bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inequities in food access during the COVID19 pandemic: a multilevel, mixed methods pilot study
Authors: Aepala Megha R. , Guan Alice , Cruz Tessa , Sowell Jamaica , Mattias Brenda , Lin Katherine , Hassberg Analena Hope , Shariff-Marco Salma , DeRouen Mindy C. , Akom Antwi 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Innovative data integration may serve to inform rapid, local responses to community needs. We conducted a mixed methods pilot study among communities of color or low-income in the San Francisco Bay Area amid the COVID-19 pandemic to assess a hypothesized data model to inform rapid response efforts.
Methods
Between 2020–2021, we collected (1) qualitative data through neighborhood reports submitted via Streetwyze, a mobile neighborhood mapping platform; (2) survey data on social and economic circumstances; and (3) geospatial data among residents of three counties. Qualitative data were coded and then integrated with survey and geospatial data. We used descriptive analyses to examine participants’ experiences with food in their neighborhoods.
Results
Seventy percent of participants reported food insecurity before and after the pandemic began in March 2020. Within neighborhood reports, food was the most frequently occurring sub-theme within the Goods and Resources parent themes (68% and 49% of reports, respectively). Security (88%), resource programs (88%), outdoor space (84%), and equity (83%) were more likely to be mentioned by participants who were food insecure compared to those who were not (12%, 12%, 16%, 17%, respectively). Mentions of food in neighborhood reports more often occurred in census tracts with lower socioeconomic status and more area-level food insecurity.
Conclusion
Individuals who were food insecure reported a constellation of needs beyond food, including needs related to safety and greater social equity. Our data model illustrates the potential for rapid assessment of community residents’ experiences to provide enhanced understanding of community-level needs and effective support in the face of changing circumstances.
Bile acid-mediated activation of hepatic stellate cells and myeloid cell leukemia- 1 triggers hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Cho Yuri , Lee Minjong , Park Min Ji , Jung Narae , Shin Hyunjae , Kim Bo Hyun , Park Joong-Won 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objective
Activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) promote hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell growth and migration. Senescent and cancer-associated fibroblasts express various factors contributing to tumor progression, collectively called the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Herein, we investigated the mechanism underlying the bile acid-mediated induction of HSC activation via SASP expression in HCC cells.
Methods
Serum samples from 296 patients with HCC were used to analyze IL-6 levels and survival. IL-6 mRNA levels were quantified using real-time PCR. A mouse xenograft model was used to confirm the role of the SASP. MTT and invasion assays were performed to evaluate the invasive ability of HCC cells (Huh-BAT, SNU-761, and Huh-SR) co-cultured with HSCs (LX-2 cells). Western blotting was performed to investigate the levels of survival signals.
Results
Bile acid increased the expression of mesenchymal markers and myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) proteins in HCC cells and HSCs. Inhibiting Mcl-1 induction or COX-2 activity decreased bile acid-mediated HCC invasion. Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5 (TGR5) activation-dependent Mcl-1 and COX-2 expression enhanced gene transcription. Bile acid significantly increased IL-6 levels and HCC cell invasion in HSC/HCC cell co-cultures compared to HCC cell monocultures. The IL-6 + MoRAL score also showed significant discrimination in overall survival (Harrell’s c-index 0.765, p < 0.0001) of HCC patients. A mouse xenograft model revealed that Mcl-1 short hairpin RNA transfection, not celecoxib treatment, significantly suppressed Huh-SR cell growth.
Conclusion
Bile acid-mediated activation of HSCs enhances the proliferation and invasion of HCC cells via the expression of SASP proteins, including IL-6. TGR-5-dependent Mcl-1 overexpression may be a key factor in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Coherent Detection of Discrete Variable Quantum Key Distribution using Homodyne Technique
Authors: KAMRAN MUHAMMAD KAMRAN MUHAMMAD , JAMAL AYEHSA JAMAL AYEHSA , MALIK TAHIR MALIK TAHIR , Haque Fahim Ul Haque Fahim Ul , KHAN MUHAMMAD MUBASHHIR KHAN MUHAMMAD MUBASHHIR 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In Discrete Variable Quantum Key Distribution (DV-QKD), the homodyne detection method is frequently employed for its simplicity in use, effectiveness in terms of error correction, and suitability with contemporary optical communication systems. Being a coherent detection method, it relies on a local oscillator whose frequency is matched to that of the transmitted carrier's signal. In this paper, we evaluate a Free Space Optical (FSO) DV-QKD system based on the KMB09 protocol using Homodyne detection under random phase fluctuation and depolarizing noise error. We present simulation results for System Efficiency and Quantum Bit Error Rate (QBER) for the proposed model. An obtained efficiency ({$25\%$}) for our proposed DV-QKD system model shows that under atmospheric turbulence and noise effect and it is in line with the available analytical results. However, the inclusion of random phase fluctuation and noise led to higher-than-normal QBER which is anticipated in a real-world scenario.
Experimental study of irrigation rate, ODC and intrarenal temperature in superpulse fiber thulium laser lithotripsy
Authors: ding tianfu , li jianxng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The present study aimed to examine the relationship of irrigation velocity, operator duty cycle (ODC), and intrarenal temperature during extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy with a superpulse fiber thulium laser. Calcium oxalate monohydrate stones were implanted in the renal pelvis of fresh pig kidneys. Puncture technology was used to place a temperature probe accurately in the renal parenchyma about 2 mm away from the stone. To simulate the temperature at which a human body is exposed, that is, 37°C, the experiment was executed in an equilibrated laboratory at a constant temperature of 25°C with 60% humidity. The power of the laser varied between 10W and 30W; that of the irrigation varied from 10 to 30 ml/min. The time that the laser was applied was set at 120 s. Changes in the temperature were recorded online. A direct proportionality of temperature in the kidney to the rate of irrigation has been reported between 10 W and 30 W laser powers. The percentage ratio of the rate of irrigation and power in the laser is 1:1, which can keep the temperature in the kidney at a safe level. More specifically, at a laser power of 20 W and irrigation of 10 ml/min, the temperature inside the kidney increases sharply with the increase in ODC. By decreasing the ratio of ODC, the increase of temperature inside the kidney can be brought to a great reduction. The ratio of laser power to that of irrigation speed should be 1:1; hence, damage or injury to kidney tissue can be efficiently prevented from thermal changes.
Deciding the Appropriate Sample Size for Clinical Trials: A complex interplay between power, effect size, and cost
Authors: Sandoval Pedro , Vilaprinyó Ester , Alves Rui , Sorribas Albert 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Sample size is a key factor in planning a clinical trial. Decisions regarding sample size are typically based on ensuring the statistical power of the test of interest. However, this does not always guarantee a precise estimate of the treatment effect. It is important to understand the distinction between these two aspects of a trial.
Methods: Although many computational tools exist for calculating sample size, researchers do not always fully grasp the various issues that must be considered before making a final decision. We propose using simulations to assist in this process. By doing so, researchers can explore different scenarios and better understand the distinction between statistical power and precision in estimating treatment effects.
Results: We developed two user-friendly applications using the Shiny package in R. To achieve our goals, we focused on two basic designs: (i) two-arm clinical trials with a binary outcome and (ii) multi-arm clinical trials with a normally distributed outcome. These applications facilitate understanding the selection of sample size and highlight the practical limitations of making decisions based solely on statistical power.
Conclusion: Simulation is a useful tool for complementing sample size computation and understanding the possible results associated with that decision. While statistical power is an important concept, decisions on sample size should also consider the precision in estimating treatment effects.
Impact of covid-19 on patient care delivery among nurses at a tertiary health facility in Northern Malawi: A qualitative phenomenological study
Authors: Munthali Vitumbiko Yagontha , Chimbatata Nathaniel Weluzani , Bvumbwe Thokozani , Mbakaya Balwani Chingatichifwe , Phiri Tamara 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
The emergence of COVID-19, caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus, has posed profound challenges to the healthcare delivery system worldwide. This pandemic has not only resulted in severe illness and high mortality rates but has also significantly impacted the management of patients affected by the disease. This study aimed at exploring the impact of Covid-19 on patient care delivery among nurses, focusing on the concepts of Person, Environment, Health, Nursing, and Adaptation within the framework of the Adaptation Model of Nursing.
Method
The study employed a qualitative phenomenological design at Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH), focusing on nurses involved in caring for COVID-19 patients. Purposive sampling, was used to selected 11 participants who met our criteria. An interview guide was used to conduct in-depth interviews to gather qualitative data. Data was analysed using Nvivo software for thematic analysis. Ethical clearance was obtained from the Mzuzu University Research Ethics Committee (MZUNIREC REF NO: MZUNIREC/DOR/23/110).
Findings:
We conducted interviews with 11 participants until we gathered sufficient data. The participant’s dedication to provide care was their passion for patient welfare. Some also highlighted financial incentives like allowances as contributing factors. Participants described a multifaceted approach that included emotional resilience, adherence to guidelines, and evolving perspectives. Challenges such as resource shortages, societal reactions and environmental conditions.
Conclusion
This study explored the impact of COVID-19 on patient care delivery among nurses at Mzuzu Central Hospital using the Adaptation model of nursing. Nurses faced challenges such as staff shortages among others. Organizational policies can harness healthcare professionals' intrinsic motivation, stemming from their passion for patient welfare, to enhance and maintain their commitment to care. Organizational policies can harness healthcare professionals' intrinsic motivation, stemming from their passion for patient welfare, to enhance and maintain their commitment to care.
Hybrid filtration of sinter dust: An alternative for air pollution control in steel industries
Authors: de Castro Bruno José Chiaramonte , Andrade Bárbara Karolinne Silva Araújo , de Lacerda Camila Raquel , Sartim Rafael , Aguiar Mônica Lopes 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Air pollution control devices need to be more and more efficient to meet air quality regulations. A promising approach is the hybrid filter, which encompasses the operating principles of electrostatic precipitation and fabric filtration. However, the performance of hybrid filters for the steel industry has not yet been addressed. This paper reports on a study which evaluated the performance of a bench-scale hybrid filter, composed of an electrostatic precipitator and a fabric filter connected in series, in the sinter dust collection. Limestone was also used as particulate matter and the results for the two dusts were compared. For both dusts, at the highest level of applied electric field, the time elapsed until the maximum pressure drop was considerably longer than the time with no applied voltage, and the dust collection efficiencies were close to 100%. For the sinter dust, although the applied voltage promoted the preferential collection of finer particles on the fabric, the cake porosities were not changed.
Farm scale management of natural enemy resources and the effect on insect biological control across a semi natural habitat gradient
Authors: Lavandero Blas , Madonado-Santos Enrique , Muñoz-Quilodran Estefania , González-Chang Mauricio , Salazar Angel , Zepeda-Paulo Francisca , Villegas Cinthya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Agricultural land use and its disruption of natural landscapes threatens the provision of ecosystem services, such as biological control by natural enemies because of habitat simplification and management intensification. The notion that surrounding non-crop habitat may improve biological control of crop pests by beneficial natural enemies (eg., predators and parasitoids) has emerged as a paradigm for conservation biocontrol. However most studies that evaluate the effect of local management practices rarely identify and include other important predictors such as landscape compositional values of habitat which can have great repercussions for nectar provision. We here study the effect of in-farm flower strip use on the control of aphids in a semi natural habitat (SNH) gradient. The mean number of aphids per plant varied among farms, with significantly more aphids on farms without flower strips. The % SNH negatively affected the mean number of aphids per farm. The proportion of parasitized aphids per plant was significantly affected by the landscape predictor as well as the treatment, with greater mummification rates with flowers and greater % SNH. Predators did not respond to either the treatment or the % of SNH surrounding the farms. Flower strips of faba beans and buckwheat in the field positively affected Diaeretiella rapae, as has been shown before laboratory studies, being independent of the landscape context here considered, and could be an important management strategy to decrease Brevicoryne brassicae in brassica crops in the field.
Selection of the minimum data set and quantitative soil quality index for different Rhododendron simsii forest communities in southwestern China
Authors: Cao Yang , Zhang Wenting , Dai Lihua , Tian Ao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background and Aims:
Soil quality assessment is crucial for achieving sustainable soil management and maintaining ecosystem health. However, there is limited research on soil quality assessments in Rhododendron simsii forests.
Methods
In this study, we selected 17 soil physicochemical indicators as the total data set (TDS) and utilised principal component analysis (PCA) to construct the minimum data set (MDS). Linear/nonlinear scoring functions and additive/weighted additive methods were employed to calculate four soil quality indices (SQIs) to determine the SQIs of R. simsii forest communities (RD, Rhododendron delavayi; RI, Rhododendron irroratum; RM, Rhododendron delavayi × Rhododendron irroratum).
Results
The capillary porosity, total nitrogen, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, and soil carbon density were identified as the MDS. The four SQIs showed consistent performance and exhibited significant positive correlations with each other (P < 0.001, n > 15). Nonlinear weighted additive integration (SQINL−W) yielded the highest discriminative effectiveness for the SQI among the R. simsii forest communities (R2 = 0.848). The SQI of the Rhododendron delavayi forest was the highest, followed by that of the Rhododendron delavayi × Rhododendron irroratum forest of both species, and both community types exhibited significantly greater SQIs than did the Rhododendron irroratum forest.
Conclusion
Our findings indicated that prioritizing Rhododendron delavayi in the planting and cultivation of Rhododendron simsii or incorporating Rhododendron delavayi when planting Rhododendron irroratum can effectively enhance soil quality. Additionally, SQINL−W can provide a practical and relatively accurate quantitative tool for evaluating the SQ of rhododendron forests.
Numerical simulation study on the influence of bend diameter rate on the flow characteristics of nature gas hydrate particles
Authors: Rao Yongchao , Wang Yunxiao , Wang Shuli , Gong Zijia , Zhang Chenglong 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Bend pipe is a common part of long distance pipeline. It is of great significance to accurately grasp the flow law of hydrate particles in the bend pipe to optimize the pipeline design, improve the production efficiency and ensure the safety of gas transmission pipeline. With the flow of hydrate particles in a curved pipe as the object of study, the effects of Bend diameter rate and Reynolds number on the velocity distribution, turbulent kinetic energy change, wall shear force, particle motion and pressure drop distribution of the spiral flow carrying hydrate particles were investigated by numerical simulation method.The results show that the smaller the rate of bend to diameter, the easier the high speed zone is to appear inside the bend. Moreover, the uniformity of the velocity distribution of the fluid flowing through the bend is slower with the smaller the rate of the bend to the diameter. Increasing the Reynolds number of the initial transport can maintain the helical flow strength of the fluid after passing through the bend pipe, so that the flow can obtain higher tangential force. The presence of the twisted tape leads to greater flow resistance, which makes the pressure drop increase at the position of the twisted tape different. At the same position, the Reynolds number is larger, and the pressure drop increases larger, and the Bend diameter rate is larger, and the fluid speed recovers faster, and the velocity is smaller, and the unit pressure drop is smaller. The increase of Reynolds number can reduce the resistance coefficient of the Bend part, but the increase of the Bend diameter rate makes the resistance coefficient decrease first and then increase.
A Prospective Multicentre Study Evaluating the Performance of the Simple Biliary Atresia Scoring System in Predicting Biliary Atresia
Authors: Mahat Nooraini , Chiang Li Wei , Chen Yong , Hadi Nazrul , Abdullah Mohd Yusof , Sanmugam Anand , Singaravel Srihari , Soe Htoo Htoo Kyaw , Nah Shireen Anne 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Purpose:
Early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) is critical for best outcomes, but is challenged by overlapping clinical manifestations with other causes of obstructive jaundice in neonates and infants. We evaluate the performance of the Simple BA Scoring System (SBASS) in diagnosing BA.
Methods:
With ethical approval, we performed a prospective, cross-sectional study on all infants with cholestatic jaundice referred to three paediatric surgical tertiary centres from June 2021-December 2022. Diagnosis of BA was confirmed by cholangiography and histological findings. We excluded patients who had excretion of hepatic iminodiacetic acid, and those without all SBASS score parameters available. SBASS scoring was applied to all patients and scores were compared to the eventual diagnosis. The score consists of two ultrasonographic findings (gall bladder length < 1.6cm score 1, presence of triangular cord sign score 1), and two laboratory variables (conjugated bilirubin:total bilirubin ratio > 0.7 score 2, gamma-glutamyl transferase(GGT) > 200 U/L score 2). The maximum score was 6.
Results:
Of 97 patients referred, 73 were included in this study: 46 (63%) male, 64(87%) term babies. Fifty-two (71%) had BA (age 57 days [range 45–68]) while 21(29%) were non-BA (age 59 days, [range 54–68]). In the non-BA group, 6 (28%) had percutaneous cholangiography (PTC) while 15(72%) had intraoperative cholangiogram (IOC). At a cut-off of 3, the scoring system showed a sensitivity of 96.2%, specificity of 61.9% positive predictive value of 86.2%, negative predictive value of 86.7%, and overall accuracy of 86.3%. GGT had the highest sensitivity (94.2%) of the four clinical parameters, while triangular cord sign was the most specific (95.2%) in diagnosing BA.
Conclusion:
Our study shows that the SBASS provides a bedside, non-invasive scoring system to differentiate BA from other cholestatic jaundice causes in infants. Utilizing this scoring system allows for the exclusion of BA using a low risk method and reduces the likelihood of negative surgical explorations.
Exploring Purine Analogues as Inhibitors against Katanin, a Microtubule Severing Enzyme using Molecular Modeling Approach
Authors: Kumbhar Bajarang , Saxena Vibhuti , Patil Pruthanka , Khodke Purva 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Katanin, a pioneering microtubule-severing enzyme, is a novel AAA-ATPase protein. It severs microtubules by forming hexamers that binds to the C-terminal tails of tubulin, using ATP hydrolysis to generate the force necessary to break the microtubule lattice. Katanin contributes to microtubule amplification and impact the growth of carcinomas. Hence, katanin is a highly promising target for anti-cancer drug development. This study aims to identify potential purine-based inhibitors against katanin by using structure-based virtual screening, PASS and ADME-T prediction, docking, and molecular dynamics simulations. Here, purine-based library of 2,76,280 compounds from the PubChem Database were utilized, and top two purine type inhibitors (PubChem ID: 122589735, and 123629569) were selected based on superior binding energy, ADME-T, and biological activity. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations study revealed that 122589735 and 123629569 compounds effectively alter katanin's structure and dynamics as compared to ATP. Besides, binding energy calculations indicate that 122589735 exhibits higher binding affinity with katanin compared to 123629569 and ATP. Thus, our computational study identifies potential purine-based katanin inhibitors that exhibit higher affinity for katanin than ATP and may have implications for various carcinomas. This research paves the way for developing novel, anti-cancer therapies targeting a range of carcinoma types.