bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latent tuberculosis infection screening of adult close contacts: a cost-utility analysis
Authors: Green Nathan , Manalan Kavina , Hayama Manabu , O'Donoghue Marie , Seneviratne Suranjith , Drey Nicholas , Kon Onn Min 
Published: February 2025

BackgroundThe 2016 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines recommended the tuberculin skin test (TST), at a 5-mm induration size cut-off, for the diagnosis of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among adult close contacts of active tuberculosis (TB) cases. This study analysed a well characterised cohort of adult close contacts in London and assess the cost-effectiveness of LTBI screening strategies with combinations of TST and interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) in a decision-analytic model.MethodsClose contacts of pulmonary TB cases who were tested with TST and IGRA between January 2008 and December 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Using a NHS perspective and lifetime horizon, a decision-analytic Markov model was used to compare costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with five screening strategies followed by LTBI treatment: TST alone, IGRA (QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube [QFT] or T-SPOT.TB [T-SPOT]) alone, and TST positive followed by IGRA.ResultsThis study included 381 asymptomatic close contacts aged 18 to 65 years (mean 35.2 (sd: 11.3)). 75.3% had received BCG vaccination. Among the five strategies, for a willingness to pay threshold of £25 000 and using incremental net monetary benefit (INMB) with TST as comparator, the IGRA alone strategies were the most cost-effective, marginally QFT over T-SPOT (QFT £214; T-SPOT £199).ConclusionSingle-step IGRA, particularly QuantiFERON, is preferable for LTBI screening of adult close contacts of pulmonary TB cases.
Risk assessment of hyperbilirubinemia using a three-factor model after cardiac surgery
Authors: Lin Weibin , Chen Bin , Yang Kevin , Kuang Liting 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Hyperbilirubinemia (HB) is a common occurrence after cardiopulmonary bypass and often results in increased rates of complications.

Methods
We conducted a study on 411 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with extracorporeal circulation and divided them into a training set and a validation set. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was employed to screen out variables. Multivariate logistic regression was subsequently applied to establish prediction models, which were then evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration plots. Finally, restricted cubic splines (RCSs) curve pairs were used to calculate the adjusted ORs for each independent risk factor.

Results
A clinical prediction model based on preoperative bilirubin elevation, aortic clamp time and intraoperative red blood cell (RBC) transfusion was successfully developed. The model presented an ROC of 0.855 (0.808, 0.901) in the training set. The validation set demonstrated a promising ROC of 0.839 (0.761, 0.917), and the calibration curve closely approximated the true incidence. The risk of postoperative HB was increased when the aortic clamp time was greater than 133 min, when the red blood transfusion volume was greater than 275 ml or when the preoperative total bilirubin concentration was greater than 16.65 mol/L.

Conclusion
In this study, the aortic clamp time was identified as a crucial factor for postoperative HB during cardiac surgery. A three-factor prediction model that includes the aortic clamp time for the prediction of HB after cardiac surgery was successfully established. Furthermore, patients with hyperbilirubinemia post-surgery had a worse short-term prognosis.
Oral health knowledge, attitude and practices of Bangladeshi female sex workers toward their 7-to-17-years old children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khan Afia Mahmuda , Eusufzai Sumaiya Zabin , Farook Taseef Hasan , Sharmin Mehnaj , Shohid Sabrin , Shahed Lameea , Zerin Tabassum , Chanda Diptendu Kumar , Hossain Sheikh Jamal , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Children born into prostitution often face significant barriers in accessing healthcare, including oral health services. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of female sex workers (FSWs) regarding their school-going children’s oral health, as well as the oral health status of these children in Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Materials and methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted from March 2023 to February 2024 with a sample of 180 FSW mothers/institutional caregivers and their school-going children between ages 7 to 17. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data on KAP. The children’s oral health was assessed using the DMFT/dmft index for caries and the gingival index (GI) for gingival health, while plaque and calculus levels were measured using the plaque index (PI) and calculus index (CI), respectively.

Results
Among the FSW mothers/ institutional caregivers, 79% had good knowledge of oral health, 77.2% displayed a positive attitude, and 62.8% were informed about proper oral health practices. FSW mothers/ institutional caregivers who had higher educational attainment were three times more likely to practice good oral hygiene compared to those with lower-educated caregivers (OR = 3.27, β = 1.11, p < 0.05, CI = 1.36–7.87). Similarly, children whose mothers/caregivers had better oral health knowledge showed three times higher oral health practice scores compared to those with lower knowledge (OR = 3.20, β = 1.16, p < 0.05, CI = 1.36–7.87).

Conclusion
The study suggests that while most FSW mothers and institutional caregivers possess adequate knowledge and a positive attitude towards their children’s oral health, many children, particularly those living with FSW mothers, continue to exhibit poor oral health practices. Higher educational attainment and better oral health knowledge among mothers/caregivers were key determinants of improved oral health practices in children.
Disruption of mitochondrial homeostasis and permeability transition pore opening in OPA1 iPSC-derived retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Whitehead Michael , Harvey Joshua P. , Sladen Paul E. , Becchi Giada , Singh Kritarth , Sun Yujiao Jennifer , Burgoyne Thomas , Duchen Michael R. , Yu-Wai-Man Patrick , Cheetham Michael E. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Dominant optic atrophy (DOA) is the most common inherited optic neuropathy, characterised by the selective loss of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). Over 60% of DOA cases are caused by pathogenic variants in the OPA1 gene, which encodes a dynamin-related GTPase protein. OPA1 plays a key role in the maintenance of the mitochondrial network, mitochondrial DNA integrity and bioenergetic function. However, our current understanding of how OPA1 dysfunction contributes to vision loss in DOA patients has been limited by access to patient-derived RGCs. Here, we used induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-RGCs to study how OPA1 dysfunction affects cellular homeostasis in human RGCs. iPSCs derived from a DOA+ patient with the OPA1 R445H variant and isogenic CRISPR-Cas9-corrected iPSCs were differentiated to iPSC-RGCs. Defects in mitochondrial networks and increased levels of reactive oxygen species were observed in iPSC-RGCs carrying OPA1 R445H. Ultrastructural analyses also revealed changes in mitochondrial shape and cristae structure, with decreased endoplasmic reticulum (ER): mitochondrial contact length in DOA iPSC-RGCs. Mitochondrial membrane potential was reduced and its maintenance was also impaired following inhibition of the F1Fo-ATP synthase with oligomycin, suggesting that mitochondrial membrane potential is maintained in DOA iPSC-RGCs through reversal of the ATP synthase and ATP hydrolysis. These impairments in mitochondrial structure and function were associated with defects in cytosolic calcium buffering following ER calcium release and store-operated calcium entry, and following stimulation with the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate. In response to mitochondrial calcium overload, DOA iPSC-RGCs exhibited increased sensitivity to opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. These data reveal novel aspects of DOA pathogenesis in R445H patient-derived RGCs. The findings suggest a mechanism in which primary defects in mitochondrial network dynamics disrupt core mitochondrial functions, including bioenergetics, calcium homeostasis, and opening of the permeability transition pore, which may contribute to vision loss in DOA patients.
The comparison of imagery training and mindfulness meditation training on competitive anxiety and heart rate variability in university athletes: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Pakulanon Sasima , Petviset Haruthai 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to compare the effects of imagery training and mindfulness meditation training on competitive anxiety and heart rate variability in university athletes in Chiangrai, Thailand.

Methods
30 university athletes were randomly allocated into three groups: imagery training group, mindfulness meditation training group and control group. The participants in the training group were assigned to attend imagery or mindfulness meditation training for 30 min, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. The control group participants received a brochure containing relaxation techniques for stress reduction. Before, after 4 weeks, and after 8 weeks, the heart rate variability was assessed, and a Thai version of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2R (CSAI-2R), including somatic anxiety, cognitive anxiety, and self-confidence subscale, was completed by the participants. We performed two-way repeated measure ANOVA tests to determine the interaction effect of group by time. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05, and Bonferroni-correction post hoc tests was used for multiple comparisons.

Results
The results revealed that a significant group-time interaction effect of cognitive state anxiety was found in the mindfulness meditation group (p<0.05). Post hoc analysis with Bonferroni-correction adjustment revealed that the cognitive state anxiety in the mindfulness meditation group significantly decreased after 8 weeks of training. Additionally, after 8 weeks of training, the cognitive state anxiety in the mindfulness meditation group was significantly lower than that in the control group. However, there was no significant group-time interaction for somatic state anxiety, self-confidence, or heart rate variability after training. Additionally, both mindfulness meditation and imagery groups showed trends to improve HRV, self-confidence, and decrease somatic state anxiety.

Conclusions
In conclusion, the results obtained here clearly show that the university athletes benefit from 8 weeks of mindfulness meditation training, which reduces cognitive state anxiety.
Curved geometric-phase optical element fabrication using top-down alignment
Authors: Park Gayeon , Kim Minseok , Won Kanghee , Song Seok Ho 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Advanced optical technologies, such as next-generation displays and holographic systems, demand high efficiency, lightweight designs, compact dimensions, and compatibility with curved and thin substrates. However, current optical devices for virtual and augmented reality displays, such as surface relief and holographic gratings, face challenges like light scattering, low optical efficiency, and limited scalability. Here, we present a geometric phase optical element (GPOE) fabricated using geometric-phase modulation. A pixelated nano grating system was employed, and reactive mesogens were aligned and transferred via a top-down imprinting process. The resulting GPOE exhibits a thin profile, compatibility with curved surfaces, and scalability for mass production. Integrating additional optical components, we realized a multi-focal GPOE and validated its optical performance. This innovation highlights the potential of GPOEs as compact, next-generation optical components for advanced curved-surface systems.
Application of non-destructive MARVIN and NIR seed screening of pre-breeding material: A case study on common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris), white lupin (Lupinus albus) and Andean lupin (L. mutabilis)
Authors: Pipan Barbara , Sinkovič Lovro , Neji Mohamed , Meglič Vladimir , Susek Karolina , Kroc Magdalena , Bellucci Elisa , Bitocchi Elena , Papa Roberto 
Published: February 2025

Grain legumes are important for sustainable agriculture due to their agronomic and nutritional properties. In this study, a rapid, high-throughput, non-destructive seed screening was performed on 835 lines of Phaseolus vulgaris, Lupinus albus and L. mutabilis grown under a sub-alpine climate. The lines were analysed for seed size characteristics (thousand seed weight – TSW, width and length) using a MARVIN analyser and for protein and moisture content using near-infrared transmittance spectroscopy. The results showed a strong correlation between TSW and seed size in all species, while protein content varied inversely with moisture content, especially in the Lupinus species. Regression analysis identified moisture content as a key factor for protein content, which explained up to 86.2% of the variance in L. mutabilis. Principal component analysis showed that trait variation was more strongly influenced by genetic and other environmental factors than by geographical origin. Lines selected based on normalised rank (NR) and weighted trait index (WTI) methods were characterised by balanced trait profiles, such as high TSW and protein content with optimal moisture contents. These results underline the importance of integrating non-destructive screening methods into pre-breeding programs. In this way, breeders can efficiently select legume seeds with superior agronomic and nutritional traits, such as optimal seed size, high protein content and adequate moisture. This approach not only improves the selection process, but also ensures the development of legume varieties that meet both agricultural and nutritional standards.
Pre-r breaking in Early Modern and Middle English: The diphthongal basis of southern English
Authors: Starčević Attila 
Published: February 2025

AbstractWe argue that traditional breaking of the historical long vowels in the predecessor of Southern Standard British English (e.g. Wells 1982, 213ff) is in fact ongliding to (or prevocalisation of) r in jr/wr which has been ongoing starting with (at least) Middle English, continued into Early Modern English and Southern Standard British English. It can be captured as prevocalisation of pharyngeal r before j/w-final diphthongs in terms of gestural phonology, producing sequences like fijər fear, fejər fare. This schwa-like onglide to r allows us to look at Middle English from a different perspective, from the point of view of a ‘tug of war’ between the long monophthongs and diphthongs (inherited from Old English, to which we can add Old French and Norse words) with identical stressed peaks (e.g. ij tile vs iː life, nice; uː shower vs uw power, etc.). This resulted in a merger favouring a diphthongal basis in the southern varieties of Middle English (as opposed to its northern counterparts, in which a monophthongal basis was established), resulting in fire/shower (< Old English fȳr/scūr) having ij and uw, respectively, setting the stage for prevocalisation in jr/wr (merging them with original ijə(r)/uwə(r)). We explore some of the consequences of such a supposition.
Efektifitas Larutan Daun Gelinggang (Cassia alata L.) dalam Menghambat Kejadian Penyakit Antraknosa (Colletotrichum sp.) pada Tanaman Cabai Rawit
Authors: Janah Norhuda Ariatul , Fitriyanti Dewi , Aidawati Noor 
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini menggunakan pestisida nabati dari larutan daun gelinggang yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas larutan daun gelinggang dalam menghambat kejadian penyakit cendawan Colletotrichum sp. pada tanaman cabai rawit. Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL) satu faktor yang terdiri dari 6 perlakuan dengan 4 kali ulangan, setiap unit perlakuan terdiri dari 2 tanaman sehingga total tanaman yang diujikan sebanyak 48 unit satuan percobaan. Perlakuan yang digunakan yaitu tanpa perlakuan (T0), perlakuan kimia (TM) larutan daun gelinggang 5% (T1), larutan daun gelinggang 10% (T2), larutan daun gelinggang 15% (T3) dan larutan daun gelinggang 20% (T4). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa larutan daun gelinggang efektif dalam menghambat kejadian penyakit antraknosa. Dengan persentase kejadian penyakit paling rendah sebesar 31,3% perlakuan T4, diikuti perlakuan T3 sebesar 32,5%, T2 sebesar 36,3% berbeda dengan tanpa perlakuan (kontrol) yaitu sebesar 47,5.
Ginger genome enables identification of SMPED1 causing sex-phase synchrony and outcrossing in a flowering plant
Authors: Zhao Jian-Li , Dong Yang , Huang Ao-Dan Ao-Dan , Duan Sheng-Chang , Peng Xiao-Chang , Liao Hong , Chen Jianghua , Luo Yin-Ling , Lan Qin-Ying , Wang Ya-Li , Wang Wen-Jing , Zhu Xinmeng , Luo Pei-Wen , Xia Xue , Li Bo , Kress W John , Han Jiajia , Barrett Spencer , Chen Wei , Li Qing-Jun 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In many flowering plants, male and female reproductive organs mature at different times to avoid self-pollination, a phenomenon termed dichogamy. Most dichogamous species are either protandrous (male function first) or protogynous (female function first), making this strategy difficult to be studied. However, in the ginger Alpinia mutica, protandrous and protogynous morphotypes co-occur within populations and cross-pollinate one another. Here, we demonstrate that a single Mendelian locus with a dominant allele governing protogyny controls sexual polymorphism. We used haplotype-resolved genomes and population genomics to identify the dichogamy-determining region, revealing a large deletion in the protandrous morphotype. STYLE MOVEMENT AND POLLEN EARLY DISPERSAL 1 (SMPED1), located adjacent to the deletion,governs the timing of anther dehiscence and style movement. SMPED1 is widespread among angiosperms and likely has a conserved function. Our findings represent the first genetic characterization of a key mating system gene controlling the synchrony of sex organs in flowering plants.
Nanophotonic Quantum Skyrmions Empowered by Semiconductor Cavity Quantum Electrodynamics
Authors: Liu Jin , Ma Jiantao , Yang Jiawei , Liu Shunfa , Chen Bo , Li Xueshi , Song Changkun , Qiu Guixin , Zou Kai , Hu Xiaolong , Yu Ying 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Skyrmions are topologically stable quasiparticles that have been investigated in a variety of branches in modern physics including particle physics, quantum field theory, solid-state physics, acoustics and condensed-matter physics. The recent exploration of skyrmions in classical optics exhibits the transformative potential of photonic information technology. The quantum optical skyrmion with local topological textures is expected to profoundly reshape the landscape of quantum photonic technology yet its experimental realization remains elusive. Here, we present realizations of nanophotonic quantum skyrmions created by a semiconductor cavity quantum electrodynamics system. By carefully engineering the photonic spin-orbit coupling in a Gaussian microcavity, we construct a confined optical mode whose polarizations feature skyrmionic topologies. With pronounced cavity quantum electrodynamics effects, single-photon skyrmions are generated from a solid-state quantum emitter deterministically coupled to the Gaussian microcavity. The polarity associated with single-photon skyrmions can be swapped by flipping the polarization of the quantum emitter via the Zeeman effect. We further investigate the topological protection of quantum optical skyrmions under different perturbations. Our work opens an unexplored paradigm of quantum light-matter interactions in the nanoscale and may advance resilient photonic quantum technology with high-dimensional qubits and high-capacity quantum memories.
Lfc Enhancement in Dg System Penetrated With Pv-wind and Integrated Battery Charging Station Using Enhanced Gorilla Troop-marine Predator Optimisation
Authors: KALEESWARI M , SIVAKUMAR P , ASWINI A 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Adaptation of Electric vehicles (EV) increases, it tends to generate a surplus amount of electrical power to satisfy the load demand and power generation during peak load periods. The penetration of Renewable Energy Sources(RES) plays a vital role in increasing the overall power demand for supplying energy to Electric Vehicle Charging stations (EVCS). With different charging patterns of EVs and penetration of intermittent sources like solar and PV, overall power demand and generation lead to instability. Load Frequency Control(LFC) with an optimized PID controller must reach stability under different frequency-deregulated environment conditions. LFC controller with various optimization techniques was analysed in this research. The stabilization of the grid with RES with EV integration becomes more challenging. In this research, the proposed model is analyzed with different unique optimization techniques like hybrid Enhanced Gorilla Troop Optimisation-Marine Predator Algorithm(EGTO-MPA),Pufferfish Optimisation(PFO), Botox(BTO) optimization, Artificial gorilla troop optimization algorithm combining sine cosine Cauchy variations(AGTO-SCCV), and Secretary Bird Optimisation Algorithm(SBOA) for tuning LFC to attain stability. However, EGTO-MPA provides better stability than other algorithms and the EVCS integrated grid which is penetrated with PV-wind attains stability in frequency regulated environment during load disturbances and different source pattern variations. This proposed research work deals with the analysis of enhancement of LFC performance with the hybrid EGTO-MPA optimization algorithm for 146- Indian Utility Bus system which are analysed as four control areas and examined with penetration of renewable energy sources and EVCS integration with the hydrothermal system. Settling time and Integral Time Absolute Error(ITAE) with the EGTO-MPA optimization method provide very excellent performance for system load variations and different charging patterns of EV and intermittent source variations.
Skin cancer diagnosis (SCD) using EfficientNet-Wavelet and Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO)
Authors: Mousa Ramin , Bengari Amir Ali 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

One of the most dangerous types of cancer is skin cancer (SC), which is seen in the form of skin lesions in the patient and can threaten the patient's life if not treated on time. With early diagnosis of this disease, more effective treatment methods can be used and the progression of the disease can be prevented. Various machine learning and deep learning methods have been developed for early skin cancer diagnosis. However, one of the benefits of deep learning is the ability to learn enormous volumes of data which abundances the trend towards deep learning methods. In this article, a method based on the combination of EfficientNet and Wavelet is presented to classify skin cancer images. Various combinations of the EfficientNet approach, including B0, B1, B2 and B3, are considered for this purpose. Also, Gray Wolf Optimization (WGO) is used to find the optimal values of the features. Two datasets of ISIC-2016 and ISIC-2017 are considered for model evaluation. Based on the obtain results, the EfficientNetB3+Wavelet+GWO model obtained the best result on the ISIC-2016 data and is able to achieve an accuracy of 0.9814 and an F-measure of 0.9827. Furthermore, in the ISIC-2017 data set, the EfficientNetB1+Wavelet+GWO model achieves the best performance with an accuracy of 0.9795 and an F-measure of 0.9797 in ISIC-2017 data.