bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Higher prevalence of kidney function impairment among older people living with HIV in Uganda
Authors: Ssemasaazi Amutuhaire Judith , Kalyesubula Robert , Manabe Yukari C , Mbabazi Phoebe , Naikooba Susan , Ssekindi Faizo , Nasuuna Esther , Kibwika Pauline Byakika , Castelnuovo Barbara 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
People living with HIV (PLWH) are at risk of kidney function impairment due to HIV-related inflammation, antiretroviral therapy (ART), diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. Older persons may experience a higher burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) as kidney function declines with increasing age. There is a paucity of data comparing the prevalence of kidney function impairment in older PLWH to that in HIV-uninfected people in sub-Saharan Africa.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study among people aged ≥ 60 years living with and without HIV in Kampala, Uganda who were matched 1:1 by community location. We collected data on sociodemographics, comorbidities, and HIV-related clinical characteristics. We defined kidney function impairment as an estimated glomerular filtration rate(eGFR) < 60mls/min/1.73m2 with or without proteinuria. We constructed multivariable logistic regression models to study associations between participant characteristics and kidney function impairment.
Results
We enrolled 278 people (median age 66 years); 50% were PLWH, and 51.8% were female. Overall, the prevalence of kidney function impairment was 23.0% (95% CI:18.4%-28.4%); 33.1% (95% CI: 25.7%-41.4%) versus 12.9% (95% CI: 8.3%-19.7%) among people living with and without HIV (p-value < 0.01). The prevalence of proteinuria among PLWH versus people without HIV was 43.9% (95% CI:35.8%-52.3%) versus 19.4% (95% CI:13.6%-26.9%) p-value < 0.01. Living with HIV (OR = 3.89(95% CI: 2.04–7.41), p-value < 0.01), older age (OR = 1.13, (95% CI:1.07–1.20), p-value < 0.01), female sex (OR = 1.95, (95% CI:1.06–3.62), p-value = 0.03) and a prior diagnosis of hypertension (OR = 2.19(95% CI:1.02–4.67), p-value = 0.04) were significantly associated with kidney function impairment.
Conclusions
HIV infection is strongly associated with kidney function impairment among older PLWH. Prioritizing routine measurements of kidney function and proteinuria in older PLWH will enable early detection and institution of measures to reduce the progression of kidney disease.
Experimental Investigation on Wear and Corrosion behavior of stir cast alloys and friction stir cast welds
Authors: Bindhushree B S , P Shanmuganatan S , Madhusudan M , Saravanabavan D 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The vicinity of the present investigation enfolds the wear and corrosion behavior of cast alloys (A356 T6 and AA 2014 T6) and cast welds (W1 and W2) fabricated by stir casting and stir welding route. Higher hardness is the outcome of re-precipitation process which led to 15% improvement in the weld nugget area among W1 and W2. The alloys and the weldments were subjected to wear test with three strategic plans by employing 10–20 N, 0.5–1.5 ms− 1, 500–1500 m range of varied applied load, sliding velocity and distance on an individual set. The evaluation of wear at constant applied load, velocity and distance showcased lower wear rate of the order 0.12, 0.18, and 0.09 mgm/min respectively. The specimens were also subjected to potentiodynamic polarization corrosion test. A356 T6 and W1 specimens witnessed lower order of corrosion compared to A2014 T6 and W2. The worn and corroded surface morphology entailed the dispersion of ‘Si’ and ‘Cu’ eutectic phase throughout the Al matrix. The synergistic approach of the wear and the corrosion study unveiled the performance of the cast alloys and cast welds in terms of wear and corrosion rate for automotive applications.
Efficiency Improvement Of Electric Vehicle By Using Dual Speed Transmission
Authors: Pandey Richa , Kumar Abhimanyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The future of transportation leads significantly towards sustainability and efficiency, which are optimized by the development of electric vehicles. This project explores the development of a dual-speed transmission model for EVs using MATLAB simulation to assess the potential gains in efficiency and overall vehicle performance by using the MIDC drive cycle. System requirements, including the desired gear ratios, drive cycle, vehicle mass, motor torque, etc., to achieve specific efficiency and performance goals. MATLAB Simulink is used to create a simulation model that includes a dynamic EV powertrain with a dual-speed transmission subsystem. The project will compare the implications of integrating a single-speed transmission system with a more complex dual-speed transmission system, examining their impacts on the vehicle's range and SOC consumed.
Supportive Care Needs and Quality of Life among Cancer Patients in China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Bingshuang , Hu Xinyan , Ding Wanzhen , Guo Huimin , Ren Xiaoliang 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
This study aimed to examine the factors associated with unmet supportive care needs (SCNs) and to determine the correlation between unmet SCNs and quality of life (QoL) among cancer patients.
Methods
This cross-sectional study included 137 cancer patients who were recruited via convenience sampling from an oncology department at a tertiary cancer hospital in China. Three assessment instruments were employed herein: a general information questionnaire, the Chinese version of the Supportive Care Needs Survey short form (SCNS-SF34-C), and the functional subscale of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30).
Results
Among the five domains of the SCNS-SF34-C, the health system and information domain had the highest mean score (M = 2.74; SD = 0.75), followed by the psychological domain (M = 2.36; SD = 0.85). Five factors were found to be associated with the unmet SCNs of cancer patients: gender, educational background, disease awareness, smoking status, and drinking habits (all p < 0.05). Moreover, participants with unmet psychological, physical and daily living needs showed significantly lower QoL in all functional and symptom domains (all p < 0.05).
Conclusions
Chinese cancer patients have notable unmet health system and information needs. Future studies should design individualized interventions to improve supportive care among cancer patients and to enhance their QoL.
CG-rich trinucleotide two-repeats signify novel recombination hotspots conserved across primates and mouse
Authors: Ohadi Mina , Tajeddin Nahid , Arabfard Masoud , Alizadeh Samira , Bayat Hadi , Moghadam Masoumeh Goleyjani , Khamse Safoura , Salesi Mahmoud , Maddi Ali M. A. , Delbari Ahmad , Khorshid Hamid Reza Khorram 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We previously reported colonies of GGC and GCC two-repeat units (dyads) across the human genome, which were conserved across great apes. On a genome-wide scale, here we extended our methodology, and mapped the two-repeat units of all combinations of C and G trinucleotides in human, consisting of CCG, CGG, CGC, GGC, GCG, and CGC. The majority of the units coincided in 81,118 colonies (distance between consecutive units < 500 bp). We detected pure units and units that were overlaps of those pure units across the colonies, signifying unequal crossover and recombination at those units. Subsequently, we performed a comparative genomics study of several large and medium-size colonies in other primates and mouse. We found that several of those colonies were conserved, yet with extensive dynamicity, as phylogenetically distant as in mouse. In conclusion, CG-rich two-repeat units signify novel unequal crossover and recombination hotspots of the finest molecular resolution, conserved across primates and mouse.
A comparison of two and multiple doses of rituximab in pediatric patients with frequent relapses and steroid- dependent nephrotic syndrome. A single-center study
Authors: Roujouleh Farah , Aleysae Nabil , Alharbi Naffa , Salem May , Bamahmoud Alaa , Bajamal Manal , Kimawi Abdullah , Almehmadi Alanoud , Bawayan Rayan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Aim.
Compare the efficacy and safety of two different rituximab regimens in children suffering from frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FR/SDNS).
Methods.
We included all pediatric patients diagnosed with FR/SDNS who received two or more doses of rituximab infusions and were followed up for at least 12 months from the initiation of therapy at a single referral center in Saudi Arabia between January 2010 and September 2021. Patients were categorized into two groups: those who received 2 doses (Group A) and those who received 3 or more doses (Group B) of rituximab therapy. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients maintaining remission at 6-, 10-, and 12-month intervals following the beginning of the first course of rituximab therapy.
Result.
The study included 28 patients, 13 (46.5%) in group A and 15 (53.5%) in group B. The average disease onset was 3 years old. Both groups achieved similar remission rates at various follow-up points (100% at 6 months, then decreasing over time). While relapse rates were similar, the time between relapses was longer in group B (86.6 weeks) compared to group A (55 weeks, p = 0.02). Minor side effects occurred in 6 patients (16%), but none were serious. Conclusion. While two doses of rituximab are comparable in effectiveness to multiple doses over a 12-month period, receiving more than two doses may significantly extend the duration of relapse-free survival.
Comparative Analysis of Gardenia. jasminoides Ellis and G. jasminoides var. Radicans Makino Based on Network Pharmacology
Authors: Hou Ziyu , Zeng Tiexin , Huang Jiali , Xu Lijia , Sun Le , Liu Haibo 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Gardenia fruits, commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine, historically treated jaundice and hepatitis. Despite the pharmacopeial identification of the source plant as Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (MG), market occurrences of adulteration with G. jasminoides var. Radicans Makino (WG) have been noted. This study aims to compare and analyze the therapeutic potential of the main components of MG and WG on jaundice and hepatitis using network pharmacology methods, exploring WG as an alternative or supplementary resource to MG. Network pharmacology and molecular docking methods compared the main components of WG and MG, as well as their mechanisms of action in treating jaundice, hepatitis, and related disorders. Additionally, cell experiments using RAW 264.7 cells assessed the effects of Geniposide, Genipin, Crocin, Crocin II, and Crocetin on Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8), nitric oxide (NO) production, and the secretion levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). WG and MG exhibited common targets in treating jaundice, hepatitis, and related disorders, with GO and KEGG analysis showing high similarity, all pointing to inflammation-related pathways. Toxicity prediction and molecular docking identified five shared compounds (Crocin, Crocin II, Geniposide, Genipin, and Crocetin) among WG and MG, demonstrating significant pro-proliferative effects on LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells and inhibitory effects on inflammatory factors NO, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Through network pharmacology comparative analysis, we found that WG and MG have a similar chemical basis for treating jaundice and hepatitis, with the analysis of their mechanisms of action pointing to inflammation-related pathways. Shared components such as Geniposide, Genipin, Crocin, Crocin II, and Crocetin exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, effectively countering the inflammatory effects induced in LPS-treated RAW 264.7 cells. Despite the limited acceptance of WG in medical practice, this study provides new perspectives and clues for its development.
Causal associations of BAFF-R on IgD+ CD24- B cell immune cell trait with hepatocellular carcinoma and the mediating role of phenylacetylglutamate levels: a Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhu Xuan , Qiu Zongchao , Yang Maochun , Kong Lingxi , Li Limin , Huang Yingting , Xie Li 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background We conducted a bi-directional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis to investigate the causal associations between immune cell traits and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and identify the mediating factor of metabolites.
Methods The exposure factors were immune cell traits, the mediators were metabolites, and the outcome variable was HCC. Inverse-variance weighted method (IVW) was the main method. Weighted median, MR-Egger regression, weighted mode, simple mode, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MRPRESSO) methods were used as complementary methods. Subsequently, the potential mediating effect was investigated by conducting a two-step Mediation analysis.
Results We found 7 traits with positive correlations and 19 traits with negative correlations between immune cell traits and HCC. There were no causal correlations between HCC and immune cell traits in the reverse MR analysis. In the mediation analysis, we found a positive causal association between B cell-activating factor receptors (BAFF-R) on IgD+ CD24- B cell and HCC [IVW: odd ratio (OR), 0.845; 95% CI, 0.759-0.942; p = 0.002]. Phenylacetylglutamate (PAG) levels mediated 7.353% of the causal pathway from BAFF-R on IgD+ CD24- B cell and HCC.
Conclusion BAFF-R on IgD+ CD24- B cell lowers risk of HCC, with PAG levels playing a mediating role.
Optical coherence tomography angiography features in Waldenström macroglobulinemia patients without Hyperviscosity syndrome.
Authors: cennamo gilda , rinaldi michele , severino alessandro , de fazio laura , malvone emanuele , martinelli vincenzo , costagliola ciro 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
To evaluate the retinal vessel density (VD) with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in in asymptomatic patients affected by Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) without hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS) and to highlight the presence of microvascular damage in theese clinically asymptomatic WD patients.
Methods
in this prospective study, a total of 43 eyes from 43 WM patients (24 females, 19 males, mean age 55.1 ± 13.6 years) were enrolled from January 2023 to December 2023 in the Eye Clinic of the University of Naples Federico II. .Along with WM patients, 40 healthy subjects (HS) (20 females, 20 males, mean age 52.3 ± 15.6 years) with a normal ophthalmic examination and no history of intraocular surgery or retinal pathologic features were included as control group All patients and controls underwent OCTA
Results
The two groups were not significantly different for age and sex Visual acuity examination showed no statistically significant difference in BCVA between controls and patients Compared to HS, WD patients showed lower VD values in the SCP in the whole image (47.95 ± 5.17% vs. 52.99 ± 2.52%; p < 0.001), as well as in the parafovea (53.01 ± 6.69% vs. 55.30 ± 2.61%; p = 0.002), and fovea (21.38 ± 9.01% vs. 30.31 ± 5.84%; p < 0.0001). On the other hand, in the DCP VD values were significantly higher in patients compared to controls in the whole image (55.82 ± 8.07% vs. 50.83 ± 5.46%; p = 0.005), as well as in the parafovea (56.76 ± 6.26% vs. 52.59 ± 5.46%; p = 0.0001), and fovea (38.75 ± 8.59% vs. 33.43 ± 8.68%; p < 0.0001).
Conclusion
The finding that OCTA confirmed the presence of widespread microvascular damage in WD patients clinically silent. Thus, OCTA is a safe rapid imaging technique that could represent a valid biomarker of systemic vascular dysfunction.
Practical Guidelines for Utilizing WipFrag Software to Assess Oversize Blast Material Using Both Orthomosaic and Digital Images
Authors: Taiwo Blessing Olamide , Palangio Andrew , Savaliya Chirag , Patel Jenil 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Oversize material resulting from blasting presents a notable drawback in the transportation of run-off-mine material due to increased expenses associated with handling, decreased efficiency in loading, and greater wear on digging equipment. Its irregular size and weight demand additional resources and time for secondary breakage, impacting overall productivity and profitability. This paper addresses the limitations of interpreting image analysis software results and applying them to the assessment of blast-generated oversize materials. This comprehensive guide utilizes both orthomosaic and digital photos to provide critical approaches for optimizing fragmentation analysis and improving decision-making in mining operations. It briefly covers post-blast assessment, blast block heat map interpretation, and material loading decision-making recommendations.
Identification of Molecular Subtypes Associated with PCD in
Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Analysis of Immune
Microenvironment
Authors: Chen Min , Qi Yijun , Zhang Shenghua , Du Yubo , Cheng Haodong , Gao Shegan 
Published: May 2024

Background::
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a highly fatal
malignancy with increasing incidence, and programmed cell death (PCD) plays an important
role in homeostasis.

Aims::
This study aimed to explore the ESCC of heterogeneity based on the PCD signatures
for the diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Methods:
The clinical information and RNA-seq data of patients with ESCC and the
PCD-related genes set were used to identify PCD signatures.The “limma” package was
used to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). “Clusterprofiler” package
was used for function enrichment analysis, and the “ConsensusClusterPlus” package
was performed for consensus clustering. Finally, the “GSVA” package and the Cibersort
algorithm were used for the immune infiltration analysis.

Results::
We performed differential expression analysis between ESCC and normal samples
and identified 1659 DEGs, of which 124 DEGs were PCD genes. Then, the patients
were divided into cluster1 and cluster2 based on the expression of 124 PCD genes.
There was a significant difference in immune infiltration between the two clusters. The
patients in cluster 1 had a higher immune score and more CD56dim natural killer cells,
monocytes, activated CD4 T cells, eosinophil, and activated B cells infiltration, while
cluster2 had a higher stromal score, more immune regulation, and immune checkpoint
genes expression.

Conclusion::
We identified two clusters based on PCD gene expression and characterized
their tumor microenvironment and immune checkpoint difference. Our findings
may provide some new insight into the treatment of ESCC.
Personalized Approaches to Cardiovascular Disease: Insights into
FDA-Approved Interventions and Clinical Pharmacogenetics
Authors: Raoufinia Ramin , Rahimi Hamid Reza , Abbaszadeh Mahla , Gholoobi Aida , Saburi Ehsan , Fakoor Farhad , Alshakarchi Hawraa Ibrahim , Gataa Ibrahim Saeed , Hassanian Seyed Mahdi , Ferns Gordon A. , Khazaei Majid , Avan Amir 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:
Cardiovascular diseases place a considerable burden on global health systems, contributing to high
rates of morbidity and mortality. Current approaches to detecting and treating Cardiovascular Diseases (CVD)
often focus on symptomatic management and are initiated after the disease has progressed. Personalized
medicine, which tailors medical interventions to individual characteristics, has emerged as a promising strategy
for improving cardiovascular health outcomes. This article provides an overview of personalized medicine
in the context of CVD, with a specific emphasis on FDA-approved interventions. It explores the potential benefits,
challenges, and future directions of personalized medicine in cardiovascular disorders. By reviewing the
advancements in this field, this article underscores the importance of early detection, intervention, and innovative
treatment options in reducing the impact of CVD on individuals and society.
Nano Encapsulation of An Essential Oil Transpire the Therapeutic
Approach
Authors: Chhetri Sukanya , Arora Shefali , Parcha Versha , Kumar Deepak , Rawat Devendra Singh 
Published: May 2024

Abstract:
Essential oils are natural compounds extracted from plants that are volatile and sensitive to heat. Due to their therapeutic value, essential oils are now used in many industries, including the sanitary, cosmetic, agricultural, food, and pharmaceutical industries. These are complex mixtures of a wide range of volatile molecules, including phenol-derived aliphatic and aromatic compounds and terpenoids. Essential oils have been used medicinally since ancient times
for their antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, insecticidal, sedative, antiinflammatory, and anaesthetic properties. However, essential oils come with inherent limitations; thus, nanoencapsulation is advocated as a remedy as it has the potential to enhance the
stability, solubility, and effectiveness of formulations based on essential oils, all while preserving the therapeutic drug blood levels. It is not always viable to use essential oils independently
in treatment due to several restrictions; however, nanodelivery technologies appear capable of
overcoming these challenges. The therapeutic efficacy that is achieved can be affected by several factors, including the selection of the essential oil as well as the system of nanodelivery. Today, nanoencapsulation is capable of enabling the simultaneous delivery of multiple oils, providing synergistic effects, and facilitating the development of combinational therapies. Additionally, they may have potential applications in preserving food to prolong the shelf life of quickspoiling items and their fragrances. While there is already much research on the characterisation
of EOs, this review evaluates the features of the nanoparticles employed for the delivery of essential oils and their impact on the functionality of nano-delivered essential oils and their beneficial uses.
Mechanical Design of Variable Stiffness Joint Based on Planetary Gear Train and Modular Elastic Element
Authors: Guo Jishu 
Published: May 2024

Background::
The variable stiffness joint (VSJ) is a kind of inherent flexible actuator
with independent controllable position and stiffness. Among various types of VSJs, the VSJs based
on equivalent lever mechanisms and relying on changing the position of the lever pivot to adjust the
transmission rate between input and output have the characteristic of low energy consumption for
stiffness adjustment. Therefore, many patents have been applied for this type of VSJ. As the structural
design of VSJs is an open research field, it is necessary and meaningful to explore novel structural
designs of VSJs based on equivalent lever mechanisms.

Objective::
The purpose of this article is to design a variable stiffness joint that changes the joint
stiffness by adjusting the position of the lever pivot.

Methods::
By referring and combining existing mechanical design ideas of some series configuration
VSJs with good stiffness adjustment mechanism schemes, a novel series configuration VSJ
based on an equivalent lever mechanism and relying on adjusting the position of the lever pivot to
change joint stiffness has been implemented through CAD drawing, 3D printing, and assembly.

Results::
Due to the wide movable range of the lever pivot, the designed VSJ has a wide adjustable
range of stiffness. Moreover, assembly design and modular design have been achieved in terms of
elastic output and power transmission, for easy installation and maintenance. The movability and
stiffness adjustability of the designed VSJ were preliminarily verified through manual adjustment.

Conclusion::
The assembly model of the VSJ demonstrates the feasibility of structural design. The
stiffness adjustment experiment showed the variable stiffness ability of the designed VSJ.