bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Underestimated Latent Tuberculosis Infection Burden Among School Contacts in China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yin Jin , Wang Mei , Wu Chengguo , Shi Yaling , Liu Ying , Yu Ya , Su Qian , Zhang Zhengyu , Huang Xueyong , Zhang Xiaoshuang , Fan Jun , Wu Bo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous research has indicated a low TST strong positive rate in school tuberculosis (TB) screening implemented by community-level medical and health care institutions in China. The research objective was to evaluate the LTBI detection gap in school contact investigation in China.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, school contacts were investigated by Chongqing Municipal Institute of Tuberculosis between January 2022 and April 2024 in Chongqing, China. Tuberculin Skin Tests (TST), Creation Tuberculin Skin Test (C-TST), or Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA) were conducted for immunological diagnostic methods. The LTBI detection gap among school contacts was assessed by comparing with the data implemented by community-level medical and health care institutions from 2021 to 2022.
Results
In 6063 participants, 4233 were tested using TST, 1799 were tested using C-TST, and 31 were tested using IGRA. Seven students were confirmed to have active TB. The LTBI prevalence rate using TST and C-TST was 15.2% (95%CI, 14.1%-16.3%) and 3.6% (95%CI, 2.7%-4.4%) respectively. A LTBI detection gap of 10.3% was identified when comparing with TST results implemented by community-level medical and health care institutions (χ2 = 636, P < 0.001).
Conclusions
TB school contact investigation plays an important role in controlling TB epidemic. However, there may be a LTBI detection gap, likely due to poor quality control of TST implemented by community-level medical and health care institutions.
On farm Diversity, Farmers’ Practices and Status of Genetic Erosion of Harar Coffee (Coffea arabica L.)
Authors: Aliyi Ibsa , Yusuf Zekeria , Petros Yohannes 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Farmers’ varieties are often well adapted to specific environments, and tend to have a advantage than in marginal areas. The present study was undertaken to assess farmers’ practices, on farm phenotypic diversity and status of genetic erosion of Harar coffee (Coffea arabica) Eastern Ethiopia. The principal component analysis was employed to identify morphological traits contributing to the variations in genotypes and associated traits. The result indicated that the highest preference index (25.60) with preference rank first was recorded for Fandisha genotype. The first principal component had high positive scores from number of secondary branches/ tree (0.94) and number of trunks/tree (0.30) as the most discriminating. The second component had high positive component loads for number of primary branches (0.76), number of nodes / trunk (0.33), and stem diameter (0.25) which were mainly responsible for the variations. Likewise, the third component had high positive scores for hundred bean weight (0.77), number of trunks/ tree (0.49) and stem internode length/tree (0.22). The result of the study indicated that secondary branches/ tree, trunks/ tree, nodes/ trunk, stem diameter, hundred bean weight and stem internode length/tree are the most discriminating traits among the set of coffee genotypes assessed.
Study on physical clogging process and practical application of horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland
Authors: Dai Shuqun , Wang Ruida , Lin Jiawei , Zhang Guoyi , Chen Zhonggou , Li Lei , Shi Qintian 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study focused on the construction of an efficient decentralized small-scale horizontal subsurface flow constructed wetland system suitable for villages. In this study, the hydrodynamic changes and spatial-temporal distribution of the physical clogging process are deeply investigated through actual measurements and CFD numerical simulations, and a structural optimization scheme is innovatively proposed to extend the clogging time, which is applied to the actual case of Fanrong Village, Rui'an City, Wenzhou, China. The study shows that the addition of vertical baffles in the structural design of the artificial wetland can prolong the occurrence time of complete clogging by 15% and improve the hydraulic efficiency by 21%. This scheme effectively extends the physical clogging time and improves the hydraulic performance, which provides a new perspective and practical solution for village wastewater management.
The association between NADPH oxidase (NOX) polymorphisms with immunohistochemistry and survival in diffuse large B cell lymphoma patients
Authors: Chen Chao , Dong Quan , Wang Huiqi , Dong Shiqi , Wang Shufan , Lin Wenxin , Jia Chuiming , Dong Mei , Jin Yan , Liu Duo 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to comprehensively analyze the prediction role of NADPH oxidase (NOX)-related polymorphisms (NCF4: rs1883112, CYBA: rs4673, RAC2: rs13058338) and immunohistochemical indices on survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Methods
The impact of NOX polymorphisms were evaluated in 335 DLBCL patients treated with R (rituximab)-CHOP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone) from Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital. We also collected information on their immunohistochemical expression and clinical outcomes.
Results
Among the patients treated with R-CHOP therapy, the patients with CyclinD1 (+) had significantly shorter progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.001) and event-free survival (EFS) (p < 0.001) than CyclinD1 (-) patients. Among patients received CHOP therapy, PFS was significantly longer in CD20 (+) patients (p = 0.011) than in CD20(-) patients.. Among the patients treated with R-CHOP therapy, the PFS (p = 0.020) and EFS (p < 0.001) of patients with NCF4 rs1883112 AA/AG genotype were significantly longer than the patients with GG genotype. Patients treated with R-CHOP therapy and with RAC2 rs13058338 AA/AT genotype were more likely to have grade III or higher myelosuppression compared to patients with TT genotype (p = 0.027). Patients treated with CHOP therapy and with RAC2 rs13058338 AA/AT genotype were more likely to have grade III or higher systemic adverse events (p = 0.029). Cox regression analysis showed that NCF4 rs1883112 GG genotype and CyclinD1 (+) were the factors contributing to the poor outcomes in DLBCL patients treated with R-CHOP therpay.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the results suggested that the NCF4 rs1883112 G allele may be a poor prognostic biomarker, especially for the DLBCL patients with CD3(-), CD5 (-), CD10 (-), Bcl-2 (+), Bcl-6 (+) or Ki-67(%) < 80%.
Burden of Care and Experiences with Caregiving to Children Living with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Nigeria
Authors: Azubuike Albright Obinna , Azubuike Precious Chidozie , Afape Ayobami Oyekunle , Enyam Michael Obule , Akinreni Temidayo , Imo Uchenna Frank , Nwadiche Miracle , Ogbonna Chimankpam Kingsley , Timothy Promise Nmesomachi , Uchegbu Eberechukwu Ruth , Adai George Sefa 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Managing children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder poses a daunting task for their caregivers. The burden of care takes a toll on the physical, psychological, social, and financial wellbeing of caregivers. This study explored the burden of care among caregivers of children living with autism in Nigeria and informs targeted psychosocial support interventions
Methods
This phenomenology mixed-method study was conducted among 103 sampled caregivers in Cross River, Nigeria. The PREPARE and Zarit Burden Interview tools were used for the data collection. Data were analyzed using the inductive and deductive approaches qualitatively, and SPSS version 25 was used for quantitative analysis.
Results
Almost two-thirds (65%) of the caregivers reported a high caregiver burden. Societal stigma, lack of support systems, and acceptance, and the demanding task of caregiving to autistic children were the major challenges faced by the caregivers. These resulted in significant emotional distress, which is a build-up to a high burden of care.
Conclusion
Given the high burden of care for caregivers, targeted actions must be taken to properly enlighten Nigerian societies on autism spectrum disorder, and the need for acceptance. Key stakeholders must provide autistic healthcare facilities and resources. Also, social support groups would help establish a sense of belonging and support.
The survival prediction analysis and preliminary study of the biological function of YEATS2 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Long Yao , Wang Wei , Liu Shouping , Wang Xiang , Tao Yongguang 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Our study aims to develop and validate a novel molecular marker for the prognosis and diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
Materials & methods
We retrospectively analyzed mRNA expression profile and clinicopathological data of HCC patients fetched from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets. Univariate Cox regression analysis was performed to collect differentially expressed mRNA (DEmRNAs) from HCC and non-tumor tissues, and YEATS2, a prognostic marker, was identified by further analysis. ROC curve, survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis as well as nomograms were used to evaluate the prognosis of this gene. Finally, the biological function of this gene was preliminarily discussed by using single gene Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and the YEATS2 knockdown hepatoma cell line was used to verify the results in vitro and in vivo.
Results
Based on the clinical information of HCC in TCGA and GEO databases, the gene YEATS2 with significant differences from HCC was identified. There was a statistical difference in the survival prognosis between the two databases and the ROC curve showed that the survival of HCC in both TCGA and GSE14520 groups had a satisfactory predictive effect. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that YEATS2 was an independent prognostic factor for HCC, and Nomograms, which combined this prognostic feature with significant clinical features, provided an important reference for the clinical prognostic diagnosis of HCC. Next, we constructed a knockdown YEATS2 cell line in LM3 cells, and further proved that knockdown YEATS2 inhibited the proliferation and migration of HCC cells by CCK8, colony formation experiment, and transwell assays. Finally, the biological function of YEATS2 was preliminarily explored through GSEA analysis of a single gene, and it was found that it was significantly correlated with cell cycle and DNA repair, which provided us with ideas for further analysis. Furthermore, the knockdown of YEATS2 promoted radiation-induced DNA damage, enhanced radiosensitivity, and ultimately inhibited the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions
Our study identified a promising prognostic marker for hepatocellular carcinoma that is useful for clinical decision-making and individualized treatment.
The Impact of Heart Rate Associated Turbulent Wall Shear Stress in Aortic Coarctation: An in silico, Image-based Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach
Authors: Wang Jie , Manchester Emily , Skillen Alex , Ngoepe Malebogo , Keavney Bernard , Revell Alistair 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study examines how heart rate affects hemodynamics in a South African infant with Coarctation of the Aorta. Computed tomography angiography (CT) segments aortic coarctation anatomy; Doppler echocardiography derives inlet flow waveforms. Simulations occur at 100, 120, and 160 beats per minute, representing reduced, resting, and elevated heart rate (HR) levels. Turbulence was analysed over time and space using turbulence-resolving and pulsatile large-eddy simulations. The results show that HR significantly affects velocity and pressure drop more than turbulent kinetic energy and wall shear stress, highlighting HR's crucial role in flow dynamics in the coarctation area. Lower HR does not necessarily boost hemodynamic efficiency, as the energy ratio declines from 9.5% to 7.4% with a 60% HR reduction. The balance between turbulent kinetic energy and total kinetic energy shows minimal enhancement due to the complex interplay among HR, turbulence, and geometry. This complexity prompts discussion on how HR-slowing medications, such as beta-blockers or ivabradine, could positively influence hemodynamic stresses. In particular, in the coarctation zone, increased sensitivity to shear stress at lower HR levels suggests nuanced impacts of HR-affecting drugs on hemodynamic stresses, offering new insights new insights for therapeutic management.
Assessment of Rockfall Susceptibility using Random Forest Algorithm and Weighted Overlay Method
Authors: Abdouli Khameis Mohamed Al , Tamang Sonam Dorji , Dorji Kumbu , Norbu Rigzin , Chhetri Anju , Chettri Nimesh 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Rockfall hazard pose significant threats to lives, infrastructure and environmental stability in Bhutan. Precise prognose and mitigating these hazards remains a challenge due to the complex interactions among multifarious geological factors, weather patterns, and land use practices. The proposed research aims to develop a predictive model using the Random Forest (RF) algorithm and to integrate it with Weighted Overlay Method (WOM) to comprehensively assess rockfall hazard and develop rockfall susceptibility map at Dzongkhags (districts) level. A geodatabase is created by selecting 16 conditioning factors along with historical inventory map which was discretised into 70% for and 30% for validating the trained model. The selected conditioning factors for rockfall are elevation, slope, aspect, curvature, profile curvature, plane curvature, TWI, TPI, TRI, NDVI, LULC, annual average rainfall, lithology, distance to road, distance to river and distance to fault. The RF model thus developed, depicts that most contributing factors for rockfall are lithology, distance to road, distance to river, rainfall and slope. The validation of model is done based on the AUC value from ROC curve which is 0.95 and based on confusion matrix. The rockfall susceptibility map is generated by integrating the feature importance obtained from RF model with WOM in ArcGIS 10.8.
Tuning role of similar hardness nanoparticles enhanced epoxy resin on interface nanostructures tribofilm
Authors: Cui Jiankai , Tian Ying , Li Ruojia , Zhang Jianjun , Zheng Shaomei , Guo Feng , che qinglun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In order to meet the challenges for friction and wear of mechanical moving components under harsh lubrication circumstances, the development of polymer-based and self-lubricating composites had received great attention. The tribological performance of several nanoparticles with similar hardness effects (Si3N4, ZrO2, SiC and Al2O3) filled with EP was investigated. The mechanical strength and tribological properties of the prepared composites are greatly improved. More encouragingly, our work had been demonstrated that Al2O3 nanoparticles afforded extraordinarily low friction and wear. A robustness tribofilms consisting of C-materials, nanocrystalline iron oxide and abundant Al2O3 nanoparticles products improved the boundary lubrication capability, suggesting that the tribological behaviors of contrastive various nanoparticles was closely dependency on the tribofilm. This work opens up opportunities formulating high-performance polymer composites for a wide range of applications subjected to harsh lubrication conditions.
Impact of Uterine Adenomyosis on Survival Outcome of Patients with Non-Endometrioid Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Ozgen Levent , Yalcin Yakup , Abay Merve , Ozerkan Kemal 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The impact of the presence of adenomyosis on survival in patients with non-endometrioid endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear.The aim of this study is to compare the effect of the presence or absence of histologically proven adenomyosis on the survival of patients with non-endometrioid EC.
Methods
We identified all patients who were consecutively diagnosed with non-endometrioid EC and underwent surgery in a single center between May 1998 and March 2023. Patients with insufficient clinical or surgical data were excluded from the study. A total of 139 non-endometrioid EC patients in the study were divided into two groups as with and without adenomyosis. Demographic characteristics and clinical findings such as age, BMI, menopausal status and pathologic variables such as presence of adenomyosis, tumor grade, depth of myometrial invasion, lymphovascular space involvement, lymph node status, and distant spread were obtained hospital records.Kaplan Meier analysis was performed for survival analysis. Overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were calculated.
Results
A total of 139 patients, 40 (28.7%) in the adenomyosis group and 99 (71.3%) in the non-adenomyosis group, were included in the study and their data were recorded.There was no significant difference between patients with non-endometrioid type EC with and without adenomyosis in terms of patient demographic characteristics and pathological variables (p > 0.05).When the patients in the adenomyosis and non-adenomyosis groups were compared, there was no statistically significance regarding recurrence time (175.2 ± 24.4 months vs 95.1 ± 11.2 months, p = 0.166). However, OS was found to be statistically significantly higher in patients with adenomyosis than in those without adenomyosis (172 ± 24.1 months vs 102 ± 13.9 months; p = 0.02).
Conclusions
The presence of adenomyosis in non-endometrioid type endometrial cancer was not associated with pathological variables such as myometrial invasion, tumor diameter and lympho-vascular space involvement. Although DFS and cancer-related death rates were similar, OS was significantly higher in the presence of adenomyosis.
Growth Performance, Liver and Intestinal Histology, and Immune Response in Gilthead Seabream (Sparus aurata) Juveniles Fed with Diets Supplemented with Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) Essential Oil
Authors: ŞEN Hediye Tuğçe , BİRCAN Yasemin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This study investigated the growth performance, liver and intestinal histopathology, and immune response in gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) juveniles fed diets supplemented with Niaouli (Melaleuca viridiflora) essential oil. The study was conducted in two phases. In the first phase, a feeding trial was carried out to monitor the effects of the Niaouli essential oil-supplemented diet on fish growth, while in the second phase, the impact on blood parameters and liver-intestinal histopathology was observed in seabream groups fed with the oil-supplemented diet and control groups fed only with pellet feed after administration of a Vibrio anguillarum vaccine. The Niaouli oil was added to the feed at four different levels (0, 1, 1.5, and 3%). The study was replicated three times. Six hundred seabream juveniles, with an initial weight of 11.770 ± 0.006g, were randomly stocked in 12 tanks (50 fish per tank) and fed for 105 days. At the end of the study, feed conversion ratio (FCR), weight gain (WG), and specific growth rate (SGR) were found significantly higher in the group supplemented with 1% Niaouli oil compared to other groups. No pathological changes were observed in the intestinal histology. Similarly, no pathological disorders were detected in the livers of the control groups subjected to feeding and vaccination. However, varying degrees of hepatocyte degeneration from mild to severe were observed in all groups treated with the Niaouli essential oil additive, and the severity of degeneration was determined to be dose dependent. Most liver epithelial cells in the group supplemented with 1% Niaouli oil group appeared close to normal, but some hepatocytes had a granular appearance in their cytoplasm. It was also determined that there was less hydropic degeneration in the group supplemented with 1% Niaouli oil compared to other groups. In the second phase of the study, when vaccinated and unvaccinated groups were compared and assessed in terms of feeding parameters, the vaccine was observed to decrease the feed evaluation rate, increase live weight gain, and enhance the specific growth rate. Hematological values also indicated that the vaccine increased the red blood cell count, stimulated red blood cell production in the bone marrow, and induced erythrocytosis. In conclusion, further research is recommended, involving trials on different fish species with various oil ratios and vaccination timings, to update the literature.
Long-term functional outcome and quality of life after ileal pouch anal anastomosis: retrospective, tertiary-center study, over 19 years
Authors: Dammak Nouha , Baccouch Ala Eddine , Latifa Mehdi Ben , Saide Mohamed Amine , Bhiri Sana , Ammar Houssem , Bouazzi Amal , Lagha Sami , Harrabi Fathia , Mizouni Abdelkader , Mabrouk Mohamed Ben , Ali Ali Ben 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose: Restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is a well codified procedure with low morbi-mortality and increasingly satisfactory functional results. We aimed to evaluate long-term quality of life and functional outcome of this procedure.
Methods: Retrospective, descriptive study of IPAA cases carried out over a period of 19 years [2001 – 2019], in the visceral and digestive surgery department of Sahloul Hospital. Anal incontinence was assessed using the St. Mark’s Incontinence Score (SMIS). We evaluated functional outcome using the Öresland Score (OS) and the Pouch Functional Score (PFS), and quality of life (QoL) using Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL).
Results: 125 patients (50,4% females) with a median age at surgery of 40.5 ± 14.9 years. Response rate to the questionnaires was 91,2% (n=114). Only the “J” shaped ileal pouch was made. The global postoperative morbidity was 36%. Most patients had a good functional outcome with a median OS of 5.3±3.6 and a median PFS of 7,3 ±6,1. The average diurnal bowel mouvement is 5 ± 2.1, while 83,3% (n=96) had less than 7 diurnal bowel movements. The average of nocturnal bowel movement is 2.14 ± 1.59 while 70,1% (n=80) had less than 2 nocturnal bowel movements. Most patients had a good QoL with a median CGQL of 18,4 ±4,3.
Conclusion : The IAA with « J » shaped ileal pouch is a procedure ensuring sphincter function compatible with normal life. Future sexual and quality of life studies will need to elicit preoperative baselines.
Trial registration number
Researchregistry9509