bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of the deletion Glutathione S-Transferase (Class Mu) on lung cancer risk among smokers
Authors: Abdelrazek Gehan Hamdy Labib , Gharib Ahmed , Emara Nahed Abdel Moneim , Attia Eman Mahmoud Hassan , Hussein Mohamed Fathy , Elkorashy Reem Ibrahim , Gomaa Nada Ezzeldin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: The results of several studies assessing the effect of the Glutathione S-transferase class Mu 1 (GSTM1) null variant on the genetic susceptibility of tobacco-related cancers have been conflicting. In this work, we aim to identify the impact of the deletion of GSTM1 on lung cancer risk among smokers.
Methods: This study was conducted on 20 patients diagnosed with primary lung cancer and 20 healthy individuals as a control group. They were subject to full medical history taking, complete clinical examination and GSTM1 genotyping by PCR.
Results: Both studied groups were matched for age, sex and smoking status. No statistically significant difference was exhibited between the frequency of GSTM1 positive and GSTM1 null in the studied population. No risk of lung cancer associated to GSTM1 null genotype was demonstrated between the patients and control group (n= 14/20 cases) (p = 0.110, OR = 2.852, 95% CI: 0.777-10.467). Additionally, there was no association between the risk of lung cancer and the presence of the gene either in smokers (p = 1, OR =1.8 and 95%CI: 0.124-26.196) or non-smokers; (p = 0.063, OR =4.4 and 95%CI: 0.889-21.78). No statistically significant risk was found between the frequencies of GSTM1 null and the various histopathological types of lung malignancy.
Conclusion: The results of this work demonstrated no association between the occurrence of GSTM1 null variant, even when stratified for smoking status, and the risk of lung cancer.
Effectiveness of single and multiple tuned mass damper in seismic response reduction of RCC Framed Building
Authors: Gupta Kamlesh , Raheem Juned 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Seismic response reduction of RCC frames is emerging field of interests among researchers. Among these, the use of tuned mass damper (TMD) as energy dissipater of base excitation employs promising role. Previous studies and practical implementation have shown the effectiveness of TMD in seismic response reduction in steel structure. However, research gaps exited on effectiveness of various types TMDs such as spatially distributed at floor level, vertically distributed at building level on RCC frame structure. In this study, high rise structure is designed in ETABS using Indian Standards and is analysed for dynamic responses. Optimised parameter of all TMDs were obtained from previous studies, and tuning of TMDs was done as per modal analysis results obtained on base structure. Total eight modelled were prepared and harmonic as well as Linear time history analysis is conducted in horizontal directions for ElCentro, North Ridge and Loma-Prieta, and responses of structures are obtained in terms of reduction in base shear, joint acceleration, and joint displacement. In comparison to single TMD, multiple placements of TMD were found to perform better in seismic excitations. It was also concluded that location of TMD at floor level also affects its performance.
Global Survey on Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) use in Child Surgery
Authors: Naidoo Gerlin , Salim Mohammed , Jackson Andrew , Handa Ashok , Lakhoo Kokila , Lindert Judith 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose: To undertake a global assessment of existing ultrasound practices, barriers to access, point-of care ultrasound (POCUS) training pathways, and the perceived clinical utility of POCUS in Child Surgery.
Methods: An electronic survey was disseminated via the GICS (Global Initiative of Children’s Surgery) network. 247 anonymized responses from 48 countries were collated. 71.3% (176/247) worked in child surgery.
Results: Ultrasound was critical to practice with 84% (147/176) of requesting one daily or multiple times per week. Only 10% (17/176) could access emergency ultrasound <1hr from request. The main barrier was a lack of trained personnel. HIC surgeons were more likely to have ultrasound training (24/29; 82.8%) compared with LMICs (74/147; 50.3%) (p= .001319; CI 95%). Self-perceived POCUS competence was associated with regularity of POCUS use (p <0.001; CI 95%). Those who already practice POCUS most commonly use it for trauma, intussusception, and ultrasound-guided procedures. Majority (90%; 159/176) of child surgeons would attend formal POCUS training if available.
Conclusions: Ultrasound is critically important in children’s surgery globally, however, many surgeons experience barriers to timely access. There is strong interest in learning POCUS for relevant pediatric surgical applications. Further research is needed to evaluate the best methods of training, accreditation, and governance.
Health and Ecological Risk Assessments of Some Heavy Metals (Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn) in the Sediments of Darbandikhan Reservoir, Iraq
Authors: Sarhat Abdulmutalib Raafat , Al-Obaidi Basim Shakir , Ali Shagul A. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the concentrations of some heavy metals HMs in the bottom sediments of Darbandikhan Reservoir in North of Iraq. This study evaluated the contamination of sediments with heavy metals HMs and their ecological risk levels as well as their potential effects on human health. Among the examined metals: Ni, Cr and Zn exceeded the background values in most of the sampling stations. The Enrichment factor EF for the examined HMs in the sediment of the study area showed an order of Ni > Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu. Also, the Potential ecological risk Er mean values of Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn were 13.64, 2.75, 2.17, 2.02 and 1.01 respectively. Moreover, the mean value of contamination factor CF for Ni was 2.73, which shows that the sediment in Darbandikhan Reservior is in the status of reasonable to significant degree of contamination. The values of hazard quotient HQ for Cr, Zn, and Ni ranged from 1.7x10− 7 to 8.7x10− 4, and 8.1x10− 7 to 2.1x10− 1 for adults and children, respectively, which indicates that the examined HMs would not cause non-carcinogenic risk for children and adults. While, the values of CR for Cr, Ni and Zn on children via accidental ingestion were 2.6x10− 5, 8.3x10− 5 and 4.34x10− 7, respectively; and those of adult were 5.58x10− 5, 1.78x10− 4 and 9.3x10− 7, respectively. This indicated that the CR levels caused by Ni and Cr were not acceptable and may pose risks of cancer in case of accidental ingestion.
Detecting complex infections in Trypanosomatids using whole genome sequencing
Authors: Reis-Cunha João Luís , Jeffares Daniel Charlton 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Trypanosomatid parasites are a group of protozoans that cause devastating diseases that disproportionately affect developing countries. These protozoans have developed several mechanisms for adaptation to survive in the mammalian host, such as extensive expansion of multigene families enrolled in host-parasite interaction, adaptation to invade and modulate host cells, and the presence of aneuploidy and polyploidy. Two mechanisms might result in “complex” isolates, with more than two haplotypes being present in a single sample: multiplicity of infections (MOI) and polyploidy. We have developed and validated a methodology to identify multiclonal infections and polyploidy using Whole Genome Sequencing reads, based on fluctuations in allelic read depth in heterozygous positions, which can be easily implemented in experiments sequencing genomes from one sample to larger population surveys.
Results
The methodology estimates the complexity index (CI) of an isolate, and compares real samples with simulated clonal infections at individual and populational level, excluding regions with somy and gene copy number variation. It was primarily validated with simulated MOI and known polyploid isolates respectively from Leishmania and Trypanosoma cruzi. Then, the approach was used to assess the complexity of infection using genome wide SNP data from 530 Trypanosomatid samples from four clades, L. donovani/L. infantum, L. braziliensis, T. cruzi and T. brucei providing an overview of multiclonal infection and polyploidy in these cultured parasites. We show that our method robustly detects complex infections in samples with at least 25x coverage, 100 heterozygous SNPs and where 5–10% of the reads correspond to the secondary clone. We find that relatively small proportions (≤ 7%) of cultured Trypanosomatid isolates are complex.
Conclusions
The method can accurately identify polyploid isolates, and can identify multiclonal infections in scenarios with sufficient genome read coverage. We pack our method in a single R script that requires only a standard variant call format (VCF) file to run (https://github.com/jaumlrc/Complex-Infections). Our analyses indicate that multiclonality and polyploidy do occur in all clades, but not very frequently in cultured Trypanosomatids. We caution that our estimates are lower bounds due to the limitations of current laboratory and bioinformatic methods.
Self-Adaptive Learning Using Test Case Selection in Grammatical Evolution for Automatic Design of Digital Circuit
Authors: Gupt Krishn Kumar , Kshirsagar Meghana , Sarma Rajkumar , Sullivan Joe , Ryan Conor 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

In today’s digital age, the demand for increasingly complex digital circuits spans applications ranging from watches to spacecraft. To meet this demand, circuit design automation using Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a key solution due to manual processes’ time-consuming and error-prone nature. Among AI techniques, Evolutionary Algorithm (EA), notably Grammatical Evolution(GE), have shown promise. However, the computational cost of these algorithms remains a significant challenge, particularly concerning scalability and the high volume of test cases required for circuit design and synthesis. Balancing the trade-off between the necessity for extensive training data and the computational overhead of GE is crucial. The exponential increase in data volume with circuit complexity presents a challenging obstacle. While utilizing complete training data may ensure accurate circuit design, practical constraints often limit its feasibility. Furthermore, reducing data through selection risks compromising crucial information, while using complete data incurs prohibitively high training costs. This study proposes a novel self-adaptive learning approach within the framework of EAs to utilize training data adaptively and effectively. Our objective is to achieve comparable circuit solutions within a reduced runtime. We apply this technique to GE, naming it Self-adaptive Learning in GE (SLIG). SLIG divides the training data into subsets based on decreasing diversity, ensuring that the model is exposed to highly diverse scenarios early in the evolutionary process and gradually incorporating less diverse data. This method is rigorously evaluated across four digital circuits. The circuits are designed using Hardware Description Language (HDL), facilitating precise and efficient design, simulation, and synthesis. Experimental and statistical results indicate its effectiveness in producing comparable or superior results compared to standard GE, as measured in terms of circuits’ test scores, solution size, runtime efficiency, and performance parameters evaluated by the Cadence Genus Synthesis solution tool.
Rapid assay development for low input targeted proteomics using a versatile linear ion trap
Authors: Searle Brian , Shannon Ariana , Teodorescu Rachael , Song No-Joon , Heil Lilian , Jacob Cristina , Remes Philip , Li Zihai , Rubinstein Mark 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Advances in proteomics and mass spectrometry enable the study of limited cell populations, where high-mass accuracy instruments are typically required. While triple quadrupoles offer fast and sensitive low-mass accuracy measurements, these instruments are effectively restricted to targeted proteomics. Linear ion traps (LITs) offer a versatile, cost-effective alternative capable of both targeted and global proteomics. Here, we describe a workflow using a new hybrid quadrupole-LIT instrument that rapidly develops targeted proteomics assays from global data-independent acquisition (DIA) measurements without needing high-mass accuracy. Using an automated software approach for scheduling parallel reaction monitoring assays (PRM), we show consistent quantification across three orders of magnitude in a matched-matrix background. We demonstrate measuring low-level proteins such as transcription factors and cytokines with quantitative linearity below two orders of magnitude in a 1 ng background proteome without requiring stable isotope-labeled standards. From a 1 ng sample, we found clear consistency between proteins in subsets of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells measured using high dimensional flow cytometry and LIT-based proteomics. Based on these results, we believe hybrid quadrupole-LIT instruments represent an economical solution to democratizing mass spectrometry in a wide variety of laboratory settings.
Measuring the Prevalence of Fatigue in children with cancer: Evidence from Egypt.
Authors: Abdalkader Nourhan , Zawara Alaa Mahmoud , Lashien Shaimaa , Osman Ahmad Mohamed Yehia 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background: Cancer related fatigue (CRF) is a common side effect of cancer and cancer treatment that impacts quality of life. To our knowledge, the statistics for prevalence in pediatrics are lacking in Egypt. The aim of this study is to record the prevalence of fatigue and its significant predicting factors in pediatric oncology patients.
Methods: we interviewed children aged 8-18 years with cancer, prescribed chemotherapy and not in severe distress. The children personally filled 2 fatigue-related questionnaires (PROMIS Pediatric Short Forms of Fatigue (PROMIS fatigue), pedsQL multidimensional fatigue (PedsQL fatigue)) and 3 symptoms related questionnaires.
Results: 42 children (47.6% female) (mean age 12.1 years (SD 3.3 years)) participated. Reported moderate to severe fatigue in children is between half to third of the children depending on the measurement tool used. The mean T-score for PROMIS fatigue was 53.76 (SD 12.5), and for PedsQL fatigue was 74.27 (SD 21.79). Stepwise standardized multivariant linear regression showed that fatigue following PROMIS fatigue could be predicted by depressive symptoms (𝜷= 0.47, p <0.001) and mobility (𝜷= -0.39, p =0.002) while following PedsQL fatigue, it could be predicted by upper extremity function (𝜷= 0.34, p= 0.005), depressive symptoms (𝜷=-0.49, p <0.001) and treatment status (𝜷=-0.25, p= 0.013).
Conclusion: CRF is multifactorial and prevalent among children and adolescents with cancer. Moreover, predicting factors differed between different tools as they measure different dimensions of fatigue. There is a need to include fatigue screening for pediatric oncology patients and incorporate its management in the medical care plan.
The Role of Energy Equity and Income Inequality in Environmental Sustainability
Authors: Ofori Pamela E. , Ofori Isaac K. , Annan Kenneth 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Progress in energy equity, income equality, and environmental quality are fundamental to sustainable development. However, studies providing evidence-based recommendations concerning the joint effect of energy equity and income inequality on environmental sustainability in Africa are lacking. This study fills this gap by using a panel dataset covering 41 African countries from 2008-2019. Results from the Driscoll-Kraay standard errors and the dynamic system GMM estimators reveal the following: (1) energy equity promotes environmental quality, whereas income inequality hampers it, and (2) income inequality nullifies the favourable environmental gains of energy equity. These findings remain consistent when we use the ecological footprint as an alternative measure of environmental quality. We conclude that addressing income inequality is essential for ensuring that energy equity enhances environmental quality. Policymakers should prioritise energy equity and fairer income distribution initiatives to achieve sustainable development goals.
JEL Codes: D310; O13; O55; Q40; Q5; Q53
Single and Multi-Mineral Classification using Dual-Band Raman Spectroscopy for Planetary Surface Missions
Authors: Johnsen Timothy K. , Gulick Virginia C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Planetary surface missions have greatly benefitted from intelligent systems capable of semi-autonomous navigation and surveying. However, instruments onboard these missions are not similarly equipped with automated science analysis classifiers onboard rovers, which can further improve scientific yield and autonomy. Here, we present both single- and multi-mineral autonomous classifiers integrated using the results from a co-registered dual-band Raman spectrometer. This instrument consecutively irradiates the same spot size on the same sample using two excitation lasers of different wavelengths (532 nm and 785 nm). We identify the presence of mineral groups: pyroxene, olivine, potassium feldspar, quartz, mica, gypsum, and plagioclase, in 191 rocks. These minerals are among the major rock forming mineral groups and so their presence or absence within a sample is key for understanding rock composition and the environment in which it formed. We present machine learning methods used to train classifiers and leverage the multiple modalities of the dual-band Raman spectrometer. When testing on a novel sample set for single-mineral classification, we show accuracy scores up to 100% (varying by mineral), with a total classification rate (over all minerals) of 91%. When testing on a novel set of samples for multi-mineral classification, we show accuracy scores up to 96%, with a total classification rate of 73%. We end with several hypothesis tests, that demonstrate that dual-band Raman spectroscopy is more robust and improves the scientific yield for mineral classification over single-band spectroscopy, especially when combined with our multimodal neural network.
Interfacial structure and acidity of orthoclase (001) surface: understanding the effect of surface metal cation
Authors: Zhang Xi , Liu Xiandong , Zhang Yingchun , Lu Xiancai 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Surface acid chemistry is central to interfacial properties of orthoclase. In this study, we report a first principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) study of interfacial structures and acid constants (pKa) of orthoclase (001) with the presence of Na+/K+ cation on the surface. Detailed structural analyses show that Na+ and K+ show similar coordination structures on the surface while the exchange of Na+ for K+ hardly changes hydration structures of surface groups. The surface groups (i.e., ≡SiOH, ≡AlOH, and ≡AlOH2) have pKas of 11.5, 18.5, and 7.8 with K+ on the surface and 5.5, 17.7, and 4.3 with Na+ on the surface, respectively. FPMD derived pKas indicate that with K+ on the surface ≡AlOH2 is the only active group in the common pH range while Na+ decreases surface pKas of surface groups, that makes ≡AlOH2 and ≡SiOH active. Based on the pKas, we derive a PZC (point of zero charge) of 9.7 and 4.9 for orthoclase (001) with surface K+ and Na+, respectively. This means that Na+ significantly enhances surface acid reactivity. The implication for understanding geochemical properties of orthoclase was discussed with the focus on surface complexation of metal cations.
Patient Perception of Patient-centeredness in Orthodontic Consultation of Patients from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Shammary Nawaf Hamad 
Published: July 2024

Background
Patient-centered care involves respecting patients' dignity and actively including them in decision-making processes. However, its assessment remains quite challenging. This study aimed to assess patients’ perception of patient-centered care in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning in Saudi Arabia.

Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 430 patients seeking orthodontic care at different government and private clinics in Saudi Arabia. An online Revised Patient Perception of Patient-Centeredness (PPPC-R) questionnaire that consisted of 18 questions was filled in by the patient immediately after the initial or treatment planning consultation with an orthodontist and asked to rate the scores from 1 to 4. The final PPPC-R scores were calculated and compared between gender and age groups (adolescents and adults).

Results
A total of 270 responses were obtained with a response rate of 62.79%, and all responses were complete. The mean age of participants was 22.53 years (range 18 to 65 years), and among them, 132 were male. The average score for the questions ranged from 2.26 to 3.58, and the Mann-Whitney test showed no significant differences in the scores between gender (Z = -0.897, p-value 0.370) and age group (Z = -0.092, p-value 0.927). Similar insignificant differences were noted between gender and age group when compared at the level of three factors from the questionnaire.

Conclusion
Patients who are scheduled for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning perceived a high level of patient-centeredness. There were no significant differences in the PPPC-R scores between the age group and gender of the participants when measured across each factor level and in total.
Performance of Impulse Oscillometry in Identifying Restrictive Lung Defects in a Veteran Cohort
Authors: Glick Danielle R. , Brown Clayton H. , Li Lan , Gucer Patricia , Gaitens Joanna M. , McDiarmid Melissa A. , Hines Stella E. 
Published: July 2024

Background
Impulse oscillometry (IOs) is a technique used to evaluate lung function that uses sound waves imposed over tidal breathing to characterize the airways and lung parenchyma. IOs has been particularly useful in the identification of obstructive lung defects. The present analysis seeks to explore the use of IOs in the identification of restrictive lung physiology among a group of Gulf War I veterans exposed to depleted uranium (DU).

Methods
A total of 36 out of a dynamic 85-veteran cohort attended in-person surveillance visits in 2019 and completed both IOs and PFTs. Performance on IOs was evaluated in a cross-sectional analysis of the group overall and in those identified as having restrictive lung defects defined by either spirometry (FEV1/FVC ≥ LLN and FVC < LLN) or lung volumes (TLC < LLN).

Results
A total of 6 individuals were identified as having restriction (4 based on spirometry alone and an additional 2 by lung volumes). When restriction was present, IOs values of both resistance and reactance were significantly more abnormal.

Conclusion

In the assessment of lung function, IOs may be advantageous over PFTs because it is faster to perform and effort-independent. Although little is known about the utility of IOs in identifying restrictive lung physiology, our results support its use.