bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index is Linked to Cataracts: Insights from NHANES 2005-2008
Authors: Li Xiang , Du Guo-lei , Wu Shi-Nan , Zhang Si-Qi , Zhang Zhi-Jie , Tang Jia-feng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the association between the Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SII) and cataract occurrence using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2008 data.
Methods
In this population-based cross-sectional study, data from 9,665 NHANES participants were analyzed. The study included adults with complete data on SII, cataract status, and relevant covariates. Logistic regression models adjusted for demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables were used to evaluate the association between SII levels and the risk of cataracts.
Results
The results reveal a notable link between higher SII levels and a heightened risk of cataracts. Individuals in the top SII quartile exhibited a higher incidence of cataracts compared to those in the bottom quartile, a trend that remained consistent after adjustments in various models. Quantile regression analyses further supported the connection between increased SII levels and the likelihood of cataracts.
Conclusion
Our analysis establishes a linear association between raised SII levels and an elevated risk of cataracts, underscoring systemic inflammation as a crucial element in cataract formation. These findings propose that SII could be an effective biomarker for cataract risk assessment and underline the significance of managing systemic inflammation to prevent cataracts.
A Novel Multivariate Time Series Dataset of Outdoor Sport Activities
Authors: Jarno Matarmaa 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study introduces a novel multivariate time series dataset of 228 outdoor sport activities recorded by individual non-competitive athlete in uncontrolled environments. The dataset includes three features: Heart Rate, Speed, and Altitude, and covers five sport categories: walking, running, skiing, roller-skiing, and biking. The data was collected using two types of Garmin sport watches. The original dataset was carefully pre-processed using typical data cleansing methods such as gaps filling, and value format transformations. Furthermore, activity filtering was implemented for missing sensor value data and using domain knowledge of sport categories. Full length sequencies, varying from 10 minutes to several hours, were split into equal length segments, approximately 1 minute. To address the small number of instances data was augmented using several consecutive segments from the same activity. However, only a small part of the whole original data was used as a computational cost–information gain tradeoff. Three dimensional dataset is divided into three parts, each dimension to its own comma separated value (CSV) file. The dataset aims to provide a unique resource for researchers and practitioners in the field of sports science, human performance analysis, and activity recognition.
Novel Platinum-Free Counter-Electrode with PEDOT: PSS-Treated Graphite/Activated Carbon for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Senadeera G. K.R. , Rasnayake R. M.S.S. , Kumari J. M.K.W. , Sandunika P. U , Dissanayaka M. A.K.L. , Jayathilaka D. L.N. , Jaseetharan T. , Ekanayake P. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Developing an efficient material as a counter electrode (CE) with excellent catalytic activity, intrinsic stability, and low cost is essential for the commercial application of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Photovoltaic properties DSSCs fabricated with low-cost and platinum-free CEs based on different mixtures of carbon allotropes graphite (GR), activated carbon (AC) and PEDOT: PSS films. The DSSCs assembled with PEDOT: PSS/GR/AC showed an impressive photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 4.60%, compared to 4.06% for DSSCs with GR/AC CE or 1.66% for PEDOT: PSS alone or 6.56 % for Pt under the illumination 100 mW cm− 2 (AM 1.5 G) due to the superior electrocatalytic activity and the conductivity of AC and PEDOT: PSS. The fabricated carbon counter electrodes were extensively characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry (CV), Tafel measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The CV, EIS and Tafel measurements indicated that the PEDOT: PSS/Graphite/AC composite film has low charge-transfer resistance on the electrolyte/CE interface and high catalytic activity for the reduction of triiodide to iodide than the GR/AC CEs. It is potentially feasible that such a carbon configuration can be used as a counter electrode, replacing the more expensive Pt in DSSCs.
Occipital neuralgia from atlantoaxial osteoarthritis: the efficacy of C1/2 arthrodesis with C2 root resection at symptomatic side
Authors: Kim Dongkyu , Kim Keun Su 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This article aimed to assess the efficacy of surgical treatments, particularly arthrodesis with C2 nerve transection, in patients with atlantoaxial osteoarthritis (AAOA). Data of patients with AAOA who underwent surgical treatment between January 2020 and November 2023 were retrospectively collected. Of 11 patients with AAOA, nine underwent fusion surgery, and two underwent decompression surgery. C2 root transection on the symptomatic side was performed in all fusion cases. C2 root transection was not performed during decompression. All patients experienced immediate and persistent pain relief after surgery. Four patients who underwent fusion surgery reported a complete disappearance of pain. Four patients who underwent fusion surgery reported some numbness of the scalp, but it did not affect the quality of daily activities or cause significant discomfort. One patient who underwent decompression surgery reported residual tingling sensation and hyperesthesia of the scalp. We concluded that C1-2 fusion surgery is an excellent surgical treatment option and should be primarily considered for patients with refractory AAOA. C2 root transection on the symptomatic side can completely alleviate pain at the expense of minor scalp anesthesia. Decompressive-only surgery is not recommended but can be considered in strictly selected patients.
The control of isolated kerogen on pore structure and heterogeneity of marine-continental transitional shale: a case study of Taiyuan Formation in the northern of Ordos Basin
Authors: Gao Zhengxi , Miao Ke , Zuo Yushan , Shang Fuhua , Gao Shuang , Mi Wentian , Gao Yuan , Li Qing , Li Haidong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Accurately determining the pore structure and heterogeneity characteristics of marine-continental transitional shale in Taiyuan Formation is crucial for evaluating the shale gas resources in northern Ordos Basin. However, the studies on pore characteristics and heterogeneity of marine-continental transitional shales and isolated kerogen are limited. This study collected Taiyuan Formation shale in northern Ordos Basin and corresponding kerogen isolated from shale, and used N2 and CO2 adsorption experiment and Frenkel-Halsey-Hill and Volume-Specific Surface Area model to investigate the pore structure and heterogeneity of both. The results show that the isolated kerogen is dominated by micropores, and the micropores specific surface area and volume are 4.7 and 3.5 times of the corresponding shale, respectively. The micropores fractal dimension Dm of isolated kerogen is larger than the mesopores fractal dimension D1 and D2, indicating numerous developed micropores exhibit stronger heterogeneity. The shale micropores fractal dimensions Dm and mesoporous fractal dimensions D2 are close, and the heterogeneity of their micro- and meso- pore structures is similar. In addition, the microporous heterogeneity of the isolated kerogen is stronger than that of shale, while the mesoporous heterogeneity is exactly the opposite. Isolated kerogen plays an important role in the pore (especially micropores) heterogeneity of shale, while other minerals (such as clay minerals and quartz) have a significant controlling effect on the mesopores heterogeneity of shale. Meanwhile, a positive correlation was discovered between Dm and the organic matter (OM) content, while D1 and D2 have a negative linear relation with the TOC content and a positive linear relation with the clay minerals content (especially illite and illite/smectite mixed layer). Compared with marine shale, marine-continental transitional shale of Taiyuan Formation has lower fractal dimension and better connectivity, which is conducive to shale gas seepage and migration, but not conducive to its preservation. The final result can provide significant basis for the reserve evaluation and the optimization of dessert areas in the marine-continental transitional shale gas in the northern Ordos Basin.
Rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA using a one-step fast multiplex RT-PCR coupled to lateral flow immunoassay
Authors: Ali Insaf Bel Hadj , Souguir Hejer , Melliti Mouna , Mohamed Mohamed Vall Taleb , Ardhaoui Monia , Ayouni Kaouther , Haddad-Boubaker Sondes , Aoun Yusr Saadi Ben , Triki Henda , Guizani Ikram 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
The COVID-19 pandemics has put emphasis on pivotal needs for diagnosis and surveillance worldwide, with the subsequent shortage of diagnostic reagents and kits. Therefore, it has become strategic for the countries to be able to access diagnosis, expand it, and acquire its own capacity to deploy diagnostics and alternative rapid accurate nucleic acid tests that are at lower costs. Here, we propose a visual SARS-CoV-2 detection using a one-step fast multiplex reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) amplification coupled to lateral flow immunoassay detection on a PCRD device (Abingdon Health, UK).
Methods
Various simplex fast-PCRs were developed for screening sets of primer pairs newly designed or selected from literature or from validated WHO tests, targeting S, N, E, RdRp or ORF1ab genes. Primers showing specific and stable amplification were retained to assess for their suitability for detection on PCRD. Thus, fast RT-PCR amplifications were performed using the retained primers. They were doubly labeled with Fam and Biotin or Dig and Biotin to allow visual detection of the labeled amplicons on the lateral flow immunoassay PCR Detection (PCRD) device, looking at lack of interaction of the labeled primers (or primer dimers) with the test lines in negative or no RNA controls. All the assays were set up using RNAs isolated from patients’ nasopharyngeal swabs. Two simplex assays, targeting two different viral genomic regions (N and E) and showing specific detection on PCRD, were used to set up a one-step fast multiplex RT-PCR assay (where both differently labeled primer pairs were engaged) coupled to amplicons’ detection on a PCRD device. This novel method was evaluated on 50 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 50 SARS-CoV-2 negative samples and its performance was compared to the results of the quantitative RT-PCR (RT-qPCR) tests used for diagnosing the patients, here considered as the standard methods.
Results
This way, the new method showed a sensitivity of 88% (44/50) and a specificity of 98% (49/50). All patients who presented Ct values lower than 33 were positive for our assay. Except for one patient, those with Ct values greater than 33 showed negative results.
Conclusion
Our results have brought proof of principle on the usefulness of the one-step fast multiplex RT- PCR assay coupled to PCRD as new method for specific, sensitive, and rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 without requiring costly laboratory equipment, and thus at reduced costs, in a format prone to be deployed when resources are limited. This new method of SARS-CoV-2 detection appears to be a good alternative for COVID-19 diagnosis or screening at points of need.
Small-molecule myeloperoxidase (MPO) inhibition prevents neutrophil entry into the meninges and improves late spatial memory deficits in a murine model of delayed cerebral injury (DCI) after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH)
Authors: Limon Safiye , Coulibaly Aminata Porhy , Provencio Jose Javier 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Delayed cerebral injury (DCI) after aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a preventable injury that would improve patient’s outcomes if an effective treatment can be developed. The most common long-term disability in SAH patients is cognitive dysfunction. Contrary to the common theory that damage from DCI originates solely from ischemia caused by cerebral vasospasm, inflammation has been shown to be important independent mediator of DCI. Neutrophil activation in the meninges is a critical step to developing late spatial memory deficits in a murine model of SAH. Importantly, myeloperoxidase (MPO) null mice do not develop meningeal neutrophilia and are protected from spatial memory deficits. In this study, WT C57BL/6J mice administered a single dose of the myeloperoxidase inhibitor (MPOi) AZD5904 (180mM/kg) have fewer neutrophils in the meninges 6 days after the hemorrhage and have fewer neutrophils leave the meningeal blood vessels to enter the meninges (79 ± 20 vs 28 ± 24, p < 0.01). Interestingly, the intraperitoneal (IP) route of administration had a larger effect than the intrathecal route suggesting that MPO mediated neutrophil extravasation occurs in the luminal blood vessel. Second, mice administered AZD5904 (20mM/kg) intraperitoneally (IP) for 4 consecutive days starting 2 days after the hemorrhage do not develop delayed spatial memory dysfunction (multiple-comparisons analysis, p < 0.001 F (2, 22) = 10.11). In conclusion, MPOi given systemically prevents neutrophil entry into the meninges and prevents spatial memory dysfunction in mice. MPOi is a promising strategy for translation to patients with aneurysmal SAH.
Management of a ciprofloxacin as a contaminant of emerging concern in water using microalgae bioremediation: mechanism, modeling, and kinetic studies
Authors: Salah Heba , Shehata Nabila , Khedr Noha , Elsayed Khaled N. M. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Pharmaceutical residues which are labeled as a new class of environmental contaminants have potentially negative environmental and human health effects. Recently, biosorption is one of the most appealing choices to manage these pharmaceutical wastes in water. However, the environmental limitations of the adsorbent material are an obstacle to the development of this process. Hence, the current study suggested two biosorbents; Chlorella vulgaris and Synechocystis sp. microalgae to manage Ciprofloxacin (CIP) in water. The experimental results showed that the optimal adsorption conditions are an initial CIP concentration of 4.0 mg L− 1 and pH 5 and 3 for Synechocystis sp. and C. vulgaris, respectively. The adsorption process fitted well with the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The main mechanism of biosorption is the complexation of CIP with carboxyl, hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amido groups which was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) analyses which represent the presence of CIP on the cyanobacterial cell surface and intracellularly. These results revealed that the adsorption mechanism of CIP by Synechocystis sp. PCC6803 and C. vulgaris provide theoretical guidance for insight into the biosorption mechanisms of pharmaceutical residues by other strains.
PIBF1 expression and survival outcome in TNBC and Non-TNBC breast cancer patients with lymph node metastasis who undertaken chemotherapy
Authors: Shin Eunju , Ryu Jewon , Yoo Tae-Kyung , Lee Sae Byul , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Lee Jun Hyeong , Kim Kyunggon , Lee Sang-wook , Son Byung Ho 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Progesterone-induced blocking factor 1 (PIBF1) is linked to pregnancy-induced immunity and tumor evasion of maternal immunity. PIBF1 is overexpressed in several cancers, including breast, cervical, and lymphoma. However, limited research is available on the role of PIBF1 in breast cancer and its clinical outcomes. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between PIBF1 expression, prognosis, and its impact on chemotherapy response.
Methods
Samples from 231 patients with high-risk triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who underwent surgery between 2008 and 2013 with lymph node metastasis and underwent taxane-based adjuvant chemotherapy were collected. Additionally, 238 non-TNBC patients matched to TNBC patients were selected. Immunohistochemical detection of the PIBF1 protein in tissues was conducted using a cut-off value of 3 (intensity plus proportion). Kaplan–Meier survival analysis assessed the probability of overall survival (OS). Using the clonogenic unit assay and knockdown methodologies in breast cancer cell lines, we examined the correlation between PIF1 expression and chemosensitivity.
Results
In a study of 469 patients with breast cancer, non-TNBC (n = 238) and TNBC (n = 231), those with PIBF1 expression manifested a lower histologic grade (p < 0.001), reduced p53 (p < 0.001) and decreased Ki-67 (p < 0.001) compared with their non-expressing counterparts. A significant difference in OS for patients with PIBF1 was observed, with non-TNBC patients showing superior outcomes. PIBF1 expression showed a relation with a better prognosis, and the statistical significance was borderline (hazard ratio = 0.44, 95% confidence interval = 0.18–1.11, p = 0.082). A correlation between PIBF1 expression in breast cancer cell lines (BT549, HCC70, BT20, and HS578T) and their sensitivity to paclitaxel was shown in vitro, with certain cell lines showing significant viability reductions and also resisting the treatment after PIBF1 knockdown.
Conclusions
We observed a correlation between PIBF1 expression and improved prognosis in breast cancer patients with nodal metastasis undergo taxane-based chemotherapy, particularly in the non-TNBC cohort. We discerned a relationship between PIBF1 and chemosensitivity in our in vitro studies. These findings suggest the potential usefulness of PIBF1 as a predictive marker for guiding therapeutic approaches.
Trastuzumab Accessibility and Utilization for Breast Cancer Treatment in an eastern prefecture-level city in China: Does health insurance coverage matter?
Authors: Yang Xingxia , Jia Yufei , Xu Jianhong , Zhou Qin , LONG Qian , Yang Yi , Liu Yunguo , Zhu Juanying , Zhang Xiaochen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Trastuzumab, a monoclonal antibody for breast cancer, faces global accessibility challenges, especially in low- and middle-income countries, primarily due to high costs. This study examines the impact of medical insurance policy changes and price reductions on Trastuzumab utilization in China, using JX city as a case study, to provide insights into improving drug accessibility and affordability.
Methods
This retrospective study investigated Trastuzumab utilization among HER2-positive breast cancer patients at a tertiary hospital from May 2013 to December 2022 in JX, a prefecture-level city located in eastern China. Patients were stratified based on their CerbB2 indicator. Patients with a 2 + CerbB2 status require further FISH testing to confirm HER2 expression for Trastuzumab eligibility, while patients with a 3 + CerbB2 status directly qualifies for the treatment. We analyzed the utilization rates of FISH test and Trastuzumab using logistic regressions, identifying factors that influence their usage.
Results
766 patients were included in this study. The utilization rate of Trastuzumab among patients with CerbB2 3 + rose from 40.40–77.94% in September 2017 following the expansion of insurance coverage, and further increased to 90.41% after a price reduction in 2020. The FISH test was not covered by health insurance, and it was not available in the local hospital until Trastuzumab became available in JX city. For patients with CerbB2 2+, the proportion undergoing the FISH test increased dramatically from 8.89–82.08% after the price reduction in 2020. The mere inclusion into basic medical insurance, regardless of insurance types, significantly increased the utilization of Trastuzumab and the FISH test. However, rural patients in JX city are still facing financial burdens with Trastuzumab's out-of-pocket cost accounting for 62.9% of their annual disposable income in 2020.
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that expanding insurance coverage and reducing the price significantly increased Trastuzumab utilization. Additionally, improving the accessibility of the FISH test plays a crucial role in enhancing the uptake of Trastuzumab among eligible patients. These insights are essential for informing policies in China and other low- and middle-income countries towards achieving universal health coverage.
Behavioral and Biomedical Factors Associated with Lifestyle Modification Practices among Diagnosed Hypertensive Patients in South region Ethiopia
Authors: Barata Tagese Yakob , Yakob Begidu , Menza Mesfin , Dawit Desalegn , Elias Chernet , Isreal Eskider , Abraham Awoke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
More than 23 million deaths and 36.5% of disability-adjusted life-years are the result of the direct effects of unhealthy behavior alone. Daily behaviors have strong implications for health outcomes and quality of life.
Objective
To determine the behavioral and biomedical factors associated with lifestyle modification practices among diagnosed hypertensive patients attending selected public hospitals in south region Ethiopia.
Methods
A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among diagnosed adult hypertensive patients aged ≥ 18 years in public hospitals South region of Ethiopia from June 1/2023 to July 30/2023. The study population was randomly selected from among patients diagnosed with hypertension that was followed up during the study period using a systematic random sampling technique. The data were entered into EpiData-4.6.0.2 and exported to SATAT version 14 for analysis. A binary logistic regression model was fitted to determine independent predictors of lifestyle modification practices among hypertensive patients. An adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was used to declare a state of significance.
Results
Out of 443 potential participants approached, 433 agreed to successfully participate in the study, for a response rate of 97.7%. Of the total (433) participants, 56.1% (95% CI, 51.38–60.74) of the patients practiced the recommended lifestyle modifications. Alcohol consumption (AOR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.42–0.96), ever-practiced reducing salt intake (AOR = 2.48, 95% CI: 1.57–3.93), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the blood (> 160 mmg/dL) (AOR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.72–6.34) were independently associated with lifestyle modifications in patients with hypertension.
Conclusion
This study revealed that the prevalence of lifestyle modification practices was low among hypertensive patients. Factors significantly associated with lifestyle modification practices were a history of alcohol consumption, reduced salt intake, and low-density lipoprotein. Lifestyle modification is not one-stop practical, but continuous counseling and health promotion are needed to scale up healthy behavior in patients with hypertension to create a good lifestyle.