bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectrum Of Urinary Tract Infection Among Renal Allograft Recipients in a Tertiary Care Centre of Northeast India
Authors: Sharma Manjuri , Qanoongo Faheem Nazir , Doley Prodip Kumar , Pegu Gayatri , Pegu Miranda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background Urinary tract infection (UTI) poses a significant threat to renal allograft recipients, jeopardizing graft function and patient survival. This study aimed to investigate the incidence, clinical manifestations, microbiological profile, risk factors, and impact of UTI on renal allograft outcomes.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted at a tertiary care center in Assam, India, from July 2022 to January 2024, including 220 renal allograft recipients aged over 18 years. Detailed clinical, microbiological, and outcome data were collected and analyzed using SPSS. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent risk factors.Results The incidence of UTI was 25%, with a higher prevalence in females (58%). Asymptomatic bacteriuria (45%) and cystitis (35%) were the most common UTI types. Escherichia coli (44%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (32%) were the predominant uropathogens, with 12% of isolates being multi-drug resistant (MDR) and 7% pan-drug resistant (PDR). Female gender (OR 6.73, 95% CI 4.53–12.65, p < 0.001), Prolonged Foley's catheterization (OR 3.92, 95% CI 2.95–4.88, p = 0.019), and Urinary tract abnormalities (OR 2.83, 95% CI 1.61–4.17, p = 0.027) emerged as significant independent risk factors. UTI led to graft failure in 54% of cases, and 3% underwent graft nephrectomy. However, 66% of patients with acute graft dysfunction due to UTI achieved complete recovery with management.Conclusions This study revealed a substantial 25% incidence of urinary tract infection among renal allograft recipients, with the highest risk observed in the early post-transplant period, especially within the first 3 months. Asymptomatic bacteriuria was the most common presentation, and Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the predominant uropathogens, with a considerable proportion exhibiting multidrug and pan-drug resistance. Female gender, prolonged Foley's catheterization, and urinary tract abnormalities were identified as independent risk factors for UTI development. These findings emphasize the need for heightened vigilance, prompt diagnosis, tailored treatment approaches, and targeted preventive strategies to mitigate the burden of UTIs and combat antimicrobial resistance in this high-risk population.
Multi-Objective Contextual Bandits in Recommendation Systems for Smart Tourism
Authors: Qassimi Sara , Rakrak Said 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In the context of smart tourism, the utilization of recommender systems is becoming increasingly critical for enhancing the personalization and quality of travel experiences. Tourists often encounter complex decision-making due to information overload, context-aware recommender systems have emerged as a promising solution, leveraging contextual data such as time, weather, and location. However, these systems face the challenge of the complexity of handling dynamic context. Thus, the static nature of these systems can result in a degradation of performance, as they fail to capture the dynamic nature of user behavior and context. Addressing these issues, this paper presents a novel multi-objective contextual multi-armed bandit-based recommender system. This proposal integrates the strengths of contextual bandit algorithms with multi-objective optimization, offering personalized recommendations and learning from user feedback. The multi-objective optimization includes the dual necessities of relevance and fairness in recommendations, ensuring the promotion of a balanced tourism ecosystem. Extensive experiments were carried out on public datasets to evaluate the performance of our proposed approach. Its effectiveness was compared with baseline methods to establish its performance, demonstrating the significance of multi-objective optimization in enhancing personalized recommendations in smart tourism. To evaluate the performance of our proposed algorithm, we conducted experiments using two datasets, a designed dataset that simulates real-world scenarios and TripAdvisor dataset. The study provides a case scenario of implementing this proposed approach in the smart tourism context of Marrakesh, demonstrating its potential to revolutionize the tourist experience in smart cities.
Uptake of Preventive Nutrition Interventions among Caretakers of Children under 5 years in a pastoral setting of South Sudan
Authors: BALUKU Walter Nehemiah , Kananura Rornald Muhumuza , Wasswa Ronald , Tsadik Shishay , Guwoly Stella Guwoly Stella , Babughirana Geoffrey , Tabusibwa Barbara Eva Kirunda 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Preventive nutrition interventions (PNI) are usually implemented without understanding how multilevel factors affect uptake. Undernutrition is defined as inadequate intake of nutritious foods. Pastoral populations coupled with conflicts are seen to have low uptake. The study assessed level and multiple factors influencing uptake of PNI in caregivers of children under 5 years (CU5) in Kapoeta South County of South Sudan.
Methods
The study was multidimensional and recruited 405 caregivers of CU5. Quantitative data were obtained through a structured questionnaire. Qualitative data were obtained through Key Informant Interviews (KII). Quantitative data were classified; Personal, interpersonal, and community factors and analyzed using Stata version 16.0. Factor analysis categorized uptake levels; low, medium, and high and logistic binary regression model used to evaluate associations.
Result
Uptake of preventive nutrition interventions was low (51.4%). In a combined regression model, caregivers who had ever heard about PNI (OR=0.16, C.I.=0.10-0.25), number of children in a household (OR=0.40, C.I.=0.26-0.63), and caregivers who made joint decisions (OR=0.31, C.I.=0.19-0.50) were negatively associated with low uptake of PNIs. Similarly, having an undernourished child (OR=2.59, C.I.=1.73-3.89), time to reach health facility (OR=1.70, C.I.=1.30-2.23) and absence of a health facility in community (OR=1.63, C.I.=1.02-2.59) were positively associated with uptake. KIs confirmed undernourishment and time to reach health facilities as barriers influencing low uptake.
Conclusion
Uptake of preventive nutrition interventions among caretakers of CU5 in a pastoral setting of South Sudan is low. Nutrition stakeholders should target caregivers with information, benefits and availability of PNIs and role of spousal-supported joint decision-making.
Effect of Vitamin C on Subacute Cypermethrin Induced Hematotoxicity and Brain Histopathological Changes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Moses Ezekiel , Izegaegbe Amanda E. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of vitamin C on cypermethrin induced haematological and histological changes in adult Wistar rats. Twenty apparently healthy adult Wistar rats were used for this study. The animals were acclimatized for two weeks before the commencement of the study. The rats were divided randomly into 4 groups of 5 animals each. Animals in group A were dosed with distilled water (DW), while those in group B were given Cypermethrin (CYP) at 30mg/kg. The rats in group C were treated with vitamin C (100mg/kg), while those in group D were administered sequentially with cypermethrin (CYP) (30mg/kg) and 30minutes after vitamin C (100mg/kg) was given. The treatments were administered once daily by oral gavage for 2 weeks and all rats were observed for clinical signs within the test period. Clinical signs were observed within the test period. At the end of the experiment, blood (2mls) was collected directly from the heart and brain samples were also collected using dissecting tools from each group. The rats in group B showed clinical signs of diarrhea, salivation, restlessness, scratching and rubbing their mouth on beddings and rough hair coat with erect hairs. Rats in groups A, C and D showed no clinical signs. The decreased WBC, reduced RBC counts and increased MCHC were ameliorated by treatment with vitamin C in group D. Treatment with vitamin C did not affect the body weight of these animals. Vacuoles were seen in the histopathological sections of the brain of groups B and D, which was more evident in group B, while groups A and C were normal. From this study it is concluded that vitamin C mitigated the hematological and brain histopathological changes induced by cypermethrin probably due to its antioxidant mechanism.
Exploring Variability for morphological and quality traits in Natural Seedling Origin Mango Germplasm of South Gujarat
Authors: Patel Nikita , Tandel Y. N. , Chauhan D. A. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In order to determine the possibility of local seedling origin mango genotypes from different districts in the South Gujarat region during 2021–2023, which have been found in both orchards and backyards, the natural diversity of seedling mango was examined. A total of 113 mango seedlings were identified and subjected to biochemical, quantitative, and qualitative analysis. Fruit form, beak type, sinus type, fruit apex, skin color of ripe fruit, fiber content, and pulp texture were among the quantitative characteristics examined; all of these showed substantial differences across certain genotypes. The variables that varied the most were fruit weight, fruit width, peel weight, stone weight, shelf life, titratable acidity, and ascorbic acid properties. Based on the amount of fiber they contain, genotypes have been split into two main groups: 89 genotypes with table purpose and 24 genotypes with sucking purpose. Furthermore, ten superior Navsari Mango Selection (NMS) genotypes, namely NMS-15, NMS-18, NMS-20, NMS-38, NMS-69, NMS-77, NMS-88, NMS-112, and NMS-146, were identified based on five commercially significant traits, including fruit weight (> 200 g), pulp percentage (> 60.00%), TSS (> 20 ° Brix), shelf life (> 7 days), and overall acceptability (> 7 point).
Microplastic pollution in riparian soils of the rapidly growing city of Thimphu, Bhutan
Authors: Jamtsho Karma , Lund Mark A. , Blake David , Etten Eddie J.B. van 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Plastic has become a vitally important material for humans; however, the large amount of plastic waste generated annually pollutes the environment. Plastic decomposition generates microplastics (MPs), which have emerged as a concerning global environmental pollutant because of their potential to be more harmful to the environment than their larger counterparts. This study investigated the effects of land use, distance to impervious cover (IC), and plot IC% on the abundance of MPs, as well as the relationship between MPs and urban riparian soil (RS) properties, surface plastic, textile waste, and distance to upstream drainage outlet in the riparian zone (RZ) of the Wang River in Thimphu City, Bhutan. A density separation technique was used to extract MPs from the soil. The results showed that RS in urban sites had higher concentrations of MPs (93.31%) than in other land use (7.69%, p = 0.04). Blue MPs (46.15%) were the most common plastic colour. MPs in urban RS sites were distributed unevenly, ranging from 0 to 500 particles/kg. MP concentration was positively correlated with RS available phosphorus (p = 0.01). Our findings highlight the nature and pathways of MP pollution in developing cities, where the emphasis on economic growth often leads to environmental management being deprioritized. We also identify opportunities for developing cities to reduce MP pollution by recovering surface plastic and textile waste, recycling, and disposing of them in low-impact landfills.
Production of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and lupeol by Lycium schweinfurthii suspension cultures in shake flasks and a rocking-motion bioreactor
Authors: Mamdouh Diaa , Nebauer Peter , Junne Stefan , Smetanska Iryna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Lycium schweinfurthii, a wild shrub of the Solanaceae family, has received increasing attention in the last decade for its therapeutic potential in traditional medicine due to its diverse array of secondary metabolites, including phenolic substances and terpenoids. The aim of this study was to investigate the accumulation of phenolics, flavonoids, and the terpenoid lupeol in L. schweinfurthii cell suspension cultures cultivated in flasks and in a single-use 2-dimensional rocking motion bioreactor. 3 different media formulations were compared for in vitro cell cultures. Various parameters, such as biomass accumulation, settled cell volume, cell viability (assessed via a 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride assay), and sucrose consumption were recorded as indicators of cell activity and growth. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were estimated spectrophotometrically and lupeol was quantified via High-Performance Thin Layer Chromatography (HPTLC). Although a higher fresh biomass concentration of 464 g L− 1 was obtained in MS medium supplemented with a combination of each, 1 mg L− 1 of 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and 1-Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), the rocking-motion bioreactor cultivation was performed with 2 mg L− 1 NAA due to its superior reproducibility in viability, productivity, and content of bioactive compounds. A final fresh biomass concentration of 185 g L− 1 was achieved in a 16 L cultivation scale with a notable increase in the concentration of phenolics (1.4-fold) and flavonoids (1.7-fold). Most importantly, the concentration of lupeol, a pentacyclic triterpenoid known for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-atherogenic properties, exhibited a remarkable 5.5-fold increase in the bioreactor cultivation (585 µg g− 1) compared to shake flask cultivations (106 µg g− 1). The current study demonstrated the profound impact of media composition and especially of controlled cultivation conditions in a rocking-motion bioreactor on the accumulation of bioactive compounds. The findings are also relevant for other plant cell cultures.
Empirical Model of VIX Volatility and SPX Variance
Authors: Lee Peter 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We introduce a toy model for VIX futures dynamics using the Shifted-Lognormal (SLN) model which does an excellent job of fitting VIX option prices with only two parameters. Then using the results of Roger Lee who studied SLN models in detail, we propose a way to extrapolate VIX volatility surface which by construction is arbitrage free. Then, we derive analytical formula for forward variance in this model and relate risks of VIX volatility surface with that of SPX volatility surface by matching variance swaps results from both markets. This allows one to relate risk parameters between VIX and SPX volatility surface, namely we derive a nonlinear equation that relates VIX skew and SPX skew. This can be used for cross market hedging, arbitrage and enhanced risk monitoring.
Scorpion Peptides from Buthus martensii Karsch Venom with Dual
Functions: Their Pharmaceutic Potential for Cancer Pain Therapy
Authors: Kampo Sylvanus , Kolbilla David Zawumya , Babu Aaron Bayor 
Published: May 2024

:
Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) scorpion venom and its extracts are compounds found to contain a mixture of peptides with antitumor and analgesic activities. The extracts also contain polypeptides, lipids, nucleotides, mucoproteins, and other unknown substances showing potential therapeutic application. Finding medically relevant toxins, a range of peptides have been purified from BmK scorpion venom. These scorpion toxins are believed to modulate pain pathways to treat pain and cancer. This study aims to review the literature on BmK scorpion peptides with dual functions, their analgesic effects, and their mechanism of action in pain treat-ments and cancer. We reviewed the literature published between 1990 and 2023 from various databases and identified 59 articles suitable for our narrative review. In 1994, the first BmK scorpion peptide with an analgesic effect was purified. Since then, more analgesic peptides have been purified, including BmK AGAP, BmK AGAP-SYPU2, BmK AGP, BmK AGP-SYPU1, BmK AGP-SYPU2, BmK AS, and BmK iT2. Studies have demonstrated that these peptides bind to voltage sodium channels and inhibit the inactivation of the activated sodium channels to block neuron transmission. The analgesic activities of these peptides have been examined on different pain stimuli, resulting in strong analgesic and antitumor effects. Moreover, the antitumor activi-ties of these peptides have been investigated in vitro and in vivo. The findings showed that the analgesic peptides may have antitumor effects. Based on their dual functions, these peptides have the potential to be developed as practical therapeutic agents for the treatment of cancer-related pain.
Successful treatment of a challenging periprosthetic femoral fracture on a premenopausal patient with a long history of immunosuppression
Authors: Kurokawa Takayuki , Varga Endre 
Published: May 2024

While immunosuppression provides relief and care in patients with rheumatic arthritis, the prolonged usage of steroids has been known to cause various and serious complications. While in older patients it is common to find those with a long history of immunosuppression, younger patients also suffer from its prolonged complications. We present a 38 year old heavily immunocompromised female patient with excellent compliance on which we operated on multiple occasions and have treated from 2019 to 2022. The patient was originally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 7, and has been receiving high dose immunosuppressive medication. The patient received bilateral total hip arthroplasty during 2009 and 2013, and a Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKE) in 2011. Over the course of her postoperative recovery, she suffered from multiple cases of periprosthetic fractures. In October 2019, the patient again presented with spontaneous pain in her right thigh. She was then diagnosed with a Vancouver C type periprosthetic fracture on the right femur, and was referred and admitted to our level one Trauma Center in Szeged, Hungary. After multiple trials, the patient received a Locking Compression Plate (LCP) type Proximal Femoral Hook Plate (PFHP) with cable fixation, attachments and a bone allograft to reinforce stability and neutralize stress on the fractured area. Multiple and repetitive challenges can be expected in treating bony fractures of weight bearing lower limbs for heavily immunocompromised patients. The patient, despite her young age, had the osteological biology of a elderly patient, requiring us to take into consideration not only surgical components but biological components as well. With a multidisciplinary approach from osteological, biological, and surgical fields, successful results may be acquired even in these challenging cases.
Effectiveness of mHealth Apps for Maternal Health Care Delivery: Systematic Review of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Ameyaw Edward Kwabena , Amoah Padmore Adusei , Ezezika Obidimma 
Published: May 2024

Background
Globally, the use of mobile health (mHealth) apps or interventions has increased. Robust synthesis of existing systematic reviews on mHealth apps may offer useful insights to guide maternal health clinicians and policy makers.

Objective
This systematic review aims to assess the effectiveness or impact of mHealth apps on maternal health care delivery globally.

Methods
We systematically searched Scopus, Web of Science (Core Collection), MEDLINE or PubMed, CINAHL, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using a predeveloped search strategy. The quality of the reviews was independently assessed by 3 reviewers, while study selection was done by 2 independent raters. We presented a narrative synthesis of the findings, highlighting the specific mHealth apps, where they are implemented, and their effectiveness or outcomes toward various maternal conditions.

Results
A total of 2527 documents were retrieved, out of which 16 documents were included in the review. Most mHealth apps were implemented by sending SMS text messages with mobile phones. mHealth interventions were most effective in 5 areas: maternal anxiety and depression, diabetes in pregnancy, gestational weight management, maternal health care use, behavioral modification toward smoking cessation, and controlling substance use during pregnancy. We noted that mHealth interventions for maternal health care are skewed toward high-income countries (13/16, 81%).

Conclusions
The effectiveness of mHealth apps for maternity health care has drawn attention in research and practice recently. The study showed that research on mHealth apps and their use dominate in high-income countries. As a result, it is imperative that low- and middle-income countries intensify their commitment to these apps for maternal health care, in terms of use and research.

Trial Registration
PROSPERO CRD42022365179; https://tinyurl.com/e5yxyx77
Japanese Perception of Organ Donation and Implications for New Medical Technologies: Quantitative and Qualitative Social Media Analyses
Authors: Vargas Meza Xanat , Oikawa Masanori 
Published: May 2024

Background
The Rapid Autopsy Program (RAP) is a valuable procedure for studying human biology and diseases such as cancer. However, implementing the RAP in Japan necessitates a thorough understanding of concepts such as good death and the integration of sociocultural aspects. By revising perceptions of organ donation on social media, we bring attention to the challenges associated with implementing new medical research procedures such as the RAP.

Objective
This study aims to examine YouTube and Twitter/X to identify stakeholders, evaluate the quality of organ donation communication, and analyze sociocultural aspects associated with organ donation. Based on our findings, we propose recommendations for the implementation of new medical research procedures.

Methods
Using the term “臓器提供” (organ donation), we collected data from YouTube and Twitter/X, categorizing them into 5 dimensions: time, individuality, place, activity, and relationships. We utilized a scale to evaluate the quality of organ donation information and categorized YouTube videos into 3 groups to analyze their differences using statistical methods. Additionally, we conducted a text-based analysis to explore narratives associated with organ donation.

Results
Most YouTube videos were uploaded in 2021 (189/638, 29.6%) and 2022 (165/638, 25.9%), while tweets about organ donation peaked between 2019 and 2022. Citizens (184/770, 23.9%), media (170/770, 22.0%), and unknown actors (121/770, 15.7%) were the primary uploaders of videos on organ donation. In a sample of average retweeted and liked tweets, citizens accounted for the majority of identified users (64/91, 70%, and 65/95, 68%, respectively). Regarding Japanese regions, there were numerous information videos about organ donation in Hokkaido (F2.46,147.74=–5.28, P=.005) and Kyushu and Okinawa (F2.46,147.74=–5.28, P=.005). On Twitter/X, Japan and China were the most frequently mentioned countries in relation to organ donation discussions. Information videos often focused on themes such as borrowed life and calls to register as donors, whereas videos categorized as no information and misinformation frequently included accusations of organ trafficking, often propagated by Chinese-American media. Tweets primarily centered around statements of donation intention and discussions about family consent. The majority of video hyperlinks directed users to YouTube and Twitter/X platforms, while Twitter/X hyperlinks predominantly led to news reports from Japanese media outlets.

Conclusions
There is significant potential to implement new medical research procedures such as the RAP in Japan. Recommendations include conceptualizing research data as borrowed data, implementing horizontally diversified management of donation programs, and addressing issues related to science misinformation and popular culture trends.