bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An extended Combined-TAM-TPB to explain the intention to adopt electric vehicles: a multi-group analysis of Generations X, Y, and Z
Authors: Poon Wai Chuen , Sin Kit Yeng , Sathasivam Kavitha 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

This study aims to examine the purchasing intention of electric vehicles among consumers belonging to Generations X, Y, and Z in an expanding market. The study examines how factors like perceived usefulness (PU), perceived ease of use (PEOU), attitude (ATT), subjective norms (SN), perceived behavioural control (PBC), technology enthusiasm (TE), environmental enthusiasm (EE), emotional value (EV), social image (SOIM), and social influence (SOIN) impact the probability of adopting electric vehicles. 658 valid responses were collected from people in Malaysia using structured surveys. Perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use were found to have a positive correlation with attitude. Attitude, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, technical enthusiasm, emotional value, and social influence were found to influence intention, but environmental enthusiasm and social image did not have a significant effect on consumer intention. This study enhanced the combined framework of the theory of planned behaviour and technology acceptance model (C-TAM-TPB) by including five additional variables: technological and environmental enthusiasm, emotional value, social image, and social influence, to improve the understanding of consumers' intentions to buy electric cars in Malaysia. It provided insightful views on the various aspects influencing the readiness of Generations X, Y, and Z to adopt electric vehicles.
PtPd catalysts dispersed on coal-based nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes for formic acid electro-oxidation
Authors: Wu Bohua , Liu Yifan , Wu Changqing , Wang Haiting , Wang Xiaoqin , Xiong Shanxin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Using coal-based polyaniline as carbon source and nitrogen source, nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (NCNTs) were successfully prepared through a two-stage furnace process. The PtPd/NCNTs catalysts were synthesized by the ethylene glycol reduction method. The results of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show that the PtPd nanoparticles with an averaged diameter 3.1 ± 0.5 nm uniformly support on the surface of NCNTs. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) reveals that nitrogen mainly exists in graphite states in NCNTs. The electrocatalytic activity of PtPd/NCNTs catalyst was tested by CO stripping voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry (CA). The electrochemical characterization shows that the PtPd/NCNTs catalyst exhibited higher electrocatalytic activity and stability towards formic acid oxidation, while its forward peak current density (549.83 mA mg− 1) is 4.5 times higher than that of PtPd/CNTs (120.90 mA mg− 1). The developed NCNTs are highly promising catalyst supports for direct formic acid fuel cells.
Alteration of Serum Lipid Profiles among Amoebasis and Giardiasis Confirmed Patients at North West Ethiopia
Authors: Semaw Muluken , Megabiew Fenthun , Walle Muluken , Woldesenbet Dagmawi , Tamir Mebratu , Mekuanint Amare , Mengesha Abebe Yenesew , Cherie Negesse , Berta Dereje Mengesha , Teketelew Bisrat Birke , Angelo Abiy Ayele , Abere Aberham , mihiret yenesew , Eshetu Tegegne 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: Amoebiasis and giardiasis, common intestinal infections caused by Entamoeba histolytica and Giardia lamblia parasite. These agents are dependent of host-derived lipids for their membrane biogenesis and potentially alter host serum lipid profiles, might results in cardiovascular complications. Yet, limited studies have investigated the association between the infections and lipid profiles in Ethiopia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July 10 to August 252023. A total of 180 study participants were recruited using a convenient sampling technique. Socio-demographic and clinical data were collected using structured questionnaires via face-to face interviews and reviewing medical records, respectively. Approximately 5 grams of stool samples were collected and examined under a light microscope. Three milliliters of blood were collected from the case and control groups. The blood samples were then centrifuged to separate the serum from the whole blood. Subsequently, the lipid profiles were analyzed using a Coulter chemistry analyzer. The data were entered into epidata version (4.6), and exported into SPSS (25) for analysis. The lipid profile parameters of case were assessed and compared with healthy control groups using one way ANOVA. A P-value < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.
Result: The study showed that E. histolytica/dispar-infected patients had significantly lower mean serum total cholesterol (120.21 ± 40.11), HDL (33.73 ± 13.36), and LDL (74.63 ± 32.93) levels compared to healthy groups. Additionally, the median interquartile range of triglyceride value decreased in E. histolytica/dispar infected patients (P ≤ 0.05). Likewise, patients infected with G. lamblia had lower mean serum total cholesterol (123.46 ± 48.18), HDL (34.30 ± 14.30), and LDL (73.57 ± 42.65) levels compared to healthy groups. Also, the median interquartile range of triglyceride value was lower in Giardia-infected patients (P≤0.05).
Conclusion: This study confirmed that E. histolytica/dispar and G. lamblia has significantly altered blood lipid levels in infected patients. Requires routine lipid panel analysis for these cohorts.
Sex and age differentials among people living with hypertension across the life course: evidence from a national survey in Bangladesh
Authors: Iqbal Afrin , Rahman Mahabubur , Bashar Mamun Ibn , Ahmed Ambar , Khan Shusmita , Ahmed Nahin , Hasan Mohammad Mehedi , Haider M Moinuddin 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background Globally, across many regions, the prevalence of hypertension is higher among men aged ≥ 30 years, but for Bangladesh, a national survey depicts a contrast from the norm. In this paper, we examine the sex and age difference in hypertension among the Bangladeshi population and explore its associated factors.Methods Secondary analysis was conducted using data from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–2018, a nationally representative survey that involved a two-stage stratified sample of 675 households in urban (250) and rural (425) enumeration areas. The analytical sample consisted of 12,476 individuals aged 18 or older (6,955 women and 5,521 men). We conducted univariate and bivariate tests to analyze hypertension variations across sex, age, and other factors. We used multivariable logistic regression models and logit-based marginal probabilities to investigate age and sex differences as well as their interactions in hypertension while estimating the marginal effects of sex for each age-group to assess the significance of sex differentials in hypertension across the life course.Results Our study revealed a noteworthy trend: Women have a 5-percentage point lower hypertension prevalence than men in their early twenties, but this reverses when women reach their early thirties, with a 5-percentage point higher prevalence compared to men. After adjusting for confounders and age-sex interaction in females, the odds of hypertension were significantly higher (AOR: 3.6, 95% CI: 1.9–6.6) in the 35–39 years age-group, potentially leading to a combined burden of chronic and reproductive morbidity.Conclusion With rising hypertension and stagnant maternal health in Bangladesh, women of reproductive age face higher risks of chronic and reproductive complications, impacting maternal mortality and morbidity and burdening the healthcare system. Recognizing common factors contributing to early hypertension in Bangladeshi women enables targeted interventions, model testing, and strategic adjustments to the national non-communicable disease management pathway.
Dynamics of early-life bacteriophage- bacteria interactions in very preterm infants and their implications in disease
Authors: Jakobsen Rasmus Riemer , Cionci Nicole Bozzi , Gaggìa Francesca , Kot Witold Piotr , Pietrella Elisa , Berardi Alberto , Gioia Diana Di , Nielsen Dennis Sandris 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Preterm infants, especially if born very premature (before week 32 of gestation), are characterised by having immature organs including the gastrointestinal tract, associated with a skewed gut microbiota maturation and increased risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Early life gut microbiota maturation is crucial for various biological functions, influencing host metabolism, immune response, and pathogen protection. While the maturation of the bacterial gut microbiota component in preterm infants is well studied, very little is known about the interplay between these bacteria and their viruses, i.e. bacteriophages. This study focuses on the faecal bacterial and bacteriophage communities of very preterm infants during their first 90 days of life.
Methods
A prospective cohort including 23 very preterm infants (28 weeks' gestation or birth weight under 1000 g) in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Italy was recruited. The majority (20/23) received antibiotic therapy in this period. Faecal samples were collected at birth and at 15, 30, and 90 days of life for 16S rRNA gene amplicon and metavirome sequencing. Analyses were performed to assess bacterial and viral composition, their interactions and their correlation with clinical parameters.
Results
Caudoviricetes members were the dominant bacteriophages, while facultative anaerobes dominated the bacterial community in the preterm infants' gut. The bacterial diversity increased over time, whereas bacteriophage diversity decreased and trans-kingdom interaction analysis revealed distinct clusters of co-occurring bacteria and bacteriophages. Notably, twin pairs exhibited higher virome similarity compared to bacterial community similarity. Antibiotic treatment correlated strongly with bacterial community composition and modestly with virome composition. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) incidence and predicted viral host composition significantly correlated, suggesting a potential role of bacteriophages in disease aetiology.
Conclusion
This study provides a view on the complex interplay between bacterial and viral components in the preterm infant gut. We find that of bacteriophages appear to have a pivotal role in shaping the bacterial community before a more stable microbiota is reached. Furthermore we show that BPD and viral host composition are linked, suggesting that the preterm gut virome might be an important factor to consider in managing premature birth complications.
The efficacy of allelopathy of select lichens on antioxidant potential and multiplication of Ceratophyllum demersum L.
Authors: Tokgoz Ayse , Emsen Bugrahan , Dogan Muhammet 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

We aimed to investigate growth-promoting effect of Dermatocarpon miniatum and Parmelia saxatilis lichens on Ceratophyllum demersum propagated in vitro. Furthermore, we revealed antioxidant capacity variation in lichen-treated plant (allelopathic plant). C. demersum was subjected to methanol and water extracts from lichens, specifically D. miniatum and P. saxatilis. The most positive growth outcomes were witnessed when C. demersum was subjected to a methanol extract derived from P. saxatilis. We further examined DPPH scavenging and metal chelating activities, as well as total phenol and flavonoid contents, of the most robust allelopathic plants compared to control plants. Based on IC50 values, allelopathic plants exhibited greater efficacy in terms of DPPH scavenging and metal chelation activities in comparison with control. When we analyzed total phenols and flavonoids, both allelopathic plant samples, treated with both extracts, exhibited significantly higher levels (p < 0.05) compared to control. Methanol extract from allelopathic sample had maximum total phenol content (73.93 µg gallic acid equivalent/mg extract) and flavonoid content (66.26 µg quercetin equivalent/mg extract). In conclusion, this study will provide valuable input for future investigation in domain of plant development control and augmentation of biologically active substance propagation in plants, with a particular focus on utilizing P. saxatilis lichen.
Patterns of Psychiatric Admissions across two Disasters: L’Aquila Earthquake and COVID-19 Pandemic Lockdown
Authors: Barlattani Tommaso , Salfi Federico , Socci Valentina , Renzi Giulio , D'Amelio Chiara , Russo Alessia , Trebbi Edoardo , Rossi Alessandro , Pacitti Francesca 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
This study examined psychiatric hospitalisation patterns in San Salvatore Hospital in L'Aquila during two major crises: the 2009 earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. The investigation spans two four-year periods, from 2008 to 2011 and from 2019 to 2022, with a focus on the trimester around the earthquake and the first wave/lockdown of the pandemic.
Methods
We analysed weekly psychiatric unit admissions of adults diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol/substance use disorder. Four-year periods around the Earthquake and COVID-19 Lockdown were divided into sixteen trimesters, and Generalised linear models were used to analyse the relationship between weekly hospitalisation frequency and trimesters by diagnosis using a Poisson distribution.
Results
Weekly hospitalisations in the earthquake trimester were lower than the previous one for all diagnoses. This reduction persisted for 21, 18, and 33 months after the earthquake for schizophrenia spectrum, bipolar, and alcohol/substance use disorders, respectively.
On the other hand, patterns of weekly admissions around the COVID-19 lockdown remained substantially stable in the short term. However, a consistent long-term hospitalisation increase for all diagnoses characterised the first half of 2022 (the cessation of anti-COVID-19 measures).
Conclusions
The present study's findings indicated that exposure to disasters can have both short- and long-term effects on psychiatric ward admission, holding significant implications for current and future disaster management strategies.
Radiological Study on Fibular Morphology in Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Fan Xuguo , Zhao Yonggang , Wang Neng , Yang Jie , Zhao Guangyu , Luo Shuntian , Liu Zhaoxian , Zhou Liqin , Yang Yanwei 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
To explore the relationship between fibular morphology indicators and knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and the role of fibular morphology in the occurrence and development of KOA.
Methods
This retrospective study enrolled patients with KOA who sought treatment from Hospital A between January 2021 and October 2023. In total, 271 patients (447 knees), comprising 157 males and 124 females, with an average age of 60.11 ± 0.59 years (range from 18 to 86 years), were enrolled according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Measurements of hip-knee-ankle (HKA),medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA),tital fibular curvature(TFC),proximal fibular curvature (PFC), distal fibular curvature (DFC),fibula tibia distance (FTD) and fibula tibia area (FTA) were taken. Intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities of all imaging measurements were assessed using intraclass correlation analysis, and the relationship between each indicator and KOA was analyzed using logistic regression.
Results
Patients with KOA exhibited significantly larger HKA and smaller MPTA than did those without KOA. The between-group differences of TFC,PTC,DFC,FTD and FTA were nonsignificant. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that HKA, MPTA, DFCand FTD was statistically significant. K–L grade was significantly positively correlated with HKA and significantly inversely correlated with MPTA. No significant difference in TFC,PTC,DFC,FTD and FTA was observed between patients with and without KOA. Ordinal logistic regression revealed that HKA,MPTA,DFC and FTD was statistically significant. MPTA、PFC and DFC was significantly greater in patients with valgus KOA than in patients with varus KOA. However, the between-group differences of TFC,FTD and FTA was nonsignificant. Binary logistic regression analysis showed that HKA and FTD were statistically significant.
Conclusion
Fibular morphology indicator FTD is a risk factor for the occurrence of KOA, the severity of KOA, and varus KOA, and DFC serves as a protective factor against the occurrence and severity of KOA.
Multiple Cytokine Analysis of Aqueous Humor in Uveitis With or Without Secondary Glaucoma
Authors: Xiao Junyan , Zhao Chan , Cheng Gangwei , Song Hang , Zhang Yang , Zhan Meifen 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

To investigate the concentration of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines of aqueous humor (AH) in uveitis with or without glaucoma, and compare them with patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) and age-related cataract (ARC). By using Luminex xMAP® multiplex assays analyses, we assessed levels of 11 cytokines and chemokines, and compared them across groups, including uveitis-secondary glaucoma (USG) (n=16), uveitis without glaucoma (UwoG), (n=16), POAG (n=16), and ARC (n=16) to analyze the correlation between these cytokines and uveitis and intraocular hypertension (IOP). Pro-inflammatory factors MCP-1, MIP-1β, IL-6, IL-8, and transforming growth factors TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 were significantly elevated in the AH of USG eyes. In the case of enhanced anti-inflammatory in the perioperative period, the pro-inflammatory factors in the USG group were still significantly higher than those in the UwoG group (P<0.01). The concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 in the AH of the USG group and POAG group had the same trend, which was significantly higher than those of the ARC group (P<0.01). Significantly increased levels of MCP-1, MIP-1β, IL-6, IL-8, TGF-β1, and TGF-β2 were found in the AH of USG patients, suggesting that these molecules may contribute to the clinical development of glaucoma in patients with uveitis. Besides there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of cytokines in the AH of USG eyes whether the preoperative baseline IOP was greater than 30 mmHg or not, indicating that the safety of antiglaucoma surgery in USG patients even with baseline high IOP.
Understanding Women With Endometriosis and Their Treatment Expectations: Baseline Results of a Clinical Cohort Study
Authors: Joußen Navin , Meyrose Ann-Katrin , Hirsing Nina , Buchweitz Olaf , Nestoriuc Yvonne 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Introduction. Endometriosis is still somewhat unknown to the general public, often overlooked and not treated satisfactorily. 20-30% of affected women report persistent pain disability even after successful surgical removal of endometriotic tissue via laparoscopy. Medical factors can not explain this symptom persistence. Therefore, psychological factors, such as treatment expectations, might play a role for treatment outcomes of endometriosis and women’s quality of life. This study aimed to characterise women with endometriosis, describe their treatment expectations before laparoscopy, and identify predictors of treatment expectations.
Method. This study characterizes a clinical cohort of N = 393 women with endometriosis treated in a specialized endometriosis centre in Germany. Treatment expectations were assessed using the Treatment Expectation Questionnaire and the Generic Rating Scale for Treatment Expectations. Medical characteristics were evaluated with a self-conducted case report form.
Analysis. Descriptive and multiple linear regression analyses with ten different treatment expectations as the dependent variable were conducted.
Results. The mean endometriosis-related pain disability score was 30.77 ± 13.28, and the mean somatic symptom severity score was 15.61 ± 5.07. 40.2% (n = 158) of the participants had a high likelihood of having major depression, and 39.9% (n = 157) were highly likely to have a general anxiety disorder. Treatment expectations concerning the laparoscopy of participants were rather positive. Multiple linear regressions show that endometriosis-related pain disability and state anxiety predict treatment expectations of women with endometriosis. Medical characteristics were not significantly associated with treatment expectations.
Conclusion. Affected women are highly physically and psychologically burdened, mostly over several years. Patients with higher pain disability and anxiety are especially prone to negative treatment expectations.
Trial Registration Number: ID NCT05019612 (ClinicalTrials.gov), registration date August 25th.
Artificial intelligence-based density proportion analysis in predicting the invasiveness of neoplastic ground glass nodules
Authors: Xiong Ting-wei , Fu Bin-jie , Li Wang-jia , Lv Fa-jin , Chu Zhi-gang 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: A positive correlation has been observed between CT value and the invasiveness of neoplastic ground glass nodules (GGNs). However, the traditional mean CT value cannot reflect nodule heterogeneity in density.
Purpose: To explore the value of artificial intelligence (AI)-based density proportion analysis in predicting the invasiveness of neoplastic ground glass nodules (GGNs).
Methods: Between January 2019 and May 2023, a total of 687 neoplastic GGNs (247 adenocarcinomas in situ[AISs], 231 minimally invasive adenocarcinomas [MIAs], and 209 invasive adenocarcinomas [IACs]) in 654 patients were retrospectively analyzed. AI software was used to obtain the density histograms of nodules, and subsequently the proportions of the components in lesions with higher density at different density thresholds were recorded. The optimal density threshold and the corresponding proportion cutoff value for determining invasive lesions (ILs) (MIAs and IACs) and IACs were respectively explored by conducting receiver operating characteristic curve analysis.
Results: For determining the ILs and IACs, the optimal density threshold and the cutoff value for the proportion of components with density higher than the threshold were ≥ −350 HU and 17.22% (area under the curve [AUC]: 0.801, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.769–0.830, sensitivity: 51.59%, specificity: 93.52%), and ≥ −250HU and 5.64% (AUC: 0.882, 95% CI: 0.855–0.905; sensitivity: 85.65%, specificity: 76.15%), respectively. In combination with these indicators, the AUCs of the morphological features in predicting ILs and IACs increased from 0.794 to 0.849 and from 0.843 to 0.902 (each P < 0.001), respectively.
Conclusion: AI-based density analysis has a potential role in determining the invasiveness of neoplastic GGNs.