skills to succeed in the workplace. We provide one example of how Lightcast data can inform the future of higher education curriculum.
Implementation and Preliminary Evaluation of an Entrepreneurship, Biomedical Innovation, and Design Pathway in a School of Medicine Curriculum
Authors: Hafer Nathaniel , Keenan Christian , Deb Anindita 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Background: New educational curricula are emerging to train physicians to practice healthcare in the 21st century. The University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School T.H. Chan School of Medicine (UMass Chan) implemented an MD curriculum redesign in the fall of 2022 that included seven educational pathways, including Entrepreneurship, Biomedical Innovation and Design. This pathway is modeled after the I-Corps curriculum with added material regarding engineering design. This manuscript describes this pathway curriculum and provides preliminary evaluation data and learning outcomes.
Methods: First-year (Class of 2027) and second-year (Class of 2026) pathway students were invited to participate in online surveys evaluating course material and their knowledge of course content. Course evaluations and self-assessments were performed on a 4 or 5 point Likert scale. The material assessment comprised of multiple-choice questions; some had four options while others had five. Simple means were calculated for each question of the self-assessment, and as an aggregate. A two-sample t-test was performed using those means to assess statistical significance. A distribution of correct and incorrect answers was generated between the pre and post survey results, and a chi-squared analysis was used to determine whether the two correct/incorrect distributions were significantly different.
Results: Initial results show that the program was well received, with 15/20 (75%) of first year students rating the experience as good or excellent and 8/10 (80%) of second year students rating the experience as good or excellent. Three lectures were provided during the Fall 2023 semester to 11 second-year students. Results of self-assessment of student comfort and understanding of engineering content significantly improved after delivery of these lectures. Objective student knowledge also significantly improved.
Conclusions: This new pathway curriculum at UMass Chan is designed to introduce students to the principles of innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization. An element of this pathway focused on basic engineering principles provided students with baseline understandings of biomedical design, human factors, and risk/hazard analysis. Despite small sample sizes, the results show improvements in student comfort with the material and knowledge. Novel curricula have the potential to transform medical education and prepare future physicians to practice healthcare in the 21st Century.