bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence trends, population characteristics and treatment outcomes of tuberculosis combined with diabetes in southwest China: a register-based retrospective study
Authors: Kong Deliang , Shui Yichao , Zhang Ting , Wang Xiangliu , Wu Chengguo , Hao Mo , Li Chengyue , Zhong Jiyuan , Pu Chuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The global situation regarding the prevention and control of pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains challenging. With the ongoing aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, the epidemic of comorbid PTB and diabetes mellitus (PTB-DM) presents challenges to PTB control .This study aims to explore the epidemiological trends of PTB-DM in Southwest China and identify risk factors associated with adverse treatment outcomes, providing evidence to enhance TB prevention and control measures and improve patient treatment outcomes.This retrospective study used PTB case data from the PTB Information Management System within the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention (CISDP). The trend in PTB-DM incidence was analyzed using the Joinpoint regression model, and population and clinical characteristics of patients were described using frequencies (n) and percentages. Group comparisons utilized chi-square tests, and risk factors for adverse treatment outcomes were explored using multivariable logistic regression models with stepwise backward selection based on Wald tests.The Joinpoint analysis revealed a declining trend in PTB incidence in Southwest China (AAPC = -10.22%, 95% CI: -11.49%~-8.94%), contrasting with a rapid increase in PTB-DM incidence (AAPC = 14.25%, 95% CI: 11.35% ~17.23%). The proportion of PTB-DM among PTB cases increased significantly from 2.96% to 12.28%, indicating a pronounced increase in the comorbidity prevalence of PTB-DM. PTB-DM patients were characterized by a higher proportion of males and elderly individuals, multiple positive aetiological results, and lower rates of proactive medical consultation. Among PTB-DM patients, successful outcomes accounted for 80.85% , while unsuccessful outcomes accounted for 19.15%.Although the number of PTB-DM patients with successful treatment outcomes increased overall (AAPC = 12.22%, 95% CI: 10.30% ~14.16%), the failure rate showed a gradual upward trend (AAPC = 14.18%, 95% CI: 6.53% ~27.67%). Analysis of factors associated with adverse treatment outcomes showed that advanced age, retreatment, referral, and positive aetiological results were risk factors for PTB-DM patients.Therefore, it is imperative to strengthen early screening and standardized treatment for key populations, such as the elderly population, and to implement more comprehensive and effective treatment and management measures for patients.
in situ Observation of dynamic supported bilayer formation on solid surface by unilamellar vesicles
Authors: Sakai Takaya , Inoue Shigeto 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Bilayer formation on solid substrates by unilamellar vesicle fusion in water has attracted considerable attention in biological, medical, and industrial fields. However, the actual dynamic process to spontaneously form highly ordered bilayer films occurs on the nanoscale and within a very short period of time such that it cannot be clearly observed even with the most advanced technology. Therefore, the essential mechanism remains hypothetical, and various models have been proposed. In this study, using high-speed atomic force microscopy, we succeeded for the first time in observing bilayer formation from N,N-dioctadecyl-N,N-dimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) unilamellar vesicles on a mica surface in situ with nanoscale 3D information. Furthermore, when another cationic surfactant, which was more cohesive in water than DODAB, was used, significant differences were observed in the initial process of domain formation on the surface. This study revealed that the spherical vesicles instantly transitioned from tetralayer to bilayer domains on the substrate, and then a uniform bilayer membrane was formed by fusion between the domains on the substrate.
Identification of a New Susceptibility Gene ALX4 in Non-syndromic Orofacial Cleft
Authors: Zhang Si-Di , Ge Bin , You Yue , Shi Bing , Jia Zhong-Lin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Muscle is one of the important tissues that constitute the structure of lip and palate and its development might play some role in the formation of non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOC), a congenital orofacial malformation. This study was aimed to identify new susceptibility genes in NSOC.
Materials and Methods
We collected 18 candidate genes involved in the process of muscle and performed a two-stage case-control association analysis in western Han Chinese population. Then we extracted RNA from the lip tissue of NSCLO patients to perform RNA sequencing and confirmed the up-regulation of differentially expressed gene and microRNA with Real-time quantitative PCR. Bioinformatic analysis and dual luciferase reporter assay were sed to explore the transcriptional regulation of microRNA.
Results
ALX4 was most significant in the discovery phase and replication analysis further confirmed its association with NSOC subtypes. RNA sequencing found that ALX4 and has-miR-455-3p were both differentially up-regulated in NSCLO patients. Bioinformatics analysis and validation study proved that ALX4 is transcriptionally regulated by has-miR-455-3p as its target gene.
Conclusion
This study identified that ALX4 was a new susceptibility gene for NSOC in western Han Chinese population. The up-regulation of ALX4 transcription level in NSCLO patients might be regulated by has-miR-455-3p.
Viable bacterial communities in freshly pumped human milk and their changes during cold storage conditions
Authors: Pivrncova Eliska , Bohm Jan , Barton Vojtech , Klanova Jana , Linhartova Petra Borilova 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Human milk harbors diverse bacterial communities that contribute to infant health. Although pumping and storing milk is a common practice, the viable bacterial composition of pumped milk and the impact of storage practice on these bacteria remains under-explored.
Aim
This study aims to characterize viable bacterial communities in freshly pumped human milk and its changes under different storage conditions.
Methods
We conducted a metagenomic observational study in lactating mothers (n = 12) who provided freshly pumped milk samples. These samples were stored under various conditions (refrigeration for 24 h, 48 h, or freezing for six weeks) and treated with propidium monoazide (PMA) to selectively identify viable cells. The extracted DNA from individual samples was subsequently analyzed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing on the Illumina platform.
Results
Fresh milk samples treated with PMA had significantly lower median sequencing depth, diversity indices, and number of amplicon sequence variants than untreated samples (p < 0.05 for all). Moreover, the relative abundance of the bacterial genus Streptococcus was significantly reduced in PMA-treated samples when compared to those without PMA treatment (p < 0.05). The significant difference in the sequencing depth, amplicon sequence variants, and diversity indices between the paired PMA-untreated and PMA-treated human milk samples (p < 0.05) was observed at each storage interval. Also, significant changes in these parameters were observed between fresh human milk samples and their paired frozen samples (p < 0.05), while no differences were found between fresh and refrigerated samples (p > 0.05). Of specific genera, only PMA-treated samples stored at -20°C for six weeks (but not refrigerated samples) showed a significant decrease in the relative abundance of the genus Streptococcus (p < 0.05) and, contrary, increase in the relative abundance of the genus Staphylococcus (p < 0.05) in comparison to fresh PMA-treated samples.
Conclusions
The study demonstrated that the bacterial profiles significantly differed between human milk samples treated with PMA, which represent only viable bacteria, and those untreated. While two-day storage at 4°C did not significantly alter the overall diversity and composition of viable bacteria in human milk, freezing notably affected the viability and relative abundances of some bacterial genera.
Facile recovery of terephthalic acid from PET bottles via acid hydrolysis with nitric acid and applications in synthesis of cobalt MOFs
Authors: Seabra Victor , Gonçalves João M. R. , Moura Ana L. S. , Luna Vinícius G. , Santiago Pedro H. O. , Ellena Javier , Lima-Neto Benedito S. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) taken from postconsumer commercial water bottles was subjected to acid hydrolysis with HNO₃ to recover terephthalic acid (H₂TPA). The H₂TPA was submitted to mono-nitration with HNO₃/H2SO4 to produce 2-nitro-terephthalic acid (NO₂-H₂TPA) in good yield. Both compounds were well characterized by NMR (¹H; ¹³C; ¹H-¹³C HSQC). These two molecules were used as ligands for the syntheses of two new cobalt-based Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) via solvothermal methodology, in dimethylformamide (DMF) or dimethylacetamide (DMA). The MOFs Co-TPA-DMA (1) and Co-(NO₂-TPA)-DMF (2) were obtained and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).
Unsupervised Learning of Spatially-Resolved ARPES Spectra for Epitaxially Grown Graphene via Non-negative Matrix Factorization
Authors: Imamura Masaki , Takahashi Kazutoshi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study proposed an unsupervised machine-learning approach for analyzing spatially-resolved ARPES. A combination of non-negative matrix factorization and k-means clustering was applied to spatially-resolved ARPES spectra of the graphene epitaxially grown on a SiC substrate. The Dirac cones of graphene were decomposed and reproduced fairly well using non-negative matrix factorization (NMF). The base and activation matrices obtained from the NMF results reflected the detailed spectral features derived from the number of graphene layers and growth directions. The spatial distribution of graphene thickness on the substrate was clearly visualized by the clustering using the activation matrices acquired via NMF. Integration with k-means clustering enables clear visualization of spatial variations. Our method efficiently handles large datasets, extracting spectral features without manual inspection. It offers broad applicability beyond graphene studies to analyze ARPES spectra in various materials.
Household and Environmental Determinants That Influence the Prevalence Atopic Dermatitis Among Young Rural Children, in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa
Authors: Mbonane Thokozani P 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and determine the prevalence of atopic dermatitis, as well as the factors that contribute to its development, particularly household and environmental determinants, in young children residing in a rural area in South Africa.
Subject and Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, wherein caregivers and children were purposefully recruited as participants. Data collection involved the utilization of an adapted version of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, which was then analyzed using Stata MP version 18. The study included a total of 881 caregivers, with a majority of the child participants being boys (n=477, 54.14%).
Results: The prevalence rates of historical and current atopic dermatitis were found to be 13.96% and 18.62%, respectively. Natural birth was found to be a protective factor in the study for both historical (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]: 0.094, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.039-0.224) and current atopic dermatitis (AOR: 0.098, 95% CI: 0.042-0.231). The use of a traditional grass broom for sweeping the floor, exposure to household environmental tobacco smoking, and undergoing renovations were associated with both historical and current atopic dermatitis. Moreover, having an indoor domestic cat (AOR: 2.166, 95% CI: 0.931-5.036) was found to be associated with current atopic dermatitis.
Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that the prevalence of atopic dermatitis in rural areas is similar to that in urban areas among children. Consequently, there is a need to provide primary health care services, particularly for skin diseases, which are currently limited in rural areas. Additionally, environmental health services could play a crucial role in the management and control of atopic dermatitis and similar conditions in rural areas.
General practice utilization for adults with neurological disability who are National Disability Insurance Scheme Participants in Australia
Authors: Douglas Jacinta , Winkler Di , McLeod Adam , Oliver Stacey , Ramme Robin , Kondiboyina Avinash , Gardner Karina , Weeding Stephen , Pearce Chris 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Most adults with neurological disability rely on general practitioners for the management and early intervention of health needs. Understanding the frequency and patterns of service use across neurological disability subgroups is vital to inform effective practice and policy initiatives. This study analysed the patterns of general practice service utilisation of National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants with Acquired Brain Injury, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injury, and Stroke and compared these patterns with those of the rest of the population.
Methods
This is a retrospective data linkage study using de-identified general practice electronic medical records from Victoria, Australia that have been linked with de-identified NDIS data. Patient records span July 2017 to February, 2023. To gain insight into patients’ utilisation of general practice services, we looked at: 1) frequency of clinic activities and general practitioner activities, 2) number of different general practice clinics visited and 3) number of distinct general practitioners seen.
Results
The study sample comprised 818,456 adult patients (2,104 NDIS participants with neurological disability; 816,352 rest of population). Our results indicate a consistent pattern of high general practice service utilisation among adults with neurological disabilities wherein service utilisation rates of all investigated neurological disability cohorts were approximately 2 times higher than rates found in the rest of the population (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.84 to 2.12, confidence interval (CI) range [1.84 to 2.33]). In further comparison to the rest of the population, a slightly lower rate of accessing different general practice clinics was found for participants with Cerebral Palsy (IRR = 0.85, CI [0.80, 0.90]). However, results suggest that adults with neurological disability consult multiple general practitioners and visit different clinics over available record years.
Conclusions
Findings from this administrative health data provides a valuable foundation and demonstrates that adults with neurological disability in Australia use general practice services more frequently than the rest of the population. Investigating the factors that influence general practice service utilization, as well as the quality of consultations and continuity of care experienced by adults with neurological disability, remains a critical area for future research.
Effectiveness of Retrograde Wide Pedicle Double-Blood Supply Flaps from the Medial Lower Leg in Reconstructing Foot and Ankle Soft Tissue Defects
Authors: Wang Wei , Shi Xianqing , Yang Miaomiao , Deng Xiaowen , Shen Weiwei , Li Wenbo , Zhang Yaqiang , Shi Jie , Xue Yun , Gao Qiuming 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study evaluated the clinical efficacy of a retrograde wide pedicle double-blood supply flap from the medial aspect of the lower leg, which includes nutrient vessels from the saphenous nerve and the medial malleolus perforating branch of the posterior tibial artery, in reconstructing soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle area. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 15 patients, ranging in age from 27 to 49 years, who had undergone this surgical technique between March 2018 and July 2022 due to injuries from car accidents or heavy object impacts. These patients experienced various types of soft tissue defects, including those with and without associated bone fractures. During the postoperative follow-up, which averaged 12 months, it was observed that two patients experienced initial complications such as flap swelling and skin discoloration, which were effectively managed with conservative treatments such as pedicle suture removal, manual massage, and limb elevation. By the end of the follow-up period, the majority of cases showed excellent results with good flap appearance and texture, no reported surgical pain, and high patient satisfaction. Furthermore, the functionality of the ankle was significantly improved, with restored range of motion in both dorsiflexion and plantar flexion. The results suggest that the retrograde wide pedicle double-blood supply flap is highly effective for reconstructing soft tissue defects in the foot and ankle regions, providing a stable blood supply and good venous return without the necessity for vascular anastomosis. This makes it a valuable option for surgical reconstruction in complex cases where tissue viability and functional recovery are paramount.
Inferring community structure in attributed hypergraphs using stochastic block models
Authors: Nakajima Kazuki , Uno Takeaki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Hypergraphs represent complex systems involving interactions among more than two entities and allow the investigation of higher-order structure and dynamics in real-world complex systems.
Stochastic block models have been employed to investigate community structure in networks.
Node attribute data, often accompanying network data, has been found to potentially enhance the learning of community structure in dyadic networks.
In this study, we develop a statistical framework for incorporating node attribute data into the inference of community structure in a hypergraph, employing a stochastic block model.
We demonstrate that our model, referred to as HyperNEO, enhances the inference of community structure in hypergraphs when node attributes are sufficiently associated with the communities.
We also showcase the use of stochastic block models, including our model, for projecting the nodes in a hypergraph into a two-dimensional vector space.
We found that this projection simplifies the identification of a set of nodes with similar community memberships in empirical hypergraphs.
We expect our framework to broaden the investigation and understanding of higher-order community structure in complex systems.
Decoding Study of Polar Coded-OFDM Systems in Multipath Fading Channel
Authors: Yu Yi , Wu Mingbao , Wan Fangying , Lin Yanhua , Li Yong , Zheng Zhian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate the decoding performance and corresponding decoding strategies for polar-coded orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems operating under multipath fading channels. Multipath fading channels lead to frequency selective fading of the OFDM signal, resulting in varying levels of noise interference across different subcarriers after equalization. Furthermore, frequency selective fading induces burst errors in the equalized information, thereby significantly degrading the decoding performance. To address these issues, we propose two schemes in this paper to enhance the decoding performance of polar-coded OFDM systems. Firstly, we integrate the channel state information of each subcarrier into the generation of soft information for the polar decoder, in order to alleviate the degradation of decoding performance caused by variations in signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) across subcarriers during OFDM demodulation. Secondly, we introduce a packet interleaving design after the polar encoder to enhance the robustness of polar codes against burst errors. Simulation results demonstrate that the combined application of these two decoding strategies significantly outperforms the conventional scheme in terms of transmission performance over multipath fading channels.
Close association of systemic immune-inflammation index with hepatic steatosis than fibrosis: evidences from NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Tu Zhanwen , Duan Lijuan , Duan Shuyin , Tu Runqi 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Several studies have demonstrated that systemic immune inflammation index (SII) has a positive relationship with hepatic steatosis. However, it is lack of system evidence for the correlation between SII and hepatic fibrosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationships between SII and hepatic steatosis or hepatic fibrosis.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis was performed of 21833 subjects aged over 20 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Fibrosis-4 index (FIB-4), NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS) and hepamet fibrosis score (HFS) were the indicators for hepatic fibrosis; fatty liver index (FLI), NAFLD liver fat score (LFS) and Framingham steatosis index (FSI) were the indicators for hepatic steatosis. Pearson’s test, generalized linear model (GLM) and restricted cubic splines (RCS) were used to analyze associations of SII with hepatic fibrosis and hepatic steatosis.
Results
Pearson’s test and GLM revealed that there were negative relationships between SII and hepatic fibrosis (FIB-4, NFS and HFS), while positive relationships between SII and hepatic steatosis (FLI, LFS and FSI). The corresponding β (95%CI) of SII and hepatic fibrosis were − 0.35(-0.46, -0.24), -0.67(-0.71, -0.63) and − 0.10(-0.12, -0.09), respectively. The corresponding β (95%CI) of SII and hepatic steatosis were 6.12(4.75, 7.50), 0.22(0.12, 0.31) and 0.27(0.20, 0.34), respectively. Statistically significant non-linear association were found in SII with hepatic fibrosis and hepatic steatosis in RCS model (all P < 0.001).
Conclusion
There was a negative significant association between SII and hepatic fibrosis, while a positive significant association between SII and hepatic steatosis.