bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Comparative Assessment of Landslide Prediction Capability of Machine Learning Methods using Frequency Ratio (FR), Shannon Entropy (SE), and Analytical Hierarchy (AHP) Techniques: A Case Study of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Alam Mohd , Siddiqui Afzal Nadeem , Shamim Syed Kausar , Ahmad Ateeque , Faiz Mohammed 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Mapping landslide susceptibility is crucial for defining high-risk zones and preventing property and human casualties. The Uttarakhand provision, which comes under the Himalayan region, has a high potential for landslide occurrence. A landslide susceptibility map was created using satellite imagery, in-depth field research, and aerial photos. The historical landslide inventory of the state's 14698 total landslides was randomly bifurcated into 70% (10289) for training purposes and 30% (4409) for data validation. Eleven landslide-causative factors (Slope, Aspect, Curvature, Topographic Position Index (TPI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Geology, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Distance to Road, Distance to Stream, Distance to Fault, and Rainfall) were selected for susceptibility assessment. The landslide susceptibility zonation was created using the Shannon Entropy (SE), Frequency Ratio (FR), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques, along with the causative factors. The AHP method is effectively utilized in LSM to prioritize and weigh the importance of different causative factors contributing to landslide occurrence, while Shannon Entropy uses the method of discrete probability distribution to quantify the uncertainty or variability associated with different causative factors. The FR, AHP, and SE models were validated using the AUC curve, yielding 92%, 89%, and 81% success rates and predictive rates of 90%, 87%, and 77%, respectively. The FR model is most suitable, more efficient, and valuable for future planning in the study area.
La-doped Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrode enhanced removal of microplastics by advanced electrocatalysis oxidation process (AEOP) strategy
Authors: Zheng Weikang , Wang Boyan , Liu Zhenzhong , Yang Hongwei 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Microplastics (MPs) in the aqueous environments has attracted widespread attention because of its potential risk to human health .Its high stability makes it difficult to be degraded and long term presence in the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to find an efficient and clean technology to remove microplastics in water. The advanced electrocatalysis oxidation process (AEOP) shows great potential for application. In this work, We focused on preparing Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrodes doped with different rare earth elements (La, Ce, Sm or Nd) as active layer by sol-gel method. The electrooxidation system has efficiently degraded MPs in aqueous solution. The optimal parameters for the removal of MPs were electrode spacing of 1.5 cm, current density of 46.67 mA cm-2, Na2SO4 electrolyte concentration of 0.22 mol·L-1, and initial solution pH of 7. After 3 h, MPs removal rate by Ti/La-Sb-SnO2 system reached 28.3 %, which was higher than the Ti/Ce-Sb-SnO2, Ti/Sm-Sb-SnO2, Ti/Nd-Sb-SnO2 and Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrode, the removal rates were increased by 8.23 %, 10.13 %, 16.28 % and 77 %, respectively. Electrochemical performance tests and •OH (Hydroxyl radicals) generation results indicated that the surface of Ti/La-Sb-SnO2 electrode had abundant active sites, which promoted the formation of •OH to degrade microplastics effectively. In summary, the rare earth element-doped Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrode provides crucial technological support for the electrooxidative removal of microplastics from water.
Current Mechanisms in Zinc Diffusion-doped Silicon Samples at T = 300 K
Authors: Arzikulov E. U. , Radzhabova M. , Sr S. N. , Mamatkulov N. , Quvondiqov Sh. J. , Pelenovich Vasiliy O. , Yang Bing 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

This work is devoted to the study of current flow in diffusion-doped zinc silicon samples in the dark and when illuminated with integral light with an intensity in the range from 0.6 to 140 lx and at a temperature of 300 K. At T = 300 K and in the dark, the view the current-voltage characteristic (CVC) contained all areas characteristic of semiconductors with deep energy levels. It was found that when illuminated with integral light, the type of CVCs of the studied Si samples depended on the value of the applied voltage, the electrical resistivity of the samples, the light intensity, and their number reached up to 6. In this case, linear, sublinear, and superlinear sections were observed, as well as the switching point (sharp current jump) and areas with negative differential conductivities (NDC). The existence of these characteristic areas of the applied voltage and their character depended on the intensity of the integral light. The experimental data obtained were interpreted in connection with the formation of low dimensional objects with the participation of multiply charged zinc nanoclusters in the bulk of silicon. They changed the energy band structure of single-crystal silicon, which affected generation-recombination processes in Si, leading to the types of CVCs observed in the experiment.
Clinical Characteristics and Factors Associated with Mortality Among Children with Sepsis Admitted to Pediatric ICU at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Theonest Olivia , Muhunzi David , Said Yasser Habresh , Salim Nahya , Shoo Aiko 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Sepsis is a global burden in the pediatric population with high morbidity and mortality. Clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality at ICU in our settings are not well documented, hence posing more challenges in its management. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality among children with sepsis admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Muhimbili National Hospital.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study with longitudinal follow-up was conducted among children with suspected/proven sepsis admitted to the PICU at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania from July 2022 to January 2023. The diagnosis of sepsis was made within 24 hours of admission after screening using SIRS criteria and thorough clinical examination. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded from hospital software and patient clinical notes. Assessment of the outcome (survival or death) was done on day 10 post-admission. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the association between categorical variables and mortality. Poisson regression was used for multivariate analysis of factors associated with mortality. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
A total of 160 children with suspected or proven sepsis were included in the study, male to female ratio was 1:1. with a median age of 1 year (IQR = 1–14). The respiratory system was the most common focus of infection. The majority of children had sepsis with associated organ dysfunction with respiratory failure being the most common type. Of the study participants, 43.8% had positive culture growth, and the common isolate was Staphylococcus aureus. Death occurred in more than one–third of study participants within ten days of ICU admission. Septic shock and the need for inotropes were associated with an increase in mortality while positive culture growth was associated with a reduced mortality.
Conclusion
Sepsis is a major health challenge among children in the pediatric intensive care unit. Early recognition, prompt management, prevention of septic shock, and optimizing care are crucial in reducing mortality. Prompt identification and targeted treatment of the causative organism may improve outcomes for children with sepsis.
Washing Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms as Adaptation – Insights from a 3-Year Longitudinal Cohort
Authors: Costa Ana Daniela , Raposo-Lima Catarina , Couto Beatriz , Fernandes Afonso , Machado-Sousa Mafalda , Moreira Pedro , Ferreira Sónia , Picó-Pérez Maria , Morgado Pedro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Stressful events are one cause for the emergence and/or worsening of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The public health measures employed to prevent the contraction of the COVID-19 virus overlap with common behaviors adopted by people diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thus, we decided to study the longitudinal impact of the pandemic in the general Portuguese population assessed with the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R), and the Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Methods: One hundred and eighty nine participants reported their scores at three different time-points of the pandemic in Portugal: March of 2020, March of 2021, and March of 2022. Non-parametric analysis of repeated measures, were performed on the OCI-R and DASS-21 scores to analyze differences in the levels of symptomatology throughout time.
Results: We found statistically significant differences with time in the OCI-R total and washing subscale scores, as well as in the anxiety subscale of DASS-21 score. For OCI-R total, we found significantly higher scores in 2020 compared to 2021 and 2022, and for the washing subscale we found statistically significant decreases with time. In terms of anxiety scores, we found significantly lower symptoms in 2021 compared to the others.
Conclusions: The reliance on the washing-like behaviors to contain the pandemic spreading explains its augmented scores in the acute phases of the pandemic and thus the continuous decrease of symptomatology with time. For anxiety, both the beginning and the end of the pandemic seem to have posed a threat, leading to an increase in worry and hypervigilance. In general, our results demonstrate the adaptative nature of humans and the instrumental role of pyschological distress to cope with the world around us.
Cyclic di-AMP alleviates periodontitis by activating PI3K/Akt/NrF2 pathways
Authors: Luo Kaihua , Wu Qinrui , Li Zhengyi , Wu Yajie , Su Zhifei , Zhou Fangjie , Li Qinyang , Ren Biao , Li Yuqing , Li Jiyao , Peng Xian 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background: Emerging research demonstrates the regulatory effects of c-di-AMP, a bacterial-derived small molecule secondary messenger, on host immune responses and promoting resistance against infection-related diseases. This study aims to elucidate the role of c-di-AMP in the occurrence and development of periodontitis.
Methods: We established ligation-induced periodontitis in mice and assessed the impact of c-di-AMP on alveolar bone resorption. Transcriptomic sequencing of mouse gingival tissues post-c-di-AMP treatment revealed the potential PI3K/Akt pathway. Gingival epithelial cells were treated with c-di-AMP to validate PI3K/Akt pathway activation. Under inflammatory conditions induced by LPS, we evaluated the inflammatory factor release, as well as the Akt and NrF2 activation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of gingival microbiota in mice assessed microbial composition changes post-c-di-AMP treatment. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA.
Results: C-di-AMP effectively reduced alveolar bone resorption in mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, as well as an increase in the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. In vitro, c-di-AMP suppressed inflammatory factor release (e.g., IL-6 and TNF-α) from gingival epithelial cells and activated Akt and NrF2, the key components of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that c-di-AMP definitely plays a role in alleviating periodontitis. These findings shed light on the mechanisms through which c-di-AMP can activate the PI3K/Akt pathway and potentially involve the cGMP/PKG pathway, ultimately contributing to improved immune defense and maintenance of bone homeostasis.
Epilepsy combined with post intubation tracheal stenosis: case report and literature review
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Mu Qiaoyu , Niu Shao rui , Xiao Kaibing , Peng Guangbei , Qiu Rongbin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
One of the most frequent neurological emergencies in clinical practice is status epilepticus for which endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy are typically the emergency treatments. Invasive tracheal manipulation inevitably causes variable degrees of tracheal damage. Following therapy with tracheal intubation or tracheotomy, patients may develop post-intubation tracheal stenosis. This uncommon ailment may develop following an extended period of intubation.
Case presentation
We report a male patient, 19, who was diagnosed with severe PITS three weeks post-intubation and was in the phase of epileptic seizures. Due to significant tracheal stenosis with a low anatomical location, we would not be able to perform emergency therapy by tracheotomy or tracheal intubation if the epilepsy worsened respiratory dysfunction. Ultimately, the choice was made to set up the patient's emergency hospital transfer for treatment.
Conclusion
Combining epilepsy with PITS is an unmanageable, potentially fatal disease with a very high death risk if treatment is not received in a timely manner.Particularly with patients with neurologic disorders, physicians should not be too empirical to focus solely on the head examination at the exclusion of the assessment of airway integrity.because the early symptoms of PITS are not obvious. Early diagnosis and individualized treatment play a key role, all of which improve patients' chances of survival.
Association between use of heated tobacco products and long-term health effects considering smoking history: Internet-based cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Kimura Yuki , Sugita Minoru 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
With the use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) becoming more widespread in Japan, interested in the health effects of HTP use have grown. Since the vast majority of HTP users are former smokers, information about the user's smoking history and health status before HTP use is needed when assessing the health effects of HTP use. The limited epidemiological studies available did not consistently considered this information.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating the relationship between HTP use and respiratory chronic diseases and symptoms. A large-scale research panel in Japan managed by Cross Marketing Inc. was randomly sent questionnaires via the Internet, and individuals who met the study criteria and were either current exclusive HTP users, current exclusive cigarette users or those had never used tobacco products were selected. And obtained information about the participants' smoking history and health status before they used HTPs. The effects of participant smoking history prior to HTP use and the impacts on outcomes upon switching to HTP were assessed using a logistic regression model. And the odds ratio (OR) for current exclusive HTP users relative to never tobacco users was calculated. The OR was calculated under two scenarios, either ignoring or taking into account smoking history.
Results
Of the participants from whom responses to the questionnaires were obtained, 17,406 participants were included in the analysis. Almost all participating current exclusive HTP users had a history of long-term smoking (mean: 28.6 years), and the occurrence of outcomes both before and after the start of HTP use were reported. The ORs, without adjustment and with adjustment for smoking history prior to HTP use were, in the case of COPD, 3.23 (95% CI: 1.37–7.61) and 1.85 (95% CI: 0.70–4.89) respectively. These results suggest that smoking history prior to HTP using affects the occurrence of outcomes.
Conclusions
These results underscore the importance of considering smoking history when assessing the health effect of HTP use. Since the duration of HTP use is considerably shorter than that of cigarette use at present, further research, such as follow-up surveys assessing the long-term health effects of HTP use, will be necessary.
Hypoxia drives the formation of lung micropapillary adenocarcinoma through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α
Authors: Nojima Satoshi , Umeda Daisuke , Harada Akikazu , Ukon Koto , Motooka Daisuke , Tahara Shinichiro , Kurashige Masako , Kido Kansuke , Takashima Tsuyoshi , Kiyokawa Hiroki , Matsui Takahiro , Matsumoto Shinji , Shintani Yasushi , Okuzaki Daisuke , Kikuchi Akira , Morii Eiichi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Micropapillary adenocarcinoma (MPC) is an aggressive histologic subtype of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). MPC is composed of small clusters of cancer cells exhibiting inverted polarity. However, the mechanism underlying its formation is poorly understood. Here we show that hypoxia is involved in MPC formation. Spatial transcriptome (ST) analysis with human LUAD tissue suggested that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 signaling is activated in MPC. Hypoxia induced the formation of MPC-like structures (MLSs) in a three-dimensional culture system using A549 human LUAD cells, and HIF-1α was indispensable for MLS formation. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that A549 cells forming MLSs exhibited high expression of the MPC signature genes, which were defined by the ST data. Moreover, MLS formation enhanced the resistance of A549 cells to natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Our findings suggest that hypoxia drives lung MPC formation through HIF-1α and that immune escape from natural killer cells might underlie the aggressiveness of MPC.
Evaluating the interaction of plant communities with microplastics found in water and soil sediments of Lake Victoria
Authors: Onyango Janet , Huang Jiacheng , Babu Kelvin , Njuguna Samuel , Wanzala Wycliffe , Yan Xue 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Microplastics continue to affect aquatic plant populations, altering ecosystem function. Particle size, polymer type, aquatic microplastic concentration, exposure length, and plant species affect the interaction. Microplastic contamination of freshwater systems and its effects on aquatic plant communities are important global ecological issues that have received little attention in the African scientific press. On this basis, we conducted a survey to assess Lake Victoria plant community interactions with microplastics. This survey picked 11 and 6 water and soil sampling points distributed in 4 counties on which Lake Victoria lies. Field observation and photos of plant communities at the sampling points were also taken and later identified. The ATR-FTIR spectroscopy detection technology analysis was used to analyze microplastics in both the soil and water while the software Origin Pro 2023b Learning edition and RStudio were used for further analysis and graphical data presentation. The results showed considerable concentration of microplastics in over 80% of the sampled areas with the highest abundance being 30000MPs m-3 and 3 of the 17 samples recording 0 MPs. A relative statistical significance in species richness and microplastic abundance where P – 0.059 and R2 – 0.34 was also denoted in the water samples. In both the water and sediment samples, fibers were the dominant MPs shapes retrieved at 85% and 55.2% respectively while transparent was the dominant colour at 32.5% in water and 29.3% in sediment. At each sampling point, photos of the plant communities were taken and later positively identified. We contend that the plant communities around the lake play a significant role in reducing the concentration of this distinct particle component which is an ecologically significant parameter of inland waterbodies because of its ubiquity, environmental persistence, and interactions with key ecological processes. This research exemplifies how small-scale investigations can be useful to provide indications of the role of plant communities around the lake in curbing emerging microplastic pollution menace, a focus on estuarine microplastics research.
Tuberculosis among people with HIV by antiretroviral therapy status in an urban area in Central Ethiopia 2015-2022
Authors: Bristedt P , Fentie M , Björkman P , Reepalu A 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Introduction: Although antiretroviral therapy (ART) leads to reduced tuberculosis (TB) incidence in people with HIV (PWH), ART recipients remain at higher risk of TB compared to HIV-seronegative people. With accelerated ART rollout in sub-Saharan Africa, increasing proportions of TB cases among PWH might occur in people receiving long-term ART. We determined TB notification rates among PWH by ART status in an urban area in Central Ethiopia 2015–2022. Methods: PWH were identified at health facilities providing ART 2015–2022. TB notification rates were compared by calendar year. PWH with TB were categorized by ART status at the time of TB diagnosis (pre-ART TB: TB diagnosed before or ≤ 6 months after starting ART; ART-associated TB: TB diagnosed > 6 months after starting ART). Results: Among 8,926 PWH, 993 had been diagnosed with TB (11.1%); 53.5% men, mean age 40.0 years [SD 11.8]). The number of PWH with TB remained relatively constant over time (annual mean 131 TB cases). Overall, 617/993 (62.1%) cases were pre-ART TB. The proportion of pre-ART TB remained relatively constant over time. Conclusion: TB notification rates among PWH did not decrease 2015–2022, with cases of pre-ART TB constituting a majority throughout the study period, implying persistently high TB incidence among PWH.
Development and Validation of a Prediction Model for People with Mild Chronic Kidney Disease in Japanese individuals
Authors: Miki Takahiro , Sakoda Toshiya , Yamamoto Kojiro , Takeyama Kento , Hagiwara Yuta , Imaizumi Takahiro 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) poses significant health risks due to its asymptomatic nature in early stages and its association with increased cardiovascular and kidney events. Early detection and management are critical for improving outcomes.
Objective
This study aimed to develop and validate a prediction model for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) and major adverse kidney events (MAKE) in Japanese individuals with mild CKD using readily available health check and prescription data.
Methods
A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from 850,000 individuals in the PREVENT Inc. database, collected between April 2013 and April 2023. Cox proportional hazard regression models were utilized to derive and validate risk scores for MACE and MAKE, incorporating traditional risk factors and CKD-specific variables. Model performance was assessed using the concordance index (c-index) and 5-fold cross-validation.
Results
A total of 40,351 individuals were included. Key predictors included age, sex, diabetes, hypertension, and lipid levels for MACE and MAKE. Age significantly increased the risk score for both MACE and MAKE. The baseline 5-year survival rates are 0.99 for MACE and MAKE. The developed risk models demonstrated predictive ability, with mean c-indexes of 0.75 for MACE and 0.69 for MAKE.
Conclusions
This prediction model offers a practical tool for early identification of Japanese individuals with mild CKD at risk for MACE and MAKE, facilitating timely interventions to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs. The models stratified patients into risk categories, enabling identification of those at higher risk for adverse outcomes. Further clinical validation is required.