bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maximizing hydropower station safety against earthquake through extreme learning machine-enabled shear waves velocity prediction
Authors: Song Tao , Guan Di , Wang Zhen , Ghorbani Hamzeh 
Published: June 2024

Hydropower stations are important infrastructures for generating clean energy. However, they are vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, which can cause severe damage and even lead to catastrophic failures. Therefore, it is essential to develop effective strategies for maximizing hydropower station safety against earthquakes. To evaluate the potential shear rate of surrounding rock layers, the shear wave velocity (Vs) parameter can be used as a useful tool. This parameter helps to determine the velocity at which shear waves travel through the rock layers, which can indicate their stability and susceptibility to earthquakes. This study will investigate the significance of the Vs parameter in evaluating the potential shear rate of rock layers surrounding hydropower stations and how it can be used to ensure their safety and efficiency in earthquake-prone regions. Furthermore, a novel approach is proposed in this research, which involves using extreme learning machine (ELM) technology to predict Vs and enhance the seismic safety of hydropower stations. The ELM model predicts the Vs of the soil layers around the hydropower station, a crucial factor in determining the structure’s seismic response. The predicted Vs is then used to assess seismic hazard and design appropriate safety measures. The ML-ELM model outperformed both the ELM and empirical models, with an RMSE of 0.0432 μs/ft and R2 of 0.9954, as well as fewer outlier data predictions. This approach shows promise for predicting Vs in similar environments, and future research could explore its effectiveness in other datasets and practical applications.
What are the experiences of medical students and their trainers regarding undergraduate training in primary health care at four South African medical schools? A qualitative study
Authors: Mabuza Langalibalele Honey , Moshabela Mosa 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundIn 1978, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted primary health care (PHC) as the most effective strategy to meet the healthcare needs of communities. This raises the question as to the extent and nature of the training that undergraduate (UG) medical students receive in medical schools regarding PHC, following this statement.AimThe study aim was to explore the experiences of UG medical students and their trainers regarding training in PHC in their institutions.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted among UG medical students (MBChB 4-6) and their trainers at four conveniently selected South African medical schools. A total of 16 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 27 in-depth interviews were conducted among students and their trainers, respectively. The MAXQDA 2020 (Analytics Pro) software program was used to arrange the data, resulting in 2,179 data segments, from which categories, sub-themes and themes were derived.ResultsBoth the UG medical students and their trainers regarded PHC as mainly an approach to health rather than a level of care. Students were trained by specialists and generalists, received training in the undifferentiated patient, coordinated, comprehensive and continuity of care. The training in tertiary centers, conducted mainly by specialists, the implicitness of the training and the inadequacy of trainers at the PHC settings presented challenges.ConclusionStudents and their trainers experienced UG student training in PHC in line with the internationally recognized principles on the subject. The view by students and their trainers that PHC is an approach rather than a level of care enhanced its training across disciplines. The implicitness of the training and the tertiary learning platforms were the main challenges experienced. For optimum PHC training, more time should be dedicated to distributed training platforms with supportive specialist outreach programs in the South African medical schools.
The effect of microvascular decompression of the CN IX-X root entry/exit zone and the ventrolateral medulla in neurogenic hypertension involving the vertebral/basilar artery
Authors: Zeng Defeng , Wang Shiyao , Wei Xingrong , Zhang Shuguang , Zhou Hao , Hu Xueqian , Fu Xin , Li Yang , Wei Zhenqing 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionNeurogenic hypertension (HTN) is a type of HTN characterized by increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system. Vascular compression is one of the pathogenic mechanisms of neurogenic HTN. Despite Jannetta's solid anatomical and physiological arguments in favor of neurogenic HTN in the 1970's, the treatment for essential HTN by microvascular decompression (MVD) still lacks established selection criteria. Therefore, the subjects selected for our center were limited to patients with primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN) and primary hemifacial spasm (HFS) of the vertebral/basilar artery (VA/BA) responsible vessel type coexisting with neurogenic HTN who underwent MVD of the brainstem to further explore possible indications for MVD in the treatment of neurogenic HTN.MethodsA retrospective analysis of 63 patients who were diagnosed with neurogenic HTN had symptoms of HFS and TN cranial nerve disease. Patients were treated at our neurosurgery department from January 2018 to January 2023. A preoperative magnetic resonance examination of the patients revealed the presence of abnormally located vascular compression in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) and the root entry zone (REZ) of the IX and X cranial nerves (CN IX- X).ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of gender, age, course of HFS, course of TN, course of HTN, degree of HTN, or preoperative blood pressure. Based on the postoperative blood pressure levels, nine out of 63 patients were cured (14.28%), eight cases (12.70%) showed a marked effect, 16 cases (25.40%) were effective, and 30 cases were invalid (47.62%). The overall efficacy was 52.38%. However, 39 cases of combined cranial nerve disease were on the left side of the efficacy rate (66.67%) and 24 cases of combined cranial nerve disease were on the right side of the efficacy rate (29.16%).DiscussionOver the last few decades, many scholars have made pioneering progress in the clinical retrospective study of MVD for neurogenic hypertension, and our study confirms the efficacy of MVD in treating vertebral/basilar artery-type neurogenic hypertension by relieving the vascular pressure of RVLM. In the future, with the development and deepening of pathological mechanisms and clinical observational studies, MVD may become an important treatment for neurogenic hypertension by strictly grasping the surgical indications.ConclusionMVD is an effective treatment for neurogenic HTN. Indications may include the following: left-sided TN or HFS combined with neurogenic HTN; VA/BA compression in the left RVLM and REZ areas on MRI; and blood pressure in these patients cannot be effectively controlled by drugs.
Association of circulating minerals and vitamins with pregnancy complications: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Xie Yuan , Zhang Jie , Ni Shuang , Li Ji 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundThough considerable studies suggesting connections between micronutrients and pregnancy complications, current evidence remains inconsistent and lacks causative confirmation. Our study aimed to explore the causal links between them with a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis.MethodsGenome-wide association studies (GWAS) data for circulating micronutrients were sourced from GWAS Catalog consortium and PubMed, while data for pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension (GH), spontaneous abortion (SA), preterm birth (PTB), and stillbirth (SB), were retrieved from the UK Biobank and FinnGen consortia. Causal effects were appraised using inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median (WM), and MR-Egger, followed by sensitivity analyses and meta-analysis for validation.ResultsGenetically predicted higher vitamin E (OR = 0.993, 95% CI 0.987–0.998; p = 0.005) levels were inversely associated with SA risk. Consistent results were obtained in meta-analysis (OR = 0.99, 95% CI 0.99–1.00; p = 0.005). Besides, a potential positive causality between genetic predisposition to vitamin B12 and SB was identified in both IVW (OR = 0.974, 95% CI 0.953–0.996; p = 0.018) and WM analysis (OR = 0.965, 95% CI 0.939–0.993; p = 0.013). However, no causal relationships were observed between other analyzed circulating micronutrients and pregnancy complications.ConclusionThis study offers compelling evidence of causal associations between circulating levels of vitamins E, B12 and the risk of SA and SB, respectively. These findings are pivotal for pregnancy complications screening and prevention, potentially guiding clinical practice and public health policies toward targeted nutritional interventions.
Is the percentage of hormone receptor positivity in HR+ HER2-metastatic breast cancer patients receiving CDK 4/6 inhibitor with endocrine therapy predictive and prognostic?
Authors: Keskinkilic Merve , Semiz Huseyin Salih , Yavuzsen Tugba , Oztop Ilhan 
Published: June 2024

PurposeThere is no clear information in the literature about the relationship between the efficacy of CDK 4/6i combined with ET and HR positivity. However, we know that the longest overall survival was in the ER-strong positive/PR intermediate or strong positive groups. Therefore, we aimed to investigate CDK4/6i treatments that create positivity in HR.MethodsPatients with the diagnosis of HR+/HER2- MBC who were treated with CDK 4/6i and HR &gt;10% were retrospectively evaluated. To analyze the role of HR positivity, ER was moderately positive (10-49%) and ER was strongly positive (50-100%); PR was grouped as moderately positive (10-49%) and PR strongly positive (50-100%).ResultsMedian follow-up of 150 patients included in the study was 15.2 months (95% CI, 2.1-40.9 months). The highest response in the whole group was obtained in the ER-strong positive/PR moderate or strong positive group, and the ER moderate positive/PR moderate or strong group. This was followed by the ER strong positive/PR negative group, and then the ER moderate positive/PR negative group. Although these advantages were not statistically significant, they were numerically higher (ORR: 83.8% vs. 83.3% vs. 77.4% vs. 62.5%, p=0.488, respectively). The highest survival in the whole group was achieved in the ER strong positive/PR moderate or strongly positive group, followed by the ER moderately positive/PR moderate or strongly positive group, the ER strongly positive/PR negative group followed by the ER moderate positive/PR negative group, respectively(p=0.410). However, these advantages were not statistically significant.ConclusionAs a result, HR+/HER2- MBC patients receiving CDK 4/6i combined with ET suggest that the percentage of HR positivity may have a predictive and prognostic role.
Evaluation of pathogenic variants detected in high homology regions of the PMS2 gene. How effective is long-range PCR?
Authors: Paixão Daniele , Lima Thalitta Hetamaro Ayala , de Souza Rafaela Rogério Floriano , Carnavalli Juliana Emilia Prior , Picanço-Albuquerque Clarissa Gondim , Silva-Fernandes Isabelle Joyce de Lima , de Barros Silva Paulo Goberlânio , Mitne-Neto Miguel , Moreira Caroline Mônaco , Baratela Wagner Antônio da Rosa 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionLynch syndrome (LS) is an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome characterized by a high risk of colorectal and extracolonic tumors. Germline pathogenic variants (GPV) in the PMS2 gene are associated with &lt;15% of all cases. The PMS2CL pseudogene presents high homology with PMS2, challenging molecular diagnosis by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Due to the high methodological complexity required to distinguish variants between PMS2 and PMS2CL, most laboratories do not clearly report the origin of this molecular finding.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to confirm the GPVs detected by NGS in regions of high homology segments of the PMS2 gene in a Brazilian sample.MethodsAn orthogonal and gold standard long-range PCR (LR-PCR) methodology to separate variants detected in the PMS2 gene from those detected in the pseudogene.ResultsA total of 74 samples with a PMS2 GPV detected by NGS in exons with high homology with PMS2CL pseudogene were evaluated. The most common was NM_000535.6:c.2182_2184delinsG, which was previously described as deleterious mutation in a study of African-American patients with LS and has been widely reported by laboratories as a pathogenic variant associated with the LS phenotype. Of all GPVs identified, only 6.8% were confirmed by LR-PCR. Conversely, more than 90% of GPV were not confirmed after LR-PCR, and the diagnosis of LS was ruled out by molecular mechanisms associated with PMS2.ConclusionIn conclusion, the use of LR-PCR was demonstrated to be a reliable approach for accurate molecular analysis of PMS2 variants in segments with high homology with PMS2CL. We highlight that our laboratory is a pioneer in routine diagnostic complementation of the PMS2 gene in Brazil, directly contributing to a more assertive molecular diagnosis and adequate genetic counseling for these patients and their families.
Comparative study of immune response to local tumor destruction modalities in a murine breast cancer model
Authors: Budhu Sadna , Kim Kwanghee , Yip Wesley , La Rosa Stephen , Jebiwott Sylvia , Cai Liqun , Holland Aliya , Thomas Jasmine , Preise Dina , Somma Alex , Gordon Benjamin , Scherz Avigdor , Wolchok Jedd D. , Erinjeri Joseph , Merghoub Taha , Coleman Jonathan A. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionImmunotherapy is revolutionizing the management of multiple cancer types. However, only a subset of patients responds to immunotherapy. One mechanism of resistance is the absence of immune infiltrates within the tumor. In situ vaccine with local means of tumor destruction that can induce immunogenic cell death have been shown to enhance tumor T cell infiltration and increase efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade.MethodsHere, we compare three different forms of localize tumor destruction therapies: radiation therapy (RT), vascular targeted photodynamic therapy (VTP) and cryoablation (Cryo), which are known to induce immunogenic cell death, with their ability to induce local and systemic immune responses in a mouse 4T1 breast cancer model. The effects of combining RT, VTP, Cryo with anti-PD1 was also assessed.ResultsWe observed that RT, VTP and Cryo significantly delayed tumor growth and extended overall survival. In addition, they also induced regression of non-treated distant tumors in a bilateral model suggesting a systemic immune response. Flow cytometry showed that VTP and Cryo are associated with a reduction in CD11b+ myeloid cells (granulocytes, monocytes, and macrophages) in tumor and periphery. An increase in CD8+ T cell infiltration into tumors was observed only in the RT group. VTP and Cryo were associated with an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ cells in the periphery.ConclusionThese data suggest that cell death induced by VTP and Cryo elicit similar immune responses that differ from local RT.
Evaluation of clopidogrel response in healthy cats using a novel viscoelastic test and thromboelastography
Authors: Rosati Tommaso , Jandrey Karl E. , Stern Joshua A. , Nguyen Nghi , Li Ronald H. L. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionCats with cardiomyopathy face an increased risk of arterial thromboembolism (ATE). Although clopidogrel is frequently utilized to mitigate this risk, feline responses to this therapy exhibit variability. This study evaluated 2 viscoelastic devices, thromboelastography (TEG) and Viscoelastic Coagulation Monitor (VCM), for monitoring clopidogrel in cats in comparison to light transmission aggregometry (LTA).MethodsTwenty-eight healthy cats received clopidogrel for 7 days. Blood was collected at baseline and after treatment for analysis by TEG, VCM, and LTA.ResultsOn LTA, maximum amplitude, slope, and area under the curve (AUC) significantly decreased after treatment (p &lt; 0.0001). On VCM, maximum clot firmness (MCF) significantly increased after treatment (p = 0.002). On TEG, R-time significantly prolonged (p = 0.024), while K and alpha angle significantly changed (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0014, respectively). There was a moderate negative correlation between TEG R-time and LTA AUC (r = −0.39, p = 0.042). Eight cats were identified as non-responders to clopidogrel. Of the 8 non-responders, 6 (75%) had shortened R time after treatment. VCM appeared to be less discriminatory in identifying non-responders.DiscussionLTA remained the gold standard of monitoring clopidogrel treatment in cats. Unexpected changes on VCM and TEG were likely related to high interindividual and assay variability and increased sensitivity of feline platelets. R-time on TEG may have potential utility for point-of-care monitoring of clopidogrel response in cats.
Two Decades of Air Pollution Health Risk Assessment: Insights From the Use of WHO’s AirQ and AirQ+ Tools
Authors: Amini Heresh , Yousefian Fatemeh , Faridi Sasan , Andersen Zorana J. , Calas Ellénore , Castro Alberto , Cervantes-Martínez Karla , Cole-Hunter Thomas , Corso Magali , Dragic Natasa , Evangelopoulos Dimitris , Gapp Christian , Hassanvand Mohammad Sadegh , Kim Ingu , Le Tertre Alain , Medina Sylvia , Miller Brian , Montero Stephanie , Requia Weeberb J. , Riojas-Rodriguez Horacio , Rojas-Rueda David , Samoli Evangelia , Texcalac-Sangrador Jose Luis , Yitshak-Sade Maayan , Schwartz Joel , Kuenzli Nino , Spadaro Joseph V. , Krzyzanowski Michal , Mudu Pierpaolo 
Published: June 2024

ObjectivesWe evaluated studies that used the World Health Organization’s (WHO) AirQ and AirQ+ tools for air pollution (AP) health risk assessment (HRA) and provided best practice suggestions for future assessments.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive review of studies using WHO’s AirQ and AirQ+ tools, searching several databases for relevant articles, reports, and theses from inception to Dec 31, 2022.ResultsWe identified 286 studies that met our criteria. The studies were conducted in 69 countries, with most (57%) in Iran, followed by Italy and India (∼8% each). We found that many studies inadequately report air pollution exposure data, its quality, and validity. The decisions concerning the analysed population size, health outcomes of interest, baseline incidence, concentration-response functions, relative risk values, and counterfactual values are often not justified, sufficiently. Many studies lack an uncertainty assessment.ConclusionOur review found a number of common shortcomings in the published assessments. We suggest better practices and urge future studies to focus on the quality of input data, its reporting, and associated uncertainties.
THEORETICAL SUBSTANTIATION OF ZERO ABSOLUTE TRANSMISSION LEVELS IN TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Authors: Ясинский С.А. 
Published: June 2024

В статье приведена математическая и электрическая модель для обоснования нулевых абсолютных уровней передачи по сопротивлению, на основании которой произведен расчет соответствующих уровней по напряжению и току. Полученные после теоретического обоснования уточненные нулевые абсолютные уровни передачи с научных позиций являются доказательством правильности выбора эмпирическим путем действующих нулевых (эталонных) их значений по сопротивлению и мощности.
The article presents a mathematical and electrical model to substantiate zero absolute transmission levels in resistance, on the basis of which the corresponding voltage and current levels are calculated. The refined zero absolute transmission levels obtained after theoretical substantiation from scientific positions are proof of the correctness of the empirical choice of the existing zero (reference) values of their resistance and power.
ЗАРОДЖЕННЯ ЄВРОПЕЙСЬКОГО ВИКОНАВСТВА НА ДВОРЯДНОМУ КСИЛОФОНІ АМЕРИКАНСЬКОЇ СИСТЕМИ
Authors: Олійник Дмитро 
Published: June 2024

Стаття присвячена вивченню умов адаптації в Європі дворядного ксилофона американської системи розташування пластин. Розглянуто діяльність американських ксилофоністів в Європі наприкінці ХІХ – першої половини ХХ ст., які сприяли популяризації інструмента нової системи та подальшому розвитку європейського виконавства. Уведено до наукового обігу маловідомі матеріали, що стосуються творчої діяльності перших європейських виконавців ХХ століття.
АВТОРСЬКА ІНТЕРПРЕТАЦІЯ ГЛИБИННИХ СМИСЛІВ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ КУЛЬТУРИ У ХУДОЖНЬО-ПОЕТИЧНОМУ КОНТЕКСТІ
Authors: Мольдерф Тетяна 
Published: June 2024

Ретроспективний огляд авторського альбому «Заквітчана Україна» виявив глибокий культурологічний його зміст, в широкому діапазоні якого віддзеркалилась духовна сутність української нації з її ціннісними традиціями, благочестям, гідністю. Світоглядний авторський вектор запропонував поціновувачам нові орієнтири у сприйнятті прекрасного, залучив синергію двох видів мистецтв – образотворчого й поетичного, об’єднав спільні ідеї й думки у відображенні благословенної краси всесвіту, добра, злагоди. Рецензентом зазначено оригінальність корпусу авторських ініціатив у репрезентованих художньо-поетичних творах, перенесення їх в нову змістовну рамку – рефреймінгу – як свідчення про народження незвичайного продукту творчості, здатного полонити шанувальників мистецтва красою й інтелектом, помножити їх естетичне сприйняття, зворушити емоцію, заглибити відчуття ідентичності з величністю української культури.
КУЛЬТУРОЛОГІЧНІ ДОМІНАНТИ У ВИЗНАЧЕННІ «МОРАЛЬНИХ АВТОРИТЕТІВ» СУСПІЛЬСТВА
Authors: Дячук Валентина 
Published: June 2024

У сучасних умовах деконструкції системи цінностей у світі, потужної дезінформації та популізму, наявність моральних авторитетів дає можливість українцям не втратити віру у перемогу демократії і свободи та зі зброєю відстоювати власну державність, стати прикладом сміливості та мужності. Надзвичайно актуальною для України є й необхідність визначити власний цивілізаційний і культурний вимір, культурологічні домінанти. Важливими постають питання довіри, адже створення відповідного середовища вимагає говорити правду незалежно від кон’юнктури або особистої вигоди та ставати моральними авторитетами. Мета статті – визначити процеси формування українських культурних домінант, проаналізувати об’єктивні та суб’єктивні фактори, які дозволяють визначити феномен «морального авторитету» який впливає на суспільну думку і дії суспільства. Методологія дослідження полягає у використанні традиційних методів пізнання: історико-генетичного, культурологічного та порівняльного, а також залучення сучасних теорій розвитку, зокрема синергетики та глобального еволюціонізму. Наукова новизна полягає у тому, що вперше встановлено вплив ціннісних домінант культури народу на ментальну та психологічну структуру особистості в її визначенні моральних авторитетів. Доведено, що переосмислення у суспільній свідомості загальнолюдських цінностей вимагає формування нових принципів для моральних авторитетів, які пов'язані не лише із мораллю, освітою, досвідом та практичною мудрістю, а й правдивістю та переконливістю. Висновки. Встановлено, що, підґрунтя українських культурних домінант та політичних орієнтирів становить європейський полікультурний тип. При цьому, на формування української цивілізаційної ідентичності значний вплив також мало порубіжжя, як лінії розділу культур, цивілізацій, національних держав і формування спільної мови, яка сприяла єдності національних інтересів. Зауважено, що ціннісну оцінку явищам надає мораль, як частина ментальної і психологічної структури особистості, а людей, які діятимуть згідно сформованих моральних принципів, а не за ідеологічними чи ситуативними домінантами, називають моральними авторитетами. До їхнього слова прислуховуються, оскільки вони говорять завжди правду незалежно від політичної кон’юнктури, а також мають переконливість та вплив на людей. Наголошено, що моральним лідером можуть бути не лише конкретні особи, а й увесь народ, який завдяки свої героїчності у боротьбі з рашизмом, стає моральним авторитетом для всього світу.