bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Undergraduate Medical Student Attrition at Maseno University School of Medicine
Authors: Bitta Caesar , Ogot Valentine , Mwake Fatma , Okwaresi Madeline , Kwach Bowa , Otieno Tonny Javan , Chepkirui Faith , Ogendo Stephen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Worldwide, admission into medical schools is highly competitive, and the training is very demanding. Despite having lower attrition rates than other university programmes, medical school attrition varies from as low as 3.8% to as high as 80%. Student attrition has several causes and also affects the students and other parties.
Objectives
The objectives of this study were to determine the attrition rates for six cohorts of students who graduated from the medical school (2018-2023) and to study the perceptions of ongoing students on the causes and effects of attrition in the medical school.
Methodology
The study employed a cross-sectional mixed-methods design conducted from January to March 2024. Quantitative data included student admission dates, repeats, discontinuations, progression challenges, and graduation dates and were analysed using the R programme. The results were presented as incidence and attrition rates, displayed graphically using Kaplan-Meier curves, with statistical differences assessed via the Log-Rank test. Qualitative data was collected through focused group discussions with fourth to sixth-year students. These sessions were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using Microsoft Excel.
Results
The mean study duration in the Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBChB) programme was 70.8 months (min 3, max 112), with an attrition of 25%. Attrition increase was statistically significant between subsequent graduating cohorts (Chi sq= 24.8, 5 degrees of freedom, p= 0.0004), and direct entry students had statistically higher attrition than self-sponsored students (Chi sq= 66.1 on 1 degree of freedom, p= 0.0016).
The students perceived academic difficulty, economic reasons and lack of social support as the top three causes of attrition. All indicated that the most significant effect of attrition was on the mental health of the affected student.
Conclusion
Student attrition at MSU is similar to other African medical schools, with a significant increase observed in our successive cohorts. Economic factors, programme difficulty, and lack of social support were cited as leading causes, aligning with global studies. Unique challenges at Maseno University School of Medicine include student accommodation during clinical years.
Prevalence and associated factors of a repeat of suicide attempt among individuals attending an emergency department in Oman.
Authors: AL-Huseini Salim , Maqbali Mundher Al , Mirza Hassan , Alkhatri Mahmood , Saadi Alkhatib Al , Chan Moon-Fai , Al-Adawi Samir 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aims to determine the rate of re-attempted suicide among individuals with a prior history of suicidal attempts. Additionally, it seeks to identify factors that could potentially predict future suicide re-attempts.
Methods: We retrospectively collected medical data on patients under 18 years of age who were admitted to our emergency department after attempting suicide. We evaluated the general characteristics of the patients. We divided them into two groups: patients who had made multiple suicide attempts and patients who attempted suicide for the first time. Logistic regression analysis was performed.
Results: A total of 154 patients who had previously attempted suicide and sought medical attention in the emergency department were included in the analysis. Among these patients, 55 individuals (35.7% of the participants) had a documented history of previous suicide attempts. Logistic regression analysis showed that patients with a diagnosed psychiatric disorder were 4.5 times more likely to attempt another suicide compared to those without such a condition (OR = 4.534, p = 0.002). Similarly, patients with a history of illicit drug use were 3.26 times more likely to attempt suicide again than those who reported no substance use (OR = 3.264, p = 0.036).
Conclusion: Individuals with a history of suicide attempts are at increased risk of further attempts. This study found that around 36% of people who had previously attempted suicide attempted additional attempts during the study. Moreover, factors such as substance use and a background of psychiatric disorders can predict the likelihood of re-attempting suicide.
Achieving sub-milliSievert CT colonography for accurate colorectal tumor detection using smart examination protocols: a prospective self-controlled study
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Hu Mengting , Cheng Qiye , Wang Shigeng , Liu Yijun , Zhou Yujing , Li Jianying , Wei Wei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To assess the feasibility of combining Auto-kVp selection technique, higher preset ASIR-V and noise index (NI) to realize individualized sub-mSv CT colonography (CTC) for accurate colorectal tumor detection and localization.
Methods
Ninety patients with suspected colorectal cancer (CRC) were prospectively enrolled to undergo standard dose CTC (SDCTC) in the prone and ultra-low dose CTC (ULDCTC) in the supine position. SDCTC used 120 kVp, preset ASIR-V of 30%, SmartmA for a NI of 13; ULDCTC used Auto-kVp selection technique with 80 or 100 kVp, preset ASIR-V of 60%, SmartmA for a NI of 13 for 80 kVp, and NI of 15 for 100 kVp. The effective dose (ED), image quality [signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of colorectal neoplasms] between the two protocols were compared and the accuracies of tumor locations were evaluated for CTC in comparison with the surgery results.
Results
The mean ED of the 80 kVp subgroup was 0.70mSv, 71.43% lower than the 2.45mSv for the 120kVp group, while that of the 100 kVp subgroup was 0.98mSv, 73.00% lower than the 3.63mSv for the 120 kVp group (P < 0.001). The tumor SNR and CNR of the ULDCTC were higher than those of SDCTC (P < 0.05), while there was no difference in the subjective image quality between them with good inter-observer agreement (Kappa: 0.805–0.923). Both SDCTC and ULDCTC groups had high detection rate of colorectal tumors, along with good consistency in determining tumor location compared with surgery reports (Kappa: 0.718–0.989).
Conclusion
The combination of Auto-kVp selection, higher preset ASIR-V and NI achieves individualized sub-mSv CTC with good performance in detecting and locating CRC with surgery and consistent results between SDCTC and ULDCTC.
Spatialisation of Pressure in Protected Areas in Burkina Faso: Case of the Corridor 1 of the Po-Nazinga-Sissili (PONASI Ecological Complex
Authors: Gansaonré Raogo Noël 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Burkina Faso's protected areas, particularly Corridor 1, are under heavy pressure, resulting in the degradation of these protected areas. Despite the efforts made in the field by the government and its partners, the results are still mixed. Several studies have analysed changes in vegetation cover and the landscape but have failed to examine the spatial behaviour of the factors responsible for the degradation of protected areas. The aim of this research project is to fill this gap by describing changes in vegetation cover and identifying and mapping the factors that exert pressure and their impact on corridor 1 of the Po-Nazinga-Sissili ecological complex. The methodology implemented is based on a hierarchical multi-criterion analysis using geographic information system tools. Land uses data from 2010 and 2020 and data on the location of offences in the corridor were used. Documentary research was also carried out to characterise the pressure factors. The results show, firstly, that the vegetation cover has been declining, with a 14.2% reduction in shrub savannah, while the area of fields has increased by 59.4% in 10 years. Secondly, a multi-criterion analysis was used to identify areas of pressure to the south of the corridor and near the villages of Sarro and Oualem. Finally, the mapping of the corridor's vulnerability shows that these areas are subject to strong pressure and are experiencing significant degradation of the plant cover. The results show that the degradation of Corridor 1 and the protected areas of Burkina Faso is essentially due to human action.
Palladium-Catalyzed Hydroarylation of 1,3-diynes with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Shen Hongtao , Chen Xiaoyu , Qiu Jianhua , Chen Mengqi , Zhang Bohai , Wu Zhiyong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Transition-metal-catalyzed selective hydroarylation of alkynes represents a state-of-the-art approach in organic chemistry. Herein, we report the reaction of symmetrical 1,3-diynes and arylboronic acids, with Pd(OAc)2 as the catalyst and PCy3 as the ligand, affording functionalized enynes in good to excellent yields. Its efficiency is demonstrated by its good functional groups and broad substrate scope. This method offers a general, convenient, and practical strategy for the modular synthesis of multisubstituted enynes. To comprehensively elucidate the mechanism of the Pd-based catalytic system in the hydroarylation of 1,3-diynes, we performed detailed DFT computations for the Pd-catalyzed hydroarylation reaction.
An assembly position simulation method for aircraft virtual assembly analysis
Authors: Wang Shuchun , Peng Yun , Ma Zheming , Hou Guoyi , Li shuanggao , Huang Xiang 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The new generation of aircraft has put forward higher requirements for assembly quality and assembly efficiency. The traditional on-site "test-fit-repair-fit" method is highly dependent on

manual labor, and there are problems of low assembly quality and assembly efficiency; on the other hand, the virtual assembly simulation technology based on the theoretical model has problems such as "imitation but not true". On the other hand, the virtual assembly simulation technology based on theoretical model has the problem of "imitation but not real". Therefore, this paper proposes an assembly position simulation method based on the virtual assembly analysis technology based on the measured model. Firstly, a feature reconstruction method based on NURBS algorithm is introduced to reconstruct the aircraft assembly features with high accuracy; secondly, Monte Carlo method is used to sample the assembly position of the parts for simulation, and the uncertainty model of the monitoring feature position is constructed. Finally, the feasibility of the method is verified by designing and manufacturing test pieces, which proves the real effectiveness of the feature reconstruction algorithm and the assembly simulation method.
OptAB - an optimal antibiotic selection framework for Sepsis patients using Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Kschischo Maik , Wendland Philipp , Schenkel-Häger Christof , Wenningmann Ingobert 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this work we present OptAB, the first completely data-driven online-updateable antibiotic selection model based on Artificial Intelligence for Sepsis patients accounting for side-effects. OptAB performs an iterative optimal antibiotic selection for real-world Sepsis patients focussing on minimizing the Sepsis-related organ failure score (SOFA-Score) as treatment success while accounting for nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity as serious antibiotic side-effects. OptAB provides disease progression forecasts for (combinations of) the antibiotics Vancomycin, Ceftriaxone and Piperacillin/Tazobactam and learns realistic treatment influences on the SOFA-Score and the laboratory values creatinine, bilirubin total and alanine-transaminase indicating possible side-effects. OptAB is based on a hybrid neural network differential equation algorithm and can handle the special characteristics of patient data including irregular measurements, a large amount of missing values and time-dependent confounding. OptAB’s selected optimal antibiotics exhibit faster efficacy than the administered antibiotics.
The effects of laughter on attention focusing and psychological stress in healthy older adults: a single-blind, randomized controlled trial using a comic video intervention
Authors: Yamakoshi Tatsuya , Sakamoto Ryo , Fukuda Takafumi , Kanatome Ayana , Koyama Atsuko , Ano Yasuhisa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Disorders associated with mental health significantly impact disability-adjusted life year values and represent a social problem in stressed societies. Worsening mental health also affects cognitive functions and quality of life. To address these issues, increasing attention is attracted to preventive measures vis-à-vis mental and brain health in daily life. Therefore, growing interest in care using laughter has recently been noted. This study was designed to assess the effects of a short-term laughter-based intervention on the mental health and cognitive functions of middle-aged and older adults.
Methods
The study applied a single-blind, crossover-controlled trial design. Cognitive tasks were performed after participants viewed a video clip of approximately four minutes (humor or control video) and the resulting scores were treated as the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints included cerebral blood flow in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, heart rate variability, subjective mood state assessment, and salivary stress biomarkers.
Results
The study was conducted on 25 healthy Japanese-speaking adults aged 40 to 65 years. Results revealed a significant increase in digit vigilance scores and in comparison to viewing the control video, participants evinced a trend toward an increase in serial 7 subtraction scores after viewing the humor video. No significant differences were found in scores on other cognitive tasks. The cerebral blood flow was also significantly higher in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex during cognitive tasks performed after participants viewed the humor video compared to the control video. The outcomes of heart rate variability, subjective mood state assessment, and salivary stress markers also suggested that the humor video intervention could subsequently contribute to the activation of parasympathetic activity and reduce psychological stress levels induced by the cognitive tasks.
Conclusions
The study outcomes indicated that interventions using short humor videos can improve attention focus and may help to reduce psychological stress levels. These results support the clinical benefits of humor, which could be utilized as a simple and non-invasive approach to promoting the health of middle-aged and older adults.
Trial registration
The study was registered at the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) database (Registration No. UMIN000043332||http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/) on 15/02/2021.
Identification and analysis of drought-responsive F-box genes in upland rice and involvement of OsFBX148 in ABA response and ROS accumulation
Authors: Wang Yifan , Chen Fang , Chen Yuyang , Ren Kaiwen , Zhao Dan , Li Kun , Li Haipeng , Wan Xiaobin , Peng Mu , Xiang Zhixin , Tang Qiaoyu , Hou Zhi , Fang Qing , Zhou Yifeng , Lu Yanke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Upland rice varieties exhibit significant genetic diversity and broad environmental adaptability, making them ideal candidates for identifying consistently expressed stress-responsive genes. F-box proteins typically function as part of the SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein (SCF) ubiquitin ligase complexes to precisely regulate gene expression and protein level, playing essential roles in the modulation of abiotic stress responses. Therefore, utilizing upland rice varieties for screening stress-responsive F-box genes is a highly advantageous approach.
Results: Through mRNA-seq analysis in the Brazilian upland rice (cv. IAPAR9), the research identified 29 drought-responsive F-box genes. Gene distribution and duplication analysis revealed these genes are distributed on 11 of the 12 chromosomes and 10 collinear gene pairs were identified on different chromosomes. 13 cis-elements or binding sites were identified in the promoters of the 29 drought-responsive F-box genes. These F-box proteins possess F-box domain and several other domains, and they are mostly unstable proteins with subcellular localization in cytoplasm, nucleus, chloroplasts, mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. Most of drought-responsive F-box genes exhibited expression in various tissues such as root, stem, leaf, leaf sheath and panicle except for OsFBO10 and OsFBX283. These genes exhibited various responses to abiotic stresses such as osmotic, cold, heat, and salt stresses, along with ABA treatment. Importantly, a frame-shift mutation in OsFBX148 was created in the ZH11 variety, leading to altered ABA signal transduction and ROS accumulation. The study further elucidated the interaction of OsFBX148 with SKP1 family proteins OSK4/7/17 to form the SCF complex, dependent on the F-box domain.
Conclusions:The research identified and analyzed 29 drought-responsive F-box genes in upland rice and provides valuable insights into the role of OsFBX148 in ABA and ROS responses. It establishes a basis for future exploration of F-box genes in improving resistance to abiotic stresses, especially drought.
Semantic content affects crossmodal integration in audiovisual movieclips
Authors: Kesoglou Anastasia Maria , Mikellidou Kyriaki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Semantic content affects crossmodal perceptual integration. To date, research focusing on this effect has not investigated in depth real-world aspects, such as language. The present study is the first to investigate how parts of speech affect crossmodal integration using audiovisual movieclips, comprising actions and auditory three-word sentences. We introduce for the first time target nouns (Experiment 1) and target verbs (Experiment 2), as well as target-absent trials where a target-related verb or noun is always presented through one sense (incongruent movieclips), or both senses (congruent movieclips). Performance was superior in incongruent target-related movieclips, and significantly deteriorated in congruent target-related movieclips. Analysis of the grammatical category of target-related information led to different results between the two experiments, showing that different parts of speech can influence crossmodal integration differently. We demonstrate the significant role of semantic complexity, and the valence of cognitive schemata linked with verbs on crossmodal perceptual confusion.
Operation of a plasma thruster featuring a 1.1 T high temperature superconducting magnet
Authors: Acheson Chris R. , Kinefuchi Kiyoshi , Ichihara Daisuke , Maeshima Daiki , Mori Ryoyu , Nakano Ryota , Takagi Ryohei , Bouloukakis Konstantinos , Glowacki Jakub , Goddard-Winchester Max , Long Nicholas J. , Olatunji Jamal R. , Pavri Betina , Pollock Randy , Shellard Cameron , Strickland Nick M. , Wimbush Stuart 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Increasingly ambitious space missions rely upon the advancement of propulsion systems, and innovations in electric propulsion represent a vital step toward potential solutions. Electric propulsion research has indicated improved thruster performance at higher magnetic fields, but real-world implementations have been encumbered by available magnet technology. In this study, a new class of superconducting magnet designed for such space applications is demonstrated. A central cathode electrostatic thruster was paired with a conduction cooled high temperature superconducting magnet operated in non-pulsed mode. Using Xe propellant, thrust of 38--73 mN was measured at a central bore magnetic field of 1.13 T and on-anode field of 1.28 T, and the thruster's specific impulse was throttled between 1050s and 1450s. The peak thruster efficiency was 18.7%, inclusive of the power consumption of the magnet subsystems. This was performed without the onset of plasma instabilities, and is the first case in the literature of a high temperature superconducting plasma thruster operating at > 1 T.
Long-Term Survival of Canadian Liver Transplant Recipients Remains Stagnant; a cohort study on the evolution of cause-specific mortality.
Authors: Zhao Xun , Xu Chaoqun , Bera Chinmay , Arisar Fakhar Ali Qazi , Naghibzadeh Maryam , Azhie Amirhossein , Chen Shiyi , Xu Wei , Selzner Nazia , Tsien Cynthia , Lilly Leslie , Jaeckel Elmar , Bhat Mamatha 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
Recent U.S. registry publications showed no improvement in long term survival post-liver transplant in the last three decades. Cardiovascular disease was a leading cause of post-transplant mortality. This observation urged us to assess the trend in long-term survival of Canadian liver transplant recipients (LTR) in comparison to other countries, and examine trends in cause-specific mortality.
Methods
Consecutive adult subjects seen at the liver transplant centre between September 1984 to December 2020 at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto, Canada, were reviewed. The study period was divided into seven 5-year eras. Comparisons between eras were made to assess trend over time. Cause specific mortality were studied up to 10 years post-transplant.
Results
In total, 2,972 subjects were included. Overall, no significant improvement in long-term survival was observed over the seven eras. No significant difference in the risk of cardiovascular, malignancy, or infection-related mortality was observed across the eras. Significant improvements were observed in graft-failure related mortality. Compared to the age and sex matched general population, LTRs demonstrated a significantly higher mortality and shorter life expectancy.
Conclusion
Advances in transplant medicine over the last 35 years translated into a decrease in graft-related mortality. However, overall, there was no significant change in long-term survival considering all causes. Despite advances in post-transplant management, it has not led to a decrease in cardiovascular, malignancy or infection-related mortality in transplant recipients. Further research is warranted on the cause of stagnation in these areas and improving long-term post-transplant outcomes.