bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Aqueous Extracts of Some Medicinal Plants Against the Wild Radish- an Eco-friendly Aproach to Control the Troublesome Weed
Authors: Islam Muhammad Asaud , Maqbool Rizwan , Khaliq Abdul , Nadeem Muhammad Ather , Yasin Muhammad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Wild radish is increasingly becoming a problematic and troublesome weed of cropping systems in Pakistan, and an environment-friendly solution for this rapidly spreading weed is inevitable. The aqueous extracts of herbal plants with a strong phytotoxic influence are supposed to be used for an eco-friendly management of this weed. So, various pharmaceutical plants locally available in Pakistan were explored for their allelopathic potential against seed germination and seedling growth of wild radish. In this regard, aqueous extracts of the Swertia chirata L., Citrullus colocynthis L., Populous trmuloides L., Aloe barbadensis miller L., Fumaria officinalis L., Sphaeranthus indicus L., Berberis aristata L., and Withania coagulans L. were prepared, and their phenolic compounds were identified. The aqueous solution of Sphaeranthus indicus L. showed a maximum decline in germination percentage (76%), germination index (62%), and germination energy (76%), causing a maximum delay (3 days) to complete 50% germination with the highest mean germination time (4.6 days) of wild radish as compared with distilled water treatment. The shoot length, root length, shoots dry weight, root dry weight, seedling biomass and seedling vigor index of wild radish were most inhibited by aqueous solutions of Citrullus colocynthis L. The highest electrolyte leakage of wild radish seedlings was also observed where aqueous extracts of Citrullus colocynthis L. were applied. The leachate of Aloe barbadensis miller L. was the second most inhibitor of germination and seedling growth of wild radish. The Populous trmuloides L. also ranked second regarding germination inhibition. In contrast, the aqueous extracts of Swertia chirata L. and Berberis aristata L. showed a reverse phenomenon and enhanced the germination. The Aqueous extracts of all other plants showed marginal results regarding germination and seedling growth inhibition and were statistically at par with control treatment. Furthermore, the highest concentration of phenolics was detected in Sphaeranthus indicus L. (2789 mg L-1), while the lowest was present in Withania coagulans L. (1093 mg L-1).
Monopulse-recognition based interelectrode state detection for self-adjustable micro EDM servo control
Authors: Cao Peiyao , Tong Hao , Li Yong , Li Baoquan , Yu Feng 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

In micro-electrical discharge machining (micro-EDM), it is crucial to maintain an optimal gap between tool electrode and workpiece for stable and continuous machining. Accurate and real-time state detection is a prerequisite for the implementation of gap servo control. A novel monopulse-recognition based state detection method for self-adjustable servo control is proposed. This detection method discriminates pulse types with high precision by utilizing unique monopulse characteristics. The detection circuit avoids capacitive filtering but integrates multi-level nanosecond comparators to overcome the trade-off between accuracy and real-time performance caused by improper time constant RC in conventional average voltage detection method. The self-adjustable servo control iteratively refines the servo speed to approach the optimal value, forming a macroscopic stair-stepping pattern complemented by microscopic fine-tuning self-adjustment. Orthogonal experiments of micro-hole machining demonstrate that it achieves a significant 42% improvement in machining efficiency with a 3% increase in the effective discharge ratio compared to conventional threshold servo control. Applying to micro 3D structure scanning, a precise and robust electrode wear model considering varying wear rates at different scanning positions is established, forming an effective-pulse based depth-constrained algorithm insensitive to scanning speed. It effectively suppresses the recurrence of crater and bump errors on the machined surface.
Age at Menarche is Inversely Related to the Prevalence of Common Gynecologic Cancers
Authors: Sun Hao , Pei Xiaohui , Zhang Yaoyun , wang mengmeng , Song Ziqian , Wang Jialin , Qi Yuantao 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between the age of menarche and the prevalence of gynecological cancer.
Methods
A total of 5540 women were screened from those who participated in the National Health And Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) questionnaire from 2007–2020, and their variable factors of age, race, education level, Poverty Impact Ratio (PIR), marital status, Body Mass Index (BMI), waist circumference, duration of moderate exercise, smoking habits, hypertension status, energy intake, diabetes and alcohol consumption habits were analysed statistically and by logistic regression.
Results
Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis of the relationship between age at menarche and gynaecological cancer (Uterus / Cervix / Ovary Cancer, the following gynecologic cancers in the article refer to having at least one of these three cancers) prevalence showed a negative association between age at menarche and gynaecological cancer prevalence (OR: 0.82, 95%CI: 0.69–0.97), with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02). Regression results of the association between age at menarche and different types of gynaecological cancers found a negative association between age at menarche and prevalence in uterine cancers (P = 0.03) and no association between age at menarche and prevalence in cervical and ovarian cancers (P = 0.17, P = 0.29). Those with a younger age at menarche were more likely to develop uterine cancer (OR: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.54–0.98).
Conclusions
There was a correlation between age at menarche and gynaecological cancer, with those who had menarche at an earlier age being at a higher risk of gynaecological cancer. More obviously, the younger the age of first menstruation, the higher the risk of uterine cancer.
Perceived Stress and Coping Mechanisms Among Frontline Health Workers During the Covid-19 Pandemic in the Greater- Accra Region, Ghana: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yeboaa Jody Bio , Agbemafle Isaac , Kwame Appiah Collins 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Stress, a public health problem especially among frontline health workers does not only affect their health and social relationship but transcends to negatively affect service delivery. Yet, little is known about the magnitude of stress faced by frontline health workers in the Greater- Accra region during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study, therefore, sought to determine the stress level, its effects, coping mechanisms, and factors associated with stress and coping mechanisms among frontline health workers in the Greater- Accra region, Ghana.
Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted among 394 frontline health workers using a stratified sampling technique for the selection of health facilities in the Greater- Accra region. An interviewer-administered semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from health workers. Pearson’s chi-square was used to determine the association between stress, coping mechanisms and explanatory variables. Logistic regression models were used to determine the factors influencing stress, and coping mechanisms among the frontline health workers. A p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The mean age was 32 years, 51.0% were females, 51.0% were married and 56.6% had possessed bachelor’s degree. Majority (76.4%) of the respondents were moderately stressed. More than half (57.6%) of the respondents had high coping self-efficacy though 56.1% were low resilient copers. Significant sources of stress identified consisted of poor working environmental condition (78.29%), as well as poor relationships with clients, fellow workers, and superiors (29.2%). Coping self-efficacy (χ2 = 12.78, p < 0.002), brief resilience coping (χ2 = 86.19, p < 0.001), support from family and colleagues (χ2 = 10.31, p < 0.002) had a strong significant association with respondents perceived level of stress. Frontline health workers who had poor relationship with clients, colleagues and superiors were 2.56 times more likely to be stressed compared with those who had good relationship with clients, colleagues and superiors [AOR = 2.56 (C.I:1.25, 5.22) p < 0.010].
Conclusion
The findings revealed that majority of frontline health workers in the Greater Accra Region were moderately stressed. Frontline heath workers’ individual coping efficacy in stopping negative emotions and thoughts could be a protective strategy against different stressors.
Use of Partial Acellular Dermal Matrix in Prepectoral Nipple-Sparing Mastectomy
Authors: Rowley Mallory , Chernov Evan , Dogaroiu Anca , Upadhyaya Prashant 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE
The nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) offers a reconstruction option to patients who wish for a more subtle scar pattern and to retain their native nipple-areolar complex. Traditionally used acellular dermal matrix (ADM) has been linked to potential complications including seroma, hematoma, and infection, as well as increased operative costs. Our study examines whether using partial ADM to cover the lower pole of the breast implant during NSM prepectoral reconstruction offers comparable, or even better, rates of postoperative complications while minimizing operative costs.
METHODS
A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent prepectoral nipple-sparing implant-based reconstruction (IBR) using partial ADM (June 2019 – October 2020) was performed. Demographic, perioperative, and post-operative complication information was collected and described using means, standard deviations, and frequencies.
RESULTS
Ninety-eight patients (183 breasts) met inclusion criteria, with smoking history (36.73%), prior breast surgery (18.58%), and obesity (18.37%) cited as the most common comorbidities. 12.57% of patients experienced a complication following stage one of reconstruction, with infection as the most common complication (5.46%). Complication rate following stage two was 7.10%, with dehiscence cited as the most common complication (4.92%).
CONCLUSION
The average cost of ADM for breast reconstruction is upwards of $5,000. While our institution does not utilize full ADM coverage in NSMs, historical trends in the literature demonstrate overall complication rates of 5.9% to as high as 35%. Our study demonstrates that utilizing partial ADM coverage in the setting of NSM offers comparable, if not lower, complication rates at a fraction of the cost.
Metabolomic analysis of the intrinsic resistance mechanisms of Microtus fortis against Schistosoma japonicum infection
Authors: He Tianqiong , Zhang Du , Wen Yixin , Liu Qian , Zhou Junkang , Zhi Wenling , OuYang Lingxuan , Qi Yushan , Zhou Zikang , Gao Xin , Li Fan , Su Zhijie , Shen Jia , Zhou Zhijun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Microtus fortis (M. fortis) is the only mammal known in China that is intrinsically resistant to Schistosoma japonicum (S. japonicum) infection. Nevertheless, the underlying resistance mechanism of M. fortis against schistosomes are still unclear. In this study, we detected and compared colon aqueous extracts and serum metabolic profiles between M. fortis and ICR mice before and after S. japonicum infection using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We identified 232 specific colon aqueous extract metabolites and 79 specific serum metabolites of M. fortis infected with or without S. japonicum at two weeks compared with those of ICR mice, which might be closely correlated with the time-course of schistosomiasis progression and could also be used as indicators for the M. fortis against S. japonicum, for example, nonadecanoic acid, hesperetin, glycocholic acid, 2-Aminobenzoic acid, 6-hydroxydaidzein and spermidine. And the enriched pathways were further identified, our findings revealed that S. japonicum infection induced the metabolic changes involved in a variety of metabolic pathways including amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, ABC transporters, central carbon metabolism in cancer and bile secretion. These results indicated that the colon aqueous extracts and serum metabolic profiles were significantly different between M. fortis and ICR mice before and after S. japonicum infection and will provide new insights into the underlying resistance mechanism of M. fortis against S. japonicum infection and identify promising candidates for the use of drugs against schistosomes.
Associations between the Exposure of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and the Risk of Cancers Related to Deregulation of Estrogen Receptors: NHANES 2001-2016
Authors: Y tao , Yu Naiji , Cheng Weishi , Kang Kai , Wu Yijun , Zhao ailin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: Estrogen receptor signaling is one of the most investigated pathways that associates with the endocrine-disrupting abilities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). This study we aimed to investigate the relationships between specific PAHs exposure and cancers associated with estrogen receptor (ER) deregulation.
Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2016 data. A history of the four types of cancers related to ERs deregulation (prostate, breast, uterine and ovarian cancer) was obtained by self-report. Exposure of PAHs was assessed by measuring ten urinary PAH metabolites. Logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the associations between specific urinary PAHs (uPAHs) and each type of cancers.
Results: Exposure to certain uPAHs metabolites was linked to an increased risk of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers. Notably, 9-hydroxyfluorene (9-OHFlu) demonstrated a dose-response relationship with elevated breast cancer risk (OR [95%CI]: 2.39 [1.09, 5.23], p for trend <0.001). Tertile analyses indicated that 2-Hydroxyfluorene (2-OHFlu) and 1-Hydroxypyrene (1-OHPyr) might increase the risk of breast and uterine cancer, respectively. Conversely, 2-Hydroxynapthalene (2-OHNap) and 1-Hydroxyphenanthrene (1-OHPhe) might be protect factors of ovarian cancer. No significant associations were found between the ten uPAHs metabolites and prostate cancer.
Conclusions: Our study suggested that PAHs exposure was associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, particularly 9-OHFlu, in a dose-response manner. Additionally, PAHs exposure might increase the incidence of uterine cancer but decrease the risk of ovarian cancer.
Benchmarking Machine Learning Models in Lesion-Symptom Mapping for Predicting Language Outcomes in Stroke Survivors
Authors: Tilwani Deepa , O’Reilly Christian , Riccardi Nicholas , Shalin Valerie L. , Ouden Dirk-Bart den , Shinkareva Svetlana V. , Fridriksson Julius , Sheth Amit P. , Desai Rutvik H. 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Several decades of research have investigated neural connections between stroke-induced brain damage and language difficulties. Typically, lesion-symptom mapping (LSM) studies addressing this connection have relied on mass univariate statistics, which do not account for intricate, multidimensional relationships between variables. Machine learning (ML) techniques, which can capture these intricate connections, offer a promising complement to LSM methods. To test this promise, we benchmark ML models on structural and functional MRI to predict aphasia severity (N=238) and naming impairment (N=191) for a cohort of chronic-stage stroke survivors. We used nested cross-validation to examine performance along three dimensions: (1) parcellation schemes (JHU, AAL, BRO, and AICHA atlases), (2) neuroimaging modalities (resting-state functional connectivity, structural connectivity, mean diffusivity, fractional anisotropy, and lesion location) and (3) ML methods (Random Forest, Support Vector Regression, Decision Tree, K Nearest Neighbors, and Gradient Boosting). The best results were obtained by combining the JHU atlas, lesion location, and the Random Forest model. This combination yielded moderate to high correlations with both behavioral scores. Key regions identified included several perisylvian areas and pathways within the language network. This work complements existing LSM methods with new tools for improving the prediction of language outcomes in stroke survivors.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome in a female patient with Falciparum Malaria Infection-a rare case scenario
Authors: Kebede Molla Asnake , Tekle Alemayehu Beharu , Eshetu Misikir Alemu , Shash Erkyehun Pawlos , Birhanu Melaku Tsediew , Mohamed Elias Tabiet 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background
Malaria is an infectious disease caused by Plasmodium parasites, transmitted to humans by infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Five Plasmodium species infect humans: P. vivax, P. falciparum, P. ovale, P. malariae, and P. knowlesi. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an inflammatory condition leading to paralysis, muscle weakness, autonomic dysfunction, respiratory failure, and sensory symptoms. GBS typically follows an infection with Campylobacter bacteria, commonly found in undercooked poultry, but is rarely associated with malaria.
Clinical presentation
A 16-year-old female presented with a 4-day history of progressive inability to move her lower extremities, accompanied by 8 days of persistent non-radiating back pain and fatigue. She also had fever and headache for 13 days and was treated with Quartum 4 tablets, taken twice daily for 3 days. Motor examination revealed a motor score of 1/5 in both lower extremities and 4/5 in upper extriemity, decreased muscle tone, and absent deep tendon reflexes (0/4). After completing treatment in the medical ward, she was discharged with improvement, showing motor examination power of 4/5 and reflexes of 1/4.
Discussion
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is an acute paralytic illness often triggered by infections, particularly viral ones. It is the leading cause of sudden muscle weakness and paralysis, typically following respiratory or gastrointestinal infections, with Campylobacter jejuni being the most common cause. GBS progresses rapidly, with symptoms worsening over days to weeks and peaking within four weeks. It is characterized by progressive muscle weakness starting in the legs, spreading upwards, areflexia, and sensory symptoms like tingling or numbness in the feet and hands. Electrophysiological studies can confirm nerve involvement but are not always necessary if clinical and CSF findings strongly indicate GBS.
Conclusion.
In conclusion, while malaria is an exceptionally rare cause of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), it should be considered in patients with recent malaria infection who present with GBS symptoms.
Generalization of Hierarchical Clustering for Hidden Community Spillover Detection in Multilayer Networks
Authors: Ardalankia Jamshid , Habibnia Ali , Ausloos Marcel , Jafari Reza 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Interdependent networks structurally influence each other so that the source network imposes hidden community structures into the target network. We propose a mathematical model that by generalizing hierarchical clustering for multilayer networks, finds some interlayer transmitted hidden community structures that are not detectable by conventional community detection methods. The proposed methodology reveals evidence for hidden interlayer interactions that consequently generate hidden links on the target network. These hidden links construct hidden community structures on the target network (imposed from the source network) that are distinct from the community structures of the solo target network (without the presence of the source network). This model applies to systems with hidden interlayer interactions such as covert criminal groups, inter-platform social network interactions, and financial markets. Criminal and terrorist groups use the "source layer" (e.g., video game networks) to manage, guide, and lead their criminal activities on the "target layer." These groups keep the interlayer interactions covert. The members form their communities on an online source layer and perform their activities on the target layer without leaving a footprint. Social networks on different platforms (layers) possess communities that influence each other. Financial markets are well known for complicated endogenous and exogenous, but often hidden, not to say the least, asymmetric layer interactions. In this research, we generalize hierarchical clustering to represent the hidden communities resulting from the spillover from one network to another. We implement our model on multilayer financial networks: in particular, we find that trading value logarithmic changes (source) impose hidden community structures on the price return network (target). The main finding is that adding another relevant layer such as the trading value layer adds more information to systemic behaviors throughout the price return network. Dismissing it may yield less systemic information and underestimation of systemic risk because the footprint of some structures on the target network is originated from another layer and is not detectable from singling out the target layer.
Lightweight Technology Stacks for Assistive Linked Annotations
Authors: Thalhath Nishad 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

This report presents the findings of a project from the 8th Biomedical Linked Annotation Hackathon (BLAH) to explore lightweight technology stacks to enhance assistive linked annotations. Using modern JavaScript frameworks and edge functions, in-browser Named Entity Recognition (NER), serverless embedding and vector search within web interfaces, and efficient serverless full-text search were implemented. Through this experimental approach, a proof of concept to demonstrate the feasibility and performance of these technologies was demonstrated. The results show that lightweight stacks can significantly improve the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of annotation tools and provide a local-first, privacy-oriented, and secure alternative to traditional server-based solutions in various use cases. This work emphasizes the potential of developing annotation interfaces that are more responsive, scalable, and user-friendly, which would benefit bioinformatics researchers, practitioners, and software developers.