bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing Water Conservation through Deficit Irrigation and Mulching in Nile Basin Countries: Assessing Blue Water Saving Potential
Authors: Management Natural , Birara Hailu , Teklay Achenafi , Girma Abel , Zewdie Meskerem , Ararssa Amanuel 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the potential water savings achieved through implementing deficit irrigation (DI) combined with mulching in the Nile Basin countries. The study analyzes the effects of blue water consumption and water footprint (WF) on various crops in the Nile basin countries. We utilized the AquaCrop-OS model to evaluate the effects of blue crop water use and water footprint of dominant crops. Changes in blue crop water use (CWU) varied between countries and crops, ranging from − 34% to -1%. Yield varied in the simulations, with some decreases and some increases compared to the reference (R). The blue water footprint exhibited relative changes ranging from − 47–35%. The changes in blue water footprint (measured in m³/y) resulting from deficit irrigation and mulching impacted production while maintaining a constant irrigation area. In South Sudan, for cotton, DI1 resulted in a -12.5% relative decrease in blue WF compared to R. However, the reduction in blue WF was more significant (-37.2% relative decrease) when DI1M compared to R. Other countries also experienced varying reductions in blue WF for crops. These findings show the possibility of saving water while keeping production levels stable. In Egypt, DI1 resulted in an 8.0% reduction in blue WF compared to R. Combining DI1M led to a more significant reduction of 37.2%. This study provides useful information for water conservation decision-makers in the Nile Basin countries.
Circular RNA MMP9 interacts with HNRNPC and HRNPA1 and potentially influences the expression of BIRC5 by sequestering miR-149 and supporting glioblastoma progress
Authors: Amini Javad , Zafarjafarzadeh Nikta , Ghahramanlu Sara , Mohammadalizadeh Omid , Mozaffari Elaheh , Bibak Bahram , Sanadgol Nima 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) presents a significant challenge in neuro-oncology due to its aggressive behavior and self-renewal capacity. Circular RNAs (circRNAs), a subset of long non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) generated through mRNA back-splicing, are gaining attention as potential targets for GBM research. In our study, we sought to explore the functional role of circMMP9 (circular form of matrix metalloproteinase-9) as a promising therapeutic target for GBM through bioinformatic predictions and NGS data analysis.
Results
Our results suggest that circMMP9 functions as a sponge for miR-149 and miR-542, both of which show upregulation in GBM based on microarray data analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that reduced levels of miR-149 and miR-542 correlate with worse survival outcomes in GBM, suggesting their role as tumor suppressors. Importantly, miR-149 has been demonstrated to inhibit the expression of BIRC5 (baculoviral inhibitor of apoptosis repeat-containing 5, also known as survivin), a significant promoter of proliferation in GBM. BIRC5 is not only upregulated in GBM but also in various other cancers, including neuroblastoma and other brain cancers. Our protein-protein interaction analysis highlights the significance of BIRC5 as a central hub gene in GBM. CircMMP9 seems to influence this complex relationship by suppressing miR-149 and miR-542, despite their increased expression in GBM. Additionally, we found that circMMP9 directly interacts with HNRNPC (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein C) and HRNPA1 (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A1), although not within their protein-binding domains. This suggests that HNRNPC and HRNPA1 may play a role in transporting circMMP9. Moreover, RNA-seq data from GBM patient samples confirmed the increased expression of BIRC5, PIK3CB, HNRNPC, and HRNPA1, further emphasizing the potential therapeutic significance of circMMP9 in GBM.
Conclusion
circMMP9 may regulate BIRC5 expression in GBM by sponging miR-149 and miR-542. BIRC5, in turn, suppresses apoptosis and enhances proliferation in GBM. Nonetheless, more extensive studies are advised to delve deeper into the roles of circMMP9, especially in the context of glioma.
(In)visible victims: stealthing and health consequences for Brazilian women
Authors: Ferrari Wendell , Nascimento Marcos Antonio Ferreira do , Rodrigues Liliana , Nogueira Conceição 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Stealthing refers to the practice in which a man removes a condom without the woman’s consent during sexual intercourse. This article is an investigation that portrays stealthing as an event within the broader framework of the exercise of heterosexual sexuality, intergender power relationships, and contraceptive negotiation between peers. This research aimed to highlight the web of social relationships that engender processes around unprotected sexual intercourse without mutual agreement. In-depth interviews were conducted with ten women who had been victims of stealthing. This article focuses on the sexual, reproductive, and mental health consequences of the act in their lives. The empirical material comprises ten in-depth interviews with women aged 19–58 living in Brazilian urban areas. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. The complex power relationships established in the couple engender different outcomes: respondents reported a search for post-intercourse emergency contraception, stories of pregnancy, abortion, STIs, the lack of support from professionals and institutions sought, different consequences for their mental health and the challenges of debating stealthing more clearly due to its invisibility in the Brazilian context. Stealthing is a gap in the scientific, legal, and popular literature that needs to be addressed. Taking on the intergender tension on the issue of stealthing, between female autonomy and male responsibility, is a central theme for those researching gender inequality in the field of sexuality in the social sciences and health.
Assessment of Treatment Outcomes of HIV Patients at the Omdurman management AIDS counseling Unit (OMACU) through using the Viral Load from March 2020 –August 2022
Authors: Alfadol Tarig Abdalrahman Abdallah , Nemeri Omer Merghani , Naael Abdalsalam Mohamed Ahmed , Jaber Mohammed Hammad 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
HIV is a major public health problem, and its treatment involves antiretroviral therapy (ART), endeavoring to suppress the viral load to an undetectable level. It is important to identify and manage determinants of treatment failure among HIV-infected individuals to achieve optimal viral suppression. In Sudan, the data on first-line ART failure and determinants remains limited and insufficient.
Aim
To assess the treatment outcome of HIV patients using the viral load.
Methods
A cross-sectional hospital-based study enrolled 270 HIV patients in the Omdurman Management AIDS Care Unit (OMACU) during the period from March 2020 to August 2022. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and laboratory investigations were collected. Viral loads and WHO clinical stages at ART initiation and after one- year were included. Viral failures were defined as viral loads above 1,000 copies/mL.
Results
Out of 270 patients, 157 (58%) were males and 113 (42%) were females. Most of them, 188 (69.7%), were aged 25–49 years. Most of the cases 165 (61.1%) started the HAART in 2015 and above. Most of the cases, 157 (58.1%), had WHO stage III initially. There are no significant changes in WHO classification after one year of drug use (P = 0.682). The rates of undetected or below 50 copies/mL viral load increased after one- year of drug use from 50.7–71.9% (P = 0.039). The overall viral failure rate was 15% (n = 41). The WHO-class-IV (OR = 12.5; CI = 2.3–67.1; P = 0.003) and poor medication adherence (OR = 23.1; CI = 3.9-136.1; P = 0.001) were the independent risk factors of viral failure.
Conclusion
The virological failure of first-line ART was as high as 15%. The study demonstrated that virological failure was associated with factors amenable to recognition through regular screening and early interventions. Advanced WHO clinical stages and poor ART drug adherence were significant determinants of virological failure.
Social body weight norms: A Population-Based Profile in Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States
Authors: Leopold Liliya 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Which body weight is considered ideal and socially accepted in modern societies? A widely held belief is that social body weight norms are strict and thin in Western societies. This belief is supported by empirical evidence drawn from samples that do not necessarily represent common views in the population. This study presents the first population-based profile of social body weight norms using survey data collected in 2019 in the United States (N = 1,390, ages 18 to 84), Germany (N = 4,285, ages 24 to 74), and the Netherlands (N = 2,040, ages 18 to 84). Norms were measured on a validated figure rating scale. In all study populations, male and female figures representing the range from normal weight to slight overweight were generally rated as ideal and neither too thin nor too heavy. Heavier norms were found in older people and men, and more often in the Netherlands than in Germany and the United States. People generally perceived social body weight norms as thinner than what actual ratings revealed. This perception bias was most pronounced in the United States. These findings provide a population-representative baseline of social body weight norms and contradict the notion of a thinness norm.
Dirofilariasis Presenting as Pleural Effusion: a Rare Case Report With Unusual Manifestations and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Valčiukaitė-Žilinskienė Rolanda , Zablockienė Birutė , Zablockis Rolandas 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: We present an extremely rare manifestation of dirofilariasis in the pleural cavity. This is the first human pulmonary dirofilariasis reported in Lithuania; according to our knowledge, only two other patients were documented with this pathology in the world.
Case presentation: A 72-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital complaining of dyspnea, left-side chest pain, and a dry cough. She was a retiree living alone in the countryside without domestic pets (sometimes stray dogs appear) or a travel history. A complete blood count was within normal limits, with a CRP level of 16.8 mg/l and D-dimer concentration of 900 µg/l, which raised suspicion of pulmonary embolism. In chest computed tomography angiography, pulmonary embolism was excluded, and only left pleural effusion without abnormal lesions was confirmed. Right thoracocentesis was performed, and the pleural fluid was evaluated as an exudate with a predominance of eosinophils (59%), along with the presence of parasites. These parasites exhibited the morphology of Dirofilaria repens. Oral doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily) and albendazole (400 mg, twice daily) were prescribed for a 14-day course. A month later, there were no pathological findings on the chest X-ray, and the patient no longer had respiratory symptoms. However, the patient presented with a newly emerged, painful palpable right axillary region mass. Ultrasound imaging revealed a 1.5 x 2 cm nodule, which was surgically removed. Parasites consistent with Dirofilaria repens were suspected but not definitively identified. Pharmacological treatment for dirofilariasis was not further prescribed.
Conclusions: This case encourages doctors to be more vigilant because the patient, who neither traveled nor kept any pets, contracted dirofilariasis. Diagnostic and treatment guidelines are lacking, necessitating further research. Treatment with doxycycline and albendazole yielded positive outcomes, suggesting potential efficacy.
Current Pinch Effect during Solar Flare Eruptions
Authors: Li Haili , Liang Hongfei , Zhou Xinping , Liu Yu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Based on the vector magnetograms obtained from the SDO/HMI, we calculate the line-of-sight current density distribution of the active region on 2017 September 6, using the integral form of Ampere's law. Comparing the distribution of the current density and the observed flare, we find that: Firstly, the changing trend of the total current density of the active region was consistent with the change of the X-ray flux of the X9.3 flare. Secondly, the distribution of the double-ribbon flare was co-spatial with a pair of conjugate current ribbons with opposite polarities, which were consistently located on both sides of the Line-of line. Additionally, these current ribbons exhibit significant and continuous changes during the flare eruption: During the early phase of the flare eruption, there was a substantial decrease in the area of the current ribbons, resulting in the emergence of a series of high-density small current islands. During the later phase, not only the area rapidly increases, but the flare kernel evolves into a the flare band with the full release of energy. We have discovered a strong spatial correspondence between the flare kernel and the current islands through positional comparisons. This process is consistent with the physical phenomenon of the current pinch effect. Therefore, we speculate that a current pinch effect may occur during the flare eruption, and the formation of the flare kernel is likely attributed to the current pinch effect.
Test Validity of The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS) for Pregnant Women in Indonesia: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kurniawati Wiwit , Tong Chien Wai , Lantu Nurlela , Santi Neni Fidya , Astuti Yunita Laila , Faradiena Fayna , Kusumaningrum Arie 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Anxiety is become a common disorder during pregnancy. The Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale (PrAS) is a common tool for assess pregnancy anxiety. However, not yet validated in Indonesia. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PrAS in Indonesia.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted among 92 pregnant women at the Public Health Center in Indonesia. The content validity index (CVI) and content validity ratio (CVR) measured the relevancy of each item with the content (pregnancy anxiety) and items interrater-reliability. The construct validity Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was applied to test the construct validity of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale (PrAS).
Results
The mean age of pregnant women who participated was 29.12 years (SD = 4.85) with their pregnancy age mean 28 weeks. The content validity using CVI shows that 29 of 32 items are valued 1.00, the same score produced on the CVR. Indicating only 3 items need to be reviewed or revised. Regarding the construct validity, the final model of the PrAS was 7 dimensions which initially formed 8 dimensions. Although the Chi-square (χ2) index was not a good fit (df = 370, p-value = 0.0001) this multidimensional model fits the data supported by the index of Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) estimate was 0.058. Followed by the Comparative Fit Index (CFI) and the Tucker-Lewis Index (TLI) were 0.978 and 0.976 respectively, meaning that the goodness of fit indices were obtained. This pilot study results in a valid instrument of the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Scale (PrAS).
Conclusions
The Indonesian version of the PrAS is a valid tool for screening and assessing Indonesian women's pregnancy-related anxiety.
Evaluation of the effects of the Zika Virus-Immunoglobulin G+ complex on murine microglial cells
Authors: Siqueira Laura Silva , Rodrigues Felipe Valle Fortes , Zanatta Ângela , Goncalves João Ismael Budelon , Ghilardi Isadora Machado , Alcará Allan Marinho , Becker Nicole Bernd , Pinzetta Giulia , Zanirati Gabriele , Becker Bruno Maestri Abrianos , Erwig Helena Scartassini , Costa Jaderson Costa , Marinowic Daniel Rodrigo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

After the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic in Brazil, ZIKV infections were linked to damage to the central nervous system (CNS) and congenital anomalies. Due to the virus’s ability to cross the placenta and reach brain tissue, its effects become severe, leading to Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS) and resulting in neuroinflammation, microglial activation, and secretion of neurotoxic factors. The presence of ZIKV triggers an inadequate fetal immune response, as the fetus only has the protection of maternal antibodies of the Immunoglobulin G (IgG) class, which are the only antibodies capable of crossing the placenta. Because of limited understanding regarding the long term consequences of ZIKV infection and the involvement of maternal antibodies, this study sought to assess the impact of the ZIKV+IgG⁺complex on murine microglial cells. The cells were exposed to ZIKV, IgG antibodies, and the ZIKV+IgG⁺complex for 24 and 72 hours. Treatment-induced cytotoxic effects were evaluated using the cell viability assay, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The findings indicated that IgG antibodies exhibit cytotoxic effects on microglia, whether alone or in the presence of ZIKV, leading to compromised cell viability, disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and heightened oxidative damage. Our conclusion is that IgG antibodies exert detrimental effects on microglia, triggering their activation and potentially disrupting the creation of a neurotoxic environment. Moreover, the presence of antibodies may correlate with an elevated risk of ZIKV-induced neuroinflammation, contributing to long-term CNS damage.
Acute remote home monitoring of acutely ill COVID-19 patients: How Dutch home monitoring initiatives were organized during the pandemic
Authors: Smit Karin , Uum Rick T. van , Rijks Stella , de Pol Alma C. van , Ahmad Abeer , Venekamp Roderick P. , Rutten Frans H. , Zwart Dorien L.M. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Acute remote home monitoring of acutely ill COVID-19 patients holds potential for early detection of deterioration. Subsequent early intervention may prevent progression to severe illness and need for respiratory support.
Methods
We performed literature searches (both grey and academic) between 1 March 2020 and 1 March 2023 to identify Dutch acute remote home monitoring initiatives, excluding studies on early discharge from hospital. From the available protocols, we extracted relevant information on patient eligibility, organization of acute remote home monitoring and home management.
Results
We identified and approached ten acute remote home monitoring initiatives for information on their used protocols. Seven out of ten protocols were retrieved and assessed. Of these, all focused on adult COVID-19 patients at risk of developing severe COVID-19 with high risk of hospitalization and offered close follow-up through remote home monitoring with medically certified pulse oximeters. Measurements included peripheral oxygen saturation (all initiatives), body temperature (all but one), heart frequency per minute (four initiatives) and/or breathing rate per minute (four initiatives). For follow-up and review of measured values, in most initiative (6 of 7) a physician (general practitioner or hospital physician) was supported by a dedicated monitoring center. In 5 of 7 initiatives, the general practitioner (GP) was responsible for supervising patients and monitoring staff.
Conclusion
The acute remote home monitoring initiatives that emerged in the Netherlands during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic were similarly organized. Important key elements for home monitoring are regular daily check of peripheral oxygen saturation, monitoring via a dedicated remote monitoring center staffed with healthcare personnel and supervising physician.
Hypomethylation of The Low-density Lipoprotein Receptor Class A Domain Containing 4 Gene in Rheumatoid Arthritis in a Chinese population
Authors: Song Jingjing , Liu Zhen , Yang Fan , Zhang Ting , Pan Zhenglun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease, is characterized by destruction of synovial joints. The pathogenesis of RA is unclear, and DNA methylation plays important roles in the expression of related genes. LDLRAD4 is identified from three GWAS, in which the expression of LDLRAD4 was different in RA. LDLRAD4functions as a negative regulator of TGF-β signaling, which affects cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis. There are few studies on the correlation between LDLRAD4 methylation and RA, and this study aims to investigate the relationship in Chinese population.
Methods and Results: Clinical information and peripheral blood samples of 150 RA and 150 healthy controls were collected, and DNA methylation levels of LDLRAD4 gene and CpG sites were detected. Hypomethylation of LDLRAD4 genewas observed in RA patients, especially LDLRAD4-43F and LDLRAD4-44F regions. The AUC value of LDLRAD4-44F region was 0.78 to predict disease. In RF+/CCP- group, methylation levels of LDLRAD4, LDLRAD4-42-1F, LDLRAD4-43F and LDLRAD4-44F regions were strongly correlated withDAS28, ESR and CRP, while in RF-/CCP+ group, LDLRAD4-42-2F region was strongly correlated with ESR and CRP.
Conclusions: LDLRAD4 methylation is a potential diagnostic and inflammatory indicator of RA.
Treatment of Unstable Forearm Fractures at the Metaphyseal-Diaphyseal Junction in Children: Antegrade ESIN vs Transepiphyseal Intramedullary K-wire Fixation
Authors: Dietzel Markus , Scherer Simon Scherer , Spogis Jakob , Kirschner Hans Joachim , Fuchs Jörg , Lieber Justus 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Treatment of unstable forearm fractures in the metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction (MDJ) zone is still a matter of debate. Major drawbacks of all types of fixations include either invasiveness, technical impracticality, or lack of acceptance by patients. This study reports results after antegrade ESIN (a-ESIN) compared to transepiphyseal intramedullary K-wire (TIK) for unstable MDJ forearm fractures.
Methods
The MDJ of the forearm was defined as the square over the joints of both forearm bones subtracted with the square over the metaphysis of the radius alone. The data of 40 consecutive patients < 16 years of age who were treated either by a-ESIN (later treatment period) or TIK (early treatment period) for an unstable MDJ forearm fracture at a single high-volume pediatric trauma center were retrospectively analyzed.
Results
The average age was slightly lower in the first group (TIK = 7.42 years; a-ESIN = 10.5 years). An additional ulna fracture was found in 50% of cases and was treated with a classic antegrade ESIN in 10/20 (TIK) and 6/20 cases (a-ESIN). Additional plaster cast immobilization was performed in all cases with TIK and in three cases with a-ESIN. After TIK, no complication, malalignment, or functional limitation occurred. After a-ESIN, 19/20 patients had an event-free course with stable retention and healing without axial malalignment. In one case, a temporary sensor dysfunction occurred. The same patient suffered a refracture two months after the original trauma, which required a closed reduction. Metal removal was performed after 84 days (TIK) and 150 days (a-ESIN). The outcome in all patients was good.
Conclusion
Both a-ESIN and TIK are minimally invasive procedures that are technically easy to perform. Both methods are safe and lead to a complete restoration of the forearm's range of motion. The decisive advantage of a-ESIN is the possibility of postoperative immobilization-free rehabilitation.