bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The burden of infertility in North-Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a High-Fertility Region: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Alongo Mike-Antoine Maindo , Otuli Noël Labama , Sihalikiyolo Jean Jeannot Juakali , Agasa Salomon Batina , Mayindu Sarah Missimbu , Ilongosi Bienvenu Antony , Bahaisi Louise Bamawa , Bosunga Katenga 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Infertility affects millions of couples worldwide and regions with high fertility rates are the most affected. This study aims to determine the prevalence of infertility in couples in Kisangani, identify the aetiological factors involved, and assess the responsibility of partners.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in seven health facilities in the city of Kisangani following a two-month campaign of free gynaecological consultations. The ratios were subjected to a Pearson's chi-square test or Exact Fisher with a significance level of p < 0.05.
Results
Of the 1,434 patients who consulted us for a gynaecological problem, 697 (48.61%) were infertile. Factors associated to infertility were polygamous relationship (p-value = 0.0000), first sexual intercourse before the age of 18 (p-value = 0.0000), having unprotected sex with a non-regular partner in the previous six months (p-value = 0.0047), history of treated genital tract infections in the previous six months (p-value = 0.0106) and history of abdominal-pelvic surgery (p-value = 0.0000). Among female causes of infertility, ovarian factors associated with primary infertility (p-value = 0.0172) represented 43.21% of cases, with PCOS as the major factor (31.74%). Uterine factors represented 19.69% of cases, with fibroid as the major factor (18.75%). Tubal factors represented 64.63% of cases, with bilateral obstruction (p-value = 0.0115) and bilateral hydrosalpinx (Exact Fisher = 0.0385) associated with secondary infertility. 53.54% of patients had bacterial vaginosis and 43.4% of them had antisperm antibody. Chlamydia Trachomatis was associated to secondary infertility (p-value = 0.0419). Among male, 44.55% of them had a sperm abdomality wich was in association to primary infertility (p-value = 0.0129). Oligospermia was the most prevalent (21.03%) and associated to primary infertility (p-value = 0.0113). Regarding partner responsibility, women was solely responsible in 25.23% of cases and men in 18.16%. Both partners were responsible in 29.06% of cases and in 27.53% of cases, the cause of infertility remained unexplained.
Conclusion
Infertility represents a significant public health concern in Kisangani, with approximately one-quarter of cases remaining unexplained. Given the high prevalence of bacterial vaginosis and anti-sperm antibodies, it is imperative to conduct studies to ascertain whether there is a correlation between these factors and unexplained infertility.
Age specific neuroprotection of curcumin is through differential modulation of brain dopamine metabolism: Insights from Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Ayajuddin Mohamad , Das Abhik , Yenisetti Sarat 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Epidemiological studies suggest a strong linkage between exposure to environmental toxins and onset of Parkinson’s disease (PD). Rotenone is a widely used pesticide and known inhibitor of mitochondrial complex I, that has been shown to induce Parkinsonian phenotypes in various animal models. Our laboratory has developed a rotenone mediated ALSS Drosophila model of PD which is critical to screen small molecules and identify molecular targets of dopaminergic neuroprotection for late-onset neurodegenerative diseases such as PD. Using negative geotaxis assay, qualitative and quantitative analysis of dopaminergic neurons by fluorescence microscopy and further quantifying the levels of dopamine and its metabolites by HPLC, we have assessed the neurodegeneration under PD induced conditions and neuroprotection by employing curcumin in Drosophila model of PD. Exposure to rotenone induces mobility defects in health and transition phase of adult Drosophila; whereas curcumin ameliorates the deficits only during early health phase but fail during late health and transition phases. Probing the whole fly brain using anti-tyrosine hydroxylase antibodies, for rotenone mediated dopamine neurodegeneration illustrates that it does not cause loss of dopaminergic neurons per se. However, it leads to dopaminergic “neuronal dysfunction” (diminished levels of rate limiting enzyme of dopamine synthesis) and curcumin rescues the neuronal dysfunction only during the early health phase but fails to mitigate the dopamine neuronal pathology during the transition phase of adult life. Genotropic nutraceutical curcumin replenishes the diminished levels of brain specific dopamine and its metabolites DOPAC and HVA during adult early health phase and fails to do so in adult transition phase, suggesting that the life phase-specific dopaminergic neuroprotective efficacy is mediated through differential modulation of perturbations in brain dopamine metabolism. Present study suggests the limitation of curcumin as a therapeutic agent for PD and emphasizes the necessity of screening putative neuroprotective small molecules for late onset neurodegenerative diseases such as PD in life phase matched animal models during which the disease sets in.
How consumers perceive the sustainability of a product with a short food supply chain certification: the case of the Catalan proximity sales label
Authors: Molist Adrià Menéndez i , Kallas Zein , Fuentes Omar Vicente Guadarrama 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Enhancing the sustainability of the agri-food supply chain is dependent on the active and informed participation of consumers. Food product certifications can aid consumers in making better-informed purchasing decisions. In this research, we examined the consumer's perceptions of the sustainability features of two institutional short chain certifications, which indicate the product's local and short supply chain origins. Data was obtained from a sample of 300 Catalan consumers, who were stratified by gender, age, and income level. Respondents were surveyed face-to-face in an experimental environment and asked to rate 20 sustainability indicators on a 7-point Likert scale based on FAO’s sustainability assessment for food and agriculture systems (SAFA), with fig jam as the case study. The study showed that consumers believe purchasing certified fig jam contributes to improving agri-food supply chain sustainability, particularly concerning the farmers’ economic and governance aspects. The heterogeneity analysis revealed a correlation between trust in the certification and purchase intention of certified fig jam and higher sustainability perceptions, particularly among the enthusiastic cluster of consumers. However, prior knowledge of the certification was not a significant factor. The results highlight the significance of implementing direct sales and short chain certifications through institutional bodies to encourage consumers to make sustainable purchasing choices. This represents a road map for producers, policymakers and marketers in the agri-food sector.
State Analysis of a Bio-Based Hydrogel Subjected to Freeze-Thaw Processes by X-Ray Absorption Spectroscopy Using Cyclotron Radiation
Authors: Monta Kana , Hidaka Masafumi , Ishikawa Daitaro , Fujii Tomoyuki 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Freezing hydrogels can compromise their network structures and modify their properties as a result of ice crystal formation. Therefore, understanding the internal structure, including ice crystals and the state of chemical components within hydrogels, is essential. In this study, we evaluated the elemental distribution in bio-based hydrogels subjected to freezing-thaw process using X-ray absorption spectroscopy with cyclotron radiation. A bio-based hydrogel, prepared from Alaska pollock, underwent both slow and rapid freezing processes. Tomographic images and linear X-ray absorption coefficient distributions of the rapidly frozen hydrogel displayed a uniform image with a mean absorption coefficient of 2.81 cm− 1. Conversely, the slowly frozen sample exhibited distinct contrasts with peaks at 2.516 cm− 1 (dark) and 3.691 cm− 1 (bright), occupying 28% and 72% of the image, respectively. The mean absorption coefficient of the slowly frozen sample was comparable to that of the rapidly frozen sample, indicating no elemental loss. The elements within the hydrogel were categorized into organic elements, macrominerals, and trace elements. The bright areas in the images were attributed to the concentration of macrominerals. Notably, Cl and Na were the primary contributors to the absorption coefficients among the elements present, signifying salt migration during freezing. These findings suggest that the contrast observed in X-ray computed tomography images after freezing reflects the elemental distribution within the hydrogel and successfully demonstrates element localization due to cryoconcentration.
Time to loss of physical integrity of Attractive Targeted Sugar Bait (ATSB) stations in Western province, Zambia: a survival analysis
Authors: Karabo Refilwe Y. , Mundia Masuzyo H. , Mwenya Mwansa , Saili Kochelani , Miller John , Silumbe Kafula , Kyomuhangi Irene , Wagman Joseph , Chanda Javan , Orange Erica , Hamainza Busiku , Harris Angela F. , Entwistle Julian , Slutsker Laurence , Burkot Thomas R , Littrell Megan , Eisele Thomas P. , Ashton Ruth A. , Yukich Joshua 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Attractive Targeted Sugar Baits (ATSBs) are a potential addition to the integrated vector management strategy against malaria. ATSB stations utilize the attract and kill method to control mosquitoes. Each ATSB station contains a sugar bait laced with an ingestion toxicant. This study measured the duration of physical integrity of the ATSB Sarabi v1.2 station used in western Zambia as part of a Phase III cluster randomized control trial.
Methods
ATSB stations were installed on external walls of 304 sleeping structures, in 206 households (10–11 per cluster within 20 clusters). Monthly visits were made to assess for the presence and condition the ATSB stations from November 2022-June 2023. A rolling cohort approach was used, whereby newly installed, and replacement ATSB stations were included in the study. Information on structure construction and location of ATSB stations on walls was collected. Median ATSB survival and associated factors were analyzed with Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox-Proportional hazard models, respectively.
Results
Including replacements, a total of 1107 ATSB stations were installed across 304 sleeping structures and 5696 ATSB-visits were made. Common types of damage observed were holes/tears, mold, and leakage of bait. While the median survival time for the ATSB stations was five months (149 days) for all stations in the study, the median survival time was longer than the transmission season for stations installed in locations well protected by the roof (> 218 days). ATSB station survival was longer when installed on structures with thatched roofs compared to iron sheet roofs (Hazard Ratio 0.37, 95% confidence interval 0.26–0.47, p < 0.001), and where there was ‘excellent protection’ (HR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.25–0.49, p < 0.001), compared to ‘no protection’.
Conclusions
Study results suggest that the majority of Sarabi v1.2 ATSB stations deployed in this setting will remain intact for a 7-month seasonal deployment period if stations are installed in locations protected from rain and wind such as underneath a thatched roof. Further research is needed to understand factors that influence the physical integrity of ATSB stations in addition to those observed in this study.
Comparisons of corneal biomechanical and higher-order aberrations between thin normal cornea and Forme Fruste keratoconus
Authors: Liu Mingna , Liu Xiaojing , Liu Xin , Chen Tong , Liu Chang , Tian Ge 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
To compare the corneal biomechanical parameters and higher-order aberrations (HOAs) of thin normal cornea (TNC) and Forme Fruste keratoconus (FFKC).
Methods
The data collected between June 2018 and May 2023 at the Eye Hospital Affiliated with Shandong First Medical University were divided into two groups: 26 normal eyes of 26 patients (18–38 years) with the thinnest corneal thickness (TCT) ≤ 500 µm and 26 eyes of 26 patients (14–35 years) with FFKC. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and biomechanical-corrected intraocular pressure (bIOP) were matched by propensity score matching. Scheimpfug imaging (Pentacam) and corneal visualization Scheimpfug technology (Corvis ST) were used to compare the variations in corneal biomechanical parameters and HOAs between the two groups. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to judge the accuracy of significantly different parameters in predicting FFKC. The FFKC diagnostic model was established using the best discriminant function.
Results
The time of the first applanation (A1T), the velocity of corneal movement during the second applanation (A2V), the time at which the cornea reached the highest concavity (HCT) and the total corneal root mean square (RMS) of the HOA were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). HCT showed good potential for distinguishing between FFKC and TNC. The best discriminant function showed a prediction accuracy of 78.4%.
Conclusion
This study suggested that the relationship between certain biomechanical properties and HOAs could be valuable for the diagnosis of FFKC.
Impact of a University Laparoscopic Training Program on Dexterity and Vigilance Development.
Authors: Osman Bahaa Eldin , Gharios Joseph , Kassis Nadine , Jabbour Hicham , Khazzaka Aline 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: The Fundamental of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program, endorsed by the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons, has been instrumental in enhancing and assessing laparoscopic skills among trainees. However, whether a simulator-based training leads to trainees' awareness of their limitations remains unexplored.
Participants and Methods: Twenty-one participants (10 novices and 11 experienced) were included, and categorized based on their participation in a laparoscopic training program held at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut. Trainees' development of basic and complex laparoscopic skills was assessed using standardized FLS tasks. Additionally, a questionnaire was administered to evaluate participants' satisfaction, confidence, and self-assessment levels during task execution.
Results: Both groups completed the basic psychomotor tasks successfully, but the experienced group was significantly faster (p<0.005). Experienced participants were able to complete the intracorporeal knot versus half of novices (p=0.023), with the experienced group being better performing and faster. Most of experienced and none of novices manage to accomplish the end-to-end anastomosis. Both groups exhibited comparable levels of confidence, satisfaction, frustration, and difficulty perception. No significant distinction is found between the two groups in terms of performance self-rating. Also, no significant correlation is found between the levels of self-assessment and the objective scores of precision cutting and anastomosis among participants.
Conclusion: This study reaffirms the effectiveness of simulation-based laparoscopic training for developing and retaining basic and complex surgical skills. While such training enhances stress management and self-confidence, it still insufficient to develop high level of vigilance and self-awareness.
Perspectives of Key Informants on Establishing a Pharmacist-led Anticoagulation Service in Primary Care Centers: An Implementation Research Approach
Authors: Alshihab Safaa , Ibrahim Mohamed Izham Mohamed , Al-Zaidan Manal , Hadi Muhammad Abdul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Globally, pharmacist-led anticoagulation services have improved patient outcomes in secondary and tertiary care settings. However, little is known about establishing such services within primary care settings.
Aim
This study explored key informants' perceptions regarding the development and implementation of a pharmacist-led anticoagulation service in a primary care setting.
Methods
A descriptive qualitative study was conducted at Qatar's largest primary healthcare institution, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC). Key stakeholders, including healthcare center managers, pharmacy leads, physician leads and primary care physicians with cardiology privileges, were purposively recruited. Semi-structured interviews were guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and analyzed using framework analysis.
Results
Data saturation was achieved after interviewing eleven key informants. The participants expressed confidence in the feasibility and effectiveness of implementing anticoagulation service in primary care to address patients’ needs. The main facilitators identified included ensuring pharmacist competency and establishing effective internal and external communication. The primary barrier identified was staffing shortages. Participants also highlighted the importance of developing standardized operational protocols, training programs, and integrating services with secondary care.
Conclusion
The implementation of pharmacist-led anticoagulation services in primary care settings was identified as both feasible and essential for improving patient outcomes. The insights from this study can inform future initiatives aimed at enhancing anticoagulation management in primary care settings.
The response characteristics and stability evaluation of vegetated slope under strong wind
Authors: Yanlin Liu , Wang Fei , Ji feng , zhang lianhua , zhao jianjun , zheng chen , chen jibin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

As one of the major geological disasters in southeastern China, typhoon-induced vegetation slope instability causes significant loss of life and property each year. This research quantitatively investigated the effects of wind and vegetation on slope dynamic field and soil strength through numerical simulation and soil strength degradation tests. Finally, we proposed an optimization method for stability assessment of vegetated slopes in the southeast coastal area. The results show that: 1) From 1999 to 2022, 86.1% of landslides occurred during typhoons with high wind speeds and precipitation. 2) The influence of wind on the dynamic response of vegetated slopes varies obviously with wind speeds. When the wind grade ≥ 13 (typhoon: 37.0 ~ 41.4m/s), vegetation canopy shaking significantly increases slope displacement. 3) When the wind speed is higher than that in working condition 4 (grade 10–11: 24.5 ~ 32.6m/s), the wind load promotes the degradation of soil strength, with the degradation parameter (Kτ) drastically decreasing by nearly 22.2%. 4) Compared with the traditional model, the optimized evaluation model is more sensitive. The calculated anti-sliding force increases by 10.62%~11.64%. The research results can improve the accuracy of slope stability assessment and provide a reasonable reference for the factor selection of typhoon-induced landslide risk assessment.
Scheduling and Response-time Analysis of Multicore and Multi-GPU Heterogeneous Systems
Authors: Mobaiyen Sahar , Tsog Nandinbaatar , Mubeen Saad , Sjödin Mikael , Becker Matthias 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce a novel scheduling approach tailored for real-time tasks executing on heterogeneous computing platforms, which encompass both multi-core processors and multiple identical GPUs. The proposed approach addresses the limitations of traditional scheduling approaches for multi-core and multi-GPU systems, which typically rely on locks or semaphores to manage access to shared GPUs. The proposed approach employs a server task to manage the request to access the GPUs from other tasks. The requesting tasks are suspended on their corresponding cores during the GPU computation, thereby avoiding the limitations of busy waiting and long priority inversions often encountered in traditional lock-based scheduling approaches. The paper also develops the worst-case response-time analysis of tasks that are scheduled using the proposed scheduling approach on these systems. The evaluation results demonstrate the advantages of the proposed scheduling approach over the traditional lock-based approaches, especially in improving the schedulability rate of task sets in multi-core and multi-GPU systems.
Generative Artificial Intelligence Models inPharmacokinetics: A Study on aTwo-Compartment Population Model
Authors: Herrero Sergio Sánchez , Calvet Laura 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of AI generative models in pharmacometrics, focusing on developing a two-compartment population pharmacokinetic (PK) model using data from Hosseini et al. (2018). Artificial Intelligence (AI) generative models assist non-professional programmers in learning programming languages, techniques, and skills relevant to PK modelling. To evaluate free AI generative models like ChatGPT 3.5 (ChatGPT), Microsoft Copilot v4.0 (Copilot), and Bard v4.0 (Gemini), PK models were constructed in R Studio, addressing essential tasks in pharmacometrics and clinical pharmacology, including model descriptions, necessary inputs, results, and code generation, focusing on reproducibility. ChatGPT and Copilot outperformed Gemini, demonstrating strong foundational knowledge, advanced concepts, and practical skills, including PK code structure and syntax. Validation showed high accuracy in estimated and simulated plots, with negligible differences in Cl and Q (6.89 ± 0.2 and 45.5 ± 17.4 [reference] vs. 7.02 ± 0.78 and 50.55 ± 0.5 [AI models]), and volumes Vc and Vp (49.15 ± 3.8 and 34.61 ± 5.2 [reference] vs. 49.86 ± 1.43 and 33.14 ± 1.33 [AI models]). Metrics results showed AFE, AAFE, and MPE values of 0.99, 1.14, and -1.85, respectively. AI generative models can accurately retrieve PK parameters from literature, develop population PK models in R, and create interactive Shiny applications for result visualization. However, recognizing the limitations and challenges of AI generative models, including accuracy, reliability, transparency, and reproducibility of AI-generated data and code, is crucial.
Enhancing Indian Rice Plant resilience to toxic heavy metals with Glycine betaine as a modulator.
Authors: Bhaskar Monika , Dixit Ashwini kumar , Abhishek Amar 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Contamination of arable land with potentially toxic heavy metals (PTHMs) is a critical global issue resulting from industrialization. To tackle this problem, a two-year pot experiment was carried out on Indian rice plants (Oriza sativa L.) using four different treatments of PTHMs at varying concentrations (T1: 5; T2: 10; T3: 20; T4: 40 mg/kg). The intent was to explore the impact of glycine betaine (GB) application on the plants' resilience and stress response. Findings indicated that exposure to PTHMs led to a significant increase in the accumulation of these metals and oxidative stress indices during the 2.5th and 4th month growth stages. However, when GB was applied to the soil, there was a decrease in the accumulation of PTHMs and oxidative stress indices. This was attributed to the enhancement of antioxidant enzyme activity and metabolic functions in the rice plants. Interestingly, the study revealed that Indian rice plants had the highest accumulation of Fe, followed by Mn, Zn, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cu in their roots. When exposed to PTHMs, the roots exhibited higher metal uptake compared to the shoots and seeds, with uptake levels rising with increasing concentrations of PTHMs. Notably, under the highest PTHMs stress (T4), the content of Cr and Pb in the roots, shoots, and seeds decreased significantly. This reduction was even more pronounced when treated with 400 mM GB, showcasing decreases of up to 33.3%, 36%, and 89.3% in Cr content, and 36.4%, 55%, and 80.5% in Pb content, respectively.
Keywords: Amelioration; Oryza sativa; Heavy metals; Glycine betaine; Antioxidant