bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Socio-economic disparities in unplanned hospital admission and in- hospital outcomes among children with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ghimire Laxmi V , Khanal Sagya , Torabyan Zareh , El-Rahi Hiba , Cong Catherine , Chou Fu-Sheng , Aljohani Othman A. , Moon-Grady Anita J. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Unplanned/non-elective admissions have been associated with worse clinical outcomes and increased use of hospital resources. We hypothesize that children with congenital heart disease (CHD) from lower socio-economic status backgrounds have higher rates of unplanned hospital admissions and increased hospital resource utilization. We used Kids’ Inpatient Database (2016 and 2019). We included children < 21 years of age with CHD, and excluded newborn hospitalization. We further categorized CHD into simple lesions, complex bi-ventricular lesions, and single ventricle lesions. Admission types were further divided into surgical and non-surgical admissions. We used a logistic regression model to calculate the risk of unplanned hospital admission, mortality, and hospital resource utilization in children with different socio-economic status backgrounds. Out of 4,722,684 admitted children, excluding those with newborn hospitalization, 199,757 had CHD and met the study criteria. 121,626 had mild CHD, 61,639 complex bi-ventricular lesions, and 16,462 single ventricle lesions. Surgical admission comprised 20%(n = 39,694). In the CHD cohort, 27% had elective admissions, while 73% had non-elective admissions. Mortality was higher in unplanned admissions vs elective admissions, 3.0% vs 0.93%, P < 0.001. Unplanned admissions were more common in lowest income neighborhoods vs highest income neighborhoods, aOR = 1.4(1.3–1.5), P < 0.001 and were consistent at different age groups. There were higher rates of unplanned admissions in lowest income neighborhoods for each category of CHD and for both medical and surgical admission groups. Lengths of hospitalization were longer in the poorest neighborhood compared to their wealthiest counterparts, median of 7 days (IQR 3–21) vs 6 (3–17), P < 0.001. In conclusion, children with CHD who live in lowest income neighborhoods have increased odds of unplanned hospitalization for both surgical and non-surgical admissions and have higher mortality and resource utilization.
Water model experiments on bubble motion and bubbly flows in a gas-liquid-liquid multiphase reactor
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Wang Jie , Wang Wei , Cai Xiaoyi , Zhao Hongliang , Lv Chao 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A water model of a bottom-blown system has been established for investigating the bubble rising characteristic from one liquid phase to another, and also to probe the liquid-liquid interfacial movement with bubble crossing. Bubble shape and its influence on the interface are studied using wetting and non-wetting nozzles, respectively. Larger-size bubbles are formed from wetting nozzles which enhanced the liquid-liquid interface fluctuation. With the use of a double-nozzle injection gas, a too-small inter-hole distance will promote the bubble coalescence and form larger-size bubbles, and appropriately controlling the inter-hole distance can improve the slag-metal mixing and transfer.
Blockchain Intelligence Empowered Uncertainty Management in IoT Assisted Smart Grids
Authors: GS Tamizharasi , P Arjun K , Sathiyaraj R. , Shankar Achyut , Siarry Patrick 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The recent advances in renewable energy sources impose an urgent need on global community to find an alternative measure for climate-unfriendly fossil fuels. As a result, the energy flow across smart grids has become bidirectional that requires greater attention. Despite the increasing advantages of smart grid application, it deals with greater challenges in managing the supply and demand of power sources. This is because of the reason that power generation, distribution and consumption across smart grids are highly complex. Since all these processes are time-dependent, dynamic management of grid stability has become a significant requirement. Most existing systems adopt a distributed system with a central authority to solve this problem. Such systems are more prone to various security attacks and become a single point of failure in many cases. This paper proposes a blockchain-based decentralized multiparty learning system to ensure smart grid stability with enhanced security and efficiency measures. The experimental observations are made with a power grid simulation dataset taken from Kaggle. From the experiment, it is observed that the proposed approach takes an average of 25ms to read the data across the block, and it takes around 4s to generate a new block. Further with respect to the addition of more intelligent terminals, the proposed approach consumes only 70% of the energy required by conventional methods to perform the task. The prediction and classification accuracy of the proposed system is also analyzed, and it shows 98% accuracy.
A novel synthesis of high-performance electrode material by wet-chemical route based on TiN-CuO composite
Authors: Riaz Junaid , Zhang Yongguo , Cao Jianchun , Bibi Amina , Zhang Zhengyun , Zhou Xiaolong 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Modern-era energy crises have arisen as a result of industry's quick expansion. There must be a proliferation of autonomous, renewable-energy-powered, high-capacity storage systems. The high specific capacitance (Cs) is a result of the EDLC's stellar cathode characteristics. The remarkable conductivity and storage capacity of transition metal nitride-based oxides (TMOs) have made them an attractive option for use as cathode materials in supercapacitor (SC) devices. The present study successfully synthesized the TiN-CuO composite for electrode material by employing the straightforward wet-chemical method. But the fact that the TiN-CuO combination is crystalline suggests it could be used as an electrode in SCs. The electrochemical performance of the TiN-CuO electrode was also highlighted by its exceptional specific capacitance (Cs) of 843.5 F/g. Furthermore, the TiN-CuO‖MnO2-KOH electrode displays a power density (Pd) of 17595 W/kg and an energy density (Ed) of 44.88 Wh/kg. In addition, the TiN-CuO‖MnO2-KOH electrode has shown remarkable cyclic stability of 97.3% up to 10,000 cycles, at 10A/g. The electrochemical characteristics of fabricated TiN-CuO electrode material are superior to those of pure materials, rendering it an attractive candidate for use in energy storage devices such as supercapacitors (SCs).
Single-cell transcriptomic analyses of mouse idh1 mutant growth plate chondrocytes reveal distinct cell populations responsible for longitudinal growth and enchondroma formation
Authors: Puviindran Vijitha , Shimada Eijiro , Huang Zeyu , Ma Xinyi , Ban Ga I , Xiang Yu , Zhang Hongyuan , Ou Jianhong , Wei Xiaolin , Nakagawa Makoto , Martin John , Diao Yarui , Alman Benjamin A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Enchondromas are a common tumor in bone that can occur as multiple lesions in enchondromatosis, which is associated with deformity of the effected bone. These lesions harbor mutations in IDH and driving expression of a mutant Idh1 in Col2 expressing cells in mice causes an enchondromatosis phenotype. In this study we compared growth plates from E18.5 mice expressing a mutant Idh1 with control littermates using single cell RNA sequencing. Data from Col2 expressing cells were analyzed using UMAP and RNA pseudo-time analyses. A unique cluster of cells was identified in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be upregulated in enchondromas. There was also a cluster of cells that was underrepresented in the mutant growth plates that expressed genes known to be important in longitudinal bone growth. Immunofluorescence showed that the genes from the unique cluster identified in the mutant growth plates were expressed in multiple growth plate anatomic zones, and pseudo-time analysis also suggested these cells could arise from multiple growth plate chondrocyte subpopulations. This data identifies subpopulations of cells in control and mutant growth plates, and supports the notion that a mutant Idh1 alters the subpopulations of growth plate chondrocytes, resulting a subpopulation of cells that become enchondromas at the expense of other populations that contribute to longitudinal growth.
“Getting Out of a Dark Place”: A qualitative exploration of the impact, current coping, and what breast cancer survivors hope to gain by participating in a fear of recurrence clinical trial
Authors: Nuseibeh Betsey Zenk , Hoy Michelle S. , Panoch Janet E. , Gowan Tayler M. , Buckles Deborah M. , Schwarz Madison E. , Johns Shelley A. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Many breast cancer survivors (BCS) experience high levels of psychological distress, including fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Clinical levels of FCR can negatively impact quality of life and tend to remain stable without intervention. Identifying the impact of FCR on BCS’ lives and how BCS cope with FCR can inform effective care of BCS with FCR. This study’s purpose was to explore the nature of FCR by analyzing qualitative data from an FCR randomized controlled trial (RCT).
Methods
This qualitative study was part of a 3-arm RCT for BCS (N = 390) reporting clinical FCR at eligibility screening(R01CA255480). Enrolled BCS completed a baseline survey, including three open-ended questions regarding FCR experiences. Following thematic analysis, responses were sorted by BCS’ baseline score on the 7-item Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR-7) scale, identifying trends by FCR level.
Results
Persistent FCR tended to impact BCS’ daily lives across five key domains: emotional, behavioral, cognitive, relational, and professional life. Most participants identified at least one coping strategy, with strategies consistent across FCR-7 score levels. The number of strategies listed tended to increase and tended toward avoidant coping with higher FCR-7 scores. BCS were seeking strategies designed to gain a greater sense of purpose, sense of belonging, and sense of control.
Conclusion
This study suggests many BCS with clinical FCR are suffering without adequate means of coping. Clinicians are encouraged to regularly ask survivors about FCR and its impact. The discussion can foster education about actual risk and ways BCS could reduce their risk of recurrence.
Expression of mRNA for molecules that regulate angiogenesis, endothelial cell survival, and vascular permeability is altered in endothelial cells isolated from db/db mouse hearts
Authors: Bartkowiak Krzysztof , Bartkowiak Mateusz , Jankowska-Steifer Ewa , Ratajska Anna , Czarnowska Elżbieta , Kujawa Marek , Aniołek Olga , Niderla-Bielińska Justyna 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) is a condition that includes symptoms such as obesity, hyperglycemia, and hypertension, which elevate the cardiovascular risk. An impaired angiogenic response of endothelial cells (ECs) in heart and peripheral organs has been proposed in MetS, but the mechanisms of this phenomenon have not been explored. Results obtained from evaluating the whole myocardium are inconsistent, since different types of cells react differently to MetS environment. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to study the VEGF/VEGFR molecular pathway, which regulates an angiogenic response and microvascular permeability in ECs isolated from db/db mouse hearts. The expression of mRNAs for VEGF/VEGFR axis proteins was assessed with RT-PCR in ECs isolated from control and db/db mouse myocardium. The density of CD31-, VEGFR2-, and VE-cadherin-positive cells was examined with confocal microscopy, and the ultrastructure of ECs was analyzed with transmission electron microscopy. The aortic ring assay was used to assess the capacity of ECs to respond to angiogenic stimuli. Our results showed a decreased number of microvessels, diminished expression of VE-cadherin and VEGFR2 and widened gaps between the ECs of microcapillaries, although the levels of mRNA for VEGF/VEGFR axis proteins were elevated. The aortic ring assay showed a diminished number of sprouts in db/db mice compared with that in controls. These results may indicate that ECs in MetS enhance the production of mRNA for VEGF/VRGFR axis proteins, yet sprout formation and vascular barrier maintenance are limited. These novel data may provide a foundation for further studies on cardiac angiogenesis in MetS.
Determinants of Family Planning Services Uptake Among Women Within the Reproductive Age in the Yendi Municipality in Northern Ghana
Authors: Suleman Iddrisu , Gbeti Collins , Dalaba Maxwell , Yidana Adadow , Aninanya Gifty Apiung 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

The study investigated the determinants of family planning services uptake among women of reproductive age (15 to 49 years) in the Yendi municipality in the northern region of Ghana. A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 396 reproductive-aged women, sampled from 6 randomly selected health facilities in the Yendi municipality. The child welfare clinic (CWC) served as the point for the sampling of study participants. Data was collected with questionnaires adapted from previously validated tools. Data was analysed using SPSS v27 in descriptive and inferential statistics. The desire to control pregnancy was a key factor for wanting family planning (79.3%). Most respondents (80.6%) had high knowledge of family planning services and injectables (37.1%) and condoms (24.7%) were the preferred family planning methods. The desire to control pregnancy was a key factor for wanting family planning (79.3%). The significant sociodemographic determinants of family planning uptake were Religion (Christians (aOR: 7.51; 95%CI: 1.48–38.00:; p = 0.015), traditionalist (aOR: 12.1; 95%CI: 1.90–78.36; p = 0.009)), education (secondary education (aOR: 84.99; 95%CI: 20.02–360.84:; p = 0.000), tertiary education (aOR: 158.74; 95%CI: 33.71–747.52; p = 0.000), and no formal education (aOR: 11.83; 95%CI: 2.10–46.76:; p = 0.000)), Occupation (farmers (aOR: 12.30; 95%CI: 3.21–47.03; p = 0.000)), Marital status (married (aOR: 0.13; 95%CI: 0.03–0.57; p = 0.007)). Factors that made women less likely to use family planning were unfriendly service providers (aOR: 2.33; 95%CI: 1.28–4.21; p = 0.005), fear of side effects (aOR: 2.19; 95%CI: 1.19–4.05; p = 0.012), and lack of knowledge about available FP services aOR: 0.45; 95%CI: 0.26–0.77; p = 0.004). Though the awareness of family planning was found to be high, there are still Sociodemographic and health-related barriers to family planning utilization.
Postmortem analyses of myocardial microRNA expression in sepsis
Authors: Lehto Pasi , Saukko Taru , Säkkinen Hanna , Syrjälä Hannu , Kerkelä Risto , Skarp Sini , Saarimäki Samu , Pakanen Lasse , Porvari Katja , Karhu Jaana , Ala-Kokko Tero 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Sepsis can lead to myocardial depression, playing a significant role in sepsis pathophysiology, clinical care, and outcome. To gain more insight into the pathophysiology of the myocardial response in sepsis, we investigated the expression of microRNA in myocardial autopsy specimens in critically ill deceased with sepsis and non-septic controls.
Materials and methods
In this retrospective observational study, we obtained myocardial tissue samples collected during autopsy from adult patients deceased with sepsis (n = 15) for routine histological examination. We obtained control myocardial tissue specimens (n = 15) from medicolegal autopsies of cadavers whose cause of death was injury or who were found dead at home and the cause of death was coronary artery disease with sudden cardiac arrest. RNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin- embedded (FFPE) cardiac samples using the RecoverAll Total Nucleic Acid Isolation Kit for FFPE (Invitrogen). Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified using edgeR v3.32. MicroRNA was considered up- or down-regulated if the false discovery rate was < 0.05 and logarithmic fold change (log2FC) ≥ 1 for up-regulated or log2FC ≤ -1 for down-regulated miRNAs. The mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for normalized read counts. Predicted miRNA targets were retrieved using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software, and pathway enrichment and classification were performed using PantherDB.
Results
Differential expression analysis identified a total of 32 miRNAs in the myocardial specimens. Eight miRNAs had a significant change in the mean difference based on the 95% CI, with the largest increase in mean counts in septic samples with hsa-miR-12136 and the highest fold change with hsa-miR-146b-5p. The threshold for down-regulated miRNAs in sepsis compared to controls was obtained with hsa-miR-144-5p and hsa-miR-451a, with the latter having the largest decrease in mean counts and fold decrease.
Conclusions
Several regulatory miRNAs were up- or down-regulated in the myocardial tissue of patients deceased with sepsis compared to non-septic subjects. The predicted target genes of miRNAs are associated with biological functions related to cardiovascular functions, cell viability, cell adhesion, and regulation of inflammatory and immune response.
Unlocking Nature's Arsenal: Drug design with Zanthoxylum armatum against Malaria
Authors: Khan Hamna , Bibi Ayesha , Mukhtar Mamuna , Khan Haris Ahmed 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Malaria remains a worldwide health concern, requiring novel ways in medication development to counteract the parasite Plasmodium's developing resistance. In this work, we investigated the herb Zanthoxylum armatum's potential as a malaria treatment. This plant is well-known for its abundance of phytoconstituents. Through molecular docking experiments, we specifically examined the interactions between these phytoconstituents and the major malarial receptor proteins, Pf AMA 1, 1F9-3D7, PvRON2 and Pf AMA 1. Among the phytoconstituents studied, α-Amyrins demonstrated the best docking efficiency, according to the docking analysis. This result implies that α-Amyrins could be a promising anti-malarial drug. Drug developers find Pf AMA 1 and PvRON2, two essential receptor proteins involved in Plasmodium vivax and falciparum invasion processes, respectively, to be appealing targets. The ability of α-Amyrins to bind with these receptor proteins successfully indicates that they may be a crucial molecule in interfering with the parasite's invasion mechanism. Novel anti-malarial medications can be developed by understanding the structural basis of the inhibitory effects of α-Amyrins on malarial proteins through their molecular interactions. These results add to the increasing amount of data that suggests using natural items to combat malaria. With its wide range of phytoconstituents, Zanthoxylum armatum is a useful tool for drug research. To investigate the effectiveness, safety, and potential of α-Amyrins and its derivatives as a novel class of anti-malarial medicines, additional experimental validation is necessary. This research represents a step forward in unlocking nature's arsenal for the development of effective and sustainable strategies against malaria.
Chronic Non-Substances Mental Disorders and Associated Factors of Its Psychological Distress: A Community-based Study with Geospatial Analysis
Authors: Murtadho Fadhiil Ansyarullah , Yaqin Muhammad Ainul , Limoa Erlyn , Tawali Suryani , Aziz Ilhamuddin , Syawal Iskam , Darwis Widitra 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose
This study explores the geospatial distribution of Chronic Non-Substances Mental Disorders (CNsMD) in Makassar, Indonesia, and the impact of geospatial dependency on the connectivity of biopsychosocial factors and psychological distress of CNSMD
Methods
Community-based cross-sectional surveys of 733 respondents with CNsMDs from the 18 public health centers in Makassar, Indonesia were analyzed. Geospatial analysis using Global and Local Moran’s I was performed to investigate the distribution pattern of every CNsMD in Makassar. Exposures included the biopsychosocial domains. Outcomes were defined as psychological distress quantified with the GHQ-12 instrument. Two models were used to explore associations between exposures and outcomes: multivariable logistic regression and spatial regression.
Results
Among 733 respondents, 56,2% were female; the mean age was 35.99 years. Schizophrenia predominated for 39.02% of all CNsMD. Random distribution for CNsMD was identified (Global Moran’s I 0.196, Z-score = 1.429,p = 0.07). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that biological factors with old age > 47 y.o. (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 13.44,95%CI = 5.17 to 19.55), refusal to be referred to a psychiatrist (AOR 3.52,95%CI = 1.68 to 7.35), social domains in the form of self-stigma (AOR 3.47, 95%CI = 1.83 to 6.59), and high family economic status (AOR = 4.81,95%CI = 1.46 to 15.89) were significantly (p < 0.05) increased the psychological distress. The spatial regression demonstrated psycho-cognitive factors as the most predominant factor in reducing psychological distress (R2 = 0.509,p < 0.001).
Conclusion
The geospatial dependency of biopsychosocial factors on CNsMD’s psychological distress in the population requires the design of inclusive and targeted community interventions.
An international study of clinical, demographic and competence-related determinants of communication with professionals
Authors: Arraras Juan Ignacio , Giesinger Johannes , Shamieh Omar , Bahar Iqbal , Koller Michael , Bredart Anne , Costantini Anna , Greimel Eva , Sztankay Monika , Wintner Lisa M. , Sousa Marina Carreiro , Ishiki Hiroto , Kontogianni Meropi , Wolan Maja , Kikawa Yuichiro , Lanceley Anne , Gioulbasanis Ioannis , Harle Amelie , Zarandona Uxue , Kulis Dagmara , Gašpert Tihana , Kuljanic Karin 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to identify the clinical and demographic determinants of patients’ communication with professionals in an international sample of cancer patients.
Methods: Cancer patients completed EORTC communication questionnaire QLQ-COMU26 to assess ten areas of communication with their doctor or nurses plus another item to assess how competent they felt when communicating with professionals. Bivariable analyses and multivariable linear regression models were performed separately for each QLQ-COMU26 area.
Results: 988 patients from 15 centres in 13 countries (five cultural areas) were included in the study. Higher age was related to higher level of communication in eight QLQ-COMU26 areas. Males reported higher level of communication in three areas. Lower levels of studies and a higher level of perceived competence when communicating with professionals were related to higher level of communication in the ten QLQ-COMU26 areas. Communication was of a higher level with nurses than with doctors in four areas. Having received previous treatment with the same doctor or group of nurses was related to higher communication levels in seven areas. Lack of comorbidity was related to higher communication levels in two areas. Various differences in determinants were found among tumour sites
Conclusion Our regression model has shown several relationships between communication and the demographic and clinical variables that may help to identify patients at risk of poor communication. Future studies could focus on communication at diagnosis and in follow-up, and on areas such as assessing the particularities of communication between patient and professionals in relation to each cancer type.